Memorable Manitobans: James Snarr Watson (1870-1953)

Cleric.

Born at Harold, Ontario in 1870, he received degrees in Arts and Theology from Queen's University then came to Manitoba in 1898. He was ordained at the Arrow River School and later served at Minnedosa. For several years, he served as convenor of Home Missions and acted as Moderator for one year. In 1912, he was appointed First Secretary of the Lord's Day Alliance for Manitoba and Saskatchewan, holding the position until retirement in 1945.

He and wife Kathleen “Kate” Carswell (1876-1949) had six children: James Kenneth “Ken” Watson, George Grant Watson (1905-?), Jean Carswell Watson (1907-?), Mary Marjorie Watson (1909-?), Jessie Ruth Watson (1910-?), and Annie Grace Watson (1913-?). He received an honorary doctorate from United College (1947).

He died at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital on 7 April 1953 and was buried in the Kildonan Presbyterian Cemetery.

Sources:

Birth registration [George Grant Watson, Jean Carswell Watson, Mary Marjorie Watson], Manitoba Vital Statistics.

1911 Canada census, Automated Genealogy.

“Pioneer minister dies here,” Winnipeg Tribune, 8 April 1953.

“Pioneer cleric of Manitoba dies at 83,” Winnipeg Free Press, 8 April 1953, page 17.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 14 March 2022

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

This is a collection of noteworthy Manitobans from the past, compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. We acknowledge that the collection contains both reputable and disreputable people. All are worth remembering as a lesson to future generations.

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