George Watson was born in Glasgow, Scotland on 11 April 1852, the son of George Watson, senior, and his wife Elizabeth (née Lindsay). Aged 10 years old, he immigrated to Brisbane on the ship Ocean Chief with his father. George Watson married Harriett Barnes, daughter of John Barnes and his wife Lydia (née Allwood), on 7 November 1877 in Brisbane.
He attended the Brisbane Normal School.
At age 13 was apprenticed as a plumber to his father. George Watson was an alderman of Brisbane from 1891 to 1896 (East Ward) and was elected mayor on Saturday 6 February 1892. Due to the need for continuing leadership during severe flooding, his term was extended in 1893 (normally a new election for mayor would have occurred in early 1893).
He served on the following committees:
Finance Committee 1891, 1893-1895
Legislative Committee 1891, 1893-1895
Works Committee 1892, 1896
Health Committee 1892
Street Lighting Committee 1892
Parks Committee 1896
Perhaps reflecting his trade as a plumber, George Watson was passionate about the importance of introducing a sewerage system into Brisbane.
