Career
Watson began life as a silk spinner. In 1846 with two fellow workers, he started a silk-spinning and hatter business in Rochdale. He funded a new infirmary for the town of Rochdale, became chairman of Rochdale School Board, and treasurer of the Free Church Denomination.
He was also Justice of the Peace for Rochdale.
He retained the seat in the 1886 general election, but died in 1887 at the age of 66.
