Elba Emanuel Watson (1871 – September 27, 1936) was an American botanist, noted for his study of the genus Helianthus.
[1][2][3] Raised in Grand Rapids, Watson attended University of Michigan for his bachelor's degree.
[4] After graduation, Watson taught German in a high school located in Greater New York for many years.
[5] In 1922, he entered the Graduate School of Michigan State College, and in 1926, completed his Ph.D. thesis on the genus Helianthus.
[5] Watson worked as a German instructor after receiving his Ph.D.[5] After his sudden death at age 65, he was buried in Okemos, MI.