John William Watson Sr. (October 31, 1859 - February 8, 1942) was an American politician and businessman who served in a number of elected positions throughout Florida.
He eventually settled in Kissimmee, Florida where he established a hardware business and became active in local and state politics.
[3] Watson was elected as state representative for the area that included Kissimmee and later Miami.
[7] In between political victories, he owned a grocery store, hardware company and grapefruit grove among his multiple business endeavors.
[9] The Watson family is considered to be among Miami's first settlers as they arrived before the railroad to town was complete.