About Watsontown
September 1st, 2023
Watsontown Historical Association
Our museum documenting Watsontown’s history is now open at 109 Main Street, Watsontown, PA.
James Robison (the author of this website) just published a new book about all things historical in Watsontown and it’s now available for sale at the museum and online at Amazon.com.
Museum Hours of Operation
- Tuesdays 10am until 2pm
- Fridays 10am until 2pm
- First and third weekends of every month: Saturday and Sunday 1pm until 4pm
We will also open by appointment if you can’t make it during these times. Contact us by email at [email protected] or call 570.538.1777.
Join the Watsontown Historical Association — application is here.
Monthly meetings are held on the third Sunday of each month, from 4 to 530pm. There is no December meeting.
My Watsontown
In 2015, the community of Watsontown, PA, came to the 100th anniversary of Old Home Week. Back then, it seemed that a number of civic minded individuals felt the need to remember those who just a brief forty-eight years earlier incorporated Watsontown into a borough in the county of Northumberland located in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It has been a number of years since I moved from my hometown of Watsontown and think fondly of times in my youth and young adulthood growing up in a small community. While visiting, I noticed photos in a number of local establishments that originated from Old Home Week or from the Silver Anniversary Edition of the Watsontown Record and Star published back in 1907. It seems there is still the sense of spirit wanting to remember the good things of years gone by and the wealth of memories that this community continues to hold dear.
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It is also a time to lift up the myriad of gifts that this community has shared beyond the boundaries that have encompassed Watsontown. Lumber, furniture, and brick industries have enhanced the financial acumen of our area. Local merchants, restaurants, and banks have contributed to the commercial success of our community. Administrators, school board members and teachers have instilled a strong value system of life long learning through the education of our young. Numerous fraternal organizations and clubs have enlightened the civic mindedness of our citizens. Burgesses, police officers and volunteer fire fighters have added to the structure and orderliness of local government. Churches and various societies have heightened our awareness of something larger than the individual self or even our own community and to be grateful for our prosperity and generous in efforts to reach out to others in the name of that which is greater than us. My endeavor here is to build on the foundations of preceding histories that have been published duly footnoted and to bring the annals of time to the current date. Perhaps some future generation will take this work and add to it and that this will become part of a continued story for generations to share as our community flourishes and grows to new potential and fame.
Last Modified: 04.06.09
April 16th, 2011 at 6:21 pm
What a great website. Thanks for the time and energy for making it so nice. I grew up there, and so did many of my ‘ancestors’. I love reading and hearing others talk about Watsontown. Great place to grow up. Hopeful to live there again. Thanks again for your site.
April 16th, 2011 at 6:37 pm
I am wondering if anyone might have pictures of the Watsontown High School.. which was demolished and replaced with a Acme Grocery store? I would love to see pics of the outside, and inside.
Thanks for your website.. I really appreciate it.
April 22nd, 2011 at 7:57 pm
Is there any way I could get a message to Rick Wolfe? Would love to purchase a Wilson Walkie…..Lou
April 26th, 2011 at 3:19 pm
Love the picture. I remember the scene when the Ben Franklin was there. Wasn’t it across from the Watson Theatre? Hey, Dan.
May 9th, 2011 at 4:54 pm
Would anyone at mywatsontown know of any archived newspapers from 1920’s. My grandfather’s identical twin brother was killed by a train when he tried to cross the tracks. It was Oct. 6, 1921.
Thanks,
Bill Rishel
May 28th, 2011 at 7:28 pm
Verrrry interested in then comments about the Gray family. Have been searching for the parentage and lineage of John Gray, born 8 july 1821 in Watsontown. He married Rachel Chamberlain Fox in 1846 and is the father of Woods Chamberlain Gray, my husband’s grandfather. ANY clue would be appreciated. I know there are a lot of Grays who go way back, but just can’t zero in on his family. Thanks to everyone and especially you Jim, for this site.
Comment by James Robison: Joni, there was a John and Rachel Gray living in Delaware Township in 1850. John was 27 and was listed as a broommaker and Rachel was 26. Three children were living with them: Miles, aged 3; Mary, aged 2; and Clara, aged 1.
May 29th, 2011 at 10:45 am
Hello James Robison: Keep up the good work! Cathy Wuestner (Aunt Jean’s neighbor and friend)
June 28th, 2011 at 3:02 pm
Hello..
Trying to locate my Great Grandfathers grave. Civil War records show he is burried in Watsontown PA and his children lived in Watsontown with my Great Grandmother.. Elisa / Liza Fordsman
Any help would be helpful. We plan to make a weekend of it from LI NY to Watsontown to see the grave sites and where they all lived.
July 18th, 2011 at 6:01 pm
How can i contact someone who says they have ‘tons of stuff on Grays that go waaay back?’ I need to accurately connect John Gray b. in Watsontown in 1821,–married Rachel C. Fox to some family. I have all the records from them on to my husband who is John’s g-grandson. Which Gray family were his parents and siblings??? Please help! Thanks soooo much!
September 1st, 2011 at 8:47 pm
Hi, my mom also has a side table from the Watsontown Table and Funiture Company and would like to find out what it is worth? Just wondering if someone can help….thanks!
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:48 pm
I have lived in Watsontown all my life–I was born in Dewart. It is interesting to read all the coments and History. Thanks Jim
November 7th, 2011 at 5:57 pm
What was the name of the store on 4th St across the railroad track — sold ice cream? This is a great site thanks would love to see it on FB as well.
Comment by James Robison: Was Murray’s Icecream. They also had an icecream truck that would come through the neighborhood during the summer months. I’m trying to remember the name of the couple that owned it, but it doesn’t come to mind ~ all I remember is Mr. and Mrs. Murray, maybe someone else would know their first names.
November 14th, 2011 at 8:14 pm
Jim, this is such an amazing project. Good Luck with it all. I look forward to being able to look over the site and learn so much more of this town so many people call home. The information about my class, 1997 follows Cassie Kurtz, Secretary, Deirdre Bussom, Treasurer, Laurie Engleman, President, Scott Shaffer Historian, and Matt Kennedy, Vice President.
I hope you are doing well.
Comment by James Robison: Thank you Tony, for the information and for the compliment. It is a labor of love. And all is well at this end. Again, thank you.
November 16th, 2011 at 7:36 pm
Dale & Grace Murray
Comment by James Robison: Thank you Kevin ~ just couldn’t think of their names. I think you mentioned to me before that someone else owned the icecream store prior to the Murray’s as well.
November 18th, 2011 at 10:58 am
Watsontown had their Centennial Celebration in 1967. We dressed in period costumes, participated in parades around the area; and even took a train ride (in costume) from the Watsontown RR Station to the Sunbury RR Station and back again. The men were required to have “facial hair” or be thrown into the jail that sat at the corner of Main St. & Brimmer Ave. And stayed there until someone bailed them out. I have a copy of the photo book that was put together for that if anyone would like to see it. Do you know if any plans for their Susquetennial Celebration in 2017?
November 18th, 2011 at 11:00 am
To Dale Fordsman: there are very good records at the Northumberland Co. Courthouse that might tell you where your ancestor is buried. Or even the Watsontown Borough Hall if he’s buried in the town cemetery.
November 18th, 2011 at 11:02 am
To Bill Rishel: The Milton Library has archives of the Milton Standard-Journal that go way back. I found them very useful when I was first starting my family’s genealogy.
November 23rd, 2011 at 10:34 am
Hi Jim: Unbelievable
site, family is from West Milton. Looking for hotel owned by William P. Datesman in Dewart during the 1870’s or so. Weidenhamers are also related.
Thanks for an info on this hotel. Love your town of Watsontown.
Comment by James Robison: I found a Walter L. Weidenhammer living on North Main Street in 1900 who was a bicycle merchant and was listed in the 1910 Census as well but living in the First Ward.
January 29th, 2012 at 12:43 pm
Mr Robison,
You were always my favorite teacher due to your ability to make learning fun. Fifteen years after graduating from WR you are still making it fun for me. Thanks for all your hard work and efforts. This is amazing.
Comment by James Robison: Wow! Thank you, Layla, for that wonderful compliment. I hope you continue to enjoy history and participate in preserving the past. And again, thank you for the nice compliment and encouragement. Mr. R.
January 29th, 2012 at 7:33 pm
Hey jimmy, glad to see you working on something you love ! I enjoyed reading all the history of watsontown and look toward to reading more . 🙂
January 29th, 2012 at 10:18 pm
James I was wondering if you could find me any information on a Robert Johnson that lived in Watsontown back in the 1800’s. Did he live on the corner of 8th and Main Streets? How did he die? And did he die in the house on corner of Main and 8th?
Comment by James Robison: Hello Trish, I hope this is helpful, I gleaned it from the obit in the Record and Star.
ROBERT JOHNSON
One of the oldest and best known citizens of Watsontown, Robert Johnson, died at his home on East Third Street on Tuesday evening, after a brief illness. A remarkable man, active and industrious all his life, he had rounded up almost four score years of age, and had been employed at his usual occupation in the mill of the Watsontown Door & Sash Company up to within a few months of his death. His record as a good and honorable citizen, a consistent Christian gentlemen a devoted husband and father, is unimpeachable, and his loss will be severely felt in his home, his church, and the community. He is survived by three sons and two daughters: William R. and Ed. N. of Lancaster; E.S. of Philadelphia; Mrs. D.A. Williamson and Miss Alice of this place. Funeral services this Friday afternoon, Rev. P.A. DeLong officiating. Interment in Watsontown Cemetery.
[Record and Star, January 5, 1917, pg 1]
I also found in my records that he was elected overseer of the poor in the first election 1867 and was an original stockholder of the Watsontown Cemetery Association. He was a registered Democrat and is listed in the 1870, 1880, 1900, and 1910 Census.
Hope that was helpful and good luck with your continued research.
February 1st, 2012 at 2:49 pm
To Dale Fordsman: David W Fordsman 10/10/1835-8/12/1887 (Co H, 91st Pa Inf) and wife Eliza 2/27/1837-4/4/1918 are both buried in the Watsontown Cemetery. I have just finished transcribing the old cemetery. So far, 4114 names!
February 9th, 2012 at 9:22 pm
A previous comment was made concerning ice-skating at Eight Street. Growing up in Watsontown I remember when a lot of us kids used to skate on the canal. I was very disappointed when we were no longer able to skate there. It sure was a different time.
February 12th, 2012 at 7:41 am
To Joni Gray: Please contact me about the Gray family-I’ve wanted to connect with your elusive John Gray for a long time.
Anyone with questions on burials in the Watsontown cemetery can contact me also. When I am completely finished going through cemetery records, I will give the borough a printed copy of my research. Great site, Jim!
[email protected]
Comment by James Robison: Thanks Kathi for the compliment ~ hope you will give me permission to put your information on this site for others to access. All the best in your continued research and work.
March 6th, 2012 at 4:57 pm
Jim,
Was researching the tall case clocks of Jacob Cope of Watsontown. Apparently there was another Watsontown in PA in the early 1800’s, maybe in present day Bucks or Berks County which is where Jacob Cope lived and worked.
Any idea where that Watsontown was located?
Comment by James Robison: Rick ~ a friend called me after seeing something on the Antique Road Show about Jacob Cope of Watsontown, but I can’t seem to find any information regarding him and his location. Was thinking of asking Rich Nornhold to see if he would know.
March 6th, 2012 at 5:00 pm
Also, there is on ebay at this time 3-6-12 a postcard from Watsontown Pa. but the image is unfamiliar to me.
Could this be from the mysterious other Watsontown?
April 11th, 2012 at 10:53 pm
Hi, Jim. Glad this is still up and running. My brother-in-law Jay, just found this and is forwarding it to family. Bill and Jay’s uncle Jay was actually C. Jay Muffly, the barber. C was for Carroll.
Comment by James Robison: Still up and running ~ still working on research and was hoping to have the majority of the work done by 2014, but the time is slipping by and not enough hours in the day. I knew Jay and Marion quite well ~ Jay and I shared the same birthday ~ August 21 though he had a few years on me. If your brother-in-law has any history that he thinks would help, I would be grateful. Thanks for the words of encouragement as well.
April 14th, 2012 at 12:05 pm
I have a small side table with the name John G. Gray 1946-47 written on the outside of the drawer. Part of my family came from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and I am wondering if this table could have come from Watsontown. Any help is appreciated.
Comment by James Robison: Not sure I can be of any help but maybe someone else might see this and comment.
May 14th, 2012 at 10:03 am
Elisha Kisner, Civil War veteran, 3rd PA Heavy Artillery, lived in Watsontown at 409 Liberty Street from the late 1870’s until his death in 1913. Recently my sister found an amusing interview with him originally published in the “Watsontown Record” and subsequently picked up by newspapers across the country. Kisner describes an incident in which he was choked by the hands of Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America, because of his sqeaky shoes.
At the close of the Civil War, Elisha Kisner was one of the sentries in charge of guarding Jefferson Davis in his cell room at Fort Monroe. Davis was attempting to nap while Kisner was pacing the cell room, evidently wearing very squeaky shoes. After some heated words, the annoyed President attacked Kisner and got him by the throat, dropping Kisner to his knees. The other guards, upon hearing the altercation, entered the cell and rescued Kisner.
It is rather amusing to read Kisner’s own words in describing the incident. Kisner is buried in Watsowntown Cemetery. I also have a wonderful old picture of his house at 409 Liberty Street.
June 8th, 2012 at 3:11 pm
I found an old Brick will caving near the Susquehanna with Watsontown PA, printed and I thought it was neat but i now find out it was manufactured at eh brick company and was willing to part with it to a collector or someone who wanted a piece of history would love to hear if anyone is interested.
July 3rd, 2012 at 10:41 am
I have been researching the Louis Hampel family who lived in Watsontown from the 1860’s to about 1900. Sons John and Frank stayed in Watsontown until 1929 and 1933 respectively. I have seen the graves at the cemetary but I am looking for any records or maybe photos of the family. Louis was a blacksmith. He and his wife Sophia raised 11 children in Watsontown.
August 23rd, 2012 at 12:16 pm
I have a question regarding the 1930 census. Under some of the entries there is an address stated “Wagner Addition”. Where was/is Wagner Addition located?
September 2nd, 2012 at 9:41 pm
I would like some information on the semi-pro baseball team, I believe the Watsontown Senators, from the 1940s-1950s. I have googled and have come up with nothing. My father played for them and with his passing, I wondered if any pictures or news articles were available.
September 3rd, 2012 at 2:30 pm
James thanks for the info. I found out 8th use to be 3rd before adding more streets. The reason I wondered is because his spirit still resides here. I had ghost hunters here and everything u told me is what they told me. I was told he died from emphazemia. Do u have a picture u could send me of him?
October 14th, 2012 at 9:24 am
Regarding Murray’s Ice Cream, I believe it was Ritter’s.
October 14th, 2012 at 9:29 am
In the 50’s, I lived right across from the skating rink on Elm St. I also have a picture of my brother, Wayne, and I skating on the canal. It was very scary, but great fun!
November 11th, 2012 at 7:15 pm
I am trying to finding genealogical info. I am descended from John Watson whose son Hugh married Sarah Seidel. Their son John Watson married Louisa Catherine Stiner and had a daughter named Harriet F. Watson who is my great-great grandmother. I would be interested in any/all info, docs, pics from the family.
Incidently, I was speaking with the Tartan Museum and Scottish History curators in Franklin, NC and they stated that “Watson” was also a Scottish clan. A few brothers went to Germany to apprentice for Tannery and Beer Making and then came to the US. I would also like any info on this new topic as well. Thanks.
December 14th, 2012 at 9:40 am
Hi Jim, I am trying to do some history of the Watsontown Area Society for Pinocchle . I know it was started in 1993 and that you , Harry, and Al were original members. Do you have any other information or pictures. Thanks
April 1st, 2013 at 6:38 pm
Regarding Jean Chamberlain’s interest in Marianne Sheffer, she is my mother. She passed away this March 14, 2013 and lived a full & generous life. We will be sending an obituary to the Milton Standard this week or next (posting this on 4/1/2013). You are welcome to contact me for details and for more information. She married George C. Derick, Jr, then Richard Schmidt (widowed), and finally Andrew d’Elia. Both of her sisters are alive and well (Dianne Sheffer Ganz-Scheper and Sue Sheffer Liggett).
July 12th, 2013 at 8:50 pm
My niece has a picture of my grandfather David Moody Aunkst as a worker,building the Watsontown bridge I’m sure she would share a copy. If you are interested Pauline (Aunkst) Turner
Comment by James Robison: That would be great!
November 11th, 2013 at 5:24 pm
This is great – I love hearing the names and places of my memory – Suzanne Parker – I remember you and your father and family and the Reinerts and Murrays Ice cream and my barber , Jay Muffly and the Pammy J and Plymettes and and our jeweler Ollie Whetten .I have the old Watsontown HS in my minds eye as I sat in 5th grade class with Mrs Moltz. This place and those times are at once universal and unique and therein lies the value of this heartwarming effort to reunite us in spirit and truth. God Bless
November 24th, 2013 at 3:59 am
I’m looking for the clear barley Chistmas candies that Murray’s Dairy store used to sell.
I asume Murray’s no longer exists, but thought maybe someone might have the old recipe. I’d like to recreate them or find someone who still makes them. Any information would be appreciated.
February 24th, 2014 at 1:17 pm
I have been all over the map via the computer trying to find out who has records for burials in McEwensville PA and Watsontown PA. A transcript titled Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Parish Registry Burials for 1883-1944- there Grace Elliott is listed as 1941. Her husband’s record say he died in 1968 in Watsontown.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Comment by James Robison: Cynthia, there is a book entitled Northumberland County Pennsylvania Burials, Volume VI by Joseph A. Meiser, Jr. and Sarah Roadarmel Meiser published in 1991. On page 212 they have listed Henry Elliott (1883-1968) and Grace Elliott (1880-1941). They are buried at the Presbyterian Cemetery, McEwensville, PA
October 15th, 2014 at 9:20 pm
This note is in response to Nancy Albin’s request about the clear toy candies made and sold by Grace Murray. Her recipe is alive and well. Her son John still makes the clear toy candies. He lives in Watsontown near the elementary school. I just saw him at the Warrior Run Fort Freeland Heritage Days weekend on October 04, 2014. He sells them there and he will take orders.
June 22nd, 2015 at 12:49 pm
Philip Scott Marone – Your name sounds familiar. Were you a friend of my brother Wayne? I had Mrs. Moltz too and LOVED Murray’s Ice Cream.
June 30th, 2015 at 4:51 pm
Warrior Run Alumni: The Warrior Run Education Foundation is newly formed and works to support the education of WR students beyond what the normal school budget can accommodate. The Class of 1964 recently, on the occasion of their 50th Class Reunion, raised $50,000 for the WR Education Foundation. We hope this will be a trend as succeeding classes use their reunion as an opportunity to give back in a much needed way. For information on how to initiate this campaign, contact Jean LeVan Hormell, [email protected].
July 24th, 2015 at 10:46 am
for Pat Reinart – You bet,It has been many years , but many recollections of him all all positive. Am looking forward to coming back to Watsontown for the WRHS. class of ’66 reunion. and talking and with the people of my memories.It is as they say, you can’t ever truly go home, but it was in retrospect a wonderful idyllic time that shaped the mines and hearts of so many. Apologies for not revisiting this site more often. Scott
August 6th, 2015 at 3:46 pm
I just found this site, but back in 2009 Jean Chamberlin posted the note below. Janet Evans Clearwater was my step aunt (her dad married my grandmother Elva Stamey Evans). The info posted in response (also below) is correct. Jean, if you have any other questions, feel free to contact me: Bill Stamey [email protected].
Jean M. Chamberlin Says:
May 30th, 2009 at 9:30 am
Does anyone have info on a couple of my 1940s friends: Mary Ann Sheffer and Janet Evans?
Comment by James Robison: According to Merle Nicholas, Janet Evans married a Clearwater. She was born on April 9, 1929 and she died November 16, 1980 in New Brighton, PA.
August 25th, 2015 at 9:24 pm
In response to Pat Reinert, Yes ,I remember Wayne and If memory serves also his Dad who I believe served as a sunday school teacher of mine for a time. I am very much looking forward to coming back to Watsontown for the class of ’66 50th reunion next summer. so many old friends that i am anxious to see and talk with once again.
September 7th, 2015 at 8:33 am
Hi Jim, coming to Watsontown in October for further research. The Weidenhamer family (John Adam, Walter, and Horace) operated stores in Watsontown in the late 1800’s. I understand the Datesman’s (Fred and Mary) also had a grocery store on Main Street, and from two ladies in the cemetery, the Datesmans were very nice (always good to know). Thanks for all your hard work.
Comment by James Robison: My pleasure and good luck with your research Barbara