James S. Watson facts for kids

James Samuel Watson (1882–1952) was a very important person in New York. He was one of the first two Black Americans elected as a judge in the state of New York. This was a big step forward for civil rights and equality.

James S. Watson's Life Story

James S. Watson was born in Spanish Town, Jamaica, on May 29, 1882. His father, James Michael Watson, was a Sergeant in the police force. Later, his father worked for the railway as a conductor. His mother's name was Elizabeth Jones Watson. After elementary school, James worked as a bookkeeper and cashier. He then became a chief clerk at a hotel in Constant Spring, Jamaica.

Moving to New York City

In June 1905, Watson moved to New York City. He went to evening high school in Harlem and graduated in 1910. In 1908, he started working as a clerk for a law firm called House, Grossman and Vorhaus. Their office was on Broadway.

From 1910 to 1913, Watson took night classes. He studied at both the City College of New York and New York Law School. He earned his law degree in 1913. He became a United States citizen on July 3, 1913. In April 1914, he was allowed to practice law in New York. The next month, he could practice in federal court. Watson continued working at the same law firm until 1920. He became the head of their corporate and tax law department.

Becoming a Judge

In 1920, Watson started his own law firm with two other Black attorneys. He practiced law there until 1930. In 1922, he became a special assistant for New York City. He helped with tax cases for the city. He also represented Marcus Garvey in the 1920s.

In 1930, Watson ran for municipal judge. He and Charles E. Toney were elected that year. This made them the first two Black judges in New York state. He served as a judge until he retired in 1950.

Re-election Challenges

Watson faced a difficult re-election in 1940. A powerful political group, Tammany Hall, did not want him to be the Democratic candidate. This was even though the New York City Bar Association supported him. Eventually, Tammany Hall changed its mind. Watson was given the nomination and won re-election by a huge margin. In 1943, Watson was the first African American to join the American Bar Association since 1912.

Watson retired from being a judge in 1950. He then became the president of the Municipal Civil Service Commission. He held this job until he passed away in 1952. More than 3,000 people attended his funeral. Many important city officials were there. Vincent R. Impellitteri, who was the Mayor of New York City, was one of the people who carried his coffin.

James S. Watson's Family

Watson married Violet Lopez in 1917. She was also from Jamaica. They got married in New Haven, Connecticut. Violet Lopez Watson was a very important leader. She helped start the National Council of Negro Women with Mary McLeod Bethune.

James and Violet Watson had four children:

• Barbara M. Watson (1918–1983) was the first African American Assistant Secretary of State. She also served as the United States Ambassador to Malaysia.
• James Lopez Watson (1922–2001) became a judge for the United States Court of International Trade.
• Douglas C. Watson (died 1993) was a design engineer. He helped design famous airplanes like the Republic F-105 Thunderchief and the Republic F-84 Thunderjet.
• Grace Elizabeth Watson (born 1924) worked for the Department of Health Education and Welfare.

James and Violet Watson also had several nieces and nephews who became successful:

• J. Bruce Llewellyn (1927–2010) was a well-known businessman.
• Colin Powell (born 1937) was the first African American to become United States Secretary of State.

See also

• List of first minority male lawyers and judges in New York