Watson C. Squire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Watson C. Squire
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| United States Senator from Washington |
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| In office November 20, 1889 – March 3, 1897 |
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| Succeeded by | George Turner |
| 12th Governor of Washington Territory | |
| In office July 2, 1884 – April 9, 1887 |
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| Preceded by | William A. Newell |
| Succeeded by | Eugene Semple |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 18, 1838 Cape Vincent, New York |
| Died | June 7, 1926 (aged 88) Seattle, Washington |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Republican |
Watson Carvosso Squire (born May 18, 1838, died June 7, 1926) was an important American leader. He fought in the American Civil War. He also served as the twelfth governor of Washington Territory. Later, he became a U.S. Senator for the state of Washington.
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Early Life and Education
Watson C. Squire was born in Cape Vincent, New York. He went to public schools and then to Falley Seminary. He also studied at Fairfield Seminary. In 1859, he graduated from Wesleyan University. After college, he worked as a principal at the Moravia Institute.
Military Service in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Squire joined the Union Army in 1861. He was a first lieutenant in the New York Volunteer Infantry. He later graduated from Cleveland Law School in 1862. He became a lawyer in Cleveland, Ohio.
Squire rejoined the Union Army when more soldiers were needed. He helped create the 7th Independent Company of the Ohio Sharpshooters. He became a captain in 1862. He fought in several important battles, including Nashville and Chickamauga. He also served as a judge advocate, which meant he helped with military legal cases. He was discharged as a captain in 1865. He was later given honorary ranks of major, lieutenant colonel, and colonel.
Life After the War
From 1865 to 1879, Squire worked for the Remington Arms Company. He was a secretary, treasurer, and manager. In 1876, he bought a lot of land in the Washington Territory. He married Ida Remington in 1868. They had four children: Philo, Shirley, Adine, and Marjorie.
Governor of Washington Territory
In 1879, Squire moved to Seattle. He became the Governor of the Washington Territory in 1884. He served until 1887. As governor, he faced a big challenge. There were riots in Seattle and Tacoma against Chinese residents. These events happened in 1885 and 1886.
Governor Squire declared martial law to bring back order. This meant the military took control. President Cleveland also sent federal troops to Seattle. Squire ended martial law in February 1886. Most Chinese residents had already left the area. Governor Squire then investigated the property losses for the Chinese residents.
United States Senator
In 1889, Washington became a state. Squire was elected as a Republican to the United States Senate. He served from November 20, 1889, to March 4, 1897. He was reelected once in 1891.
While in the Senate, he led the Committee on Coast Defenses. This committee worked on protecting the nation's coastlines. He also worked on transportation routes. After his time in the Senate, he retired from law. He focused on managing his properties in Seattle. He also helped start the Union Trust Co. and the Squire Investment Co.
Later Life and Death
Watson C. Squire died in Seattle when he was 88 years old. He is buried at Evergreen - Washelli Memorial Park in Seattle.
