John Watson | |
|---|---|
| FirstPresident of Jefferson College | |
| In office August 29, 1802 –November 30, 1802 | |
| Succeeded by | James Dunlap |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1771 |
| Died | November 30,1802 (aged 30–31) |
| Spouse | Margaret |
| Alma mater | Canonsburg Academy College of New Jersey |
John Watson was the first principal and president of and professor of moral philosophy at Jefferson College.
Watson,a native of Western Pennsylvania,was born in 1771 and was a student at Canonsburg Academy (later Jefferson College,now Washington &Jefferson College). [1] He was a student of the school's founder,John McMillan,who was arranged for him to attend the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University),from where he graduated in 1797. [2] Watson married McMillan's second daughter,Margaret. [2] In his time,Watson was known as an accomplished Latin and Greek scholar. [1] He was one of the founders of the Philo Literary Society at Jefferson College. [3]
A frail and intense man,in sharp contrast with his mentor and father-in-law McMillan,Watson was elected to the Presidency of Jefferson College (now Washington &Jefferson College) on August 29,1802. Watson died on November 30,1802,only three months after his ascension to the presidency and 2 days after the first Jefferson College diplomas were awarded. [2] McMillan carried out his duties until the election of James Dunlap as the second president of Jefferson College. [2]