Ela Wilson Watson passed away Feb 1, 1990

Articles have been edited by Suzanne Forte for brevity and to avoid mention of living individuals.

To know Mrs. Ela Watson is to love her.  Full of charm, blessed with a keen sense of humor, dressed in a long gown and wearing a beautiful smile.  It's hard to believe she is anywhere near 88 years old.

There are no straight chairs in Mrs. Watson's living room, only seven beautiful antique rocking chairs which she cherishes.

"They're all hand-me-downs," she says.  My mother and father each had their own, which they sat in by the fireplace.  I have those, and I've collected  a few more over the years. 

Mrs. Watson's life began in Loganville in 1888.  Her parents were the late John R. Wilson and Laura (Hicks) Wilson, Walton County pioneers.  They lived on what is now called Bay Creek Road.

"My grandfather," she continues, "came here from South Carolina.  My dad was born on a farm in 1850 at the old Matt Moon home place.  He was a blacksmith as a young man and lost the eyesight in one eye because a spark flew up and hit him in the eye.  There were nine of us, but I am the only one living now.  One of my brother, John B. Wilson was Secretary of State for 14 years until he died in 1946.  Ben Fortson took his place."

Mrs. Watson was married for 28 years to the late William David Watson, son of the late Daniel Watson and Lavania (Brand) Watson, more Walton County pioneers.

"William died in 1947", she says.  "He had a stomach ailment most of his life.  They never did find out exactly what it was.  Dr. Head of Monroe was wonderful to him all through his sickness."

Ela and William had two children.  In addition her husband had five children from a previous marriage, which she still calls her own children. She has "several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren."
Mrs. Watson has been a member of Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church since 1921 and still attends church every time she can.

"Elder J. M. Livesay baptized me in a pool below Loganville Christian Church" she remembers.  "The pool was in old Uncle Hamp Braswell's pasture.  That pool was one of the prettiest sights I've ever seen. 

"Yes" she says, "my time is in the Lord's hands.  He is keeping me here for a purpose, but I'm not going to just sit and rest.  I like to sweep, and one of these days I'll either wer that broom out or my back out.  I don't know which will break first!"