Looking Back 5/10

ANN O'HARA
Posted 5/9/18

Hardware merchant Graham Watts was born in New York City in December 1843 and came to Honesdale, PA, in 1850 with his parents, John and Jane Watts. In 1859, he moved to Michigan, but at the start of …

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Looking Back 5/10

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Hardware merchant Graham Watts was born in New York City in December 1843 and came to Honesdale, PA, in 1850 with his parents, John and Jane Watts. In 1859, he moved to Michigan, but at the start of the Civil War enlisted in the 67th Pennsylvania Infantry and took part in all the battles that regiment faced, including Sheridan’s ride through the Shenandoah Valley, rising to the rank of regimental quartermaster sergeant. Returning to Honesdale after the war, he first worked as a retail clerk and then entered the sewing machine business for 10 years. He was active in the local GAR (Grand Army of the Republic), serving as post commander several times. In 1888 he became sole owner of a hardware store and in 1891 built a new building at 619 Main St.  In addition to his GAR activity, Watts served several terms as a Honesdale councilman. He died on  November 27, 1921, at the age of 78.

From the collection of the Wayne County Historical Society, 810 Main St., Honesdale. The museum and research library are open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a. m. to 4 p. m.

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