James Watson (1750-1806)

He was born at Woodbury, Connecticut, and on graduating from Yale College in 1776 was commissioned into the Continental Army as a Lieutenant. He came to New York City in 1786 and became a successful merchant. He was elected to the New York State Assembly and became its Speaker in 1794. He was the Regent of New York University from 1795 until his death. In 1796, he was elected to the New York State Senate and in 1798 he was elected as a Federalist to represent New York in the U.S. Senate. He resigned in 1800 when John Adams appointed him Naval Officer of the Port of New York. It is said that he was the first officer removed on political grounds by Jefferson. He failed in his bid to become Lieutenant-Governor of New York. He was a member of the Society of the Cincinnati and was the founding President of the New England Society of New York. The western portion of his townhouse survives, incorporated into 7 State Street. He married Mary Talcott of Hartford, Connecticut, and they had one son.