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John Watson

1771 – 1802

First principal and president of and professor of moral philosophy at Jefferson College

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About John Watson

Lived 1771 – 1802 (aged 30–31). John Watson was an American philosopher, professor and christian minister.

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). 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. Watson married McMillan's second daughter, Margaret.

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. McMillan carried out his duties until the election of James Dunlap as the second president of Jefferson College.

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Important facts

Born
1771
Birth century
Nationality
Education
Princeton University, Washington & Jefferson College
Positions held
President of Jefferson College

People in John Watson's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped John Watson's

Frequently asked questions

Who was John Watson?

first principal and president of and professor of moral philosophy at Jefferson College

When was John Watson born?

John Watson was born in 1771.

When did John Watson die?

John Watson died on 30 November 1802 in Washington County.

What was John Watson's occupation?

John Watson was a philosopher, professor and christian minister.

What nationality was John Watson?

John Watson was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: John Watson

· Wikidata: Q6263225

· DBpedia: John Watson (college president)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Watson. https://biography.guide/john-watson/

MLA: "John Watson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-watson/.

Chicago: "John Watson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-watson/.

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