Life
He was the son of John Watts (1715–1789) and Ann (DeLancey) Watts (d. 1784). He completed preparatory studies and studied law. He was the last Recorder of New York City under the English Crown, appointed in 1774.
Watts was a member of the New York State Assembly from 1791 to 1793, serving as Speaker during these three terms. He was a member of the commission to build Newgate Prison in New York City (1796–1799).
Watts was elected as a Federalist to the 3rd United States Congress, and served from March 4, 1793, to March 3, 1795. He was defeated in his run for re-election by Edward Livingston.
He was a judge of Westchester County, New York from 1802 to 1807.
Watts married his cousin Jane DeLancey, and their only son was Robert J. Watts to whom John G. Leake, a distant wealthy relative who died childless, left his extensive properties. Robert inherited Leake's personal property (the real estate was escheated to the State because of technical problems of the "will") but died very soon. The grieving father then founded and endowed the Leake and Watts Orphan House with the Leake inheritance.
John Watts died in New York City and was laid to rest in a vault in Trinity Churchyard.
He was the grandfather of Philip Kearny, who was interred in Watts's vault until being removed to Arlington National Cemetery.
Archibald Kennedy, 11th Earl of Cassilis was Watts's brother-in-law, and Archibald Kennedy, 1st Marquess of Ailsa was Watt's nephew.
Read more about this topic: John Watts (New York Politician)
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