On February 12, 1894, pioneer Patrick A. Watson died at age 83. A prominent landowner, surveyor, and church leader, Watson moved from North Carolina to Tennessee, marrying Margaret Ann Armstrong in 1835. They had six children before Margaret’s death in 1850. Watson then moved his family to Texas, settling in Fannin County. In 1858, he married Mary Jane Donaldson, and they had six more children.

By 1853, Watson arrived in Tarrant County, purchasing land near the Trinity River to create the Watson Community. He established a one-acre cemetery near present-day Highway 360 and I-30, now known as the P.A. Watson Cemetery. He soon built a log house nearby, followed by a church in 1870 that also served as a schoolhouse.

That church later became West Fork Presbyterian Church. During the 1950s construction of the Dallas-Fort Worth Turnpike, the church relocated to Grand Prairie, where the congregation remains active. Watson’s log cabin, inhabited by descendants until 1961, is now preserved at Knapp Heritage Park in Arlington.

Namesake of Watson Road, Patrick A. Watson is honored with Texas Historical Markers for his cemetery, log house, and church. He rests in P.A. Watson Cemetery alongside many of his descendants.

Headstone for Patrick A. Watson (1810–1894)
P.A. Watson Cemetery — Arlington

P. A. Watson Log House
Built in 1855 and the oldest structure in Arlington
Preserved at Knapp Heritage Park

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Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 02-12-26