William H. Watson

William H. Watson, one of the most influential horticulturists in Texas, was born in Ireland in 1837, migrated to America in 1853, and moved to Texas by 1859. He and his wife, Sarah Warren, settled in Brenham, where he established Rosedale Nursery by 1860. Beginning in the 1870s, he helped bring other horticulturists to Texas, including William Falconer and W.A. Yates. His Rosedale Arborvitae hybrid plant drew much attention. In 1875 he served as vice president of the Texas Horticultural and Pomological Association, and in 1889 he was elected president of the Texas State Horticultural Society. He died in 1897, and his work remained remembered for its impact on plant study in Texas.

Brenham, Texas · United States