William H. Watson

One of the most influential horticulturists in Texas, William H. Watson was born in Ireland in 1837. He 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, Watson helped bring in other horticulturists to Texas such as William Falconer and W.A. Yates. His Rosedale arborvitae hybrid plant garnered much attention. In 1875 Watson served as Vice President of the Texas Horticultural and Pomological Association. He was later elected President of the Texas State Horticultural Society in 1889. William died in 1897 but his work is still remembered for its impact on plant study in Texas.