JAMES ALVA WATT, one of the most successful of the younger members of the bar of San Francisco, was born in the State of Illinois, May 13, 1862. His ancestors were among the earliest pioneers of the State of Ohio, and his grandfather was one of the founders of the town of Eaton, Preble county. His parents were also natives of that State, and his father, James A. Watt, was an eminent attorney in that section of that country; his death occurred while he was still a young man, at the outbreak of the civil war. He married a Miss McCabe, daughter of James McCabe, who was also an earlier settler of Ohio.
Mr. Watt came to the Pacific coast during his boyhood, and received his education in the common schools of San Francisco. When he came to decide upon a profession he chose that of law, and entered the law office of Judge Fox, afterwards one of the Justices of the Supreme Court of California; he afterwards took a course at Hastings College of Law, and was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court, May 13, 1883, having just attained his twenty-first birthday. The same day he formed a partnership with Wm. W. Bishop, and entered at once upon the practice of law; this firm existed until the death of Mr. Bishop, which occurred in 1890, since which time Mr. Watt has been alone in the practice.
Politically he is an earnest Republican, has been a member of several conventions, and has done efficient work in the interests of the party. He is a member of the I.O.O.F., and is a Past Grand of his Lodge, Past President of the General Relief Committee of the order in this city.
Source: "The Bay of San Francisco" Volume 1. Lewis Publishing Company 1892. Page 431.
Submitted by: Nancy Pratt Melton.
© 2002 Nancy Pratt Melton