Arthur C. Watson
| Arthur Chopin Watson | |
|---|---|
| Louisiana State Representative for Natchitoches Parish | |
|
In office 1940–1944 |
|
| Preceded by | Leon Friedman |
| Succeeded by | Numa T. Delouche |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
December 15, 1909 , Louisiana, USA |
| Died | November 15, 1984 (aged 74) |
| Resting place | Catholic Cemetery in Natchitoches |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Marion Eugenia "Gene" Hickman Watson |
| Relations | Eugene P. Watson (brother) |
| Children | Three daughters |
| Alma mater | Tulane University Law School |
| Occupation | Attorney |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
Arthur Chopin Watson (December 15, 1909 – November 15, 1984) was an attorney, state legislator, civic leader, philanthropist, and chairman of the Democratic Party of Louisiana from 1968 to 1976. He was afflicted with polio in infancy and lost the use of both legs, and his mother died when he was only seven. However, his zest for living gave rise to his nickname "Speedy."
Watson was born in to Arthur William Watson (1877 – 1932) and the former Marie Eugenie Chopin (1879 – 1917). In 1926, at the age of sixteen, he was the valedictorian of the Roman Catholic in Natchitoches. In 1930, Watson graduated magna cum laude from the Catholic Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, which was one of the first southern colleges to desegregate.
Thereafter, Watson graduated first in his class in 1933 from the Tulane University Law School, from which he received his LL.B. degree. He was a member of the Order of the Coif and served on the student board of governors of the Tulane Law Review. He was a member of various academic and social fraternities.
Watson returned to Natchitoches to establish a law practice with Judge Denis (/dəˈniːs/ də-NEES) Joseph Hyams. Over time, the firm became known as Watson, Murchison, Crews & Arthur. Watson quickly rose to prominence in local and state affairs. He was the director of the Chamber of Commerce from 1936 – 1940. He was a director of the Exchange Bank, which occupies the tallest building in Natchitoches. Watson was active in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and was the "exalted ruler" of the group from 1938 – 1939. He was president of the Louisiana Association of Young Men's Business Clubs from 1942 to 1943.
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