John Watts (New York politician)

John Watts (August 27, 1749 New York City – September 3, 1836) was an American lawyer and politician from New York City who represented New York in the U.S. House of Representatives.

John Watts was born on August 27, 1749 in New York City, the son of John Watts (1715–1789) and Ann DeLancey (d. 1784), a descendant of the Schuyler family and Van Cortlandt family. His maternal grandfather was the French born Etienne de Lancy (1663–1741), a minor member of the French nobility. He completed preparatory studies and studied law.

His sister, Anne Watts (1744-1783), married Archibald Kennedy, 11th Earl of Cassilis and Archibald Kennedy, 1st Marquess of Ailsa was his nephew.

He was the last Recorder of New York City under the English Crown, appointed in 1774.

Watts was a member of the New York State Assembly from 1791 to 1793, serving as Speaker during these three terms. He was a member of the commission to build Newgate Prison in New York City (1796–1799).

Watts was elected as a Federalist to the 3rd United States Congress, and served from March 4, 1793, to March 3, 1795. He was defeated in his run for re-election by Edward Livingston.

He was a judge of Westchester County, New York from 1802 to 1807.

Watts married his cousin Jane DeLancey. Their only son was:

John Watts died in New York City and was laid to rest in a vault in Trinity Churchyard.

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