Israel J. Watts, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Johnson County, Ind., born in Edinburg on the 3rd day of October, 1848. His parents were Israel and Elizabeth (Dunham) Watts, who had a family of three children, two now living, viz.: the subject, and a brother in Indianapolis. Israel Watts was for some years a merchant in Edinburg, in which town he died a few months previous to the birth of Israel J. The mother departed this life about the year 1851. After the death of his mother, young Israel was taken by his grandfather Dunham, who reared him in Boone County, Ind. He grew to manhood on a farm, and returning to Johnson County, settled on a tract of land which was left him by his parents. Since 1870, he has resided in Blue River Township, being at this time, one of the substantial farmers of his neighborhood, owning 184 acres of finely improved land. He is a substantial citizen, and has a large circle of friends in Blue River Township, and other parts of the county. November 5, 1874, he married Elizabeth Compton, daughter of William Compton, a union blessed with three children: William H., Clarence O., and Mary E.