Thomson in McDuffie County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Sen. Thomas E. Watson
“Sage of Hickory Hill”
Photographed By David Seibert, May 14, 2011
1. Sen. Thomas E. Watson Marker
Inscription.
Sen. Thomas E. Watson. “Sage of Hickory Hill”. Born near Thomson, Sept. 5, 1856, Thomas Edward Watson, gifted writer, eloquent speaker and longtime political leader of Georgia, spent most of his life in this section. His home, “Hickory Hill,” bought and remodeled extensively by Sen. Watson, has a long tradition of hospitality and gracious living. Sen. Watson, descended from Quaker families that settled near here in 1768, attended Mercer University, taught school, practiced law in Screven County and returned to Thomson as a young lawyer in 1876. In 1878 he married Georgia Durham, of Thomson. After serving in the Georgia legislature and becoming known as a friend of the farmer, he was elected to Congress on the Farmers’ Alliance ticket in 1890. There he introduced the resolution that led to Rural Free Delivery. After becoming a member of the Populist Party, he was Populist candidate for Vice-President in 1896 and for President in 1904 and 1908. He served in the U.S. Senate from 1921 until death in Washington, Sept. 26, 1922. A prolific writer, Senator Watson edited several papers and magazines and wrote a number of books.
Born near Thomson, Sept. 5, 1856, Thomas Edward Watson, gifted writer, eloquent speaker and longtime political leader of Georgia, spent most of his life in this section. His home, “Hickory Hill,” bought and remodeled extensively by Sen. Watson, has a long tradition of hospitality and gracious living. Sen. Watson, descended from Quaker families that settled near here in 1768, attended Mercer University, taught school, practiced law in Screven County and returned to Thomson as a young lawyer in 1876. In 1878 he married Georgia Durham, of Thomson. After serving in the Georgia legislature and becoming known as a friend of the farmer, he was elected to Congress on the Farmers’ Alliance ticket in 1890. There he introduced the resolution that led to Rural Free Delivery. After becoming a member of the Populist Party, he was Populist candidate for Vice-President in 1896 and for President in 1904 and 1908. He served in the U.S. Senate from 1921 until death in Washington, Sept. 26, 1922. A prolific writer, Senator Watson edited several papers and magazines and wrote a number of books.
Erected 1956 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 094-3.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music
Location. 33° 28.202′ N, 82° 30.278′ W. Marker is in Thomson, Georgia, in McDuffie County. Marker is on Main Street (U.S. 78) 0 miles north of McDuffie Avenue, on the right when traveling north. The marker stands on the east side of the McDuffie County Counthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 337 Main Street, Thomson GA 30824, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Also see . . . 1. Senator Thomas E. Watson. New Georgia Encyclopedia website entry (Submitted on May 26, 2011.)
2. Hickory Hill House Museum. This site includes photos, floor plans and more about the Hickory Hill House and more information about Thomas Watson. (Submitted on January 20, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.)
Photographed By David Seibert, May 14, 2011
3. Sen. Thomas E. Watson Marker
Looking north on Main Street (US Highway 78)
Photographed By David Seibert, May 14, 2011
4. Sen. Thomas E. Watson Marker
The marker and the McDuffie County Courthouse
5. Sen. Thomas Edward Watson
Photograph from the Georgia Historical Society, courtesy of the New Georgia Encyclopedia
6. Hickory Hill, ca. 1910
Courtesy of the Watson-Brown Foundation.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 30, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,050 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos:1. submitted on May 24, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 2. submitted on September 11, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 24, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 6. submitted on September 11, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
