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Description
Photo--sepia: Copies of two cabinet card photographs of James Watson and Hannah Watson long time residents of the Sebastopol area. James Watson arrived in Sonoma County from Illinois in 1849. In 1852 he bought 1,100 acres of land from Jasper O'Farrell for 1,000 sacks of potatoes. Mr. Watson along with a Mr. Purrine, who arrived in 1852 and a Mr. Robertson, who arrived in 1855, organized the building of the school to serve their community, which included Freestone, Bodega and Valley Ford. The Watson's in 1856 deeded their property located between Sebastopol and the town of Bodega, for a grammar school which was called Watson School. The community donated their skills, time and materials. Redwood was harvested and milled nearby in what is now Joy Woods. The community as a whole built the school. Photographed by Piggott of Santa Rosa. Piggott operated out of the Occidental Hotel and Santa Rosa. "My father, my grandfather and my great grantfather lived most of their lilves in Sebastopol." Jim Watson.
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