John S. Watson (New Jersey politician) John S. Watson (New Jersey politician) John S. Watson (August 14, 1924 – June 15, 1996) was an African-American Democratic Party politician who served six terms in the New Jersey General Assembly, where he represented the 15th Legislative District. Born in Camden, New Jersey, Watson served with the United States Merchant Marine fleet during World War II. In 1970, Watson became the first African-American elected to the Board of Chosen Freeholders in Mercer County, New Jersey. In 1977, he became the President of the Board. For 12 years, Watson was a member of the New Jersey State Assembly, where he
Barbara M. Watson 1983 at the age of 64. Barbara M. Watson Barbara Mae Watson (November 5, 1918 – February 18, 1983) was a United States diplomat who was the first black and the first woman to serve as an Assistant Secretary of State. Watson was born in New York City on November 5, 1918, the daughter of James S. Watson, the first black judge elected in New York State, and his wife, Violet Lopez Wilson, one of the founders of the National Council of Negro Women. Barbara M. Wilson was the sister of James Lopez Watson and the cousin of J. Bruce