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
Burl S. Watson Burl S. Watson Burl Stevens Watson, Sr. (7 November 1893 – 16 August 1975) was the President and CEO of Cities Service Company during parts of the 1950s and 1960s. He became President in 1954 and was Chairman of the Board and CEO beginning in 1962, taking the place of W. Alton Jones, who died in the famous plane crash American Airlines Flight 1. Watson was extremely influential as the leader of one of the largest oil companies in the United States. He was quoted often in newspaper and magazine publications on his views on the status of the petroleum