James Watson was born 1788 in the County of Meath, Ireland

1st October 1807 enlisted into Meath Militia

13th November 1808 appointed Corporal Meath Militia

9th November 1809 joined 2/84th as a Corporal, shown Musters as Depot Coys.

14th March 1810 promoted Sergeant

15th August  Peninsula and saw action at Nivelle and Nive

7th September 1814 returned from France

October 1814 promoted Colour Sergeant

11th August 1818 married Ann at St Mark’s church Dublin.

11th June 1819, son Thomas born at Athlone, Ireland

14th March 1821, daughter Martha born at Portsmouth

12th June 1821 promoted Quartermaster Sergeant

10th February 1823, son William born at Cork, Ireland

5th May 1825, daughter Charlotte born at Buttevant, Ireland

17th March 1827 to West Indies

19th July 1827 to Quartermaster

19th August 1827, his wife Ann died

31st December 1829 retired in West Indies, where he lived till his death 11th May 1837