Biography

Frederick Watts was the son of David and Julianna Miller Watts of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He temporarily attended Dickinson College and, forced to leave early, commenced studying law with his father. He served as Court Reporter for the western division of the State Supreme Court from 1829 to 1845. In 1849, he was appointed the president judge of the Ninth Judicial District Court. Watts was involved in various business interests including agriculture, the railroad, and public utilities, such as gas and water. He was appointed U.S. Commissioner of Agriculture by President Grant in 1871. He retired from public service in 1877. Judge Watts is referenced in a letter written by Samuel Swasey Seward Jr. to his uncle, then Acting Secretary of State, William H. Seward, dated March 19, 1863, in connection with an investigation of General Ord for misconduct.