William Watson (Australian politician)

William Watson
Member of the Australian Parliament for Fremantle
In office 16 December 1922 – 9 October 1928
Preceded by	Reginald Burchell
Succeeded by	John Curtin
In office 19 December 1931 – 7 August 1934
Preceded by	John Curtin
Succeeded by	John Curtin
Personal details
Born	(1864-10-22)22 October 1864 Campbells Creek, Victoria
Died	21 December 1938(1938-12-21) (aged 74)
Nationality	Australian
Political party	Independent (1922–28) UAP (1931–34)
Occupation	Various

William Watson (22 October 1864 – 21 December 1938) was an Australian politician. Born in Campbells Creek, Victoria, he was educated at public schools before becoming a miner, bricklayer and farmer. In 1893, he left Victoria for Western Australia, where he became a bacon manufacturer in Fremantle, and became known as a local benefactor. In 1922, he was elected to the Australian House of Representatives as an independent, representing the seat of Fremantle. He held the seat until he retired in 1928. He returned to the House in 1931, again as the member for Fremantle, but this time representing the United Australia Party; he retired shortly afterwards in 1934. Watson died in 1938 and was buried in Fremantle Cemetery.