John Watts - Definition and Overview

John Watts (27 August 1749 - 3 September 1836) was a Representative from New York.

Born in New York City, Watts completed preparatory studies and studied law. He was the last recorder of New York under the English Crown. Watts later served as a member of the State assembly from 1791 to 1793, serving as speaker of that body in 1792 and 1793. He was a member of the commission to build Newgate Prison, New York City, 1796-1799.

Watts was elected to the Third United States Congress (March 4, 1793 to March 3, 1795). He later served as a judge of Westchester County, New York from 1802 to 1807 and founded and endowed the Leake and Watts Orphan House. Watts died in New York City and is interred in a vault in Trinity Churchyard. He was the grandfather of Philip Kearny.