Watson, John Broadus (09 January 1878–25 September 1958), psychologist and advertising executive, was born near Travelers Rest, South Carolina, the son of Pickens Butler Watson and Emma Keziah Roe, farmers. Named for a prominent minister, John was raised by his mother in the evangelical traditions of the local Baptist church. His father was known for his lack of business sense, explosive temper, bouts of drunkenness, and frequent absences from home. When John was twelve, his mother sold the family farm and moved to nearby Greenville, South Carolina. There John did poorly in the public school, fought his peers, and was twice arrested. At Furman University, which he entered as a preparatory student in 1894, Watson became interested in psychology. He graduated with an M.A. in 1899....
