William Franklin Watson was born 8 January 1916 in Washington, D.C. His parents were James Alexander Watson and Elizabeth Celia Alvey. His grandparents were William Henry Watson, Emma Jane Green, Peter Alvey and Mary Quade.

Many works of historical writers and scientists are available today as antiques only. Hansebooks newly publishes these books and contributes to the preservation of literature which has become rare and historical knowledge for the future.