Peter Matthiessen's Killing Mister Watson delves into the life of Edgar J. Watson, a notorious figure from the late 19th to early 20th century, intricately intertwining fact and folklore. The narrative explores the contradictions in Watson's character, a man who boasted of a violent past yet was seen as a respectable community member in the Florida Everglades. The novel questions the enigma of Watson's life and the circumstances that led to his violent death.

The Complex Persona of Edgar J. Watson

Edgar J. Watson, the central figure in Matthiessen’s novel, was a man of many tales and contradictions. Born in 1855, Watson claimed to have killed fifty-seven men, a declaration that painted him as a quintessential outlaw. However, his criminal reputation was primarily tied to the 1889 murder of Belle Starr in Fort Smith, Arkansas, following a land dispute. Despite the suspicions surrounding him, Watson evaded trial and relocated to the Florida Everglades, where he reinvented himself as a farmer at Chatham Bend. This new chapter in his life saw him embracing a more communal persona, earning respect as a dedicated family man and a reliable neighbor.

Life in the Everglades

In the novel, Watson's move to the Everglades marks a significant transformation. Away from the controversies in Arkansas, he appeared to find peace in the remote swamps of Florida. He farmed, raised pigs, and lived off the land, integrating successfully into the local community. His neighbors, unaware of the darker allegations from his past, regarded him as a valued resident. Yet, beneath his facade of respectability, rumors persisted, hinting at his ruthless nature.

The Shocking Conclusion

Despite his newfound identity, Watson's life ended violently on October 24, 1910, when over twenty men from Chokoloskee confronted him at the dock and shot him dead. The brutal and public nature of his murder leaves readers questioning the motives and truths about Watson’s life. Matthiessen expertly crafts a narrative that challenges perceptions, presenting Watson as both a community pillar and a feared murderer.

A Web of Perspectives

The novel is a tapestry of differing accounts. By using various narrators, Matthiessen highlights the inconsistencies in the stories surrounding Watson. Each voice offers a unique perspective, contributing to the elusiveness of Watson's true identity. The narrative suggests that Watson, under the guise of a reputable farmer, may have been exploiting and murdering his laborers, casting him as a predator hiding in plain sight.

Historical Context and Social Commentary

Through characters like Mamie Smallwood, the Chokoloskee postmaster, Matthiessen draws parallels between Watson’s actions and broader socio-political dynamics. Smallwood suggests that Watson's exploitation and alleged murders were a reflection of the systemic injustices prevalent in American society, particularly towards the disenfranchised. This local story of oppression mirrors the treatment of marginalized groups in newly acquired American territories, offering a critique of the era’s racial and economic inequities.

The Trilogy's Continuation

Killing Mister Watson sets the stage for Matthiessen’s trilogy, exploring the mysteries of Watson’s life and demise. The second book, Lost Man’s River, shifts the narrative to his son, Lucius, who seeks to uncover the truth about his father’s legacy and the reasons behind his violent end. In the final installment, Bone by Bone, Edgar Watson himself returns to share his version of events, adding yet another layer to the already complex narrative. The trilogy remains a profound exploration of identity, morality, and the elusive nature of truth.