James Watson

James Watson (10 June 1816 - 1 September 1880) was a Scottish-born book publisher and educationist.

Born in Glasgow, Scotland. Watson was an active member of the Church of Scotland, becoming an elder of the church in 1839.

He moved to London where he worked as a bookseller for the publishing company of Nesbitt & Co. When James Nesbitt died he became head of the firm.

In 1870 he was elected a member of the first London School Board as one of the representatives of Marylebone, and was re-elected on three occasions.

He served as chairman of the board's Statistical Committee until illness forced his retirement. He remained a member of the board until his death in 1880, aged 64.