Watertown honors native, postmaster

WATERTOWN — A man affectionately called Mr. Watertown by the residents of this East Wilson County two was honored at a reception during the City Council meeting Tuesday night.
The Council passed a resolution honoring Watertown native and former Watertown Postmaster Edsel Floyd for his years of service to the community.
Watertown Mayor Mike Jennings read a lengthy resolution detailing Floyd's many accomplishments.
"Whereas, he has said many times that 'I'll never be rich, and I'll never be powerful. But when I die – if one person can say that Watertown is a better place because I passed through it, then my life has been worthwhile,'" the resolution said. "And Whereas, Watertown is in fact a better place because of Edsel Floyd and the many lives he has touched."
Floyd responded to Jennings' long list if whereases.
"Whereas I was misled in what was going on here tonight, and whereas I didn't have any time to prepare a speech, I want to say thank you to the Council, and my friends and family," he said.
Floyd attended the meeting unaware he was the night's honoree.
The board also approved a resolution to name a bridge in Floyd's honor. Floyd's sister, Paulette Dorris, is a Watertown alderman.
"At times like this this, it's good to have family on the board," Floyd said.
Watertown's state Rep. Stratton Bone said he would have to file a bill in the state House of Representatives to get a bridge named for Floyd.
"The bill must be filed with the transportation committee and go through the process," Bone said. "But, I've got to get re-elected before I can do this."
Floyd is synonymous with Watertown, Bone explained.
"When I heard Watertown, I thought of you, and when I head Edsel Floyd, I thought of Watertown," Bone said.
Floyd, 75, was born and raised in Watertown. He served as postmaster in the town for 24 years. He also served as an alderman and mayor for more than two terms.
A scrapbook with news clippings and photos chronicling Floyd's life in Watertown passed through the audience.
Among the newspaper clippings was an article describing Floyd as a "jack of all trades." While a student at Watertown High School, he took an aptitude test. The results showed he was capable of doing anything.
Staff Writer Nick Fowler can be reached at 444-3952 ext. 15 or by e-mail at nick.fowler@lebanondemocrat.com.