WATKINS, S. H. 1831 - 1905

WATKINS, BRIGGS, HARMON, TROUT, MCCLAIN, FRY, WALMSLEY

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 4/8/2006 at 18:51:53

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, April 19, 1905
Page 8, Column 4

PASSED TO THE FINAL REVIEW.

Capt. S.H. WATKINS.... died at his home near Libertyville Wed. (sic - April 12th)... Son of the late Eli WATKINS who came to this county in 1849 from Indiana.

He was born in Clark Co., that state, Aug. 4, 1831... In 1863 enlisted as a private in Co. H, 30th Iowa Infantry... He soon displayed such soldierly qualities that he was promoted to the captaincy of his company, a position he held until the end of hostilities and his final discharge. He participated in all the campaigns in which his regiment was engaged, commanded the confidence of his superior officers and his men as well and had the record of a fine soldier. After his return from the army Mr. W. held many public positions of importance... He was a member of the State Commission appointed by Gov. Cummins to locate monuments to Iowa troops on the battlefield of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge...

Mr. W. was married in this county Nov. 6, 1855, to Sarah J. BRIGGS, who died.... In 1866 he married Sarah T. HARMON, who died in 1898. Oct. 19, 1904, he married Mrs. Clara B. TROUT (sic - Clara B. McCLAIN TROUT FRY) who survives him. He was the father of five children by his earlier marriages, three of whom are living -- Charles G. of Cedar Rapids, county attorney of Linn County; Samuel H. Jr., and Miss Cora L. WATKINS of Libertyville.... The exercises at the grave were conducted in accordance with the ritual of the Grand Army of the Republic. Among those present were J. F. WATKINS of Fremont County and Mrs. Nancy WALMSLEY (sic - WAMSLEY) of Appanoose County, brother and sister of the deceased man.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s).

Note: The G.A.R. is the Grand Army of the Republic, the fore-runner of the American Legion.

Samuel is buried in Fell Cemetery near Libertyville, as are all three of his wives.