John F. Watkins 1837 - 1886

WATKINS, PHILLIPS, SHEPERD

Posted By: Charles E. Hales (email)
Date: 9/1/2003 at 00:01:01

JOHN F. WATKINS
John F. Watkins was born in Breconshire, South Wales, September 12th 1837, died at his home south of Keosauqua, Monday June 28th 1886. Mr. Watkins became identified with Van Buren county, in 1861 when he commenced work as a farm hand on the farm where he died. When the country called on her sons for her defence (sp), he, though but an adopted one, heard the call and enlisted in Co G 3rd, Iowa Cavalry and served to the conclusion of the war in the same, being mustered out in 1865 as 2nd Lieutenant. After the war he settled down on the farm where he lived until death called him. His industrious habits and gentlemanly deportment won the respect of all with whom he came in contact. His modesty and retiring disposition prevented his merits from being discovered until the last year of his life when by the votes of a majority of his fellow citizens, he was called to the responsible position of County Supervisor. In this place as in every other that he filled, he proved himself a man. Finding in the early spring that his life work was about to close, and wishing his time to be used in his private affairs, he resigned his office, and devoted the remaining days of his life to adjust his earthly accounts. He was married to Miss Laura Phillips, February 15th 1864. The fruits of the marriage were two children, one of whom, and the widow are left to mourn his loss. A very large congregation, composed of people from all parts of the county and embracing many of his old comrades of Co. G met at his home on Tuesday and after appropriate services, conducted by Rev. C. W. Sheperd, his remains were buried in the private cemetery adjoining the place by the W.C. Harper post of the G. A. Rs" of Keosauqua.

Obituary from the Milton Herald July 1, 1886

I am not direct-line related to this man, however he may be a cousin to my great grandfather also named John Watkins. Both of whom migrated from Breconshire Wales.
John F. furnished housing for Grandfather Watkins and his family upon their arrival in Van Buren County in 1881. According to family statements, this housing was in a large wooden barn located on the north side of the present Lacey-Keosauqua road a quarter mile west of the paved highway. Within weeks of their arrival a seven-year-old son named William died from diptheria and is buried in the Watkins/Phillips Cemetery located about two and half miles south of Keosauqua on the east side of State Highway #2.