Robert Ramsey Watts 1838-1903

WATTS, RAMSEY, SHIPLEY, STERLING, MILLER, BOYER, JEWETT

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 3/8/2013 at 08:23:20

ROBERT RAMSEY WATTS

Born in Scotland Nov. 13, 1838
And Died at Hillsboro, Iowa
Aug. 5, 1903.

OBITUARY SKETCH.

Robert Ramsey Watts passed peacefully away at his home in Hillsboro, Iowa, August 5, 1903, at 12:30 P. M.

He was the son of Isaac and Mary Ramsey Watts, born November 13, 1838, in Dundee, Scotland. When quite young he with his parents moved to England and from there to America. His boyhood days were spent in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1855 he with his parents came to Iowa locating on a farm two mils south-west of Bonaparte in Van Buren county.

He was the eldest son of nine children, four brothers and five sisters, three brothers and one sister having passed away, four sisters remaining to mourn the loss of a kind and loving brother: - Mrs. Mary Shipley, Bonaparate; Mrs. Agnes Sterling, Farminton; Mrs. Ella Miller and Mrs. Nellie? Boyer of Bonaparte.

In the fall of 1871 [should be 1861?] , at the first call of his county, he enlisted in the federal army and belonged to the Co. G. 3rd Reg. Iowa Vol. Cavalry and for four years serviced his country well, receiving an honorable discharge at the close of the war.

The departed was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Jewett near Bonaparte February 23, 1864, who has been his companion all these years. In 1865 with his wife he located on a farm two miles south of Bonaparte until 1868, when he with his family moved to Pella, Iowa where he engaged in the merchantile business for some ten years, was treasurer of the Iowa Central University, taking an active interest in education and the advancement of society.

In the fall of 1884, he with his family returned to the old homestead near Bonaparte, where he resided until locating on the farm 3 miles south of Hillsboro. In 1893 he, with his wife and youngest son, came to Hillsboro where he has continued to reside until his departure in this life.

Our brother was converted when some 22 years of age, and united with the Baptist church at Bonaparte where he maintained a consistent christian life. During his residence at Pella he was an earnest Christian worker in Sabbath school and church; and had special interest in the advancement of what was for the best concerning the entire community. He was also honored by the Baptist denomination many times, by electing him as delegate to their large associations. Not being able to attend church at Harrisburg, he with his companion united with the Christian church of Hillsboro, where he continued his Christian service, his faith holding steadfast until the last.

The nation has lost a loyal citizen, the G. A. R. a true comrade, the church a faithful member, and the home a loving and tender husband and father.

Funeral services were held at the Christian church at Hillsboro, Aug. 7, at 2 o'clock P. M. conducted by Rev. McElroy of the Baptist church, assisted by Rev. Tennant of the M. E. church. The words spoken were well chosen and impressive. The singing by members of the different churches was beautiful and touching, all the songs being favorites of the deceased.

Comrade Watts was laid to rest in the Hillsboro cemetery followed by a large circle of relatives and friends, many coming from a distance to pay their last tribute of respect. The floral offerings bestowed by loving friends were beautiful in the extreme showing the high esteem in which he was held.

Source: Entler Scrapbook, vol. 4, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA