WATTS, Robert Ramsey: 1838-1903

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

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 4/22/2013 at 10:47:58

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 in Dundee, Scotland, Nov. 13, 1838. 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 removed to Iowa, locating on a farm two miles southwest of Bonaparte, 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, viz: Mrs. Mary Shipley of Bonaparte, Mrs. Agnes Sterling of Farmington, Mrs. Ella Miller and Mrs. Nettie Boyer of Bonaparte.

In the fall of 1861 at the first call of his country he enlisted in the federal army and belonged to Co. G, 3rd Regiment Iowa Cavalry and for four years served his country well, receiving an honorable discharge at the close of the war. The departed was united in marriage to Miss Nettie Jewett, living near Bonaparte, Feb. 23d, 1854, who has been his companion all these years. To this union came four sons to bless their home, Frank J., Robert E., Alfred and Carlton C. Watts.

In 1865 with his wife he located on a farm two miles south of Bonaparte where they resided until 1868 when he and his family moved to Pella, Marion county, Iowa, where he engaged in the mercantile business for ten years and for quite a number of years was treasurer of the Central University of Iowa, taking an active interest in education and the advancement of society.

In the fall of 1881 he with his family returned to the old homestead near Bonaparte where he resided until locating on the farm three miles south of Hillsboro. In 1893 with his wife and youngest son he came to Hillsboro where he has continously resided until he departed this life.

He was converted when some twenty-two years of age and united with the Baptist church at Bonaparte where he maintained a consistent christian life. Not being able to attend church services at Harrisburg where he became connected later, he with his companion united with the Christian church of Hillsboro were he continued his membership the rest of his life.

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. Tennent of the M.E. church. The words spoken were well chosen and impressie; the singing by members of the differnt churches was beautiful and touching.

Comrade Watts was laid to rest in the Hillsboro cemetery, followed by a large concourse of relatives and friends, many coming from a distance to pay their last tribute of respect. The sons with their wives as well as the sisters of the deceased were permitted to be present. The floral offerings bestowed by loving friends and neighbors were beautiful in the extreme, covering the entire casket, showing the high esteem in which he was held in this community.

**Transcribers note: This obit was published without any paragraphs. I have added paragraph breaks for easier transcribing and reading.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 17, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA