John F. Watkins 1837-1886

WATKINS, PHILLIPS, HARPER, SHEPERD

Posted By: Charles E. Hales (email)
Date: 5/10/2004 at 22:59:35

John F. Watkins was born in Brecenshire, South Wales September 12, 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 the defence, 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 modest 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.

From the Milton Herald of Thursday July 1, 1886 in possession of the author.

[A proven relationship to this man can not be made at this time, however it is likely that this man, “John F.” was related to my great grandfather John Watkins (1836-1917) since they both came from Breconshire Wales.

Further, it is probable that this was the reason grandfather Watkins brought his wife and eight children to Van Buren County in the spring of 1881 also when their little 7 year-old boy, William, died of diphtheria on August 11, 1881 he was buried in the Watkins Cemetery where John F. lies.]