Watkins Crest Mary Eliz. MARTHA WATKINS DeLaigle, and her headstone Gen. Louis D. Watkins (Union) Virginia DeLaigle Hopkins, Rebecca Hopkins Jackson Jeanne McClure Sanders& Helen Jackson McClure and Virginia Sanders
Watkins Family, continued (page 9)
The children of Thomas Watkins & Sarah “Sally” Walton (continued)
The children of Thomas Watkins & Sarah “Sally” Walton (continued)
3) Claiborne Watkins was born about 1767; died 16 Mar 1804 in Abingdon, VA. Claiborne did not follow his brothers to Augusta, GA. In 1779, his uncle Joel Watkins was appointed the guardian for the minor children of Thomas Watkins: Claiborne and George. Claiborne played an active role in the various political & military efforts of Virginia during the Revolution. In August 1792, ARTHUR CAMPBELL, ROBERT CRAIG; and CLAIBORNE WATKINS, Head of Clinch, Washington County, VA, after particularly savage attacks by the Indians in the county, resolved: “"It seems to be a peculiar crisis of the present Indian war.- In behalf of our fellow citizens, we acknowledge the obligations we are under, for your patriotic exertions, to establish the best plan of defence against the cruel enemy.” The entire transcript of the correspondence regarding the attacks are in the notes about Claiborne. Claiborne Watkins was a signer to the TREATY OF THE HOLSTON, near the mouth of the French Broad River with the Cherokee, on JULY 2, 1792. On January 23, 1800 friends of Thomas Jefferson met in Richmond to decide on a course of how best to elect their candidate in the presidential election to be held in November of that year. Other stated goals were to elect Republican [now the Democratic party] candidates to other elective offices in the Old Dominion and the United States Congress. Claiborne Watkins was among those persons appointed Corresponding Committees in the different counties, to wit: CLAIBORNE WATKINS, Ro. Preston, Sam'l Edmondson and Andrew Russell, Westmoreland County, VA.
Claiborne married Elizabeth Craig on 15 May 1794, the daughter of Robert Craig and Jean Denny. Elizabeth was born 24 Jan 1775; died 29 Aug 1831. Among the first settlers of Washington County, Virginia were the Craig’s, three brothers - David, Robert and James Craig; this was as early as 1772. “Many of these men (and others) participated in the battle of Point Pleasant, in 1774, and principally fought the battle of the Long Island Flats, in 1776, and also participated in the memorable battle of Kings Mountain, distinguishing themselves in each battle."
Claiborne and Elizabeth had the following 3 children:
A) Evelina Sarah Watkins, (18 Mar 1796-20 Jul 1868 in Augusta, GA) More information about Evelina (Evalina) is provided below.
B) Leonidas Watkins, Esq.- of Augusta, GA, (1799-8 Mar 1824 in Abingdon, VA) Leonidas WATKINS attended the Mount Zion Institution, and received first honor mention July 5, 1815 "In Belle's Letter". By 1818, Leonidas was the duly authorized attorney in Augusta, GA for Robert Walton while he was absent from the state. He went into partnership with John W. Wilde, but the legal firm was dissolved in January, 1823. In 1820, Leonidas was living next door to his uncle, Dr. Anderson Watkins, in Augusta, GA. Sadly, Leonidas died young, unmarried: "LEONIDAS WATKINS, 25 years, died 3-8-1824 at the residence of his mother, near Abington, VA. His death was caused by an indisposition of a pulmonary nature.” His name would be perpetuated in numerous Watkins’ children.
C) Louisa Watkins (born Abt 1800-died 26 Nov 1817) who married William H. Smith, his first wife. "Louisa, wife of Wm. Smith and daughter of Claiborne and Elizabeth Watkins, of Abington, Virginia, who departed this life November 26, 1817, in the 17th year of her age." Notes from Patricia Kruger, 2005: "One other Watkins I have in the family is Louisa Watkins who was the first wife of William H. Smith. His third wife was Emma Oswell EVE. Emma has passed down an interesting journal that tells of her life, her siblings and some of her husband."
Evalina Sarah Watkins (1796-1868) married Robert WALTON, Jr ., son of Sen. Robert Walton & Blanche Glascock, grandson of “Uncle” George Walton and Martha Hughes. They lived in Augusta, GA, and raised a large family there. Robert Walton, Jr. was born 1 Feb 1791- died 21 Mar 1870 in Augusta, GA. Robert and Evalina are buried in the little Morris Street Cemetery in Augusta.
I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about their family, and feel I must devote special attention to them, these descendants of Claiborne Watkins. Cousin Joy and I have tromped through the overgrown Morris Street Cemetery in Augusta, lamenting on it’s poor condition. Family members even managed to get it cleared, once. We have always felt the pull of kinship with Robert and Evalina, especially after learning so much about their children.
Their children were:
Claiborne married Elizabeth Craig on 15 May 1794, the daughter of Robert Craig and Jean Denny. Elizabeth was born 24 Jan 1775; died 29 Aug 1831. Among the first settlers of Washington County, Virginia were the Craig’s, three brothers -
Claiborne and Elizabeth had the following 3 children:
A) Evelina Sarah Watkins, (18 Mar 1796-
B) Leonidas Watkins, Esq.-
C) Louisa Watkins (born Abt 1800-
Evalina Sarah Watkins (1796-
I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about their family, and feel I must devote special attention to them, these descendants of Claiborne Watkins. Cousin Joy and I have tromped through the overgrown Morris Street Cemetery in Augusta, lamenting on it’s poor condition. Family members even managed to get it cleared, once. We have always felt the pull of kinship with Robert and Evalina, especially after learning so much about their children.
Their children were:
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i
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Elizabeth WALTON (b.23 Sep 1814 d.2 Feb 1835-
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ii
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Hon. Anderson Watkins WALTON Lt-
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iii
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Blanche WALTON (b.26 Jul 1819 d.3 Aug 1819)
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iv
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Mary Louisa WALTON (b.1 Sep 1820-
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v
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William Augustus WALTON C.S.A. (b.15 Sep 1822 d.Sep 1882-
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vi
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Leonidas Watkins WALTON (b.8 Nov 1825 d.17 Oct 1900-
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vii
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Robert (6th of the name) WALTON C.S.A. (b.12 Oct 1826-
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viii
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Dr. Claiborne Russell WALTON (b.28 May 1829 d.Dec 1857-
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ix
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Evelina Sally Hamilton WALTON (b.1 Oct 1832 d.1 Jan 1843-
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x
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Catherine Elizabeth WALTON (b.30 Jul 1835-
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I hope you’ll take the time to read about this wonderful family.
4) Maj. George Watkins was born 1769- died 16 Oct 1829 Greensboro, Greene Co., GA. "George, fourth son of Thomas and Sally Walton-Watkins, was left an orphan and was brought up by his uncle, Joel Watkins, of Charlotte Co., VA; later he went to live with his eldest brother, Col. Robert Watkins in Georgia.” George built his plantation, “Calais,” in Greene County, GA, which was formed from Washington County in 1786, about the time George and his brothers came to the area. In 1790, his uncle, George Walton, signer of the Declaration, presided over Greene County's first superior court.
The “DIGEST” - George and his brother Robert were commissioned by the State Legislature to compile and publish the very first "Digest of the Laws of the State of Georgia,” from its first establishment as a British province down to the year 1798 inclusive, the principle Acts of 1799, also the Constitution of 1798, etc.; title of all the obsolete and other acts concluding with an Appendix containing the original charter and other documents ascertaining and defining the limits and boundary of the State; of all the treaties with the Southern tribes of Indians; the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union; the Constitution of the U.S. and a few Acts of Congress. This Digest was printed in 1800 by Robert. Aitken of Philadelphia. George and Robert included in their work the notorious Yazoo Act of 1795. This act, signed into law by Governor George Mathews, agreed to sell almost 40 million acres to speculators and started the Yazoo Land Fraud. This corrupt deal led to the downfall of many popular politicians of the day. George and Robert included both its adoption and its repeal. But because it even contained reference to the Act, the Legislature refused to pay the compilers for their work. Copies of George & Robert’s original Digest are rare. It was afterwards copied and published by Wm. H. Crawford, who in essence was paid for their work. George’s reaction to this injustice was seemingly more level-headed than his brother’s!
In July, 1798, George, as Chairman of a committee of the “Young Men of Augusta,” wrote a wonderful letter to President John Adams. As the Chronicle stated when it printed copies in 1823: In 1798, the young men of Augusta wrote to the President at a time when "circumstances indicated a rupture between the United States and France. It is well known that the intemperate course pursued by the infuriate leaders in what was then denominated the "terrible republic," seemed to be hastening to an open war between this country and France." The letter, and Pres. Adams response, is in the attached notes. But in part, the young men’s letter stated: "With the most unlimited confidence in the firmness, justice and wisdom of your administration, we pledge ourselves to you and our fellow citizens, that we will be ready at the call of our country to defend, what is dearer to us than our lives - her liberty and laws.” The reason for the republication of these letters in 1823 was based partly on patriotic fervor, and partly for current political reasons having to do with William H. Crawford. But that is beside the point of the transcription of the letters. George WATKINS, as Chairman, signed the letters and had copies of them in his possession in 1823.
1800: Collected taxes, Richmond County, GA
1801: Clerk of the Court of Ordinary, Richmond County, GA
1801: On the Committee for Roads & Streets, Augusta, GA
Dec. 24, 1803: Married Ebenezer Early to Miss Jane Meriwether Patterson. (Note: “Eleazer” was his brother-in-law)
1804-1806: Listed as a charter member and elder of First Presbyterian Church, Augusta, GA.
1823: George Watkins was one of the Commissioners charged with superintending the drawing of the State Lottery that distributed the lands “obtained from the Creek Nation of Indians, at the Treaty of Fort Wilkinson.”
The “DIGEST” -
In July, 1798, George, as Chairman of a committee of the “Young Men of Augusta,” wrote a wonderful letter to President John Adams. As the Chronicle stated when it printed copies in 1823: In 1798, the young men of Augusta wrote to the President at a time when "circumstances indicated a rupture between the United States and France. It is well known that the intemperate course pursued by the infuriate leaders in what was then denominated the "terrible republic," seemed to be hastening to an open war between this country and France." The letter, and Pres. Adams response, is in the attached notes. But in part, the young men’s letter stated: "With the most unlimited confidence in the firmness, justice and wisdom of your administration, we pledge ourselves to you and our fellow citizens, that we will be ready at the call of our country to defend, what is dearer to us than our lives -
1800: Collected taxes, Richmond County, GA
1801: Clerk of the Court of Ordinary, Richmond County, GA
1801: On the Committee for Roads & Streets, Augusta, GA
Dec. 24, 1803: Married Ebenezer Early to Miss Jane Meriwether Patterson. (Note: “Eleazer” was his brother-
1804-
1823: George Watkins was one of the Commissioners charged with superintending the drawing of the State Lottery that distributed the lands “obtained from the Creek Nation of Indians, at the Treaty of Fort Wilkinson.”
George Watkins married Mary “Polly” Early (born about 1775 in Madison, VA; died late 1839/early 1840 in Athens, GA) on 26 Dec 1801 at Dover in Greene Co. GA. Polly was the daughter of Joel Early and Lucy Smith; sister of Gov. Peter Early. In a “History of Greene Co,” it states: “Joel Early came from Virginia to Wilkes County and then to Greene County. He was in the list of Headright grantees and it shows that he received 1,000 acres of land on the Oconee river in 1803-6. Other records attest to the fact that he must have been here since 1784-5. In Lucian Lamar Knight's book he says, "Joel Early's Manor was the finest house north of Savannah and he lives in the style of an English Lord." Tradition says that he required his sons and daughters to don evening clothes each day for six o'clock dinner.”
A descendant of George and Mary has generously shared copies of letters from the family. Many were published in the book “Letters From Forest Place, A Plantation Family's Correspondence, 1846-1881.” In them, you see the strength of Mary Early Watkins, who continued to manage their plantation after her husband’s death.
In one, a letter, dated October 16, 1832, Polly Early Watkins in Athens, GA wrote to her son Thomas Watkins in Courtland, AL: "My dear Child, This day three years, your Father died, and I have been taking a mournful retrospect of the transactions of that day, and thinking how probable that before three years more expires, some more of us will be numbered with the dead, and none so likely as myself.... " Mary lived another 7 y ears.
A descendant of George and Mary has generously shared copies of letters from the family. Many were published in the book “Letters From Forest Place, A Plantation Family's Correspondence, 1846-
In one, a letter, dated October 16, 1832, Polly Early Watkins in Athens, GA wrote to her son Thomas Watkins in Courtland, AL: "My dear Child, This day three years, your Father died, and I have been taking a mournful retrospect of the transactions of that day, and thinking how probable that before three years more expires, some more of us will be numbered with the dead, and none so likely as myself.... " Mary lived another 7 y ears.
OBITUARY for GEORGE WATKINS, October, 1829:
“Communicated. DIED at his residence in Greene County, on the 15th inst. Major George Watkins, in the 59th year of his age. His native goodness of character enabled him through life to bear with trials (of which he had many) with a truly Christian fortitude. So, in his last affliction, he looked on death with the calm of matured resignation. At any early age, he became a member of the Presbyterian Church, and was one of the few who aided in the establishment of the first church in this city. He was engaged for several years with his lamented brother Robert, in the first compilation of the Laws of Georgia, at that time an arduous undertaking; the weight of the labor devolving on him; he performed his duty with a carefulness and devotion which merited a better reward – his work was sacrificed by party – the rulers of the day viewing his brother as a powerful opponent, deemed it important to seek every opportunity to arrest his career of fame.—Disregarding the obligation of the Legislature, the Digest was refused on the ground that it contained the far-famed Yazoo Law, and every compensation denied. He had, however, the satisfaction to see their work in the hands of the enlightened, and complimented by the honest.”
George Watkins and Mary Early had the following 8 children:
A) Dr. Thomas Alexander WATKINS (b.30 Oct 1802-
| sp: Sarah Epes FITZGERALD (b.27 Jun 1814-
B) Lucy Augusta WATKINS (b.9 Jul 1804 d.8 Nov 1837-
| sp: Dr. George M. MERIWETHER (m.14 Mar 1827 d.11 Sep 1828)
| sp: Dr. Charles M. REESE of Athens, GA (b.22 Jan 1788-
C) Jane Selina WATKINS (b.1807-
| sp: Dr. Arthur FOSTER
| sp: Hon. Judge Junius HILLYER (b.23 Apr 1807-
D) Catherine A. WATKINS (b.Abt 1808 d.29 Dec 1843-
| sp: Dr. Ulric Bender CLARKE (b.24 Sep 1798 m.20 Jan 1825 d.13 May 1846)
E) Elizabeth WATKINS (b.Abt 1812 d.18 Dec 1869)
| sp: Henry HARRELL (b.Abt 1806)
F) Sarah WATKINS (d.Bef 1837) (never married)
G) Emily Elizabeth WATKINS (b.1818-
| sp: Henry Waring (Jr.) TODD of Chambers Co., AL (b.1813-
H) Robert WATKINS (d.1855-
The Children of George Watkins and Mary “Polly” Early
A. Dr. Thomas Alexander Watkins (1802-1884) was born in Augusta, GA, and reared in Greene County, GA, “within sight of his grandfather Early's residence, among his mother's brothers and their families. He graduated at the University of Georgia; received his medical diploma at Philadelphia Medical College; moved to Courtland, AL., in 1825, where many of his Watkins’ kin lived. It was there that he met and married Sarah Epes Fitzgerald (27 Jun 1814 Amelia Co., VA; died 25 Mar 1865 at Forest Place plantation, Carrollton, Mississippi), daughter of Rev. Freeman Fitzgerald and wife Elizabeth. Sarah's father died when she was very young. She was raised by her Uncle Bill and Aunt Letty Fitzgerald in Lawrence County, AL, after her mother's remarriage. They moved to Carrollton, Mississippi and there built “Forest Place,” where they had 2 daughters, Letitia and Mary Early Watkins. The Civil War, as with so many others, destroyed their way of life. By that time, their daughter Letitia had married and moved to Texas, and after Sarah died, Thomas moved to Austin, TX in 1867. He traveled a great deal, visiting various Watkins’ kin, until his death in 1884.
This account wouldn’t be complete without special mention of Dr. Thomas A. Watkins. Much of what we now know about the family is thanks to Dr. Watkins’ remarkable efforts to preserve it’s history. Dr. Watkins wrote regularly to family members, and traveled to visit with them often. He left a “Manuscript” about the family that has been invaluable. He contributed to James Saunders efforts when he was writing “Early Settlers of Alabama.” A descendant of his has graciously shared these letters, and thinks he would be pleased that we still want to learn about them. I hope so! I know that it’s been a joy - this journey of discovery, and having someone to share it with has been the greatest blessing.
A) Dr. Thomas Alexander WATKINS (b.30 Oct 1802-Augusta,Ga d.25 Nov 1884-Austin,TX)
sp: Sarah Epes FITZGERALD (b.27 Jun 1814-Amelia Co.,Virginia m.29 May 1834 d.25 Mar 1865-Forest Place,Carrollton,Mississippi)
|-2. Letitia Ann WATKINS (b.21 Mar 1835-Courtland,AL d.23 Jun 1914-Austin,TX)
| sp: Maj. William Martin WALTON C.S.A. (b.17 Jan 1854-Mississippi m.9 Feb 1854 d.1915-Austin,TX)
| |-3. Newton Samuel WALTON (b.12 Mar 1855-Austin,TX d.28 Jul 1894-Austin,TX)
| | sp: Mary Annie HICKS (b.28 Aug 1861-Jackson,TN d.22 Feb 1889-Austin,TX)
| | |-4. Ethel Early WALTON (b.3 Mar 1881-Austin,TX d.6 Jan 1943-San Antonio,TX)
| | | sp: Ben A. CORDELL (b.1879/1880-Alabama d.24 Nov 1933-San Antonio,TX)
| | |-4. William Hicks WALTON (b.25 Jul 1884-Austin,TX d.23 Nov 1937-Lubbock,TX)
| | | sp: Aurye LITTLE (b.2 Jul 1886-Cathage,TX m.2 Jul 1886 d.23 Jun 1978-Lubbock,TX)
| | sp: May PATRICK (m.9 Jun 1892)
| | +-4. Hildegarde WALTON (b.18 Mar 1893 d.22 May 1911-St. Louis,MO)
| |-3. Dr. Early Watkins WALTON (b.1 Sep 1856-Carroll County,MS d.28 Sep 1888-New York City,NY)
| |-3. George Longstreet WALTON (never married) (b.6 Dec 1860-Austin,TX d.13 Apr 1886-Austin,TX)
| +-3. Sarah WALTON (b.24 Oct 1864-Austin,TX d.11 Jan 1962-Austin,TX)
| sp: James Jefferson PARMELE (m.3 Jan 1889)
| |-4. George Walton PARMELE (b.4 Aug 1889-Austin,TX d.6 Aug 1934-Granger,TX)
| |-4. Newton Ossian PARMELE (b.1 Oct 1891-Austin,TX d.28 Sep 1958-Austin,TX)
| | sp: Corinne HEHR (b.4 Sep 1894 m.1 Apr 1921 d.28 Aug 1987-San Antonio,TX)
| |-4. Annie Louise PARMELE (b.29 Jun 1893-Austin,TX d.3 Jul 1993-Austin,TX)
| | sp: John Henry JOHNSON (b.29 Aug 1892-Quintana,TX m.6 Jul 1925 d.13 Sep 1986-Austin,TX)
| |-4. James Early PARMELE (b.16 Oct 1894-Austin,TX)
| |-4. Letitia Ethel PARMELE (b.29 Sep 1896-Austin,TX)
| |-4. William Watkins PARMELE (b.26 May 1899-Austin,TX)
| |-4. Helen Eugenia PARMELE (b.1 Aug 1901)
| +-4. Sarah Walton PARMELE (b.13 Jun 1907)
+-2. Mary Early WATKINS (b.23 Feb 1844-Forest Place,Carrollton,Mississippi d.1935-Austin,TX)
sp: Jefferson H. MCLEMORE C.S.A. (m.1863)
George and Mary Early Watkins children continued on Next Page
Also, the children of Thomas & Sally Walton Watkins continued on Page 11, Watkins Family
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