Charlotte M. Littleton (1811 - 1893)

Born 10 Mar 1811 in Leesburg, Loudoun County, VA

Wife of Bernard Watkins — married 4 Sep 1834 in Loudoun Co, Shelbourne Parish, VA

Descendants

Died 16 Nov 1893 at age 82 in Red Oak, Montgomery Co, IA

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Biography

This biography was auto-generated by a GEDCOM import. It's a rough draft and needs to be edited.

User ID

ID: 4DA177C88D0BD811B70D0002E324AC052C79

Data Changed

Changed:

17 Feb 2013

Prior to import, this record was last changed 17 Feb 2013.

Note

Charlotte is still a mystery. All I could find on her was her marriage on Sept. 1, 1834, to Bernard Watkins. The marriage record also said "Security: John W. Littleton"

On other marriage records where it lists "Security", it says what relation that person is to the bride -- but here it only listed John W. Littleton's name.

John is possibly a brother or father. A John Littleton of about same age as Charlotte marries Elizabeth A. Tavenner 21 Mar 1829 (dau of James Tavenner who attests to grooms age) ; and a John W. Littleton m. Emily Carter 2 March 1844 at Shelbourne Parish w/ Wm Horseman attesting to John's age. (same John W.?). Other possible relations as listed in Loudoun Co Marriage records:

Eli Littleton m. 1851

Marcus D. Littleton (see also 1851)

Franklin Littleton m. Margaret Littleton - 1853 Oscar Littleton proves grooms age

John Littleton m. Margaret Carter- Jan 1852

John R. Littleton m. Margaret Carter dau of Richard Carter m. Jan 1852 (same as above?)

John Littleton m. Rebecca Elgin 1835 (Shelburne Parish)

Richard C. & Catharine Mildren Thompson, d/o Mildred T. Thompson.Shelburne Parish 1844

Richard K. Littleton m. Keturah R. Carter (d/o Edward Carter) 1829

Sampson Littleton & Kitty Cockrill 18 Dec 1799*

Littleton, Thomas & Francis Harriman m. 13 Oct 1800*

*possible parents.

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In all the other books I checked today at the Balch Library in Leesburg, I looked for both her name (perhaps listed as an heir of someone) and for Bernard Watkins.

I saw several other Watkins listed, but no Bernard. And I looked at will abstracts, death records, property taxes, and so on.

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Ancestry.com shows a Charlotte Littleton b. 1734 in Accomack Co, daughter of Comfort Walker and Mark Littleton (John & Sarah Littleton)

She has brother Mark Littleton (1733 d. 27 Feb 1797) and Wm Littleton (1734 d.)

Mark had 3 sons: James, Southy and George (1790-1867 Accomack)

Religion

Methodist

1849

Knox County, Ohio and Red Oak, Iowa

According to her obit, "Sister Watkins was converted and joined the Methodist church in 1849, and remained a faithful member until the time she departed this life, she gave very clear evidence of having faith in Christ." She and Bernard were married by Methodist minister in Leesburg, VA.

Methodism appears to have held through the generations with this family. Son Randolph Watkins married his bride under the first Christmas tree in the new Methodist Church in Red Oak, IA in 1868. Their daughter, Bonnie Watkins (my grandmother) was very active in the Methodist Church and Bonnie's son Jack Stevens also identified with the Methodist Church.^[1]

Marriage

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4 SEP 1834

Loudoun Co, Shelbourne Parish, VA

Wertz p. 162- Marriage of Bernard Watkins and Charlotte Littleton: John W. Littleton attests ages and is bondsman. Bond dated 1 Sept 1834 at Leesburg. Married Sept 4 1834, Shelbourne Parish, Edwin Dorsey (Methodist min.) (I have not yet found original records.)

Bernard, his widowed mother and his 3 sisters were living in Loudoun Co in 1835 when they married their spouses.

Bernard and Charlotte were probably both born in Loudoun Co, VA (near Leesburg) where they grew up and were married by a Methodist minister on Sept. 4, 1834. The following spring, they moved to Knox County, OH where their daughter Ann Elizabeth (named Ann after Bernard's mother) was born Aug. 1. (Charlotte was pregnant during the journey to Knox County. It is highly likely they traveled via the National Road from Wheeling to Mt. Vernon, Ohio or possibly by boat on one of the many rivers and canals.)

By 1835-36, Bernard's sisters, their husbands and extended families (George Neptune, John Adams, William Davis, and John, Stephen, and Samuel Gaunt/Gant), and their mother and stepfather, Ann and Daniel Brown, removed to Knox Co, Ohio along with a number of other friends and neighbors from Loudoun Co, VA, probably coming together as a group. Brown's children also moved to Knox Co. Bernard's oldest sister Louisa who married George Neptune may have come to Ohio first. (According to census, their daughter was b. in OH ca 1831-32) In 1838 when the Neptunes sold the land they'd inherited from Wm Watkins, they were living in Belmont Co, OH but were listed in Knox Co in 1850 census.

According to the biography of Bernard's nephew, Samuel Orlin Gantt in the Knox Co, OH Centennial Biographical History p. 198 , the Gantt family (and probably the Watkins and other siblings) came to OH in 1836, the journey "made across the mountains through the forests and over the plains with teams in the primitive style of the times, for no railroads had been built."

The Watkins lived in at least two places in Knox Co, first in Morris Twp and were listed in 1840 census and in then Berlin Twp as a laborer in 1850 census. All but their youngest child were born in Knox Co. Most of the Loudoun Co migrants settled near Fredericktown in Berlin Twp and all of Bernard's siblings appeared to have remained there (I found most of their headstones in the cemetery.) But the Watkins family moved on to IL in the fall of 1850 settling in Monmouth (county seat) or Lenox Twp., according to various obits and wedding anniversary articles.

I don't know why or with whom Bernard and Charlotte went to Warren Co, IL though I believe you did find some VA-born Littletons living in Warren Co.

I've done very little research in Warren Co and need to check census and land records to determine whether or not any other siblings or extended family members moved with them from OH to IL. It is doubtful that they went alone. Their youngest child, Charlotte or "Lottie", was born there.

They stayed in IL until 1867 when they moved to Montgomery County, Iowa (Red Oak). Their oldest daughter Ann and Leander Sickmon moved to Montgomery Co ca 1863 and son Randolph in 1865. Bernard and Charlotte and most of the other married children moved to Montgomery Co and Clarke Co, IA though many of them moved to Nebraska in the 1870s.The couple had 8 children, the older ones married in Warren Co, IL.

According to obituaries, all of their children survived into adulthood, though two daughters died before the parents Both Charlotte and Bernard lived to a ripe old age. Charlotte was member of Methodist Episcopal Church in Knox Co (1849) and was active in Red Oak church as well. (They had married by a Methodist minister in VA and bondsman was John W. Littleton, perhaps for John Wesley, founder of Methodist Church.) After Bernard's death, Charlotte lived with her son James in Red Oak. (Source: Charlotte's and Ann's obits) but I've been unable to find a death record or headstone for her. Bernard (d 1882) is buried near two of his daughters (Lottie and Ann, both of whom died young) but there was no death record for Bernard recorded in Montgomery Co.

According to Loie Stevens Firkins (granddaughter of Randolph Watkins), Bernard and Charlotte Watkins had following children: [Note: Loie was not always accurate with names!]

Randolph-Red Oak

Jim- Red Oak

Will Nebraska

Susan (m. Joe Benz) son Claude Benz-Bonnie's cousin, same age- Homestead, Neb

[Sarah not Susan in census]

Mabel (m. ---Day) [Census records name her Mary J. Their daughter may have been Mabel] (this is actually daughter of Mary or Molly Watkins who married Sylvester Day. Mabel married ____Albright.)

Marjorie Herrick -granddaughter of Randolph Watkins, Anna Watkins Lloyd's daughter,

317 N. Greenwood

La Habra, CA 90631

Pete Wilkins (knows Watkins histy)- Alma Watkins Wilkin's son, grandson of Randolph Watkins. (Lived in Sacramento where Susan Renz became acquainted with him.)

Coincidentally, members of the Hawkins, Stevens and Watkins families--all of whom lived in Knox County (though in different townships) at the same time--would end up in Red Oak, Iowa where Bernard and Charlotte's granddaughter, Bonnie Watkins, married Harry Stevens, grandson of Ephraim Hawkins and Arnold Stevens, in 1908. It is highly unlikely the Watkins and Stevens knew each other in Ohio.

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Sources

• Source: S10 Abbreviation: 1820 VA Census Loudoun Co Title: 1820 VA Census Index- Subsequent Source Citation Format: 1820 VA Census Index- BIBL 1820 VA Census Index-. Text: "Aan" Watkins Loud 149 Living in Waterford with no males, and 2 daughters under age 10 (Husband apparently dead. Could son and oldest daughter be living elsewhere?] Check guardian records.) CONT CONT Bernard Taylor living in Aldie with boy 16-18, 3 males 16-26, one male over 45; 2 girls under 10, one girl 10-16, one girl 16-26, 1 woman over 45. CONT CONT Several Adams in Loudoun: Eliza in Waterford, 2 James (Waterford & Middleburg), Joseph (Hillboro), Matthew, Richard, and Snic(sic) in Leesburg. Several Williams in Waterford, Middleburg, & Leesburg. CONT CONT Daniel Brown 132 Leesburg Loudoun Co. CONT CONT James Watkins Hamp 225 CONT Thomas Watkins Hamp 213 CONT no William Watkins or other Watkins in Hampton or Loudoun counties CONT CONT The following Littletons are in Loudoun Co (in fact almost all Littletons in VA lived in Loudoun Co indicating they probably came from PA or elsewhere to the North.) CONT CONT Joel Littleton-Waterford p. 147 CONT John Littleton-Waterford p. 150 CONT John K. Littleton-Leesburg p. 127 CONT Solomon Littleton-Waterford p. 147 CONT Thomas Littleton-Leesburg p. 128 CONT Thomas Littleton-Frederick Co. p. 36 CONT CONT Bernard Taylor
• Source: S4 Abbreviation: Charlotte Watkins Obit Title: Red Oak Express or Sun? Nov 20? 1893 Subsequent Source Citation Format: Red Oak Express or Sun? Nov 20? 1893 BIBL Red Oak Express or Sun? Nov 20? 1893. Text: Died, Mrs. Charlotte M. Watkins, Nov. 16, 1893, aged 82 years, 8 months and 6 days. CONT Charlotte M. Littleton was born March 10, 1811, at Licksburg (Leesburg?), London (Loudoun) County, Virginia. She was married to Bernard Watkins on Sept. 4, 1834. Moved with her husband to Knox county, Ohio, in the spring of 1835, and from there to Monmouth, Warren county, Ill., in 1850, where she lived until 1867, then moved to Red Oak, Iowa, where she lived until the time of her death. She was the mother of eight children, all of whom lived to be grown. Two preceeded her to the spirit world, Ann E. Sickmon, died Dec. 2, 1879, and Charlotte Gassner, Jan. 19, 1875. Her husband died in 1882. Six of her children are left to mourn her loss. Jane R. Gibson, of Blue Hill, Neb., Wm W. Watkins of Des Moines, Ia., Mary J. Day, Red Cloud, Neb, Randolph and James Watkins, of this city. She has made her home with the latter for the past twenty years. Sister Watkins was converted and joined the Methodist church in 1849, and remained a faithful member until the time she departed this life, she gave very clear evidence of having faith in Christ. In her late sickness, she suffered much, but was patient and said she was ready and willing to go. The funeral services were held at her home, Saturday, Nov. 18, 1893, at 2 o'clock p.m. conducted by her pastor, Rev. A.B. Buckner. The remains were laid to rest in Red Oak cemetery to await the Saviour's call. It is indeed hard to part with mother, but her children feel that her work is done, and that it is blessed.....(illegible) Page: Nov 20? 1893
• Source: S7 Abbreviation: Loudoun County Marriages-Wertz Title: Wertz, Mary Alice Comp., "Marriages of Loudoun County, VA 1757-1853": Info compiled from Loudon Co Fee Books, Marriage Register, Order Book, Minute Book, Deed books and Parish Registers. (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co, Inc. Baltimore 1985) Subsequent Source Citation Format: Wertz, Mary Alice Comp., "Marriages of Loudoun County, VA 1757-1853": Info compiled from Loudon Co Fee Books, Marriage Register, Order Book, Minute Book, Deed books and Parish Registers. BIBL Wertz, Mary Alice Comp. "Marriages of Loudoun County, VA 1757-1853": Info compiled from Loudon Co Fee Books, Marriage Register, Order Book, Minute Book, Deed books and Parish Registers. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co, Inc. Baltimore 1985. Text: p.175 Brown, Daniel & Ann Watkins, widow of William Watkins. 3rd party: Mahlon Craven. Her children: Louisa; Bernard; Sarah Ann; Elender (Eleanor). Marriage contract. 25 May 1825. DB3K, p. 306 No William Watkins-Ann ? marriage listed. CONT CONT p.162 - Marriage of Bernard Watkins and Charlotte Littleton: John W. Littleton attests ages and is bondsman. Bond dated 1 Sept 1834 at Leesburg. M. Sept 4 1834, Shelbourne Parish, Edwin Dorsey (Methodist min.) (See also Vogt & Kethly) CONT CONT p.2 John Adams & Eleanor Watkins, dau of Ann Brown. Marriage performed by Edwin Dorsey (Methodist) in Shelburne Parish. Bondsman was Eleanor's brother, Bernard Watkins. Ann Brown, mother of girl authorizes license. Bond 11 Aug 1834, marriage 14 Aug 1834 (See also Vogt & Kethley ) CONT CONT p.55 John Gaunt, son of Samuel "Gant" & Sarah Ann Watkins, dau of Ann Brown. William Davis, bondsman 5 Nov. 1832. Shelburne Parish, Loudon Co., VA. CONT CONT p. 37: Wm Davis, son of Gary Davis, to Elizabeth Gaunt, dau of Samuel Gant. Witness: John Gaunt (brother) and Rachel Ann Gaunt. J. Binns, bondsman. Shelburne Parish. Other Gants listed on p. 54. 3 males: Charles, Martin and James W. (marriage dates in 1852, 1843, 1851 respectively) CONT CONT p. 80: Charles W. James & Martha Brown, dau of Daniel Brown. Joseph Richardson, bondsman 29 Oct. 1832 Shelburne Parish 29 Oct 1832. (Another source lists Eleanor Watkins as witness which leads me to believe Martha is her stepsister.) CONT ######## CONT Also listed but no known relation at this pt. CONT CONT p. 48 James and Margaret Watkins, parents of Hannah Vance who marries William Floyd. Wm Grimes, bondsman 5 Oct. 1790 CONT CONT p. 51 Reuben French & Catherine Watkins. Samuel Beavers, bondsm., attests bride's age. Bond 3 Jan 1833, M. 3 Jan 1833. Dorsey min. Shelburne Parish. CONT CONT p. 97 John McBride & Sarah Watkins. Daniel Fuhrs, bondsman, 25 Dec 1799. Cameron Parish. CONT p.162 John W. Littleton CONT CONT CONT
• Source: S8 Abbreviation: Loundon Co, VA Marriages-Vogt & Ketchley Title: Vogt, Johm and Kethley, T. William Jr., Loundon County Marriages 1760-1850 (Athens, GA: Iberian Publishing Co) Subsequent Source Citation Format: Vogt, Johm and Kethley, T. William Jr., Loundon County Marriages 1760-1850 BIBL Vogt, Johm and Kethley, T. William Jr. Loundon County Marriages 1760-1850. Athens, GA: Iberian Publishing Co.

1. ↑ Source: #S4
2. ↑ Source: #S7
3. ↑ Source: #S8

Acknowledgments

Thank you to Sara Patton for creating WikiTree profile Littleton-168 through the import of watkins-littleton-kerrihard.ged on Mar 9, 2013.

Click to the Changes page for the details of edits by Sara and others.