Virginia Burns (Stewart) Watkins (abt. 1852)

Born about 1852 in Virginia, United States

Wife of Peter H Watkins — married 24 Jul 1871 (to 24 May 1881) in Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Descendants

Biography

VIrginia was born circa 1852.^[1] She married Peter Watkins on 24 Jul 1871.^[2][3][4] Jennie filed for divorce on 30 July 1880^[5] and the divorce was granted 24 May 1881.^[6]

Research Notes

The language of the divorce suit^[5] states that Jennie's maiden name was /BURNS/ but other genealogists claim she is the daughter of William Stewart^[7] with a middle name of 'Burns.' Perhaps, were one to inspect the actual suit, the question could be resolved. It is worth noting that several descendants have the middle name 'Stewart' thus lending credibility to that argument that this and not /BURNS/ was her maiden name and the image of the marriage registry (acquired: Anderson-23510 17:12, 3 March 2019 (UTC)) shows clearly that the name is STEWART with high confidence as her sister was married at the same place on the same day and is also show in the registry.

Sources

1. ↑ "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MC5M-RQT : 11 August 2016), Virginia B Watkins in household of Peter H Watkins, Falls Church, Fairfax, Virginia, United States; citing enumeration district ED 37, sheet 319A, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 1364; FHL microfilm 1,255,364.
2. ↑ "District of Columbia Marriages, 1830-1921," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FWM7-G9K : 6 December 2014), Peter H. Wathins and Virginia B. Stewart, 24 Jul 1871; citing District Of Columbia, reference P. 33; FHL microfilm 2,107,689.
3. ↑ "District of Columbia Marriages, 1811-1950", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XL9Z-M4Q : 1 June 2015), Peter H Watkins and Virginia B Stewart, 1871.
4. ↑ Marty Hiatt and Craig Roberts Scott, Implied Marriages of Fairfax County, Virginia (Athens, Georgia: Iberian Publishing Co., 1994); page 235 "Watkins, Peter H. & Jennie B. Stewart of Fairfax; 25 Jul 1872 at the 5th Baptist Church, Washington, DC [AG - 15 Aug 1871]."
5. ↑ ^{5.0 5.1} The Washington Post,31 July 1880; page 1 - A Brace of Divorce Suits.

   What a Husband and a Wife Charge Against Their Spouses.

   Two new divorce suits were placed on record yesterday. Virginia B. Watkins sues by her attorneys, Messrs. Cook & Cole, for divorce from Peter H. Watkins. The bill sets forth a marriage in this city by Rev. C. C. Meador, on July 25, 1871, and the birth of two children - Ada, August, 1872; and Stewart, June, 1875. Six months after the wedding he is charged with becoming morose, ill-natured and cruel and developed the fact that he was largely addicted to the use of intoxicating liquors and was idle and dissipated in his habits. He is further charged with having kicked the tea-table over on his wife, thrown her out of the door, struck her with his fist, etc. Since 1876 it is said he has provided no support for his family and is now absent in Fairfax county, Va. She prays for absolute divorce, the custody of the children and the right to resume her maiden name of Burns. ...

6. ↑ National Republican, 24 May 1881, Tue, Page 4
7. ↑ "United States Census, 1870," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFLT-TJ8 : 12 April 2016), Virginia Stewart in household of William Stewart, Virginia, United States; citing p. 39, family 281, NARA microfilm publication M593 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 553,144.

See also:

• "Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XR7W-SWS : 5 December 2014), Jennie in entry for David Stewart Watkins and Cora Roberta Crupper, 25 Jul 1900; citing Alexandria, Virginia, reference No 49; FHL microfilm 30,205.