Randolph Watkins
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Randolph Watkins (1844 - 1929)

Randolph Watkins
Born in Knox Co, OHmap
Ancestors ancestors
Husband of — married 24 Dec 1868 in Red Oak, Montgomery Co, IAmap
Descendants descendants
Died at age 84 in Red Oak, Montgomery Co, IAmap
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Profile last modified | Created 10 Mar 2013
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Contents

Biography

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

Name

Randolph "Dol" 'Dolph" /Watkins/
Name: Randolph "Dol" 'Dolph"
Watkins

Death

31 MAY 1929
Red Oak, Montgomery Co, IA
Died of old age according to Montgomery Co Death Record, p. 126.
Headstone confirms dates birth and death dates 1844-1929. Randolph is buried with wife, Matilda C., and two of his 3 married daughters and sons in law (Bonnie Stevens and Alma Wilkins, and two granddaughters in the Red Oak Cemetery. His father is buried in same cemetery but in a different location, with sister Ann Sickmon. Supposedly brother James H. Watkins (and possibly his mother) is buried in another section of same cemetery but I coudn't find the headstone.
Buried Jun 3rd in Red Oak cemetery. Attending were:
Mrs. MA Albright-niece, Red Cloud Neb. alive in 1927
Guy Day-nephew, Red Cloud Neb.
James H. Watkins-brother Red Oak - alive in 1929
Mr. Mrs. WE Kissinger-niece
Claude Owens-friend
Mrs. J.W. Spiker
Pete Wilkins-grandson
**************
(copy in file -submitted to Montgomery Co Webpage)
RED OAK EXPRESS June 3, 1929
R. WATKINS, 84, COUNTY PIONEER BURIED TODAY
------
Was One of Country's Mail Carriers on Horseback
Randolph Watkins, 84, resident of Montgomery county for sixty-four years, died at his home, 611 Second street Friday evening at 11:10 o'clock from infirmities due to his advanced age. He had been ill just a few days prior to his death.
Funeral services were held from the home this afternoon at 2:30 with Rev. L.L. Weis, of the Methodist church, in charge. Burial was made in Evergreen cemetery.
Randolph Watkins was born December 8, 1844 at Mt. Vernon, Ohio. He came with his parents as a child from Ohio to Monmouth, Ill., in the fall of 1850, where he made his home until in 1865. In the spring of 1865 he came to Red Oak, Iowa, remained about nine months and returned to Illinois. In the spring of 1867 he came to Red Oak again, crossed the state back and forth seven or eight times, finally locating here in 1867. He followed teaming for two years, then following farming for three years.
His marriage to Matilda Kerrihard took place on Christmas eve 1868, it being the first wedding to take place in the old Methodist church which stood where the present edifice now stands. The wedding took place in front of the first Christmas tree ever prepared in Red Oak. Mr. Watkins' bride was a native of Pennsylvania. In 1873, Mr. Watkins went to Nebraska with a load of farming implements, located on a claim in Webster county and moved his family there. He remained just long enough for the grasshoppers to eat them out, and returned to Iowa. In 1874 he went back his Nebraska claim, planted a crop, but soon sold out and returned to Red Oak for good. He was one of the first mail carriers. He carried mail between Sciola in Montgomery county, to Council Bluffs making the trips by horseback.
He was one of the few remaining pioneers who helped to move the court house from Frankfort to Red oak. It was moved by ox teams during a blizzard. The court house was a heavy structure, being made from native lumber. Mr. Watkins also worked on the railroad when it was first built through this section. He was a member of the Methodist church, and had served at one time as county supervisor.
Mr. and Mrs. Watkins were the parents of four daughters, Charlotte died in infancy, Mrs. Alma Wilkins in 1912. The two surviving daughters are: Mrs. Anna Lloyd of Ogden, Utah, and Mrs. Bonnie Stevens of Red Oak. They also reared in their home a foster son, Lou Watkins, now deceased. Mr. Watkins leaves one brother, J.H. Watkins of Red Oak, eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Mrs. Watkins died in Red Oak January 6, 1927. His youngest daughter, Mrs. Stevens maintained a home for him after the death of the wife and mother.
Relatives who came for the funeral included Mrs. Lloyd of Ogden and Miss Loie Stevens, a granddaughter who has been attending school at Grinnell.
********
Also buried next to Randolph and Tillie are their granddaughter Marjorie G., daughter of Harry and Bonnie Stevens, daughter Alma I. Wilkins and her husband Goerge W. and their 14 yr. old daughter Bonnie H. Wilkins.
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Will: Written 24 June 1905
First Codicil 9 April 1915
Second Codicil: 21 January 1927
Third Codicil: 22 March 1929
I, Randolph Watkins of Red Oak, Iowa, hereby make and publish this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills made by me.
Item 1- I first will and desire that ll my just debts be paid, including expenses of my last sickness and my funeral expenses.
Item 2- I give, devise and bequeath to my wife, Matilda C. Watkins all my property, both real and personal which I may own or be entitled to at my death. I do this because I have full faith and confidence in my wife and believe that she will deal fairly and justly with my children.
Item 3- I appoint my said wife Executrix of this will and desire that she be not required to give bond as such Executrix. Witness my hand this 24th day of June, 1905.
Witnesses P. W. Beeson Signed Randolph Watkins
W.C. Ratcliff
Codicil to the will of Randolph Watkins, made and signed on the 24th day of June 1905 and witnessed by R.W. Beeson and W.C. Ratcliff, the said will being attached to this Codicil.
Item 1. As a codicil to the above described will heretofore made by me and attached hereto, I make the following change in Item 2, the said Item two to stand as it now is unless, 1st my wife should die before I do. Then in that event, I will, devise and bequeath to each one of my three grandchildren, being the children of my deceased daughter, Alma Wilkins, namely, Randolph E. Wilkins, Donald Wilkins and Bonnie Wilkins, the sum of Three Hundred Dollars, to be paid to each of them when he or she attains the age of twenty-three years, and all the residue of my estate, I will and direct to be divided share and share alike between my two daughters, namely, Anna Lloyd and Bonnie H. Stevens; and 2nd, I desire that the above provision made in this Codicil shall apply and my estate divided the same as in this Codicil provided if my wife and I should die at the same instant or so nearly at the same instant that it could not be determined which one of us survived the other.
In all other respects except as changed by this codicil, my original will shall stand as though this codicil had not been made.
Witness my hand this 9th day of April 1915. Signed Randolph Watkins
Witnesses RW Beeson, Oscar Wenstrand, Marry Lillyeberg
Second Codicil to Will
I, to wit, Randolph Watkins, of Red Oak, Iowa, do hereby make and publish this my second codicil to my Last Will and Testament dated June 24" 1905 and to my First Codicil to Will dated April 9" 1915, hereby altering and changing said Will and first Codicil in the following respects only, towit:-
Item 1. I hereby revoke and annul all devises and bequests heretofore made by me to my Grand-daughter, Bonnie Wilkins, who is now deceased.
Item 2. I hereby revoke and annul all devises and bequests heretofore made to my Grandsons, Randolph E. Wilkins, and Donald Wilkins, and in lieu thereof I now give and devise unto Randolph E. Wilkins, Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00), and to Donald Wilkins, Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00),
Item 3. Whereas in Item One (1) of my First Codicil dated April 9" 1915, I gave, devised and bequeathed to my two(2) daughters Anna Lloyd and Bonnie H. Stevens, the rest and residue of my Estate after payment of certain bequests as set out in said Item One (1), I do now change and alter said Item One (1) of the First Codicil dated April 9" 1915 in the following respects, namely, I do now give, devise and bequeath as a Specific Bequest and devise unto my Daughter Bonnie H. Stevens the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1000) And I now give, devise and bequeath the rest, residue, and remainder of all property I may have at my decease, remaining after the payment of my just debts and remaining after the payment of of said One Thousand ($1000.00) bequest and of said bequests of Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00 and Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00), respectively to my Grandsons, share and share alike unto my two daughters, Anna Lloyd and Bonnie H. Stevens, hereby altering and changing my said Original Will and said First Codicil in such manner that after the payment of my just debts and after the payment of said One Thousand Dollar ($1000.00) bequest to my daughter, Bonnie H. Stevens, and the payment of said bequests of Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00 and Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00), respectively to my Grandsons, all the rest and residue and remainder of my property and Estate, is given, devised, and bequeathed absolutely, unto my said two daughters, share and share alike, and I further provide that all bequests and devises heretofore made to my wife, Matilda C. Watkins are hereby revoked, annuled, and canceled, my reason therefor being that she is now deceased.
Item 4. I nominate and appoint my said two (2) daughters or either of them as Executors of this Will and I direct that no bond be required of them or either of them as Executors or Executor.
Made and Published by me at Red Oak Iowa, this 21" day of January 1927.
signed R. Watkins
Witnesses:
Grace A. M.Carlson
BA Shaver
Third Codicil to Will
I, towit, Randolph Watkins, of Red Oak, Iowa, do hereby make and publish this my Third Codicil to my last Will and Testatment dated June 24th. 1905, and to my First Codicil dated April 9" 1915, and to my Second Codicil dated January 21st. 1927, hereby changing and altering said Will and Codicils in the following respects, only;-
Item 1. Whereas in said Second Codicil dated January 21st. 1927 I have made and set out in Item 3, of said Second Codicil a Specific bequest and device of $1000.00 unto my daughter Bonnie H. STevens, I do now alter and change said second Codicil and Item 3 thereof by now providing, willing and fixing said Specific bequest at the sum of $500.00 (Five hundred and no/100--Dollars) instead of the sum of One thousand and no/1000 Dollars ($1000.00) hereby modifying said second Codicil and Item 3 thereof in such manner that now and hereafter the Specific bequest as contained in said Item 3 in favor of said Bonnie H. Stevens shall be in the sum of $500.00 (Five hundred and no/100--Dollars) instead of the sum of $1000.00, as fully and effectually as if said Item 3 of the Second Codicil had originally provide a spedific bequest for her of $500.00 instead of the sum of $1000.00
Item 2. Excepting as hereinbefore provided I reaffirm my said Original Will and First and Second Codicils.
Signed and published by me at Red Oak, Iowa, this 22nd. day of March 1929.
R. Walkins
Witnesses
Grace A. M. Carlson
Paul W. Richards
************
Montgomery Co Web site EVERGREEN CEMETERY Red Oak, Iowa
http://iagenweb.org/montgomery/cemeteries/cem-evergreenuz.htm
Watkins, Matilda 1849 -1927 Lot 265
Watkins, Randolph 8 Dec 1844 - 31 May 1929 Born Mt. Vernon, Ohio. Wife's maiden name is Matilda Kerrihard. Children: Mrs. Anna Lloyd, Mrs. Bonnie Stevens. His wedding was first in Old Methodist Church. Was supervisor in Monmouth, Ill. during wartime. Lot 265, in alley South of 265.
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User ID

ID: 4AA177C88D0BD811B70D0002E324AC052949

Data Changed

Changed:
29 Dec 2011

Prior to import, this record was last changed 29 Dec 2011.

Note

Listed as fifth child- age 6- of Bernard and Charlotte Watkins in the 1850 census for Knox Co, Berlin Twp, OH born Ohio, dated 29 July 1850. Census shows he attended school.
Montgomery County Iowa Biographical Sketches
From the 1881 History of Montgomery County, Iowa, p. 646-47
1881 History of Montgomery County, Iowa Red Oak Township
"WATKINS, RANDOLPH, farmer, section 1, P. O. Red Oak; born in Knox County, Ohio, December 8, 1844; his parents moved to Illinois in the fall of 1850, where he made his home until in 1866; in the spring of 1866 he came to Red Oak, Iowa, remained about nine months and returned to Illinois; in the spring of 1867 came to Red Oak again; crossed the state back and forth seven or eight times; located in Red Oak in the fall of 1867; followed teaming two years; then followed farming for three years. In 1873 he went to Nebraska with a load of farming implements, located a claim in Webster County, moved his family there and remained just long enough for the grasshoppers to eat them out, and returned to Iowa; in 1874 he went back to his Nebraska farm, planted a crop, but soon sold out and returned to Iowa for good; followed farming for four years, near Red Oak. In the spring of 1880 he moved to his present location where he has eighty acres of land, and is comfortably situated. He is a member of the order of Odd Fellows, belongs to Red Oak lodge, No. 176. He was married on Christmas eve, 1868, at the M. E. church, under the first Christmas tree ever prepared in Red Oak, to Miss Matilda C. Kerrihard, a native of Pennsylvania, and a member of the M. E. church. They have two children, both daughters: Annie May and Alma I." ( Article written before Bonnie was born.)
Notes from granddaughter, Loie Stevens Firkins.
Came with parents (age 6) from Ohio to Monmouth, Ill. in fall of 1850 where he lived till 1865 (21). In spring of 1865, went to Red Oak, Iowa remaining about 9 mos and returned to IL. 2 yrs. later returned to Red Oak, crossed the state back and forth 7 or 8 times, finally locating in Red Oak in 1867. Was a teamster for 2 yrs., then farmer for 3 yrs. In 1873, he went to Nebraska w/ a load of farm implements and located on a claim in Webster County. Moved his family there. Grasshoppers ate them out, returned to Iowa. In 1874, returned to his Neb. claim, planted a crop but soon sold out, returned to Red Oak, farmed 4 yrs. Bought 80 acres-next door to wife's brother, Thomas Kerrihard. Was one of first mail carriers (between Sciola, Montgomery County to Council Bluffs stage coach and on horseback.) Helped move courthouse from Frankfort to Red Oak in battle over which town would be county seat. Moved courthouse by ox teams during a blizzard. Court House was heavy structure made of native lumber. Also worked on railroad when first built through this section.
Around 1910 moved into town, and built home on 611 2nd Street a block from County Court House, across street from John Deere store. On the return of youngest daughter Bonnie and husband Harry Stevens from Ogden, UT (after death of their 10 year old daughter), the Stevens family (including children Loie and Jack) moved into Watkins home to care for the old couple. (This is home where Jack grew up, and Bonnie lived until her death in 1965. Also the home where Sara always stayed when family visited "Grandma's" in Red Oak. Home is now gone.) Wife Tillie died 2 years before him. Randolph kept the farm which he later sold. His estate records show that the farm was left to Bonnie. Jack was almost 14 when his grandpa died.
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At least 3 Watkins siblings went to Webster Co, NE in the 1870s. Several Kerrihards went to Nebraska. Matilda Kerrihard and husband Randolph Watkins went to Nebraska even before the others ca 1873-74 but returned after grasshopper ate them out.
Notes from granddaughter, Loie Stevens Firkins (who lived with grandparents for several years):
In spring of 1865, Randolph Watkins came to Red Oak, Iowa, remained about 9 mos and returned to IL. 2 yrs. later returned to Red Oak, crossed the state back and forth 7 or 8 times, finally locating in Red Oak in 1867. Married Tillie Kerrihard, oldest daughter of William H. Kerrihard. Married Christmas Eve in 1868 under first Christmas Tree in Red Oak. Was a teamster for 2 yrs., then farmer for 3 yrs. In 1873, he went to Nebraska w/ a load of farm implements and located on a claim in Webster County. Moved his family there. (SSP: My grandmother told me they lived in a sod house. Told story of a visit by Indians wanting food. Father not home, so mother tried to get her daughters to hide in root cellar under floor but one little girl ran out and gave them some bread and jam. They went away happy! This was a few years before Custer's Last Stand!) Grasshoppers ate them out, returned to Iowa. In 1874, returned to his Neb. claim, planted a crop but soon sold out, returned to Red Oak, farmed 4 yrs. Bought 80 acres-next door to wife's brother, Thomas Kerrihard. Was one of first mail carriers (between Sciola, Montgomery County to Council Bluffs as stage coach driver and on horseback.) Helped move courthouse from Frankfort to Red Oak in battle over which town would be county seat. Moved courthouse by ox teams during a blizzard. Court House was heavy structure made of native lumber. Also worked on railroad when first built through this section.
Around 1910 family moved into town, and built home on 611 2nd Street a block from County Court House, across street from John Deere store. On the return of youngest daughter Bonnie and husband Harry Stevens from Ogden, UT (after death of their 10 year old daughter), the Stevens family (including children Loie and Jack) moved into Watkins home to care for the old couple (for next 9 yrs.) (SSP: This is home where my dad grew up, and Bonnie lived until her death in 1965. Also the home where I always stayed when family visited "Grandma's" in Red Oak. Home is now gone.) Wife Tillie died 2 years before him. Randolph kept the farm which he later sold. (SSP: His estate records show that the farm was left to Bonnie.) Loie was 19 and Jack was almost 14 when his grandpa died. (SSP: 1930 census does not bear this out. Stevens living at 309? W. Coolbaugh St. Need to check census for 611 Second ST.)

Occupation

First employment in Red Oak was driving mail hack from Afton to Glenwood, western terminus of Bulington RRD. Road was marked only by single furrow plowed on either side to keep mail carriers from getting lost at nite or in snow. Charged 10c a mile for passengers, and they had to get out and help if wagon got stuck. When 3 refused, Randolph unhooked team, threw mail sack over horse, got on other horse and rode to RedOak. After quitting mail route, drove wagons from RO to Council Bluffs, Omaha, St. Joseph, Nebraska City. Bought corn for 25c bushel in RO and sold it for $1.35 to emigrants in Council Bluffs on way to Calif. Soldiers escorted them through Neb. due to Indians. Also did barbering for neighbors. Editor of paper did shaving, Randolph did barbering. Did it for nothing at first, then charged a cigar. Many had hair down to shoulders. Dec. 1918 Red Oak Express 50th anniversary.

Event

Documentation
1870 Montgomery RO Twp, IA 6 July p.44 #114/115
Watkins, Dolph -24 OH Farmer /$500
", Matilda -20 Ken (sic)
", Wm H -22 IN(sic) Farmer /$300 wrong age to be brother
Stewart, M. -37F Pennsylvania
1872, Oct 4: Bernard Watkins bought lots 7 & 8 of block 13. The addresses today is
401 E. Corning (Bk 4: p. 148) From Bill Smith: Red Oak Plat Book :
1880 Montgomery Co, Red Oak Twp, IA p.291
Randolph WATKINS -33 IL OH OH (actually parents born VA, Randolph b. OH)
Tillie -30 PA PA PA
Anna -9 IA
Alla - 8 IA
Geo Wright -13 IA Servant
1881, Oct. 22: Randolph Watkins bought west half of lot 5 and all of lot 6 (Bk 8 p. 184)
1883, Mar 23: He bought the other half of lot 5, (Bk 9: p. 24) Today lot 5 has address of 102 W. Hammond and lot 6 is 104 W. Hammond. (Hard to tell when he built a house and just where it was located - on 1 lot or 2.) From Bill Smith Red Oak Plat Bk.
1882, Feb 10: Deed to Randolph Watkins from CB & QRRd 73acres
SW/4 SW/4 6-72-37
SE/4 SE/4 1-72-38 (Montgomery Co, IA Deed Bk17:211)
1882, Feb 10: Deed to Randolph Watkins from Parkman Hardy, Trustees (for RRd?) same 73acres? * SW/4 SW/4 6-72-37 (Frankfort Twp)
1-72-38 (Montgomery Co Deed Bk17:211)
 ?????1882, March 14 SW/4 of SW/4 of S6-T72-R32 ? RRd. Land
*SE/4 of SE/4 of S1-T72-R38 Red Oak Twp Montgomery Co Deed Bk17:211
1882, Oct 4 : Deed to Randolph Watkins from Rocke 80 acres
SW/2 NW/4 2-71-38 Grant Twp. (Montgomery Co Deed Bk16:327)
1885 MONTGOMERY COUNTY RED OAK TOWNSHIP
Randolph Watkins 40 b- Ohio farmer
Matilda 35 b. Penn.
Anna M. 14 b. Montg. Co
Alma I. 13 b. "
1886, Dec 20: Deed to Randolph Watkins from Fisher
N/2 of SW/4 2-71-38 Grant Twp of SE/4 SE/4 (Montgomery Co Deed Bk22:243)
1887, Jan 29: James H. Watkins bought lot 3 of block 13 (Bk 12: p. 26) That address today is 406 E. Joy (pretty near "back-to-back" with the lots owned by Bernard) From Bill Smith: Red Oak Plat Book :
1895 Iowa State Census for Montgomery Co, IA
R. Watkins 70 b- Ohio 50 yrs in Iowa father born Va. - mother born Ky(sic)
Matilda " 65 b. Penn parents born in Penn
1900 Montgomery Co, Red Oak Twp, IA p. 83 6 June #72/72
Lloyd, William M. -b. Mar 1871-29 IA md 8 yrs f-KY m-IL
", Anna M. -b. July 1871- 29 IA 3 births/3living f. OH m. PA
"Mrgery (sic) G. -b. Sept 1891 -8 IA dau
", Cathrine M. -b. May 1895 5 IA dau
", Herold R. -b. Sept 1899 8mos IA son
next door to Randolph Watkins family (Anna's parents)
#73: (next door)
Watkins, Randolph -b. Dec 1844 - 55 b. OH parents b. VA married 31 yrs. farmer
", Matilda C. wife -b. Aug 1849 -age 50 b. PA parents b. PA 4 births/3 alive
", Bonnie H. dau -b. Oct 1888 -age 11 b. IA at school
Kridhart, Dacie F. "nece" b. Oct 1879 -age 20 single b. IA parents b. IA*
Berriman, Joshua J. "border" -20 IA
*This niece is Daisy Kerrihart, daughter of Thomas Kerrihart, and Tillie's niece. Apparently when Thomas moved to Nebraska and remarried, his son and daughter stayed in Red Oak.
1910 Montgomery Co, Red Oak City, IA 26 April p.123 611 2nd St #328/337
Stevens, Harry E. -30 IA md 1yr. NY OH Laundry proprietor
", Bonnie H -21 IA 2births/2 living children wife
", Marjorie G. -14 mos IA daughter
", Eleanor Loie - 4 mos IA daughter
Watkins, Randolph -66 OH md 41 yrs - father in law VA VA owns house
", Matilda C. - 61 PA mother in law 3 births/ 3 living children
1917 McCoy's Red Oak and Montgomery Co Directory
Watkins:
Randolph-Matilda lives at 611 2nd Street (also Harry and Bonnie Stevens)
Louis Watkins-waiter at Mrs. Mills; lives at 206 Washington Ave.
*****Sent from Bill Smith, researcher in Red Oak, IA.
I have some of the information you requested. I'll list here and hopefully you can sort it out.
I will mail today- (1) "WERE MARRIED HERE" article (2) obit for Mrs. R. Watkins and (3) obit for Randolph Watkins. I was unable to find a death date for Alma Wilkins - so no obit. She is in our cemetery index but it lists only the year of death - I have a note on my "to-do" list to check the death records again in case I missed it.
I have a book which purports to list all who served as county supervisors from the time the county was formed. No Watkins shown - sorry.
The following are some of the census entries you wanted
1885 MONTGOMERY COUNTY RED OAK TOWNSHIP
Randolph Watkins 40 b- Ohio farmer
Matilda 35 Penn.
Anna M. 14 Montg. Co
Alma I. 13 "
The 1895 census is very hard to read. You probably know that a 3 X 5 card was filled out on each individual and were numbered consecutively within the family. The problem is that when they were photocopied no attention was paid to that number so families are all "shuffled" and the cards are so hard to read you can't always tell if you are getting the person in the right family. The following is the best I could do
1895 IOWA MONTGOMERY CO.
R. Watkins 70 b- Ohio 50 yrs in Iowa father born Va. - mother born Ky
Matilda 65 Penn parents born in Penn

Marriage

FAM
@I6@
@I7@
@I116@
@I117@
@I10@
@I3@
@I118@
Interesting that so many Kerrihards went to Nebraska. Matilda Kerrihard and husband Randolph Watkins went to Nebraska even before the others ca 1873-74 but returned after grasshoppers ate them out!
I wrote the following from information provided by Loie Stevens Firkins, granddaughter to Randolph and Tillie Watkins, and from articles in the 1881 History of Montgomery Co, IA, in Red Oak newspapers dated Dec 1918 (50th Wedding Anniversary announcements, exact dates and papers not known), and obituaries for both in the Red Oak Express, January 14, 1927 and June 3, 1929 respectively.)
Randolph ("Dolph") was born and spent his first six years in Knox Co, OHIO and moved with his family to Warren Co, IL in 1850. There he grew up, spending the next 16 years near Monmouth-presumably on a farm. In the spring of 1865, when he turned 21, "Dol" decided to go to Red Oak, Iowa. He remained there for about 9 months and returned to Illinois. His eldest sister and her husband, Ann and Leander Sickman, had moved permanently to Red Oak by 1866. In 1867, Randolph criss crossed Iowa 7 or 8 times, presumably checking out areas for his family to relocate as they came to Red Oak in 1867.
On Christmas Eve, 1868, he and Matilda C. (Tillie) Kerrihard, the daughter of a prominent business man and miller, were married under the first Christmas tree in Red Oak, located at the Methodist Episcopal Church (across street, north of present day church.)
Tillie's family, originally from Strasburg, PA (or Bloomsburg-depending on source!), had come to Red Oak as early as 1857 when she was but 8. She was the daughter of William "Uncle Billy" and Susanna Kerrihard. At the age of 6, her family moved to Davenport and from there to Lewis, IA. When they arrived in Montgomery County, her father built a small mill and manufactured the first flour in the county. In 1860, he moved to Red Oak and built another mill which his sons later ran.
Dol's first job in Red Oak was driving a mail hack from Afton, the western terminus of the Burlington railroad, to Glenwood, IA. "Some of the road which we followed over that mail route was marked only by a single furrow which had been plowed on either side. This was to keep us from getting lost at night or in snow storms. If we crossed this furrow we could easily tell it by the jolt of the buck-board in which we were riding and we made haste to get back into the track again. We charged 10 cents a mile for carrying passengers and it was customary for them to get out and help in case we got stuck on the road. I well remember when I got stuck about 3 o'clock one morning on the road to Red Oak and the tree or four men whom I was hauling refused to get out and help me get out of the mud hole. I said nothing but quietly unhooked my team, threw the mail sack over the back of one horse, got on the other horse myself and rode to Red Oak. The boss told me when I got back here (on) my return trip (copy torn) ...(the men I left) on the prairie that night were so mad when they got into town the next day that they threatened to kill me if they ever saw me again."
Even more exciting was his participation in the "theft" of the county courthouse in the battle over which town – Frankfort or Red Oak – would be county seat. In the middle of a blizzard, a band of hardy Red Oak men managed to move the heavy timber structure by ox teams to its new home in Red Oak. Years later, Randolph Watkins would build his in-town house only a block away from a new Montgomery County Court House. He must have fallen asleep with a big grin on his face as he listened to the hourly chimes of the big Court House clock.
"After I quit the mail route, I went to teaming from Red Oak to Council Bluffs, Omaha, St. Joseph and Nebraska City. I bought corn here in those days for 25 cents a bushel and hauled it to Council Bluffs where I have sold it as high as .35 a bushel to emigrants who were going to California. These emigrants would gather there in large numbers and then were escorted across Nebraska by soldiers as protection against Indians which gave the settlers much trouble at that time I have seen as many as 200 outfits camped where the Council Bluffs city depot now stands.
"There were lots of turkeys raised through this part of the country in those days and commission men would come in here from Council Bluffs and buy them and then drive them to Council Bluffs in great droves. The largest drove I ever saw was one of about 600 which was brought through here from Clarinda. Turkeys were brought by the head then and not by the pound. Hen turkeys were worth 40-50 cents each and gobblers sold at 60 cents each." In addition to working as a teamster hauling goods to surrounding towns, Dol also worked on the railroad when it was built through the area.
In 1873, Randolph took a load of farming implements to Webster Co, Nebraska, where he located a claim and moved his wife and two young daughters. My grandmother (who was not yet born but was told by her mother) that the family lived in a "soddie" (sod house) with flowers growing out of the roof. Her favorite story was of a visit by Indians wanting food. Since her husband was not home at the time, Tillie Watkins tried to get her little daughters to hide in the root cellar but one little girl toddled out and to present the visitors with some bread and jam. They went away happy! This was a few years before Custer's Last Stand.) The family remained just long enough to have their crops destroyed by grasshoppers, then they headed back to Iowa. In 1874, Randolph returned to his Nebraska claim, planted another crop but soon sold out, and returned to Red Oak for good. (Tillie may have stayed in Red Oak with her family since she daughters were so young.)
Back in Montgomery County, Dol bought eighty acres of farm land south of town. In the spring of 1880, he moved to another farm of 80 acres, adjacent to his wife's younger brother, Thomas Kerrihard.
"Dol" Watkins was also good friend of Timothy Wilkins, one of the first editors of "The Express" which was then published in a little room up stairs on the west side of the public square. Wilkins and Watkins both did barbering there for the boys of the neighborhood: Wilkins doing the shaving, Watkins the barbering. "It took both of us to do the work because he couldn't cut hair and I couldn't shave. We did the work for nothing at first but so many of the boys got to coming in that we decided to charge each one a cigar for doing his barbering, and thereafter that was the price to all. And those were real hair cuts too; some of the boys came in with hair hanging almost to their shoulders."
Around 1910 the family moved into town and built a home on 611 2nd Street, across the street from the John Deere store. Randolph kept the farm which he later sold. (SSP: His estate records show that the farm was left to Bonnie.) There, Tillie and Randolph celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1918. Both were members of the Methodist Church. Randolph is said to have served as county commissioner (info which needs to be checked.)
On the return of youngest daughter Bonnie and husband Harry Stevens from Ogden, UT, after death of their 10 year old daughter, the Stevens family (including children Loie and Jack) moved into Watkins home to care for the old couple until their respective deaths.* Tillie died in 1927, two years before her husband. Randolph died in 1929 when Loie was 19 and Jack was almost 14. Tillie and Randolph are buried together in the Red Oak, IA cemetery.
Randolph and Matilda were the parents of four daughters: Charlotte who died in infancy; Alma Wilkins; Anna Lloyd, and Bonnie Stevens. They also raised a foster son, Lou Watkins.
(*according to Loie Stevens. The 1930 census does not bear this out. Stevens then living at 309? W. Coolbaugh St. Need to check census for 611 Second St.) This is the home where my dad grew up, and Bonnie lived until her death in 1965. It was also the home where I always stayed when family visited "Grandma's" in Red Oak. Sadly the house was torn in recent years (except for the garage).
24 DEC 1868
Red Oak, Montgomery Co, IA
Watkins, Randolph married Kerrihard, Matilda Catherine on Dec 24, 1868 by
AJ Anders-Methodist Church Montgomery Co, IA Marriage Register Bk1:21 #A 184
Married on Christmas Eve, 1868 under first Christmas tree in Red Oak. First wedding in Methodist Episcopal church which stood on corner of street north of present ME church on 6th and Hammond. Married under first Christmas tree in Red Oak. Rev. Andrews was minister. Only one piano in town at home of Mrs. Delay, the only one who could play. She agreed to allow piano to be taken to church where she played wedding march. (Another article says Mrs. Delay was visiting town and agreed to play the church's piano) Christmas Tree was a hickory tree with trunk and limbs wrapped in cotton, decorations were pop corn strings and muslin strips soaked in alum which, when dried, produced glistening tinsel effect. Marriage certificate was placed on tree. Only about 300-400 people in town, 45 houses. (Red Oak Express, Dec 1918.)
Prevented from having celebration by restrictions against public gatherings.
(Red Oak Sun, 12-27-1918 " Letters from Mayor L. Ross)
Mr. and Mrs. Randolph Watkins of Red Oak were married 50 years ago Tuesday, but they were prevented from having a celebration by the restrictions against public gatherings. [SSP: due to WWI?] They were married in Red Oak, Dec. 24, 1868. Mrs. Watkins was born in Strassburg, PA July 17, 1849 and came to Red Oak in 1857. Mr. Watkins was born at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, 12-8-1844 and came here in 1865. They have two children Mrs. H. E. Stevens of Red Oak and Mrs. William Lloyd of Ogden, Utah. The Sun extends congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Watkins.
****************
Article found in daughter Bonnie's scrapbook. Check Red Oak Express, Dec 19? 1918
"WERE MARRIED HERE IN OLD M.E. CHURCH
----------------------
Mr. and Mrs. R. Watkins Celebrate Fiftieth Anniversary of Their Wedding---Were Among First Residents Who Came Here to Live.
-----------------------
Mr. and Mrs. R. Watkins will celebrate next Tuesday, Dec. 24, the fiftieth anniversary of the day they were married in Red Oak in the old M.E. church which stood on the corner across the street north of the present M.E. church at Sixth and Hammond streets.
Theirs was the first wedding held in that church and they were married under the first Christmas tree ever in the church. The Rev. Mr. Andrews was the minister who performed the ceremony. That was in 1868.
At the time there was but one piano in Red Oak and that was owned by a Mrs. Delay, and she was the only person in the town who could play the instrument. She kindly consented to allow her piano to be taken to the church for the big event and she played the wedding march. Red Oak was then a town of only about three or four hundred population and there were but forty-five houses here.
Mr. Watkins was born at Mount Vernon, O., Dec. 8, 1844, and Mrs. Watkins was born at Strasburg, Pa., August 17, 1849. He came to Red Oak in 1865, but she had already been a resident here nine years, having come in 1857.
Mr. Watkins' first employment after coming here was driving a mail hack from Afton to Glenwood, the western terminus of the Burlington railroad at that time being at Afton.
"Some of the road which we followed over that mail route," said Mr. Watkins in talking of his early days in Red Oak, "was marked only by a single furrow which had been plowed on either side. This was to keep us from getting lost at night or in snow storms. If we crossed this furrow we could easily tell it by the jolt of the buck-board in which we were riding and we made haste to get back into the track again.
"We charged ten cents a mile for carrying passengers and it was customary for them to get out and help in case we got stuck on the road. I well remember when I got stuck about 3 o'clock one morning on the road to Red Oak and the three or four men whom I was hauling refused to get out and help me get out of the mud hole. I said nothing but quietly unhooked my team, threw the mail-sack over the back of one horse, got on the other horse myself and rode to Red Oak. The boss told me when I got back here on my return trip from Afton that those men I left out on the prairie that night were so mad when they got into town the next day that they threatened to kill me if they ever saw me again.
" After I quit the mail route I went to teaming from Red Oak to Council Bluffs, Omaha, St. Joseph and Nebraska City. I bought corn here in those days for 25 cents a bushel and hauled it to Council Bluffs where I have sold it as high as .35 a bushel to emigrants who were going to California. These emigrants would gather there in large numbers and then were escorted across Nebraska by soldiers as a protection against attacks from the Indians which gave the settlers much trouble at that time. I have seen as many as 200 outfits camped where the Council Bluffs city depot now stands.
"There were lots of turkeys raised through this part of the country in those days and commission men would come in here from Council Bluffs and buy them and then drive them to Council Bluffs in great droves. The largest drove I ever saw was one of about 600 which was brought through here from Clarinda. Turkeys were bought by the head then and not by the pound. Hen turkeys were worth 40to 50 cents each and gobblers sold at 60 cents each."
Mr. Watkins has been a subscriber of the Express ever since the paper has been published, beginning with the first issue which was printed at Quincy, the first county seat of Adams county.
"I was an intimate friend of Timothy Wilkins, one of the first editors of The Express," said Mr. Watkins. "The paper was published at that time in a little room up stairs on the west side of the public square. He and I did barbering there for the boys of the neighborhood; he did the shaving and I did the hair cutting. It took both of us to do the work because he couldn't cut hair and I couldn't shave.
"We did the work for nothing at first but so many of the boys got to coming in that we decided to charge each one a cigar for doing his barbering, and thereafter that was the price to all. And those were real hair cuts too; some of the boys came in with hair hanging almost to their shoulders."
Mr. and Mrs. Watkins are the parents of two children --Mrs. Harry Stevens of Red Oak and Mrs. W.M. Lloyd of Ogden, Utah. They have ten grandchildren and one great grandchild. They also raised Lew Watkins who is now a resident of Denver. Mrs. Lloyd and Mr. Watkins will be here next week to enjoy the celebration which will be held at the Watkins home in commemoration of the fifty years of happiness which Mr. and Mrs. Watkins have enjoyed in their life together.
*****
Red Oak Express , Jan 1, 1925 (56th anniversary) copy in file w/ photo
Red Oak Couple Wed Fifty-six Years
Special to The Nonpareil,
RED OAK, Ia., Jan. 1. -- Fifty-six years ago Christmas eve, under the first public Christmas tree in Red Oak accompanied with a wedding march on the first piano ever brought into this city, Mr. and Mrs. Randolph Watkins were married, (by) Rev. Andrews in the first Methodist church built in this city and now used as an apartment house.
In honor of the occasion, the symbol of the Yuletide season--the Christmas tree--was the principal feature of the decorations in the Watkins home where their children and many relatives gathered to celebrate the event, the entire party attending the Christmas exercises at the Methodist church Christmas eve beside in recollection of the past event when the best gift on the old fashioned Christmas tree comprising a hickory tree with trunk and limbs wrapped in cotton and the decorations composed of pop corn string and muslin strips soaked in alum which when dry produced the glistening stincel effect on which was placed the marriage certificate which launched a happy companionship that has continued down through the years.
The first piano ever brought to Red Oak was in the old church and Mr. and Mrs. Watkins recall that for a short time it was feared that this wonderful instrument could not be used for the occasion as there was no one in the city that could play a piano. However, Mrs. DeLay happened to be spending the Christmas holiday in Red Oak and she was able to play and consented to do so for the event, thus eliminating the only possible marr (sic) to the occasion.
Mrs. Watkins has resided in this community for the past sixty-three years as a continuous resident. Her maiden name was Matilda Catherine Kerrihard. She was born in Bloomsburg, Marion county, Pa., August 17, 1849. With her parents she came to Red Oak from Davenport in 1861.
Mr. Watkins was born in Vernon, Ohio, December 8, 1844, and came to this city in an early day from Monmouth, Ill. He is unable to give the exact date but it was a short time after his wife came here with her parents.
They were the parents of three children, one having died. Two daughters, who were at home in honor of the event were Mrs. W. M. Lloyd, of Ogden, Utah, and Mrs. Harry E. Stevens, of Red Oak. They are the grandparents of eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Mrs. Lloyd and great granddaughter, Joyce Hall, of Ogden, and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Stevens and family were among the relatives present at the festivities which commemorated the anniversary.
Mrs. Watkins celebrated her 75th birthday in August and Mr. Watkins was 80 years of age December 8, but despite their advanced years they are hale and hearty and enjoy the blessings that come to those in happy wedlock in their fine home at 611 Second street in Red Oak."
First Methodist Church
Hist
"First Methodist Church
The first sermon ever preached in Montgomery county was delivered in 1855 by Rev. James Rand, a Methodist circuit rider from Adams county. It was another Methodist circuit rider, Rev. Samuel Farlow of Clarinda, who preached the first sermon in Red Oak, in the spring of 1857. This meeting was in a log cabin, which was situated near a spring on what is now East Coolbaugh. In 1861 the first Methodist church building was commenced, and was located on the northeast corner of Sixth and Hammond, across the street north of the present location. In 1869 Red Oak became a station with a regular assigned pastor, and the second church building was erected on the southeast corner of Sixth and Hammond during the years 1874 and 1875. In 1903-1905 the third church was built on the same location, and in 1928 the church was remodeled to provide room for church school classes. At the present time the church is being redecorated, and the new Shepard Memorial organ has been installed."
http://iagenweb.org/montgomery/histories/cavalcade/cavalcadepg78.htm
FAM
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@I19@
@I21@
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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.
[2][3]

Name: Randolph Watkins. [4]

Born 8 Dec 1844. , Knox, Ohio, USA. [4]

Residence 1 Jan 1925. Red Oak, Montgomery, Iowa. [4]

Sources

  1. Source: #S6 Quality or Certainty of Data: 3 Page: p. 126
  2. Source: #S7
  3. Source: #S8
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Source: #S336
  • Source: S12 Abbreviation: Red Oak, IA Cemetery Headstone Title: Red Oak, IA Cemetery Headstone Subsequent Source Citation Format: Red Oak, IA Cemetery Headstone BIBL Red Oak, IA Cemetery Headstone. Text: KERRIHARD CONT Wm H.- d. Jan 7 1880 age 62-5-14 CONT Susanna d. Nov 30 1893 age 75-9-7 CONT CONT Henry C. - 1843-1908 CONT Nancy E. -1847=1932 CONT CONT William R.-1877-1946 VFW CONT Eva K. - 1881-1946 CONT CONT Maxwell L. 1899-1971 CONT Judith N. - 1901-1975 CONT CONT Dale R. 1893-1910 CONT Kate - 1872-1944 CONT Edgar W.-1870-1935 CONT CONT WATKINS CONT Randolph 1844-1929 CONT Matilda C.-1849-1927 CONT CONT Edwin Sickmon Jan 1863-April 1939 CONT (buried next to parents Ann and Leander Sickmon, and grandfather Bernard Watkins) Data: Text: Section E262 Red Oak Cemetery CONT CONT WATKINS CONT Randolph 1844-1929 CONT Matilda C.-1849-1927
  • Source: S15 Abbreviation: History of Montgomery County, Iowa Title: History of Montgomery County Iowa CONT CONT (Iowa Historical and Biographical Co., 1881 pp. 502, 585-86, 646-47.) Subsequent Source Citation Format: History of Montgomery County Iowa CONT CONT BIBL History of Montgomery County Iowa CONT CONT . Iowa Historical and Biographical Co., 1881 pp. 502, 585-86, 646-47. Text: 502 (Kerrihard), 585-86 Erial Stevens, 646-47 Randolph Watkins. CONT HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, IOWA; 1881; pp. 585-86 CONT "STEVENS, ERIAL, farmer, section 16, P. O. Red Oak. He has a farm of 240 acres of land, all improved, an orchard of 125 trees, all bearing. Mr. Stevens was born in Niagara County, New York, March 1, 1842. When about thirteen years of age left New York and began life on his own responsibility, stopping in Knox Co., Ohio, remaining there about thirteen years; then in 1868, came to Montgomery County, Iowa, locating in Red Oak, and worked at the carpenter trade for about three years. In 1871 bought his present farm, and since that time has followed farming and stock raising with the best of results. Butter making has been carried on most successfully by him. Mr. Stevens was married in 1866, in Delaware County, Ohio, to Miss Rose Hawkins of Knox County, Ohio. They have 4 children living: Eva L., Willie D., Independence, Harry E., and one dead, Ida E. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens are both members of the Christian church at Red Oak. Mr. Stevens enlisted July 21, 1861, in company C, Thirty-second Ohio infantry volunteers; served all through the war; was mustered out of service July 21, 1865, having served four years; was not wounded but hit several times with spent balls. His regiment was in forty-seven battles, and Mr. Stevens was with his regiment in all of them. Among them might be named some of the more important battles and marches, Cross Keys in the Shenandoah Valley, Vicksburg, with Grant all through his battles, and with Sherman on his march to the Sea, Atlanta, Georgia, 21st and 22d of July, 1864. Was taken prisoner at Harper's Ferry in 1862, and was exchanged in January 1963; after that time was in the Western Army. Was at the Battle of Lookout Mtn. (Tennessee); there had his gun shot out of his hand, the barrel bursting and killing a comrade. Mr. Stevens' history and his experiences as a soldier in the defense of his country merit more space than can here be given to it." CONT Data: Text: Montgomery County Iowa Biographical Sketches p. 646-47 (Randolph Watkins) CONT Red Oak Township
  • Source: S5 Abbreviation: Ann Watkins Sickman Obituary Title: Newspaper Obit. (Red Oak newspaper (based on internal evidence) Dec 3-10 . 1879) Subsequent Source Citation Format: Newspaper Obit. BIBL Newspaper Obit. Red Oak newspaper (based on internal evidence) Dec 3-10 . 1879. Text: Died.--In Red Oak Tuesday morning, Dec. 2d, 1879, Mrs. Ann Elizabeth Sickman, wife of Leander Sickman, in the 45th year of her age. CONT CONT Mrs. S. was born Aug 1, 1835, in Knox county, Ohio--moved to Illinois with her parents in 1850--was married in 1862, and moved with her husband to this place in 1863, where she lived until the time of her death. She joined the M.E. church at an early age, and continued throughout her life a faithful and devoted christian. She had long been a sufferer but bore her affliction with resignation and fortitude, and when death came she was fully prepared to go. She leaves a husband and two children to mourn their loss. CONT The funeral took place at the M.E. church, Wednesday at 11 A.M. and was largely attended by friends and relatives of the deceased. Rev. O'Neal, pastor of the church preached a sermon on the occasion.
  • Source: S6 Abbreviation: Montgomery County, IA Death Records Title: Death Records, Montgomery County (Red Oak) Iowa County Court House Subsequent Source Citation Format: Death Records, Montgomery County (Red Oak) Iowa County Court House BIBL Death Records, Montgomery County (Red Oak) Iowa County Court House. Text: p. 87-Matilda Watkins CONT p. 126-Randolph Watkins
  • 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.

Acknowledgments

Thank you to Sara Patton for creating WikiTree profile Watkins-1619 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.



Biography

Randolph was born in 1844. Randolph Watkins ... He passed away in 1929. [5]

Can you add any information on Randolph Watkins? Please help grow his WikiTree profile. Everything you see here is a collaborative work-in-progress.

Sources

  1. Source: #S6 Quality or Certainty of Data: 3 Page: p. 126
  2. Source: #S7
  3. Source: #S8
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Source: #S336
  5. Entered by Sara Patton, Sunday, November 17, 2013.


No sources. The events of Randolph's life were either witnessed by Sara Patton or Sara plans to add sources here later.

Footnotes

Acknowledgments

Thank you to Sara Patton for creating Watkins-2195 on 17 Nov 13. Click the Changes tab for the details on contributions by Sara and others.

  • Source: S336 Iowa State Census Collection, 1836-1925 Ancestry.com Publication: Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2007.Original data - Microfilm of Iowa State Censuses, 1856, 1885, 1895, 1905, 1915, 1925 as well various special censuses from 1836-1897 obtained from the State Historical Society of Iowa

No REPO record found with id R5.

  • Source: S339 Ancestry Family Trees Publication: Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network. Original data: Family Tree files submitted by Ancestry members. Note: This information comes from 1 or more individual Ancestry Family Tree files. This source citation points you to a current version of those files. Note: The owners of these tree files may have removed or changed information since this source citation was created.




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