Martha Leah (Byrne) Watts (1853 - 1929)

Born 10 Apr 1853 in Granville, Jackson, Tennessee, United States

Ancestors

Wife of James Bennett Watts — married 29 Jan 1874 in Jackson, Tennessee, United States

Descendants

Died 31 Dec 1929 at age 76 in Blackwell, Nolan, Texas, United States

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Larry Jones [send private message]

Biography

IN MEMORY OF MRS. MATTIE WATTS We loved her! We loved her face, which reflected an almost faith in God. We loved that spirit that kept her buoyant even after her paralysis affliction. We loved that faint whisper that apprised us she was nearer God’s portals that she was to us. We loved her silent being, her beautiful eyes, as when unable to speak more she raised her almost lifeless hand upward toward God where He waited for her. How much better we feel to take up our cross and try harder than ever to live a better life! How much more we want to sing the dear old songs, the songs that she requested to be sung to her in her last illness, “How Firm A Foundation,” Jesus, Lover of My Soul,” “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” and “Amazing Grace.”

Mrs. Mattie L. Watts, age 75 years, 8 months and 20 days, was born April 10th, 1853. She was born at Bainsboro, Tennessee; converted to the Christian religion at the age of twelve years, and joined the Methodist Church, of which she was a loyal member and a faithful worker until affection of paralysis rendered her a cripple in 1924. All of her children were at her bedside in the home of her daughter, Mrs. W. L. Chem of Blackwell, to shower upon her their love and give her all the tender care in their power.

Note: Bainsboro/Gainsboro, TN is a mistake – Mattie Leah (Byrne) Watts was born near Granville, TN.

Many friends of the Chem family were exceedingly kind and helpful. Rev. L. N. Lipscomb of Sweetwater preached Mrs. Watts’ funeral. He was better able and more fitted for the occasion since Mrs. Watts mothered him and his wife before he became a preacher. He loved her and he has her wonderful inspiration to strive to impart to others. Thus will the gems of her life be scattered on and on and on. Rev. Lipscomb is only one who had the rare privilege of coming in direct contact with Mother Watts. Many others can testify to the radiance of her life of light and love. Rev. Van Zandt, Methodist pastor of Blackwell, offered some thoughts at the service which were held in the Methodist Church of Blackwell. The interment was in the Blackwell cemetery.

“To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone and in that stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” (Rev. 217, which is the text that Rev. Lipscomb based his remarks upon. Mother Watts loved that part of the scriptures.

Mrs. Watts is survived by her husband, J. B. Watts, age 80, and by one sister and three brothers. The sister and two brothers live in Tennessee and the other brother in the state of Oregon. She is also survived by five children and has two dead. The five children are: Walter Watts of Fort Worth; Will Watts of Abilene: Mrs. Dee Lauless of Goree; Mrs. H.C. McKee of El Paso, having visited Mrs. Chem only two weeks before her death. Other relatives are: A niece, Mrs. Mattie Wren of Big Spring, and Mrs. Margaret Watts of Snyder and children, who attended the funeral. The Watts family are well known here, having lived a number of years near Snyder. For the past few years they have been living at El Paso.

She passed away in 1929 in Texas.

Sources

• "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M8YM-LNZ : 18 February 2021), Martha Byrne in entry for Terrel Byrne, 1860.
• "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MDDH-X35 : 29 May 2021), Martha L Byre in entry for Terrell Byre, 1870.
• "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MDWD-KHH : 15 January 2022), Mattie Watts in household of Ben Watts, Smith, Tennessee, United States; citing enumeration district , sheet , NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm .
• "United States Census, 1900", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3PF-RLZ : 30 November 2021), M L Watts in entry for John B Watts, 1900.
• "United States Census, 1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHTN-PW8 : accessed 18 July 2022), Mattie Watts in household of James B Watts, Scurry, Texas, United States; citing , sheet , line , family , NARA microfilm publication T625 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1992), roll ; FHL microfilm .
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/14503604/mattie-leah-watts : accessed 18 July 2022), memorial page for Mattie Leah Byrne Watts (10 Apr 1853–31 Dec 1929), Find a Grave Memorial ID 14503604, citing Blackwell Cemetery, Blackwell, Nolan County, Texas, USA ; Maintained by Sandi (contributor 46843765) .
• "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3QC-7Z5 : 20 February 2021), Mattle Lea Byrne in entry for Mattie Leah Watts, 31 Dec 1929; citing certificate number 60780, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,135,162.