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Submitted: 11/20/15 • Approved: 11/20/15 • Last Updated: 3/25/18 • R95012-G0-S3
1856-1942
J. G. WATKINS
Funeral services for JESSE GRANVILLE WATKINS, 86, a member of one of Texas' most noted families, who died late Friday night at his home, 5502 McComas, will be conducted at the First Presbyterian Church of Henderson, Rusk County, at 3 p.m. Sunday by Dr. FLOYD POE of Dallas and Dr. S. D. LOGAN of Henderson. Burial will be at Henderson.
Born in Nacogdoches in 1856, Mr. Watkins was the grandson of JESSE JERNIGAN WATKINS, Virginian and friend of Gen. SAM HOUSTON, who came to Texas in 1833 to aid the revolution at the General's request. The elder Watkins was killed by Indians in 1837.
Mr. Watkins was educated by private tutors and in Henderson College. He also attended the first school taught by GEORGE P. GARRISON at Henderson in 1874-75 and the Linn Flatt Academy in Nacogdoches County. Since he was 18 years old, Mr. Watkins had been a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church.
In 1889, he married Miss ANNE BROWN, daughter of RICHARD BROWN and NANCY JANE COOK. Her father was a Mier Expedition prisoner and one of those Texans released upon drawing one of the famous white beans.
Mr. Watkins was a charter member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas and a charter member of the JESSE WATKINS Chapter at Henderson, Sons of the American Revolution. He formerly was a businessman and county official at Henderson. He moved to Dallas in 1932 to make his home with his daughters, Miss MARY LELAND WATKINS, primary supervisor of this county, and Miss VIRDIAN WATKINS, Dallas school teacher. He was a member of the City Temple Presbyterian Church here.
Surviving are his two daughters and a son, ROBERT BROWN WATKINS of Ennis, Ellis County.
Pallbearers at the funeral Sunday will be JOHN E. ADAMS, TYLER WATSON, RADE KANGERGA, CHARLES RETTIG, VERNON RAYFORD, and S. L. RAMSEY, all of Henderson.
From the Dallas Morning News published at Dallas, Texas.
Contributed on 11/20/15 by justplaincountryphotography
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Record #: 95012