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 OSEPH H. WATKINS is a prosperous farmer residing on section 5, Seven Hickory Township, nine miles northwest of Charleston. He was born March 1, 1828, in County Wexford, Ireland. His father was also a native of the same county, although the family came from Wales. His mother., Margaretta Jackaberry, was likewise a native of Ireland, but of Danish descent, her family having come from Denmark to Ireland at the time of the Revolution. Their family consisted of eight children, six of whom are now living: Thomas and Willie, deceased; John W.; Rebecca, the widow of James Steele; Joseph H., the subject of this sketch; Edward; Essie, Mrs. William Powell, resides in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Hattie G., the wife of Andrew Porter, also resides in Cincinnati; all of the family were born in Ireland. His parents died in their native country, the father in 1840, and the mother in 1848. Joseph Watkins’ marriage took place in his native county, and soon after, in the winter of 1850, with his wife and his younger brother, Edward, he sailed for the United States, seeking to build a home and fortune for himself in this land of freedom, which offers, so many privileges for advancement in life, to people of all nationalities. They landed at New Orleans, Jan 22, 1851, and from there went to Butler County, Ohio, where Mr. Watkins found employment during the summer on a farm, and in the winter operated an engine. In the autumn of 1854, before the cold weather came on, he removed to Coles County, Ill., and engaged in farming on rented land, near Charleston. He remained there until August, 1862. when he enlisted in Co. K, 123d Ill. Mtd. Inf. After he had been in the service a few months, he was stricken down with a malignant form of typhoid fever, and was sent to the hospital at Louisville, Ky. The disease made such serious inroads upon his health that he never recovered sufficiently to join his regiment, and in March, 1863, was mustered out of service at Gallatin, Tenn., on account of disability. For five years he was a cripple and for two years was confined to his bed by sciatic rheumatism, resulting from the attack of typhoid fever from which he had suffered while in the army, and which had settled in his hip. During his absence and long illness his wife and children bravely took up the burdens of life, and carried on the farm quite successfully. Mrs. Joseph Watkins died April 11, 1864, leaving a family of five children. William, the eldest, was born in Ireland; he married Miss Marietta Weaver, of Coles County, Ill., and in December, 1863, left his home and business to engage in the service of his adopted country. Soon after his enlistment he was attacked with measles, which is always a serious malady when occurring in adult life, and especially so under the unfavorable environments of the camp. His health was never restored to its former vigor, but he remained with his regiment and took part in several battles. He was mustered out in June, 1865. After his return home he resumed farming, and passed the remainder of his life in this county, his death occurring Feb. 14, 1881. Margaretta was born in Ireland, and became the wife of Daniel B. Miller, who resides in Clark County, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Miller have a family of six children. Robert K. was born in Butler County, Ohio, and is now living in Minnesota; John W., also born in_Butler County, Ohio, is married and resides in this county, and is the father of one child; Allen J. was born in Coles County, where he now resides; he is married and has a family of two children. In the autumn of 1864, Mr. Watkins was married to Mrs. Martha Downey, of Westfield, Clark Co., Ill. After a happy married life of ten years, Mrs. Watkins died in the spring of 1874. In June of the following year, Mr. Watkins married Miss Eliza M. Carr, of Coles County. Two children were born to them—Essie L. and Emma; the former born May 14, 1876, and the latter March 26, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Watkins are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Watkins has acquired his property by industry and enterprise. On coming to this county, his possessions consisted of $300 in money and a team. In 1866 he purchased 120 acres of his present homestead, a view of which is given elsewhere in this volume, and as he was prospered in business, added to his estate. He now owns 240 acres of valuable land, all of which is under good cultivation. He is a patriotic citizen of his adopted country, and in politics, is a member of the Republican party. |
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