WATKINS, JAMES ALBERT. - In the strenuous days when almost universal conflict paralyzes the farmers of foreign countries, the value of the American farmer as the producer of food-stuffs with which to feed the world is more than ever recognized, and Cass County can point with pride to some of the most able, practical and industrious agriculturists to be found in the state. One of these men is James Albert Watkins, who not only carries on his own work successfully, but influences others to follow his example. He was born at Oregon Point, Cass County, November 19, 1865, a son of William and Emeline M. (Hinchee) Watkins, the former born in Wayne County, Ohio, and the latter of Kentucky. These parents were married in Menard County, Ill., prior to the Civil war, and on coming to Cass County bought a farm in township 18, range 9, at Oregon Point, to which they added at various times until they owned 360 acres. The father operated this farm until 1903, when he retired to Virginia and is now making it his home. He and his wife had the following children: Nancy, who died at the age of three years; Charles, who died in Kansas in 1892; William T., who is of Davis County, Iowa; Elijah, who is of Chandlerville; Margaret, who is now Mrs. M. F. Way, lives in Cass County; Lydia, who is now deceased, married Elmer Baker; James Albert; and Bell, who is the widow of William Weber of Peoria, Ill. The mother of these children died February 2, 1879. For his second wife the father married Bell Gordley, and they have one son, Warred G., of Philadelphia.

James Albert Watkins attended the schools of Oregon, and growing up on his father's farm learned how to be a farmer to some practical purpose. He has spent his life upon his birthplace, and when his father retired took charge of the property and is now carrying on farming and stock raising. In addition to the homestead he conducts 120 acres of his own land, one and one-half miles distant, his judgement and industry making his work pay him a good return on his investment.

On February 12, 1903, Mr. Watkins married Jennie Van Etten, born in Mason County, Ill., September 24, 1867, a daughter of David and Julia (Butler) Van Etten, natives of New York state and Pennsylvania, respectively. They have no children. Mr. Watkins is a Democrat, and served as road commissioner for three years. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America at Chandlerville, and is popular and respected in that order, as he is among his other associates.