GEO. K. WATKINS, stock-shipper; P.O. Oakford; was born in Menard Co., Ill., Feb 11, 1837; son of Samuel and Sophia Watkins, who settled in Illinois at an early day. Mr. Watkins was educated at the home schools, and, at the age of 26, married Mary A. Thomas, in December, 1863, daughter of Joshua Thomas, of Menard Co. They have one child living - Miss Alice Watkins, born July 7, 1867, and now being educated in Mason Co. Mr. Watkins began life at the age of 17, with 40 acres of land, and he has now over 2, 000. He is one of the largest stock-dealers in this county, shipping annually 110 carloads of hogs and from 40 to 50, of cattle. He also devotes much care to farming; he has now over 1,000 acres of corn, 120 of wheat and oats, the rest of farm is pasture.