Birdie Clyde WATTS

     Birdie Clyde WATTS, daughter of George Weaver WATTS and Adelia Reed, was born on 11 September 1894 in Bibb County, Alabama.¹ The young Birdie had sandy blonde hair and a beautiful peaches and cream complexion that remained with her throughout her life. Late in life she was a large, friendly woman universally beloved by her children and grandchildren. Mama Burt was a marvelous cook, who dellighted in large family gatherings. One of her joys was singing and playing the piano, with "Little Brown Jug" being one of her favorite songs, and the one most requested by the grandkids. Mama Burt could not read music, but was a natural muscian and "played by ear." Her daughter, Nell, recalled that her mother would ask her to play a tune on the piano while she listened, then would sit down at the piano and practice what she had heard until she could play it herself.

Birdie Clyde WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 11 June 1900, in the household of her parents George Weaver WATTS and Adelia Reed in Precinct 2, Scottsville, Bibb County, Alabama. She was five years old.²

Birdie Clyde WATTS and India Ellen WATTS appeared in a newspaper article 27 April 1911 in the The Blocton Enterprise, published in West Blocton, Alabama. Scottsville Items-- Misses Etta Reach, Birdie Watts, Eva Lou Clark and India Watts spent Sunday with Miss Beatrice Bice.

Irby Leon BURT, Birdie Clyde WATTS and Willie Norma WATTS appeared in a newspaper article 7 March 1912 in the The Centreville Press, published in Centreville, Alabama. Scottsville News-- Miss Etta Reach entertained on last Saturday evening in honor of her guest, Miss Emma Lewis, of Lucile. The following couples spent a delightful evening with her: Mr. Irby Burt, Miss Birdie Watts, Mr. Louis Clark, Miss Stella Grimes, Mr. J. H. Stewart, Miss Emma Lewis, Mr. Jewell Wooley, Miss Beatrice Bice, Mr. Herbert Murphy, Miss Grace Lewis, Mr. Marion Bice, Miss Gertrude Wooley, Mr. Fred Bice, Miss Eva Lou Clark, Mr. Bunyan Stamps, Miss Georgia Pierson, Mr. Grady Murphy, Miss Lillie Pierson, Mr. Luther Reach, Miss Hazel Snyder, Andrew Woods, Miss Norma Watts, Mr. Otis Pierson, Miss Diana Hall, Mr. Andrew Blake. After indulging in various amusements, refreshments, consisting of hot chocolate and cake, were served by Misses Reach and Lewis. At a late hour the guests took their departure, each voting Miss Reach an ideal hostess.

Birdie married Irby Leon BURT, son of Eustace Pierre BURT and Martha Jane YEAGER, on 25 December 1912 at the home of George Watts in Scottsville, Alabama. Justice of Peace W. T. Wood officiated the wedding service.^1,3

Birdie Clyde WATTS and Irby Leon BURT appeared in a newspaper article 27 February 1919 in the Centreville Press, published in Cemtreville, Alabama. Mr. and Mrs. Irby Burt and children spent Sunday with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Watts.

Birdie Clyde WATTS and Irby Leon BURT appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 June 1920 in Scottsville, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as Irby Leon Burt, age 27; his wife Birdie, age 25; daughters, French Inez, age 6; Ferry, age 5; Ruth A., age 3 1/2; and son Irby Leon, Jr., age 3 months. All were born in Alabama. Living with them were servants Doc and Viola Ray.⁴

Birdie Clyde WATTS and Irby Leon BURT appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 15 April 1930 in Beat 2, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as Irby L. Burt, age 37 and a farmer. He owned his home, could read and write, and owned a radio. He first married at age 20. He and his parents were born in Alabama. His wife, Birdie C. Burt, was 35 years old. and had first married when she was 18. She could also read and write. Both she and her parents were born in Alabama. Their children were French I., age 16; Ferry E., age 15; Ruth A., age 12; Mallory M., age 9; George E., age 6; Vincent A., age 3 1/12; and Varner L., age 1 4/12. Living next door was Irby's father, Eustace.⁵

Birdie Clyde WATTS and Irby Leon BURT were members of the West Blocton Methodist Church until 1965 when they moved their membership to the newly organized Southern Methodist Church in Centreville as charter members. They continued to attend and support the church until their deaths.

Birdie Clyde WATTS and Irby Leon BURT appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 17 April 1940 in West Blocton, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as I. L. Burt, a 47-year-old saw mill operator, and his 45-year-old wife Birdie Burt. He had completed 7 years of school and she 8 years. Also in the household were their children: daughter Ferry, age 24, 4 years of high school; daughter Ruth, age 22, 4 years of high school; son Mallory, age 19, 3 years of hight school; son George, age 15, 6 years school; son Vincent, age 13, 6 years of school; son Varner, age 11, 5 years of school; daughter Birdie, age 9, 2 years of school; and son Billie, age 5. They lived on Popular Street.

Birdie Clyde WATTS appeared in a newspaper article 7 July 1949 in the The Centreville Press, published in Centreville, Alabama. Watts Reunion Held Sunday, July 3rd -- On Sunday, July 3rd, 1949 marked the annual reunion of the George Watts family. They met at Scottsville at the Old Picnic grounds with a bountiful dinner, ice cream and swimming in Schultz Creek.

Those attending were: Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Watts, Mr. and Mrs. Crathon Watts and children, Mr and Mrs. E. C. Watts and children, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Watts and daughter, Mr. Otis Watts and children, Mrs. James F. Elliott, Mr. and Mrs. Talmadge Watts and children, Mr. and Mrs. James Watts, Mr. and Mrs. John Grey, Mrs. Mae Watts, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Watts and children, Mrs. Charlie Sessions and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Watts, Mr. and Mrs. Meigs Kornegay and children, Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Story and children, Mr. and Mrs. Elbre Mitchell and children, Mr. and Mrs. I. L. Burt and children, Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Stewart and children, Miss Marcia McLaren and Mr. Gustav Kornegay.

All departed for their home in the afternoon, reporting a wonderful time and looking forward to being together again next year. Signed-- One who was there.⁶

Grandmother Burt was assisted in running her large household by Odell, a descendant of James C. Burt's former slave, Ambrose Burt. Odell and grandmother Burt shared the cooking duty, and the wonderful meals that they produced are well remembered by the grandkids. Odell was always considered a member of the famiily and was like a second mother to the kids. She and grandmother Burt never missed their favorite soap, "As the World Turns."

Birdie Clyde WATTS died on 6 May 1982 in West Blocton, Bibb County, Alabama, at age 87. She was buried in Scottsville Cemetery, Bibb County, Alabama.