Susan Birdwell and Joel S. Watkins married 4 Feb 1827 in Lawrence County, Alabama. They probably married at Hopewell Baptist Church which the Birdwells attended at that time. They lived at Oakville in Lawrence County in 1849.
Joel W. Watkins (says Lawrence County Marriage Book 1A, p.227), 1/9/1827 (bond), to Susan Birdwell; Original marriage record (2/4/1827; and Gandrud, p.39) say Joel S. Watkins. Joel W. Watkins, bondsman, was father of Joel S. Watkins.
He died 1875 according to one family tree.
No marker found. Thought to be buried at Somerville Cemetery, where children who lived on his land after him are buried, but interment information and date not definitely known.
One family tree online gives his name as Joel Charlton Watkins and says he died at Cross County, Arkansas (no source stated). His son Reuben's death certificate gives his parents' names as Shaston Watkins and Susan Burdwell. 1870 census shows his name Charten Watkins. Apparently his name was Joel Sharten or Sharlton Watkins.
If he did die in Arkansas, his widow definitely returned to Morgan County, Alabama.
The different Watkins family trees show a great deal of confusion concerning the various men named Joel Watkins. Some show Joel S. Watkins (who married Susan Birdwell) as a son of Joel W. Watkins (1772-1838?*) and Elizabeth Dills (1778-1872); grandson of Isham Watkins (1744/52-1816) and Elizabeth Walton (1750-1818).
Other family trees show Joel Watkins and Elizabeth Dills' son Joel as a different Joel Watkins.
Still others show that Isham and Elizabeth Walton Watkins, of Louisa County, Virginia, were the parents of one Joel D. Watkins who married Polly Biggers Lipscomb and remained in Louisa County, Virginia.
A descendant believes that Joel S. Watkins moved to Morgan County in 1850 to work with his father, Joel W. Watkins, who is thought to have operated a ferry between Watkins Bluff on the Madison County side and the mouth of Cotaco Creek.
* Joel W. Watkins died in 1853 in Triana, Madison County, having appeared on the 1850 federal census with his sister Nancy and her son. The 1838 death date given for him in the family trees cited above would appear to be incorrect, according to Gary Watkins.
Louisa Co VA Deed Book R, p. 277: 4-Jan-1827. Grantor: Absalom Kennon, Grantee: John D. Watkins
1828: Absalom Kennon of LAWRENCE COUNTY, ALABAMA appoint John D. Watkins in Louisa (Co.,VA.) my lawful attorney in and about the estate of Joseph Kennon, dec'd. in Louisa County. Rec. Jan 14, 1828.
Perhaps some have confused "Joel W. Watkins" with Evan Watkins (1767-1840) who married Mary Ann Dill. He was born in Rutherford Co., N.C., apparently never lived in Virginia, moved to Alabama in 1819 and died in St. Clair Co., AL. [Find A Grave Memorial# 176331661]
Madison County, Alabama, June 1, 1811: The Enon Baptist Church Minutes state that the church authorized Brethren Watkins, Pruet Brock, Birdwell and Powell to view a place for a meeting house.
This was William Watkins (1756-1832). He and his wife Susannah C. Coleman were shown on the membership rolls at Enon Church. (Find A Grave Memorial# 61906034)
William Watkins was the son of James Watkins & wife Martha Thompson who was the daughter of Robert Thompson and Sarah Farley. William Thompson's uncle was Isham Thompson of Elbert County, Georgia (ref., Early Settlers of Alabama by James Edmonds Saunders).
One family tree shows William and Susannah Watkins as the parents of Coleman, Milton, James Coleman, William and Martha Watkins (no son Joel S. Watkins on this list). This information appears to be taken from Early Settlers of Alabama.
TIMELINE:
1827, 9 Jan/4 Feb Lawrence Co, AL: Joel Watkins married Susan Birdwell
1830 Lawrence Co., AL: Joel S. Watkins (he & wife 20-29, 1 daughter under 5)
1840 Lawrence County, AL: J.C. Watkins (household of 17, plus 5 slaves)
1850 Somerville, Morgan Co, AL:
Joel S Watkins 48 VA
Susan Watkins 43 TN
Sally M 20
Martha L 18
Lucinda B 16
Mary A 14
Salina 12
Robert G 10
Matilda E 6
Reuben S 4
James T age 0 (3 months & 1/2 mo)
1859, Dec 1: Joel S Watkins bought his farm at Somerville for $1500. The land abstract refers only to a specific quarter section (still owned by descendants today) but states that other land is included in the transaction, probably including all of the 620 acres that was probated by heirs in 1895.
1860: Morgan Co, AL, Eastern Division (P.O. Valhermoso)
Joel S Watkins 56 VA
Susan Watkins 50 TN
Lucinea 22 (Lucinda, correct age 26)
Mary A 20 (correct age 24)
Caroline J 18 (Salina age 22)
Robt G 16 (age 20)
Matilda E 14 (age 16)
Reuben S 12 (age 14)
Jas T Watkins 10
Thos S Watkins 8
1866 Alabama State Census: J.S. Watkins, Morgan Co., AL.
1870: Morgan Co, AL
WATKINS, Charten 67 M Farming 800 800 VA 19
Susan 68 F W K house TN
Jane 23 F W At home AL
James 19 M W Laborer AL
VERT, Sallie 34 F W Housekeeper AL (Vest) (nee Watkins)
Vert, James 11 M W At home AL 16,17 (Vest)
WATKINS, Frank 15 M B At home AL 16,17 (probably servant)
Sallie M. "Amy" Watkins married Samuel M. Vest who may have died in the Civil War. Their son James Waddie (or Waddy) Vest later married his first cousin Martha Sandlin.
1880: Morgan Co, AL
Susan Watkins 71 ( b1809) TN) living alone next door to Sam Houston 43 NC & wife Martha; Elisha Joiner & wife Martha (Birdwell), David Nelson 67 & wife Lottie 69.
Probate Court of Morgan Co., AL. Oct. 24, 1894:
Petition dated Oct. 23, 1894, filed by James T. Watkins to partition 620 acres into six equal lots for the six heirs: James T. Watkins, Reuben S. Watkins, Mollie Nelson, Martha Joiner (wife of Elisha Joiner), Sallie A. Taylor and Nancy A. Sandlin (wife of Gordon Sandlin), all over 21 except Mollie Nelson (over 14 but under 21).
Gary Watkins received a family tree circa 1982 from his cousin who had compiled it years before and which included full names and dates of the older children copied from a family bible years before: [added notes in brackets]
"Joel Shasten Watkins, born Aug. 31, 1803, died in 1880. Married Feb. 4, 1827 to Susan Birdwell, born Oct. 29, 1808, died in 1890.
Children
1. Nancy Ann Watkins, born Sept. 1, 1829, married [William] Gordon Sandlin
2. Mary Elizabeth Watkins, born Nov. 29, 1827, died Sept. 29, 1828
3. Sallie Amanda ["Sallie M.", "Amy"] born July 27, 1831 married (1) Sam (Samuel M.) Vest (2 children), (2) Bill Taylor
4. Lavinda (Lucinda) Birdwell Watkins, born Oct. 10, 1835, died very young-
5. Mary Allen Watkins, born Feb. 24, 1838, married Alex McCall (no children)
Martha L Watkins 1834 (1836?)- m. Elisha Joiner
6. Salina Jane Watkins July 16, 1840, died young [not on 1860 census]
7. Matilda Emily Watkins, born Dec. 18, 1845, married [James E.] Jim Hawk (no children)
8. Lucinda Watkins, born (?) married Joe Nelson, one child. [? Caroline J Watkins c 1842- ?]
9. Martha [L] Watkins, born (?) [1834-6 per census] married Elisha Joiner. 1 child.
10. Robert G Watkins, born June 11, 1842, killed in Battle of Shiloh
11. Reuben Simpson Watkins, born Feb. 10, 1846, married Eliza Nelson (6 children)
12. James Tandy Watkins (our grandfather) born June 8, 1849 died July 3, 1919 (9 children) (you know those) married Susan Gabrella Thomas.
Great Grandfather Watkins, an immigrant from Great Britain (Wales) settled in Virginia.
(See other side for Grandmother Watkins' family)"
Omitted from the list:
13. Thomas S Watkins 1852- (who appears on the 1860 census but apparently died young)
Joel W. Watkins (says Lawrence County Marriage Book 1A, p.227), 1/9/1827 (bond), to Susan Birdwell; Original marriage record (2/4/1827; and Gandrud, p.39) say Joel S. Watkins. Joel W. Watkins, bondsman, was father of Joel S. Watkins.
He died 1875 according to one family tree.
No marker found. Thought to be buried at Somerville Cemetery, where children who lived on his land after him are buried, but interment information and date not definitely known.
One family tree online gives his name as Joel Charlton Watkins and says he died at Cross County, Arkansas (no source stated). His son Reuben's death certificate gives his parents' names as Shaston Watkins and Susan Burdwell. 1870 census shows his name Charten Watkins. Apparently his name was Joel Sharten or Sharlton Watkins.
If he did die in Arkansas, his widow definitely returned to Morgan County, Alabama.
The different Watkins family trees show a great deal of confusion concerning the various men named Joel Watkins. Some show Joel S. Watkins (who married Susan Birdwell) as a son of Joel W. Watkins (1772-1838?*) and Elizabeth Dills (1778-1872); grandson of Isham Watkins (1744/52-1816) and Elizabeth Walton (1750-1818).
Other family trees show Joel Watkins and Elizabeth Dills' son Joel as a different Joel Watkins.
Still others show that Isham and Elizabeth Walton Watkins, of Louisa County, Virginia, were the parents of one Joel D. Watkins who married Polly Biggers Lipscomb and remained in Louisa County, Virginia.
A descendant believes that Joel S. Watkins moved to Morgan County in 1850 to work with his father, Joel W. Watkins, who is thought to have operated a ferry between Watkins Bluff on the Madison County side and the mouth of Cotaco Creek.
* Joel W. Watkins died in 1853 in Triana, Madison County, having appeared on the 1850 federal census with his sister Nancy and her son. The 1838 death date given for him in the family trees cited above would appear to be incorrect, according to Gary Watkins.
Louisa Co VA Deed Book R, p. 277: 4-Jan-1827. Grantor: Absalom Kennon, Grantee: John D. Watkins
1828: Absalom Kennon of LAWRENCE COUNTY, ALABAMA appoint John D. Watkins in Louisa (Co.,VA.) my lawful attorney in and about the estate of Joseph Kennon, dec'd. in Louisa County. Rec. Jan 14, 1828.
Perhaps some have confused "Joel W. Watkins" with Evan Watkins (1767-1840) who married Mary Ann Dill. He was born in Rutherford Co., N.C., apparently never lived in Virginia, moved to Alabama in 1819 and died in St. Clair Co., AL. [Find A Grave Memorial# 176331661]
Madison County, Alabama, June 1, 1811: The Enon Baptist Church Minutes state that the church authorized Brethren Watkins, Pruet Brock, Birdwell and Powell to view a place for a meeting house.
This was William Watkins (1756-1832). He and his wife Susannah C. Coleman were shown on the membership rolls at Enon Church. (Find A Grave Memorial# 61906034)
William Watkins was the son of James Watkins & wife Martha Thompson who was the daughter of Robert Thompson and Sarah Farley. William Thompson's uncle was Isham Thompson of Elbert County, Georgia (ref., Early Settlers of Alabama by James Edmonds Saunders).
One family tree shows William and Susannah Watkins as the parents of Coleman, Milton, James Coleman, William and Martha Watkins (no son Joel S. Watkins on this list). This information appears to be taken from Early Settlers of Alabama.
TIMELINE:
1827, 9 Jan/4 Feb Lawrence Co, AL: Joel Watkins married Susan Birdwell
1830 Lawrence Co., AL: Joel S. Watkins (he & wife 20-29, 1 daughter under 5)
1840 Lawrence County, AL: J.C. Watkins (household of 17, plus 5 slaves)
1850 Somerville, Morgan Co, AL:
Joel S Watkins 48 VA
Susan Watkins 43 TN
Sally M 20
Martha L 18
Lucinda B 16
Mary A 14
Salina 12
Robert G 10
Matilda E 6
Reuben S 4
James T age 0 (3 months & 1/2 mo)
1859, Dec 1: Joel S Watkins bought his farm at Somerville for $1500. The land abstract refers only to a specific quarter section (still owned by descendants today) but states that other land is included in the transaction, probably including all of the 620 acres that was probated by heirs in 1895.
1860: Morgan Co, AL, Eastern Division (P.O. Valhermoso)
Joel S Watkins 56 VA
Susan Watkins 50 TN
Lucinea 22 (Lucinda, correct age 26)
Mary A 20 (correct age 24)
Caroline J 18 (Salina age 22)
Robt G 16 (age 20)
Matilda E 14 (age 16)
Reuben S 12 (age 14)
Jas T Watkins 10
Thos S Watkins 8
1866 Alabama State Census: J.S. Watkins, Morgan Co., AL.
1870: Morgan Co, AL
WATKINS, Charten 67 M Farming 800 800 VA 19
Susan 68 F W K house TN
Jane 23 F W At home AL
James 19 M W Laborer AL
VERT, Sallie 34 F W Housekeeper AL (Vest) (nee Watkins)
Vert, James 11 M W At home AL 16,17 (Vest)
WATKINS, Frank 15 M B At home AL 16,17 (probably servant)
Sallie M. "Amy" Watkins married Samuel M. Vest who may have died in the Civil War. Their son James Waddie (or Waddy) Vest later married his first cousin Martha Sandlin.
1880: Morgan Co, AL
Susan Watkins 71 ( b1809) TN) living alone next door to Sam Houston 43 NC & wife Martha; Elisha Joiner & wife Martha (Birdwell), David Nelson 67 & wife Lottie 69.
Probate Court of Morgan Co., AL. Oct. 24, 1894:
Petition dated Oct. 23, 1894, filed by James T. Watkins to partition 620 acres into six equal lots for the six heirs: James T. Watkins, Reuben S. Watkins, Mollie Nelson, Martha Joiner (wife of Elisha Joiner), Sallie A. Taylor and Nancy A. Sandlin (wife of Gordon Sandlin), all over 21 except Mollie Nelson (over 14 but under 21).
Gary Watkins received a family tree circa 1982 from his cousin who had compiled it years before and which included full names and dates of the older children copied from a family bible years before: [added notes in brackets]
"Joel Shasten Watkins, born Aug. 31, 1803, died in 1880. Married Feb. 4, 1827 to Susan Birdwell, born Oct. 29, 1808, died in 1890.
Children
1. Nancy Ann Watkins, born Sept. 1, 1829, married [William] Gordon Sandlin
2. Mary Elizabeth Watkins, born Nov. 29, 1827, died Sept. 29, 1828
3. Sallie Amanda ["Sallie M.", "Amy"] born July 27, 1831 married (1) Sam (Samuel M.) Vest (2 children), (2) Bill Taylor
4. Lavinda (Lucinda) Birdwell Watkins, born Oct. 10, 1835, died very young-
5. Mary Allen Watkins, born Feb. 24, 1838, married Alex McCall (no children)
Martha L Watkins 1834 (1836?)- m. Elisha Joiner
6. Salina Jane Watkins July 16, 1840, died young [not on 1860 census]
7. Matilda Emily Watkins, born Dec. 18, 1845, married [James E.] Jim Hawk (no children)
8. Lucinda Watkins, born (?) married Joe Nelson, one child. [? Caroline J Watkins c 1842- ?]
9. Martha [L] Watkins, born (?) [1834-6 per census] married Elisha Joiner. 1 child.
10. Robert G Watkins, born June 11, 1842, killed in Battle of Shiloh
11. Reuben Simpson Watkins, born Feb. 10, 1846, married Eliza Nelson (6 children)
12. James Tandy Watkins (our grandfather) born June 8, 1849 died July 3, 1919 (9 children) (you know those) married Susan Gabrella Thomas.
Great Grandfather Watkins, an immigrant from Great Britain (Wales) settled in Virginia.
(See other side for Grandmother Watkins' family)"
Omitted from the list:
13. Thomas S Watkins 1852- (who appears on the 1860 census but apparently died young)
Susan Birdwell and Joel S. Watkins married 4 Feb 1827 in Lawrence County, Alabama. They probably married at Hopewell Baptist Church which the Birdwells attended at that time. They lived at Oakville in Lawrence County in 1849.
Joel W. Watkins (says Lawrence County Marriage Book 1A, p.227), 1/9/1827 (bond), to Susan Birdwell; Original marriage record (2/4/1827; and Gandrud, p.39) say Joel S. Watkins. Joel W. Watkins, bondsman, was father of Joel S. Watkins.
He died 1875 according to one family tree.
No marker found. Thought to be buried at Somerville Cemetery, where children who lived on his land after him are buried, but interment information and date not definitely known.
One family tree online gives his name as Joel Charlton Watkins and says he died at Cross County, Arkansas (no source stated). His son Reuben's death certificate gives his parents' names as Shaston Watkins and Susan Burdwell. 1870 census shows his name Charten Watkins. Apparently his name was Joel Sharten or Sharlton Watkins.
If he did die in Arkansas, his widow definitely returned to Morgan County, Alabama.
The different Watkins family trees show a great deal of confusion concerning the various men named Joel Watkins. Some show Joel S. Watkins (who married Susan Birdwell) as a son of Joel W. Watkins (1772-1838?*) and Elizabeth Dills (1778-1872); grandson of Isham Watkins (1744/52-1816) and Elizabeth Walton (1750-1818).
Other family trees show Joel Watkins and Elizabeth Dills' son Joel as a different Joel Watkins.
Still others show that Isham and Elizabeth Walton Watkins, of Louisa County, Virginia, were the parents of one Joel D. Watkins who married Polly Biggers Lipscomb and remained in Louisa County, Virginia.
A descendant believes that Joel S. Watkins moved to Morgan County in 1850 to work with his father, Joel W. Watkins, who is thought to have operated a ferry between Watkins Bluff on the Madison County side and the mouth of Cotaco Creek.
* Joel W. Watkins died in 1853 in Triana, Madison County, having appeared on the 1850 federal census with his sister Nancy and her son. The 1838 death date given for him in the family trees cited above would appear to be incorrect, according to Gary Watkins.
Louisa Co VA Deed Book R, p. 277: 4-Jan-1827. Grantor: Absalom Kennon, Grantee: John D. Watkins
1828: Absalom Kennon of LAWRENCE COUNTY, ALABAMA appoint John D. Watkins in Louisa (Co.,VA.) my lawful attorney in and about the estate of Joseph Kennon, dec'd. in Louisa County. Rec. Jan 14, 1828.
Perhaps some have confused "Joel W. Watkins" with Evan Watkins (1767-1840) who married Mary Ann Dill. He was born in Rutherford Co., N.C., apparently never lived in Virginia, moved to Alabama in 1819 and died in St. Clair Co., AL. [Find A Grave Memorial# 176331661]
Madison County, Alabama, June 1, 1811: The Enon Baptist Church Minutes state that the church authorized Brethren Watkins, Pruet Brock, Birdwell and Powell to view a place for a meeting house.
This was William Watkins (1756-1832). He and his wife Susannah C. Coleman were shown on the membership rolls at Enon Church. (Find A Grave Memorial# 61906034)
William Watkins was the son of James Watkins & wife Martha Thompson who was the daughter of Robert Thompson and Sarah Farley. William Thompson's uncle was Isham Thompson of Elbert County, Georgia (ref., Early Settlers of Alabama by James Edmonds Saunders).
One family tree shows William and Susannah Watkins as the parents of Coleman, Milton, James Coleman, William and Martha Watkins (no son Joel S. Watkins on this list). This information appears to be taken from Early Settlers of Alabama.
TIMELINE:
1827, 9 Jan/4 Feb Lawrence Co, AL: Joel Watkins married Susan Birdwell
1830 Lawrence Co., AL: Joel S. Watkins (he & wife 20-29, 1 daughter under 5)
1840 Lawrence County, AL: J.C. Watkins (household of 17, plus 5 slaves)
1850 Somerville, Morgan Co, AL:
Joel S Watkins 48 VA
Susan Watkins 43 TN
Sally M 20
Martha L 18
Lucinda B 16
Mary A 14
Salina 12
Robert G 10
Matilda E 6
Reuben S 4
James T age 0 (3 months & 1/2 mo)
1859, Dec 1: Joel S Watkins bought his farm at Somerville for $1500. The land abstract refers only to a specific quarter section (still owned by descendants today) but states that other land is included in the transaction, probably including all of the 620 acres that was probated by heirs in 1895.
1860: Morgan Co, AL, Eastern Division (P.O. Valhermoso)
Joel S Watkins 56 VA
Susan Watkins 50 TN
Lucinea 22 (Lucinda, correct age 26)
Mary A 20 (correct age 24)
Caroline J 18 (Salina age 22)
Robt G 16 (age 20)
Matilda E 14 (age 16)
Reuben S 12 (age 14)
Jas T Watkins 10
Thos S Watkins 8
1866 Alabama State Census: J.S. Watkins, Morgan Co., AL.
1870: Morgan Co, AL
WATKINS, Charten 67 M Farming 800 800 VA 19
Susan 68 F W K house TN
Jane 23 F W At home AL
James 19 M W Laborer AL
VERT, Sallie 34 F W Housekeeper AL (Vest) (nee Watkins)
Vert, James 11 M W At home AL 16,17 (Vest)
WATKINS, Frank 15 M B At home AL 16,17 (probably servant)
Sallie M. "Amy" Watkins married Samuel M. Vest who may have died in the Civil War. Their son James Waddie (or Waddy) Vest later married his first cousin Martha Sandlin.
1880: Morgan Co, AL
Susan Watkins 71 ( b1809) TN) living alone next door to Sam Houston 43 NC & wife Martha; Elisha Joiner & wife Martha (Birdwell), David Nelson 67 & wife Lottie 69.
Probate Court of Morgan Co., AL. Oct. 24, 1894:
Petition dated Oct. 23, 1894, filed by James T. Watkins to partition 620 acres into six equal lots for the six heirs: James T. Watkins, Reuben S. Watkins, Mollie Nelson, Martha Joiner (wife of Elisha Joiner), Sallie A. Taylor and Nancy A. Sandlin (wife of Gordon Sandlin), all over 21 except Mollie Nelson (over 14 but under 21).
Gary Watkins received a family tree circa 1982 from his cousin who had compiled it years before and which included full names and dates of the older children copied from a family bible years before: [added notes in brackets]
"Joel Shasten Watkins, born Aug. 31, 1803, died in 1880. Married Feb. 4, 1827 to Susan Birdwell, born Oct. 29, 1808, died in 1890.
Children
1. Nancy Ann Watkins, born Sept. 1, 1829, married [William] Gordon Sandlin
2. Mary Elizabeth Watkins, born Nov. 29, 1827, died Sept. 29, 1828
3. Sallie Amanda ["Sallie M.", "Amy"] born July 27, 1831 married (1) Sam (Samuel M.) Vest (2 children), (2) Bill Taylor
4. Lavinda (Lucinda) Birdwell Watkins, born Oct. 10, 1835, died very young-
5. Mary Allen Watkins, born Feb. 24, 1838, married Alex McCall (no children)
Martha L Watkins 1834 (1836?)- m. Elisha Joiner
6. Salina Jane Watkins July 16, 1840, died young [not on 1860 census]
7. Matilda Emily Watkins, born Dec. 18, 1845, married [James E.] Jim Hawk (no children)
8. Lucinda Watkins, born (?) married Joe Nelson, one child. [? Caroline J Watkins c 1842- ?]
9. Martha [L] Watkins, born (?) [1834-6 per census] married Elisha Joiner. 1 child.
10. Robert G Watkins, born June 11, 1842, killed in Battle of Shiloh
11. Reuben Simpson Watkins, born Feb. 10, 1846, married Eliza Nelson (6 children)
12. James Tandy Watkins (our grandfather) born June 8, 1849 died July 3, 1919 (9 children) (you know those) married Susan Gabrella Thomas.
Great Grandfather Watkins, an immigrant from Great Britain (Wales) settled in Virginia.
(See other side for Grandmother Watkins' family)"
Omitted from the list:
13. Thomas S Watkins 1852- (who appears on the 1860 census but apparently died young)
Joel W. Watkins (says Lawrence County Marriage Book 1A, p.227), 1/9/1827 (bond), to Susan Birdwell; Original marriage record (2/4/1827; and Gandrud, p.39) say Joel S. Watkins. Joel W. Watkins, bondsman, was father of Joel S. Watkins.
He died 1875 according to one family tree.
No marker found. Thought to be buried at Somerville Cemetery, where children who lived on his land after him are buried, but interment information and date not definitely known.
One family tree online gives his name as Joel Charlton Watkins and says he died at Cross County, Arkansas (no source stated). His son Reuben's death certificate gives his parents' names as Shaston Watkins and Susan Burdwell. 1870 census shows his name Charten Watkins. Apparently his name was Joel Sharten or Sharlton Watkins.
If he did die in Arkansas, his widow definitely returned to Morgan County, Alabama.
The different Watkins family trees show a great deal of confusion concerning the various men named Joel Watkins. Some show Joel S. Watkins (who married Susan Birdwell) as a son of Joel W. Watkins (1772-1838?*) and Elizabeth Dills (1778-1872); grandson of Isham Watkins (1744/52-1816) and Elizabeth Walton (1750-1818).
Other family trees show Joel Watkins and Elizabeth Dills' son Joel as a different Joel Watkins.
Still others show that Isham and Elizabeth Walton Watkins, of Louisa County, Virginia, were the parents of one Joel D. Watkins who married Polly Biggers Lipscomb and remained in Louisa County, Virginia.
A descendant believes that Joel S. Watkins moved to Morgan County in 1850 to work with his father, Joel W. Watkins, who is thought to have operated a ferry between Watkins Bluff on the Madison County side and the mouth of Cotaco Creek.
* Joel W. Watkins died in 1853 in Triana, Madison County, having appeared on the 1850 federal census with his sister Nancy and her son. The 1838 death date given for him in the family trees cited above would appear to be incorrect, according to Gary Watkins.
Louisa Co VA Deed Book R, p. 277: 4-Jan-1827. Grantor: Absalom Kennon, Grantee: John D. Watkins
1828: Absalom Kennon of LAWRENCE COUNTY, ALABAMA appoint John D. Watkins in Louisa (Co.,VA.) my lawful attorney in and about the estate of Joseph Kennon, dec'd. in Louisa County. Rec. Jan 14, 1828.
Perhaps some have confused "Joel W. Watkins" with Evan Watkins (1767-1840) who married Mary Ann Dill. He was born in Rutherford Co., N.C., apparently never lived in Virginia, moved to Alabama in 1819 and died in St. Clair Co., AL. [Find A Grave Memorial# 176331661]
Madison County, Alabama, June 1, 1811: The Enon Baptist Church Minutes state that the church authorized Brethren Watkins, Pruet Brock, Birdwell and Powell to view a place for a meeting house.
This was William Watkins (1756-1832). He and his wife Susannah C. Coleman were shown on the membership rolls at Enon Church. (Find A Grave Memorial# 61906034)
William Watkins was the son of James Watkins & wife Martha Thompson who was the daughter of Robert Thompson and Sarah Farley. William Thompson's uncle was Isham Thompson of Elbert County, Georgia (ref., Early Settlers of Alabama by James Edmonds Saunders).
One family tree shows William and Susannah Watkins as the parents of Coleman, Milton, James Coleman, William and Martha Watkins (no son Joel S. Watkins on this list). This information appears to be taken from Early Settlers of Alabama.
TIMELINE:
1827, 9 Jan/4 Feb Lawrence Co, AL: Joel Watkins married Susan Birdwell
1830 Lawrence Co., AL: Joel S. Watkins (he & wife 20-29, 1 daughter under 5)
1840 Lawrence County, AL: J.C. Watkins (household of 17, plus 5 slaves)
1850 Somerville, Morgan Co, AL:
Joel S Watkins 48 VA
Susan Watkins 43 TN
Sally M 20
Martha L 18
Lucinda B 16
Mary A 14
Salina 12
Robert G 10
Matilda E 6
Reuben S 4
James T age 0 (3 months & 1/2 mo)
1859, Dec 1: Joel S Watkins bought his farm at Somerville for $1500. The land abstract refers only to a specific quarter section (still owned by descendants today) but states that other land is included in the transaction, probably including all of the 620 acres that was probated by heirs in 1895.
1860: Morgan Co, AL, Eastern Division (P.O. Valhermoso)
Joel S Watkins 56 VA
Susan Watkins 50 TN
Lucinea 22 (Lucinda, correct age 26)
Mary A 20 (correct age 24)
Caroline J 18 (Salina age 22)
Robt G 16 (age 20)
Matilda E 14 (age 16)
Reuben S 12 (age 14)
Jas T Watkins 10
Thos S Watkins 8
1866 Alabama State Census: J.S. Watkins, Morgan Co., AL.
1870: Morgan Co, AL
WATKINS, Charten 67 M Farming 800 800 VA 19
Susan 68 F W K house TN
Jane 23 F W At home AL
James 19 M W Laborer AL
VERT, Sallie 34 F W Housekeeper AL (Vest) (nee Watkins)
Vert, James 11 M W At home AL 16,17 (Vest)
WATKINS, Frank 15 M B At home AL 16,17 (probably servant)
Sallie M. "Amy" Watkins married Samuel M. Vest who may have died in the Civil War. Their son James Waddie (or Waddy) Vest later married his first cousin Martha Sandlin.
1880: Morgan Co, AL
Susan Watkins 71 ( b1809) TN) living alone next door to Sam Houston 43 NC & wife Martha; Elisha Joiner & wife Martha (Birdwell), David Nelson 67 & wife Lottie 69.
Probate Court of Morgan Co., AL. Oct. 24, 1894:
Petition dated Oct. 23, 1894, filed by James T. Watkins to partition 620 acres into six equal lots for the six heirs: James T. Watkins, Reuben S. Watkins, Mollie Nelson, Martha Joiner (wife of Elisha Joiner), Sallie A. Taylor and Nancy A. Sandlin (wife of Gordon Sandlin), all over 21 except Mollie Nelson (over 14 but under 21).
Gary Watkins received a family tree circa 1982 from his cousin who had compiled it years before and which included full names and dates of the older children copied from a family bible years before: [added notes in brackets]
"Joel Shasten Watkins, born Aug. 31, 1803, died in 1880. Married Feb. 4, 1827 to Susan Birdwell, born Oct. 29, 1808, died in 1890.
Children
1. Nancy Ann Watkins, born Sept. 1, 1829, married [William] Gordon Sandlin
2. Mary Elizabeth Watkins, born Nov. 29, 1827, died Sept. 29, 1828
3. Sallie Amanda ["Sallie M.", "Amy"] born July 27, 1831 married (1) Sam (Samuel M.) Vest (2 children), (2) Bill Taylor
4. Lavinda (Lucinda) Birdwell Watkins, born Oct. 10, 1835, died very young-
5. Mary Allen Watkins, born Feb. 24, 1838, married Alex McCall (no children)
Martha L Watkins 1834 (1836?)- m. Elisha Joiner
6. Salina Jane Watkins July 16, 1840, died young [not on 1860 census]
7. Matilda Emily Watkins, born Dec. 18, 1845, married [James E.] Jim Hawk (no children)
8. Lucinda Watkins, born (?) married Joe Nelson, one child. [? Caroline J Watkins c 1842- ?]
9. Martha [L] Watkins, born (?) [1834-6 per census] married Elisha Joiner. 1 child.
10. Robert G Watkins, born June 11, 1842, killed in Battle of Shiloh
11. Reuben Simpson Watkins, born Feb. 10, 1846, married Eliza Nelson (6 children)
12. James Tandy Watkins (our grandfather) born June 8, 1849 died July 3, 1919 (9 children) (you know those) married Susan Gabrella Thomas.
Great Grandfather Watkins, an immigrant from Great Britain (Wales) settled in Virginia.
(See other side for Grandmother Watkins' family)"
Omitted from the list:
13. Thomas S Watkins 1852- (who appears on the 1860 census but apparently died young)
Family Members
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