Carroll Co., AR - Biographies - John Watkins

***********************************************
This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb
Archives by: The Goodspeed Publishing Co

Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgenwebarchives.org
***********************************************
John Watkins, one of the leading lawyers of Northwest Arkansas, was 
born in Carroll County on February 20, 1854, and is a son of John 
Watkins, Sr., a native of Alabama. The latter grew to manhood in his 
native State, and in 1835 came to Arkansas and located in Carroll 
County. Here he entered land and improved a farm, upon which he 
resided until his death on March 7, 1863. His wife died in October, 
1861. John Watkins, Jr., grew to mature years in his native county. 
His education, which was begun in the common schools, was finished at 
Clarke's Academy. Upon leaving school he engaged in the mercantile 
business at Carrollton, and sold goods for about four years, after 
which he began studying law. In 1875 he located in Boone County, and 
it was in that county that he was first admitted to the bar, in 1878. 
After practicing his profession in Harrison, Boone County, for a short 
time, he returned to Carrollton and remained one year. Thence he 
removed to Huntsville, Madison County, where he practiced until 1880, 
when he came to Berryville. He has since had a large practice in 
Carroll and adjoining counties, and in the Federal courts. On December 
23, 1884, he was united in marriage with Queen Walker, a daughter of 
Judge William Walker, of Carroll County. Mrs. Watkins was born, reared 
and educated in the county. She is a consistent Christian, and a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, Mr. and Mrs. Watkins 
have one daughter, Kate, who was born on September 6, 1886. Mr. 
Watkins is a Knight Templar, and a member of the I. O. O. F. 
Politically he was reared a Whig, but now endorses and supports the 
principles of the Democratic party.