Carroll Co., AR - Biographies - O. W. Watkins

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O. W. Watkins was born on October 7, 1852, in what was then Carroll 
County, but now Boone County, Ark. He is a son of Abram and Mary E. 
(Staples) Watkins, of Jefferson County. Tenn. Abram Watkins was born 
in Virginia about 1793, and when a young man removed to Jefferson 
County, Tenn., where he was married. Remaining there until 1849, he 
removed to near Harrison. Ark. He was a successful farmer, and became 
one of the leading citizens of the county. His death occurred on 
February 14, 1868. His wife was born in December, 1827, in Jefferson 
County, Tenn. She is now living in Harrison, Ark. O. W. Watkins 
remained on his father's farm until he was eighteen years of age, and 
secured a good education in the common schools. In 1879 he entered the 
law department of the University of Iowa, from which institution he 
graduated on June 22, 1880. For one year he practiced law in Harrison, 
in partnership with George J. Crump, his present partner. They have 
since been in partnership, but since the first year Mr. Watkins has 
been located at Eureka Springs. The firm does a large business, and is 
considered one of the bast of Northwest Arkansas. Mr. Watkins is an 
active politician, and supports the principles of the Democratic 
party. His father was also a Democrat. In March, 1884, he was united 
in marriage with Mamie A. Barkley, a daughter of John Barkley, of 
Lexington, Mo. To their marriage have been born three children, 
[p.1077] viz.: Barkley (deceased), Duval C. and Osborne D. Mrs. 
Watkins is a consistent Christian, and a member of the Baptist Church. 
Mr. Watkins is a member of the K. of P., and is one of the leading 
citizens of the county.