WATKINS, John M., b. 1855: 1905 Bio, San Miguel County, Colorado http://files.usgwarchives.net/co/sanmiguel/bios/watkins.txt --------------------------------------- Donated June 2004 Transcribed by Judy Crook from the book: Progressive Men of Western Colorado Published 1905, A.W. Bowen & Co., Chicago, Ill. --------------------------------------- John M. Watkins John M. Watkins, a prosperous and skillful blacksmith of Norwood, San Miguel county, and deputy sheriff of the county, has been something of a wanderer in the western country, but, unlike the proverbial rolling stone, he has not failed to gather a goodly store of worldly wealth and lay it up for whatever emergencies may come to him. He is a native of Georgia, where he was born on May 12, 1855, and the son of W.S. and C.L. Watkins, also natives of that state. He remained at home until he reached the age of eighteen, and received a district school education in the vicinity of his father's plantation. In 1873 the family moved to this state and settled in Huerfano county. Here he learned his trade as a blacksmith, and then yielding to an ardent desire to see more of the country, he started on his travels, which perhaps proved to be more extensive than he at first intended, but which nevertheless gave him opportunity to know men and their works in many places and under a great variety of circumstances. In 1875 he went to La Plata county where he worked at his trade and handled horses until 1879. He then migrated to the pan-handle of Texas, and after a short residence there returned to Colorado. He lived for a time at Trinidad and then at Rosita. In 1881 he moved to Ouray, and from there to Red Cliff, and later to Leadville. In 1882 he settled at Telluride, and the next year moved to Saguache county. In 1884 he returned to Leadville, and in 1888 went to Manhattan, Kansas. He continued his wanderings from there to the Osage nation, in Indian Territory. In 1889 he changed his base of operations to Pawnee, Nebraska, and later to Fort Crawford, that state. Here he wrought at his trade for the Union Pacific Railroad Company and followed the construction of the line into the Black Hills. Then quitting the employ of this company, he went to Custer City, South Dakota, and worked for the Etta Tin Mining Company for a short time, after which he moved to Red Lodge, Montana, from where he made a trip into the Couer d'Alene country and thence on into the Potlatch country. His next location for a short time was Cracker Creek, Oregon, and the next Express. He then made a trip through parts of Wyoming, winding up at Winnemucca, Nevada, where he remained until 1896, when he returned to Colorado, locating in Routt county. In 1898 he once more took up his residence at Ouray, and the next year returned to San Miguel county. In 1900 he settled at Norwood, where he has since resided. Here he at once opened a blacksmith shop, and since then has vigorously wrought at his craft, carrying on an extensive business in both iron and wood work. He has also acquired an attractive home in the town and become one of its prosperous and progressive citizens. In December, 1902, his worth and capability were recognized by his appointment to the office of deputy sheriff, which he is still filling. He was married at Ouray in 1899 to Miss Alice M. Mannon, a native of Ouray county. They have two children, Harry Leo and S.L. After all his journeyings Mr. Watkins seems to have found a permanent residence which please him, and here he is growing into consequence and influence, and winning his way steadily into the lasting regard of the people among whom he lives. =================================================== Contributed for use by the USGenWeb Archive Project (http://www.usgenweb.org) and by the COGenWeb Archive Project USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access.