My Genealogy Hound

O. W. Watkins was born October 7, 1852, in what was then Carroll County, but now Boone County, Ark. He is a son a 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, ten. 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 best 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, 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.