My Genealogy Hound

JOSEPH THOMAS WATKINS. The fact that while still in early manhood Mr. Watkins has met with flattering business success, proves that his abilities are of no common order. A descendant, through his father, of English ancestry, and on the maternal side tracing his lineage to France, he combines the versatility of the latter nation with the determination of the former, and to these he has added the American characteristics of pluck and energy. He is engaged in the plumbing business at Sedalia, and in this line has established a large and remunerative trade, besides doing considerable business as a contractor for sewers.

Born in England, Joseph Thomas Watkins, Sr., father of our subject, crossed the Atlantic in boyhood and settled in St. Louis, where he married and made his home until death. For many years he was employed on the Mississippi River steamers, the most of the time being steward on the “City of Chester,” running between St. Louis and New Orleans. In 1876 this elegant steamer was burned on the river, but Mr. Watkins and his son, our subject, who was with him, were rescued and returned home in safety. So severe, however, was the experience, that he decided to leave the river, and accordingly secured a position as steward in the Lindel Hotel, St. Louis, and afterward at the Hurst Hotel, following this until his death, at the age of forty-nine years.

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Caroline Waynecheck, and was born in Strasburg, France, whence she accompanied her parents to the United states and settled in St. Louis. She still makes her home in that city. By her marriage were born eight children, of whom four are living. The subject of this sketch, who was the fourth in order of birth, was born in St. Louis, Mo., on the 14th of July, 1865, and received a practical education in the common schools of that city. At the age of fourteen his studies were abandoned and his active business life commenced. For three and one-half years he was apprenticed to the plumbing and gas-fitting business with one of the prominent firms of St. Louis, and afterward as journeyman he worked in various places.

Coming to Sedalia in September, 1887, Mr. Watkins became foreman for the Sedalia Gas Company, having charge of their plumbing and gas-fitting department. Through his long experience in the employ of others, he gained a thorough knowledge of the business, and as soon as he had saved a sufficient amount he at once embarked in business for himself. Since October, 1891, he has carried on an increasing trade, and, being an expert and careful workman, he has gained the confidence of the people, who place the utmost reliance on his opinions. In his shop at No. 120 West Third Street he keeps a full line of general plumbing supplies, and here he may usually be found superintending the details of his business.

In Sedalia December 23, 1889, Mr. Watkins married Miss Queenie Victory Balch, a native of Ohio, and unto them have been born two children, James Joseph and Helen. Socially, Mr. Watkins affiliates with the Woodmen of the World, and he is also identified with the State Association of Master Plumbers. He is an active young business man, sagacious, energetic and prudent, and though giving his attention principally to personal affairs, still maintains a warm interest in public matter, and in politics is a Democrat. He is a man of fine physique and winning personality, in height is six feet and one inch, and as a companion is genial, entertaining and affable.