My Genealogy Hound

SAMUEL B. WATKINS, an old and prominent farmer of Rutherford County, Tenn., and one of the early settlers of the county, was born in Montgomery County, Md., April 18, 1813, being a son of Thomas S. and Mary (Magruder) Watkins. Samuel B. Watkins was raised with his parents until he was fifteen years of age, securing but a limited education. He then engaged in business with his father, who was a contractor on the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. He witnessed the first shovel of dirt taken in the construction of that famous canal in 1829, and worked with his father until 1830, at which time his father retired. He then, with his two brothers, succeeded their father in contracting on this work. In 1840 he immigrated to Texas staying in that country six mouths; he then came to this county in 1841, purchasing his present farm, where he has since lived. Mr. Watkins is a Democrat in politics and did not take any active part in the late war, but sympathized with the Southern cause, as he had one son in the Southern Army. Himself and family are leading members of the Methodist Church. In 1842 Samuel B. Watkins was united in marriage to Miss Mary Anne Wade, a native of this county and daughter of Walter Wade, one of the pioneer settlers of this county. They have five children by this union, of which only two are living, viz.: Samuel S. and Mary S., wife of William Roberts, a well-known farmer of this county. The death of Mrs. Watkins, which was a sad blow to the bereaved family and friends, occurred September 8, 1877. Mr. Watkins is classed among the energetic and successful farmers of the county and is justly recognized as a moral, upright citizen.