Surname: Watkins

Biography of John E. Watkins

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

John E. Watkins, born May 7, 1858, in Delaware County, Ohio, moved to South Dakota in 1885, where he established a successful farm in Badger Township, Davison County. He expanded his initial 160-acre claim to a 480-acre farm, known for its cultivated crops and high-grade livestock. Watkins, a dedicated Republican, served as school treasurer and township assessor. He and his wife, Anna Streeter, whom he married on December 24, 1881, were active members of the Congregational Church. They had seven children: Edward L., Sarah M., Mabel E., William Neill, Clarence, Clara, and Norvel. John E. Watkins is a native of … Read more

History of Britton, South Dakota

History of Marshall County Dakota title page

During the spring of 1883 a few claim shacks were built on what now comprises the town site of Britton; the squatters little dreaming that three years of ‘time would bring, them a railroad, a flourishing town and county seat. Wm. Ross, of Stena township, while tramping over this portion of Miller township the latter part of April, 1883, became tired and lay down. He fell asleep, and awoke when the sun was fast sinking in the western horizon; about twenty rods from him were eleven antelope quietly grazing, where Mr. Hindman‘s lumber yard now is, near the railroad, unconscious … Read more