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The Watts On-line
Issue No. 63
June 5, 1999


Thanks to all those who contributed to this newsletter.  Without contributions of research the newsletter would not exist.  Please take a few minutes this month and see if there is something you could contribute.  When was the last time you sent in your line.  We add new people every month to our newsletter.

Lori 

CONTENTS: 

1.        Members Lines

2.        Queries

3.        Biography of Francis M. Watts of Illinois

4.        Obituary of Enoch Chesley Watts

5.        Jack Dale Watts

6.        Allen P. Watts and Joseph L. Watts

7.        Thomas Watts and Edward Watts of Orange County, Virginia

8.       Orange Co. Virginia, Virginia Road Orders for Watts  1734-1749

9.        Watts appearing in the Virginia Herald  1787-1876 

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MEMBERS LINES 

From:  sprice@janics.com  (Sandra Price) 

Chief Attakullaculla b. abt 1700 was my 5th Great-Grandfather on my mother’s (Jewell Lorene Willams Laster, sister to Clarence Rullell Williams) side.  Garrett Z. Watts b. Jan 8, 1756, grandson to Chief Attakullaculla, was my 3rd Great-Grandfather.  I am working with my uncle and aunt (Drs. Clarence and Katala Williams) on a Watts book.  They are doing most of the work.  I feel reluctant to give more information on my Watts connection since I feel you already have it from Clarence.

Sandra 

From:     idrdon@earthlink.net (Judy Spaulding)  

 This is my branch of the WATTS Family Tree

 1. _______? WATTS

 Note:  At least three brothers, maybe more, have been identified as  being found living next to each other in several census.  These 3  bothers(Levi, Survantus, and Jacob V. WATTS) are named in a land deed  dated May 15, 1896 Winston CO AL as "heirs of the estate of David WATTS  deceased".  Am not sure if David is the father?  Or a John? Or perhaps  Ellis?  In 1850 Blount CO AL Census there is a John WATTS living in home  with Head of household being Ellis WATTS  w/ wife and Survantus Watts w/ wife and others.

     2. Survantus WATTS b 1820-1900 m. Margaret L. Milligan b. 1825.  Children Mary Eliz., Nancy, Matilda, Houston S, Susan F., Reeco, Albert,  Samuel J. David Ellis, William "Oscar".

     2.Jacob V. Watts b. 1834-1904 m. Zipthia Jane b. 1832.  Children  Martha A., James C. David A., Mary N., Jacob S., Lurena C., Mary E.

     2.  LEVI WATTS b. Dec 1829 GA first married in 1852  Malissa Mc Glathery in Blount CO AL.  Children

         3. Matilda Elizabeth m. Montgomery "Gum" Culver

         3.James C. m. Manda

         3. Louisa Jane m. George Chandler

         3. Julia befriended Tom Chandler and their son Claud Chandler raised by Levi when Julia died when Claud very young (see 1900 Morgan CO  AL Census). 

 Levi WATTS second wife m. Blount CO AL 1867 Elisabeth (Hunter) Childers  b. 1832  GA d/o Willis & Sarah Childers.  Previously Elisabeth was  married to Andrew Hunter who served in the Civil War & killed.  Their  children Martha and Lewis Hunter also raised by Levi.  Children of Levi  Watts and Elisabeth Childers:

         3. Sarah "Sallie" m. John Moore

         3. Thomas H. m. Florence "Lorene" Barnett

         3. WALTER ELLIS WATTS (my Grandfather) b. June 19,1873  m.  August 23, 1894 Winston CO AL Mary Ida "Tinsey" Pair b. April 24, 1876  d/o George W. Pair & _______? (un-marked headstone next to George Pair,  supposedly Tinsey's mom is Cherokee Indian).

         3.  Arthur m. Ella Howell

             Notes:  Grandpa Walter Watts lived in our home in Nauvoo, AL  until 1967 when he died age 93, when I was 14 years old.  Walter &  Tinsey buried Pisgah Cem in Carbon Hill, AL 

 Children of Walter & Tinsey WATTS

             4.  Erma died infancy

             4.  Birley "BC" m. Elizabeth ____

             4.  Pirley "Jewel or Hon" m. 1) Virgil HALL m. 2) Ralph

 BUNTON

             4.  Birdie "Bert" Alma Aldodie m. Dewey DANIELS

             4.  Myrtle Mattie m. 1) Noah ABEL m. 2)Charlie Morgan

 CANTRELL

             4.  Fredric "Fred" L. m. Inez DUGGER

             4.  Clifton W. died as child

             4.  Gracie J m 1) Taylor JAMES m. 2) Eugene JONES

             4.  Eunice Hazel m. 1) Houston WRIGHT 2) Clarenc Wesley DILL 

             4.  Louis A. died as child

             4.  Edgel Opella "Opal" Lee m. Tommie McGOUGH (my parents)

             4.  Ida "Ike" Lorene m. Dixon N. KIRKLAND m. 2) Cecil

 DORMINEY m.3)Dixon N. KIRKLAND

             4.  Herbert "Herb" Darcey m. 1)Genevia A.POLSTON  m. 2)

 Elaine CARR 

 There was another of Walter's children I am told, but his mother was NOT  Tinsey.

             4. Walter Ellis WATTS, Jr. m. Minnie_____ 

 I am researching, along with many newly discovered, and,  DELIGHTFUL(!)  kin,I might add, who IS the father of these three WATTS brothers?  Siblings?  I am discovering Levi WATTS was indeed more popular as a name  in that time than I had originally thought.       Also, I am trying to find out name of _____Pair, my Great  Grandmother, mother to Tinsey Pair, mother-in-law to Walter Watts.  Any  assistance would be greatly appreciated.

 Judy Spaulding

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QUERIES 

From:  campbird@detnet.com  (Frances Camp) 

I am one of the descentants of Thomas H. Watts and Elizabeth Lott.  I am looking for some help in connecting to Rev. John A. Watts SC who fought in the Rev. War.  I am trying to get into DAR through him.  Could you please tell me where to get the information that I need to prove this?  Are there books that would have him listed?  If so, which one?  I am as lost-as-a-goose when it comes to finding which John Watts is which!  This is not all that I need, but this would be a great starter! 

From:     nwatts@swbell.net (Neal Watts) 

I'd like to ask for help in filling in the blanks on the attached file.  It's a census index of MS, extracted from the FTM Census Index CD.  I've added some Watts who were in counties not included in the CD.  For each entry I'm trying to establish a lineage (E.g. Albert Watts, Covington Co.   p298 (son of William, grandson of Thomas, greatgrandson of John A. Watts of Anson County, NC).  Anyone with additional information (or corrections) should contact me <nwatts@swbell.net>.  If we get significantly further then we can publish an updated copy in a few months. 

Neal--------------------

                                LIST OF WATTS appearing in MS in the 1850 census

                                                (From FTW Census Index plus known additions)

 

Given Name                                 County                                             Census Page

 

Albert                                             Covington Co.                                   298          (William, Thomas, John A.)

Albert                                             Smith Co.                                          326

Alexander                                       Itawamba Co. 6th District                  313          (From TN)

Allison M.                                       Marshall Co. Northern Division         310

Andrew                                           Smith Co.                                         359

Benjamin                                         Coahoma Co. 28th Subdivision         200

Catharine                                        Warren Co. Vicksburg                      185

Daniel                                             Holmes Co. Lexington Police Beat    232

Edward                                          Attala Co. 14 R 8 E                           163

Francis M.                                     Covington Co.                                    295          (John, Reuben, John A.)

George                                           Copiah                                                               (John Evans Watts)

J. J.                                                Hinds Co. Jackson                             145

James                                             Neshoba Co.                                     154          (Josiah Watts) ?

James                                             Tishomingo Co. Southern Division      165

James E.                                         Jasper Co.                                          034          (Josiah Watts) ?

James S.                                         Itawamba Co. 6th District                   313          Brother of Alexander ? (From TN)

James W.                                       Marshall Co. Northern Division           313

Jeannette                                       Adams Co. Natchez, North                  018

John                                              Copiah                                                                   (John Evans Watts)

John                                              Covington Co.                                      299          Son of John A. Watts ?

John                                              Neshoba Co.                                        114          (Josiah Watts)

John                                              Perry Co.                                              381          (Reuben, John A.)

John D.                                         Marshall Co. Southern Division              255

John Evans                                    Copiah Co.                                                          (Josiah Watts Brother)

John R.                                         Clarke Co. Beat No 3                            161          (Josiah Watts) ?

Josiah                                           Wayne Co.                                             254          (Josiah Watts or John Evans Watts) ?

Judah                                            Marion Co.                                            195

Kemp H.                                       Lowndes Co.                                         053

Lewis                                            Perry Co.                                               382          (Reuben, John A.)

Mary                                             Choctaw Co. 23rd Subdivision               098

Missilda                                         Itawamba Co. 6th District                       314

Nancy                                           Carroll Co. Western Division                   395

Nathan G.                                     Warren Co. Vicksburg                             187

Patience                                        Covington Co.                                          298          Patience Lott/William (Thomas, John A.)

Peter                                             Smith Co.                                                 359          (William, Thomas, John A.)

R.W.                                             Covington Co.                                          300          (William, Thomas, John A.)

Reuben                                          Covington Co.                                          299          (John A. Watts)

Reuben                                          Covington Co.                                          309          John A. Watts Family

Robert                                            Lawrence Co.                                          431

Salina                                             Covington Co.                                          307

Samuel                                           Hinds Co. Jackson                                    146

Susan                                            Adams Co. Natchez, North                        018

T. S.                                              Tippah Co. 2nd District                              484

Thomas                                         Lauderdale Co. Southern District                350

Thomas                                         Lawrence Co.                                            435

Thomas H.                                    Covington Co.                                            299          (Reuben, John A.)

Thom(a)s                                      Itawamba Co. 6th District                           319

William                                         Clarke Co. Beat No 5                                 172          (Josiah Watts) ?

William                                         Holmes Co. Lexington Police Beat               232

William                                         Marshall Co. Southern Division                    234

William                                         Noxubee Co.                                               233 

SURNAME: WATS 

Josiah     Tishomingo Co. Southern Division 087

Orwin                     Harrison Co. 093(Transcription Note: name suspect)

Willis D. Tishomingo Co. Southern Division 087

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FRANCIS M. WATTS OF ILLINOIS 

Ran across the biography below in the 1887 Portrait and Biographical Album for Champaign County, Illinois. 

FRANCIS M. WATTS, who is pursuing the even tenor of his way as the leading merchant of the village of Ivesdale, in Sadorus Township, established in business there in the spring of 1881, and has built up a good trade in general merchandise, having among his patrons the best people of his community.  He first appeared upon the stage of action in Perry County, Ohio, Nov. 13, 1844, and was the second in a family of seven children born to Charles and Elizabeth (TRACY) WATTS, the father a native of Ohio, and the mother of Maryland.  They followed farming in a modest manner in the Buckeye State, and Francis M. rematined a member of the parental household until the outbreak of the late Rebellion. 

When a little over nineteen years of age our subject enlisted, Feb. 18, 1864, as a soldier of the Union Army, becoming a member of Co. G, 76th Ohio Vol. Inf., which was assigned to the 1st brigade in the 1st division of the 15th Army Corps, under command of Capt. Stewart, and proceeded to the South, where the troops entered upon the continuous struggle which succeeded from that time until the fall of Atlanta.  Young Watts, with his comrades, joined in the march with Sherman to Savannah, where he remained during the winter on provost duty.  In the spring his regiment moved out and followed the line of Sherman's march to Columbia, S. C., where our subject served in a similar capacity during the siege of that city.  From there they proceeded to Bentonville and engaged in the last fight of the Union troops with Gen. Joe Johnson, during which he surrendered, and upon which closely followed the final capitulation of the rebels generally.  Mr. Watts, with his command, proceeded to Washington and participated in the grand review, after which his regiment was transferred by rail to Louisville, Ky., where they remained until the 12th of July, 1865, when they received their honorable discharge and were mustered out. 

Our subject during his seventeen months of army life came out without receiving a scratch, and returning to his home in the Buckeye State, remained there until the fall of 1868.  He then came to this State, locating first in Piatt County, where he followed farming on rented land until 1874; afterward he purchased eighty acres, and soon by a series of circumstances was induced to change his location and occupation.  Coming to

Ivesdale, this county, he learned telegraphy, and was agent on the Wabash road for a period of eight years.  From that position he drifted into mercantile business, which he followed in Ivesdale two years, and then

selling out, went to Kansas, with the design of locating there and following the same vocation.  Failing to find anything desirable he returned as far east as Indiana, and engaged in the grocery trade at Kokomo.  A year later he sold out there and returned to Ivesdale, where he has since remained.  He carries a stock of groceries and the lighter articles required about the farm and household, and by his correct business methods has built up a flourishing trade.  Most of his time has been spent strictly attending to his own affairs, as he finds this the easiest method of getting on.  Although reasonably anxious that the Republican party should have the management of National affairs, and those of importance nearer home, he takes no further part in its deliberation than to cast his vote at the general election. 

The wife of our subject, to whom he was married Jan. 28, 1876, was formerly Miss Angeline B., eldest child of Robert and Catherine REDMOND, natives of Ohio.  Mrs. Watts was born near Indianapolis, Ind., in 1855, and there spent the greater part of her childhood and youth.  Of her union with our subject there were born two sons-Charles B. and Francis Joseph.  The former died during their trip to the West, Mr. and Mrs. Watts are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and enjoy the association of a large circle of friends. 

Contributed by cgsnyder@uiuc.edu  (Celia G. Snyder) 

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OBITUARY OF ENOCH CHESLEY WATTS 

I am posting as a tribute to our military men some of my Watts line who served. 

 Obituary for Enoch Chesley Watts who gave his life in the line of duty

 The body of Pvt. Enoch C. Watts of Selma Ca. killed while serving his country as an, infantryman on the Korean front, is to be sent to Selma according to his parents Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Watts.  The Watts' were notified by letter recently of the circumstances surrounding their son's death.

 Portions of the letter follow:

 Dear Mr. Watts:

 "Please allow me to extend my sincere condolences in the loss of your son Private Enoch Watts, who was killed in action Nov. 4th 1952 during our recent operation against the enemy near Kangsan'n North Korea.

 "Enoch a member of Company G of this regiment, was participating in an attack upon an enemy-held position when he was struct by fragments from an exploding artillery shell which resulted in his instantaneous death.

                                                                    Sincerely Yours,

                                                                     W. B.  Kern

                                                                     Infantry Commander

          Enoch had just landed in Korea when the communist shell killed him.  He had not even found time to write a letter home.  The 25 yr. old Selman entered the Army March 11.1852, in Arizona.  He received basic training at Fort Ord Ca. 

 Enoch was buried Jan. 16.1953.  Services were held in the Page funeral Chapel and burial at Floral Memorial Park in Selma Ca. 

 He was survived by his parents MR. and Mrs. Watts and the following brothers and sisters.

 Morine

 Henery Ford

 Rosie Lee

 Mary Lou

 Joen

 Bobbyette

 Lucreta

 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------JACK DALE WATTS 

Jack Dale Watts the son of Enoch Chesley Watts who was the Uncle of the above.

 Enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17, he served aboard the US Navy Cruiser Juneau for 3 yrs.

 Serving aboard the antiair-craft crusier USS Juneau was Jack Watts a seaman from Selma Ca.  The Juneau participated in the largest crusier-destroyer training exercise held in the Pacific since World War II. 

 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ALLEN P. WATTS AND JOSEPH L. WATTS 

The following Watts brothers served in the Civil War as Confederate Soldiers.

 This information was supplied by Simon Ely Stacy a Civil War researcher. 

 Allen P. Watts, enlisted at the age of 18 , on 2/17/64 at Cabarrus Co NC as a Private in Co "B" NC 20th infantry 

 Enoch Chesley Watts, Allen's twin brother, enlisted at the age of 18, on 3/1/64 at Cabarrus Co. NC as a Private in Co."H" NC 8th Infantry.

 Wounded 4/19/64 Plymouth NC 

 Joseph L. Watts, enlisted at the age of 16, on  08/6/61 at Cabarrus Co. NC as a Private in Co. "H" NC 8th Infantry.

 Joseph was wounded 5 times, captured, exchanged, and appears to have served untill at least 1/19/65.

 All 3 brothers survived the war.  They were the Sons of Moses and Nancy Watts and were born in Stanley Co. NC.

 

              Barbara Watts Frisby  Proud great granddaughter, cousin, niece and sister of the above. From:          

                                     Thanks Barbara Watts Frisby 

From: BJFRISBY@aol.com

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LAND OF THOMAS WATTS AND EDWARD WATTS

ORANGE COUNTY, VIRGINIA 

                I had the opportunity this week with my sister to actually visit the property which was once the land granted to Thomas Watts who left a will in Culpeper Co., Virginia.  Culpeper County was formed from Orange County in 1749, the year of Thomas’ death.  Thomas lived his life in Spotsylvania County and Orange Counties, Virginia because Culpeper was not formed until a few months before his death.  According to Ken Clark of the Orange County Historical Society, once land was granted in Orange County the grantee had to make improvements to the land and build a dwelling at least 20x20 ft.  Thomas must have lived on this grant for some period of time.

                Thomas Watts was granted 250 acres of land in Orange County in 1728.  That same year his father, Edward was also granted 900 acres of land in the same county.  In his book “Orange County Land Patents”, Ulysses P. Joyner has plotted out the early grants of  Orange County.  The land of Edward Watts borders that of James Madison to the west and the land of Thomas Watts borders that of Edward  Watts to the east.  Much of the land is wooded and in a rural area still.  The following comes from Charles B. Hineman’s book, “Watts Families Descended from Early Immigrants who Settled in the  Tidewater Counties of Virginia”

                “1728 Sep 9 - Edward Watts received a grant of 900 acres of new land in St. George's Parish.  The same day his son, Thomas Watts, received a grant of 250 acres adjoining his father.  The grant of Thomas Watts specifically refers to "Thomas Watts, a son of Edward Watts", so we have a definite tie-up.  These grants were signed by Governor William Gooch and both dated September 26, 1728.  Both men were described as  "of Spotsylvania County", indicating they had settled in that county at an earlier date.” 

Copy of Land Grant to Edward Watts for 900 acres of new land on page 55 

                “The fact that no record is found in Spotsylvania County after September 28, 1728, showing any activity of Edward Watts leaves us a choice of these deductions: 

1.  That Edward Watts was later located in some County such as Orange, formed from                                    Spotsylvania County in 1734.

                2.  That he was merely a short time resident in Spotsylvania and removed to one of the older counties where he died.” 

                For those of you who are descended from Edward Watts or Thomas Watts and Esther, you can find the property on a present day Virginia map.  Follow Rt. 20 going east out of Orange, Virginia to Unionville.  From Unionville continue east on Rt. 20 until you see the turnoff for Rt. 621.  About ˝ way between Rt. 621 and 692 is  the Salem Church.  This is the start of Edward’s land.  Thomas land is adjoining Edward’s land and ends at Rt. 692.  You can follow Thomas’s land north by turning on Rt. 692.  The northern border of Thomas’s land grant is just short of Rt. 602.  Edward’s land continues up to Rt. 602 with the northern border being Black Walnut Run.  The land today remains in Orange County so why was Thomas’s will filed in Culpeper?  Is possible he purchased other land.  The only other deeds I have found on Thomas are on land in Spotsylvania Counties.  I would welcome any discussion on these theories.  Below are Orange County road order for the time period Thomas owned the land in Orange County. 

Lori 

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ORANGE COUNTY, VIRGINIA ROAD ORDERS FOR WATTS  1734-1749 

Historic Roads of Virginia, Orange County Road Orders 1734-1749 by Ann Brush Miller, Orange County Historical Society 

16 September 1735, O.S. pa. 33

On the Petition of Samuel Williams for a road form Beverleys Mills to the James River Mountains Ordered that Thomas Chew Gent; Edward Franklyn and Thomas Watts view the same and make report to the next court. 

18 November 1735, O.S. pa. 41

Ordered that Zachary Taylors George Andersons Edward Watts’ William Crossthwait Robert Buchanans Hezekia Rhods and Richard Winslows Tithables be added to John Howards Gang to clear the Road. 

22 June 1738, O.S. pa. 334

At the Motion of Benjamin Cave Gent ‘tis ordered that Richard Winslow Gent Thomas Watts and Thomas Rucker view the road from the Lawrell to Taylors Ordnary and make return of their proceedings to the next Court. 

26 Feb 1741, O.S. p. 105

On the order for viewing and laying off a road petitioned for by hobson & Others Morgan Bryan Jon ffrost and Arthur Buchannan the persons ordered to lay of ye siad road made their rreturn as followeth.  In pursuance of an order of court We have viewed and laid off a road from Evan Watkins fferry by a Course of Marked trees to the head of ye ffaling Spring thence to Roger Turners thence to Edward Beasons over the Taskerora Branch thence to Joseph Evans Spring head thence to the Midedle Creek thence to New Chappell Thence by the head of Evan Thomas Spring head thence to a Corner White oak between the lands of  John Littler and John ffrost thence along the said Line to ye Corner South Eastward thence to Secorns Licks thence to Opecken Creek & Crossing the Same just above John Neils Mill Branch thence to the Spout run by Edges Cabbin thence to the King’s road that leads from Just hites to Shennidno & to fall into the same by John Kerseys plantation near shennendo ford .  We also recommend Thomas Thornberry & John Shearer to order the clearing  the said road from Evan Watkins to the Chappell & George Hobson & John Littler from thence to conclude the same which return being redd to the court its order that said road by cleared according to the viewers report & that all the tithables from Potomack between Opecken & the little Mountain that lyes on this side of little Cape Capon and  Thence southward as far as it includes James Wrights near the Mountain and Joseph Carters  on Opecken and for over Opecken & between & Shennando all such as Shall not exceed three miles from the said laid out road work thereon Under the afd Thomas Thornberry John Shearer/: from Evan Watts’s  to the Chappell:/& under George Hobson & John Lttler/: from thence to the end of ye said road/: who are hereby appointed overseerers of the said road And it’s further ordered that the said Overseerer  with ye said tithables clear the said road & make bridges where they shall be wanting & keep ye said road when cleared in repair according to Law. 

28 November 1741, O.S. p. 78

Ordered on the motion of Captain Robert Green that the people on ye Mountain run clear ye road from Mt. Easthams to the Gleebe and that the tithables of ffrancis Slaughter Gent of Wm. Strother Christopher Zimmerman John Newport Charles Morgan Bryan thornton James Conner Wm. Lynch Minor Wll jacob Miller Frederick Cobler Wm. Watts Thomas Watts James Steward James Chissum Wm Pannell Daniel Underwoor Jeremiah Strother Roger Topp Josep Bottom Wm. Smith & John Lowing clear Mr. Ffinlassons Road under Thomas Wright their Overseer who is hereby ordered to clear ye same & keep the bridges of ye road in repair according to Law with the afd tithables. 

25 November 1743, O.S. p. 31

Thomas Watts is hereby appointed overseer in the Roome of James Barber Gent of the road of which he was Overseer & that Watts with the tithables who were under S. Barber keep the same in repayr According to Law. 

26 July 1746, O.S. p. 22

The Presentment of the Grand jury against Richard Winslow and Thomas Watts Overseer of the road from Poplar Bridge to Elk run is continued til the Next court. 

27 September 1746, O.S. p. 88

The Presentment of the Grand Jury agst Richard Winslow & Thomas Watts is continued. 

28 July 1748 O.S. , p. 149

Thomas Scott is by the Court appointed Overseer of the Road from Cave’s Ford to Blunt’s lower path in the room of Thomas Watts. 

24 November 1748, O.S. p. 157

Ordered that Thomas Scott clear the Road over which he is surveyor as James Barbour Joseph Rogers & Thomas Watts  or any two of them shall approve. 

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WATTS APPEARING IN THE VIRGINIA HERALD 1787-1876 

Anderson, Joseph W. married V. E. Watts 7 Feb 1867

Watts, Virginia E. married J. W. Anderson 7 Feb 1867

Hume Eattie S. married C. E. Watts 7 Dec 1868

Watts, Charles E. married E. S. Hume 7 Dec 1868

Watts, James disappeared 15 Jun 1874

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Watts’ Online:  compiled from E-mail and other sources.
Distributed by Lori Linnell   
llwlinnell@aol.com


Wattsline.org
Copyright © 2003  All rights reserved.