John Dempsey Watkins, III

John Watkins, III (August 30, 1770-1812) Born in Chesterfield County, Virginia, died in New Orleans, Louisiana.

John Watkins, III was the fourth mayor of New Orleans (July 27, 1805 – March 8, 1807). He served as a member of the House of Representatives of the Territory of Orleans, 1804.

Parents: John Watkins and Mary

Wives:

1. Sarah Clay (c.1774-August 12, 1795) b. Hanover, Virginia, d. Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky. Daughter of Rev. John Clay and Elizabeth Hudson. Married June 12, 1795 in Woodford County, Kentucky
2. Eulalia Trudeau (c.1784-1867) b. St. Louis, Missouri. Daughter of Zenon Trudeau and Eulalia Lassize. Married January 11, 1804 in New Orleans, Louisiana

Dr. John Watkins came to New Orleans May 26, 1804 from Philadelphia. Mayor Pitot resigned and Dr. John Watkins was appointed by the Governor and Colonel Bellechasse was made Recorder. In selecting Watkins for the vacancy of Mayor, Claiborne was governed by the fact that he had served as Recorder under Pitot and was next in line for promotion. He also served as a member of the House of Representatives of the Territory of Orleans, established by Act of Congress and proclaimed by Gov. Claiborne on or about October 9, 1804, the first session of which was held on November 12, 1804. After relinquishing his office as Mayor in March 1807, he was appointed Speaker of the House, but lost this office due to his independent conduct and Mr. Mather, a member of the upper house was appointed in his place.

Aaron Burr, ex Vice-President of the United States, came to New Orleans in 1805 and charmed the citizens by his handsome appearance and courteous manners. He met Watkins and through his influence received the endorsement of this society. Watkins’ zeal for the liberation of Mexico led him into committing some imprudences which caused him to lose the mayorship. Wm. C. C. Claiborne, Jackson and Clay had each at different periods been under the spell of Burr’s eloquence and personal fascination, but when they began to suspect his loyalty to the Union, they fell away from his blandishments and ceased to extend him their friendship. The story of Burr is somewhat a mystery-no one could prove his intentions were treacherous, but the stigma will rest upon him forever.

Rev. Philander Chase, who was called by the Protestants of the city to take charge of the congregation of Christ Church Cathedral, opened a school on his arrival in the city, November 13th, 1805, and laid the foundation of Christian education in church and home. Dr. Watkins was one of the early vestrymen of Christ Church. At one time the names of the first vestry and warden of this church were not known, the records having been destroyed by fire. Happily, however, Mr. Chase had preserved a copy of all the papers concerning this important event. These memorials published in his Reminiscences, in full, containing information of much value in the history of the Church in the Diocese of Louisiana, were sent to the Howard Library. Philander Chase afterwards became the Bishop of Ohio.

On Sunday, August 30, 1812, Dr. John Watkins died after a short illness of a few days - his remains were interred the same afternoon, at 6 o’clock.

Sources:

• Louisiana Division, New Orleans Public Library: http://nutrias.org/info/louinfo/admins/watkins.htm