Sir James W. Watkins

Early Watkins Settlers to America in 1600’s
Captain John Smith founded the Jamestown colony in 1607. Watkins Point takes its name from James Watkins, a soldier in the expedition of Captain John Smith in June 1608. Watkins arrived, as a laborer, on the first supply ship to reach Jamestown in 1608. It was Smith who named the point after James Watkins.

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History of Watkins

Despite this background of mountain greenery the Welsh family name of Watkins emerged as a notable family name in Herefordshire, and Woodfield in the county of Worcestershire and in the sixteenth century to Badby House in Northampton and to Llyn-y-Brain in the county of Carmathen. Their present family seats are at Badby House and Woodfield, where they are recorded in Burke's Peerage as Landed Gentry. Prominent amongst the family name during the late middle ages was Rees Watkin of Ty-Isha in Breconshire.

For the next two or three centuries the surname Watkins flourished and played an important role in local county politics and in the affairs of Britain in general. During the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries England was ravaged by religious conflict. The newly found passionate fervour of Cromwellianism swept the nation. The power of the Church, and the Crown, their assessments, tithes, and demands imposed a heavy burden on rich and poor alike. They looked to the New World for their salvation. Many became pirates who roamed the West Indies such as Captain Morgan.

Some were shipped to Ireland where they were known as the 'Adventurers for land in Ireland'. They acquired land for an old song. Essentially, they contracted to keep the Protestant faith, being granted lands previously owned by the Catholic Irish. The name Watkins settled in Ireland in the 17th century, but occurs earlier in O'Flaherty's country in West Connacht. The migration or banishment to the New World continued, some voluntarily from Ireland, but mostly directly from Wales or England. They sailed to the New World across the stormy Atlantic in the tiny sailing ships which were to become to be known as the "White Sails". These overcrowded ships, built for 100 but crammed with 400 and 600 people, sometimes spending two months at sea, were wracked with disease, sometimes landing with only 60 to 70% of the original passenger list.

In North America, one of the first migrants which could be considered a kinsman of the Watkins family or having a variation of the family surname spelling, was Henry Watkins who was a fisherman of Little Harbour in Twillingate Newfoundland in 1814; Peregine Watkines settled in Virginia in 1621; Evan Watkins settled in Virginia in 1622; James Watkins settled in Virginia in 1607 thirteen years before the "Mayflower"; Thomas and Alice Watkins settled in Virginia in 1635; Nicholas Watkins settled in the Barbados in 1639; Rees Watkins settled in Virginia in 1623; and Margaret Watkins settled with her husband in Norfolk, Virginia in 1822 with her six children.

The Watkins family has always been prominent in Prince Edward Co., VA, perhaps descendants of Henry's father James Watkins, who sailed to Jamestown in 1608, aboard the ship Phoenix.

Spouse unknown. Children: John, Thomas, Henry II, Lewis (born 1640).

Researchers generally pondered whether Henry Watkin's father could have been James Watkins, literally one of the first founders of America. At the very least, he is likely closely related, and led the Watkins family to early VA. James arrived in Jamestown, VA, in 1608, when the colony was still new, (18 years before the Mayflower!) He is recorded in Capt. John Smith's accounts, and frequently accompanied him in his explorations of Chesapeake Bay. One story has James being left with the Indians as a sort of friendly hostage, to prove the peaceable intent of the settlers.

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Credits: Deep in the Woods II and Our Southern Cousins - websites http://deepinthewoods.me/sitemap/givenriches-families/the-watkins-f... and http://oursoutherncousins.com/watkins.html This derived data has been edited with information from other sources.

Credits: Deep in the Woods II and Our Southern Cousins - websites http://deepinthewoods.me/sitemap/givenriches-families/the-watkins-f... and http://oursoutherncousins.com/watkins.html This derived data has been edited with information from other sources.

The Watkins ancestry line can be connected to Henry Watkins (1637-1691) Henrico Va

Below are the most sited conflicting pedigrees of this Henry Watkins (1637)

Some researchers state Henry (1637) was born possibly in Talgarth, Brecknockshire, South Wales and is the immigrant ancestor of our line.

There are several other sources stating Henry Watkins (born about 1585) was the father of Henry Watkins (1637) of Henrico County, Virginia, who married Katherine.

Media Research Bureau, 1607-1608, Washington, D.C. 1800; states that the early Watkins started with Francis Watkins of Shotten, Northern Wales, born about 1540, his son James, born about 1565, in Shotten, Wales, came over on the Ship PHOENIX in 1608, as a laborer. Sailed around Chesapeake Bay with Captain John Smith of Jamestown, had a son, Henry, born 1585 in Wales, who had a son, Henry, born 1637, in Henrico County, Virginia, who was a Quaker, and married Katherine Pride.

THE REGISTER OF THE KENTUCKY STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY; Frankfort, Kentucky, Vol. 07, No. 21- 1909: States; the James Watkins(1555) that came with Capt. John Smith, had a son, Henry I (1585). His son, Henry II (1637), had a son Henry Watkins III (1660) who married Mary Crisp.

"Our Kin", by W. H. and Edna Anderson Manning, states that there was a Thomas Watkins, born 1600, immigrated to Virginia, in 1635, on the Ship "Constance", the Captain was Clement: Thomas married Faith. They had four Sons: Richard, born about 1635, died 1681; Henry, born 1637, moved to Henrico County, in 1675, bought land on Turkey Island, , William, born about 1639, died 1703, Thomas born about 1645, died 1717 (I have not yet investigated this hypothesis)

I have dedicated the below outline based on the possible connection of 1555 James Watkins, 1585 Henry Watkins I, Sr and 1637 Henry Watkins II, Jr.

The Watkins in America: Jamestown Colony 1600's

The Watkins family originated in Wales, UK, migrating to America in early 1600. This old and distinguished name is found on the records in the English colony of Jamestown. James Watkins (1555) name is on the list of passengers on the 1st supply ship arriving in Jamestown in January 1608. He is listed as a laborer. He has also been identified as a soldier for Capt John Smith. His name does not appear in the 1623 census list. The name of Henry Watkins (1585) however does appear on this list. Henry (1585) has been identified as possibly being the son of James although this has not been proven. Jamestown was situated on a peninsula in the James River. The mortality rate was high due to the unhealthy living conditions produced by the marshy environment Captain John Smith founded the colony in 1607. Smith named Watkins Point (near Jamestown) for James Watkins (1555) who accompanied him on the expedition, which had to have been in 1608. According to family lore there were three Watkins brothers that came from Wales to the 1st settlement of Jamestown. Their names are uncertain. The Jamestown census of 1624 showed only these three Watkins. They settled on the Eastern Shore. 1. Daniel Watkins 2. Henry Watkins 3. Peregree Watkins. Peregree Watkins is listed as arriving in 1621 on the ship George. He was 24 and head of his household.

1555 James Watkins and 1585 Henry Watkins I, Sr and 1637 Henry Watkins II, Jr Our Watkins Family is believed to be Welsh, from South Wales more specifically. Our earliest possible Watkins American immigrant, James Watkins, was possibly born in 1555 in Talgarth, Brecknockshire, South Wales. He is believed to be the son of Francis Watkins and his wife Elizabeth Lee of Shotten, Northern Wales. Records are very unclear about Francis' homeland. Some state that the Welsh family had lived in England for several generations before James immigrated to the New World. Henry I was of Welsh origin. He was a Burgess, and after the Indian Massacre of 1621 he lived on the eastern shore. He was living at Malvern Hill by 1637. Researchers have generally pondered whether Henry I Watkins’s father could have been James Watkins, literally one of the first founders of America. At the very least, he is likely closely related, and led the Watkins family to early VA. James is recorded in Capt. John Smith's accounts, and frequently accompanied him in his explorations of Chesapeake Bay. One story has James being left with the Indians as a sort of friendly hostage, to prove the peaceable intent of the settlers. Watkins Point takes its name from James Watkins, a soldier in the expedition of Captain John Smith. Watkins arrived, as a laborer, on the first supply ship to reach Jamestown in 1608 (18 years before the Mayflower). It was Smith who named Watkins Point after James Watkins. There are several sources stating Henry Watkins (born about 1585) was the father of Henry Watkins (1637) of Henrico County, Virginia, who married Katherine. Others state Henry (1637) was born possibly in Talgarth, Brecknockshire, South Wales and is the immigrant ancestor of our line.

Some Watkins Families of Va. & their Kin: John H. Stutesman According to Stutesman, there is no evidence connecting Henry Watkins(1637) to the James Watkins who came to Jamestown in that settlements first Winter 1607/08, even though it is common for VA Watkins to claim such a connection. We first find Henry, a landless man, in the middle 1600's in Henrico County, VA. He struggled there for a half century to acquire land so that his sons would have a better start. He took a dangerous stand for persecuted Quakerism. Virginia law, with some variations during the 17th century, provided 50 acres head right for everyone who came to settle in the colony, or to the person who paid for the transportation of the settler. In June 1664, a grant of land in Henrico County was made to Mr. John Beauchamp and Mr. Richard Cocke Sr, for their importation of 60 people including a Henry Watkins. This is not absolute proof that Henry didn't come from the Jamestown Watkins because land developers in those days were often dishonest, and names of men born in VA often appeared on head rights lists. The names of 60 people appearing on the 1664 list also appeared on the 1652 grant list submitted by Richard Cocke. Two different works caution this does not mean this was when he was transported, or that he was even in fact transported by these gentlemen. Land rights were sometimes collected years later, collected more than once for the same person transported, collected for deceased or fictitious persons or for sailors who never tarried in Virginia.

Richmond stands at the falls of the James River, the limit for travel of salt water vessels. In 1673, Augustine Herman's map of the area shows only 16 white inhabitations above the site of Richmond. In June 1679 the Henrico County Court ordered Henry Watkins (1637) to fit out 3 men in horse and arms, proof that at this time he was a free landowner in the Turkey Island District. There is a court record that both Henry and his daughter Eliza held to the Quaker faith despite official persecution. Henry acquired a large piece of land near the western edge of settlement along the Chickahominy river and 60 acres near his old farm in the Turkey Island Creek watershed. On 25 Jan1692 he divided it up between his five sons, William, Joseph, Edward, Henry, and Thomas, as a gift.

James Watkins (1555) James Watkins (1555-1623) and Unknown Wife was possibly our earliest Watkins immigrant. James, at the age of 53, left Wales, sailing aboard the "Phoenix" and arriving in the English colony of Jamestown, Virginia in 1608.

May 14, 1607: Jamestown, Virginia, Settled - Jamestown established by the Virginia Company of London as "James Fort, it followed several earlier failed attempts, including the Lost Colony of Roanoke. Jamestown served as the capital of the colony for 83 years (from 1616 until 1699). English settlers established the first permanent British settlement in North American in a place they named Jamestown, Virginia. The area was settled 13 years before the pilgrims landed in Massachusetts. The settlement, named after England’s King James I, is a shining example of perseverance, as only 60 of the original 214 settlers of Jamestown survived.

DEATH - James' name does not appear in the 1623 census list.  It is assumed he had died or left America before that time.  He would have been in his late sixties at that time. Some researchers have concluded that this James Watkins was our first North American ancestor. Other research says that this James left America not long after he arrived so that he had no time to have a family and have any descendants to live in Virginia.  There is also the often repeated phrase: "HENRY (the first)......born About 1585 in Wales". “the first” meaning he was the original ancestor of the Surname Watkins in America. However, there is no proof that this first Henry was the original immigrant ancestor, just speculation: Supposedly, this Henry married Alice/Ann Moslin.

Watkins Point takes its name from James Watkins, a soldier in the expedition of Captain John Smith in June 1608. Watkins arrived, as a laborer, on the first supply ship to reach Jamestown in 1608. It was Smith, indeed, who named the point after James Watkins. In first exploring the Chesapeake Bay Capt John Smith selected fourteen companions for his first voyage, probably for their skills. Six of them were gentlemen familiar with firearms, a physician, a carpenter who could make any necessary repairs,a tailor, a blacksmith, a fisherman, was also a sailor, and a fish merchant, who could identify edible fish. James Watkins and Anas Todkill were soldiers. Smith also engaged the services of native people as guides and translators when necessary throughout the voyage. On June 17, 1608 they navigated up the river about twenty miles to Nomini Bay on the south (Virginia) side. There they saw two native men and accepted their invitation to come with them up Nomini Creek to Onawmanient town. It was an ambush, however, with several hundred men emerging from the woods to shoot arrows at the Englishmen, who responded with gunfire deliberately aimed low. The warriors, perhaps both Chicacoan (Sekakawon) and Wicocomoco, laid down their weapons and agreed to an exchange of hostages. Soldier James Watkins was given up to the native men, and a parley followed.

It can also be noted that the Surname Watkins is included in the listing of descendants of John Rolfe and Pocahontas (the famous Indian maiden who saved the life of Captain John Smith).

Henry Watkins I, Sr. (1585-1655) Henry Watkins, Sr., spouse Alice Moslin (1600-1642), came to Virginia as a young Welsh immigrant. He would become a wealthy plantation owner, the first Burgess to represent the "eastern shore" and a Quaker. Henry Watkins was possibly born in Talgarth, Brocknockshire, South Wales. Henry is believed to be the middle son of three sons of his father James Watkins, and an unknown mother. He was born in the year 1585.

THREE BROTHERS in JAMESTOWN According to family lore, there were three Watkins brothers (possible sons of James) who came from Wales to the first settlement of Jamestown. The Jamestown census of 1624 showed these three Watkins, who settled on the Eastern Shore. Daniel Watkins (1583-), Henry Watkins (1585-aft 1655), and Peregree Watkins (1597-)

IMMIGRATION TO VIRGINIA Henry's assumed father, James Watkins immigrated to Jamestown Colony in 1608. Records indicate that Henry and his two brothers did not come at that time, but later. We know that all three assumed brothers were in the colonies by 1621. Peregree came aboard the ship GEORGE, Daniel came aboard the ship, CHARLES. A "muster" was taken in 1624 and all three brothers were on the eastern shore. A new census was taken of Eastern Shore inhabitants in 1625, and the only Watkins listed was Peregree.

The early presence in Virginia of Henry (1st) Watkins is further supported by "The Complete Book of Emigrants 1607-1660" by Peter Wilson Coldham. On page 46, the text indicated that on 28 February 1624, a Henry Watkins signed a report from the Governor and Council of Virginia at James City to the king rebutting the accusations against the plantations made by Captain Nathaniel Butler, Six thousand, not ten thousand, persons have been transported to Virginia who, for the most part, were wasted by the cruelty of Sir Thomas Smyth's government.

Some research says that James Watkins (1555) left America not long after he arrived so that he had no time to have a family and have any descendants to live in Virginia. Thus, there is also the often repeated phrase: "HENRY (the first) born about 1585 in Wales", “the first” meaning he was the original ancestor of the Surname Watkins in America. However, there is no proof that this first Henry was the original immigrant ancestor, just speculation: Supposedly, this Henry married Alice/Ann Moslin.

MARRIAGE Henry Watkins I, Sr., did not marry until later in his life. He married Alice Moslin, also possibly born in Talgarth, South Wales about 1600. They are believed to have married in Charles City, Virginia in 1635. He was 50 years old at the time of his marriage; Alice was 35. Alice possibly also immigrated to the colonies, but most probably years after Henry. Using these date clues, it looks as though Henry and Alice probably knew and courted in Wales before he emigrated about 1620. He would have been about 35 at that time, and Alice, 21. Since they had their four children in the space of six years, it would seem likely that Alice did not immigrate at the same time ah Henry and they were not married until about 1635.

FAMILY Soon after their marriage, Henry and Alice had four sons in six years: *Henry Watkins II, Jr., 1637-1691, John Watkins1638- , Lewis Watkins1640- , Thomas Watkins1642-

TRAGIC DEATH of ALICE at 42 Sadly, Alice died in 1642, at the early age of 42. This was the same year as the birth of her fourth son, so perhaps she died giving birth or with complications of her pregnancy and birth. Henry, Sr was left with four sons to raise, ages newborn to six years, and he, himself, was now 57 years old. There is no record to be found of him remarrying.

HENRY'S DEATH We do not know the exact date of Henry's death, but records indicate it was sometime after 1655. He did live beyond his 70th birthday.

DALE PLANTATION OVERSEER In 1614 the earliest Eastern Shore colony was "Dale's Gift," land which was said to have been bought by Sir Thomas Dale, High Marshall of Virginia, from the Indians as a private venture. Sir Thomas Dale died in 1619 and his wife. Lady Dale undoubtedly carried on his plans. Henry Watkins was overseer of the Dale Plantation. 22 June 1616 Sir Thomas Dale brought "some ten or twelve old and younge of that Countrie to England, among whom the most remarkquable person is Pocahuntas (daughter to Powatan a Kinge or cacique of that Countrie) married to one John Rolfe an Englishman."

Sir Thomas Dale In May 1611, Sir Thomas Dale arrived in Virginia with instructions from the London Company to find a secure and healthy area to establish a new town and principal seat for the colony. In September 1611, Sir Thomas Dale moved up the James River to establish Henricus, the colony’s second settlement. Dale confidently expected that the new town would replace Jamestown as the principal seat of the colony. As the colonists began to prosper, their increased numbers and aggressive expansion further strained the relationship between the English and the Native Americans. On March 22, 1622, Opechancanough, Powhatan’s younger brother and successor, led a raid against English settlements up and down the James River. During this uprising, The Citie of Henricus was destroyed. Subsequent efforts to reestablish the town of Henricus failed. In May 1625, more than three years after the devastating attack, only 22 inhabitants were reported residing in ten “dwelling-houses” at Henricus. In 1637, fifteen years after the uprising, the site was included in a 2,000 acre tract patented by William Farrar, the peninsula became known as Farrar’s Island." Note: Thomas Watkins Jr (1766-1801) married Eleanor Farrar 8 Nov 1790 in Mecklenburg VA. Our Watkins Family connection to President Thomas Jefferson Thomas Watkins Jr married Eleanor Farrar 1790 in Mecklenburg County VA– Sons Thomas, William and George. Eleanor Farrar's Grandmother was Judith Jefferson wife of George Farrar and sister of the father of “Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President of the United States" making Judith the Presidents maternal Aunt. Thomas Jefferson, wrote the Declaration of Independence and was one of it signers July 4, 1776. Eleanor’s father was Colonel Thomas Farrar (son of George and Judith Jefferson Farrar) who commanded in the Revolutionary War. Thomas Farrar was security for his daughter Eleanor's marriage to Thomas Watkins Jr in 1790 and was a resident of Mecklenburg VA.

SURVIVING INDIAN MASSACRE http://research.surnames.com/virginia/1623_virginia_living_dead.htm "Henry Watkins, alive on the Eastern Shore in 1623, after the great Indian massacre of March 22, 1622. The List of Living in Virginia on February 16, 1623 shows: At the Eastern Shore – Henry Wattkins, Peregree Wattkins and Daniell Wattkins and at Hogg Island - Richard Watkins.

The Indian massacre of 1622 (also known as the Jamestown Massacre) occurred in the Virginia Colony on Good Friday, March 22, 1622. About 347 people , or almost one-third of the English population of Jamestown, were killed by a coordinated series of surprise attacks of the Powhatan Confederacy under Chief Opechancanough. Although Jamestown itself was spared due to a timely last-minute warning, many smaller settlements had been established along the James River both upstream and downstream from it and on both sides. The attackers killed men, women, and children, and burned homes and crops. Henricus was one of the most progressive of the small communities which bore the brunt of the coordinated attacks and many were abandoned in the aftermath..

FIRST BURGESS TO REPRESENT EASTERN SHORE Henry Watkins of the Old Plantation was one of the first Burgesses to represent the Eastern Shore. Henry and Captain John Wilcocks, Commander of Accomack, represented the Eastern Shore at the 1623 Assembly. He was one of the signers, 3 July 1624, of a petition of the Governor and Assembly of Virginia to the King as to the true state of the plantation. Jamestown had no record of the patent for the Dale Plantation, but king James I recognized the right to the land and his successor granted a patent. The plantation became a Virginia company plantation by 1632, known as Plantation of Accomack. In February 1624, Accomack Plantation was represented at a stormy session of the General Assembly. Captain John Wilcox, overseer of the Company land, and HENRY WATKINS, overseer for Lady Dale, were the Burgesses.

After the General Assembly of 1624 adjourned, Burgesses Wilcox and Watkins returned to Accomack Plantation to explain the laws to the people. At the census at this time there were 79 men, women and church. The charter of the Virginia Company was annulled on June 24, 1624, and Virginia became England's first Crown Colony. After the harvest was finished in the fall of 1624, the rest of the Company tenants were transferred to Elizabeth City. The census of 1625 shows 51 people.

1637 Henry Watkins II, Jr One of the most interesting families of Virginia is the Watkins family, whose earliest positively identified member is Henry Watkins, born 1637, at Malvern Hills. There were earlier Watkins. In the General Court Records a Henry Watkins I, Sr. (1585-1655) is mentioned in 1623, 1624, and 1627 as overseer of the plantation of Lady Dale, not far distant from Malvern Hills. In 1634 a deed mentions a Henry Watkins owning land in such position that we have a Henry Watkins owning land in 1634, not more than ten miles from Malvern Hills, where Henry Watkins was born in 1637 thus increasing the likelihood of the link between Henry 1637 and Henry 1585. However, this has not been proven. Both were Quakers.

Virginia law, with some variations during the 17th century, provided 50 acres head right for everyone who came to settle in the colony, or to the person who paid for the transportation of the settler. In June 1664, a grant of land in Henrico County was made to Mr. John Beauchamp and Mr. Richard Cocke Sr, for their importation of 60 people including a Henry Watkins. This is not absolute proof that Henry didn't come from the Jamestown Watkins because land developers in those days were often dishonest, and names of men born in VA often appeared on head rights lists. The names of 60 people appearing on the 1664 list also appeared on the 1652 grant list submitted by Richard Cocke. Two different works caution this does not mean this was when he was transported, or that he was even in fact transported by these gentlemen. Land rights were sometimes collected years later, collected more than once for the same person transported, collected for deceased or fictitious persons or for sailors who never tarried in Virginia.

In 1679 Henry Watkins received a patent for 170 acres of land on the north side of James River in Henrico Co. adjoining land of John Lewis, Mr. Cocke, and Mr. Beauchamp, and touching the 'three runs' of Turkey Island Creek." So, (Capt. Thomas) Cocke, was indeed a neighbor, and apparently the owner of the slaves involved in the 1681 court case with Katherine Watkins.

Henry Watkins II, Jr. - 1637-1691 married Katherine Rachel Pride 1642-1703 Henry Watkins Jr., became a wealthy plantation owner whose Quaker religion caused him to clash at times with the ruling authorities in Virginia. Henry Watkins Jr., was born in the year 1637 in Malvern Hills, Henrico County, Virginia. Others state Henry was born possibly in Talgarth, Brecknockshire, South Wales and is the immigrant ancestor of our line. Otherwise he is possibly the eldest son of parents Henry Watkins Sr. and Alice Moslin Watkins. Malvern Hill stands on the north bank of the James River in Henrico County, Virginia, USA, about eighteen miles southeast of Richmond.

Henry (1637) appears in official records in Henrico County, VA as early as 1677. Henry married another fellow Curles Plantation settler, Katherine Rachel Pride, who was born there in 1642. She was the daughter of John Pride and Elizabeth Holcombe Pride, residents of Henrico County who had immigrated from Nottinghamshire, England.

Henry and Katherine had nine children. Their children: Henry Watkins III 1660-1714, William 1 Watkins 1667-1668- died at 1 year, Elizabeth Watkins 1669-1711, Rachel Watkins 1670-1729, Edward Watkins 1676-1771, Thomas Watkins 1678-1760, Mary Watkins 1682-1736, Joseph Watkins 1684-1725, William 2 Watkins 1685-1781

• Note: There are some family historians who believe Henry Watkins, Jr. was married twice. First to a “Rachel,” last name unknown even though many have searched for her family. Others feel that Rachel was the middle name of Katherine Pride and that she was Henry’s only wife. The fact that there are seven years between the birth of Henry, first born, and the next child in 1667 lends validity to this claim of an earlier wife and mother of Henry. For now, we are going to go with the more often cited Katherine as Henry III’s mother. Certainly, she raised him. There is some question, however.

SOCIETY OF FRIENDS Henry and Katherine were Quakers and member of the Society of Friends. Henry's Quaker religion, at times, caused him to clash with the ruling authorities in Virginia. You’ll find many mentions of Henry Watkins in "Quaker Records of Henrico Monthly Meeting" by F. Edward Wright. When his wife was assaulted, he refused to prosecute the criminal because the law required actions contrary to the Quaker doctrine. In 1684 Henry Watkins was fined by the court for "continuing in his Quakerisms." His fine was later remitted. Other Quaker families in the area were the Pleasant’s, “Makeney’s,” and the Woodson’s. In 1699 he subscribed 500 pounds of tobacco towards building the Friends meetinghouse at Curls and in 1703 he paid 50 pounds of tobacco towards finishing the building.

1677: Assisted Richard Cocke, Col. Ligon, and Gilbert Jones in the survey of “Mawburne Hills,” which he owned. 1678: Henry Watkins paid tithes in Varina parish. 1678 Henry testified in Henrico Co Court that his age was 40 1679: In the list of heads of families in Henrico County he is listed as head of family with three tithables and shown as living in the vicinity of Turkey Island. 1679: Henry received a patent for 170 acres of land on the north side of James River in Henrico Co. adjoining land of John Lewis, Mr. Cocke, and Mr. Beauchamp, and touching the 'three runs' of Turkey Island Creek (patent book 7, p. 17). 1690: Henry purchased of Lyonel Morris 360 acres of land in Varina parish, Henrico Co., on the south side of Chickahominy Swamp, and in the same year he patented 60 acres of land "adjoining his own land and touching a run of Turkey Island Creek." 1692: Henry deeded his land in Henrico to his five sons. To William, Joseph and Edward he deeded each 120 acres of land on the south side of Chickahominy Swamp, to Henry the 'track of land on which his father then lived" acreage not given, and to Thomas 200 acres on the 'three runs.

DEATH We believe Katherine died about 1703, at the age of 61. Henry died 1691. He was 54 years old. He died at his plantation near “Malvern Hills,” in Henrico County.

http://renfrogen.tripod.com/Report%20016/ps02/ps02_096.htm Henry owned (Malvern Hills), in the County of Henrico, Virginia, where he died in 1691. His will was recorded in Henrico County, under date of Feb. 1, 1691; names sons William, Joseph, Edward, Henry, Jr., and Thomas"...love and affection that he hath unto his living sons, Henry and Thomas Watkins, given, granted and confirmed by these presents, doth give, grant and confirm unto ye said Henry Watkins, Jr., all that tract of land whereon I now live, to him and his heirs forever, without any sale or mortgage,to be made of ye same, or any part thereof, as above said. Also I give unto my said son, Thomas Watkins, one tract of land containing 200 acres, situate upon ye three runs in ye above county and taken up at two surveys on to ye heirs of ye body of ye said Thomas Watkins, forever, but no sale or mortgage to be made of all or any part thereof, as above said, as witness my hand and seal this 25 day of Jan., 1691.
Henry (X) Watkins
(his mark)
Teste: Hannay (X) Charles
Thomas Charles acknowledged in open court be ye subscribed
Henry Watkins, Feb. 1, 1691.
Teste, Henry Randolph, Clerk of Crt.

Henry Watkins III married Mary Crisp http://renfrogen.tripod.com/Report%20016/ps02/ps02_093.htm Henry Watkins III made his will in November 1714, proved 7 February 1715, Henrico County, Virginia From miscellaneous records of Henrico County, VA 1650-1807; Vol 1, p. 269 "I, Henry Wadkins being sick and weake of body but of sound and perfect memory doe make and ordain this my las will and testement in manner and form following: I give and bequeath unto my son John Wadkins one cow tow dishes and one plate when he arrives to ye age of twenty one years. I give unto my son Benjamin Wadkins one cow two dishes and one plate when he arrives to ye age of twenty one years. I give unto my son Joseph Wadins one cow two dishes and one plate when he arrives to ye age of twenty one years. I give unto my son Henry Wadkins one cow two dishes and one plate when he arrives to ye age of twenty one years. I give unto my son Stephen Wadkins one cow two dishes and one plate when he arrives to ye age of twenty one years. But if any of my said sons depart this life before they arrive to ye age of twenty one then their bequest to return to my wife Mary Wadkins. All the rest of my goods and chattels of what sort or kind soe ever they be, I give and bequeath to my Beloved wife Mary Wadkins, ordaining and appointing her my whole and sole Executrix of this my last will and testament. and have here unto sett my hand and seale this 15th day of November, 1714. Henry Wadkins Jr. Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of us: Thomas Edwards, Allen Tye, Robert Woodson, Jr. At a Court held for Henrico County the 7 Feb., 1715, this will was proved by the solemn affirmation of Robert Woodson, Jun'r a Quaker and by the oaths of Thomas Edward, two of the witnesses thereto and was thereon admitted to record. Henry had inherited "Mawbourne Hills" (Malvern Hills). From his father in 1691. After Henry's death, his widow, Mary Crisp Watkins maried Edward Mosby (or Moseley) in January, 1717.

Early Watkins Settlers to America in 1600’s
Captain John Smith founded the Jamestown colony in 1607. Watkins Point takes its name from James Watkins, a soldier in the expedition of Captain John Smith in June 1608. Watkins arrived, as a laborer, on the first supply ship to reach Jamestown in 1608. It was Smith who named the point after James Watkins.

A list of names of the living in 1623 Virginia includes Richard Watkins at Hogg Island.

The following are some of (1,033) Early Virginia Pioneers from 1624 records. EASTERN SHORE VA Daniell Watkins, Henry Watkins, Peregree Watkins

From List of Passengers on Ship Constance from London England to Virginia 1635 Aboard the Constance, Clement Campion Master bound to Virginia - Tho Watkins 35

Early Virginia Immigrants; 1623-1666 http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/m/y/e/Ron-C-Myers/GENE29... Watkins, Jno., 1651,Watkins, John, 1653, Watkins, Edward, 1654, Watkins, Geo., 1654, Watkins, Thomas, 1647, Watkins, Mary, 1654, Watkins, Eliz., 1654, Watkins, Wm., 1643, Watkins, Eliz., 1640, Watkins, Rich., 1643,Watkins, Geo., 1638, Watkins, Thos., 1637, Watkins, Alice, 1638,Watkins, Nich., 1639, Watkins, Morgan, 1637, Watkins, Alice, 1635, Watkins, Thomas, 1635

Virginia Quit Rent Rolls, 1704: From the abstract of rolls listing the 5,527 land owners by county who paid quit rents to the Crown in Virginia in 1704 and land acres owned. http://www.lineages.com/InfoCenter/Databases/VAQuitRent.cfm Watkins, Benj: 60 King & Queen Watkins, Edw'd 120 Henrico Watkins, Edw'd 98 King & Queen Watkins, Henry Sr. 100 Henrico Watkins, Jno. 200 Isle of Wight Watkins, Jos. 120 Henrico Watkins, Philip 203 King & Queen Watkins, Rebecha 100 York Watkins, Rich'd 1345 Surry Watkins, Tho. 200 Henrico Watkins, Tho. 190 Norfolk Watkins, Tho: Jr. 125 King & Queen Watkins, Thomas 400 Essex Watkins, Wm. 120 Henrico Watkins, Wm. 137 King & Queen Watkins, Wm. 50 New Kent Duplicate of same name are probably the same person owning land in different counties. ______________________________

"A Carter Genealogy Page," by William H. Carter:

"According to Brythonic Gaelic, the name 'Watkins' means 'little Walt or Walter'. The suffix 'kin' is a diminutive of Walter. This information was told to me by a professor of Welsh in a local junior college. He has a PhD and is the head of the department. He gave me a book to read about Welsh names that was fascinating. 'Ap' means 'son of' and is probably the reason some Welsh names have changes--as 'Powell' which was originally 'Howell', but with the 'Ap' was changed to 'Powell' (Ap Howell='Powell').

"SCHMID-KATHLEEN@worldnet.att.net says (via David Watkins), I am a direct descendant of the Henry Watkins of Henrico County, VA, b. 1637/1638 m. 1658 d. 1714/15. Based on information that was generously sent to me, the connection back to England I seek to make is:

"James Watkins b. ?, Wales, Great Britain, Came to the US aboard the PHOENIX with Captain John Smith in 1608. James had a son named Henry Watkins b. 1585, Wales, Great Britain; and Henry was the father of the Henry Watkins which I referenced above.

"James Watkins apparently had three sons who came to America. Per one source: 'Henry's brother's Peregin and Daniel, had come to Accomack County in 1621, Peregin aboard the GEORGE. He was 20 years of age (his muster of James City in 1624); 'Perregrim Watkinses, age 24, in the GEORGE, 1621.' Daniel came aboard the CHARLES to James City County, Virginia.' "

"ReVeal-Favis Family Tree July 2003", by Kacy Davis:

"James Watkins emigrated from Wales to America in 1608 aboard the 'Phoenix.' "

SOURCES: "A Carter Genealogy Page," by William H. Carter, wcarter1@wwcom.net. Mary Watkins, wife of Nicholas Watkins-Ancestral lines is from "Temple Archive Sheet" from Salt Lake City Library; CAUTION, original source is unknown; we have no further proof. Internet Ancestry.com, Online Family Tree, "ReVeal-Favis Family Tree July 2003", Kacy Davis, whose source is unknown; "Ancestors of Kian Moring," by Bruce D. Johnson, brucedjohnson9@aol.com; from "Some Watkins Families," pg. 24, "! aboard 'Phoenix' 1608", also gives his father's name as "Francis of Shotten", by John Hale Statesman (or Stutesman, 305 Spruce St., San Francisco, CA 94118) CS 71 W335 1989. Internet Ancestry World Tree, Ancestry.com, Call Number a10894.

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Captain John Smith’s First Chesapeake Voyage: June 2 to July 21, 1608

Captain John Smith The Voyages First Voyage Captain John Smith’s First Chesapeake Voyage: June 2 to July 21, 1608 Captain John Smith led 14 men on his first voyage. In search of a route to the Pacific, the band headed north along today’s Eastern Shore then moved to the Western Shore to probe the rivers now called Patapsco, Potomac, and Rappahannock..

Nearly every day, the crew encountered native people. The meetings were mostly friendly and the Indians gave food and help to Captain John Smith and his men. However, some tribes were hostile to strangers trespassing on their lands. .

The expedition also had to cope with storms. On one occasion, Captain John Smith wrote that “the winde and waters so much increased with thunder, lightning, and raine, that our mast and sayle blew overbord and such mighty waves overracked us in that small barge that with great labour we kept her from sinking by freeing out the water.” .

The voyage nearly ended in tragedy when a stingray seriously wounded Captain John Smith. However, he survived and reported eating the ray for supper. His sense of humor expressed itself again when he transformed his vessel to look like a Spanish ship to frighten his fellow colonists. Read more about Smith’s first voyage up the Chesapeake Bay.. .
First Chesapeake Voyage Highlights • June 3 - Encounter with Accowmack Indians: meeting with a“king” who is the “comeliest proper civil savage we encountered.” •June 4 - Thunderstorm—“with great danger we escaped the unmerciful raging of that ocean-like water.” •June 5 - Water shortage—“We would have refused two barricoes of gold for one of that puddle water.” •June 6-8 - Loss of mast and sail in storm. •June 8-10 - Trade with hundreds of Massawomeck. •June 11 - Sighting of “wolves, bears, deer, and other wild beasts.” •June 12-16 - Explorations of Western Shore—bad conditions and crew complaints. •June 17 - Ambush at Nomini Creek—gunfire amazes Indians, precipitating a peaceful resolution. •June 18-July 16 - Exploration of Patawomeck (Potomac River) with stops at many native towns. •July 17 - Smith wounded by stingray near the mouth of the Rappahannock River. •July 18-21 - Returns to Jamestown. .First 1608 Voyage Crew: Captain: John Smith Doctor: Walter Russell Gentlemen (familiar with firearms): James Bourne, William Cantrill, Richard Fetherstone, Thomas Momford, Ralph Morton, Michael Sicklemore Carpenter (boat repair): Robert Small Blacksmith: James Read Fish merchant (knew edible fish): Richard Keale Fisherman/sailor: Jonas Profit Laborer/soldier: James Watkins Soldier: Anas Todkill Tailor (or clothes and canvas): John Powell