THOMAS J. WATKINS, druggist, Jonesboro, was born November 18, 1841, in Shropshire, England. He is a son of John Watkins, born in England. He died in 1869, in this county. He married Mary Bratton, born in England, who died in 1854, in this county. She was the mother of three children, viz., Sarah, wife of O. Blevins; Mary Ann, wife of James Lee, and Thomas J., who came to this county about 1848, with his parents. He went to school in Jonesboro, where he also acquired his profession with the firm of Hacker & Toler, physicians. In 1860, he opened a drug store in Jonesboro, in which he continued till the fall of 1862, when he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Col. Nimmo. Mr. Watkins entered the regiment as Orderly Sergeant, but was promoted to Second Lieutenant. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg and the battles of Spanish Fort, Fort Blakely and other engagements. He served till the close of the war, and then returned to Jonesboro, where he engaged in the insurance business one year, as clerk in a drug store three years, and then kept a drug store in Dongola one year. In 1870, he returned to Jonesboro, Ill., where he bought the drug store of Thomas Frick, in which he has done business ever since. In 1875, he was elected Mayor; was re-elected in 1877, and again elected in 1881. He had formerly been elected City Treasurer for three terms. Mr. Watkins was married to Elvira Albright, who was the mother of two children now living, viz., George T. and Kate M. Mrs. E. Watkins died in 1867. In 1869, our subject was married a second time to Mrs. Lou Glascock, born in Jonesboro. She was a daughter of Caleb and Rachel (Baggs) Frick, who came here in an early day. Mrs. Watkins is the mother of two children, viz., Homer G. Glascock, born January 31, 1860, and Thomas J. Glascock, born March 16, 1862. Mrs. Watkins is an active and zealous member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, she being County President, and President of the Union in Jonesboro. Mr. Watkins is a Knight of Honor, Jonesboro Lodge, No. 1891, and in politics is a Democrat.
Extracted 02 Apr 2017 by Norma Hass from 1883 History of Alexander, Union, and Pulaski Counties, Illinois, Part V, pages 116-117.
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