Freedman Henry Watson

Exploring I planned to explore the life of another freedman before I saw a name.

There might be fewer “Watson” neighbors than before, but it is a name known to any resident of this county.

The name caught my eye while digging around in neighboring Campbell County since most of Douglas was cut off from Campbell County, which existed between 1828-1931. Many of the names and connections existed across the Chattahoochee River, the boundary.

Henry Watson was a perfect candidate since he was born, married in Campbell but lived his life in Douglas County.

Henry and Anna Favors married on February 4 1869. The births of some of their children do not add up, and it is likely that one or both brought children into the marriage.

I noticed the Campbell County “Ordinary” or Probate Judge who recorded the marriage was Ruben Crawford Beavers, who became connected to nearly every old-line Campbell and Douglas County family by marrying a McClure girl.

In 1870 Henry and Anna lived in the Goodes Community of Campbell County. The community was known for growing and shipping peaches. An old packing shed remains.

By 1875 the Watkins family had moved to the newly formed Douglas County, and shortly afterward Henry and Anna were property owners and working for themselves.

In the 1930 Census, Henry lived with his daughter Melinda and her husband Alonzo Touchtone in Lithia Springs. Lon was a farmer.

Henry Watkins’ life is a story of upward mobility through education and property ownership. I doubt he would recognize his community today. The country road that bisected his farm was then known as the Campbellton Ferry Road but today is called Fairburn Road or Highway 92.

Henry lived to be ninety-one years old, dying of “Old Age” on New Years Day of 1932.

He left a number of children and grandchildren. His wife, Annah, died at a relatively young age of sixty in 1906 and was buried in Pleasant Grove Cemetery.

He lived to see his descendants enjoy great success and prosperity. His son Seaborn worked as a porter, then a drayman, and finally owned the grocery store at 267 Peter’s St. in Atlanta.

Henry Watkins would be surprised to see how widely his family tree grew.

There are likely descendants of the Watkins still in the county. His granddaughter, Zelma Touchstone Duncan died as recently as 2011.

On times like these I long for an old fashioned telephone book. Researching people by name is a thing of the past.

joenphillips@yahoo.com