The Washington State Journal and Ritzville Times, Thursday, December 14, 1916, issue

Prominent Farmer Is Called By Death It is our duty to record this week the death of another pioneer settler of Adams County. William H. Watkins passed away Sunday morning at 7 o'clock at the home of his son on Rattlesnake Flat. For several months he has been in very bad health. Recently he made a trip to Portland but the doctors there were unable to do anything for him. A cancerous condition of the stomach was what caused his death.

Mr. Watkins was born in Pike County, Illinois, June 19, 1848. He was thus 68 years of age at the time of his death. He was the son of Ebenezer and Eleanor Moyer Watkins. He grew to manhood in Illinois and was married there. With his family he removed to Adams County in the early '90s taking up a homestead on Rattlesnake Flat. He continued to reside there until his death. His wife died many years ago, but four children survive. They are: P. A. Watkins, J. W. Watkins, Mrs. G. W. Wilson and Mrs. E. D. Houser. A brother, Mose Watkins was present at the funeral.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the old home, being conducted by by the Ritzville Masonic lodge of which he was a charter member. Prayer was offered by Rev. J. S. Penix of Ralston. Interment was made at the Bemis cemetery. Mr. Watkins was a substantial citizen, one of those who form the bone and sinew of the state. He never sought public honors, but was widely known and highly respected. He was successful as a farmer, owning nearly two sections of choice wheat land.

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Father: Ebenezer Herbert WATKINS b: 02 June 1807 in Virginia

Mother: Eleanora Eura (Nellie) MOYER b: 25 July 1823 in Orange Co., Indiana

Spouse: Ellen S.

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1880 US Federal Census

Name: William Watkins
Home in 1880: Milton, Pike Co., Illinois
Age: 32
Birthplace: Illinois
Relation to head-of-household: Self (Head)
Spouse's name: Ellen
Father's birthplace: VA
Mother's birthplace: IN
Neighbors: View others on page
Occupation: Farmer
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Gender: Male

Household Members: Name Age
William Watkins 32
Ellen Watkins 31
Philip Watkins 9
Eliza Watkins 7
Jessie Watkins 5
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1900 United States Federal Census

Name: William Watkins
Home in 1900: Fletcher, Adams Co., Washington
Age: 51
Born: June 1848
Birthplace: Illinois
Relationship to head-of-house: Head
Race: White
Marital Status: Widowed

Household Members: Name Age
William Watkins 51
Cora Watkins 21 -Dau
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1910 US Federal Census

Name: William H. Watkins
Age in 1910: 61
Birthplace: Illinois
Relation to Head of House: Head
Father's Birth Place: Virginia
Mother's Birth Place: Indiana
Home in 1910: Washtucna, Adams Co., Washington
Marital Status: Widowed
Race: White
Gender: Male

Household Members: Name Age
William H. Watkins 61
Phillip A. Watkins 38 -Son