R. O. Watkins, the fourth son of Jesse Jernigan Watkins & Mary White McCorkle, was born in Clarksville, Montgomery County, TN 31 Mar 1816. He came to Texas in 1833 with his father, who had been enticed to Texas by his friend, Sam Houston, and to work at Indian negotiations. After arriving here Jesse became an Indian fighter and met his death at the hands of Cherokees who set him afire with pine needles. Richard was raised in a devout home and by the time he was sixteen knew he wanted to be a Preacher. He began his ministry in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in 1836 and on 27 Nov 1837 was the first person to be Ordained by Protestants to preach the gospel in the Republic of Texas. He would preach in homes, in pastures, barns, arbers and anywhere he could. His circuit ride was made difficult by Indian depredations and many times he found himself unable to travel to locations. It became so bad that men kept their firearms within arm's reach during prayer meetings and for awhile he found it necessary to join the Rangers and fight the Indians. In 1840 Richard wandered back to Tennessee, eager for more education, however his money ran out and he returned home in 1841. He married Amanda Malvina Polk in San Augustine Co TX and they lived in Nacogdoches, with him preaching regularly at the Old Stone Fort in Nacogdoches. She was born 20 Apr 1821 in TN and she died 5 Jun 1912. By 1843 they were living in their own home at Linn Flats, but by 1845 he had that place rented and had moved to San Augustine where he attended school and preached. By 1853 his family in Kaufman County had told him of the new settlement of Kemp and their need for a teacher and preacher. In 1855 Richard moved his family there. Children of R. O. Watkins:
Richard pursued his vocation as a Minister for more than 60 years. He died 27 May 1897 and is buried next to Amanda at Kemp Cemetery.  |
Additional information on Rev. Richard Overton WatkinsPolk, William Harrison, Polk Family and Kinsmen, Louisville, Ky. : Bradley & Gilbert, 1912   |