After a long and painful illness, Mr. John S. Watkins fell peacefully on sleep at his home near Wadesboro last Sunday night shortly after 9 o’clock. Mr. Watkins underwent an operation for cancer of the face about two years ago, and since then his health had been gradually failing. Some time ago cancer of the stomach developed, and this was the cause of his death. Although his health had been feeble, Mr. Watkins did not give up, but continued at his post of duty in Sheriff Braswell’s office until last Wednesday, when he was forced to go to bed. He gradually failed until the end came.
John Sidney Watkins was a member of one of the old families of Anson county, and was a son of the late William C. Watkins and of Mrs. Flora McBride Watkins. He was born 71 years ago at the paternal home a few miles northeast of town. In early manhood he married Miss Lucy ‘Threadgill, who survives him, with three sons, Messrs. Charles C. Watkins, who made his home with his parents, John D. Watkins of Rockingham, and J.W. Watkins of Jacksonville, Fla. He is also survived by one brother, Mr. W.S. Watkins of Morven.
Mr. Watkins will be greatly missed in the county. For nearly 30 years he had been connected in one capacity or another with the sheriff’s office, most of the time as deputy sheriff, and until his health began to fail he was very active. For years he had the reputation of knowing more people in the county than did any other person, and the reputation was well deserved. In the course of his duties he met almost everybody, and after he met them he remembered them, and he usually knew something about them. For many years he was tax lister for Wadesboro township, and he was very familiar with the circumstances of the people living in the township.
During his vigorous years he was very active in politics, and he had much political influence. Older citizens of the county well remember the campaign of 1896, perhaps the hottest campaign ever waged in tis county, and in which Mr. Watkins was one of the hardest workers. Anson county was one of the few counties in the state, and the only one between Charlotte and Wilmington, which was held by the Democratic party. At that time Wadesboro township was divided into three voting precincts, that part lying north of the Seaboard tracks forming one, and through the efforts of Mr. Watkins and of Capt. J.A. Boggan, the Democrats carried that precinct, which was considered a very fine piece of work. Soon after that Mr. Watkins moved to town, where he afterwards made his home.
He was a gentleman of high character, dignified in demeanor, honorable in all his relations, charitable and helpful to his fellows, courteous to all with whom he came in contact, and a sincere Christian. For many years he was a member of the Methodist church.
The funeral was held Monday afternoon at 5 o’clock by Rev. J.H. Armbrust, and there was a large attendance. Interment was at Salem church, where other members of the Watkins family rest.
Mr. Watkins was a Woodman and members of the order acted as pall bearers.
From the front page of the Messenger and Intelligencer and Ansonian, Wadesboro, N.C., Thursday, June 11, 1925
newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn97064505/1925-06-11/ed-1/seq-1/
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