Notes
Note N3616
Index
"Elias, the remaining brother, was a man of marked religious character, of deep and fervent piety. In connection with James Mills he built the old steam mill on the other side of the river from the mouth of First Street. This mill was burned many years ago whilst owned and run by a man the name of Joseph Coulson. The cause of the fire remains a mystery to this day. Elias lived a long time at the mills, long since gone, belonging to Abram VanVoorhis, which stood on Pigeon creek, opposite the present residence of Cornelius Carson. He died about the year 1834, leaving a widow and a large family of children. His wife was a half sister of Robert Phillips, the late Nancy Wickerham and Mrs. Jane VanVoorhis, and a full sister, we think, of Margaret Paden--Mrs. Hull, deceased."--10 Jun 1880, Monongahela (PA) Valley Republican
Speaking of the Methodist church start in Carroll township: "The class led every third Sabbath by the preachers was otherwise without a leader till Aeneas Graham and his wife united with it, and he in a short time was made leader. This was in the latter part of 1813 or early in 1814. Thereafter the growth of the young society was rapid, and among its earlier additions were Elias Watkins and wife, Mrs. Mary Black, Mrs. Verner, mother-in-law of Bishop Simpson..."
Further: "Among the early and devoted members of this church was Elias Watkins. His father, Joseph Watkins, came from Baskin Ridge, N.J. in 1801, and settled near Williamsport, on what farm we are not informed. He died within two years after his arrival. He seems to have been married twice. By his second marriage, he had three sons, Jeremiah, John and Elias, and one daughter, Ann, who married the late Abram Van Voorhis...."
Alternate date of death is 6 sep 1830, Elizabeth township, allegheny, Pa, in the estate index for Allegheny county. See Vol 33, pg 294, blk 5 for add'l info.
"A. Vanvoris, acting administrator of the estate of Elias Watkins, late of Elizabeth township, deceased."--13 Mar 1832, Pittsburgh (PA) Weekly Gazette
Possibly served in Capt. John Marcy's Company in Col. James Reed's New Hampshsire Regiment during Revolutionary War, but this may not be the same Elias Watkins.
1820 census lists these family members: 1 male under 10, 1 male 10 thru 15, 1 male 26 thru 44, 3 females under 10, 1 female 26 thru 44
1830 census lists these family members: 2 males under 5, 1 male 5 thru 9, 1 male 10-14, 1 male 30-39, 2 females under 5, 1 female 5 thru 9,1 female 10 thru 14, 2 females 15 thru 19, 1 female 30-39.
Probate proceedings: Personal reps (Administrators) were James Menown & Abraham Van Voris, Vol 33 page 294, block 5 of Allegheny Estate Index, Surname W, First Names A-E
Notes
Note N3617
Index
"John was a glass blower by trade. He quit his trade on account of health; lived in and owned the house just above the Episcopal church on Main street. He married Miss Eliza Jane, daughter of the late James Warne. He with his family moved in 1857 to the vicinity of Parkersburg, W.Va., to engage in farming. Of his present whereabouts we are not able to say, further than that he some years ago moved to the west, and was accidentally killed."--10 Jun 1880, Monongahela (PA) Valley Republican
A John Watkins was part of the wagon train from Monongahela to California, per letter report published in the 23 Jul 1852 issue of the Monongahela Valley Republican.
"John E Watkins Killed. An unfortunate accident occurred Tuesday afternoon about one mile from Richmond on the St. Cloud road, by which an old and well known farmer lost his life. On the day mentioned Mr. John F. Watkins, who resided a short distance from where he was killed, came to the Richmond Mills, driving a pair of mules. He was returning home in the afternoon when the team took fright and ran away. They ran some distance, and Mr. Watkins held on to the lines until the team reached a culvert crossing near the railroad, when he was thrown out and dragged a few yards beyond the culvert. The accident was witnessed in part by a neighbor, who, with assistance, removed the body to the Watkin's residence and sent to town for a physician. Dr. Charlie Mosby went out but before he got there, the man was dead."--Find-a-grave
"The town has always been famous for its many skilled carpenters. The Butler brothers, John Eckles, John Watkins, Joseph Hamilton, Benjamin Ferguson, Enoch Pierce, John Watson and others whose names we cannot recall, were among the skilled mechanics of early day...Pg 25... Roll and muster of Captain William Hunter's Company of Infantry, attached to the First Regiment of Infantry, commanded by Colonel Jeremiah Shider, in the service of the United States, from the State of Pennsylvania, Brigadier-General Adamson Tamahill commanding, commencing the 25th of September and ending the 24th of November 1812, both days included: Captain -- William Hunter, Lieutenant -- John Eckles, Ensign -- Robert McGrew, 1st Sergeant--James Freeman, 2nd Sergeant--William Chalfant, 3rd Sergeant--Jesse Robb, 4th Sergeant--John Watkins...pg 118...In the year 1834, Mr. E.A. Talbot opened a school in the old Methodist Church, which stood on the spon where now stands the Carborundum Co. and Electric Light Co.'s building..John Watkins also taught school in this house...pg 88..It contains, among other advertisements, that of James Mills, who wants his customers to pay, so that he could go forward with Elias Watkins in building a steam mill for the interest of the community at large. The mill was finished, and after many years was sold to a man named Coulson, in whose time it was burned. The mill was situated on the river bank, opposite the mouth of First street. The dwelling still stands...pg 31"--Centennial anniversary of the founding of Monongahela City, Pa.: celebrated August 27th, 1892