Watkins, John A. | Tulane University Special Collections

Name: Watkins, John A.

Historical Note: Colonel John A. Watkins, son of Asa and Sarah McDonald Watkins, was born December 3, 1808 in Jefferson County, Mississippi Territory. After attaining his majority, he moved into the town of Rodney, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits, and soon became one of the most prominent men of the community. He often came into contact with the Choctaw Indians in the area, and he thus became very interested in their culture, resulting in a series of articles that were published in the American Antiquarian. In 1832, Colonel Watkins married Caroline Elizabeth Campbell. After her death in 1848, he moved to New Orleans where he held a prominent social and official position, serving for many years as councilman and as State and City assessor. The New Orleans City Directories states that he lived at 486 St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans. He died in 1898.

Sources: Manuscripts Collection 633

Note Author: LAC Group

Records or Manuscript Collections Created by Watkins, John A.