Peter Wilson WATKINS

HAIRSTON.org ID#92, b. 23 July 1816, d. 17 February 1890
Father*John Dupuy WATKINS b. 4 Mar 1782, d. 8 Feb 1858
Mother*Nancy "Nanie" WILSON1 b. 4 Mar 1786, d. 26 Sep 1854
Birth*Peter Wilson WATKINS was born on 23 July 1816 in Rockingham, North Carolina. The Peter Wilson Watkins Bible states: "Peter Wilson Watkins was born 23rd July 1816". A notation in the front of the bible "Peter W. Watkins 26 July 1845 Henry Co. Va.", which may be the date he acquired the bible. The Hordsville Cemetery marker shows a birth date of 1820.2,3 
He was the son of John Dupuy WATKINS and Nancy "Nanie" WILSON.1 
Census 1840*Peter Wilson WATKINS appeared on the census of 1840 in Henry, Virginia, Peter W Watkins, 2 males 20-29. He is listed near his father, John Watkins Sr., on the census page.4 
Postmaster*He was Postmaster on 23 January 1840 in Horse Pasture, Henry, Virginia.5 
Marriage*He married Louisa Hardyman HAIRSTON, daughter of Col. George "Old Rusty" HAIRSTON Jr. and Louisa HARDYMAN, on 17 September 1844 in Henry, Virginia; Minister was Samuel S. Bryant and his records show September 17, 1844.6,1,3 
Census 1850*Peter Wilson WATKINS appeared on the census of 1 October 1850 in Henry, Virginia. Peter Watkins 31, Louisa Watkins 27, G. H. Watkins 5, N. W. Watkins 2.7

 
Census 1860*He was Head of Household on 28 August 1860 in Post Office Horse Pasture, Henry, Virginia.8

 
ProbateHe was the administrator of George HAIRSTON's estate on 11 December 1865 in Henry, Virginia; His brothers Samuel and Peter are administrators, along with Peter W. Watkins. - Henry County Will Book 7, page 119. FSL #7645136 image 524. 
Census 1870*Peter Wilson WATKINS appeared on the census of 18 August 1870 in Post Office Horse Pasture, Ridgeway Township, Henry, Virginia, Peter W 54 (born in North Carolina), Louisa 50, Hairston 25, Louisa K 17, Elizabeth 7.9

 
Death Spouse*His wife, Louisa Hardyman Hairston, died on 23 July 1873. 
Census 1880*He appeared on the census of 12 June 1880 in Horse Pasture District, Henry, Virginia, Peter Watkins 63, widower, living alone.10

 
Death*He died on 17 February 1890 at age 73. Peter Wilson Watkins Bible: "Peter W. Watkins died suddenly at Shawnee (his home) the 17th day of February 1890 in the 74th year of his age".2,3 
Burial*He was buried in Hordsville Cemetery, Bassett, Henry, Virginia.2

 

Family

Louisa Hardyman HAIRSTON b. 1 Apr 1821, d. 23 Jul 1873
Children
ChartsDescendant Chart
Descendant Chart Box

Sources (www.HAIRSTON.org)

  1. [S24] Hall, Wm. Kearney 1918-2011. Descendants of Nicholas Perkins of Virginia. 1957 Ann Arbor, Michigan., Hathi Trust Digital Library.
  2. [S16] Hordsville Plantation Cemetery, Henry County, Virginia.
  3. [S3544] Watkins Family Bible record, 1782-1983. Bible of Peter Wilson Watkins, of Shawnee Plantation, Henry County, Virginia. The Library of Virginia, 32502 MBRC 28., Library of Virginia.
  4. [S1840] 1840 Federal Census - National Archives and Records Administration - Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org.
  5. [S3310] Appointment of U S Postmasters 1832-1971, NARA Microfilm Publication, M841, 145 rolls. Records of the Post Office Department, Record Group Number 28. Washington, D.C.: National Archives, Ancestry.com.
  6. [S67] Dodd, Virginia Anderson, Henry County, Virginia, Marriage Bonds, 1778-1849, Southern Historical Press, Inc., Greenvile, S.C. 1955.
  7. [S1850] 1850 Federal Census - National Archives and Records Administration - Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org.
  8. [S1860] 1860 Federal Census - National Archives and Records Administration - Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org.
  9. [S1870] 1870 Federal Census - National Archives and Records Administration - Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org.
  10. [S1880] 1880 Federal Census - National Archives and Records Administration - Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org.
Last Edited20 Oct 2025