Jesse Alfred Watkins

Wedding photo of Jesse and Hilma Nelson Watkins

Jesse Alfred Watkins born June 29, 1869 in Brecon, Wales, son of John and Ann Evans Watkins; died December 16, 1940. He married Hilma Sophia Nelson. December 24, 1899 at Willits Station, Van Buren County, Iowa. (Grandson Wayne Jesse Watkins has a wedding invitation sent by Helma's father, John Nelson.)

Jesse Alfred graduated from college at Northern Indiana Normal School, Valpariso, in 1897. He taught country school from 1897 through 1907. (Grandson Wayne Jesse Watkins has his grandfather's teaching certificates.) Jesse Alfred was also Justice of the Peace and performed many wedding ceremonies conducted in their home. Jesse Alfred and Hilma married and witnessed many couples expecting their first child in less than nine months. Child of Jesse Alfred and Hilma (Nelson) Watkins is: Roy Leon Watkins.

Hilma helped Jesse in the fields.