Dempsey WATTS Jr.

     Dempsey WATTS Jr., son of Dempsey WATTS Sr., was born in 1774 in Portsmouth, Norfolk County, Virginia.¹

Dempsey WATTS Jr. witnessed the deed of William WATTS and Ann Taylor, borough of Norfolk on 10 June 1796 in Portsmouth, Norfolk County, Virginia. For 75 oounds he purchased lot 103 in Hampton Square in Portsmouth on North and Court Streets. Signed Ann Taylor(X). Witnesses were R. Thompson, Sheldon Turner(Toarner), and Dempsey Watts. It was recorded 20 Sep 1796 in Deed Book 36, page 191.

An unknown person married first an unknown person on 31 January 1797 in Portsmouth, Norfolk County, Virginia.²

Dempsey WATTS Jr. and William WATTS were included on a tax list in 1798 in Portsmouth, Norfolk County, Virginia.

The Watts House at 517 North Street in Portsmouth was built by Col. Dempsey Watts in 1799. It was inherited by his son, Capt. Samuel Watts, who lived there until his death in 1878. Here Chief Black Hawk of the Black Hawk Indian War was entertained in 1820, and Henry Clay in 1844.

Dempsey WATTS Jr. was included on a tax list on 6 October 1799 in Norfolk County. He was assessed $2.24 for one white male over 16 [Dempsey], three blacks, two horses and a two-wheeled carriage.³

Dempsey WATTS Jr. and William WATTS were listed as retail merchants in a list of retail and wholesale merchants on 6 October 1799 in Norfolk County.⁴

Dempsey WATTS Jr. appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 August 1810 in Portsmouth, Norfolk County, Virginia. The household was listed as 1 white maile under 10 [Edward], 1 white male 10-15 [Samuel], 1 male 26-44 [Dempsey], 1 female under 10 [Abigail], 1 female 16-25 [???], 1 female 26-44 [Mary], and 16 slaves.⁵

During the War of 1812, Dempsey WATTS Jr. enlisted with the rank of major on the staff of the 7th Virginia Militia Regiment commanded by Colonel Bernard Magnien of Norfolk County in Norfolk County. He also served in the 9th Virginia Militia Regiment under Colonel William Sharp. Dempsey had been a major of militia since at least 1807 when his claim for forage was disallowed because it had been paid for by Mr. Jennings.

Dempsey WATTS Jr. appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 7 August 1820 in Norfolk County, Virginia. The household was listed as 1 male under 10 [Winchester], 1 male 10-16 [Edward], 1 male 16-25 [Samuel], 1 male 45 or older [Dempsey], 2 females under 10 [Carrie & Virginia], 1 female 16-25 [Abigail], and 1 female 45 or older [Mary]. He had nine male and 6 female slaves.⁶

Dempsey WATTS Jr. appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 August 1830 in Portsmouth, Norfolk County, Virginia. The household was listed as 1 male 15-19 [Winchester], 1 male 20-29 [Edward], 1 male 30-39 [Samuel], 1 male 50-59 [Dempsey], 1 female 10-14, 1 female 15-19, 1 female 20-29 [Abigail], 1 female 50-59 [Mary], and 12 slaves.

Dempsey WATTS Jr. appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 August 1840 in Portsmouth, Norfolk County, Virginia. The household was listed as 1 male 60-69 [Dempsey, 66], 2 females 20-29, 1 female 30-39, 1 female 50-59 [Mary], 1 free colored male under 10, and 5 slaves.

Dempsey WATTS Jr. died on 12 August 1841 in Portsmouth, Norfolk County, Virginia.¹ He was buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery.