RICHARD F. WATTS

The following bio was taken from page 434 of the book entitled "Rusk County History" compiled and edited and used with permission of the Rusk

County Historical Commission

Transcribed by Claudia Schuster

Submitted by Gloria Briley Mayfield, Rusk County TX Coordinator

Richard F. Watts, born in Henry County, Georgia on October 8, 1824, was the fifth child of Reverend Hope Hull Watts, a Methodist minister, and his first wife, Mary "Polly" McConnell. Throughout his lifetime Richard supported his family by farming and operating a mill and gin.

On December 28, 1848, in Floyd County, Georgia, Richard married Matilda (Mary) Ann Wragg, who usually went by the name Ann or Ann M. She was born August 16, 1824, probably in Rutherford County, North Carolina or in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Her parents were James Wragg and Mary "Polly" McClure. Like the Watts family, Ann’s relatives were Methodists.

With the outbreak of the Civil War, Richard enlisted in the Confederate Army on November 27, 1861. Although he served in Company G, 1^st Georgia Cavalry throughout the war, he appears to have been detailed for special services as a miller.

Like other southern families who wished to protect their valuables from the Yankees, Richard put the best dishes, etc., into a specially built box, which was buried in the woods.

Together with members of the Wragg family, Richard and his family moved form Floyd County, Georgia to Caledonia, Rusk County, Texas in 1870. One of the stories related about their journey to the Lone Star State concerns the family dog. When the Texas-bound settlers reached one river, the woman and children crossed over first on a raft; however, the family dog refused to ford the water. When cajoling failed to fetch the animal, Ann crossed the river on a horse and brought the dog to the other side.

Ann died on November 17, 1911, at Caledonia. After a lengthy illness, Richard died at Mt. Moriah on February 16, 1913. Both are buried in Caledonia Cemetery.

The Watts children, all born in Floyd County, Georgia were: Mary Jane (July 30, 1852), who married William Barnet Moss "Bill" Garrison on January 24, 1872 in Rusk County and died September 30, 1978.

Sarah Katherine (December 12, 1856-April 17, 1933) married Robert Franklin "Bob" Garrison on September 18, 1873 in Rusk County.

Rufus Elizabeth (born circa 1857—died circa 1886) was the first wife of Andrew Richard Dillen. They were married on February 22, 1876 in Rusk County.

Martha Ann (born November 11, 1859—died March 20, 1920) was the second wife of Andrew Richard Dillen. They married on September 21, 1886 in Rusk County.

George Thomas (February 16, 1864—November 15, 1952), married Maude Strong in December, 1892.

More detailed data on descendants of Mary Jane, Sarah Katherine, and George Thomas Watts is found in "Descendants of Caleb Garrison, Sr. and his wife Sarah Fleming, 1897-1966" by John G. Ross and Quillian Garrison. For particulars on descendants of Rufus Elizabeth and Martha Ann Watts, see the sketch on the family of Andrew Richard Dillen in the book.

Submitted by Marieta Childs