» I am the daughter of Joseph Ray Watkins, Jr. and granddaughter of Joseph
» Ray Watkins who was the son of Paul and Florence Watkins of Winona,
» Minnesota. I am interested in knowing the original of their middle name,
» Ray. I have not been able to find any information.
» Thank you


Hi Linda.....my first message to you seems to have disappeared.

My name is Elizabeth King Bach and I live in Winona MN. The Joseph Ray Watkins (my great grandfather) who started the JR Watkins Co. is the son of Benjamin Utter Watkins....he had three (?) siblings, one of whom was William. I think William had a son named Paul who married Florence and lived in a lovely home in Winona. I didnt know they had a son named JR! I knew their son Roderick when he was quite old.

"My" JR had a daughter named Grace who married Ernest King, hence my King name!

I am sorry that I don't know the origins of Ray. There is a book about the family, written by JR's sister that may explain it.

I would really enjoy hearing from you. I had heard that our branch of the Watkins family came from someone named Tobias who emigrated from Wales to New Jersey in the 1600s. Does any of that fit??