In 1830 Waltus and his brother, James, traveled to Liberty, MO, where he later built a cotton carding mill in town. He later added a spinning machine, the first one in the west.
Later, Watkins built a large woolen mill north of Liberty and east of Kearney, MO. He became a very prosperous businessman with an estate of some 3400 acres that he called "Bethany."
In the 20th century, after the woolen mill had been closed for many years, it ended up as the property of the Missouri State Parks Dept. Of the 2400 operating woolen mills in the U.S. in the 19th century, Watkins' mill was the only one left with the original machinery intact and in place. It is now one of the premier tourist sites in Clay County, MO.
In 1830 Waltus and his brother, James, traveled to Liberty, MO, where he later built a cotton carding mill in town. He later added a spinning machine, the first one in the west.
Later, Watkins built a large woolen mill north of Liberty and east of Kearney, MO. He became a very prosperous businessman with an estate of some 3400 acres that he called "Bethany."
In the 20th century, after the woolen mill had been closed for many years, it ended up as the property of the Missouri State Parks Dept. Of the 2400 operating woolen mills in the U.S. in the 19th century, Watkins' mill was the only one left with the original machinery intact and in place. It is now one of the premier tourist sites in Clay County, MO.
Family Members
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John Holloway Watkins
1835–1839
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George Spencer Watkins
1837–1931
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Alfred Watkins
1839–1840
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John Handy Watkins
1840–1931
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Catherine J. Watkins Atchison
1844–1870
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Martha Watkins Scruggs
1847–1929
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Mary Elizabeth "Lizzie" Watkins Atchison
1849–1898
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Dr Waltus Jewell Watkins
1852–1925
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Caroline Emma Watkins
1854–1949
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Adoniram Judson "A J" Watkins
1856–1934
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Joe Berry Watkins
1859–1933
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