After working on the Watkins farm 16 years with his brothers Joe and John, AJ moved to Lawson and started a dairy. His FAMOUS WATKINS BRAND OF BEST CREAMERY BUTTER won 1st place at the St Louis fair 3 years in a row.



"A.J. Watkins of Lawson, for many years one of the well known citizens of that section, died, Friday, July 20, at his home in that city. His death followed an illness of a year or more. He was born and reared near Lawson and his entire life was lived in Clay and Ray counties. He was a son of the late Waltus L. Watkins, an early day pioneer who came to Missouri in the early 1840's and bought a large tract of land near where Lawson and Excelsior Springs are located. He established the Watkins wool mills and was one of the foremost citizens of the state for many years. A.J. Watkins assisted his father in managing the woolen mills and after his death engaged in farming and stockraising. Some years ago he moved to Lawson where he resided until his death. He was married to Miss Margaret Jane Smith, a daughter of the late W.W. Smith of Lawson. His widow and four children, daughters, survive him. He is also survived by one sister, Miss Carried Watkins, who resides on the old Watkins home place. Funeral services were held at his late home Sunday morning, conducted by Rev. McClintic of Liberty. Burial was in Lawson cemetery. Mr. Watkins, or "A.J." as he was familiarly called by his friends, was a man possessing great will power and no one anywhere thought more of his friends than he. His loyalty at no time knew any bounds and he really appreciated them. He was a great neighbor and when once his sympathies were aroused his kind heart knew no bounds in his desire to comfort and be of assistance. Those who knew him as he really was will verify this statement by citing many instances. He will be missed in this community where he had lived so long. Many friends send genuine sympathy to the bereaved family in their great hour of sorrow and loss."