Person Page - 97

     Paratine married Franklin M. LANGSTON, son of Willis LANGSTON and Ina Louisa Woolley, on 30 September 1875 in Baker (now Chilton) County, Alabama.¹

     William married Sarah E. LANGSTON, daughter of Willis LANGSTON and Ina Louisa Woolley, on 12 April 1871 in Baker (now Chilton) County, Alabama.¹

     O. married Mary A. L. LANGSTON, daughter of Willis LANGSTON and Ina Louisa Woolley, on 30 September 1875 in Chilton County, Alabama.¹

     Earlie Thurman WATTS, son of William Lewis WATTS and Minnie Lee GILLILAND, was born on 11 February 1895 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.³ He was also known as Earl.

Earlie Thurman WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 15 April 1910, in the household of Lewis WATTS and Minnie Lee GILLILAND in Parsons Precinct 12, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.⁴

Due to a need for men to serve during World War I, the United States instituted a draft. The first registration was for men between the ages of 21 and 31. As a result, this first registration included men born between June 5, 1886 and June 5, 1896. Earlie filled out a draft card on 5 June 1917 in Holman, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. His occupation was farmer and mill laborer and he was employed by a Dr. Mobley in Gordo, Alabama. Earl was discribed as 21-years-old, single, of medium height, slender build, with blue eyes and light hair.⁵

Earl married second Gladys Mae Carroll on 4 February 1957 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She was the daughter of Richard and Mamie Harris Carroll. Both Earl and Mae had two previous marriages. He had divorced his prior wife 15 Feb 1956 and Mae had been divorced in October 1957. At the time of their marriage her name was Mae Kornegay. Earl's occupation at the time of this marriage was repairman and disabled veteran.^3,6

Earlie married third Alma H. Bichon on 2 July 1962 in Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. It said that he had divorced his previous wife in 1958.⁷

Earlie Thurman WATTS died on 25 November 1988 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, at age 93.^8,9

His obituary appeared 26 November 1988 in the The Tuscaloosa News, published in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. WEST BLOCTON -- Funeral services for Earlie Thurman Watts, 90, of West Blocton, who died Friday at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, will be 2 p.m. Sunday at the Rockco Funeral Home Chapel in Centreville. Burial will follow in the Hickory Hill Cemetery.

Survivors include two sons, Donald Earl Watts, West Blocton, and Kenneth Neal Watts, Perthamboy, N.J; a daughter, Nina Ruth Giglio, Bessemer; a sister, Mae Beavers, Abernant; 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was buried in Hickory Hill Cemetery, West Blocton, Bibb County, Alabama.

     Erby Crathon WATTS, son of William Lewis WATTS and Minnie Lee GILLILAND, was born on 19 March 1894 in Blocton Junction, Bibb County, Alabama.¹

Erby Crathon WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 15 April 1910, in the household of Lewis WATTS and Minnie Lee GILLILAND in Parsons Precinct 12, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.²

In 1913 Erby Crathon WATTS was living in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He was employed as a driver according to the City Directory and lived in a boarding house at 1453 15th Avenue.

Erby married Pearl J. Oglesby on 2 July 1914 at the bride's home near Woodstock in Bibb County, Alabama. Rev. W. W. Cranmore performeded the service.^3,4

Due to a need for men to serve during World War I, the United States instituted a draft. The first registration was for men between the ages of 21 and 31. As a result, this first registration included men born between June 5, 1886 and June 5, 1896. Erby Crathon WATTS filled out a draft card on 5 June 1917 in Bessemer, Jefferson County, Alabama. At the time, he was single and employed by the Tennessee Coal Iron and Railroad Company (TCI) as a watchman in one of their ore mines in Wenonah. He asked for an exemption because he was the sole means of support for his father, mother, brother and three sisters. He was discribed as being of medium height and slender build, with gray eyes and red hair.¹

Erby Crathon WATTS enlisted in the Battery E 13th Field Artillery of the 4th Division during World War I on 15 December 1917 in Ft. Oglethorpe, Georgia. He served overseas 22 May 1918 to 31 Jul 1919. The 4th Division was engaged in the St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne Offensives. He was discharged at demobilization 6 Aug 1919. He was living in Abernant at the time of his enlistment.

Erby married Josephine Lee Carroll on 9 October 1920 in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama.^5,6

Erby Crathon WATTS died on 14 February 1947 at Veteran's Hospital in Panama City, Bay County, Florida, at age 52.^7,3,8 He was buried in Old Hepzibah Cemetery, Abernant, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.^7,8

Erby's obituary was printed on 19 February 1947 in the Birmingham Herald newspaper, published in Birmingham, Alabama. It said that Erby Crathon Watts, age 52, of Parker, Florida, passed away Friday at Veteran's Hospital in Panama City, Florida. He was survived by his widow, Mrs. Cleo Watts; one son, Erby Claud Watts; one daughter, Mrs. Helen Travis; one sister, Mrs. Mae Beavers; two brothers, Cleon and Earl Watts; his mother, Mrs. Minnie Lee Logan; and his father W. L. Watts. Burial was in Hepzibah Cemetery.³

     William Lester WATTS, son of William Lewis WATTS and Minnie Lee GILLILAND, was born in 1901 in Alabama.

William Lester WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 15 April 1910, in the household of Lewis WATTS and Minnie Lee GILLILAND in Parsons Precinct 12, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.¹

William Lester WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 8 January 1920, in the household of William Lewis WATTS and Dock Beavers in Parson Precinct, Tuscaloosa County.²

William married Ruby Mae Harkins on 3 February 1923 in West Blocton, Bibb County, Alabama. With E. M. Bishop, J. P. officiating.³

William Lester WATTS died on 31 March 1929 in Dogwood, Shelby County, Alabama.^4,5 He was buried in Macedonia Cemetery, Shelby County, Alabama.

     Dorothy Mae WATTS, daughter of William Lewis WATTS and Minnie Lee GILLILAND, was born on 11 May 1903 in Alabama.¹

Dorothy Mae WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 15 April 1910, in the household of Lewis WATTS and Minnie Lee GILLILAND in Parsons Precinct 12, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.²

Dorothy married Dock Beavers circa 1919 in Alabama. He was three quarters Cherokee and the couple had three children, Frances, Robert and Erlene.^1,3

Dorothy Mae WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 8 January 1920, in the household of William Lewis WATTS and Dock Beavers in Parson Precinct, Tuscaloosa County.¹

Dorothy Mae WATTS died on 10 October 1991 in Abernant, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, at age 88.⁴ She was buried in Hepzibah Cemetery, Abernant, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.

Her obituary appeared 12 October 1991 in the an unknown place , published in an unknown place , an unknown place . The Tuscaloosa News: Bessemer. Dorothy Mae Beavers, 88, of Abernant, idied Oct. 10, 1991, at her home. Services will be held at 2 pm today at Hepzibah Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery with Brown-Service Funeral Home of Bessemer directing. Survivors include two daughers, Frances Mullenix, Abernant, and Erlene Martin, Bessemer; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and other relatives.

     Bertha L. WATTS, daughter of William Lewis WATTS and Minnie Lee GILLILAND, was born on 11 July 1907 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.¹

Bertha L. WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 15 April 1910, in the household of Lewis WATTS and Minnie Lee GILLILAND in Parsons Precinct 12, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.²

Bertha L. WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 8 January 1920, in the household of William Lewis WATTS and Dock Beavers in Parson Precinct, Tuscaloosa County.³

Bertha married Andrew Thomas Goodwin on 27 December 1923 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.⁴

Bertha L. WATTS died on 31 March 1925 in Jefferson County, Alabama, at age 17. Died of childbirth and kidney poisoning at the age of 17.^5,6,7 She was buried in Old Hepzibah Cemetery, Abernant, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.

     Laura Alice Burkhart was born in 1911 in Tennessee.

Laura married Cleon WATTS, son of William Lewis WATTS and Minnie Lee GILLILAND, on 30 November 1928 in Hamilton County, Tennessee.¹

Laura Alice Burkhart and Cleon WATTS appeared on a census enumerated 4 April 1930 at 950 North Fourth Avenue in Knoxville, Tennessee. They were rooming with Emma Claggett, 45, from Maine, her year-old daughter, and two female roomers, Annalee Rush and Macill McCoy, both 20. Emma and the two girls worked in a winding mill. Cleon was listed as a 23-year-old insurance manager and Laura, his wife, was 19. They had been married one year. Cleon was a veteran.

Laura Alice Burkhart and Cleon WATTS appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 April 1940 in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Tennessee. The household was listed as Cleon Watts, a 33-year-old insurance salesman, Laura Watts, his 29-year-old wife, and daughters Dorla Dean, 8; Norma J., 7; Phyllis A., 4; and sons, Benjamin, 2; and Larry M. Watts, 3 months. They lived at 3814 Chandler Avenue.

     Dorla Dean WATTS, daughter of Cleon WATTS and Laura Alice Burkhart, was born on 24 April 1931 in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Tennessee.

Dorla Dean WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 1 April 1940, in the household of her parents Cleon WATTS and Laura Alice Burkhart in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Tennessee. She was 8 years old.

Dorla Dean WATTS died on 23 June 2008 in Bessemer, Jefferson County, Alabama, at age 77.

     Norma Jean WATTS, daughter of Cleon WATTS and Laura Alice Burkhart, was born on 4 August 1932 in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Tennessee.

Norma Jean WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 1 April 1940, in the household of her parents Cleon WATTS and Laura Alice Burkhart in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Tennessee. She was 7 years old.

Norma Jean was educated in 1948 at Central High School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She worked at the Dupont Mill and after she married moved to Miami, Florida.

Norma Jean WATTS died on 3 December 2008 in Ranchita, San Diego County, California, at age 76.

     Phyllis Ann WATTS, daughter of Cleon WATTS and Laura Alice Burkhart, was born on 26 December 1935 in Tennessee.

She appeared on a census, enumerated 1 April 1940, in the household of her parents Cleon WATTS and Laura Alice Burkhart in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Tennessee. She was 4 years old.

Phyllis Ann was attending school in 1952 at Fulton High School in Knoxville, Tennessee. She was about 16 at that time.

Phyllis saw military service circa 1956 in Korea in the U. S. Navy. Her rank was Dental Technician, Petty Officer 3rd Class (DT3).

Phyllis married first Raymond Lee Welch on 15 June 1956 in San Diego, San Diego County, California.²

Phyllis Ann WATTS and Raymond Lee Welch were divorced in August 1975 in San Diego, California.³

Phyllis married second Gary Hudson Stovall on 2 June 1980 in San Diego, California. He was a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam.⁴

Phyllis Ann WATTS died on 2 August 2022 in California at age 86. She was buried in Miramar National Cemetery, San Diego, San Diego County, California.⁵

     Benjamin Lewis WATTS, son of Cleon WATTS and Laura Alice Burkhart, was born on 14 September 1937 in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Tennessee. He was a firefighter and fire commissioner.

Benjamin Lewis WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 1 April 1940, in the household of his parents Cleon WATTS and Laura Alice Burkhart in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Tennessee. He was 2 years old.

He saw military service between 1954 and 1965 in the U. S. Air Force.

Benjamin married first Delores Stanley circa 1958 in Tennessee.²

Benjamin Lewis WATTS and Delores Stanley were divorced circa 1964 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.³

Benjamin married second Nancy Lorraine Joyner circa 1966 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.⁴

Benjamin Lewis WATTS died on 14 January 2006 in Ranchita, San Diego County, California, at age 68.⁵ He was buried in Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, California.

     Jessie Eugenia Bankston was born on 22 September 1872 in Alabama.³ She was commonly known as Jessie.

Jessie married John Dempsey WATTS, son of Daniel Henry WATTS and Dorothy Elizabeth WEAVER, on 6 June 1886 in Olmstead Station, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. The license was applied for 4 June 1886. The ceremony was performed by C. B. Olmstead, justice of peace.¹

Jessie Eugenia Bankston and John Dempsey WATTS appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 18 June 1900 in Kingdom Beat, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as John D. Watts, a farmer, age 38, born September 1862 and his wife, Jessie, age 27, born September 1872. They had been married 14 years and Jessie was the mother of three children with two living. With them were their children Woodie O. Watts, age 11, born October 1888, and Daniel G[ay] Watts, age 9, born August 1890, both of whole were listed at school. Also living with them at the time was a niece, Lottie M. Wilson, age 16, born April 1884.⁴

Jessie Bankston and John Dempsey WATTS appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 23 April 1910 in Ward 4, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The household was listed as John D. Watts, a 45-year-old sawyer in a lumber mill, and his 39-year-old wife, Jessie E. Watts. This was the first marriage for both and they had been married 22 years. Jessie was the mother of two children, all living. They rented their home at 272 13th Street. Living with them were their sons, Woodie O., an 18-year-old carpenter, and Daniel G., a 16-year-old machinist and auto repairer. All of them could read and write. Also in the household were Jessie's mother, Amanda Bankston, a 76-year-old widow and mother of six with four living. Curtis Ray was a 21-year-old boarder who worked as a planner in a lumber mill. Everyone in the household was born in Alabama.⁵

As of 1916, Jessie Eugenia Bankston and John Dempsey WATTS were living in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The City Directory showed him as a wood worker. They lived 2103 25th Avenue.⁶ She was buried on 12 November 1918 in Big Hurricane Cemetery, Brookwood, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.^3,7

Jessie Eugenia Bankston died on 12 November 1918 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, at age 46.³

Jessie Eugenia Bankston appeared in a newspaper article 12 November 1918 in the The Tuscaloosa News, published in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Deaths-- Mrs. J. D. Watts, aged 50 years, died this morning at Tuscaloosa. Deceased is the mother of Mr. Gay Watts. Funeral services will occur tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock at the J. D. Foster undertaking parlors. Interment at the Big Hurricane Creek church.

     Henry E. WATTS, son of Joshua Bradford WATTS and Martha Rebecca Skinner, was born on 14 July 1886 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.¹

Henry E. WATTS died on 18 September 1889 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, at age 3.¹ He was buried in Old Snider Cemetery.

     Frances Jordon STONE, daughter of Jordan STONE and Martha Dandridge WELCH, was born on 26 June 1874 in Alabama.¹ She was also known as Fannie. She never married.

Frances Jordon STONE appeared on a census, enumerated 3 June 1880, in the household of her parents Martha Dandridge WELCH and Jordan STONE in Ashville, Buncombe County, North Carolina. She was listed as Fannie, 5 years old and born in Alabama.

She was listed in the 1894 city directory for Los Angeles, California. The listings included Martha D. Stone, widow, residence 123 S. Workman. Also at that address were her children: Miss Fannie J. Stone, stenographer at Carran & Pillsbury; Miss Mattie Stone, student; and Miss Maggie[sic] Stone, retoucher at B. W. Lawson. Benjamin W. Lawson was a portrait photographer with a studio at 147 South Main.

She was listed in the 1896 city directory for Los Angeles, California. The listings included Martha D. Stone, widow of J., residence 123 S. Workman. At that same address was Miss Fannie J. Stone, stenographer at W. Bordwell and Miss Mattie J. Stone, retoucher at G. Steckel. The identical listings appeared in the 1897 directory. George Steckel was a highly regarded portrait photographer. (see footnote.)²

Frances Jordon STONE appeared on a census, enumerated 5 June 1900, in the household of her mother Martha Dandridge WELCH in Ward 2, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California. She was listed as a 25-year-old stenographer.

In the 1901 Los Angeles City Directory Frances Jordon STONE and Jordan Mallory STONE lived at 213 North Grand Avenue with Frances Anne GIBSON and Martha Dandridge WELCH. They were recorded as Miss Fannie J. Stone stenographer with the Southern California Railroad and Jordan Stone a clerk at Coulter Dry Goods.^3,4

Frances M. BURT, Frances Jordon STONE and Henrietta BURT appeared in a newspaper article 16 November 1907 in the The Sacramento Bee, published in Sacramento, California. Social Notes - Mrs. George L. Stevenson has had as her guests this week her sister, Miss Henrietta Burt of Berkeley, and her cousin, Miss Frances Stone of Los Angeles.

Frances Jordon STONE appeared on a census, enumerated 6 January 1920, in the household of her mother Martha Dandridge STONE in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California. She was enumerated as a 40-year-old stenographer in an office.

Frances Jordon STONE appeared on a census, enumerated 8 April 1930, in the household of her mother Martha Dandridge STONE in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California. She was 55 years old and no longer working.

Frances Jordon STONE died on 23 May 1943 in Los Angeles, California, at age 68.¹

     Minnie Odelle DANIELL, daughter of Jacob Wesley DANIELL and Minnie Mae BURT, was born on 10 March 1922 in Bibb County, Alabama.²

Minnie Odelle DANIELL appeared on a census, enumerated 25 April 1930, in the household of Jacob Wesley DANIELL and Minnie Mae BURT in Beat 13, Bibb County, Alabama.³ She graduated in 1941 at West Blocton High School .

Minnie Odelle DANIELL died on 28 April 1994 in West Blocton, Bibb County, Alabama, at age 72.² She was buried in Hickory Hill Cemetery, West Blocton, Alabama.

Minnie's obituary was printed on 29 April 1994 in the Birmingham News newspaper, published in Birmingham, Alabama. It read: "Odelle Price, age 72, of West Blocton died Thursday, April 28, 1994. She was born Friday, March 10, 1922 in Alabama. She was a homemaker and a member of Lucille Baptist Church. Funeral service will be Saturday, April 30, at 2:00 p.m. at Rockco's Funeral Chapel with burial in Hickory Hill Cemetery in West Blocton, Rev. Ralph Wooten officiating. Rockco's Funeral Home in Centreville directing. Visitation will be Friday, April 29, at 7 p.m. at Rockco's Funeral Home Chapel. Survivors: sons, James C. Price, Jr. of Bessemer and Daniel W. Price of Kingwood, Tex; brother, Jacob Daniel, Jr. of Ft. Walton, Fla; two grandchildren. Pallbearers are Robert Perry, Edward Perry, Jimmy Graham, Johnny Graham and Gene McKinney."²

     Lunette DANIELL, daughter of Jacob Wesley DANIELL and Minnie Mae BURT, was born on 23 September 1917 in West Blocton, Bibb County, Alabama.²

Lunette DANIELL died on 4 August 1929 in West Blocton, Bibb County, Alabama, at age 11. She liked to run and skip. One day she fell on a gravel road and the cut became infected. She developed blood poisoning and died.^1,2,3 She was buried in Daniell Cemetery. Her tombstone was inscribed: "She was the sunshine of our home."

     Lunnie Inez Carroll was born on 2 November 1923 in Alabama.² Lunnie Inez Carroll also went by the name of Lou.

Lunnie married Jacob Wesley Daniell Jr., son of Jacob Wesley DANIELL and Minnie Mae BURT, on 17 November 1945 in Jefferson County, Alabama.¹

Lunnie Inez Carroll died on 28 May 1995 in Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County, Florida, at age 71.³ She was buried in Beal Memorial Cemetery.