Show A VENERABLE PATRIARCH L last a st F friday ri da y february ath was the alst birthday of patriarch W avat L watkins in commemoration of this ev event e n t 8 85 5 m members e m b ers of the family gathered adhered at his home in the fourth ward to enjoy a visit veth each other and alio show i their love for and appreciation pre clation of the life of their father A family dinner was served which was partaken partaker par taken of by all and the even ins in spent in listening to the expert experiences of father together with some good council and advice music songs social conversation etc sir mr watkins is one of the pioneers of this city and a familiar figure in our midst at the age of 81 years his head crowned with beautiful sliver silver locks he be bids pir fair to remain long in this sphere of action ills mind is clear and bright and it is an inspiration to be in his presence and partake of lils hla spirit his family consists of 20 children 98 43 grandchildren and 47 great grandchildren one of his sons made the the remark that the family was so large that had not sickness kept so many awa away Y the home would not have been bec n able to contain them all the grande grandchildren hildreA look forward to grandpas with as much delight as they do for christmas the family name will ever be perpetuated petua ted because of the many sons grandsons and great grandsons and we heartily join in wishing that the patriarch may have many happy returns of his birthday and live to see as many more as he desires |