Harry Watkins, ALbert Watkins, Emma J. (Bracewell) Watkins*

*From History of Vermilion County, Vol. 2; by Jack Moore Williams
pages 797 and 798 in the Danville Public Library: Harry Watkins, of Indianola, is cashier of the First Bank & Trust Company. He was born at Danville, Illinois, October 15, 1893, the son of Albert T. and Emma J. (Bracewell) Watkins.
Albert F. Watkins, who lives retired at Danville, is a native of Wisconsin. He spent his boyhood there and early in life became a miner. He was employed in the old Kelly Mines of Danville after coming to Illinois and finally became superintendent of the Stansbury and Watkins Coal Mine, at Hungry Hollow, near Danville. He served in that capacity until his retirement in 1920. Mr. Watkins is a Republican, and a member of the First Congregational Church. His wife is a native of Danville. To Mr. and Mrs. Watkins were born four children: Winifred, deceased; Mabel, married Rev. W. C. Reeder, lives at Springfield, Illinois; Byron, a World War veteran, lives at Danville; and Harry E. Watkins, a the subject of this sketch.
Harry E. grew up in Danville and received his education in the public schools. Following graduation from high school in 1911 he entered Brown's Business College. After leaving school he entered the employ of the Fidelity Investment & Loan Association as a bookkeeper. On November 1, 1917, Mr. Watkins enlisted for service in the World War and was sent to Jefferson Barracks, and later was discharged on account of disability. He enlisted in August, 1918, and went to Spartansburg, South Carolina, where he was attached to the Fifth Anti-Air Craft Machine Gun Company. He was sent to France and later was transferred to Company D, Three Hundred Fifth Field Artillery, Seventy-Seventh Division. He was discharged as a first class private in April 1919. Mr. Watkins then became associated with the Conron Hardware Company, as a salesman and in 1920 became cashier of the First State Bank & Trust Company.
On November 2, 1922, Mr. Watkins was united in marriage with Midd India Dale McMillian, The daughter of John A. and Elvie D. Gasper McMillian, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of New York. Mr. McMillian is president of the First Savings Bank & Trust Company, Indianola. Mr. and Mrs. Watkins have a son, Ray Allen, born April 6, 1925.
Mr. Watkins is a Republican, a member of the First Congressional Church, and belongs to Vermilion Lodge, No. 265, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Past Master in 1925; Danville Consistory, 32rd degree; Gao Grotto; Order of Eastern Star; and Knights of Pythias.