Francis N. Watkins

Francis Nathaniel Watkins (April 1813 – September 5, 1885) was an American politician, judge and banker from Virginia. He served as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates.

Early life Francis Nathaniel Watkins was born on April 14 (or 24 ), 1813, in Prince Edward County, Virginia, to Agnes W. (née Venable) and Henry E. Watkins. His father was a member of the Virginia Senate and was a captain in the War of 1812. He was educated by Reverend P. Calhoun and attended private schools in Virginia. He attended Hampden–Sidney College from 1829 to 1830 and graduated from Amherst College with a Bachelor of Arts in 1832. He studied law with J. Read of Virginia and attended the University of Virginia from 1832 to 1835. He was admitted to the bar in 1835.

Career Watkins practiced law in Prince Edward and adjacent counties from 1835 to 1849. He had a partnership with Stephen Southall. In 1870, he began serving as a county judge in Prince Edward County. He served for 14 years. He lived in Farmville. His son Asa served in the Virginia Senate. Watkins became a ruling elder at Farmville Presbyterian Church in 1844.

Watkins died on September 5, 1885, in Lynchburg.