Book Description

Large Size 8 1/2" x 11" Softback Book - "James Watkins And His Descendants" by William A. Hinson, copyright 2017. James Watkins (1565-1623) the son of Francis Watkins (1535-1571) and Elizabeth Lee Watkins (1543- ) a carpenter & soldier, in Talgarth, Breconshire (Brecknockshire), Wales, arrived on HMS "Phoenix" to the Colony of Virginia last from London, England on April 20, 1608. James Watkins name is on the list of passengers on the first supply ship arriving at Jamestown on April 20, 1608. He is listed as a laborer. His name does not appear in the 1623 census list. As a soldier, James Watkins is mentioned on two occasions. First, in June of the same year of his arrival, he accompanied Captain John Smith on his first expedition up the Potomac River. Second, while on Captain Smith's second expedition along the Rappahannock River, Smith's group were threatened by Indians on shore. At that time, an Indian who was being held hostage on the ship jumped overboard in an attempt to escape. James, who had been told to guard the hostage, shot the Indian. It does not state whether he killed the Indian or not, but, it appears that he did.Captain John Smith founder of the Jamestown colony in 1607. Smith named Watkins Point (near Jamestown on the Eastern Shore) for James Watkins who accompanied him on his expedition, which was in 1608. He was a member of the first surveying party of Captain John Smith, of the Jamestown Colony in Virginia. There is a statue of James Watkins located at the original site of the Jamestown Fort, listing dates and his occupation as a carpenter.National Park Service Historical Narrative: 1624...John Smith's First Chesapeake Bay Voyage. Smith selected fourteen companions for his first voyage, probably for their skills. James Watkins and Anas Todkill were soldiers. On June 17, an ambush, however, with several hundred men emerging from the woods to shoot arrows at the Englishmen,...agreed to anexchange of hostages. Soldier James Watkins was given up to the Native men, and a parlefollowed. Smith's Second Chesapeake Bay Voyage, Smith reduced the number of men from fourteen to twelve, and soldiers James Watkins and Anas Todkill,...also joined the second."Captain John Smith, The Generall Historie of Virginia, New England & the Summer Isles (1624) ...Many bravadoes they made, but to appease their fury our captain prepared with as seeming a willingness (as they) to encounter them. But the grazing of our bullets upon the water (many being shot on purpose they might see them) with the echo of the woods so amazed them asdown went their bows and arrows; and exchanging hostages, James Watkins was sent six miles up the woods to their king's habitation. We were kindly used of those savages of whom we understood they were commanded to betray us, by the direction of Powhatan; and he so directed from the discontented at Jamestown because our captain did cause them stay in their country against their wills..."This book is about James Watkins and his many descendants who built a new life in a new world. The book contains many stories and photos of his descendants, as well as many Civil War documents and history. Many of James Watkins' descendants married into Native American relationships during those early years in Virginia and North Carolina. This book will be a treasure for anyone interested in the early history and descendants of the Watkins family of Virginia and North Carolina.