"There is a family tradition that three brothers from Wales were the original Watkins immigrants. One of these was James Watkins, laboreran emigrant on the Phoenix about 1608, who frequently accompanied John Smith in his adventures and voyages on the  " ChisapeakeBay". Some branches of this old and highly honored family settled in the Powhatan, Appomattox, and Cumberland counties of Virginia."

       Another brother may have been Henry Watkins (1611-1691) who was living on the Eastern Shore in February of 1623 and was an overseer for Lady Dale, widow of Sir Thomas Dale, who owned a plantation there. He was a member of the House of Burgesses 1624-25. He was married to Rachel ________ and their children included Henry, William, Edward, Joseph and Thomas.

       The second Henry Watkins (1637- 1717) married Katherine Pride of Curles in the same county. As a Quaker, he sometimes found himself in conflict with the local authorities: in 1684 the Henrico Court refused his petition for a remission of fines imposed on him he not appearing himself to supplicate this Court but (as ye Court Conceives) still continuing in his Quakerism. His daughter Elizabeth was as loyal to her faith as her father. In 1685, at the age of 16, she refused to swear to a deposition (Quakers "affirmed" their word, but would not swear). The court ordered her imprisoned and, two months later, the record shows that she was brought into court again, still persisting in ye same obstinacy as she pretends out of conscience sake and therefore desiring to be excused and her father also humbly seconding her request the court have out of their clemency in consideration of her young years remitting her offence and releast her of her confinement.The children of this family were Edward, Henry, William, Rachel, Elizabeth, Thomas, Joseph, and Mary.

       In 1710 their daughter Rachel Watkins (c.1670-1730) and Robert Woodson , Jr. requested permission at a Quaker Meeting to marry. On December 9, they were given liberty toaccomplish their intentions when they see fit. She was his second wife.