William Watkins

William O. Watkins (born October 1846) served as a private in Company M, 13th Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry.

Personal life
William Watkins was born October 1846 in Sullivan County, Tennessee to Thomas and Nancy (Morris) Watkins. He married Isabella "Bell" Hommel (1848-1911) with whom he had ten children.

Civil War service
Watkins enlisted as a private in Company M on February 2, 1864 in Knoxville, Tennessee for a period of three years and mustered in May 15, 1864 at Gallatin, Tennessee. At the time of his enlistment, Watkins was a resident of Sullivan County, Tennessee. He was appointed corporal February 2, 1864 and reduced to the ranks November 12, 1864 by order of Lieutenant Colonel Ingerton.

He is described as 18 years old, 5' 5" tall, fair complexion, blue eyes, dark hair, and by occupation a farmer.

Watkins is listed as present for duty throughout his term of service for which muster roll records have survived. In December 1864 he was detailed for daily duty to guard horses at a corral. In July 1865 he was on detached service at the division headquarters.

Watkins mustered out with the regiment on September 5, 1865 at Knoxville. He had last been paid to August 31, 1864, owed $19.50 to the government for clothing, had been paid a $60 bounty, and was owed a $240 bounty.

Post-war life
Watkins applied for an invalid's pension on May 7, 1891. When he died has not been established, however he is buried at Corinth Methodist Cemetery in Corinth, Tennessee.