Scott County Arkansas Biographies

From a special edition of the Scott County Advertiser newspaper of 3 April 1991, entitled "A Salute to Scott County Citizens 90 Years and Over." The interviews were done as part of a celebration of the Bank of Waldron's 90th anniversary.

BESSIE WATSON HAWKINS

Bessie Watson Hawkins was born to William T. and Mary N. Watson November 6, 1900 in the Greenridge community. The family later moved to Boles where her father ran the Post Office and a General Store. She became engaged to J.B. Hawkins when he was called into service during World War I and she married him in 1919 after his return home. The couple had eight children: Freeda Rose of Parks, Hershal Hawkins of Santa Clara, CA, Theodore (deceased), Harlon M. and Cecil, both of Tulsa; Benoise of Boles, Elois Jones of Mansfield, and Bonnie Eddins of Parks. Descendants also include 15 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren. She attended Greenridge and Waldron schools and is a Baptist. Her homeplace was sold to the Barkers (Benoise's wife's family.) Benoise now owns the homestead. Bessie was a homemaker who loved to sew and to can fruits and vegetables. She entered Pinewood in 1981.