Biography

05/21/1902 - 08/07/1970

George Robert Watkins (R9) Delaware County 1949-1960

Early Life:

George Robert Watkins, born May 21, 1902, Hampton, Hampton City, Virginia; son of William Goodman and Dora Clarke Watkins; public schools of Hampton; engaged, trade of shipfitter, Newport News, Virginia; moved, Chester, Pennsylvania, 1920; organized the Chester Stevedoring Company, sold, 1931. partnered, founded, Blue Line Transfer Company, 1932; president, board chairman, Blue Line Transfer Company; elected, sheriff, Delaware County, 1945-1948; elected, Republican, Pennsylvania State Senate, 1949-1960; commissioner, Delaware County 1960-1964; engaged, farming, breeder, thoroughbred horses, Delaware County; elected, Republican, United States, House of Representatives, Eighty-ninth, Ninetieth, Ninety-first Congresses, 1965, until his death, 1970; married, Hilda Jane Smerback Watkins, son, Robert Goodman Watkins; died, August 7, 1970 (age 68 years, 78 days), while in office, United States, House of Representatives, heart attack, speaking engagement, Penn Oaks Country Club, West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania; interment, Birmingham Hicksite Friends Burial Ground, Birmingham, Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Politics:

Elected, sheriff, Delaware County, 1945-1948. 

Elected, Republican, Pennsylvania State Senate, 9th district, Delaware County, 1949-1960; succeeded by Clarence D. Bell.

Commissioner, Delaware County 1960-1964.

Continued Government Service/National Politics:

Elected, Republican, United States, House of Representatives, Eighty-ninth, Pennsylvania's 7th congressional district, 1965-1967.

Elected, Republican, United States, House of Representatives, Ninetieth, Ninety-first Congresses, Pennsylvania's 9th congressional district, 1967, until his death, 1970.

Served, Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, Eighty-ninth, Ninetieth, Congresses. 

Legacy:

Known to ship bootleg alcohol for the Delaware County Republican political boss, John J. McClure, during the roaring 1920’s. 

John James McClure, Pennsylvania State Senate, 9th district, Delaware County 1929-1936.

John James McClure  - Pennsylvania Senate Library (pasen.gov)

Inscription

US Representative

1964-1970

"I lived life as I saw fit.

I accepted others as they were."

Cited:

Cox, Harold. "Senate Members W". Wilkes University Election Statistics Project. Wilkes University.

REP. G. R. WATKINS OF PENNSYLVANIA obituary New York Times (National Edition) August 9, 1970, Page 65.

McLarnon, John Morrison (2003). Ruling Suburbia: John J. McClure and the Republican Machine in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. University of Delaware Press. p. 189. ISBN 0-87413-814-0 

The Political Graveyard: Index to Politicians: Watkins to Watrows

George Robert Watkins (1902-1970) - Find a Grave Memorial