E. R. Watts
E. R. Watts, of McKinnon & Watts, saddlers and harness makers, London, was born at Xenia, Greene Co., Ohio, March 4, 1828. His father Edward Watts, was a native of Virginia, and a farmer by occupation. He came to Ohio about 1816 or 1818. He first located at Mechanicsburg, Champaign County, Ohio, where he taught school. He subsequently located in Greene County, and there married Margaret Snively, a native of Maryland. He died in Greene County, Ohio, in 1856. Mrs. Watts died in August, 1881. They were the parents of one daughter and five sons, four living. Our subject is the only one of the family residing in this county, and was reared and educated in his native county. He learned the saddler's trade at Xenia, and subsequently traveled for a time in Central and Western Ohio. He then returned to Xenia and there remained twelve years. On January 1, 1866, he came to London, and the same year entered into a partnership with W. H. McKinnon. in his present business. This is one of the oldest business firms in the city, and their trade is excellent Mr. Watts is a member of Madison Lodge, No. 70 (Odd Fellows), the American Legion of Honor, and a firm Republican. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a Steward in that body. He has been a member of the London School Board eleven years, and its able and efficient Secretary the greater portion of that time. Mr Watts was married September 12, 1851, to Mary J. McKinnon. Of their four children, one is living -- Reed in attendance at the public schools. Mrs. Watts is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
From HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]