Edward Atkins was born and reared in Ireland. He immigrated to Canada, where
he settled and was known by his family name of "Watson". He was a miller by
occupation and engaged in the business. He left the province of Canada in the
year 1836, and came to the United States, leaving his wife and children. In
1837 he settled where Rock Falls now stands. In company with Isaac Merrill and
Daniel Brooks he laid off the town of Rapids City. The plat was vacated, and
Rock Falls now occupies the site. In 1837 he built a large frame house to be
used for a hotel. Mr Richard Arey has occupied the house since 1843. Mr Atkins,
sometime after his arrival in the county, again married. When the gold
discoveries were made in California, he went thither, and engaged in trade and
mining for about ten years. During his absence from Whiteside, Mrs. Atkins
secured a bill of divorce and married again. Mr Atkins returned in 1860, and a
reconciliation being brought about between himself and "first wife", they were
married again, and lived happily until he left her. In the meantime, his second
wife was divorced, and soon after the death of his first wife, Mr Atkins was
married to her for the second time. He was engaged in business in Sterling,
and had an interest in a distillery in Fulton County. The family that went by
the name of "Watson" numbered seven children, and the "Atkins" family also
numbered seven children. These last were born and brought up in Coloma, where
many of them still live, and are worthy citizens. The Watson family never
resided in Whiteside, but are reputed worthy and enterprising citizens of
Wisconsin.
Bent & Wilson History of Whiteside County Page 131-132
