Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-03-27

in nearly every town of consequence in
the east. Mr.. Watkins is said to be par
ticularly we'll equipped for his present
office having served for years in various
capacities in the composing room. and
can hold his own in zeal and sprightiiness
with men many years his junior.
Mr. Watkins was born in Maryland. in
December. 1894. his ancestors being
among the earliest settlers in that state.
He began the trade of printing in Annap-
oils. Md. when only nine years of age.
performing the various duties of print
er's devil making the fires. washing
the rollers and carrying papers. He
worked on a newspaper. on general job
work and on the Maryland legislative
printing, serving in that line more than
nine years.
After becoming a journeyman he took
charge of the Smyrna. Del. Times. get
ting out it's initial number in July. 1884.
He continued in this position for nearly
six years and then returned to Annapolis
to take charge of the state printing. At
the close of the session Of the legislature
in 1861 he came to Washington and was
engaged on the Senate printing under Mr..
John c. Rives and was the last compost
tor who worked in the Globe Office. which
closed shortly after the purchase of Mr.
Cornelius Wendalls office by the govern
ment.
Passes to Engraving Bureau.
In 1862 he was given a place In the job
room of the government printing office.
but resigned to accept a position in the
bureau of printing and engraving as
compositor. proofreader and hand press
man After nearly three years in that
position he resigned to go again into the
government printing office. He remained
but few months, however. engaging IN
firm of Henry Polkinhorn & Co. which
succeeds to the ownership OF the
business and becoming partner In the
National 1ntelligenCer printing house.
al that time one of the largest printing
esta blishments in Washington.
After year and few months he with
drew from the firm and entered the Treas
ury branch of the government printing or
flee, where he was engaged first as COM
rositor then as proofreader and reviser
and next as assistant foreman. Later he
accepted position as press revlser In
the government printing office and re-
manned in that capacity for more than
five years. He is now In charge OF the
revision Of all the type forms that are
sent to the press from that division.
Mr. Watkins in the sixty-four years OF
his experience as a printer mas mad the
distinction of never having been dis
charged: has been constantly employed
and is still busily engaged. progressing
with the times and being considered by
his fellow craftsmen as we'll up-to date
He stands In the front rank of union
printers, and is prominent as the author
OF the resolution that created Its char
ter: he became it's charter member and
established Typogra phical Union. No. 1Ol.
in 1867. He is an ex-president Of that
organization, receiving at the election the
unprecedented vote Of every member. with
the exception of one outside of the gov
eminent printing office.
1t is deemed proper to add that MT
Watkins is regarded not only as good
printer but is esteemed to be good
citizen. He is an honored member OF the
Association of the Oldest 1nha bltarts OF
the District of Columbia.