Arthur was born on 15th April 1859 in Aberdeen, the youngest son of Alexander and Jessie Watkins. He emigrated to Christchurch, New Zealand in about 1880 with his mother, brother Charles and sisters Christina and Jessie.
Arthur married Lavinia Adelaide Cotton in 1887 and they had five children born between 1889 and 1898:
In 1893 Arthur was living in Wilson Street, Sydenham and was an engine fitter.
Adelaide May was married in 1915 to Sydney George Ayling. She gave her occupation as music teacher and one of the witnesses was her sister Beatrice J B Watkins, school teacher.
In 1928 Charles (a teacher), Arthur Stanley (an accountant) and Lavinia Lillian were all living with their parents at 106 Mowbray Street. (The family was first known to be in Mowbray Street in 1907.)
Arthur Gray Watkins died on August 5th 1935 and was buried in Bromley Cemetery, Christchurch. His death certificate gave his occupation as engineer and recorded that he had lived in New Zealand for 56 years. Lavinia Adelaide died shortly after - probate papers for Arthur's estate dated February 1936 describe her as deceased.
Arthur Stanley Watkins last appeared in the Electoral Roll for 1965 living at 77 Gloucester Street in Christchurch.