The Watkins Family of Aberdeen

George EG Watkins (from a miniature photograph in a brooch belonging to Isabella) and Isabella McLeod Turner Watkins

George was born on November 2nd1853, the fourth of Alexander and Jessie's children, and the first to survive infancy. He married Isabella McLeod Turner of Braeside on the 24th February 1877. Isabella was born at Kirktown, Peterhead on the 27th October 1854, the youngest daughter of John Turner, contractor of Cruden Bay (Port Errol), and Ann Burr.

Like his brothers George attended Aberdeen Grammar School and he was listed in the school roll for 1865 to 1867. He became an engine fitter and served an apprenticeship with Messrs Dalgety Brothers of Aberdeen, where he continued as a foreman for 27 years. Subsequently he was superintendent engineer at the Aberdeen Waterworks at Cults for 7 years.

George and Isabella had 11 children:

• John Turner, born 23rd September 1877 and died 9th January 1878
• Ann Turner, born and died 30th October 1878
• George Gray Turner, born 18th October 1879 and died 27th May 1907
• Charles Turner, born 17th March 1881 and died 21st January 1951
• Jessie Evelyn Gray, born 15th January 1883 and died 22nd February 1964
• Alberta Turner, born 27th December 1883 and died 28th September 1922
• William Smith, born 7th July 1885 and died 25th October 1918
• Sidney Maurice Turner, born 29th May 1887 and died 29th July 1969
• Hilda Turner, born 8th February 1889 and died 28th January 1969
• Alexander William Dalgety, born 19th July 1890 and died 24th November 1957
• Mary Turner Webster, born 23 January 1893 and died 22nd March 1963

George died on 24th August 1913 at 89, Union Grove. Isabella later lived at 81 Fonthill Road, Aberdeen with her three unmarried daughters Jessie, Alberta and Hilda. She died on 22nd May 1929 at Fonthill Road. George and Isabella were both buried in the family grave in St Peter's Cemetery, where several of their children are also commemorated.

After Isabella's death Jessie and Hilda set up home together at 22 Woodhill Road, next door to Molly and Edgar Ferrier. Jessie worked for the Aberdeen Co-operative Society and Hilda was a school teacher.