Edgar Watkins Correspondence Papers
1921-1945
MS 28
Descriptive Summary
Creator: Watkins, Edgar
Title: Edgar Watkins Correspondence Papers
Dates: 1921-1945
Abstract: Correspondence papers between Edgar Watkins and his colleagues during different periods and occupations of his life. In addition, there are booklets he wrote about Sunday School lessons.
Quantity: 0.5 cubic feet
Administrative History
Edgar Watkins briefly served as the President of Oglethorpe University after Thornwell Jacobs’ resignation. Some of his correspondence papers were written to Thornwell Jacobs and other Oglethorpe University faculty members. He served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees to Oglethorpe University as well.
Biography
An attorney, author, and political activist, Dr. Edgar Watkins left literature, religious virtues, and correspondence papers in memoriam of his active life. Born in Georgia, he completed his Bachelors Degree of Laws at the University of Georgia, and entered the state bar in 1889. In 1922, he received his Doctorate Degree from Ohio Northern University. He went on to practice law and also serve as a judge. Among his most famous cases are the Georgia vs. the Pennsylvania Railroad Company and the Lever Flood Control Acts cases. In both cases, he was victorious. In addition to his success as an attorney, he served in many other clubs and positions. He was the interim President of Oglethorpe University upon Dr. Thornwell Jacobs’ resignation and Dr. Philip Weltner’s arrival. He was also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for several years at Oglethorpe University. Being known for his heavy participation on many boards, he was also a member of the American Bar Association, American Jurisdiction Society, American Law Institute, International Law Association, Atlanta Bar Association, Lawyer’s Club of Atlanta, and the National Economic League. Until the end of his life, Mr. Watkins remained a member of the Watkins and Watkins firm and stayed involved with political matters in Atlanta. In the wake of his death, the Berean Bible Class at a Presbyterian Church in Atlanta has begun awarding the Edgar Watkins Scholarship in honor of his remarkable legal skills and accomplishments.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged alphabetically and by record year.
Description
This collection consists of papers that Edgar Watkins wrote to other colleagues and associates about topics ranging from thoughts to political debate between the years of 1899 and 1945. Also, it includes some Sunday school lessons that he wrote in booklet form.
Restrictions
None.
Subject Headings
Watkins, Edgar, 1868-1945
Oglethorpe University (Atlanta, GA) – – Presidents
Folder List
Box 1
Folder 1. Correspondence Papers 1921-1922
Folder 2. Correspondence Papers 1921-1922
Folder 3. Correspondence Papers 1922
Folder 4. Correspondence Papers 1922-1923
Folder 5. Correspondence Papers 1939
Folder 6. Correspondence Papers 1939-1940
Folder 7. Correspondence Papers 1940
Box 2
Folder 1. Correspondence Papers 1941
Folder 2. Correspondence Papers 1942
Folder 3. Correspondence Papers 1942-1943
Folder 4. Correspondence Papers 1943-1944
Folder 5. Correspondence Papers 1944
Folder 6. Correspondence Papers 1944
Folder 7. Correspondence Papers 1944-1945
Folder 8. Sunday School Lessons 1932-1942
Administrative Information
Preferred Citation:
Please cite Edgar Watkins Correspondence Papers, MS 28, Archives, Philip Weltner Library, Oglethorpe University, Atlanta, Georgia. Permission to publish from this collection must be approved in writing by the Director of the Library, Oglethorpe University.