History of Watkins

J.R. Watkins started his enterprise not far from where I grew up in Minnesota in a little town in the southeast part of the State called Plainview. His story and that of the Watkins Company’s is a fascinating trip through time. He started with his horse and wagon traveling through the Minnesota countryside selling his first product “Red Liniment” to so many he encountered. At this time in rural Minnesota, 1868, the majority of people were farmers, lumberjacks and riverboat hands working on the Mississippi River, all hardworking jobs creating aching muscles after long, tiring hours toiling each day. J.R.’s Red Liniment was just the remedy for all those aching muscles. Accounts have been told of farmers and lumber camp personnel finding relief for their work animals as well with Watkins “Red Liniment”, applying it to their horses and mules’ strained muscles before or after a hard days’ work.

He was literally the first “Watkins Man”, the familiar figure who visited farms and homes, rural and urban areas alike, his visits happily anticipated and recounted by many, including my family, throughout 19th and 20th century American history.

He had total faith in his products and as sales increased the Watkins Company grew, even through two World Wars and the Great Depression. Spanning three centuries, and now 142 years strong, Watkins, along with Independent Watkins Associates, continue to expand and evolve with the 21st century, growing to over 350 quality products for consumers to choose among.

To learn more about J.R. Watkins and the history of the Watkins Company continue here.