This post was originally generated at the Southern Graves blog for Smile for the Camera - A Carnival of Images. The word prompt is "Stocking Stuffer."

The photo above features my handsome grandfather atop a PEAVY gravestone. My mother and I took him some time ago to pay respects to some cousins at their final resting places. These graves were approximately 10 miles from his home, and he was not aware of them. I was so happy to show him these and other spots related to his cousins around town. Pa had stopped to take a breather while Mom and I were a short distance away documenting some other stones. I saw him, handed Mom the camera, and asked her to snap a photo. I think she got a great one.

I would stuff the stockings of my grandfather and two of his daughters with this photo. Grandpa loves hearing stories I find about his and my family history. He doesn't do the genealogy directly, but loves to pour over anything pertaining to it. Every now and again he finds something "old" around the house and shares it with me. Recently, he typed up stories of his childhood for all of us. You can imagine how much I treasure that. Two of his daughters would enjoy the photo as well. It would spark a nice memory for Mom, and my aunt loves all photos -- especially those of family.

There are only a couple of my close family members that really enjoy history, and Grandpa is one of them. (I'm working on a couple of others, and they're starting to get into it - I think). I appreciate the attentive ear, interest, and support he gives me whenever I tell a tale of my travels through time. I love you, Grandpa! Merry Christmas!

Magnolia Park Cemetery is the largest cemetery in Warner Robins (formerly Wellston), Georgia. The land for it was donated by Mr. Thomas Watson. It was originally used for his family burying ground, known as Watson Cemetery. Mr. Thomas Watson lived across the street from the cemetery. Magnolia Park as it is known today was not officially established until 1949. Crawford V. Watson, grandson of Thomas Watson, was laid to rest in Watson Cemetery in 1914. He was born 20 November 1885, the son of Richmond Hezekiah Watson.

I found a blurb in the 27 August 1911 edition of the Macon Weekly Telegraph stating C. V. Watson was sworn in as deputy sheriff of Houston county and moved to Perry to "assume the duties of the office." By the time of his death, his residence was back in Wellston.

In an obituary for Crawford V. Watson from the 11 January 1914 edition of the Macon Weekly Telegraph, the Watson family is mentioned as being one of the best known in Houston county. There are, even today, schools and roads named after this family. One of the main thoroughfares through downtown Warner Robins is known as Watson Boulevard.

The obituary:

Crawford V. Watson
Friends throughout Macon and Bibb and Houston counties will be grieved to learn of the death yesterday afternoon at 4:30 o'clock of crawford V. Watson, at his home, at Wellston. He was 27 years of age and had been ill only one week. Pneumonia is given as the cause of his death.

Just two weeks ago, Mr. Watson's father, R. H. Watson, one of the best known men of Houston county, died from the natural infirmities of old age.

Mr. Watson is survived by, besides his widow, three brothers, W. [C?]., C. B., and C. K. Watson, all of Wellston, and three sisters, Mrs. T. W. Murray, Mrs. James Stubbs and Miss Clifford Watson, all of Wellston.

The Watson family is one of the best known in Houston county and the deceased was a member of the firm of Watson Bros., extensive planters and merchants of Wellston.

He was a charter member of the Cherry Camp, W.O.W., of Wellston and the members of the Woodmen of the World of Macon are invited to attend the funeral which will be held from the family residence at Wellston this afternoon at [1?] o'clock. The services will be conducted by Rev. Will Green, of Gray, Jones county. Interment will follow at the family burying ground near Wellston.