11 Facts About Watkins Abbitt

Watkins "Wat" Moorman Abbitt was an American politician and lawyer.

Watkins Abbitt was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Virginia from February 17,1948 to January 3,1973.

Watkins Abbitt was a top lieutenant within the Byrd Organization, the political machine named for its leader, US Senator Harry F Byrd.

Watkins Abbitt graduated from Appomattox Agricultural High School in Appomattox, Virginia in 1925.

Watkins Abbitt married Corinne Hancock on March 20,1937, and they had a son and two daughters who survived infancy.

Watkins Abbitt was elected member of the Virginia Constitutional Convention in 1945.

Watkins Abbitt was a member of the agriculture committee, and supported farm subsidies as well as fiscal conservatism and opposed increased federal intervention in state affairs.

Watkins Abbitt became known for his opposition to school desegregation in the 1950s, supporting Massive Resistance alongside other Byrd Democrats.

Watkins Abbitt voted against the Civil Rights Acts of 1957,1960,1964, and 1968 as well as the 24th Amendment to the US Constitution and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Watkins Abbitt announced his retirement after being redistricted into the same congressional district as fellow Democrat Dan Daniel, and Republican Robert Daniel won the seat in a 5-candidate general election field, becoming the first Republican to represent Southside Virginia in the century.

Watkins Abbitt maintained an active law practice as late as a week before his death.