JR Watkins Company

The Watkins Company was orginally called the J.R. Watkins Medical Company after it's founder Joseph Ray Watkins who began making his famous Red liniment in 1868. What started out as a small natural remedy company in Winona, Minnesota soon grew to be a trusted brand of products people needed for their homes and farms for countless people across North American. It wasn't long before it became apparent, that this wasn't another "snake oil company" of the day. Today Watkins old fashioned family values remain and people continue to depend on the natural quality products for comfort and good value.

What are these old time remedies and medicinal products? You can learn more about the three most popular; for aches, pains and sore muscles you'll discover Watkins liniment, a first aid kit in a tin Watkins Petro Carbo salve and another essential for your first aid kit and medicine cabinet Watkins Menthol Camphor Ointment or medicated ointment as it's often called.

What about Watkins spices? Mr. Watkins traveled the world searching for the finest natural herbs, spices and extracts to formulate his remedies. During his travels, he realized the pure and rich spices from far away lands should be shared with his customers to use in their kitchens, thus beginning Watkins long history as the spice company. Watkins is famous for our purest ground cinnamon and purest granulated black pepper. Did you know, Watkins continues to adhere to the same high quality standards set forth by J.R. Watkins all those years ago?

J.R. Watkins was so confident of his home-manufactured product, Dr. Wards Liniment, that he introduced the now famous Watkins "Trial Mark" bottle, along with the first-ever money back guarantee. Our 11 oz Vanilla and liniments are still sold in a plastic version of the trial mark bottle. Did you know, every Watkins product is backed by the Watkins satisfaction guarantee?

Watkins Incorporated Today

Watkins is a family owned and operated business. For the first 110 years by J. R. Watkins’ and his descendents, the Watkins and the Kings. Then, in 1978 Irwin L. Jacobs purchased Watkins manufacturing corporation and the Jacobs family continue the Watkins’ tradition of manufacturing the highest quality products and providing outstanding service that exceeds expectations. One has to admire J.R. Watkins for the legacy he began nearly150 years ago. I'm sure he would have never imagined the changes that have taken place in the world and the company he started! However, there is no doubt he would be proud!

To learn more about the JR Watkins company, it's history and core values visit the official Watkins website You can see all of our products as you browse the online catalog or request your free Watkins full product catalog while you are there.

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