Stewart Byron Watkins, born 4 November 1894, attended the University of Queensland, completing his Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours in 1916, followed by a Master of Science in 1918. He lectured in chemistry at his alma mater before taking up the position of Supervisor of the Central Technical College, from 1919-1941. He travelled throughout Queensland from 1941, when he worked with the Toxicological Section of the Government Chemical Laboratory. He published many papers and articles on horticulture and was appointed to the Council of the Horticultural Society of Queensland. He married Bessie Leah Gainford in 1923. He died on 28 May 1983.