Watters-Curtis Family Papers, 1861-1899

Held by The Filson Historical Society 

Creator:  Watters-Curtis Family 

Title:  Papers, 1861-1899 

Rights: For information regarding literary and copyright interest for these papers, contact the Collections Department. 

Size of Collection:  0.33 cubic feet 

Location Number:  Mss. A W345 

Scope and Content Note 

Juniper Watters was a private in Company “E” of the 8th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. Most of the letters are written by Juniper to his wife Permelia. He writes from various camps in Kentucky and Tennessee. In a letter dated 30 January 1863, Watters notes that he arrived just after the Battle of Stone’s River; relates what he saw and heard about it; and describes sailing from Louisville, Ky., with supplies and meeting up with the rebels, who sank three boats. Other letters in the collection are to Permelia from her brothers, James and William Curtis, and her cousin, George Kimbell. One letter is from Abram Blithe, a prisoner of war at Camp Morton, Indiana. Juniper Watters’ letters end after he becomes a prisoner of war. Of particular interest is a letter in which he explains that he is not fighting to free the slaves, but to preserve the Union. 

Biographical Note 

Juniper Watters lived in Estill County, Kentucky. He presumably died as a prisoner of war because County Records show that his wife remarried shortly after the Civil War ended. 

Folder List 

Folder 1: Correspondence: 1861, January-April 1862 

Folder 2: Correspondence: May-December 1862 

Folder 3: Correspondence: January-May 1863 

Folder 4: Correspondence: August 1863- ca.1863 

Folder 5: Correspondence: 1864-1869 

Folder 6: Undated letters, envelopes and miscellaneous