Watts, Elijah S. 1836-1909.

Elijah S. Watts was born 16 Dec. 1836 in Bardstown, Nelson County, Kentucky. He was the fourth of eight children born to Elijah and Elizabeth Watts. His father was a tailor and a strong supporter of the Union. At the age of 24, Elijah S. joined the local company of the Home Guard (The Wickliffe Blues) in 1861. Shortly after the First Battle of Bull Run, Watts and 17 comrades left Nelson County to join the Union forces. He was appointed captain of Company A, 2nd Ky. Cavalry Regt., which was formed at Camp Joe Holt in Jeffersonville, Ind. He was promoted to the rank of major in Feb. 1862 and to the rank of lieutenant colonel in Jan. 1863. His regiment saw action in the Battles of Perryville, Stones River and Chickamauga. After the war, he moved to Chicago, Ill., with his wife, Lucy, and established a business as a general commission agent in 1871. He was called upon to deliver patriotic and memorial speeches on numerous occasions in Oak Park, Ill., and was very active in veterans' groups. He died 4 May 1909 in Louisville, Ky. Lucy Watts died 26 August 1909 in Louisville.

From the description of Elijah S. Watts papers 1861-1907. (Filson Historical Society, The). WorldCat record id: 430225203