Catherine "Kitty" Parker

Catherine “Kitty” Parker (1764–1856), identified in a 1855 will as “Kiddy Waters,” was the widow of James Waters, who was said to have served in the War of 1812. She was associated with Marion District, South Carolina, and is identified as Barbara’s 5th great-grandmother.

Catherine “Kitty” Parker was born in 1764. She later married James Waters. In her 1855 will, recorded under the name “Kiddy Waters,” she described herself as the widow of James Waters and stated that he had served in the War of 1812.

On 31 July 1855, while living in Marion District, South Carolina, she made her last will and testament. She described herself as weak in body but of sound and disposing mind and memory. Her principal expected property was a claim under the Act of Congress approved 3 March 1855, which provided bounty land for soldiers of various United States wars and, when a soldier had died, for the soldier’s widow. She stated that, as James Waters’s widow, she was entitled to 120 acres of land and had sent her declaration to the appropriate department in Washington, D.C.

In the event that she died before the land warrant was issued and delivered to her, she gave all her right, title, and interest in the 120 acres to her grandchildren Ann Waters, Willis Waters, and Elizabeth Waters. She revoked all earlier wills. The document bears her mark and was witnessed by W. W. Sellers, N. Easterling, and J. R. Price. The notes record later dates of 30 September 1856, described as “published,” and 7 October 1856.

Catherine “Kitty” Parker Waters died in 1856.

Historical context

Catherine Waters’s will refers to the federal bounty-land legislation approved on 3 March 1855. According to her statement, the law extended bounty-land benefits to soldiers of various wars and, when a soldier was deceased, to his widow. Her claim was based on the reported War of 1812 service of her late husband, James Waters.

Sources & research

Original Family Tree Maker notes, transcription of the will of “Kiddy Waters,” dated 31 July 1855, Marion District, South Carolina; witnessed by W. W. Sellers, N. Easterling, and J. R. Price; with later recorded dates of 30 September 1856 and 7 October 1856.