This series is comprised solely of letters, memoranda, and telegrams that are identified as correspondence created by J. B. Watkins. It represents an attempt to accomplish what may well be impossible; to separate the man, J. B. Watkins, from his numerous business interests. This was done in the belief that Watkins' correspondence merits such distinction within the overall structure of the collection. These materials, many of which are handwritten, date from 1882 to 1919. They were written by Watkins to managers of the Lawrence office during his frequent, extended periods of travel.

J. B. Watkins' hand is everywhere in the recorded history of the companies he headed. His interests and concerns were all-encompassing, from managing a bid for election to the United States Senate in 1893 to directing how the lawn of the Watkins building was to be mowed and watered. J. B. Watkins was the J. B. Watkins Land Mortgage Company and little occurred without his knowledge or consent.

Researchers will be presented with the task of examining numerous series of materials within the collection in order to understand the Watkins business interests. This series offers a personal examination of Watkins' management and influence in the direction of the businesses he headed. Most of the correspondence is directional or instructive in nature and expresses the level of interest and control Watkins maintained in the day to day operation of various offices during his absense.