This collection consists of genealogical information about John Wesley Stipe as well as typewritten and handwritten memoirs of his childhood, the days of his first marriage, Civil War service, and career as a Methodist Episcopal circuit pastor. His typewritten memoirs describe life in rural antebellum Georgia including such activities as justice courts, log rolling, and corn shucking. Of particular interest are two handwritten journal entries, written in the style of a newspaper series, entitled "The Rebel Soldier's Passtime" (sic). They are dated April 4th, 1864, and February 8th, 1865, respectively, and describe in great detail the activities of Stipe and his infantry unit from April of 1863 through November of 1864.

Stipe describes troop movements, camp food, weather and terrain, winter quarters, and many of the diseases common to Civil War infantry soldiers including measles, smallpox, scurvy, and dysentery. He served as rear guard in several engagements and describes the taking of Union prisoners and materiel as well as the treatment and execution of Confederate deserters. Stipe's writings often discuss his feelings on religion and education as well as the moral character of the men with whom he served.

In addition to his memoirs, the collection contains genealogical information on John Wesley Stipe that was compiled by his descendants. Typed transcripts of the letters as well as digital surrogates of the original letters are in Folder 1.