He served in the military Pvt., Co. H, 16th Regt. NC Infantry, CSA enlisting on 14 May 1861 [from Place]. 'North Carolina Troops 1861-1865', Vol XI p 77: Infantry: Curtis, J. Spencer. Resided in Macon County where he enlisted at age 24 on May 14, 1861. Present or accounted for until he died in hospital at Richmond, VA., Nov. 2, 1862 of "pneumonia". Served as Private in Co. H.