James D. Breckinridge (1781-1849) Papers, 1811-1833
Held by The Filson Historical Society
Creator: Breckinridge, James D. (James Douglas), ca. 1781-1849
Title: Papers, 1811-1833
Rights: For information regarding literary and copyright interest for these papers, contact the Collections Department.
Size of Collection: 0.33 cu. ft.
Location Number: Mss. A B829c
Biographical Note
James Douglas Breckinridge was born at Woodville, near Louisville, Kentucky circa 1781, to Alexander Breckinridge and Jane Buchanan Floyd Breckinridge. He attended Washington College in Virginia, and was an attorney of Louisville, a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives, 1809-1811, and was elected to the U. S. Congress, 1821-1823. His first wife was Mary Eliza Grayson Quinton, with whom he had two daughters, Caroline (1827-1829) and Mary Eliza (1830-1867), who married William Shakespeare Caldwell. Mary Eliza died in 1830. Breckinridge married again to Lucy Fry Speed, daughter of John Speed of Farmington; they had no children. He died May 6, 1849.
Scope and Content Note
Papers consist of legal correspondence, 1811-1833; legal papers, 1824- 28; statements and receipts, 1826-1828. A large portion of this material concerns the estate of David L. Ward, administered by Frederick W. S. Grayson; F.W.S. Grayson’s estate was administered by James D. Breckinridge after his death in 1827, thus the paperwork passed on to Breckinridge). Correspondence discusses primarily legal matters and Breckinridge’s business affairs. Two letters (1820) mention the bill passed by the Legislature establishing the Bank of the Commonwealth. Letters dealing with David L. Ward’s estate mention lands in Carter and Lewis counties. Correspondents include: James I. Dozier, Robert Breckinridge, Levi Tyler, James D. Kenney, John McConnell, and Robert Carter.
Folder List
Folder 1: Business/legal correspondence, 1811-1824 [to Breckinridge]
Folder 2: Business/legal correspondence, 1825- July 1828 [to Frederick W. S. Grayson and Breckinridge]
Folder 3: Business/legal correspondence, September 1828-1833 [to Frederick W. S. Grayson and Breckinridge]
Folder 4: Legal papers, 1824-1828, regarding estate of David L. Ward
Folder 5: Statements and receipts, 1826-1828, regarding estate of David L. Ward