James, Ollie Murray (1871-1918) Papers, 1903-1976

Held by The Filson Historical Society 

Creator:  James, Ollie Murray, 1871-1918 

Title:  Papers, 1903-1976 

Rights: For information regarding literary and copyright interest for these papers, contact the Collections Department. 

Size of Collection:  1.5 cubic feet 

Location Number:  Mss. A J29 

Scope and Content Note 

Collection is primarily composed of handwritten and typed speeches and notes focusing on Ky. politics and Woodrow Wilson’s record. James recites the accomplishments of the Wilson administration; the 1916 presidential campaign, especially noting the peace and tariff issues. Later speeches call for preparedness and war. Other material includes correspondence; newspaper clippings, five scrapbooks of clippings, one with handwritten comments and speeches; three theses on James’ life and political career; and miscellaneous clippings, resolutions, and programs. 

Biographical Note 

1871 Born in Crittenden County. 

1891 Admitted to the bar. 

1896 Headed the Ky. delegation to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. 

1899 At the Democratic nominating convention in Louisville, James opposed the nomination of William Goebel. 

1903 Married Ruth Thomas. 

1903-1913 Served in the U.S. House of Representatives. 

1912 Elected to the U.S. Senate. 

1916 At Democratic National Convention made a speech supporting Woodrow Wilson. 

1918 Died and was buried in Mapleview Cemetery in Marion. 

For more information consult the Kentucky Encyclopedia. 

Folder List 

Box 1 

1 Correspondence, 1911-1949.

2 Speeches, Ky. politics.

3 Speeches, 1903-1908.

4 Speeches, 1912 elections.

5 Speeches ca. 1916 about the accomplishments of the Wilson administration.

6 Speeches ca. 1916 about the accomplishments of the Wilson administration.

7 Speeches ca. 1916 on the peace issue.

8 Speeches ca. 1916 on the tariff issue.

9 Speeches concerning the 1916 election. 

10 Speech fragments, ca. 1916.

11 Speeches on preparedness and war, ca. 1916-1917.

12 Hungarian issue, ca. 1916.

13 Speeches on temperance and education, n.d.

 

Box 2 

14 Miscellaneous speech fragments. 

15 Testimony on Caleb Powers’ trial, ca. 1903-1904.

16 Resolutions.

17 Minutes, 1912.

18 Programs.

19 Programs.

20 Newspaper clippings, 1912-1976.

21 Newspaper clippings, n.d.

22Miscellaneousmaterial. 

 

Box 3 

23Scrapbook. 

28 Masters Thesis: The Political career of Ollie M. James.

29 Manuscript: The Life and times of Ollie M. James.

30 Thesis of Thaddeus M. Smith. [click to access PDF]

 

pkg. 24 Notebook containing newspaper clippings. 

25 Notebook containing newspaper clippings. 

pkg. 26 Scrapbook. 

27 Scrapbook.