McAfee, Robert Breckinridge (1784-1849) Papers, 1813-1859

Held by The Filson Historical Society 

Creator:  McAfee, Robert Breckinridge, 1784-1849 

Title:  Papers, 1813-1859 

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

Size of Collection:  0.33 cubic feet 

Location Number:  Mss. A M113 

Scope and Content Note 

Papers include the memorandum book and journal of Captain McAfee’s Mounted Company, 1813 May 19-1814 May 21, describing his service under William H. Harrison and Richard M. Johnson during the War of 1812, orders issued, the campaign into Canada, and the battle of the Thames; his handwritten narrative of his service in the war from 1812 Sept. 13-1813 Jan. 18, and the battle of the River Raisin; manuscript of McAfee’s The History of the Rise and Progress of the First Settlements on Salt River (Lexington, 1816); his 1845 manuscript “The Life and Times of Robert B. McAfee” (typewritten copy also included); and papers of William McAfee regarding commissions, members of the Harrodsburg Presbyterian Church, tax records, and construction of a mill in 1859. 

Biographical Note 

1784 Born in Mercer County, Ky. 

1795-1797 Attended Transylvania University. 

1800-1812 Elected to represent Mercer County in the state legislature. 

1801 Admitted to the bar. 

1807 Married Mary Cardwell. 

1812 Served in the War of 1812. 

1819-1824 Served in the state legislature. 

1828-1832 Served in the state legislature. 

1833 Became Charge d’ affaires to the Republic of Colombia. 

1841 Elected to the state senate. 

1849 Died and was buried in New Providence Churchyard in Harrodsburg, Ky. 

For more information consult the Kentucky Encyclopedia. 

Folder List 

Box 1 

1 The History of the Rise and Progress of the First Settlements on Salt River . . . 

2 The Life and Times of Robert B. McAfee. 

3 Historical narrative by McAfee of his military service under William H. Harrison in the War of 1812. [click to access PFD]

4 Company memorandum book and journal of McAfee’s Mounted Company,1813 May 19-1814 May 21.

5 William McAfee’s papers, including commissions; minutes of the H. B. Association members of the Harrodsburg Presbyterian Church; tax records; papers regarding construction of a mill in Mercer County, 1859. 

pkg. 6 The Life and Times of Robert B. McAfee and his family connections. Typed copy.