Manuscript Database - Subject: Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Kenton, Simon, 1755-1836. Biographical sketch, no date [ca. 1879]. 11 items.Collection consists of a transcript of and notes on a series of interviews conducted circa 1879 in which Mason Arrowsmith (a grandnephew of Simon Kenton), Col. Douglas Luce, and William Patrick recall their memories of Kenton, including his experiences living in Kentucky.
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
American Party. Broadside, 1847. 1 item.Broadside printed by the American Party which voices its support for Mr. Trabue, the American Party candidate for the Fayette Congressional district in the 1847 election. The text is filled with anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic Church propaganda.
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Bell, James to Mrs. J. A. Bell, Exeter, NH. Frankfort, Ky. 30 May, 1843. ALS, 2pp.Letter to his wife while in Frankfort to settle the estate of his uncle. Informs her he will be detained because the executor of the will, one "Col. Davidson" has gone to Cincinnati and will not return for at least 3 days. Plans to return home by rail and steamboat, as this will be faster than the stage.
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Bodley Family. Papers, 1773-1939. 9.33 cu. ft.23 April 1824 letter from William Hurst to William Bodley discussing the Old Court-New Court controversy; he thinks the New Court supporters will prevail and that it will lead to ruin; 10 May 1825 letter from Hurst to Bodley, Hurst writes that Gov. Joseph Desha complained that Wickliffe had "insulted, vilified and slandered" him and others in a confrontational exchange over the Old Court-New Court controversy; 14 Aug. 1825 letter from Hurst to Wm. Bodley states that he had overheard some New Court supporters swear to win the next election by "fair means or foul".
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Boone, H. G. to Mrs. Mary E. Green, Liberty, Mo. Elkton, Ky. 11 April 1852. ALS, 3 pp.Gives advice regarding an alleged debt owed to one "Mr. Anderson" and on the benefits of personally educating her children. He also reports on the status of family in Illinois and on the planting of his crops.
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Bourbon County (Ky.). Petition, 6 July 1846. 1 item.A petition signed by 46 citizens of Bourbon Co., KY, requesting that Franklin Hutchison be appointed as a patroller for Black/African American whiskey shops & trading establishments, big meetings and public gatherings throughout the county .
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Boyd, M. W. to John S. Boyd, "Wms Town", Ky. Millersburg, Ky., 22 January 1845. ALS, 3 pp.Letter recounting the reaction by supporters of Henry Clay to the election of James K. Polk as President of the U. S. in 1844. Contrasts between the supporters of Clay, "who snapped at everybody who spoke civilly about Mr. Polk" and Democrats who "represented all that was pleasant and cheering."
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Bragg, Catherine L. Letters, 1840-1841. 2 items.Letters from Catherine Bragg, Lexington, Ky., to Catherine Gould, East Granby, Ct. The letter dated 8 October 1840 describes the trip to Kentucky in great detail, and a meeting with "Mrs. Johnson," the current mistress of Vice President Richard M. Johnson, and her two "milk and molasses children" on a stagecoach in Maysville. She describes southern food and the enslaved people she has seen. The second letter, dated 13 January 1841 indicates Bragg is not fond of Kentucky. She asks her "sister" to keep abolitionist opinions to herself at Bragg now lives in a slave state, saying the enslavers should be pitied more so than the people they enslaved. She also reports the preparations to prevent a slave revolt, which all feared would take place at Christmas, but never occurred.
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Buckner Family Papers, 1784-1991. 4 cubic feet.Collection contains documents spanning 1792-1865, but letters, 1811- 1844 (fl.1-19), to Thomas C. Buckner from his brothers, George, William, Henry, and John C. are of primary interest. Letter topics include the Old Court-New Court Controversy, banking, elections and politics, agriculture and livestock, buying and selling slaves, fugitive slaves, Georgetown, Ky., Georgetown College, religion, Campbell and Kenton Counties, Lexington, Ky., Fayette County, Danville, Ky., Centre College, distilleries, Louisville, Ky. during the Mexican War, and the Battle of Columbus, Ky. during the Civil War. Other documents of interest include Thomas C. Buckner's business papers, 1819-1832, as Campbell County Deputy Sheriff (fl. 43); Thomas C. Buckner's personal business papers, 1816-1842 (fl. 44); miscellaneous legal papers (fl. 47); Jefferson County land papers, 1785-1807 (fl. 49); Campbell County land papers, 1797-1839 (fl. 50 51); Boone County land papers, 1851- 1868 (fl. 52): Kenton County land papers, from 1851 (fl. 53); miscellaneous Kentucky land papers from Shelby Co., Henry Co., etc., from 1799 (fl. 54); military documents, 1808-1861, including Shelby Co. miliia notice, and Civil War orders (fl. 57); and John Leathers' 1784-1804 day book recording his business transactions (fl. 41-42).
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Catherine to Mrs. John Christman, Middletown, Oh.- Lexington Ky. 11 September 1838. ALS, 2 pp.Letter detailing news following return to Lexington after visiting her aunt, Elizabeth Christman, in Ohio. She apologizes for not writing sooner, but her son John has been ill. She talks of the weather, reporting that there has been none in the Lexington area for several weeks, and "everything in town and country is suffering from the great drought."
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Combs, Leslie to Richard Ashhurst & Sons, Stewardson & Co., and William Wilson, Philadelphia, Pa.- Lexington, Ky. 26 September 1839. ALS, 1 p.Letter regarding an attempt to establish what may be claimed against the estate of one John Crawford. Agents went to Union County, Ky. to try to discover the whereabouts of several slaves Crawford sent to the area. Payment for services appears to be based on the amount of the debt recovered.
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Crist, Henry, 1764-1844. Broadside. 5 September 1812. 1 item.Broadside during the War of 1812 in which Henry Crist calls on his fellow "Sons of Kentucky" to join him in a new corps and help protect any "exposed part of the Territories of Indiana or Illinois." Claims that after the evacuation of Detroit, the British troops will gain an edge and will "spur the Savages."
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Darby, John C., 1812-1886. To Elisha Bartlett. Slatersville, R.I. Lexington, Ky., 19 August 1848. ALS, 5 1/2 pp.Darby discusses his negative views of Edward Doyle's efforts to assist runaway slaves in Kentucky. He states that the main source of conflict between slave and free states is political power rather than the welfare of slaves. He recommends transferring slaves from Kentucky and neighboring states to the Deep South to avoid problems following potential emancipation in Kentucky.
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Eastin, A. Letter, 12 April 1797. ALS, 3pp.Letter to Mr. Bowling Clark in Campbell County regarding a land dispute near the "Upper Blue Licks." Eastin apologizes for problems obtaining a land warrant, but reassures Clark that "all will be right. " Eastin asks for further instruction from Clark as to how to handle the matter, and whether to retain the counsel of George Nicholas or John Breckinridge. Also, a brief mention of Clark's land "N.W. of the Ohio."
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Ficklin, Joseph. Broadside, 1829. 1 Item.Broadside printed by the Post Office while Ficklin was Postmaster in Lexington, Ky. The broadside lists all of the newspapers and pamphlets received in the Lexington Post Office between 1 April and 1 Jul 1829.
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Gregg Family Papers, 1808-1943. .33 cu.ft.Of primary interest, Aaron Gregg's military documents and order books pertaining to the 16 Kentucky the Militia Infantry Regiment during the War of 1812. The order books also include Gregg's private banking transactions with various customers. Gregg family diaries from 1821 and 1823, and 1861 describe life on a Bracken County farm. Aaron Gregg's account book from 1808-1840 details business transactions with various customers. 16 Feb. 1860 article from The Sentinel, of Augusta, Ky., describes actions taken to force John G. Fee out of Kentucky. Miscellaneous items of interest include an 1861-1876 account book, campaign memorabilia, and banking transactions made by Hiram Gregg.
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Helm Family Papers, 1854-1902. 20 items.Correspondence from 1854, 1856, and 1857 describes the Helm family of Hardin County. Letters recall support for Millard Fillmore, Samuel Haycraft's Kentucky Senate nomination, family slaves, a woman's proper behavior, running a household, and family relationships.
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Howard, Betty. Diary, 1865-1866. 1 item.Diary kept sporadically from 1 January 1865. Gives an account of the wedding of her sister and the deaths of her children. Of particular interest is what seems to be a description of the breakdown of the slavery system in Kentucky. Howard and her children were forced to perform daily work, such as milking and meal preparation "in the absence of a servant to do it. " She was also "resolved" to pay a servant" to come and perform daily chores.
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Humphrey, Edward Porter. to Reverend A. T. McGill, Allegheny City, Pa.--Louisville, Ky., 5 August 1848. ALS, 2PP.Letter offering Rev. McGill the position of "Chair of Didactic and Polemic Theology" at Danville Seminary, with an annual salary of $1200. Requests a reply by 25 August, or if he doesn' t want the position, requests he make a suggestion for the job.
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Kasey, J.W. Circular Letter, ca. 1853. 1 item.Circular letter, distributed by a Meade County Citizens Committee, condemning the "pernicious" influence of the Jesuits in civil and religious institutions. It asks for money to publish a book exposing the treasonable order," which is to be written by a former Jesuit.
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Kentucky Slavery Records, 1794-1854. 8 items.Bills of sale include June 1794 and Apr. 1809 from Mercer Co.: 1814 from Nelson Co.; Mar. 1837 from Fayette Co.; Jan. 1854 from Marion Co.; and no date which is concerned with Oldham and Woodford Counties and signed by Edward M. Blackburn and James Guthrie. Others include Oct. 1813 from Norfolk Borough [Va.?]; & Apr. 1853 of unknown origin.
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Louisville Methodist Church Extension Society. Broadside, 1853-1854. 1 item.Broadside printed by the Louisville Methodist Church Extension Society. It has the constitution of the society, a list of board members, a calendar of services and a list of Louisville area preachers and their districts. Includes subdivisions for "German" and "African" pulpits.
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Marvin, W.F. Broadside. N.D. (ca. 184 ). 1 item.Broadside of an address by Marvin to the Temperance Society at Harrodsburg in reply to a sermon by Rev. W. Breckinridge of Louisville. The broadside is a condemnation of Breckinridge's attitude that the use of wine in moderation such as during the sacraments is permissible.
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Quigley, Thomas, 1800-1864. Letter, 16 July 1836. ALS, 1 p.Thomas Quigley, a prominent businessman, financer, and farmer of Bowling Green, Ky., writes Malcom McNeill in Christian Co., Ky. regarding debt collection. He states that he met with Mr. Hines whose brother-in-law, Mr. Lorton, is indebted to McNeill. He learned that Lorton moved to Hadford in Ohio County, Ky. Hines further informed him that he "took a mortgage" from Lorton "on one old negro woman & mare & some tools" to "secure payment of the notes in question." Hines suggested that McNeill file suit in the Warren Chancery Court to recover the money owed him and Quigley offers his assistance in any course of action McNeill decides to pursue.
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Shaw, John. Letters, 17 June 1793 - 18 July 1794. ALSs. 9 ItemsVarious letters addressed generally to "Friends of Mankind" in which Shaw likens his religious persecution among the Presbyterians in VA to the "inquisition." He notes how he fled to "Cantucky, " but was captured and held for 7 years. Using religious rhetoric, Shaw testifies to his innocence and reproaches politicians for "artfully unifying" church and state. Shaw also condemns slavery and asks lawmakers to "devise a plan of deliverance from bondage. " Some letters indirectly addressed to Col. William McKee and Col. Andrew Moore, both Congressmen from VA and Rev. War veterans.
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Shreve, Margaret. Letter, 18 July 1830. 2 pp.Writes from Green Co., KY, to her son and daughter-in-law, William and Susan Shreve, in Monroe Co., IN. She describes the health status of several family members and expresses her concern over the whereabouts of another son, Benjamin.
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Shrewsbury, John. Receipt, 24 March 1804.Affidavit acknowledging the receipt of a wolf scalp brought by William Rhea of Bath Co., KY, in exchange for bounty payment.
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Sutton Family. Legal Agreement, 13 September 1832. 1 item.Settlement agreement between the heirs of John Sutton and Thomas C. Sutton for various accounts owed by the deceased, including joint business expenses and the price of a slave.
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Talbot, Ellen. To Ellen Talbot, New Orleans, La. From "GBK", Ky 1840 ALS 2pp.Letter from "GBK" to his sister, who has recently moved to New Orleans. He likens her trip to a learning experience, but himself has no desire to see the Deep South as he has "the feelings of the abolitionist and there are too many slaves. In his opinion southerners have "a reckless disregard for all principles."
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Tarascon, Louis. Journal, 1799. 1 vol.On a business scouting trip from Philadelphia to New Orleans, the diarist from Sept.-Oct. 1799 describes the physical layout and the economic opportunities along the way. In Kentucky he describes Louisville, Yellow Banks (Owensboro), and Red Bank; and mentions Newport in along with his observations on Cincinnati.
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Thruston, Ann. To Captain John Fallon, St. Louis, Mo. Louisville, Ky., 30 January 1819. ALS, 2pp.Letter from Ann Thruston, niece of William Clark, to her brother. Reports social news, including the impending marriage of Ann Bullit to a "Mr. Howard" and "Mr. Bullit's intention to court "Ms. Preston. " Also includes a report on the execution of slave for burning down his master's house.
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Thurman, Edward C., 1882-1950. Collection, 1788-1950. 1.66 cu. ft.The Thurman collection contains a variety of letters, envelopes, and other documents related to Kentucky history. Although collected primarily for their postmarks, the items in the Thurman collection relate to a wide variety of topics. Correspondence discusses politics, the military, business, legal matters, religion, slavery, and education. See finding aid and specific subjects for more information.
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
True American (Lexington, Ky 1845). Broadside, 1845. 1 item.A photostat copy of an Extra edition of the True American which replies to Cassius Clay's political enemies who demand he quit printing the paper. His enemies claim that the paper will cause a slave revolt and endanger the people of Kentucky.
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Williams, Evan, d. 1810. License, 23 Dec. 1799. 1 item.License issued to Evan Williams by James Morrison, Supervisor of Revenue for the District of Ohio allowing Williams to operate three stills in Jefferson County, Kentucky, from 23 Dec. 1799 to 22 May 1800. He was allowed to distill a total of 464 gallons of whiskey during the time period.
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Young, Stanley. To Sylvester Johnson, New Haven, Ky. Frankfort (Ky.), 14 Feb. 1839. ALS, 5 p.Young informs Johnson that the bills incorporating the town of Few Haven have passed both houses of the General Assembly. He also notes that the Southern Bank and Railroad Bank bills were still under discussion and are subjects of "deep interest."
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
White, Lewis. Emancipation Certificate, 25 May 1865. 1 item.Certifies that White is a soldier in Company G. 109th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment. As such, White, his wife, and their children are free citizens. Signed by James Brisbin.
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Wolf, Charles E. To George Wolf. Harrisburg, Penn. Maysville, Ky. 10 June 1830. ALS 2 pp.Wolf writes to his father to say his health has improved while he has been in Lexington, Ky. He believes this is becase the cultured atmosphere is conducive to a sober life. He believes that Maysville, where he is writing from, is a seat of inequity. He discusses the ill advised policies of Pres. Jackson and feels this will advance the political future of "Harry" Clay.
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Bullitt Family Papers - Oxmoor Collection, 1683-2003. 164 cu.ft.Letter dated 8 March 1792 from Alexander Scott Bullitt to William Fleming re: the approaching state constitutional convention. Bullitt wrote, "I might inform you how politically mad the whole district of Kentucky has become at the approach of our convention. I might tell you how numbers who never felt the amor Patria before have suddenly commenced patriots and politicians . . ."
Kentucky - History - 1792-1865
Speed family. Papers, 1780-1905. 0.66 cu. ft.Collection includes several letters written or received by members of the Speed family residing in Kentucky during the late 18th and throughout the 19th century. The subjects range from land sales and purchase, debts, tobacco crops and sales, local and national politics to the status, treatment, behavior, emancipation and colonization of slaves. Other topics include temperance, involvement of African American troops in the Civil War, post-war international relations and reconstruction.