Stephen D. Parrish Papers, 1864-1938 | Eastern Kentucky University - Special Collections and Archives

By Daniel Weddington

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Collection Overview

Title: Stephen D. Parrish Papers, 1864-1938

Primary Creator: Parrish, Stephen D. (1857-1944)

Extent: 0.44 Cubic Feet

Date Acquired: 08/26/2003

Subjects: Madison County (Ky.)--History--19th century., United States--Politics and government.

Languages: English

Scope and Contents of the Materials

The Stephen D. Parrish Papers consists of personal and professional correspondence, court case documents, and family scrapbook material. The first set of correspondence was culled from a scrapbook kept by Stephen Parrish in a Congressional Record book. These specific documents appear within the date range of 2 Aug 1880 - 21 Oct 1885. Although these documents have been arranged in chronological rather than original order, Stephen D. Parrish's personal index containing both the names and the page number from which the documents originally appeared in the scrapbook may be found in the first folder. Please note that Parrish's index is incomplete and, as such, some names that appear on the documents from the scrapbook do not appear in the index.

The documents from the scrapbook section primarily contain material from Parrish's early law practice. Many of the documents are addressed to Parrish and another attorney, John Chenault, with whom Parrish had a joint firm. The majority of the cases concern the collection of debts and fees as well as property disputes. There is also a great deal of information regarding the sale of land, land contracts, certificates and property negotiation. Finally, there are minor documents to be found pertaining to patent litigation as well as Parrish's time spent as Madison County School Commissioner. Note that some of the documents from this section are damaged and are difficult to decipher.

The second set of correspondence primarily concerns the later years of Parrish's law practice. Parrish took an avid interest in Constitutional history and law during this time and thus many documents associated with this interest may be found. The documents in this section would be of great use to Constitutional scholars and documents from the National Committee to Uphold Constitutional Government would be of excellent value to those researching New Deal opposition. Included in this section is a photograph of the interior of what appears to be a general store ca. 1931. All letters are considered addressed to Stephen D. Parrish unless otherwise indicated.

Also included in this collection is a family scrapbook kept by Stephen D. Parrish's sisters, Mattie and Lula Parrish. The scrapbook was kept in a druggist account book which most likely belonged to Elijah Robinson, a druggist in LeRoy, KS, ca. 1860s. There are several documents from and regarding Central University as well as many newspaper clippings which include birth announcements, obituaries, general news topics and anecdotal passages. In addition to the Parrish content, the book contains record of the sale of medical supplies ca. American Civil War period. Further information regarding this scrapbook (including a selected index of entries) may be found at the end of this finding aid.

Collection Historical Note

Stephen D. Parrish (26 Jun 1857-7 May 1944) was born in Gonzolas, TX to Socrates Parrish and Mary H. (Adams) Parrish. Stephen was the oldest of seven children:

Martha "Mattie" Parrish (b. 1858)

William A. Parrish (b. 1862)

Jacob Parrish (b. 1864)

Lurinda "Lula" Parrish (b. 1865)

Owen Parrish (b. 1870)

Elisha Parrish (b. 1870)

Stephen Parrish's father moved to Texas from Madison County, KY in 1855 just before Stephen's birth. In 1858, Socrates returned with his family to Madison County, KY where he served as sheriff for 16 years. The Parrish family then moved to Lawrence, KS in 1870. While living in Lawrence, Stephen worked as a salesman for a short time. He later worked for two years as an assistant postmaster in LeRoy, KS (65 mi north of Lawrence). The family remained in Kansas for four years before returning to Kentucky without Stephen in 1874. A year later, Stephen left Kansas to rejoin his family in Madison County, KY, where he served as deputy sheriff for two years. During this time, Stephen worked alongside his father, who also served as a deputy sheriff before eventually becoming constable of Madison County. In 1877, Stephen entered Central University (Central University was located on the site now occupied by Eastern Kentucky University) and studied there for two years before graduating in 1879. Parrish then attended Louisville Law School from 1879-80. After graduating from law school, Parrish returned to Madison County in 1880 where he began his first law practice with H. S. Douthitt. Soon after, Parrish went into joint practice with John Chenault.

From 1883-84 Parrish served as Madison County School Commissioner. On October 7, 1886, Parrish bought the Richmond Herald and began work as the paper's editor-in-chief. In 1888 Stephen Parrish married Florida H. Million (1863 - 30 Sep 1949) who later became a Madison County attorney. Stephen practiced law throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s. His primary legal focus appears to have been in real estate and collection litigation. Beginning in the late 1920s and continuing throughout the 1930s, Parrish developed a deep interest in Constitutional history, law and interpretation. He maintained continued correspondence with Constitutional scholars during this time and did much personal research on the subject. During the late 1930s Parrish was among several thousand lawyers contacted by the National Committee to Uphold Constitutional Government of which he may have been a member. The committee was formed in 1937 in opposition to President Franklin Roosevelt's court-packing scheme and gained much notoriety for its New Deal opposition.

Stephen Parrish died at the age of 90 on 7 May 1944. He was a longtime member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Methodist Church, and the Democratic Party. At the time of his death, Parrish was the dean of the Madison County Bar Association. His wife Florida died 20 Sep 1949.

Subject/Index Terms

Madison County (Ky.)--History--19th century.
United States--Politics and government.

Administrative Information

Repository: Eastern Kentucky University - Special Collections and Archives

Acquisition Source: Various

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Box:

[Box 1],
[All]

Box 1

Barcode: 31234013796527

Folder 1

Item 1: George C. McClure, 15 Dec 1864: ADS. Partially printed Lease of Oil Lands in Lawrence County, KY, between McClure and William M. Scott, M, C, W. Sowards, J.H. Hereford, Jr.
Item 2: Stephen Parrish's Scrapbook Index, ca. 1880: Doc. Index of scrapbook entries as they originally appeared in the Congressional Record scrapbook. Note that the index is incomplete. 3 Documents.
Item 3: H. J. Ennis, 2 Aug 1880: ALS. Regarding a court case.
Item 4: D.S. Brown, 30 Nov 1880: ALS. Regarding Mr. Brown and his wife's estate.
Item 5: Patsey E. Broaddus, 22 Dec 1880: ANS, note from the widow of P. B. Broaddus authorizing Parrish to act as attorney for her in a collection case against J. B. Mitchell
Item 6: Patsey E. Broaddus, 22 Dec 1880: ALS, thanking Parrish for acting on Broaddus' behalf in the collection case against J. B. Mitchell.
Item 7: William Von Steinwehr, ca. 1881: ALS, regarding a land deal.
Item 8: ANS James T. Arnold, postcard concerning a collection case involving C. J. Bronston., ca. 1881
Item 9: ALS C. J. Bronston, regarding a collection case., 4 Mar 1881
Item 10: ALS S. P. Northrup, regarding the debt of John Clark., 25 Jun 1881
Item 11: ALS Elizabeth Million, listing Million's siblings and their birthdates. Last names listed: Hollman, Hill, Harvey, Million, Tudor, Pullins, and Adkinson. Could be of use for genealogical work., 10 Jul 1881
Item 12: ALS J. P. Herndon, regarding payment in a case involving J. Duncan., 18 Jul 1881
Item 13: ALS J. C. Hinch, regarding a lawsuit., 28 Jul 1881
Item 14: ALS J. H. Shopshire, discussing the settling of a lawsuit balance., 19 Aug 1881
Item 15: ANS W. H. Miller, postcard indicating that Parrish owes money to the circuit court clerk., 2 Sep 1881
Item 16: ALS J. H. Shopshire, discussing a court case of Howard & Lancaster v. Howard., 7 Sep 1881
Item 17: ALS William D. Martin, authorizing Parrish to sell a tract of land., 10 Sep 1881
Item 18: ALS F. B. Gray, settling the balance on a lawsuit., 14 Sep 1881
Item 19: ALS William Mullins, addressed to Parrish and Chenault granting permission to sell a tract of land in Marion County, KY., 15 Sep 1881
Item 20: ALS Shea & Smith, from the Commercial Union Assurance Company of London stating that their company is willing to negotiate the sale of lands in Missouri with any prospective parties., 23 Sep 1881
Item 21: ALS John C. Chenault, to James Arnold stating interest in renting out a room in Arnold's house., 6 Oct 1881
Item 22: ALS William H. Kennan, listing the names of those involved in a lawsuit., 8 Oct 1881
Item 23: ALS James M. Holman, negotiating the sale of a tract of land., 14 Oct 1881
Item 24: ALS James T. Arnold, discussing a rental agreement., 15 Oct 1881
Item 25: ALS S. D. Warnock, discussing the settlement of a debt., 28 Oct 1881
Item 26: ALS W. H. Kennan, containing a list of heirs to Elizabeth Sims., 1 Nov 1881
Item 27: ALS James T. Arnold, discusses the rental agreement involving John C. Chenault., 4 Nov 1881
Item 28: ALS W. C. Hosick, discussing grass seed., 16 Nov 1881
Item 29: ALS George F. Anderson, discussing rental of a room. A reply signed by James Arnold is included on the original letter., 19 Nov 1881
Item 30: ALS James Arnold, concerning rental property., 21 Nov 1881
Item 31: ALS Bernard Cortrite, concerning various notes., 26 Nov 1881
Item 32: ALS Gheens and Co., from Louisville & Nashville Railroad Co. discussing legal claims, 1 Dec 1881
Item 33: ALS William Thalheimer, concerning the payment of fees in the case of Broaddus v. Park & Co., 2 Dec 1881
Item 34: ALS James Arnold, discussing the commissioning of a theatre, 3 Dec 1881
Item 35: ALS J. H. Shropshire, regarding the rental of farm lands., 6 Dec 1881
Item 36: ALS William D Jackson, from an attorney discussing judgment on a land dispute case., 13 Dec 1881
Item 37: ALS William D. Jackson, requesting a copy of a mortgage., 20 Dec 1881
Item 38: ALS James Arnold, concerning a collection dispute., 23 Dec 1881

Folder 2

Item 1: ALS James Wall, indicating that J. Martin wishes Parrish to act as his attorney in matters relating to the estate of Lucy Ballard. The letter also contains a list of the heirs to John Martin's father, Tyre Martin: Haselline Bell-Martin; John M. Martin; James H. Martin; Cicero H. Martin; and Mary Roberts-Martin., 1882
Item 2: ANS William O. Chenault, postcard concerning the sale of two hundred acres of coal and timber land in Lee, KY., ca 1882
Item 3: ALS E. R. Stephens, concerning collection payments., 2 Jan 1882
Item 4: ALS James Arnold, concerning collection payments., 5 Jan 1882
Item 5: ALS C. F. Turner, to E. R. Stephens indicating that Turner received Stephens' letter and that he intends to get in contact with Stephen D. Parrish., 11 Jan 1882
Item 6: ALS E. R. Stephens, indicating that C. F. Turner refused to accept Parrish's offer for interest in Turner's land., 13 Jan 1882
Item 7: ALS James Arnold, regarding an estate and collection case involving Susan Smith., 20 Jan 1882
Item 8: ALS Barnard Cortrite, containing a list of men with instructions for Parrish to collect from them if at all possible., 23 Jan 1882
Item 9: ALS P. F. Adams, requesting legal advice concerning a case of stolen goods., 27 Jan 1882
Item 10: ANS D. P. Bedinger, postcard indicating that a letter was received from Parrish concerning the settlement of an account., 30 Jan 1882
Item 11: ALS W. H. New, asking Parrish to meet New at the Ashland House in Lexington, KY, to discuss a Baxter account., 4 Feb 1882
Item 12: ALS A. H. Cooperider, requesting that Parrish collect from Charles S. Smith., 12 Feb 1882
Item 13: ALS W. O. Chenault, to John Chenault indicating that he received a previous letter and had enclosed an abstract deed from David Pryce of Beattyville, KY . The land in question supposedly contained coal resources., 17 Feb 1882
Item 14: ALS R. M. Bishop, concerning a bankruptcy settlement., 18 Feb 1882
Item 15: ALS A. H. Cooperider, concerning a land dispute suit against a Mr. Smith. The letter contains a detailed account of the facts surrounding the case., 21 Feb 1882
Item 16: ALS Guy C. Sibley, concerning case of W. B. Smith v. R. M. Green., 21 Feb 1882
Item 17: TLS Stephen D. Parrish, form letter from National Scientific Association in regard to patent litigation and patent soliciting. The letter states that Parrish was requested to act as an attorney for the association. Enclosed as well is a copy of the corresponding attorney agreement stating that Parrish agrees to act as attorney for the National Scientific Association. 2 documents., 23 Feb 1882
Item 18: ANS J. A. Stewart, postcard which mentions payment of debt as well as a personal regard to Parrish's father., 25 Feb 1882
Item 19: ALS Mat Walton, containing a list of claims for collection., 24 Feb 1882
Item 20: ALS W. H. Lilly, list of collection bills., 25 Feb 1882
Item 21: ALS James Arnold, granting Parrish the authority to disbar a Mr. Reid in the event that the latter's debts are not settled., 25 Feb 1882
Item 22: ALS Philadelphia Novelty Mfg. Co., concerning a dispute involving a Mr. Caldwell., 27 Feb 1882
Item 23: ALS Burnett & Walton, containing a list of bills for collection., 27 Feb 1882
Item 24: ALS E. R. Stephens, concerning a lawsuit., 27 Feb 1882
Item 25: ALS Richards and Baskin, requesting that Parrish act on behalf of a Mr. Barbour., 2 Mar 1882
Item 26: ALS Joseph A. Birgel & Co., concerning a legal claim., 4 Mar 1882
Item 27: ALS Perry Crosthwart, regarding rental land in Madison County, KY., 6 Mar 1882
Item 28: ALS J. H. Martin, to John Chenault and Stephen D. Parrish concerning a collection case., 7 Mar 1882
Item 29: ALS Stephen D. Parrish, to Mrs. James Arnold listing claims filed with Parrish., 8 Mar 1882
Item 30: ALS Guy Sibley, to John Chenault and Stephen D. Parrish referring to an enclosed order on W. B. Smith for a claim against W. B. Myers. The letter to W. B. Smith asking that Smith turn a claim over to John Chenault and Stephen D. Parrish is included. 2 Documents., 8 Mar 1882
Item 31: ANS Guy C. Sibley, note to W. B. Smith stating that Smith will turn over a claim to Chenault and Parrish., 8 Mar 1882
Item 32: ALS J. B. Clark, indicating that Clark has in the Miller County Clerk's office a deed from Alice M. Bishop & George Bishop to Charles E. Smith & Asbury Cooperider. Clark also states that he was unable to find any record of a deed from Cooperider to Smith to Cooperider to John M. Myar., 9 Mar 1882
Item 33: ALS William D. Jackson, detailing a case judgment., 9 Mar 1882
Item 34: ALS J. C. Hinch, concerning a dispute regarding a legal note., 13 Mar 1882
Item 35: ALS A. H. Cooperider, concerning Smith note case. Cooperider details his knowledge of the case., 14 Mar 1882
Item 36: ALS William Holloway, requesting that Parrish collect on a debt., 16 Mar 1882
Item 37: ALS R. Chisolm, indicating that U.S. postage stamps would be included in the billing of a case settlement., 17 Mar 1882
Item 38: ANS A. J. Farmer, postcard. Document is badly damaged making content hard to discern., 18 Mar 1882
Item 39: ALS D. D. Sully, requesting Parrish to collect on a dispute involving flower seeds., 18 Mar 1882
Item 40: ANS, postcard asking if Parrish will accept a proposal., 19 Mar 1882
Item 41: ALS J. H. Martin, inquiring about a possible collection suit., 20 Mar 1882
Item 42: ALS John Jay Cornelison, regarding the collection of small fee bills., 21 Mar 1882
Item 43: ALS W. Eakin, insisting that Parrish write to J. Hinch., 25 Mar 1882
Item 44: ALS D. W. Ponceroy, concerning a bill against John Schillito & Co., 27 Mar 1882
Item 45: ALS S. P. Northrup, discussing a debt dispute., 29 Mar 1882
Item 46: ALS J. H. Martin, granting power of attorney as well as requesting source information regarding the prospects of collecting on debts before a suit is brought forth., 30 Mar 1882

Folder 3

Item 1: ALS A.W. VanSwearinger, indicating that Vanswearinger was asked by W.B. Freeman to send a court affidavit to Stephen D. Parrish., 6 Apr 1882
Item 2: ALS J. H. Martin, to John Chenault and Stephen D. Parrish referring to Martin's instructions contained within his letter of 30 Mar 1882. Martin claims Chenault and Parrish neglected to follow instructions lined out in the previous letter., 7 Apr 1882
Item 3: ANS E. R. Stephens, postcard regarding a Mr. Turner., 17 Apr 1882
Item 4: ALS Stephen H. Darden, discussing property ownership and land certificates., 22 Apr 1882
Item 5: ALS A. H. Cooperider, regarding a land dispute case concerning a Mr. Smith., 26 Apr 1882
Item 6: ALS A. E. Richards, announcing Richards' candidacy for judge of the superior court and requesting Parrish's support., 28 Apr 1882
Item 7: TL, correspondence from the office of Henry J. Ennis concerning the methods one may use to obtain a patent. Included is a listing of trade-mark fees., caMay 1882
Item 8: ALS E. R. Stephens, 2 May 1882: Indicating that Stephens has obtained a judgment against C. H. Turner. Stephens requests Parrish's further advice on the matter.
Item 9: ALS D. W. Ponceroy, summarizing past correspondence between Ponceroy and Parrish and requesting that Parrish send a particular letter that he received to Shillito & Co., 12 May 1882
Item 10: ALS H. G. Lilly, discussing a case involving a Howard & Burton as well as the settling of payment accounts., 15 May 1882
Item 11: ALS James H. Arnold, regarding the settlement of debts., 15 May 1882
Item 12: ALS S. Shearer, regarding the sale of land., 15 May 1882
Item 13: ALS E. R. Stephens, regarding the Turner case. Some document damage which may make content difficult to decipher., 15 May 1882
Item 14: ALS Robert Clark & Co., regarding the settlement of accounts., 19 May 1882
Item 15: ALS R. M. Emery, discussing land ownership issues. Some minor damage to letter content., 20 May 1882
Item 16: ALS Florida Land and Improvement Co., discussing Florida property prices., 22 May 1882
Item 17: ANS E. R. Stephens, postcard regarding a lawsuit., 24 May 1882
Item 18: ALS E. R. Stephens, further discussing the Turner case., 26 May 1882
Item 19: ALS George L. Walden, indicating that Walden has sent a note belonging to French Tipton to Stephen D. Parrish., 2 Jun 1882
Item 20: ALS William White, regarding the settling of accounts concerning J. B. Morton & Co., 5 Jun 1882
Item 21: ALS William H. Woodson, discussing a client's dissatisfaction with Parrish's collection fees., 7 Jun 1882
Item 22: ALS C. A. Clark, indicating that Clark received Parrish's message from S. Shearer. Clark also discusses the a client's reinvestment of property funds., 20 Jun 1882
Item 23: ALS Huston & Brown, discussing the estate distribution to the heirs of Baily Richardson., 20 Jun 1882
Item 24: ALS W. H. Reynolds, inquiring as to whether a claim against a Mr. Butler was settled., 22 Jun 1882
Item 25: ALS William H. Woodson, regarding the Richardson estate., 24 Jun 1882
Item 26: ALS S. S. Page, discusses guardianship for the child of a deceased Mrs. Brown., 27 Jun 1882
Item 27: ALS J. H. Shropshire, asking that Stephen D. Parrish send the commissioners deed on a farm bought by Parrish on behalf of a client., 28 Jun 1882
Item 28: ANS E. R. Stephens, postcard informing Parrish that Stephens was unable to find the name J. T. Toblin in his county's assessors books., 3 Jul 1882
Item 29: ALS W. H. Reynolds, discussing a case involving J. P. Butler., 5 Jul 1882
Item 30: ANS H. C. Kauffman, postcard regarding the case of Ray v. Tipton., 8 Jul 1882
Item 31: ALS Jones & Co., claim sheet of the case of H. Baxter v. J. C. Myers., 8 Jul 1882
Item 32: ALS William C. Wells, regarding the Richardson case., 8 Jul 1882
Item 33: AL, concerning the heirs to the Richardson estate., 10 Jun 1882
Item 34: ALS George E. Lemon, regarding a claim brought forth by a Mr. Staus., 10 Jul 1882
Item 35: ALS Lisebeth C. Price, indicating that Price is one of 11 legal heirs of Benjamin and Martha Cleek., 11 Jul 1882
Item 36: ALS W. L. Eakin, concerning a lawsuit., 12 Jul 1882
Item 37: ALS William D. Jackson, discussing the settlement of debts., 17 Jul 1882
Item 38: ALS H. C. Kauffman, discussing the case of Ray v. Tipton., 19 Jul 1882
Item 39: ALS John Shillito & Co., discussing the settlement of a collection fee., 20 Jul 1882
Item 40: ALS William H. Woodson, requesting that Parrish send money to Woodson., 21 Jul 1882
Item 41: ANS Anderson & Bell, postcard concerning a money-lending matter., 29 Jul 1882
Item 42: ALS S. P. Northrup, discussing J. Hinch's involvement in a legal case., 29 Jul 1882
Item 43: ALS Deborah Gilbert, indicating that Gilbert owns land in Jackson, KY, and wishes to employ someone in the Madison, KY, region to sell for her., 30 Jul 1882
Item 44: ALS W. L. Eakin, indicating that the notary on the deposition of J. Hinch has died and as such a new notary is necessary., 31 Jul 1882

Folder 4

Item 1: AL, discussing the location and contents of several deeds. The author indicates that he intended to send the deeds to Parrish by mail but was discouraged from doing so by recommendation of his wife., 2 Aug 1882
Item 2: ALS Florida Land & Improvement Co., negotiating the sale of land in Florida., 2 Aug 1882
Item 3: ALS William C. Wells, regarding the settlement of several clients' accounts., 2 Aug 1882
Item 4: ALS John B. Baskin, announcing that upon A. E. Richards' election as judge, that Baskin will take full control of Richards & Baskin's former joint law firm. Baskin also states that there is a man who wishes to be represented by Parrish in the settlement of a debt claim., 2 Aug 1882
Item 5: ALS National Scientific Association, discussing the payment of fees for an upcoming exhibition as well as expressing appreciation for Parrish's offer to publish a patent list., 5 Aug 1882
Item 6: ALS W. L. Eakin, regarding J. C. Hinch court testimony., 8 Aug 1882
Item 7: ALS S. C. Brown, discussing details of the Richardson case., 10 Aug 1882
Item 8: ALS Deborah Gilbert, discussing the contents of Gilbert's land deed and requesting advice on how best to go about selling her land. Would prove an excellent source for studying the role of 19th century women in business affairs., 11 Aug 1882
Item 9: ALS J. Blain, discussing the sale of Blain's land. Significant document damage but overall content may still be discerned., 14 Aug 1882
Item 10: ALS R. M. Emery, regarding an unsatisfactory payment to Parrish. It appears that Emery owed $2.50 to Parrish of which Emery sent two dollars in cash and 50 cents in stamps., 19 Aug 1882
Item 11: ALS Mat Walton, concerning the settlement of accounts., 23 Aug 1882
Item 12: AN, postcard from the law and collection offices of Thompson and Sibly discussing a claim., 25 Aug 1882
Item 13: ALS S. S. Page, states that David S. Brown was appointed legal guardian of Earnest H. Brown. Earnest Brown was the legal heir of Mary Brown who was herself entitled to a share of the Richardson estate. Page also requested payment in relation to the case., 26 Aug 1882
Item 14: ALS J. H. Shropshire, discussing the sale of land., 28 Aug 1882
Item 15: ALS John H. Martin, discussing the payment of fees to Parrish following the collection of a claim. Martin also states that he wishes to have John Chenault's address and information in light of the dissolution of Parrish and Chenault's joint firm., 28 Aug 1882
Item 16: ALS George F. Anderson, from the Peacock Coal Company discussing the settlement of a personal rental debt on the part of Anderson., 29 Aug 1882
Item 17: ALS John H. Martin, discussing a claim involving a Mr. Harris., 1 Sep 1882
Item 18: ALS Martin, Thieman & Co., discussing a disagreement between Parrish and J. H. Martin., 2 Sep 1882
Item 19: ALS R. M. Emerly, concerning a payment of fees dispute between Emerly and Parrish., 2 Sep 1882
Item 20: ALS China Drace (signed "Mrs. James Drace"), stating that Drace feels Parrish charged her too much for his service and as such refuses to pay the full amount asked., 3 Sep 1882
Item 21: ALS Fox & Fox, concerning a claim., 4 Sep 1882
Item 22: ANS John B. Baskin, postcard regarding the settlement of Thomas J. Barbour., 7 Sep 1882
Item 23: ALS Mrs. J. H. Arnold, written on behalf of J. H. Arnold discussing the settlement of a property claim., 5 Sep 1882
Item 24: ALS Spencer & Crocker, granting Parrish power of attorney for Spencer & Crocker., 14 Sep 1882
Item 25: ALS W. D. Jackson, regarding the settlement of an estate issue., 14 Sep 1882
Item 26: ANS John B. Baskin, requesting information regarding the Barbour case., 15 Sep 1882
Item 27: ALS William C. Wells, discussing the Richardson case., 19 Sep 1882
Item 28: ALS J. H. Shropshire, concerning a deed dispute., 2 Oct 1882
Item 29: ALS J. A. Wall, detailing an estate case., 3 Oct 1882
Item 30: ALS George L. Walden, appointing Parrish to renew a lawsuit on Walden's behalf., 6 Oct 1882
Item 31: ANS L. P. and Charlie Good, from Stephen D. Parrish's cousin discussing a claim., 8 Oct 1882
Item 32: ALS P. F. Adams, requesting that Parrish sign off on a check to settle the payment of a note to the Farmer's National Bank., 12 Oct 1882
Item 33: ALS J. H. Shropshire, regarding the sale of land and settlement of land taxes., 19 Oct 1882
Item 34: ALS J. H. Shropshire, 2 attached letters regarding the sale of land. The content of the second letter is of the same sort as the first. The second document is dated 28 Oct 1882., 24 Oct 1882
Item 35: ALS Perry & Mollie Good, from Stephen D. Parrish's cousin regarding an estate claim as well as personal matters., 28 Oct 1882
Item 36: ANS Taylor Williams, postcard granting Parrish permission to use Williams' name as a plaintiff in a land dispute case., 4 Nov 1882
Item 37: ALS Louesa Hackett, agreement to pay Parrish for the collection charge on Hackett's share of the Baily Richardson estate., 9 Nov 1882
Item 38: ALS J. H. Shropshire, regarding a debt case against Douglas & Combs as well as issues pertaining to the sale of land., 21 Nov 1882
Item 39: ANS Fox & Fox, postcard regarding a lawsuit., 7 Dec 1882
Item 40: ALS G. L. Walden, indicating that Walden received a check from John Grady for payment of an account., 13 Dec 1882
Item 41: ALS James Wall, indicating that Wall's client, J. Martin, does not wish to sell his interest in an estate. The letter contains detailed information about land negotiation and pricing., 15 Dec 1882
Item 42: ANS George F. Anderson, postcard requesting Parrish to inform Anderson as to the number of times and price per month Anderson paid for renting the Arnold House., 16 Dec 1882
Item 43: ALS Richard Cleek, concerning a piece of prior correspondence., 17 Dec 1882
Item 44: ALS William P. Schell, indicating that the American Land and Investment Company intends to cooperate with Parrish on the sale of land in Kentucky. Further details are contained regarding the negotiation of commission upon selling., 20 Dec 1882
Item 45: AL, regarding land in Madison, KY. Stephen D. Parrish was apparently keeping up with the land in the author's absence., 27 Dec 1882

Folder 5

Item 1: ANS Walter S. Smith, telegram regarding an Aug 21 meeting., 1883
Item 2: ANS J. P. Park, telegram appointing Parrish attorney to release a mortgage in the favor of Park., 1883
Item 3: ANS Hesse Johnson, telegram asking that Parrish pay Matilda Fox for monthly rent., 1883
Item 4: ALS William J. Turner, list of accounts of A. J. Reed. Turner turned over Reed's accounts to Parrish for collection., ca. 1883
Item 5: ANS James T. Merideth, postcard to John Chenault regarding a claim on inheritance., ca. 1883
Item 6: ALS D. L. Murdock, asking that Parrish look into drawing up an application for pardon in regard to the life sentence of Boar Powell. Murdock wrote to Parrish on behalf of Powell's brother, Thomas Powell., 6 Jan 1883
Item 7: ALS A. B. Magers, 6 Jan 1883: Authorizing Parrish to collect and make judgment against S. R. Powell of McLean, IL.
Item 8: ANS R. J. Taylor, telegram requesting that Parrish meet Taylor at a hotel in Richmond., 12 Jan 1883
Item 9: AN, postcard from W. S. Turner concerning the settlement of a claim., 28 Jan 1883
Item 10: ALS James H. Parks, listing the legal reasons for filing for divorce., 28 Jan 1883
Item 11: ANS W. S. Norris, postcard congratulating Parrish on the settlement of a case., 29 Jan 1883
Item 12: ALS Mollie Good, from Stephen D. Parrish's cousin concerning the sale of Good's interest in land., ca. Feb 1883
Item 13: ANS Mollie Good, postcard from Stephen D. Parrish's cousin indicating that Good sold the interest in her land., 1 Feb 1883
Item 14: AL, apparently requesting assistance in getting a woman's husband out of jail., 2 Feb 1883
Item 15: ALS James Harper, sent in response to a request by Parrish to buy some of Harper's land., 2 Feb 1883
Item 16: ALS M. M. Cleek, requesting that Parrish send money that allegedly belonged to Cleek., 4 Feb 1883
Item 17: ALS John J. Schell, 5 Feb 1883: Regarding a collection judgment against Meredeth Rice.
Item 18: ALS John Short, discussing the sale of land in suburban Chicago. Short claims the property is quickly growing in value and proceeds to describe lot pricing. A second letter is attached in which Short agrees to pay a commission to the person who is able to sell Short's property lots in Roger Park, Chicago., 7 Feb 1883
Item 19: ALS R. L. Parrish, concerning the nature of divorce law in the state of Virginia., 8 Feb 1883
Item 20: ALS D. L. Murdock, concerning payment for Parrish's work for a Thomas Powell's brother., 10 Feb 1883
Item 21: ANS R. J. Taylor, telegram asking when the Adams case will be called for trial., 13 Feb 1883
Item 22: ALS G. W. White, regarding payment of debt., 13 Feb 1883
Item 23: ALS John Short, further discussing the sale of Short's Chicago land. Short also indicates that he is in search of a coal mine for himself., 19 Feb 1883
Item 24: ALS W. S. Turner, concerning the settlement of fees. Turner also uses the letter to criticize Parrish for his high price for service., 21 Feb 1883
Item 25: ALS James W. Clark, discussing the sale of land used for lumbering firms., 23 Feb 1883
Item 26: AL, most likely from Parrish's cousin, Mollie Good, discussing legal matters. Also included is discussion of the harshness of the winters., 24 Feb 1883
Item 27: ALS Jacob Cleek, requesting that Parrish send Cleek his due portion of his mother, Martha Cleek's, estate. An addendum is also included by James Parrish. He states that he is the son of Guilford Parrish and the nephew of James Parrish and Benit Parrish., 25 Feb 1883
Item 28: ALS Spencer & Crocker, regarding a case against a Mr. Taylor., 28 Feb 1883
Item 29: ALS William Parish, discussing payment issues in regard to Stephen D. Parrish's father. Also contained is discussion of the sale of William Parish's interest in the Blackwell Lands., 5 Mar 1883
Item 30: ALS Benjamin Cleek, seeking certification to be a legal heir of the Baly Richardson estate., 7 Mar 1883
Item 31: ALS Jacob Cleek & James Parrish, asking that Parrish send money to George Cleek. Also, James Parrish states that he and Stephen D. Parrish are not related., 9 Mar 1883
Item 32: ALS Mollie Good, from Parrish's cousin stating that Parrish was wrong in claiming that Good neglected to send a needed receipt, deed, and other information. It appears that there was an apparent mix-up with the mail which caused problems between the cousins., 14 Mar 1883
Item 33: ALS French Tipton, requesting that Parrish represent the Courier-Journal in Tipton's absence., 17 Mar 1883
Item 34: ALS William Bell, discussing the need for a qualified guardian for Bell's children in light of his wife, Haselline Bell's death. Bell includes a list of his children: Sarah Alice Chism; Robert J. Bell; Leo T. Bell; Lucy V. Bell; and William E. Bell. Also included is information regarding each of Tyre Martin's children., 17 Mar 1883
Item 35: ALS Stephen H. Darden, written on Texas House of Representatives letterhead discussing a school land bill and the sale of school lands., 28 Mar 1883
Item 36: ANS John Short, postcard regarding the sale of land., 28 Mar 1883
Item 37: ALS J. W. Cochran, concerning the attainment of guardian status for the children of J. W. Cochran. Cochran includes a list of his children: Nathanuel Cochran, Walter Cochran, Thomas Cochran, Winne Cochran, John R. Cochran, William H. Cochran, and Louisa Nicol-Cochran., 28 Mar 1883
Item 38: ALS William Bell, requesting a statement of probable amount of money due to secure guardian qualification for Bell's children. Bell states that his first wife and his present wife are both daughters of Tyre Martin., 29 Mar 1883
Item 39: ALS Alice and George Wilson, indicating as to where Parrish may send Alice Wilson's share of an estate., 31 Mar 1883
Item 40: ALS William A. Parish, discussing the sale of land as well as the purchase of land certificates in Texas. Personal notes about the family are included. William Parish asks that Stephen D. Parrish inform his mother that Hezekiah Park died 2 Apr 1882 and that Col. A. Neill died sometime in Mar., 15 Apr 1883
Item 41: ALS W. T. Maupin, regarding information on Malinda Crews., 23 Apr 1883
Item 42: ALS Sarah Ann Hendrix, claiming that Sarah Hendrix is an heir to Martha Cleek of the Richardson estate. She also states that she is married to John Hendrix., 29Apr 1883
Item 43: ALS R. L. White & Co., 4 May 1883: Regarding a judgment against J. A. Busby.
Item 44: ALS John S. Harris, discussing estate inheritance., 13 May 1883
Item 45: ALS James Harper, stating that Harper will attend to matters regarding his mother's dower., 30 May 1882
Item 46: ANS Dan Sullivan, postcard from the Courier-Journal indicating that the paper would be glad to receive news from Parrish's. They claim they want only good news of general interest which may be sent via telegraph when necessary., 25 Jun 1883
Item 47: ALS George Wolford, from the office of the Southern Department of the Continental Insurance Company in New York concerning a receipt for Stephen D. Parrish., 25 Jun 1883
Item 48: ALS John C. Chenault, stating that Judge W. C. Miller wishes Chenault to confer power of attorney to Parrish in order to collect from his clients. It appears that Chenault was ill and was thus delegating certain responsibilities to Parrish in light of his absence. Chenault states that if Parrish does so wish that he may consider their joint firm dissolved as of Jul 1883. Chenault includes a formal statement granting Parrish power of attorney., 25 Jun 1883
Item 49: ALS B. P. Jackson, discussing the estate of Lucy Ballard. Contains genealogical information regarding the Ballard, Maupin, Martin, Crews, and Simms family., 22 Jul 1883
Item 50: Doc., invoice for a chart roller from Van Antwerp, Bragg & Co. Publishers., 17 Jul 1883
Item 51: ALS, M. E. Abbot, from the office of Abbot's U. S. Monthly discussing publication and payment for a general interest article., 28 Jul 1883
Item 52: ALS Andrew J. Weaver, discussing the sale of a portion of land and a portion of a house., 12 Aug 1883
Item 53: ALS William A. Parish, negotiating the sale of land., 10 Sep 1883
Item 54: Doc., form letter, Superintendent of Public Instruction in Frankfort, KY, requesting that Parrish attend an Education Convention as a member of a committee regarding teacher's institutes (common schools). Letter details the convention's purpose and agenda., 10 Sep 1883
Item 55: ALS Issac Adler, requesting Parrish collect on a claim without bringing forth a lawsuit., 27 Sep 1883
Item 56: ALS L. Henle, concerning a lawsuit involving T. B. Francis., 11 Oct 1883
Item 57: ALS E. R. Stephens, regarding the Turner case., 25 Oct 1883
Item 58: ALS J. W. Davis, requesting that Parrish represent Davis in a case against W. B. Myers., 26 Oct 1883
Item 59: ALS Joseph A. Brigel & Co., granting Parrish power of attorney in a lawsuit., 14 Nov 1883
Item 60: ALS H. Jett, concerning the purchase of debts., 5 Dec 1883
Item 61: ALS A. Williams, from Continental Insurance Company indicating that the company expects to Parrish to appear on their behalf in the suit of James C. Adams., 28 Dec 1883

Folder 6

Item 1: ALS A. Williams, from the Continental Insurance Co. approving Parrish's defense plan in the Adams case., 9 Jan 1884
Item 2: AN, postcard from Guy C. Sibley regarding the Myers case., 12 Jan 1884
Item 3: ALS Claude Smith & Co, letter., 14 Jan 1884
Item 4: ALS J. W. Taliaferro, requesting a portion of the Ballard Estate., 21 Jan 1884
Item 5: ALS Rosenberg & Nathan, requesting collection on an account., 31 Jan 1884
Item 6: ALS A. Williams, from the Continental Insurance Co. correcting the date on a receipt., 11 Feb 1884
Item 7: ALS Swann Snoddy & Co., regarding collection on a claim., 15 Feb 1884
Item 8: ALS R. J. Taylor, from the Continental Insurance Company of New York regarding the Blackely case., 19 Feb 1884
Item 9: ALS R. J. Taylor, from the Continental Insurance Company of New York regarding the Blackely and Adams cases., 20 Feb 1884
Item 10: ALS Mary E. Crawford, authorizing Parrish to collect interest on Crawford's behalf in the estate of Lucy Ballard., 8 Mar 1884
Item 11: ALS J. M. Patterson, from the president of Hamilton Female College stating that Parrish may seek a settlement on his behalf given that his contingent fee is not too high., 9 Apr 1884
Item 12: ALS R. L. White & Co., stating that Parrish may keep half of the collection obtained on the Busby debt., 12 Apr 1884
Item 13: ALS Ayers & Brown, concerning a possible collection suit., 14 Apr 1884
Item 14: TDS Excelsior School Furniture Co., contract for sale of office furniture and school apparatus., 23 Apr 1884
Item 15: ALS L. Henle, concerning a case which was to begin 25 Apr 1884., 24 Apr 1884
Item 16: ALS J. T. Patterson, from the president of Hamilton Female College appointing Parrish as attorney in a collection case., 31 Apr 1884
Item 17: TL, letter and receipt from the Excelsior School Furniture Co. The letter concerns the use and payment of a sample school desk. 2 documents., 5 May 1884
Item 18: ALS J. B. Gillispie, asking if Parrish wishes to represent Gillispie in a collection of interest on property case. The case involves Gillispie, his mother, and Joe Boggs., 15 May 1884
Item 19: TL, attorney's contract from the Legal Mercantile Union. The contract signifies that Parrish agrees to act as attorney on behalf of the Legal Mercantile Union., 15 May 1884
Item 20: ALS J. B. Gillispie, further detailing a possible property case against Joe Boggs., 23 May 1884
Item 21: ALS Ayers & Brown, announcing that Ayers & Brown have abandoned the Herndon case., 28 May 1884
Item 22: TDS C. E. Manz, regarding the return of a bond to Stephen D. Parrish., 19 Jun 1884
Item 23: ALS Thomas J. Henry, acknowledging the transaction of fee-bills to Stephen D. Parrish., 23 Jul 1884
Item 24: ALS John Short, regarding the sale of land in Powell County, KY., 28 Jul 1884
Item 25: TDS Stephen D. Parrish, receipt from W. A. Olmsted, a manufacturer and distributer of school supplies., 28 Jul 1884
Item 26: ALS J. W. Taliaferro, acknowledging that Taliaferro sent Parrish a set of papers but neglected to send instructions as to how to send money to Taliaferro. Attached is the letter previous referred to dated 6 Aug 1884. It indicates that Taliaferro sent Parrish power of attorney papers and requests that Parrish send any money due to him., 8 Aug 1884
Item 27: ALS William Martin, concerning the estate of William Martin's sister, Lucy., 14 Sep 1884
Item 28: ALS Stephen D. Parrish, regarding the debt settlement of Milton Wyatt. The response from Fayette Hewitt, KY Auditor, may be found. His response is dated 22 Oct 1885., 21 Oct 1885

Folder 7

Item 1: Doc., copy of the 20 Jun 1798 will, testament and executors bond of John Fitch of Nelson County, KY, indicating to whom his estate and personal effects are to be left., ca.1920
Item 2: TLS Harvey Wilkinson, seeking Parrish's legal advice regarding a court case between the Cooperating Land and Development Co., Lexington, KY, and its stockholders. Wilkinson wrote to Parrish on behalf of Loyette Lee who was a stockholder., 16-Nov-22
Item 3: TLS Harvey Wilkinson, of appreciation regarding Parrish's legal counsel in the stockholder case. Wilkinson indicates that Loyette Lee was under the employ of Kentucky State Senator A. Owsley Stanley., 21-Nov-22
Item 4: DS C. C. Bosworth, copy of an Eastern Kentucky district court report of receiver regarding a case between A. E. Hundley and Bourbon Oil & Development Company., 7-May-28
Item 5: TLS James Winn, regarding 17 May 1919 court case between Bourbon Oil & Development Company and R. L. Lakes. Included is a Jun 1919 summons for R. L. Lakes, a copy of the 1919 petition in equity, as well as a copy of the mortgage agreement between R. L. Lakes and Bourbon Oil & Development Company. 3 documents., 17-Jul-28
Item 6: AN Stephen D. Parrish, Parrish's notes on exchange of horses between Roy L. Lakes and C. M. Greene on 28 Mar 1919. Envelope on which notes are written is postmarked 3 Jul 1928., ca. Jul 1928
Item 7: TL Stephen D. Parrish to James Winn, indicating that Parrish received and greatly appreciated Winn's previous letter containing the 1919 court case., 18-Jul-28
Item 8: TL Stephen D. Parrish, to L. G. Campbell who acted as prosecutor for Bourbon Oil & Development Company during the 1919 court case. The letter indicates that Parrish received a copy of the case from James Winn., 18-Jul-28
Item 9: TL Stephen D. Parrish, to Frank L. Russell offering apologies for failing to meet with Russell during a recent visit to Lexington, KY., 18-Jul-28
Item 10: TL Stephen D. Parish, to J. H. Stivers requesting a copy of an agreement between the Marchmont Oil Company and the Bourbon Oil & Development Company., 18-Jul-28
Item 11: Doc., 2 legal decrees regarding a case between A. E. Hundley et al. and Bourbon Oil & Development Company. Stephen D. Parrish served as receiver for Bourbon Oil & Development Company and the decrees discuss his fees for representing the company., ca. 1928
Item 12: TL Dup. Stephen D. Parrish, to J. A. Edge discussing legal matters concerning J. B. Parke, J. W. Scudder, George Simmons and others., 9-Aug-28
Item 13: TLS Stephen D. Parrish, original signed version of letter to J. A. Edge., 9-Aug-28
Item 14: TDS Prof. Harry Atwood, reply to a previous letter from Parrish in which Parrish requested a copy of Atwood's book, The Constitution Explained. Atwood discusses extensively his views on particular aspects of the United States Constitution. Harry Atwood was president of the Constitutional Education Association., 7-Sep-28
Item 15: AN Stephen D. Parrish, citation of a review by Ellis Stevens of the book, Sources of the Constitution of the United States Considered in Relation to the Colonial and English History. In 18 Aug 1929 letter, Parrish suggests Harry Atwood read the review., ca. 1929
Item 16: TL Stephen D. Parrish, to Prof. Harry Atwood, Chicago, praising Atwood's work and requesting a number of Atwood's news bulletins for use during Constitution Week. Parrish explains his interest is on behalf of the Daughters of America lodge of which he was an honorary member., 18-Aug-29
Item 17: TDS Harry Atwood, praising Parrish's work on behalf of Constitutional education. Included are Constitution Education Association Bulletins 21, 22, and 23. 4 documents., 20-Aug-29
Item 18: TL James Truslow Adams, copy of a telegram from Adams to the members of the United States Congress. The telegram discusses Adams' opinion of the constitutionality of the Black-Connery bill. Adams was a historian of American Constitutional Government., 30-Jul-37
Item 19: TLS Frank E. Gannett, Chairman of the National Committee to Uphold Constitutional Government, stating Gannett's opposition to the Black-Connery bill, encouraging Parrish to contact his congressmen regarding the bill and requesting financial support for Gannett's committee. Enclosed is a copy of a letter from Amos Pinochet to President Franklin Roosevelt. 2 documents., 4-Aug-37
Item 20: Doc., Secretary's minutes from National Committee to Uphold Constitutional Government general meeting., 1-Oct-37
Item 21: TLS Frank Gannett, form letter from National Committee to Uphold Constitutional Government encouraging enrollment, recruitment, and financial contributions., 30-Oct-37
Item 22: TDS Frank Gannett, form letter from National Committee to Uphold Constitutional Government encouraging enrollment, recruitment, and financial contributions., 1-Nov-37
Item 23: TDS Samuel B. Pettengill, House of Representatives, Indiana, containing a full letter from Pettengil to Frank Gannett praising the work of the National Committee to Uphold Constitutional Government. Marked received on 20 Jul 1938., 18-Jul-38
Item 24: TDS Frank Gannett, form letter from National Committee to Uphold Constitutional Government calling for a nation-wide citizen mobilization to establish a like-minded voter bloc. Included is an enrollment form for the committee with instructions to send whatever financial support possible. 2 documents., 19-Jul-38
Item 25: ADf Stephen D. Parrish, notes on a William Gladstone's statements about the United States Constitution., n.d.
Item 26: AN Stephen D. Parrish, citation of a quote from Abraham Lincoln's 27 Feb 1860 Cooper Institute speech., n.d.
Item 27: Frag., newspaper clipping entitled "The First Constitution.", n.d.
Item 28: AN Stephen D. Parrish, notes on review of Henry R. Luce's statements regarding the Constitution., n.d.
Item 29: AN Stephen D. Parrish, notes on the preamble of the Constitution as well as a time line of events leading to the creation of the Constitution., n.d.
Item 30: AN, Stephen D. Parrish, short note regarding Constitution Day., n.d.

Folder 8

Item 31: PS Alex, photograph of the interior of a general store. Inscription on the back says that it is the workshop of the person who signed the photo., 28-Aug-31

Folder 9: Scrapbook

Folder 10: Personal Writings, 1894-1920

Four articles titled "Law and Lawyers in Literature" that were written by Parrish for publication in the Register. Also a letter from C.D. Moore about the articles which he is planning on using parts of in a book he is publishing. (From the Dorris Museum Collection, N.24.2)

Folder 11: Diary, 1875-1876

Stephen Parrish's diary for 1876, commencing on December 23, 1875. He talks at great length about his day to day activities, literature of the time and historical events. (From the Dorris Museum Collection, N.24.1)

Folder 12: Richmond Herald Bill of Sale, 25 Jun 1887

Stephen D. Parrish and P.H. Sullivan, owners of the Richmond Herald sold all rights to W.G. White.

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