Curtis F. Burnam Papers, 1803-1942 | Eastern Kentucky University - Special Collections and Archives

By Kyle Beeler

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Collection Overview

Title: Curtis F. Burnam Papers, 1803-1942

Predominant Dates:1860-1880

Extent: 1.13 Cubic Feet

Date Acquired: 04/27/1967

Subjects: Central University (Richmond, Ky.)--History., Civil War, 1861-1865., Clay, Cassius Marcellus, 1810-1903., Kentucky--History--Civil War, 1861-1865., Kentucky--History., Kentucky--Politics and government., Madison County (Ky.)--History., Politics, Practical, Slavery - Kentucky

Languages: English, Latin

Scope and Contents of the Materials

Curtis Field Burnam was a well-respected lawyer, judge, and statesman from Richmond, KY. He was a refined orator, as well, and numerous items in the collection are copies of addresses and orations which he presented to a variety of audiences. Much of the material has to do with the Civil War in Kentucky and in general. Many aspects of the Civil War, such as secession, abolition, and slavery, are reflected in the collection via newspaper articles, correspondence, and addresses.

His daughter, Lucia Burnam, also has material in the collection such as her personal diary, passport, and a memoir in which she recounts the events surrounding the Battle of Richmond.

Collection Historical Note

CURTIS F. BURNAM was born May 24, 1820 in Richmond, Kentucky. He was the son of Thompson Burnam and Lucinda Field. The subject of this narrative was prepared for college at the Madison Seminary. He entered Yale College in January, 1837, and graduated with the highest honors of his class in 1840. Immediately upon his return home he began the study of law with Judge Daniel Breck, which he continued for one year. He was admitted to the bar after graduating from the law department of Transylvania University in 1842. He served as a member of both houses of legislature and also as a member of the constitutional convention of 1890. He was the first assistant and at times acting Secretary of the United States Treasury during Gen. Grant's second term as President. He married Miss Sara Rollins, daughter of A. W. Rollins, in 1845. Mr. Burnam, died March 19, 1909 and was buried in the Richmond Cemetery.

Subject/Index Terms

Central University (Richmond, Ky.)--History.
Civil War, 1861-1865.
Clay, Cassius Marcellus, 1810-1903.
Kentucky--History--Civil War, 1861-1865.
Kentucky--History.
Kentucky--Politics and government.
Madison County (Ky.)--History.
Politics, Practical
Slavery - Kentucky

Administrative Information

Repository: Eastern Kentucky University - Special Collections and Archives

Acquisition Source: Bennett, Esther S.

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Box:

[Box 1],
[Box 2],
[Box 3],
[Folder 1: Oversize, 1875],
[All]

Folder 1: Oversize, 1875: Certificates appointing Curtis Field Burnam as Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, both signed by U.S. Grant. (2 items); Barcode: 31234013922107

Browse by Box:

[Box 1],
[Box 2],
[Box 3],
[Folder 1: Oversize, 1875],
[All]