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

By Kyle Beeler

Printer-friendly | Contact Us About This Collection

Collection Overview

Scope and Contents of the Materials

Collection Historical Note

Subject/Index Terms

Administrative Information

Box and Folder Listing

Box 2

Barcode: 31234014045114

Folder 1: Curtis Field Burnam Scrapbook #1, 1890-1908

This portion of the first scrapbook contains pages 60-127. It contains newspaper articles regarding political, notable figures like Cassius M Clay, local, national, and personal events of C.F. Burnam such as his appointment to the US Treasury. There are numerous articles highlighting the events associated with the Beecher trial as well as the 50th anniversary of Curtis Burnam and his wife. There is a page from a book outlining the history of the Field family, a small booklet titled "Memories of Yale Life and Men", and a clipping from a newspaper which presents Native American residence figures by state. Also included is a copy of a letter from William McKinley to Burnam dated 6 July 1896. The original letter is located in the fire-proof cabinet in Drawer 1, Folder 35. Also included is a letter from Ruric N. Roark in which he talks about the beginnings of Eastern.

Folder 2: Curtis Field Burnam Scrapbook #2, 1875-1877

This portion of the second scrapbook contains pages 3-44. Among the contents is an authorization to act as secretary of the treasury, bond redemption information for 1876, correspondence on governmental issues regarding the treasury and other departments, other correspondence from friends and colleagues, invitations to political functions, business cards of people whom Burnam presumably met at said functions, Knights Templar correspondence and information cards, invitations and a program for the National University commencement of 1876, invitation to an event at Columbian University, poetry, and newspaper articles about Yale College, local events, and political races. Each entry is separated by tissue paper for protection.

Folder 3: Curtis Field Burnam Scrapbook #2, 1851-1892

This portion of the second scrapbook contains pages 45-103. It contains correspondence from statesman, educators, and friends spanning a variety of topics. Most of the topics included reference political issues in the nation as well as Kentucky, and there are others that are merely personal greetings. A handwritten summary of positions held by Curtis Burnam, poetry clips from the newspaper, invitations to commencement exercises at Georgetown University and the University of Louisville law dept., an invitation and ticket to a reception in Louisville for President and Mrs. Rutherford B. Hayes, a wedding announcement for Curtis's son Thompson, national census totals from 1880 along with national debt totals of the same year, and an advertisement for a book about Yale College's history are among the contents within the portion. Each entry is separated by tissue paper for protection.

Folder 4: Curtis Field Burnam Scrapbook #2, 1862-1907

This portion of the second scrapbook contains pages 104-145. Within this portion there are various pictures of prominent judicial figures of the time, correspondence from personal acquaintances and friends as well as political figures and others, a certificate of membership to the Filson Club and the American Institute of Civics, Yale College memorabilia and news clippings, a copy of a photograph of Abraham Lincoln given to Cassius M Clay, and an invitation to attend a reception of General and Mrs. U.S. Grant in Louisville. In addition, there are numerous copies of letters that were sent to President Lincoln in 1862-1863 which endorsed C.F. Burnam as a prime candidate for the US Court of Appeals. There is also a letter addressed to Burnam written, and signed, by Don Carlos Buell. Each entry is separated by tissue paper for protection.

Folder 5: Curtis Field Burnam Scrapbook #2, 1803-1908

This portion of the second scrapbook contains pages 146-207. Included is correspondence from various friends, colleagues, and political figures of the United States, an official autograph of Lord Braugham written in 1803, a course plotting for a mail ship headed from America to Great Britain, presidential vote tallies from the election of 1908, a letter written by C.M. Clay to President Hayes endorsing C.F. Burnam for a judicial position along with numerous other letters which serve the same purpose, a couple pictures of judicial figures and politicians, and a collection of newspaper articles written by C.F. Burnam recounting his memories and the history of events, places, and people in Madison County and abroad. Each entry is separated by tissue paper for protection.

Folder 6: Loose Scrapbook Papers, 1855-1920

Contains loose pages from other scrapbooks. These few pages contain newspaper articles pertaining to current political events and correspondence congratulating Burnam on a recent political victory. Also included is a picture of J.A.R. Rogers and a poem.

Folder 7: "What I Remember" by Lucia Burnam

Lucia Burnam, daughter of Curtis Field Burnam, recounts her memories of the events, and those surrounding, the Battle of Richmond. She then describes what her activities were after the war. There is a transcribed copy included with the manuscript as the handwriting is very difficult to read. Even within the transcription there are gaps where illegible words were written on the original.