By Sharon Brown McConnell, Adam Hall, Neil Kasiak
Title: Caperton/Burnam Family Papers, 1843-1980
Extent: 26.6 Cubic Feet
Date Acquired: 10/02/1990. More info below under Accruals.
Subjects: Kentucky--Social life and customs--20th century., Madison Female Institute, World War, 1914-1918.
Languages: English
Mrs. Paul (Mary James "Jamie" Caperton) Burnam inherited the papers from her mother and father Col. James W. and Katherine Phelps Caperton. The majority of the papers cover the years 1880-1940 and were primarily assembled by Katherine Caperton and her daughter Jamie Caperton Burnam. The records reflect Mrs. Caperton's interest in family genealogy and history. Most of the materials in the collection concern family matters. However, some legal and financial records of Col. Caperton have survived and add to our knowledge of Madison County history through the perspective of one of its most able lawyers.
The Burnam side of the family is not as complete as the Caperton side. Unfortunately, the papers of Col. Caperton's law partner, Curtis Field Burnam, one of the most prominent persons to have come from Madison County, have not survived except for a collection of some two hundred letters the Eastern Kentucky University Archives had microfilmed from the Western Historical Collection at the University of Missouri at Columbus. Burnam corresponded with his brother-in-law Anthony Rollins, the first president of the University of Missouri, between the 1840s and the 1870s. The letters offer the researcher glimpses into antebellum Madison County politics, the question of slavery, the tumultuous Civil War years, and Curtis Field Burnam's major involvement in post-war state and national Republican party activities, along with much information on personal family and financial matters. The letters, along with the Curtis Field Burnam scrap books, are excellent supplements to the Caperton/Burnam Family papers.
The photograph series in the Caperton/Burnam Family Papers is particularly good in showing images of the various family members. Of note is a group of photographs taken October 7, 1907, at the dedication of the Daughters of the American Revolution marker at the original site of Fort Boonesborough. Unfortunately, few photographs of the family residences and property have survived.
During the initial processing of the collection, the papers of Katherine Caperton's brother-in-law John Hooe Russel, a successful businessman, were found mixed in with the Burnam and Caperton family papers. The Russel papers were removed to preserve the materials as a distinct collection in and of itself. See John Hooe Russel Papers.
For researchers interested in knowing more about nineteenth and early twentieth century Madison County history, the Burnam/Caperton/ Russel family papers should be used in conjunction with the papers of other prominent Madison County families (Clay, Hanger, Lilly, Wallace and Shackleford) housed in the Special Collections and Archives Department of the John Grant Crabbe Library.
The Burnams, Capertons, and their ancestors had continued to have a profound impact on the history of Madison County and Kentucky. These prominent families had members who fought in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War.
The Caperton family has its roots in the British Isles. The first Caperton's in the United States is believed to be John Caperton who came from Scotland via Ireland to the United States and settled in Virginia. He and his wife Polly (nee Thompson) had several children among whom was Col. William Caperton.
William Caperton married Eliza Estill of the Estill family. Her relatives were French Protestant Huguenots who fled France for Ireland and then journeyed to the new world. Col. Caperton became a man of prominence in Madison County and the state of Kentucky. He was a brilliant lawyer who won the respect and admiration of his colleagues. Among their offspring was Col. James W. Caperton, with whom these papers begin.
Col. James William Caperton, like his father, rose to great prominence in the affairs of the county. He received his law degree from Transylvania University and joined his father's law practice. He was also quite adept at financial matters, amassing a large fortune. The Colonel did not marry until late in life, being nearly seventy before he united with Miss Katherine Cobb Phelps of Madison County.
Miss. Phelp's family, too, lent itself to the service of the county and the state. Coming to America from England, the Phelps line runs deep into history. The first relative to settle in this country was a George Phelps of Gloucestershire, England who settled in New England. From his line came "many statesman, diplomatists, professors, and men of letters" (Miller). Eventually a John Phelps settled in Virginia and came to hold sizable tracks of land. He sired Thomas Phelps, who moved to Boonesborough, Kentucky, in 1778. From his children eventually came another Thomas Phelps who married Sallie Cobb and gave birth to two daughters, Katherine Cobb Phelps and Minerva Cobb Phelps.
Minerva Phelps, Mrs. Caperton's sister, married General John Hooe Russel of the West Virginia. This was the general's second, marriage, with his first wife being Nettie Phelps, a cousin to Minerva. Russel was some thirty years older than his wife. Mrs. Russel gave birth to one son, Albert Russel. Mrs. Russel later married an attorney from Jacksonville, Florida, Frank Jennings. Their marriage also produced one child, a daughter named Catherine Jennings.
General Russel was prominent citizen of West Virginia, who amassed a large fortune as a capitalist. He was not only a successful shipper and merchant, but also served as a trusted adviser to state government officials. Judging from the telegrams the family received upon his death, he was a most loved individual and there was much sorrow upon his passing.
Col. Caperton died on 19 Apr 1909. Unlike her sister, however, Mrs. Caperton did not remarry. The Capertons had two daughters, Catherine, who died while still a small child, and Mary James, named for her father.
Jamie, as she was known, married Paul Burnam and linked yet another prominent Madison County family. Mr. Burnam was the son of Anthony Rollins, whose great-great- grandfather, John Burnam, served in the Continental line in the Revolutionary Army. John Burnam had another son, Thompson Burnam, who moved from North Carolina to Kentucky with his wife Lucida Field Burnam,. After moving to Kentucky, he was elected to the General Assembly.
His son, Maj. Curtis Field Burnam , also rose to prominence. The Major married the daughter of Dr. Anthony and Sarah Helen Rollins. Dr. Rollins was a well respected physician, who built the mansion on Lancaster Avenue known as "Irvinton". Maj. Burnam, a Yale graduate, was a well respected lawyer who was appointed assistant secretary of treasury during President Grant's administration. Upon the death of Col. William Caperton, Burnam formed a partnership with Col. James W. Caperton. His son, Judge A. R. Burnam, became a prominent jurist and served as the collector of the internal revenue under President Harrison.
Judge Burnam married Margaret Sommers and had a son, Paul Burnam. Paul Burnam became an officer of the Southern National Bank and eventually rose to the status of cashier. He and his wife, Jamie Caperton, had two sons, James Caperton Burnam, and Anthony Rollins Burnam III.
Anthony Rollins Burnam III became an attorney and James Caperton Burnam became a banker and realtor. Both are prominent Madison County citizens. Caperton Burnam married Sophy Carr Mason, and they had daughters, Katherine Burnam, who was married to the prominent late author and biographer Charles Bracelen Flood, and Sophy Randolph Burnam, who married Thomas Land.
As is quite clear, the Caperton/Burnam family line has been and remains a family of influence in Madison County. They have contributed greatly to the history of the community.
The genealogy series houses a myriad of records which Mrs. James Caperton and her sister Mrs. Jennings collected on their family history. This brief sketch is only a cursory introduction to aid the researcher in the understanding the depth and complexity of this prominent Kentucky family.
Repository: Eastern Kentucky University - Special Collections and Archives
Accruals: Additional materials were donated by the family and accreted to the collection in 2014.
Acquisition Source: Burnam, Caperton & Rollins
Acquisition Method: gift
Finding Aid Revision History: Reprocessed in 2014-2015 by Neil Kasiak.
Other Note: Photographs were initially numbered with the accession number; however, a decision was made to change to collection number. The database was changed, but the numbers written on the images were not changed.
The Family Evidence Series contains numerous bound volumes of family records, genealogy research, land records and sentimental correspondence. Mrs. Caperton was very adept at documenting her Phelps-Caperton lineage; something that the series reflects quite well. While An Accumulation of Evidence, Vols. I - III reveal Mrs. Caperton's talents, interests, and research methods, the remaining materials in the series capture the overall legacy of her family and self.
Katherine Phelps Caperton's An Accumulation of Evidence: Family Records, Vols. I-III are perhaps the most valuable and telling items in the Caperton/Burnam Family Papers. An Accumulation Vols. I -III diligently documents Caperton's ancestors and descendants, and their social and cultural accomplishments and memories.
Extensive investigations into the volumes and the remaining collection of family papers reveal that Mrs. Caperton rarely missed an opportunity to document the moments in her life that held distinct personal or social value. Consequently, An Accumulation allows for a better understanding of Madison County and other Kentucky elites and the events that influenced their particular worldviews. The volumes represent not only Mrs. Caperton's intellectual pursuits but also her social and spiritual legacy. Based on the notes that are found within the collection as a whole and, more specifically, details within the Old Letters and Documents Series, researchers will find that Mrs. Caperton found solace in preserving her and her husband's social, political and religious positions in both the local and national narratives.
The content within the volumes cover a wide range of topics besides the most obvious genealogical studies. They are an incredible resource for looking into the ways in which like-minded contemporaries dealt with events such as World War I and II, the 19th Amendment and Prohibition, and other major (or minor) national and global developments. The typed and bound manuscripts are a genuine culmination of Caperton's historical interests, diligent record keeping and the corresponding historical account that resulted from such methods. Mrs. Caperton's astute note taking, the resulting memories, both accurate and proposed, and, the corresponding events that are documented in the volumes create a snapshot of the lives of Madison County, Kentucky elites and the prominent values that were held dear to their hearts and actions.
Based on an informal interview with Kathy (Burnam) Flood, a Caperton/Burnam descendant and collection donor, the volumes also represent the life that Mrs. Caperton lived after the passing of her beloved husband; a life of honoring her cultural heritage and late husband's lasting mark of the community. Upon the death of Col. Caperton in April 1909, Mrs. Caperton, under doctor's recommendations, threw herself into her historical and genealogical pursuits to not only grieve and avoid senseless idleness, but to also document a rapidly changing world that, in her own words, transitioned during her lifetime from one without autos or telephones to one with technologies and developments that would never cease to amaze; or in some cases frustrate and perplex.
Each volume also contains extensive holographic notes on the opposing pages of each typed manuscript page, which only goes to show that Mrs. Caperton was never truly satisfied with her pursuits and found genuine pleasure in learning and disseminating U.S., Kentucky, Western and Global historical narratives. The topics in the holographic notation provide additional details on a particular subject or person or they simply fill in additional blanks that she felt were valuable to the narrative she constructs throughout the works.
Overall, the materials in the series demonstrate a robust willingness to document her family's history. The series also includes a postcard album and a few scrapbooks that contain clippings about a variety of topics, such as, but not limited to, Phelps and Caperton genealogy, local and regional events, and other personalized articles and documents.
9 items including letters, documents (wills, contracts, deeds, surveys), clipped signatures, checks, invitations, funeral notices, etc., 1811-1900
Of special note are:
ALS Daniel Breck, Richmond, June 16, 1821. Letter of introduction for Peter Taylor from Breck to his brother Dr. Samuel Breck in Alabama. Judge Breck was a leading Madison County politician during the ante-bellum period.
ADS. Will of Samuel Crossthwaite, May 7, 1834, Warren County, Kentucky, in which he designates that all of his Negro slaves be freed after his death with the exception of Charity who is to wait on his wife and to be freed only after her death. He states further that "I am desirous that all my slaves, of their own free will, should go to Liberia when set free but I do not intend to control their wishes or force them to go if it is not their wish to do so." Document is in two pieces.
ADS. James W. Caperton's license to practice law in the Inferior and Superior Court of Kentucky, March 3, 1845. Signed by James Simpson and Samuel Lusk.
Fragments from the diary of Thomas Phelps (1838-1908), Dec. 8-12, 1856 while a student at Georgetown College.
ALS. W.J. Landrum to Col. J. W. Caperton, Lancaster, Feb. 19, 1895. Letter from Judge Landrum forwarding an old photograph of Judge W.H. Caperton (1788-1862) including recollections of his demeanor on the bench.
ALS. John Boyle to Colonel James W. Caperton, Frankfort, Oct. 30, 1863. Caperton's commission as Colonel of the 72d Regiment, Kentucky Militia.
ALS. D.W. Lindsay to Colonel James W. Caperton, Frankfort, February 9, 1864. Inspector General of Kentucky ordering Caperton to show evidence that he has formed his regiment.
ALS. Thomas Phelps to his father-in-law, Richard Cobb, Richmond, Dec. 14, 1869. Discusses his cattle. He is shipping Cobb's calf with the help of Amos Deathridge. He provides the calf's pedigree including Brutus Clay's Bourbon grand dam, imp. Iona. etc.
Funeral invitation for Eliza Caperton, wife of Col. William H. Caperton, May 20, 1871.
First National Bank Stock certificate, 1872. S. P. Walters, president, W. M. Irvine, cashier.
Valentine card w/envelope. Edmund Lyne Shackelford to Miss Kate Phelps, n.d. (1880s).
First National Bank Stock certificate, 1881. S.P. Walters, president, W. R. Letcher, cashier.
Invitation to Washington's birthday celebration sponsored by literary societies at Central University, 1883.
Kate Cobb Phelps' report card from the Barthomew English and Classical School, Cincinnati, Ohio, June 4, 1886. Announcement of the graduation exercises for the 1886 class, Bartholomew School, Cincinnati, 1886.
Wedding invitation. Mary Blythe Harris to Cassius M. Clay, Jr., Dec. 6, 1888 at Blythewood.
ALS. Martha Estill Craig to Aunt Mary, Vienna, Austria, September 17, 1890. Lengthy letter re: her travels in Prussia and Austria. Describes Bremen, Berlin, and Vienna. Provides a description of the German royal family. She writes, "We saw a great deal of the Kaiser and his family, as it were. He is really good looking but arrogant and almost rude to the people. What puppets kings and generals seem to us. And what fools the people are to stand their assumed power."
First National Bank Stock certificate, 1890. Colonel James W. Caperton, president, William M. Irvine, vice president.
ALS. Cassius M. Clay to James W. Caperton, White Hall, October 16, 1890. Congratulates him on his marriage to Kate Cobb Phelps, and invites the newly weds for a visit.
ALS. Colonel James Caperton to Katherine Caperton, Chicago, Illinois, October 29, 1893. Relates details of his visit to the 1893 Chicago World's Fair.
Contains materials from many of Mr. and Mrs. Caperton's social contacts, ca. 1890-1905, including letters and documents, cancelled checks, receipts, invitations, telegrams, etc. (56 pieces)
Of special note are:
ALS. John Hooe Russel to Mrs. Thomas Phelps (Aunt Sallie), Huntington, W. Va., July 19, 1900. Sympathy letter. Notes Colonel Caperton's fall from his buggy. President of Huntington Bank.
ANS. Thomas Phelps to Clerk of Madison County Court, Richmond, May 7, 1901. Authorization for his daughter Minerva Park Phelps to marry John Hooe Russel.
ALS. John Hooe Russel to Mary Jane, Huntington, W. Va., May 23, 1901. Re: his recent marriage.
ALS. Albert Russel Erskine to John and Minerva Russel, St. Louis, May 10, 1901. Congratulations on their recent marriage. Erskine (1873-1933) later became president of the Studebaker motor car manufacturing company (1915-1933). He committed suicide in 1933 when the company experienced financial woes and went into receivership.
ANS. Catherine McCreary to Katherine Caperton, n.p., Sep. 18, 1901, Accepts invitation to social gathering. Wife of governor James B. McCreary.
ALS. James W. Caperton to Cassius W. Clay, Richmond, July 1, 1901. Caperton writes: "Zack White is here and I attended to that business for you. I am so glad to know you are getting better every day. You are entitled to peace, quiet, and safety. I will see to it that you have it."
TLS. Augustus E. Willson to James W. Caperton, Louisville, May 19, 1903. Thanks Col. Caperton for his support on behalf of his candidacy for Governor of Kentucky.
ALS. Christine S. Bredin to Katherine Caperton, East Orange, New Jersey, November 18, 1903. Lengthy letter from former classmate at Bartholomew School. She discusses her work as an illustrator with Century and Harper's magazines and her portrait painting for the Rockefeller family. In addition, she provides details of her commute to her studio and her pricing structure. Excellent content! Bredin (1860-1934) studied at the Cincinnati Academy of Art and the Academy Colarossio in Paris. She later taught at Ohio University, Athens, Ohio.
ALS. Edward Echols to Katherine Phelps, Staunton, Virginia, May 3, 1894. Thanks Katherine for a wonderful visit in Richmond. Echols (1849-1914) served as Lieutenant Governor of Virginia (1898-1902) and in the Virginia legislature. He was the son of John Echols, brigadier general, C.S.A.
ALS. John Hooe Russel to Katherine Phelps, n.p., March 19, 1895. Re: birth of John Hooe Russel, Jr.
ALS. John Hooe Russel to Katherine Phelps, Huntington, W. Va, Sep. 26, 1895. Family letter.
ALS. John Hooe Russel to Katherine Caperton, Huntington, W. Va., Oct. 1, 1895. Writes of his concern about his wife Nettie's (Katherine's sister) health. (Nettie died of tuberculosis in November, but not before she was returned from Richmond to Huntington via C.P. Huntington's private car.)
ALS. John Hooe Russel to James W. Caperton, Huntington, W. Va., Aug. 25, 1895. Announces that he will be arriving in Richmond on Aug. 27.
ALS. Mary Burnam Bennett to Katherine Caperton, April 15, 1896. Damascus, Syria. On her marriage tour, describes her trip to the Holy land.
ALS. Delia Claiborne Buckner to Katherine Caperton, n.p., April 29, 1897. Thanks Katherine for her letter and the magazines. Wife of Simon Bolivar Buckner.
ALS. Delia Claiborne Buckner to Katherine Caperton, Rio P.C., Hart Co., July 10, 1897. Thanks Katherine for the photographs of Woodlawn.
ALS. Adelaide Everheart to Katherine Caperton, Atlanta, Georgia, October 29, 1897. Everheart agrees to paint portrait of Caperton's deceased daughter. Well-known Atlanta artist and illustrator Everheart (1865- ) was Katherine's classmate at Bartholomew School. She received her training at the Cincinnati Art Academy and at the Art Studio League in New York City.
ALS. Cary G.G. McCormack to Katherine Caperton, Richmond, Va., June 8, 1898. Re: genealogy of Taylor family. McCormack was the sister of author Ellen Glasgow.
Letters and documents to the Capertons, 1900-1910. (96 pieces)
Of particular interest are:
AN. Theodore Roosevelt to James W. Caperton, Nov. 14, 1904. Thank you note. Written by White House staff member.
TN. Larz Anderson to Mr. (Thomas) Phelps, Indian River, n.d., Conveys a bottle of whiskey. Anderson was US ambassador to Belgium and Japan.
ALS. Martha Estill Craig to James W. Caperton, Shrewsbury, N.J., June 28, 1905. In lengthy family letter, explains that they can't come to Kentucky because they are financially embarrassed.
ALS. Brutus J. Clay to James W. Caperton, Berne, Switzerland, Sep. 3, 1905. Congratulates Caperton on his acquisition of Blair Park and welcomes him as a neighbor. Cannot locate a suitable house in Berne so has to commute to Geneva. Requests a $1000 loan to meet expenses. Clay was appointed US Minister to Switzerland on March 3, 1905.
ANS. Mary B. Clay to James W. Caperton, Richmond, Nov. 3, 1906. Requests a loan of $1500 for one of her sons. Invitation to the 72d birthday of Justice John Marshall Harlan, June 1, 1905.
ALS. Brutus J. Clay to James W. Caperton, Geneva, Switzerland, July 7, 1906. Proposes to pay the interest ($60) on his $1,000 note in October and then pay the note off in January 1907. Invites the Capertons to vacation in Switzerland.
ALS. Brutus J. Clay to James W. Caperton, Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 25, 1906 Inquires if the two $1000 notes due Jan., 1906 have been paid in full. Wants the Capertons to come to Switzerland.
(2) Stock certificates for Richmond National Bank, James W. Caperton, president, June 29, 1907.
Stock certificate for the First National Bank of Richmond, W. R. Letcher, cashier, W.R. Walters, president, June 23, 1882.
TLS. George B. Kinkead, Lexington, Kentucky, September 14, 1907. Agrees to speak at the unveiling of the DAR sponsored monument at Boonesborough.
TLS (fragments) Anderson Chenault Quisenberry to Katherine Caperton, Hyattsville, Md., Oct. 31, 1907. Family letter including Quisenberry's recollections of her father. Quisenberry was a well known Kentucky historian.
ALS. Katherine P. Caperton to sister (Mrs. Frank E. Jennings), n.d. (spring, 1907), n.p. (Richmond). Provides details of successful vote on local option election won by dry forces. Discusses attempts by temperance side to get voters to the polls in bad weather and describes how over 1,000 students sang "My Country Tis of Thee," on the courthouse steps causing people to weep.
Program. Madison Female Institute, June 13, 1881. Katie Phelps is cast as Lady MacBeth in "Dream of Shakespeare Women."
Funeral program for James E. Cantrill (1838-1908), April 7, 1908. CSA, Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky.
Program, Madison Female Institute, May 21, 1908. Pupils' recital including Miss Jamie Caperton.
TNS. James B. McCreary to Mr. and Mrs. James W. Caperton, October 27, 1908. Thanks them for their expression of sorrow.
ALS. Sallie Stone Turner to Kate Caperton, Columbia, Missouri, Nov. 23, 1908. Thank you letter re: her visit to Kentucky. Turner was Kate's cousin and was the wife of William J. Stone, governor of Missouri, U.S. Senator, and advisor to Woodrow Wilson.
Correspondence to and from Jamie and Katherine Caperton during their trip to England in 1914. (Approximately 57 pieces)
Items of note:
U.S. Passports issued to Katherine and Mary J. Caperton, August 14, 1914 at the U.S. Embassy in London. Signed (stamped signature) by Walter Hines Page, U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Britain's involvement in World War I began only ten days before (August 4, 1914).
ALS. Katherine Caperton to Mrs. Thomas Phelps, aboard the White Star Lines ship S.S. Cedric, May 21, 1914. On voyage to the UK writes that "The number of life boats has been doubled since the Titanic disaster."
ALS. Katherine Caperton to Mrs. Thomas Phelps, aboard the S.S. Cedric, May 27, 1914. Provides details of her voyage and discusses the identity of some of her fellow passengers.
ALS. Theodore Lierhammer to Jamie Caperton, London, June 3, 1914. Agrees to work with her, especially since she was recommended by Mr. Henschel. Sets an appointment for Friday at 2:30 and asks her to bring a song. Lierhammer (- 1937) was a Polish baritone Lieder singer who was a professor of voice at the Royal Academy of Music and later at the Vienna Academy. Ms. Caperton's recommendation came from Sir George Henschel (1850-1934), German born British baritone of Polish descent. He was also a pianist and became the first conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1881.
ALS. Katherine Caperton to Mother and Sister, London, June 5, 1914. Describes visit to Buckingham Palace and other tourist attractions in London.
Religious Service Program. Westminster Abbey, June 7, 1914. Heading reads: "Not to be taken away at Morning or Afternoon Service."
ALS. Katherine Caperton to Mrs. Thomas Phelps, London, June 9, 1914. Relates visit to Houses of Parliament. Mentions Jamie's lessons with Messrs. Lierhammer and Henschel.
ALS. Katherine Caperton to Mother and Sister, London, June 12, 1914. Relates details of visit to the Royal Academy of Art.
ALS. Katherine Caperton to Mother and Sister, London, June 15, 1914. Tells of tour of Kensington Gardens, etc.
ALS. Katherine Caperton to Mother and Sister, London, June 22, 1914. Discusses additional sight seeing activities including celebration of King George V's birthday. Letter includes official program of "The Trooping of the Colour."
ALS. Katherine Caperton to Mrs. Thomas Phelps, London, June 24, 1914. Relates meaning of Alexandra day (Queen Alexandra Rose day, fund raising event begun in 1912) and visit to Victoria and Albert Museum.
ALS. Katherine Caperton to Sister, London, June 27, 1914. Relates additional details of activities while in London.
ALS. Katherine Caperton to Mrs. Thomas Phelps, London, July 3, 1914. Tells of boat races on the Thames.
ALS. Katherine Caperton to Mrs. Thomas Phelps, London, July 10, 1914. Re: Their visit to Hampton Court.
ALS. Katherine Caperton to Mrs. Thomas Phelps, Edinburgh, August 2, 1914. Lengthy letter relates details of their adventures in the Lake District and in Scotland.
ALS. Katherine Caperton to Mrs. Thomas Phelps, London, August 4, 1914. Arrived in London yesterday. Aware of war news and are attempting to book passage home like many other Americans.
ALS. Katherine Caperton to Mrs. Thomas Phelps, London, August 5, 1914. Going to American Express Office to contact her to let her know of their safety and to get more money. Mrs. Robertson is inundated with people fleeing from France and the continent. She turned 30 away yesterday. She promises to take care of us until we sail. The papers this morning say that Germany has declared war on England. The people believe that Germany has been spoiling to fight Britain for a long time. They have booked passage on the Adriatic, a White Star Line Ship, scheduled to sail from Liverpool on September 17. The editor of one of the papers has called the situation "Armageddon."
ALS. Katherine Caperton to Mama and Sister, London, August 7, 1914. States that before obtaining first class accommodations on the Adriatic for their September sailing, she had turned down earlier passage in steerage on the Mauritania and 2d class on the Cedric.
ALS. Katherine Caperton to Mrs. Thomas Phelps, London, August 12, 1914. She heard that the Lusitania, which recently arrived, was chased during the entire passage. Her lights were turned out at night to keep her from being recognized.
ALS. Katherine Caperton to her Sister, London, August 12, 1914. "I feel sure England will win when the naval battle does come--but one never knows."
ALS. Katherine Caperton to Mrs. Thomas Phelps, August 15, 1914. Thanks her mother for the cable and the $500. Some American friends are returning to the states in steerage on an American Line ship. They are afraid to take a vessel of another nationality. A man who just recently arrived on the White Star Line ship Baltic reported that their ship was chased by a German cruiser for two days.
ALS. Katherine Caperton to her Sister, August 18, 1914. Reports that the White Star Line has offered them passage on the Baltic sailing on Sep. 10 She has also been alerted by a friend that they must cancel their passage on the Olympic on August 22, so she plans to be at the office to see if she can acquire those accommodations. Says, "I do not believe that there is the remotest possibility of a German invasion. . . I know it is imperative that we Americans get away as quickly as possible."
ALS. Katherine Caperton to Mrs. Thomas Phelps, August 21, 1914. Provides the "good news" that they are now booked on the White Star Line ship Arabic, a ship of 14,000 tons which is to sail for Boston on August 25. They have their passports and are ready to sail.
ALS. Katherine Caperton to her Sister, August 20, 1914. Relates several stories of Americans escaping the continent of still having family trapped there.
ALS. Eleanor Nixon Elever (?) to Jamie Caperton, August 1914. Friend still awaiting her passage to the US wishes Jamie "Bon Voyage" and expresses how much she will miss her. States that Mrs. Robertson becomes more pessimistic every day and is sure that she will get into an argument with the two Schaeff boys who are supporters of the Kaiser. Accompanied by caricatures of Jamie's ship bristling with guns and an image of a new German life preserver (a woman with a string of bratwurst).
ALS. Katherine Caperton to Mama and Sister, August 31, 1914. On board the Arabic just off the coast of Newfoundland. Relates details of passage. Expects that the Germans will be in Paris by the time she reaches port.
Jamie Caperton's marriage to Paul Burnam, Katherine Caperton's Colonial Dames papers, the death of Mrs. Thomas Phelps and the arrival of Caperton Burnam Jamie's first child. (Approximately 60 pieces)
Items of note:
ALS. Delia C. Buckner to Katherine Caperton, Washington, D.C., April 21, 1915. Expresses her disappointment that Katherine will not be attending the DAR Congress in Washington and that she and Bolivar (Simon Bolivar, Jr.) will not be able to see her. Congratulates her daughter Jamie on her upcoming wedding. Written on mourning stationery (Simon Buckner, Sr. died on January 14, 1914).
ALS. J. Addison Smith to Katherine Caperton, Murfreesboro, Tenn, Feb. 5, 1918. Lengthy letter conveying his condolences at the death of her mother. Smith ( - 1920) was a well known Presbyterian minister who served in Maryland, Missouri, and Tennessee.
Caperton/Burnam family letters and documents including Katherine Caperton's Colonial Dames correspondence. (Approximately 143 pieces)
Items of note:
Certificate from the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland acknowledging Paul Burnam's efforts on behalf of the fourth Liberty Loan Drive. n. d. (1918).
Paul Burnam's discharge papers, Camp Zachary Taylor, November 29, 1918.
ALS. Tony____ to Esther ____, London, July 11, 1922. Relates details of airline flight (from Brussels?) that took him over Ghent, Bruges, Calais and across the English Channel over Dover then to the Croydon Aerodrome. The aircraft hit a storm after passing over Dover. "The plane lurched, dropped, and then rose, rocking from side to side all the time--however there was no real danger as this is the way the best planes do in a storm." Describes his fellow passengers and tells how some of them vomited into cuspidors. Stating proudly that he did not get sick, he confessed that "the last part of the journey was not what you would call a joy ride." Airline service in the UK began in 1919. Croydon Aerodrome opened 29 March, 1920.
ALS. Minerva Caperton Jennings to Katherine Caperton, Jacksonville, Florida, Feb. 17, 1919. Discusses the sale of Blair Park.
ALS. Adelaide Everheart to Katherine Caperton, Decatur, Georgia, Feb. 7, 1919. She has finished the portrait of Colonel Caperton. She has also done a little watercolor and pen and ink sketch of Dreaming Creek Heights. She is saddened by the sale of Blair House and states, "Oh, Paul and Jamie what does anyone want with a modern house and furnace and $400,000 when they could live in lovely Blair Park?"
ALS. Mrs. Delia Claiborne Buckner to Katherine Caperton, Danville, Kentucky, Mach 26, 1919. Letter of friendship.
ALS. Adelaide Everheart to Katherine Caperton, Decatur, Georgia, March 11, 1919. The portraits and sketches have been sent. Hopes that the sketches will bring back old memories of good times for both Katherine and Minerva.
TLS. Vachel W. Anderson to Katherine Caperton, Cincinnati, Ohio, February 5, 1929. Family letter. Anderson (1864-1935) was an attorney and the former Director of the Barney and Smith Car Company, Dayton, Ohio.
TLS. Vachel W. Anderson to Katherine Caperton, Cincinnati, Ohio, Feb. 20, 1929. Family letter re: how Vachel became a family name, etc.
ALS. (Elizabeth Irwin Harrison?) to Katherine Caperton, "Clifton," October 5, 1926. Re: Mrs. Carter Harrison's 100th birthday. Mrs. Harrison, was the wife of Carter Bassett Harrison (1840-1905) a brother of president Benjamin Harrison.
AL (copy in Katherine's hand). Katherine Caperton to Albert Jennings, n.p. (Richmond), July 14, 1922. Re: Albert's (her nephew's) responsibility in choosing a wife. Cautions him not to marry beneath his station, etc.
ALS. Delia Claiborne Buckner to Katherine Caperton, The Puritan, April 22, 1926. Thanks her for the beautiful roses. Discusses her family.
TLS. Mrs. Winifred Reed to Katherine Caperton, Maysville, Kentucky, April 30, 1929. Asks for Katherine's assistance in revitalizing the Kentucky chapter of the DAR and requests that she join the board. State Regent of the DAR and wife of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stanley Forman Reed.
TLS. William Boone Douglas to Katherine Caperton, Washington, D.C., January 22, 1929. Relates conversation he had with Senator Alben Barkley the previous day re: a bill to support a National Park at Boonesboro.
TLS. Mrs. Winifred Reed to Katherine Caperton, Maysville, Kentucky, July 20, 1929. Pledges to obtain a DAR resolution to support the establishment of a National Park at Boonesboro.
ANS. Laura Clay to ______, n.p., June 16, 1941. "Affectionately your friend, Laura Clay." Daughter of Cassius Clay and women's suffrage advocate, Clay (1849-1941) died on June 29.
Letters, European trips 1910 (Katherine and Jamie Caperton) and 1926 (Katherine). (Approximately 88 pieces)
Items of note:
Katherine Caperton letters to her family (Jamie, Paul, and Caperton, Minerva, etc.) sailed on the Italian liner Columbo (built in 1917) on May 19. She wrote letters from Rome (June 4-14), from Nice (June 20), Paris (June 23-July 8), from London (July 11-26, Aug. 2), from Oxford (July 29), From Bath (Aug. 5), From Exeter (Aug. 8) and from the S.S. Leviathan (United States Lines formerly the German ship Vaterland built in 1914) (Aug. 13-15). Correspondence includes East Kent booklet with photogravure scenes, a Southern Railway timetable from London to Charing, etc., July 18th and Aug. 1 Westminster Abbey religious service bulletins.
Family and Colonial Dames Correspondence, 1926
Katherine and Jamie Caperton letters to Minerva Phelps Jennings, et al while on 1910 European trip--sailed on Italian ship Italia (letters May 27-28), Rome (June 5-9), Florence (June 11), Venice (June 19), Naples (June 20), Munich (July 1), Amsterdam (July 4), Brussells (July 10), and London (July 17). Also includes religious service bulletins from Metropolitan Tabernacle (London) and from the Cathedral Church of Christ (Canterbury, July 21, 1910).
ALS. Katherine Caperton to her sister Minerva Phelps Jennings, "Woodlawn", June 17, 1900. Relays information that "Grandpa" Phelps passed away on June 15.
Correspondence mainly to Katherine Caperton, 1930-1936 re: family, friends and genealogy activities (Colonial Dames, etc). (Approximately 110 pieces)
Correspondents include Henrietta Clay, Mrs. Samuel Wilson, Mary Harris Clay, and Florence Cantrill.
Correspondence mainly to Katherine Caperton, 1937-1945 re: family, friends, and genealogy activities (Colonial Dames, etc.). (Approximately 141 pieces)
Correspondents include Alice Trabue, Florence Cantrill, Albert J. Russel, Elodie Helm Lewis, Henrietta Clay, Mrs. Frederick Wallis (Maureen Clay Wallis), and Mrs. John Cotton Englehard.
Correspondence, etc. 1910-1941. (Approximately 247 pieces)
Items of note:
Invitation and program for the unveiling of the monument to commemorate the establishment of the town of Louisville, sponsored by the Colonial Dames, November 7, 1913, Governor McCreary speaker.
Bulletin for the Metropolitan Tabernacle (London), July 5, 1914.
Program for the laying of the corner stone for the Sunshine Ballard Cabin, Berea College, May 21, 1921. Governor Morrow speaker.
Letters, telegrams and receipts re: Jamie and Katherine Caperton's return voyage at the onset of WWI. 8 pieces.
Program for the Anglo-American Peace Centenary Ball, Royal Albert Hall, June 10, 1914.
ALS. Edith Ramsey to Katherine Caperton, Toronto, Ontario, March 3, 1918. 8 p. Newsy letter relating her family's involvement in wartime activities. "I think it is splendid of the Americans to enter the War and fight for us and only wish they had done so sooner, but I feel sure President Wilson acted for the best in not entering sooner. I wish they would hurry and get over, tho' I daresay there are more at the front than we know of -- states that she volunteers with others to make hospital shirts and pyjamas (sic) for any hospital that needs them, etc.
TLS. J.A. Sullivan to Paul Burnam, Richmond, Ky., July 17, 1920. Sullivan relates how he and Judge Burnam (Paul's father) had been instrumental in the effort to establish normal schools at Bowling Green and Richmond (WKYU and EKU). Sullivan, an attorney, legislator and judge was also responsible for the 1908 School District bill (the "Sullivan Bill") requiring counties to establish high schools in Kentucky.
TLS. Samuel M. Wilson to Katherine Caperton, Lexington, April 10, 1925. Writes to thank her for her articles and her interest in Lexington's upcoming sesqui-centennial celebration, etc.
TLS. Samuel M. Wilson to Katherine Caperton, Lexington, May 23, 1928. States that it is too late to get legislation regarding "old Fort Boonesborough" through Congress at this time, but will do whatever he can to aid passage of a bill during the next term. Bill (H.R. 3658) to establish the Fort Boonesboro National Monument in the state of Kentucky introduced by Mr. Walker.
TLS. Lewis L. Walker to Katherine Caperton, Washington, D.C., Nov. 30, 1929. Agrees to amend Fort Boonesboro Bill "by inserting that the monument shall be near the original Fort, and in Madison County." Walker (1873-1944) was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, 8th District, Kentucky.
TLS. Ralph Gilbert to Katherine Caperton, Washington, D.C., January 7, 1931. Re: Katherine's idea to use the model of bronze buffaloes similar to those adorning the Dumbarton Bridge in Washington. Gilbert (1882-1939) was a member of Congress, 8th District, Kentucky.
ALS. (in pencil) J.A. Sullivan to Paul Burnam, Richmond, November 23, 1928. He has learned that "a few of our people" are concerned that the defeat of Congressman Ralph Gilbert by Lewis Walker may delay or adversely affect the erection of a monument at Boonesboro. Though Walker is a Republican, Sullivan indicates that he is a good man and should support the project, etc.
TLS. William Boone Douglass to Katherine Caperton, Washington, D.C., December 6, 1928. Expresses concern for the Boonesborough monument project because of the defeat of representatives Gilbert and Chapman. He states further, "Of course you understand that the B.F.A. (Boone Family Association) is strictly non-political. Further than being pledged to white supremacy and restricting membership to persons of pure Caucasian blood -- which excludes persons of Indian blood as well as person of Negro blood -- a provision of our Constitution, we restrict our work to history and science."
TLS. Samuel M. Wilson to Katherine Caperton, Lexington, July 11, 1929. Thanks her for her invitation to come to Boonesborough. He accepts noting that he and his wife "are both always interested in everything done to preserve the historic spot and to commemorate the valiant pioneers who there helped to lay the foundations of the Blue Grass Commonwealth."
TLS. R.C. Ballard Thruston to Katherine Caperton, Louisville, July 12, 1929. Send his regrets. President, The Filson Club.
TLS. Winifred E. Reed to Katherine Caperton, Maysville, Kentucky, Oct. 28, 1929. Sends letters from the DAR supporting legislation on behalf of the Boonesborough monument.
TLS. Herman L. Donovan to Katherine Caperton, Richmond, January 15, 1930. Thanks Katherine for her advice regarding a curtain display depicting Boonesborough in EKU's new auditorium. Suggests that the DAR might be able to subsidize a bronze tablet to the memory of Daniel Boone. President, Eastern Kentucky University.
TLS. Winifred E. Reed to Katherine Caperton, Maysville, February 26, 1930. Invites to the state DAR conference in Owensboro to give a tribute for her good friend Mrs. C.D. Chenault. Bill (H.R. 11754) to establish the Fort Boonesboro National monument in Madison County, in the State of Kentucky. Introduced by representative Walker, April 18, 1930.
TLS. Lewis L. Walker to Katherine Caperton, Washington, D.C., April 29, 1930. Enjoyed her recent visit to Washington and pledges handle the monument matter as best he can.
TLS. (carbon copy signed) Clarence E. Woods to W.F. O'Donnell, Richmond, Ky., May 2, 1930. Responds to an account of Dr. O'Donnell's address at EKU lamenting the fact that we do not always appreciate the contribution which our own communities make to the welfare and work of the world by providing a long list of the contributions made by Richmond and Madison County persons including Laura Clay, Jerry A. Sullivan, Judge John G. Goodloe, and Judge James Caperton, and Judge Curtis F. Burnam, etc.
TLS. Helen Keller to Katherine Caperton, Forest Hills, N.Y., December 27, 1930. Requests support for the American Foundation for the Blind. Renowned pioneer supporting causes on behalf of the blind. Large bold signature.
TLS. Ruby Laffoon to Katherine Caperton, Frankfort, Ky., February 19, 1934. Katherine has been appointed as a member of the state commission for the bi-centennial anniversary of Daniel Boone's birth. Invitation to Katherine Caperton from Governor Ruby Laffoon for the dedication of the Pioneer Monument of the West by "The Honorable Franklin Delano Roosevelt," Harrodsburg, Ky., November 16, 1934.
TLS. Maude Ward Lafferty to Katherine Caperton, Lexington, Sep. 16, 1936. Tells Katherine that she enjoyed seeing her old carriage and driver at the Stanford Sesquicentennial parade, etc. Author of The Lure of Kentucky, etc.
TLS. Maude Ward Lafferty to Katherine Caperton, Lexington, January 15, 1937. Thanks Katherine for a written piece sent to the Woman's Club.
TLS. Maude Ward Lafferty to Katherine Caperton, Lexington, December 3, 1936. She is pleased with the work of Katherine and the Madison County committee re: The Woman's Club survey to list Kentucky's art treasures.
TLS. Maude Ward Lafferty to Katherine Caperton, Lexington, November 23, 1936. Has received no list of art treasures as yet from Madison County. She encourages Katherine to form a committee to assist her in locating them.
Circular (mimeographed) "Emergency Call! Urgently needed by Kentucky's Flood Sufferers." Quickly prepared plea for clothing, food, utensils, containers, first aid supplies, and candles for those affected by the 1937 Ohio River flood (January, 1937).
TLS. John Bakeless to Katherine Caperton, New York, N.Y., Sep. 22, 1938. Inquires if she is related if she is connected to the Captain Caperton for whom Daniel Boone was commissary during the West Virginia campaign in the 1790s, etc. Bakeless (1894-1978) was the author of Daniel Boone: Master of the Wilderness.
TLS. Elizabeth Simpson to Jamie Caperton Burnam, Lexington, July 29, 1938. Thanks her for sharing her mother's manuscript and states, "Your mother has written all the old places so delightfully I'd almost be afraid to try to do them in my series." Author of Bluegrass Houses and Their Traditions (1932).
ALS. Ben Hardin Helm to Jamie Caperton Burnam, Lexington, n.d. (1940). Thanks her for the loan of an issue of Harper's Magazine. Sends her "one of ideas of who killed the business of the country and brought the greatest depression the U.S. has ever known." Attached is Helm's poem attacking FDR and pencil cartoon of the president shooting a chicken representing business.
Son of Confederate General and Abraham Lincoln's brother-in-law. Wendell Willkie campaign certificate. August 22, 1940. Thank you for her campaign contribution.
TLS. Marion Ross to Katherine Caperton, Sayre College, Lexington, July 9, 1940. Requests information on the slave "Monk" who rescued his master's body at Estill's Defeat. States further that "Col Hart, who was at Boonesborough had a slave with him named Jack, and the Gibsons, here, who were grandchildren of Hart, always kept up with Jack's descendants, in fact until Mrs Harrison Foster died, Lizzie Shelton, one of them was her maid." Ross was the daughter of James Mulligan owner of Maxwell Place in Lexington.
TLS. Thomas and Stella Young to Dear Friends (Katherine Caperton), Tokyo, Japan, November 1, 1940. General letter describing difficulties being experienced by missionaries in Japan under the current regime. Tells of formation of a United Church of Christ in Japan, and how missionaries are being encouraged to leave the country by American officials, etc.
The following two items are loose in the back of the volume:
TLS. Helen Keller to Katherine Caperton, New York, N.Y., August 10, 1942. Sends a plea for funds to support the American Foundation for the blind. "I write to you on behalf of my blind fellows. At this critical time, their grief is not lack of sight but the hindrances which balk their longing to share in America's struggle for justice and decency."
TLS. Keen Johnson to Katherine Caperton, Frankfort, August 11, 1942. Sends copy of "Kentucky in Retrospect" on the state's 150th anniversary.
Correspondence, telegrams, cancelled checks, legal documents, etc., 1849-1910. (Approximately 169 pieces)
Items of note:
Will (contemporary copy by James Grinstead, Fayette County, Ky) of James Estill, September 10, 1846 bequeathing his estate including slaves to several family members.
Two stock certificates for the First National Bank of Richmond, signed by W. Irvine, treasurer and W.P. Walters, president, April 1, 1871 and January 6, 1872. 150 shares.
Memorial Service Program in honor of President William McKinley, Assassinated September 6, 1901, Christian Church, Richmond, Ky. Col. J.W. Caperton and Major C. F. Burnam both gave eulogies in McKinley's honor.
Circular advertising the public auction of Whitehall, Cassius M. Clay's home, October 23, 1903. Brutus J. Clay, agent for the heirs, Richmond, Ky. Depicts vignette of home, Courier-Journal Ink.
TLS. D.R. Francis to Col. James W. Caperton, St. Louis, Mo., Jan. 8, 1904. Francis, the President of the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition (St. Louis World's Fair), in reply to Caperton's request that he give a position at the fair to Laura Estill Francis, the widow of the letter's uncle.
TLS. Louis Lunsford Bristow to Thomas Phelps, Georgetown, Ky., September 19, 1906. Georgetown city Judge requests favor for his father-in-law professor J.J. Rucker of Georgetown College.
TLS. William Goodell Frost to James W. Caperton, Berea, Ky., January 26, 1907. Letter re: the Frosts' travels through eastern Kentucky to visit students' families. Frost (1854-1938) was president of Berea College.
ALS. James B. McCreary to James W. Caperton, Richmond, Ky, July 28, 1902. Discusses trip east with his wife who is in poor health. McCreary (1838-1918) was governor of Kentucky and served in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.
TLS. Clarence E. Woods to James W. Caperton, Washington, D.C., January 28, 1904. Re: His uncle Rev. Neander Woods book on the Woods-McAfee families. C.E. Woods, who became mayor of Richmond in 1905, was the editor of the Richmond Climax. In 1900 Woods shot and killed French Tipton, the editor of the Richmond Pantograph, in self-defense.
TLS. James B. McCreary to James W. Caperton, Richmond, Ky., Feb. 26, 1904. McCreary explains his support of the building of the Panama Canal as he noted, "I was not entirely satisfied with some of the methods, relating to the action of Panama, but I could not allow the conduct of a few men to prevent me from giving my aid to the enterprise which I have been advocating for years."
TLS. D.R. Francis to James W. Caperton, St. Louis, Mo., February 25, 1904. States that Mr. J. Taylor White, recommended by Caperton, has been awarded a place on the Jefferson Guard of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition.
TLS. D.R. Francis to James W. Caperton, St. Louis, Mo., February 29, 1904. States that Mr. W. B. Feland, recommended by Caperton, has been awarded a place on the Jefferson Guard of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition.
TLS. William Goodell Frost to James W. Caperton, Berea, Ky., Nov. 12, 1904. Asks Caperton for a donation to Berea College.
TLS. Desha Breckinridge to James W. Caperton, Lexington, Ky., December 1, 1904. Thanks him for his letter to W.C.P. Breckinridge, who was unable to open it before his death, "we having saved the mail from him for some six weeks to keep him from worrying in any way."
ALS. William O. Bradley to James W. Caperton, Louisville, Ky, Dec. 2, 1904. Expresses dismay that he is unable to endorse Caperton for appointment as Collector of the 8th Internal Revenue District of Kentucky because he has already nominated another. Bradley (1847-1918), was Governor of Kentucky (1895-99) and served in the U.S. Senate.
ALS. Brutus J. Clay to James W. Caperton, Geneva, Switzerland, Oct. 12, 1905. Thanks Caperton for wiring him the $1000 loan. Tells of getting settled and of his activities. States that he is looking forward to having the Caperton's as neighbors when he returns.
TLS. Andrew J. Cobb to Mrs. James W. Caperton, Atlanta, Georgia, April 16, 1907. Re: Jesse Cobb and Cobb family. Cobb (1857-1925) was the presiding justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia.
TLS. A.C. Quisenberry to James W. Caperton, Hyattsville, Md., Dec. 13, 1907. Re: Rev. James Quisenberry inscription upon the memorial stone at Boonesboro.
TLS. William O. Bradley to James W. Caperton, Louisville, Ky., Oct. 14, 1907. "I do hope that you people will have a candidate for the Legislature as I have no doubt he will win. I do not know whether the time is yet out for putting a candidate on by petition, but do not think it is. I like Sullivan, but am opposed to any man being elected to the Legislature who will vote for Beckham."
TLS. Augustus E. Willson to James W. Caperton, Louisville, Ky., Nov. 14, 1907. Thanks Caperton for his hospitality in Richmond and states that "I hope I shall have your counsel, help, and support in the very serious duties which are before me." Willson (1846-1931) was Governor of Kentucky 1907-1911.
TLS. James B. McCreary to Elizabeth P. Caperton, Washington, D.C., March 6, 1908. "I am satisfied that Kentucky's rank in illiteracy among the States will be greatly reduced by the splendid efforts made by the Kentucky Confederation of Women's Clubs . . ."
TLS. Lizzie Rodes Lewis to Katherine P. Caperton, Georgetown, Ky., July 25, 1908. "The whole of this past week we have all been in the throes of the local option fight; the children parading and singing for days, and all day long. But how can decent people circumvent the unscrupulousness born of saloon keeping! The first count gave the victory to the wets, by one vote; and many irregularities--to name it mildly--are known, so we are still hopeful that the official count may reverse it. You and cousin James, who have so recently gone through with the same fight, realize the nervous strain. (re: temperance)
ALS. William O. Bradley to James W. Caperton, Louisville, Ky., May 2, 1908. Apologizes for seeking Caperton's support to nominate Fairbanks for president. "I appreciate your long friendship and would do anything rather than forfeit it."
TLS. George Long to Dear Sir: (copy sent to many recipients), Louisville, Ky, February, 1909. Requests personal letter to the governor to pardon defendants in trials surrounding the assassination of Governor Goebel.
TLS. Clarence E. Woods to Katherine P. Caperton, Richmond, April 21, 1909. Long letter paying tribute to James W. Caperton upon his death.
Wills and Deed, 1754-1900 Caperton/Phelps (Approximately 43 pieces)
Items of note:
Deeds for the three sons of Peter Taylor (1746-1812) -- Dr. William C. Taylor, Judge Peter W. Taylor, and Creed Haskins Taylor and deeds to Samuel Phelps (1788-1852) by the three Taylor brothers.
Sketch of the Phelps family of Madison County, Ky. Several Phelps family deeds including those of Rocky Hill and Dreaming Hill Heights Katherine Phelps Caperton's graduation essay read at the commencement exercises of the Bartholomew School, Cincinnati, Ohio, June 1886.
The writings of Thomas Phelps while at Georgetown College and Jamie Caperton.
TLS. Samuel M. Wilson to Katherine Phelps, Lexington, May 16, 1925. Indicates that he will include her "charming paper" entitled "At Tea Party At Boonesborough, 1776" in the Lexington Sesquicentennial celebration literature.
TLS. Herman L. Donovan to Katherine Caperton, Richmond, March 22, 1939. Re: the application of James J. Neale at the Model High School.
