Curtis F. Burnam Papers

Collection

Identifier: 2013A001

Curtis Field Burnam Papers

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Scope and Contents

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.

Dates

Creation: 1803 - 1942
Creation: Majority of material found within 1860 - 1880
Acquisition: 1967-04-27

Biographical or Historical Information

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.

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