Processed by: Archives Staff ; machine-readable finding aid created by:Eric Weig
Richard Alexander Spurr papers
1844-1960, 1878-1899 (bulk dates)
University of Kentucky Special CollectionsLexington, Kentucky 40506
Arranged by accession number and thereunder chronologically.
Collection is open for research.
[Identification of item], Richard Alexander Spurr papers, 1844-1960, 1878-1899 (bulk dates), 1VF47M59, 1M69M44, 1PA69M44, AAN9896LM, Special Collections, University of Kentucky.
1.2 cubic ft.
Politician. Richard A. Spurr attended Bethany College, graduating in 1858 During the Civil war, Spurr served for three years under General John Hunt Morgan. After the war, Spurr returned to his farm in Fayette County, Kentucky. He was subsequently elected for two terms in the Kentucky House of Representatives (1875-1878) and also served in the State Senate (1881-1885).
The papers consist of correspondence, financial records, genealogical sketches, autograph albums, photographs, recipe books, clippings and materials relating to the United Daughters of the Confederacy for Spurr and his family. One letter (1VF55M23), addressed to William H. Polk, Frankfort, relates to Kentucky politics. One accession of four pieces (1VF47M59) consists of two copies of a circular letter issued by the Louisville JOURNAL October 1, 1859 dealing with political issues; a report from James K. Patterson on the income of the A & M College about 1879 and a note from Miss Julia Spurr. The majority of the papers (1M69M44) are family correspondence between R.A. Spurr and his brother Marcus A. of Nashville, Tennessee, Spurr's wife Ruth Sheffer Spurr, and their children: Julia Hughes, Laura Sheffer, and Richard Hughes. Also included is correspondence to Laura's husband, Carl Welsh, of Lexington, Ky.
There are no materials from Spurr's military service with John Hunt Morgan. Photos of Richard, Laura, Mary, and Marcus Spurr have been removed to the photo archives, 1PA69M44. Other miscellaneous materials include two autograph albums from Bethany College, a recipe book that includes clippings of home remedies for illnesses, and materials from the Lexington Chapter of the the United Daughters of the Confederacy, including applications for membership and a membership roll of Lexington Chapter.