Processed by: Archives Staff ; machine-readable finding aid created by:Eric Weig
Daniel Keller Weis papers
1905-1907
University of Kentucky Special CollectionsLexington, Kentucky 40506
Arranged chronologically.
Collection is open for research.
[Identification of item], Daniel Keller Weis papers, 1905-1907, 165M-610, Special Collections, University of Kentucky.
1 reel of microfilm.
Lawyer, statesman, editor. Born in Pennsylvania, Weis practiced law in Missouri and Indiana before moving to Grayson (Carter County) Kentucky. He practiced law in the county courts of northeastern Kentucky, and in 1852 was elected state senator for the districts of Lawrence, Greenup and Carter counties. Weis settled in Ashland soon after the town was created. In 1855, he established the first Ashland newspaper, THE ASHLAND KENTUCKIAN and acted as its editor and publisher. He was elected one of the first Trustees of the Ashland school district, while from 1856 to 1858 Weis was Director and President of the Kentucky Iron, Coal and Manufacturing Company. He was an active civic leader in Ashland and Eastern Kentucky.
Materials consist of typewritten transcriptions of Daniel K. Wies' newspaper articles entitled "Reminiscences of Early Ashland" concerning his recollections of eastern Kentucky during the mid and late 19th century. Weis' articles, published in the Grayson Tribune and the Ashland Independent, cover a variety of topics. He discusses public schools, churches and railroads, as well as the customs and living conditions in these early towns. Also included are descriptions of businesses in Ashland and surrounding communities, including information about early newspaper publishers. Weis cites individuals with whom he was acquainted and relates several anecdotes especially about political campaigns. Since these articles were written late in Wies' life, the accuracy of his dates concerning historical events may be questionable. (Corrections and additions were made April, 1960 by Charles R. Peebles, secretary of the Ashland Historical Society).