John M. McCalla Mortuary of Lexington, Kentucky scrapbook

Abstract

The John M. McCalla Mortuary of Lexington, Kentucky scrapbook (dated 1802-1869, bulk 1802-1846; 0.16 cubic feet; 1 item) comprises a scrapbook of funeral notices and obituaries published in Lexington newspapers, many printed with black patterned borders.

Descriptive Summary

Title
John M. McCalla Mortuary of Lexington, Kentucky scrapbook
Date
1802-1869 (inclusive)
1802-1846 (bulk)
Creator
McCalla, John Moore
Extent
0.16 Cubic Feet
Subjects
Dueling.
Funeral rites and ceremonies -- Kentucky -- Lexington.
Finding Aid Author
Megan Mummey
Preferred Citation
2013ms0755: [identification of item], John M. McCalla Mortuary of Lexington, Kentucky scrapbook, 1802-1869, bulk 1802-1846, University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.
Repository
University of Kentucky

Collection Overview

Biography / History
General John Moore McCalla (1793-1873) was a prominent early citizen of Lexington, Kentucky. He held two degrees from Transylvania University, a bachelors received in 1810 and a masters received in 1822. He worked as an attorney, was the owner of The Kentucky Gazette, and served as a Lexington trustee. McCalla was Captain of the Lexington Light Infantry during the War of 1812 and was appointed the U.S. Marshal of the District of Kentucky in 1820. In 1846 he left Lexington to serve as an auditor of the U.S. Treasury. Additionally, McCalla was a great collector of books, pamphlets, and newspapers.
Scope and Content
The John M. McCalla "Mortuary of Lexington, Kentucky" scrapbook (dated 1802-1869, bulk 1802-1846; 0.16 cubic feet; 1 item) comprises a scrapbook of funeral notices and obituaries published in Lexington newspapers, many printed with black patterned borders. The funeral notices include many prominent Lexington citizens including Henry Clay; John Bradford, Kentucky's first printer; Lucretia Hart Clay, daughter of Henry Clay; Matthew Kennedy, architect; Eliza Todd, the mother of Mary Todd Lincoln; Charles Wilkins, owner of Mammoth Cave; and Robert Wickliffe, lawyer. On many notices McCalla has noted in ink or pencil causes of death, including Mrs. Jane Luckie, 1812, "killed by lightning at Presbyterian Church"; Caroline Sargent Turner, 1844, "murdered by her slave"; Thomas R. Benning editor of the Lexington Gazette, 1829, "killed by Charles Wickliffe", and Charles Wickliffe's own funeral notice, 1829, "Killed in a duel with G.J. Trotter (George J. Trotter)". The scrapbook also documents the cholera epidemic of 1833 which killed ten percent of Lexington's population. The inside cover of the scrapbook reads "Mortuary of Lexington, Kentucky. Register of deaths in Lexington and Fayete county Kentucky, beginning in the year 1802, and containing the names of various other persons who died elsewhere; with an Index, Compiled by Jno. M. M'Calla September 10 1862."

Restrictions on Access and Use

Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open to researchers by appointment.
Use Restrictions
The physical rights to the materials in this collection are held by the University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.

Contents of the Collection

"Mortuary of Lexington, Kentucky" scrapbook, 1802-1869

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UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.

Researchers must have an SCRC Researcher Account to request materials. View account set-up and use instructions here.

Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.

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You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.

If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.