Ezra L Gillis papers
Abstract
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- Ezra L Gillis papers
- Date
- 1859-1971, undated (inclusive)
- Creator
- Gillis, Ezra L., 1867-1958
- Extent
- 20.06 Cubic Feet
- Subjects
- Education
- Education -- History
- War casualties -- Kentucky.
- Registrar.
- Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) -- Kentucky.
- Correspondence.
- Letters.
- Diaries -- United States -- Kentucky.
- Arrangement
- Collection is arranged by format into six series: Correspondence; Diaries; Research Projects; Service; Personal and Family; and Writings and Speeches.
- Preferred Citation
- 0000ua091: [identification of item], Ezra Gillis papers, 1859-1971, undated, University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.
- Repository
- University of Kentucky
Collection Overview
- Biography / History
- Ezra Gillis was a teacher, professor (1907-1910), University of Kentucky Registrar (1910-1937), head of the Bureau of Source Materials (1937-1956), and collector of all things Kentucky. He was born near Glensboro, in Anderson County, Kentucky, on January 1, 1867. He was the first of nine children of Hugh Gillis, a Civil War Veteran, and Sarah Gillis (nee Petty). He attended the public schools of Anderson County and later Transylvania University and Indiana Central Teacher’s College. Gillis taught school in Anderson County starting in 1886, teaching during the school year, and farming during the summer. In 1888 Gillis married Sally Sullivan. In 1900 Gillis moved to Lexington, with his wife and two daughters, Inis and Cleo, to study and teach at the normal (teacher training) department of Transylvania University. In 1902 Gillis was appointed president of Minerva College, Mason County, while still pursuing his bachelor’s degree. He eventually graduated in 1905 from Central Normal College, in Danville, Indiana, and continued as President of Minerva College until 1907. Gillis then came to the University of Kentucky (UK) as an assistant professor in the Normal Department. In 1910, Gillis was appointed registrar of the University.
- Gillis held the post of registrar for 27 years, becoming a fixture on campus and developing close relationships with the University’s faculty, staff and students. He added additional work to the traditional task of recording students and their grades, by using this information to create charts, reports and guides about the University, its influence and community. Gillis’ work, which was intended to take no more than a few hours a day, contributed to the development of the registrars’ job from that of clerk to a professional position. He was active in the profession through organizations such as the American Association of College Registrars (AACR), of which he was a founding member (1910), Secretary (1914-1919) and President (1919-1920). Gillis also worked educating students to become registrars through coursework at UK (1924-1932). Many of his students went on to become registrars of universities around the nation, and colleagues of Gillis. He maintained his involvement with the issues and challenges of registrar’s work, as well as the AACR, throughout his life.
- Gillis turned 70 in 1937, and, under University regulations, was required to have a "change of work," to reduce his workload. Gillis proposed the formation of the Bureau of Source Material in Higher Education, a division of the library, with the goal of collecting material documenting the history of education in Kentucky. He intended the collection to be an aid to students in education. The Bureau reached out to alumni and all interested persons in the state to build a collection of original materials such as textbooks, papers, recollections, school lists, photos, clippings and any other material related to elementary and higher education, including public, religious, and private schools, academies, colleges and universities. The Bureau also aided the library in seeking information about University of Kentucky graduates including publications, biographical information, and accounts of achievements, as well as biographies of and books written by Kentuckians. The material obtained about the University through these efforts formed the basis for the University Archives. Gillis proposed the creation of the archives and arranged to have his assistant, Mary Hester Cooper, trained in archival work. Miss Cooper became the first university archivist. Gillis retired from the Bureau in 1956. Gillis was honored twice by the University, receiving the Award for Meritorious Services by a member of the University staff in 1945, and the Sullivan Medallion as the state’s outstanding citizen in 1950.
- In addition to his official duties (1910-1956), Gillis was engaged in several projects and organizations. He acted as the liaison between the University and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the Kentucky Writer’s project (1938-1943). In the early days of the Bureau, WPA employees created records of the history of Kentucky, its educational efforts, the University, and its alumni as the first of the projects submitted by the University of Kentucky and approved for funding. Gillis worked during WWII to create a comprehensive list of men from Kentucky who died, as he had created a similar list of university alumni during WWI. Gillis also edited and wrote the introductory biography for a book titled Henry Stites Barker: A Selection of Speeches and other Writings by the Second President of the University of Kentucky. He served on the Board of the College of the Bible in Lexington (1925-1940) as well as on the Board of Elders at the Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (1917-1958). Gillis was known for his stories and anecdotes, which appeared many times in local papers, particularly in Allan Trout's Courier-Journal column, "Greetings" (1942-1957).
- Throughout most his tenure on the Bureau, Gillis kept a diary of events in his life as well as current events. He also maintained correspondence with members of the public, registrars, and University faculty and staff, including University Presidents Herman Lee Donovan and Frank McVey. President Donovan had studied under Gillis at Minerva College and they maintained a close relationship.
- Gillis worked until near the end of his life, retiring from the Bureau in 1956. He continued his involvement with the University, however, stating that "I am going to stay on this campus as long as I can, even if the only thing left to do is to walk around admiring the trees and buildings." He died on September 18, 1958, at the age of 91, survived by his wife, two daughters, three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. In 1978, the 1892 campus building that had served as the registrar's office (and original experiment station among other functions) was named the Ezra Gillis building to honor his service to the University.
- Scope and Content
- The Ezra Gillis papers (dated 1859-1971, undated; 20.06 cubic feet, 41 document boxes, 2 card boxes, 5 flat boxes) comprises correspondence, diaries, documents, publications, reports, clippings, notes, speeches, and artifacts primarily documenting Gillis' professional and personal life from the time he became head of the University of Kentucky's Bureau of Source Materials until the end of his life.
- The majority of the collection is composed of Gillis' correspondence relating to the Bureau (1937-1956), the University of Kentucky and registrar's work as well as the diaries that Gillis kept documenting his daily life and experiences. The correspondence covers Gillis career as the head of the Bureau of Source Material in Higher Education, collecting primary resources relating to education in Kentucky, his continued engagement with registrars and their work, and his relationships with colleagues. The diaries, dictated by Gillis as a record of the daily events of his life, record Gillis' work, opinions, interactions with University faculty and staff, as well as his personal and family life. Though Gillis began keeping the diaries in 1938, he covers events from earlier in his life under previous years, as well as by subject.
- There are materials documenting Gillis's involvement in professional and personal projects such as the Bureau of Source Material collections, the Works Progress Administration's work at the University of Kentucky, a biography of the former University President Henry Stites Barker, the list of men killed in WWII from Kentucky, and the education of registrars. Gillis accepted donations of material in his role as head of the Bureau, covering life in Kentucky, particularly those items related to education and the University. He worked as a liaison between the University of Kentucky and the Works Progress Administration (later renamed the Work Projects Association), overseeing projects related to the history of education in Kentucky, as well as those proposed and executed by other departments at the University. The files reflect this through the collection of various administrative forms, correspondence and reports. Gillis wrote a biography of former UK President Henry Stites Barker for his book compiling Barker's writings and speeches. Included in the collection are notes and source material for this work, as well as manuscripts and publisher's proofs, with notes, of the resulting publication. Gillis compiled a list of war dead from Kentucky during WWII. The files related to this project include publications about the war and its casualties, correspondence with the Veteran’s association, and the final list published in the Kentucky Alumnus. The files covering the education of registrars contain examination questions and executive committee documentation, and resource material for the registrar training. Also included are files documenting projects Gillis undertook in his role as registrar, the creation of the University Archives, President Lincoln, and topics related to local history.
- In addition, there are records of Gillis' service in organizations such as the American Association of College Registrars (AACR), the College of the Bible at Transylvania University, and the Board of Elders at the Central Christian Church. Gillis was involved in the AACR from its foundation in 1910 until his death in 1958. He served as both Secretary (1914-1919) and President (1919-1920) of the organization. The AACR files include the deposit of the organization’s files at the University, the annual meeting, speeches, reports, publications, and convention programs. The College of the Bible at Transylvania University files document Gillis’ position on the Board of Trustees and the development of the college. Additional files relate to Gillis’ role as an Elder at the Central Christian Church, his life as a parishioner, as well as his interest more broadly in the Disciples of Christ nationwide. There are also files relating to other organizations Gillis served, including the Intercollegiate Association, the Kentucky Industrial College for Colored Persons, and the Intercollegiate Association.
- Also included are personal and family records related to Gillis' genealogy, personal interests, and an autobiography by Gillis, items he owned, and transcripts, notes and publications of Gillis' writing and speaking on a variety of topics. These materials include an autobiography by Gillis titled "Ancestry, Boyhood, and Early Life," complete with index and references; cards and letters from the last years of Gillis' life; clippings of articles paying tribute to Gillis, as well as other remembrances of him. The writing and speaking series documents Gillis' speaking engagements and publications throughout the time of his work with the Bureau of Source Material.
- Processing Info
- Many of the folder titles are the original ones assigned by Gillis. University of Kentucky Special Collections gratefully acknowledges the support of the Ezra Gillis family in funding the Ezra Gillis University Archives Fellow position and the processing of this collection.
Restrictions on Access and Use
- Conditions Governing Access
- Collection is open to researchers by appointment.
- Use Restrictions
- Property rights reside with the University of Kentucky. The University of Kentucky holds the copyright for materials created in the course of business by University of Kentucky employees. Copyright for all other materials has not been assigned to the University of Kentucky. For information about permission to reproduce or publish, please contact Special Collections.
- The Gillis diaries cannot be quoted verbatim or photocopied. They may be summarized.
Contents of the Collection
Correspondence, 1913-1958
Scope and Contents
Comprises letters, documents, clippings and photographs that document Gillis' work on the Bureau of Source Materials in Higher Education, as well as his continuing interest in registrar’s work and the University of Kentucky. Included in the series are documents about the Bureau's goal to collect educational materials from throughout the state, such as textbooks, accounts of school life at different institutions, and publications from alumni of the University of Kentucky and other schools. Though the majority of the correspondence was created during Gillis' time as the head of the Bureau (1937-1957), some of the earlier files contain correspondence from Gillis' time as registrar. In addition, Gillis' correspondence with those working in the field continued after he left the registrar's office. Of particular note are Gillis' correspondence with University presidents Frank L. McVey and Herman L. Donovan about the Bureau’s work and the University in general, as well as Poet Laureate of Kentucky Cotton Noe, a former colleague of Gillis during his time in the Normal Department of the University.
Correspondence by name, 1910-1959
Scope and Contents
Comprises correspondence, organized by name and subject, primarily originating from Gillis' time as head of the Bureau of Source Materials (1937-1956).
Aa-ALK, 1938-1956
All-AM, 1937-1947
Alumni Association, 1939-1954
An-Az, 1938-1954
Baa-Barm, 1938-1955
Barn-Boz, 1938-1951
Bea-Ben, 1938-1958
Ber-Bj, 1937-1955
Bl, 1937-1957
Boa-Bou, 1937-1953
Bov-Bre, 1937-1955
Bowman, John Bryan, 1948-1952
Byod, Dean Paul P., 1938-1955
Bri-BT, 1938-1955
Bu-Bv, 1937-1953
Ca-Carm, 1938-1957
Caldwell Committee Berma Willis Ed. D. 1960, 1951-1956
Carn-Ce, 1937-1958
Ch-Ci, 1938-1955
Chamberlin, Dr. Leo M., 1937-1947
Chamberlin, Dr. Leo M., 1945-1956
Change of work status; List of Men, 1949-1953
Cl-Cok, 1937-1956
Col-Con, 1937-1952
Coo-Coz, 1937-1956
Cooper, President Thomas Poe, 1937-1947
Cr-Cz, 1938-1954
Da, 1937-1958
De-Di, 1937-1963
Dickey, Frank Graves, 1945-1957
Do, 1938-1952
Donovan, Herman Lee Pres., 1940-1946
Donovan, Herman Lee Pres., 1946-1950
Donovan, Herman Lee, 1950-1953
Donovan, Herman Lee, 1953-1956 September
Donovan, Herman Lee, 1956 September-1958 August
Dr-Dz, 1938-1954
Ea-Ek, 1937-1959
El-En, 1937-1955
Eo-Ez, 1938-1953
Espenshade, A.H., undated
Fa, 1938-1956
Fe-Fj, 1939-1953
Federal Writers Project, 1937-1940
Fellowship Graduate Assistantship, 1947-1948
Fl-Fo, 1937-1954
Founder's Day 1945, 1944-1945
Founder's Day Committee, 1945-1956
Fr-Fy, 1937-1953
Ga-Gem, 1937-1958
Gen-Gle, 1938-1956
Gli-Go, 1938-1953
Gra-Gri, 1938-1956
Gro-Gy, 1937-1955
Haa-Hal, 1938-1946
Ham-Hap, 1937-1957
Har, 1938-1958
Has-Haz, 1938-1959
Hea-Heo, 1938-1953
Hep-Hil, 1938-1953
Him-Hol, 1937-1955
Historical Data Charts, 1951
History Requests, 1942-1955
Hom-Hr, 1938-1968
Hotels, 1938-1950
Hu-Hy, 1930-1956
I, 1937-1950
Ja-Johns, 1931-1956
Johnson-Johnston, 1939-1955
Jon-Jy, 1938-1956
Ka-Kel, 1937-1952
Kem-Kez, 1937-1958
Ki-Kn-Ky, 1938-1954
Laa-Lav, 1937-1957
Law-Len, 1937-1952
Leo-Lim, 1938-1956
Library, 1942-1956
Lin-Loq, 1937-1954
Litting and Co., W. T., 1910-1911
Loan, 1941-1954
Lov-Lz, 1937-1941
Maa-Map-Mar, 1937-1938
Mahn, Robert, 1937-1949
Mahn, Robert, 1950-1958
Mas-Maz, 1937-1957
McCallie Alumni Journal, 1947, 1949
Maxwelton-Miller Property, undated
McA-McD, 1938-1952
McE-McLa, 1939-1952
McLe-McZ, 1938-1958
McVey, Frank L. President, 1922-1942
McVey, Frank L. President, 1940-1958
Me-Mia-Mil, 1937-1955
Miller, E. C., 1936-1961
Mim-Mitchell, 1937-1952
Mo, 1938-1953
Mr-My, 1937-1956
Na-Ne, 1937-1955
Ni-Ny, 1937-1953
Noe, Cotton (J. T. C.) (Folder 1 of 3), 1915-1948
Noe, Cotton (J. T. C.) (Folder 2 of 3), 1948-1952
Noe, Cotton (J. T. C.) (Folder 3 of 3), 1952-1955
Oa-Ok, 1937-1956
Ol-Oz, 1937-1955
Organizational Charts, 1950-1957, Undated
Pa-Pee, 1938-1954
Pei-Pey, 1937-1955
Peter, Alred Meredith, 1939-1950
Ph-Pike, 1919-1955
Pin-Po, 1937-1953
Portraits-Correspondence concerning marking, etc...., 1948
Pr-Py, 1937-1956
Q-Ra, 1937-1955
Re, 1937-1958
Rh-Ri, 1937-1955
Roa-Ror, 1937-1958
Ros-Rz, 1937-1955
Sa-Scha-Schr, 1937-1956
Schu-Sef, 1936-1955
Seg-Si-Sk, 1937-1953
Service Men Survey, 1945-1947, Undated
Sesquicentennial Committee, 1941-1942, Undated
Sl-Sm, 1937-1958
Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, 1939-1946
Sn-Sta, 1937-1957
Ste-Sto-Sz, 1938-1952
Letters about Sullivan award, 1950
Ta-Te, 1936-1955
Th-Ti, 1938-1957
To-Tr, 1938-1957
Tu-Tw, 1937-1956
U, 1937-1954
Waa-War-Wek, 1937-1955
Wel-Wh, 1938-1955
Wia-Wil, 1937-1957
Win-Wy, 1937-1958
War Information Service, Key Center of, 1942-1943
Unclassified, 1913
Unclassified, 1915-1927
Correspondence by date, 1913-1951
Scope and Contents
Comprises correspondence, organized by year, that predate Gillis' time at the Bureau of Source Materials. The correspondence is therefore more relevant to Gillis' time as University Registrar than to his subsequent position. The majority of correspondence by and to Gillis from this period would be found in the collection of the Office of the Registrar.
1913-1920
1915-1927
1928-1930
1931-1936
1938-1951
1937
Diaries (Restricted), 1888-1971
Scope and Contents
Comprises typed and handwritten descriptions of events that occurred in Gillis' life from 1886 to 1958. Gillis began dictating the diaries to his assistant, Mary Hester Cooper, in 1938, so earlier events were recorded significantly after they occurred. Included in the dated diaries are day-to-day occurrences in the administration of the University of the Kentucky, work on the Bureau of Source Material in Higher Education, Gillis' personal life and current events. Entries written about previous years cover Gillis' early life, his work as a teacher in a number of schools, including the Normal Department at the University of Kentucky, and his work as registrar. There are also typed and handwritten pages that include notes made by Gillis on particular subjects or people, arranged by subject and alphabetically. Some typescripts include a note of "seal" in the margins, because Gillis requested that some diaries be closed for a period of time. This restriction has now been lifted.
Diaries by year, 1938-1971
Events of 1907-1908, dictated 1941-1944
Events of 1908-1909, dictated 1941-1947
Events of 1910-1911, dictated 1944
Events of 1911-1912, dictated 1944-1947
Events of 1912-1913, dictated 1944
Events of 1913-1914, dictated 1944
Events of 1915-1916, dictated 1944-1951
Events of 1916-1917, dictated 1944-1951
Events of 1917-1918, dictated 1943-1944
Events of 1918-1919, dictated 1947
Events of 1919-1920, dictated 1947
Events of 1920-1921, dictated 1940-1947
Events of 1922-1923, dictated 1947
Events of 1924-1925, dictated 1947
Events of 1927-1928
Events of 1929-1930, dictated 1940-1943
Events of 1934-1935
1938-1939
1939-1940
1940-1941 June
1941 July-December
1941 July-December
Drafts, 1937, 1941
1942 January-June
1942 July-December
1943 January-June
1943 July-December
1944 January-June
1944 July-December
1945 January-June
1945 July-December
1946 January-June
1946 July-December
1947 January-June
1947 July-December
1948 January-June
1948 July-December
1949 January-June
1949 July-December
1950 January-June
1950 July-December
1951 January-June
1951 July-December
1951 July-December
1952 January-June
1952 July-December
1953 January-June
1953 January-June
1953 July-August
1953 September
1953 October
1953 November
1953 December
1954 January-February
1954 March-April
1954 March-April
1954 May-June
1954 May-June
1954 January-June
1954 January-June
1954 July-August
1954 July-August
1954 January-July
1954 September-October
1954 September-October
1954 November-December
1955 January-February
1955 March-April
1955 May-June
1955 July-August
1955 July-August
1955 September-October
1955 September-October
1955 November-December
1955 July-December
1955 July-December
1956 January-February
1956 March-April
1956 May-June
1956 January-June
1956 January-June
1956 July-August
1956 September-December
1956 September-December
1957-1958
1957-1958
1956-1958
Diaries by subject, 1922-1971, undated
Notes by others-to be typewritten, 1946-1955
Notes Made Transcribed May 25, 1971, 1971
Miscellaneous Notes, 1940-1956
Early Teaching Experience, 1939-1943
Early Married Life, 1939-1941
Minerva College 1902-1907, 1939-1941
Faculty Members, 1939-1946
New Material (Military History/Building without heat), 1952
Normal Department, U. K. (Cotton Noe), 1939-1944
Registrar's Office, U.K., 1940-1945
Murray State Teacher's College, 1941
Registrars' Association, 1941-1945
Southern College Association, 1940-1943
Transylvania University, 1937-1943
Stories by others, 1939-1953
A, Undated
Administration, General, 1941, undated
Moorehead College, 1938
Unclassified, 1913-1949
Comments, 1939-1942
Central Christian Church/College of the Bible, 1922-1943
C, 1941-1944
D, 1941-1944
E, undated
F, 1939-1942
G, 1937-1944
H, 1939-1946
J, 1940-1947
K, undated
L, 1939-1946
M, 1938-1944
N, 1938-1944
P, 1939-1944
R, 1888-1943
S, 1939-1946
T, 1943-1947
U, undated
W, 1938-1944
Research Projects, 1830-1965
Scope and Contents
Comprises primary source materials, correspondence, administrative forms, notes, lists, manuscripts and publishers proofs of projects that Gillis worked on, both professionally and personally. Included are files related to the Bureau of Source Material in Higher Education, the W.P.A., the biography of President Barker, lists and biographical details of University of Kentucky men and women who served in the military (classes 1877-1931), and the education of registrars.
Bureau of Source Materials in Higher Education, 1830-1962
Scope and Contents
Comprises correspondence, reports and primary source materials about or submitted to the Bureau of Source Materials in Higher Education. Gillis was Head of the Bureau of Source Materials at the University of Kentucky following his career as University Registrar. The Bureau’s aim was to document the history of education in Kentucky. The files contain reports and correspondence related to the foundation of the Bureau and its continued development. Many of the files also contain items submitted to the Bureau by various donors,Comprises clippings, correspondence, maps and publications documenting various research interests of Gillis’, including local history, President Lincoln and the University Archives.
Academic Dress, 1916
Administration Building Dedication (Louisville Courier-Journal issues), 1882 February 16-1885 April 25
Advertising Class: Teacher J. J. Tigert, 1920
Advisory Committee, 1936-1939
Anderson County-Confederate Soldier ordered to Canada (copy), 1864
Anderson County-Sutherland Papers-bills, notes, tax receipts 1836-1891, 1836-1891
Anderson County-Letters concerning the Civil War, to or about soldiers, 1859-1912, 1859-1912
Anderson County Miscellaneous, 1859-1966, 1859-1966
Anderson County-Southerland, Whitehouse, Willis Papers, 1830-1892, 1830-1892
Anniversary-50th, Invitation, Ashland Institute, D. H. Clark's resignation, 1869-1916
Articles of School (copy) William Whitefield 1841, 1841
Athletic Association, Subscription for fence, undated
Board of Trustees-Knapp case (1945), Board of Trustees-Dec. 12, 1950: section of minutes not distributed or made public, 1945, 1950
Bookmarks found in textbooks, 1850, 1962
Beckner, Lucien on Samuel MacKay Wilson, An address delivered on the anniversary of the Battle of Blue Licks, August 19, 1947, 1947
British Education Mission, 1918
Broadsides, undated
Buell, General Don Carlos to James G. White (see also Patterson Papers for Buell letters), 1893, 1897
Bureau of Source Materials, Establishment of, 1939
Carey, George Burgess, undated
Chronological chart of officers of Board of Trustees, Presidents of U.K. and certain state and national officers, 1860-1950
Clark, George Rogers Gen. material in possession of Mrs. Rowlett Military maneuvers in and around Paducah, 1838
Cochron, Judge A. M. J.-Dedication of Lexington Court House (new) typewritten copy, 1941
Commencement Address by Raymond A. Kent "And so what now" (notes by Maple Moores?), undated
Cramer, John S. Papers-Gen. Custer and Kentucky Horses, 1949
Declaration of Independence (facsimile), undated
Donovan, Herman Lee, University President Inauguration program and menu, 1941
The Egregious Gentile Called to Account, 1939 January 17
Faculty members, past, undated
Fayette counties in 1810 census, Lexington Herald, Jan. 31 1915, fourth section, 1915 January 31
Filson Club, undated
Graduate school correspondence, including letters to Dean Alexander St. Clair, Mackenzie and various professors from prospective students, 1903-1913
Graduate school correspondence, including letters to dean Alexander ST. Clair, Mackenzie and various professors from prospective students, 1913-1914
Graduates since 1969-summaries, undated
High School records of students, selected samples, Ashland-Louisville, 1920-1924
High School records of students, selected samples, Madisonville-Versailles, 1920-1924
Historical Data Charts (Folder 1 of 2), undated
Historical Data Charts-Worksheets, undated
Huber, Harry White, Huber, Martha, picture and letter, 1870, 1938
Keeping the University Free and Growing, Presented to the Bureau of Source Materials by Herman Lee Donovan, Former University President, 1958 December 9
Kentucky Physical Education Society, 1909 March 11
Lownsberry, Charles, will and article about, 1925
Neville, John Henry, letter and copies "To the Editor of the Lexington Leader" and transcript of article on Neville, undated
Newsletter Gillis to McVey, 1925-1943
Notebook, scraps of (author unknown), undated
O'Bannon, Lester J. "Outline of Economic Philosophy," Letter to the Committee of the House of Representatives, 1946
"On, On, U. K.", undated
Oratory-Kentucky, undated
Oton, Bessie Miller, undated
Patrick, Wellington, 1937
Patterson, James Kennedy, 1908
Peter, Robert T. (picture and letter) 1865, 1937, 1865, 1937
Pickett, Joseph Desha, 1913-1937
Publications, 1950-1957
Reports-Bureau of Source Material, 1937-1958
Report of Bureau of Source Materials in Higher Education, 1937-1952
Rules and Regulations, U. K., 1880-1881
Sesquicentennial Program, Settlement of Kentucky, Harrodsburg, KY, 1924
"Stanford Illustrated Review," presented by Frances D. Osborne, 1941
Stoll, Richard G. (Judge)
Spurr, Richard A. Papers, Dedication of A&M College Program, 1882
Slavery-Presbyterian congregation, Otter Creek, 1905
Stout, Robert Lee, and Stout, Florence Offutt, 1878, 1958
Taylor, John C., Geneaology, undated
Teaching School, Schollville, undated
Twain, Mark "Concerning the Jews", undated
"Twenty Years After Seventy" by Ezra L Gillis, 1937-1957
Union Literary Society "The Student" April 25, 1884/Program Jan. 6, 1906, 1884, 1906
Vocational Training for U. S. Army, 1921-1922
Watterson, Henry-Address, Dedication A&M College of Kentucky, 1882 February 15
Aims of the Bureau of Source Materials in Higher Education/forms submitted to alumni, 1940-1954, undated
Works Progress Administration, 1938-1961
Scope and Contents
Comprises administrative forms, correspondence, transcripts, narrative reports and lists of material documenting the work of the W.P.A. in Kentucky and the Kentucky Writers’ Project. Gillis acted as liasion between the University and the Works Progress Administation. The projects the Gillis supervised included guides to Kentucky and its history. Gillis was also involved in The Federal Writer’s project, all of whose projects in the state were sponsored by the University of Kentucky. Of particular note is the research laborartoyr of soruce materails in higher education, which contributed materials to the Bureau. Employees were employed in typing and collating information including all mentions of education in Kentucky since 1787. Included in the files are applications for many potential projects and reports on the administration of the projects. The monthly narrative reports describe the progress of various projects sponsored by the WPA from February 1941 to March 1942. The projects cover various aspects of life in Kentucky including the Kentucky Derby, various cities and counties and social aspects in the state.
WPA, 1940-1945
Administration, workers and material of individuals (Chorn, Sarah, King, Mary), 1938, 1961
Derby material, undated
Form 707T Financial Status Report, 1941
Form 710-Research Project, 1936-1941
Graduate work and staff research, 1940-1941
Kentucky Writers Project DPS 18, 19, 1940-1941
Kentucky Writers Project-Forms, 1940-1941
Kentucky Writers Project-Froms 710, 710A, 741, 1941
Kentucky Writers Project-Supervisors, 1940-1941
Kentucky Writers Project-Supervisors, 1941-1942
Kentucky Writers Project-Work Reports, 1938-1941
Kentucky Writers Project-Work Reports, 1938-1941
Kentucky Writers Project-Workers, 1940-1941
Monthly narrative reports, 1941-1942
Museum projects, 1939-1940
Research projects, Forms 710, 710a, 1941-1942
Research projects, Forms 710, 710a, 1941
University research assistance, 1939-1941
WPA and UK, 1940
Biography of President Henry Stites Barker, 1940-1957, undated
Miscellaneous notes, worksheets, etc., undated
Carbons, 1955
Correspondence concerning, 1949-1956
Various Drafts of Manuscript, undated
Original Manuscript with criticisms, 1955
Notes, undated
Manuscript, 1956
Biographies of Barker, 1940
Publisher's proof of "Henry Stites Barker" with notes
Publication containing review, 1957
Letters concerning reception, 1956
Lists of Men in the Service/Memorials, 1918-1950
War Memorial Survey-Forms Used, 1949-1950
World War II - Kentucky Casualty List Printed, Louisville Courier Journal July 7, 1946, 1946 July 7
Navy, 1949-1950
Disabled ex-service men's board, 1949-1950
Army - Adjutant General - Washington, D.C., 1949
Records Administration Center - Office of Adj. General - St. Louis, 1949-1950
Memorial Coliseum, dedication of, 1950
List from Registrar's Office - transcript sent, 1942-1945
Veterans' administration district office, 1950
Veterans' administration - district office, Columbus, Ohio, 1949-1950
Veterans' administration - Washington, 1949-1950
List of men in service - departments, 1942-1945
World War II memorials - miscellaneous records, undated
World War II casualties, 1942-1947
War files, College of Law, 1919
"The Kentucky Alumnus", memorial edition, 1947
"Roster of Men in the Service", 1918
University Men in Service, 1918-1919
Men in service, letters to or about, 1942-1947
Summary lists of alumni names, gender, birth places, current residence, ages, spouse, children, and war service (Spanish-American War, ROTC, and World War I), UK classes 1877-1931, approximately 1931
Educating Registrars, 1916-1962, undated
Scope and Contents
Comprises examination questions, examination committee documentation, and student work prepared by and submitted to Gillis and his colleagues for the training of registrars at the University of Kentucky from 1924-1932. Also includes general information on other registrars, other training programs and resource material gathered to support the training of registrars, as well as follow-up information on former students.
Publications relating to registrar's work, 1916-1931
Publications relating to registrar's work, 1925-1932
Registrar's Bulletin List, undated
Examination committe Masters and Doctorates, 1937-1938
Moores, Maple, assistant registrar "Modern Tendencies in the Registrar's Office", 1961
Registrar training, 1927-1962
College of the Pacific, 1948, 1948
Registrars' workshop, College of the Pacific, 1948-1952
Examination questions for registrars, 1938, undated
Coursework for registrars' classes, 1931-1932
Charts on alumni (student work?), undated
Smith, Ira A., publications on registrar's work, 1956-1958
Chinese print given to Ezra Gillis by student in registrar's work, Kwon-Chi, Tsu, interpretation of, undated
Reports on registrars' work/teaching, 1924-1954
Registrars' work in other institutions, 1935
Information about registrars, 1938-1955
Research projects as registrar, 1925-1938
Smaller projects, 1915-1965, undated
Scope and Contents
Comprises clippings, correspondence, maps and publications documenting various research interests of Gillis,’ including local history, President Lincoln and the University Archives.
Archives work, library, 1945-1950
Laurel County, 1928-1960
Lincoln-President. "Lincoln's Cabinet" by Hon. John P. Usher, famous letter "To Mrs. Bixby," on the source of "Of the people, by the people, and for the people.", 1935-1965
Lincoln-Henry Townsend's articles, etc..., 1934-1954
Milligan, A. R. "Historical Review of Kentucky University," read at 40th anniversary of union with Transylvania, 1922 March 20
Maps - Miscellaneous, some outline maps to be used in studies, undated
Maxwell Springs, 1915, undated
Mulligan, Judge James H., 1950
Service, 1910-1969
Scope and Contents
Comprises correspondence, publications, reports, and certificates that document Gillis' involvement in educational, professional and religious organizations, including the American Association of College Registrars (AACR), the Central Christian Church in Lexington, Kentucky, and the College of the Bible at Transylvania University. Also includes materials related to registrar training by Gillis, including classroom questions, examinations, and student work. There are also materials related to the Kentucky Association of Registrars and certificates appointing Gillis to the board of the Kentucky State Industrial College for Colored Persons in Frankfort, Kentucky, documenting his involvement with these organizations.
American Association of College Registrars, 1910-1968
Scope and Contents
Comprises correspondence, publications, talks and programs that document Gillis’ involvement with the association from its founding (1910)and his prominent role in the organization, for which he served as secretary from 1914-1919 and as president from 1919-1920. The files include material relating to the deposit of the association’s records at the University of Kentucky, which was suggested by Gillis and implemented during his employment. Also included are speeches and talks related to the registrar’s profession and programs and informational packets concerning the annual meetings of the organization. Gillis was made an honorary member upon his retirement as registrar and continued his involvement with the group until his death.
Deposit at University Archives, 1948-1968
Creation of the A. A. C. R. from Alred H. Parrott Papers, 1910-1952
Creation of the A. A. C. R. from Mrs. E. A. Balentine Papers 1910-1912, 1911-1941
10th Meeting, 1920, 1919-1920
Business Officers Association (met with registrars at first meeting), 1910-1936
Charter members correspondence 1938 (about or with), 1938
Grand Slam University, 1938-1954
Worksheets for talks on the history of, charter members, 1910-1941
Honorary Membership, 1937 April 13
History of, Early: "History of the A.A.C.R" by E. B. Pierce; "History of the A.A.C.R." by Ezra L Gillis, undated
Miscellaneous, 1910-1952
Charts about registrars, undated
Programs of meetings, 1916-1956
Maple Moores-"Tabulated Report on Operation Costs of Registrar's Office (University of Kentucky)" presented at 1928 meeting, 1928
Conventions, 1917-1950
Conventions, 1951-1953
Conventions, 1954-1955
Conventions, 1956-1958
College of the Bible, Lexington, Kentucky, 1918-1954
Scope and Contents
Comprises meeting minutes, publications and correspondence documenting Gillis’ time on the board of trustees and the college’s development in conjunction with Transylvania University.
Board of Trustees, 1925-1934
Board of Trustees, 1937-1940
Charter and amendment (copy), undated
Transylvania University correspondence, 1920-1937
Transylvania University correspondence, 1937-1940
Publications, postcards and articles, 1918-1954
Transylvania, Lloyd, Henry, 1925
Central Christian Church, Lexington, Kentucky, 1916-1969, undated
Scope and Contents
Comprises meeting minutes, correspondence, publications and clippings that document Gillis role as an Elder of the Central Christian Church. Also documents his life as a parishioner and interest in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) nationwide.
1917-1944
1944-1958
Clippings, 1944-1969
Constitution and other notes, 1943-1952
Correspondence, 1936-1943, undated
History in Lexington, clippings, 1948-1968
Hopkins, Dr. Robert, undated
Records (copy), 1966-1969
List of material removed for safe-keeping to Margaret I. King library, 1950
Replies of official board on the termination of employment of minister, 1916
Annual meeting, 1946-1952
Christian Church, Kentucky, 1940-1968
Disciples of Christ, clippings, 1960-1969
Christian Church Assembly, North Carolina, 1951, 1957
Christian Church publications, 1916-1938
- Box 36, folder 6
"A Message To Disciples", undated
Report To The Churches May 1920: The General Committee of The Interchurch World Movement of North America , 1920 May
The Scroll: A Monthly Religious Magazine, 1938 January
The Scroll: A Monthly Religious Magazine, 1938 February
"The History of the Men and Millions Movement", undated
"The Why, The When, The Who, The What of Wills: Our Most Neglected Duty," by John E. Pounds, undated
"The Ever-Member Canvass, " Men and Millions Movement, undated
"It's Nobody's Business and How Much Are You Worth? : Open Letters to those with Money, Much or Little" by A.E. Cory and R.H. Miller, Men and Millions Movement,, undated
"Whose Money?" by R.A. Long, R.A. Doan, A.E. Cory, Men and Millions Movement, undated
"How to Inaugurate the Tithing system in the Local Church" by Bert Wilson, Men and Millions Movement, undated
"Education Handbook," presented by Board of Education Disciples of Christ, 1921
Minutes of 85th Annual Meeting of The Kentucky Christian Missionary Convention held at Christian Church, Campbellsville, Ky., 1917 September 19
Minutes of The Kentucky Christian Missionary Convention held at Richmond, Ky., 1917
Minutes of The Kentucky Christian Missionary Convention held at Hopkinsville, KY., 1919 September 22-25
Church service bulletin, The First Christian Church, Danville, KY., 1963 August 11
A Concise History of the Foreign Christian Missionary Society by the Missionairies, illustrated, 1910
"Fifth Annual Report of the Board of Education Disciples of Christ to International Convention of Disciples of Christ," Saint Louis, Mo., 1920 October 18-24
"Seventh Annual Report of the Board of Education Disciples of Christ to International Convention of Disciples of Christ," Winona Lake, Ind., 1922 August 28 to September 4
"Eighth Annual Report of the Board of Education Disciples of Christ to International Convention of Disciples of Christ," Colorado Springs, Colo., 1923 September 4-9
"Tenth Annual Report of the Board of Education Disciples of Christ to International Convention of Disciples of Christ," Oklahoma City, Ok., 1925 October 6-11
Other service, 1913-1941
Personal and Family, 1893-1968
Scope and Contents
Comprises correspondence, publications, artifacts and photographs that document Gillis' life outside of his professional positions. Included is correspondence with many members of his family, genealogical and autobiographical material about Gillis, and personal files on subjects he was interested in such as Kentucky history. There is also an autobiography titled Ancestry, Boyhood and Early Life, with an index of subjects and persons. Also included are cards and memorials from the last two years of Gillis' life, transcripts of the speech given at his funeral, other speeches that mention his work, and articles describing the life and service of Gillis. There are also artifacts related to Gillis' life, including a slide rule, address books, personal, professional and military pins and badges, from both Gillis and his father, Hugh Gillis.
Correspondence and family history, 1901-1958
Anderson County, 1957
Personal business matters, 1901-1958
Relatives, miscellaneous, 1940-1957
Gillis, Hugh, 1964-1938
Gillis, Inis, undated
Gillis, Robert, 1950-1955
Gillis, Herman, 1939-1957
Hester, Cleo Gillis, 1944-1958
Hester, Howard Ballard, 1953-1954
Hester, Robert Gillis, 1941-1958
Huckle, Arthur, and Inis, 1938-1958
Huckle, Betty and Murdaugh, Sara H., 1942-1958
McKittrick, John, Jane, and June, 1942-1955
Mount Eden baseball team, 1907
Sullivan, John Emil, 1950-1954
Sullivan, Miss Mae, 1954-1956
Persons who had stayed in the home, 1958
Shouse, Weldon, 1942-1957
Miscellaneous, 1912-1936
Anderson County - Misc., Wilson, Charles Ben, Goshen Church, 1950
Autobiographical material and personal interests, 1893-1964
Autobiography of Ezra Gillis, early life, undated
Index to autobiography A-N, undated
Index to autobiography O-Z, undated
Selections--clippings, etc., 1939-1956
Taylor, Col. E. H., including article relating to his degree of Master of Hospitality conferred by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars, 1922, 1964
Lafferty, W. T., correspondence, 1916-1938
Kinkead, Elizabeth Shelby, letter to Sarah Gibson Humphries (photostat copy), 1893 April 12
Kentucky State College Record (copies and originals), 1900-1901
Grand jury report--Fayette County, 1939
"University of Kentucky, history of," comments by M. L. Pence and A. M. Peter on manuscript by Elmer Sulzer, undated
Golden Jubilee, "Education the Supreme Issue," by Chas W. Dabney, President, University of Cincinnati, undated
"The Grumbler," class of 1905, Karl L. Dietrich, 1905
"University of Kentucky Index" volume 1, issues 5-7, 9, 1918
"Things to do ", 1936-1938
Poems, undated
Clippings on Gillis, 1948-1958
Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal, undated
Cartoons, 1925-1931
Reprinted Confederate five dollar bill, 1954
Miscellaneous, 1938-1947
Miscellaneous, 1937-1951
Miscellaneous, 1925-1955
Miscellaneous, 1932-1953
Tributes and remembrances, 1917-1968
Speeches that mention Gillis, 1917-1945
American Associaton of Collegiate Registrars, dinner in honor of E. L Gillis, 1942-1958
Birthday, 80th, 1947 January 1
Christmas 1951, birthday 1952, 1951 December-1952 January
Placecards and postcards, 1938-1946
Cards, operation, 1957
Cards,illness, 1953
"Jest Among Us," newspaper column about Gillis, 1951 October
Introductions, tributes, undated
Wedding anniversaries, 60th (1948 August 5) and 65th (1953 August 5), 1948-1953
Letters concerning Ezra L Gillis, 1947-1961
Duplicates, 1936, 1949, undated
Collected clipppings about Gillis and organizations he was involved in, 1925-1950
Slides of Gillis' birthday cards, 1957
90th birthday cards and letters, 1957
Birthday card from maintenance and operations staff, 1957
Christmas, 91st birthday, 1957 December-1958 January
Mounted clippings, 1941-1968
Letters to and from University administrators concerning Gillis' 4 cents yearly salary shortage, with accompanying pennies to make up the difference, 1956
Funeral; also resolutions on the death of, 1958
Artifacts, 1917-1925, undated
National Education Association Active Pin, 1917
Pin from Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, 1st company, 19th division, probably belonging to Hugh Gillis, father of Ezra Gillis, undated
Key to R431 King Library, used by Ezra Gillis, undated
Shamrock Pin attached to card for Mr. Ezra Gillis, undated
Name pin, Mr. Ezra Gillis / Guest, undated
Address Book with entries for registrars and education professionals at school and universities, including handwritten notations, undated
Account book recording expenses for trips made soliciting students for the University, 1907-1908
Scrapbook, including pictures and articles on registrars' meetings at U.K., 1920-1925
Grand Slam University ribbon, undated
Slide rule with leather case belonging to Ezra Gillis, undated
Writings and Speeches, 1927-1957
Scope and Contents
Comprises typed and handwritten notes and speeches, newspaper clippings and television scripts documenting Gillis' publications and presentations. Included are conference proceedings and publications on the work of registrars, and a collection of notes and typescripts for his speaking engagements. Also included is the report Survey of Land-Grant Colleges and Universities published by the United States Department of the Interior, Office of Education and edited by Gillis. There are also typescripts and handwritten notes related to Gillis speaking in honor of figures associated with the University, typescripts of remarks for television programs, and writings related to Gillis' involvement with the College of the Bible. There is also an outline for a prospective work by Gillis titled Twenty Seven Years a Registrar and a collection of clippings from the newspaper column "Greetings" in the Courier-Journal, to which Gillis frequently contributed stories and anecdotes.
Survey of Land-Grant College and Universities: Work of the Registrar, edited by Ezra L Gillis, 1930
Collected notes for speeches (notebook), 1928-1947
Institute for College Administration 1927, program and notes, 1927
Television programs-WHAS-1952, WLEX-1956 (about Barker), 1952, 1956
College of the Bible--status of the president (letter to the Board of Trustees, from Gillis), 1934
Notes for speeches, 1944-1957, undated
Notes for recollections, 1957, undated
Gillis in "Greetings" by Allan M. Trout, mounted clippings, 1940-1957
Gillis in "Greetings," collected, 1942-1957
Statement to the Board of Elders, Central Christian Church, 1944 April 12
Notes on "Mase", undated
Notes on J. T. C. (Cotton) Noe, 1947 June 3
Dinner for Dean Paul Boyd, draft and Coffeetone Information, 1947
"Twenty Seven Years a Registrar" outline, undated
"Allocation of Duties Between the Registrar and the Dean of the College", 1930 December 3
Article reprints and printed pamphlets, 1937-1957
- Box 44, folder 11
The University of Kentucky Its History and Development: A Series of charts Depicting The More Important Data 1862-1955, 1956 August
"The Analysis of Income and Expenditures of the University of Kentucky for the Year 1935-1936," Bulletin of The American Association of Collegiate Registars, 1937 July
"The University of Kentucky: Administrative, Instructional and Research Organization", 1957 May
"The University of Kentucky: Its Administrative, Instructional and Research Organization", 1951 January
"Being a Registrar Now," Journal of American Association of Collegiate Registrars, 1942 July
"Then and Now," College and University, 1952 July
"Marking in Higher Institutions," Proceedings of the Association of Kentucky Colleges and Universities, vol. 2, 1932
Typed manuscripts, 1930-1955, undated
Bibliography, about 1934
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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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No items have been requested.
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.
