Simpson family papers

Abstract

The Simpson family papers (1833-1960; 0.23 cubic feet; 1 box) comprises slave accounts, correspondence, deeds, stock certificates, a phrenological character, and a newspaper clipping that document the Simpson family's personal, financial, and legal matters.

Descriptive Summary

Title
Simpson family papers
Date
1833-1960
Extent
0.23 Cubic feet
Subjects
Slave records--Kentucky.
Stocks.
Finding Aid Author
Finding aid prepared by Ashley Evans
Preferred Citation
2014ms0231: [identification of item], Simpson family papers, 1833-1960, University of Kentucky Special Collections.
Repository
University of Kentucky

Collection Overview

Biography / History
The Simpson family lived and worked as farmers in Jessamine County, Kentucky. Prior to the civil war they owned slaves.
Scope and Content
The Simpson family papers (1833-1960; 0.23 cubic feet; 1 box) comprises slave accounts, correspondence, deeds, stock certificates, a phrenological character, and a newspaper clipping that document the Simpson family's personal, financial, and legal matters. The papers include a letter from Civil War soldier John Dickerson to his brother Newton Dickerson written on May 1, 1863, before the Battle of Vicksburg. Additionally, the collection includes an account book referencing William Simpson's slaves in 1850 and an accounting of slaves transferred to Henrietta McDowell in 1859. Also included in the collection are multiple deeds, stock certificates, and correspondence, as well as a phrenological character belonging to John A. Vince, and a newspaper clipping announcing the wedding of Margaret Simpson May to William Stacy Patterson.

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.

Contents of the Collection

W. B. Buford stock certificates, 1902-1921

  • Box 1, Folder 1
To top

John Dickerson letter, 1863 May 1

  • Box 1, Folder 2
To top

James Marrs deeds, 1833-1855

  • Box 1, Folder 3
To top

Margaret Simpson May wedding announcement newspaper clipping, circa 1960

  • Box 1, Folder 4
To top

Henrietta McDowell slave account, 1859 June 15

  • Box 1, Folder 5
To top

John N. Simpson correspondence, 1921-1934

  • Box 1, Folder 6
To top

John N. Simpson stock certificates, 1919-1921

  • Box 1, Folder 7
To top

W.D. Simpson deed, 1933

  • Box 1, Folder 8
To top

W.D. Simpson bank notes, 1933-1938

  • Box 1, Folder 9
To top

William Simpson slave account book, 1850

  • Box 1, Folder 10
To top

John A. Vince deeds, 1878-1900

  • Box 1, Folder 11
To top

John A. Vince correspondence, 1897 March 1

  • Box 1, Folder 12
To top

John A. Vince mortgage note, 1900 March 3

  • Box 1, Folder 13
To top

John A. Vince phrenological character, 1886 April 2

  • Box 1, Folder 14
To top

Assorted envelopes, 1885-1934

  • Box 1, Folder 15
To top

Special Collections Research Center - Closed

The Breckinridge Research Room will be closed starting May 11, 2026, and anticipates re-opening Fall semester 2026 in an alternate location for the duration of the King Library renovation.

Reproduction requests will still be available during the closure.

Contact SCRC with questions.

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.

Special Collections Research Center - Closed

The Breckinridge Research Room will be closed starting May 11, 2026, and anticipates re-opening Fall semester 2026 in an alternate location for the duration of the King Library renovation.

Reproduction requests will still be available during the closure.

Contact SCRC with questions.

Requests

No items have been requested.



Submit a request for SCRC materials.




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.