Samuel A. Oldham papers
Abstract
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- Samuel A. Oldham papers
- Date
- 1833-1892 (inclusive)
- Extent
- 0.1 Cubic Feet
- Subjects
- African American artisans -- Kentucky -- Lexington -- History -- 19th century
- African Americans -- Kentucky -- Lexington -- History -- 19th Century.
- Legal instruments.
- Slavery -- Kentucky.
- Slavery -- Kentucky -- Lexington -- History -- 19th Century.
- Wills.
- Arrangement
- Collection is arranged chronologically.
- Preferred Citation
- 95m6: [identification of item], Samuel A. Oldham papers, 1833-1892, University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.
- Repository
- University of Kentucky
Collection Overview
- Biography / History
- Samuel Oldham was a freedman in Lexington, Kentucky. He was the father of at least one child, a daughter Fanny, who was married to Willis Battleton. In 1857, Oldham and Battleton contracted with Fanny's master to buy her freedom. Oldham was a barber and a respected member of the community. He was guardian to Mary Clark, a freedwoman, and was responsible for training his apprentice, Henry Mitchell. He managed his own property and that of Lucy Price and Reuben Burnley. He served as the executor of Richard Morrison's estate. A letter of introduction, written for him by Mayor O.F. Payne of Lexington, testifies to the respect accorded him within the community.
- Scope and Content
- The Samuel A. Oldham papers (dated 1833-1892; 0.1 cubic feet; 2 folders) consist of the legal and personal papers of Samuel A. Oldham, a freedman from Lexington, Kentucky. The collection includes indentures for property; including his daughter Fanny, and the apprenticeship of Henry Mitchell. Instruments granting the power of attorney to Oldham from Lucy Price and Reuben Burnley are included as is the will of Richard Morrison. Several receipts and a letter of introduction from Mayor O.F. Payne are also included.
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.
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.
Table of Contents
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.
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.
