John C. Breckinridge papers, 1861-1887

Author

Processed by: Archives Staff ; machine-readable finding aid created by:Eric Weig

Title

John C. Breckinridge papers

Date

1861-1887

Repository

University of Kentucky Special CollectionsLexington, Kentucky 40506

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically.

Conditions Governing Access note

Collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation Note

[Identification of item], John C. Breckinridge papers, 1861-1887, 1VF59M65, AAP0235LM, Special Collections, University of Kentucky.

Extent

1VF59M119: 5 pieces, 1VF59M65: 1 piece.

Biography/History

Lawyer, statesman, soldier. John Cabell Breckinridge was the grandson of John Breckinridge who was attorney general under Thomas Jefferson and founder of the Breckinridge family of Kentucky. John Cabell, born in Lexington, Ky, graduated from Centre College, Danville, Ky. in 1839 and practiced law until entering politics in 1849. In 1857 he became Vice President under James Buchanan and a presidential candidate in the 1860 election against Abraham Lincoln. He was a soldier in the Confederate Army fighting in the battles at Vicksburg and Chickamauga and later named Secretary of War under Confederate President, Jefferson Davis. After the war he returned to practicing law in Lexington, Ky. and became active in the railroad development. He died in 1875 from the effects of a serious operation.

Scope and Content

These papers of John C. Breckinridge consist of documents concerning the property and estate of the Breckinridge family. Included is an 1887 account (list) of Breckinridge property in Kentucky, Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. A letter written by John R. Viley to his cousin, Cabell Breckinridge, son of John C. Breckinridge, discusses Breckinridge property. Also included is an indenture of a mortgage executed by John C. Breckinridge in 1861 for property in Ramsey County, Mn. and a business letter (59M65) to George V. Payne, October 24, 1873.

Subjects

• Viley, John R.
• Breckinridge, John C. (John Cabell), 1821-1875.
• Breckinridge, Joseph Cabell, b. 1844.
• Payne, George V.
• Breckinridge family.
• Real property--Illinois.
• Real property--Kentucky.
• Real property--Minnesota.
• Real property--Wisconsin.
• Land tenure--Kentucky.
• Estate planning.
• Land titles--Registration and transfer.
• Lawyers.
• Soldiers.
• Statesman.
• Ramsey County (Minn.)
• Accounts.
• Indentures.
• Lists