Samuel M. Wilson: Burt and Brabb Lumber Co. Photographic Collection, ca. 1900

Author

Processed by: Staff, April Thompson, Evelyn McGill, James Bilan; machine-readable finding aid created by: Jason Flahardy

Title

Samuel M. Wilson: Burt and Brabb Lumber Co. Photographic Collection

Date

ca. 1900

Repository

University of Kentucky Special Collections

Lexington, Kentucky 40506

Conditions Governing Access note

The collection is open to researchers by appointment.

Preferred Citation Note

[Identification of item], Samuel M. Wilson: Burt and Brabb Lumber Co. Photographic Collection, PA73W4, Special Collections, University of Kentucky.

Extent

.25 cu. ft. (1 box): 7 images

Biography/History

Judge Samuel Mackay Wilson (1871-1946) was a Lexington attorney and author, noted for his meticulous scholarship and precise writing style. He was also a collector of books, manuscripts, maps, and photographs. Wilson's main area of interest was early Kentucky history.

Wilson's most famous case was his defense of Kentucky Secretary of State Caleb Powers. Powers was charged in connection with the assassination of Kentucky Governor William Goebel in 1899. After serving as a judge-advocate during World War I, Wilson returned to Kentucky, where he established a successful law practice.

Judge Wilson served on numerous civic commissions, where he was active in historical preservation. Wilson played an important role in the preservation of the Henry Clay Estate, Blue Licks Battlefield, and Fort Boonesboro.

Wilson organized the Cakes and Ale Club, an annual gathering of Lexingtonians interested in book collecting. He was also a member of the Book Thieves, an organization of local historians and educators who were influential in the creation and development of Special Collections and Archives at the University of Kentucky.

After Wilson's death in 1946, his extensive collection of books, photographs, and personal papers were donated to the University of Kentucky. The Wilson Collection is the foundation on which Special Collections and Archives has been built. Following Mrs. Wilson's death in 1959, the items which she had retained were added to the collection.

Scope and Content

The Samuel M. Wilson: Burt and Brabb Lumber Co. Photographic Collection, ca. 1900 consists of seven black and white negatives and corresponding silver prints that document the work of the Burt and Brabb Lumber Company.

Subjects

• Lumber trade--Kentucky
• Wilson, Samuel Mackay, 1871-1946

Related Material

Bull, Jacqueline. . Perry Publishing Co.: Frankfort, KY.

Clark, Thomas D. "The Book Thieves of Lexington: A Reminiscence" . v.2 (Winter 1984): 27-45.

, PA50W2, Special Collections, University of Kentucky.

, Special Collections, University of Kentucky.

, PA51W13, Special Collections, University of Kentucky.

, 51W20, Special Collections, University of Kentucky.

, M51W54, Special Collections, University of Kentucky.

, 61W12, Special Collections, University of Kentucky.

, PA62W8, Special Collections, University of Kentucky.

, PA73W4, Special Collections, University of Kentucky.

, M51W19, Special Collections, University of Kentucky.

Collection Inventory