R.G. 170
Head Family Papers,
(1897-1956)
.25 cubic feet
350 items
1 Box
89A5


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction to the Head Family Papers.
Biographical Sketch of Katherine Blanton Head
I. Certificate Series
II. Correspondence Series
II. Democratic Woman's Clerk Series
IV. Deputy Clerkship of United States Coure Series
V. National Recovery Administration Series
VI. Printed Materials Series

The Head Family Papers were donated to the UniversityArchives by Judge James S. Chenault in 1984. These papers consist of correspondence, legal documents, lists, printed material, and memorabilia.

This is a small collection comprising .25 cubic feet. It is divided into six series: Certificate Series, Correspondence Series, Democratic Woman's Clerk Series, Deputy Clerkship of United States Court Series, National Recovery Administration Series, and Printed Material Series. Items are arranged chronologically within each series and the dates range from 1897 to 1956. There are a few items which are not dated.

The Head Family Papers are primarily the papers of Katherine Blanton Head. She was the daughter of Elizabeth Irvine and Lindsey Hughes Blanton and was a native of Bourbon County. Lindsey Hughes Blanton was chancellor of Central University from 1880 until 1901 when it merged with Centre College. Mr. Blanton was a former pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Versailles, Kentucky. He was a native of Virginia. He served as a chaplain in the Army of Virginia during the Civil War.

Katherine Blanton Head was the wife of Joseph S. Head of Owenton. At the time of her death, in June of 1967, at the age of ninety-one, she was survived by one son, Ben B. Head, of Richmond. Her husband died in April of 1957. Both are buried in the Richmond Cemetery.

Mrs. Head was very active locally in social and political affairs. Many of the items in this collection are those generated during her roles in certain organizations. Aside from her activities as the Democratic Woman's clerk, Deputy Clerk of the United States Court in Richmond, and the National Recovery Administration, she was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Kentucky Pioneer Memorial Association. Mrs .Head was also a member of the Pattie A. Clay Hospital Board for more than fifty years and a charter member of the Richmond Altrusa Club. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Professionally Mrs. Head had worked for fifteen years for the Kentucky Insurance Company. She taught school for a time at Lee Institute in Jackson, Kentucky. She was a member of the 1895 graduating class of Central University. These papers reveal the dedication and vitality with which Mrs. Head approached the many activities in which she was involved.

Description: This series consists of eight certificates. The first of these was issued to Mrs. Bettie Blanton in 1897. Aside from one other issued to Ben B. Head, all the others are in Mrs. Katherine Blanton Head's name. While two are undated, the others cover the years 1897-1926.

Inventory

Mrs. Bettie Blanton. Daughters of the Confederacy, 1897.
Mrs. Joe S. Head. United War Work Campaign, 1918.
Mrs. Katherine Blanton Head. Daughters of the American Revolution, 1919.
Mrs. Katherine Head. Daughters of the American Revolution, 1920.
Mrs. Joe S. Head. Vice Chairman Democratic Clubs, 1920.
Mrs. Joe S. Head, Jr. Kentucky Pioneer Memorial Association 1926.
Ben B. Head. Franklin D. Roosevelt Victory Club, n.d.
Mrs. J.S. Head. Roosevelt Elector. n.d.

Description: The Correspondence Series containstwelve letters invitations, or greeting cards. Dates range from 1897-1945 with a few undated items. Part of a letter from George M. Edgar to L. H. Blanton, which is undated, contains some very interesting data on their Civil War days.

Inventory

From Henry Watterson. November 1, 1893.
Invitation. Military Governor of Cuba. May 17, 1902.
Greeting. Mr. & Mrs. Virgil Chapman. 1932.
From Alben W. Barkley. September 23, 1938.
Greeting. James A. Farley. 1938.
From Eleanor Hume Offutt. November 29, 1939.
From Keen Johnson. August 11, 1942.
Greeting. James A. Farley. 1939.
Greeting. Mary Adams and Virgil M. Chapman. 1945.
Greeting. Edward J. Flynn. n.d.
Greeting. Alben and Dorothy Barkley. n.d.
Part Letter. From George M. Edgar to L.H. Blanton. n.d.

Description: This contains various reports and correspondence written before and during Mrs. Head's term as Democratic Woman's Clerk. Many letters were written on behalf of Mrs. Head's assuming this position. Several telegrams are included. These papers are dated 1923-35.

Inventory
Reports and correspondence. 1923-35.

Description: Four items are included in this series. Two of these are letters from Alben W. Barkley. All were written between October 17, 1934 and January 7, 1935 and are in regard to Mrs. Head's desire to be Deputy Clerk of the United States Court at Richmond.

Inventory

Correspondence. 1934-5.

Description: This small sheaf of papers concern primarily Mrs. Head's chairmanship of the National Recovery Administration. Many are signed by Mrs. Samuel M. Wilson (Mary Shelby Wilson.) Along with correspondence is also included a list and a report form. Dates are 1933-4.

Inventory

Correspondence and forms. 1933.
List. l934.

Description: This series consists of articles, publications, and flyers. There is also included a print of a portrait of Jefferson Davis. Dated items are from 1938-56.

Inventory

Alben W. Barkley. Excerpts speech. 1938
The Democratic Woman's Journal. October 1935
May 1936
October 1936
October 1937
January 1939
Fall 1954

Democratic Campaign. Handbook. 1943.
Kentucky State Administration. 1956.
Portrait Jefferson Davis. n.d.
Political memorabilia. 5 items. n.d.

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