Alfred M. Peter papers,

Abstract

The Alfred M. Peter papers contain files, newspaper clippings, publications, correspondence, and photographs related to the life and work of Dr. Alfred M. Peter and his father Dr. Robert Peter, 1860-1908.

Descriptive Summary

Title
Alfred M. Peter papers,
Creator
Alfred M. Peter
Extent
0.86 cubic feet (3 boxes)
Subjects
Peter, Alfred, 1857-1953.
Peter, Robert, 1805-1894.
University of Kentucky.
Lexington (Ky.)
Chemistry -- Kentucky --Lexington.
Agriculture -- Kentucky -- Lexington.
Photography -- Kentucky -- Lexington.
College teachers -- Kentucky -- Lexington.
Finding Aid Author
Processed by Archives Staff and rearranged by Adam Todd in April 2007 under the supervision of Deirdre A. Scaggs, University Archivist.; machine-readable finding aid created by Eric Weig
Repository
University of Kentucky

Collection Overview

Biography / History
Dr. Alfred Meredith Peter was born in Lexington, Kentucky on May 25, 1857. Dr. Peter's father, Dr. Robert Peter, was a highly accomplished professor at Transylvania University. Alfred Peter earned three degrees at the University of Kentucky - a bachelor's, a master's, and a doctorate. Dr. Peter joined the University of Kentucky staff in 1876 as an instructor. He stayed with the university for his entire career. In addition to serving as a professor and member of numerous committees, he also served as head of the Chemistry Department and as chief chemist/director for the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station. Outside of the university, Dr. Peter served as supervising chemist of the Kentucky Geological Survey. Following his retirement in 1929, he stayed involved with the university by accepting posts as professor emeritus and chemist emeritus. Dr. Peter is widely credited with establishing and maintaining a high level of national success and credibility for the Experiment Station.
Dr. Peter was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He was married to Mary B. McCauley in 1887. Dr. Peter died on August 11, 1953 at the age of 96.
Scope and Content
The Alfred M. Peter papers contain files, newspaper clippings, publications, correspondence, and photographs related to the life and work of Dr. Alfred M. Peter and his father Dr. Robert Peter. Many of the photographs feature landscapes, livestock, University of Kentucky buildings, and members of the Peter family. Many of the papers in the collection belonging to Alfred M. Peter allow for an intimate look into his research. The materials also include research papers, chemical analyses work related to a food poisoning investigation, and biographical materials. See the series level descriptions for more detailed information.

Restrictions on Access and Use

Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open to researchers by appointment.

Contents of the Collection

Alfred M. Peter Papers

The Alfred M. Peter Papers series consists of handwritten notes, correspondence, and files belonging to Alfred M. Peter. These materials are related to a number of topics including his research and legal proceedings. Of particular interest are the items in Box 2, Folder 2 which include newspaper clippings reporting cases of local poisonings and Peter's chemical analysis work related to the investigations. It should be noted that Box 1, Folder 2 contains a series of five photographs that are filed with the research notes to which it is related.

Papers 1889-1893

  • Box 1, folder 1
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Papers 1900-1902

  • Box 1, folder 2
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Papers 1903

  • Box 1, folder 3
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Papers 1904

  • Box 1, folder 4
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Papers 1905

  • Box 1, folder 5
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Papers 1906

  • Box 1, folder 6
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Papers 1907

  • Box 1, folder 7
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Papers 1908 and undated

  • Box 1, folder 8
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Correspondence

  • Box 2, folder 1
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Materials related to Chemical Analyses/Criminal Investigations

  • Box 2, folder 2
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Correspondence regarding McCauley Factory

  • Box 2, folder 3
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Miscellaneous papers

  • Box 2, folder 4
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Visual Materials

The Visual Materials series consists mainly of photographs, most of which are believed to have been taken by Alfred M. Peter. The photographs feature images of Robert Peter, buildings and landmarks on the University of Kentucky campus, farm scenes, and a host of unnamed individuals. A few of the photographs are printed on postcard stock. The contents of Folder 6, however, are commercially produced postcards. The most noteworthy item in this collection is the glass negative. It shows an image of Robert Peter and Alfred M. Peter (as a child). The negative was taken by Dr. John S. Wilson in his drugstore on Cheapside in Lexington, Kentucky in the early 1860s.

several head stones, one has "Meyers" written across the bottom

  • Box 3, item 1
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" [?] Carter Co." 2 women and a man standing in a small structure, horses in the background

  • Box 3, item 2
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"[?] Carter Co." a large field with what appear to be tree stumps dotting it; corner of the picture is cut away

  • Box 3, item 3
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"[?] Carter Co." a fence in front of a house with a small shed next to it, several other small structures behind it

  • Box 3, item 4
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2 unidentified women standing, one is holding the hand of a young girl who is sitting on the stoop

  • Box 3, item 5
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"Dr. Robert Peter, 1805-1894, Prof of Chemistry 1866-94" man sitting on a chair next to a table with chemistry equipment on it

  • Box 3, item 6
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"A.M. Peter 1" appears to be the same photograph as in item #6

  • Box 3, item 7
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an unidentified woman and child, the child is standing in a wheel barrel

  • Box 3, item 8
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"A.M. Peter 2" an unidentified woman holding a child, the child is holding a little bouquet of flowers

  • Box 3, item 9
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"5 W. Main St. on env." (written on the back) "Mullen Lexington, Ky." (imprinted on the front in silver) cabinet card, unidentified man

  • Box 3, item 10
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the root system of a plant, a measuring stick is in the picture to provide perspective

  • Box 3, item 11
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"A.M. Peter 4" picture of a cannon on the UK campus, with the chemistry building in the background; corner of the picture is cut away

  • Box 3, item 12
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exterior of the Natural Science building

  • Box 3, item 13
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exterior of the Natural Science building taken at a different angle than item #13

  • Box 3, item 14
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2 unidentified men sitting on the grass near the cannon on the U.K. campus, a small dog is in the photograph as well; corner of photograph is cut away

  • Box 3, item 15
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"A.M. Peter 5" crop bundles

  • Box 3, item 16
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unidentified man sitting on bleachers smoking a pipe

  • Box 3, item 17
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a building off in the distance

  • Box 3, item 18
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2 buildings off in the distance, one building is mostly hidden behind trees

  • Box 3, item 19
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"[?] will touch up the roof of building to give some contrast with the sky" 2 unidentified men standing next to cannon on UK campus, with building in the distance

  • Box 3, item 20
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2 unidentified men (appear to be the same men as in item #20) standing next to cannon on UK campus

  • Box 3, item 21
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"A.M. Peter 6" cow, farm house off in the distance

  • Box 3, item 22
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"A.M. Peter 6" cow standing next to a fence, appears to be snow on the ground

  • Box 3, item 23
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"A.M. Peter 6" 2 cows with houses off in the distance

  • Box 3, item 24
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"A.M. Peter 5" slide under a microscope

  • Box 3, item 25
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"A.M. Peter 6" chemistry equipment on a table

  • Box 3, item 26
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"A.M. Peter 2" chemistry equipment on a table

  • Box 3, item 27
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"A.M. Peter 2" entrance covered in snow

  • Box 3, item 28
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"A.M. Peter 2" gelatin silver print, slide under a microscope

  • Box 3, item 29
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"A.M. Peter 5" slide under a microscope

  • Box 3, item 30
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"A.M. Peter 4" postcard, exterior of building

  • Box 3, item 31
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postcard, 2 unidentified men standing next to cannon on UK campus, building off in the distance

  • Box 3, item 32
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"Old Spanish cannon K.S.C. campus" postcard, 2 unidentified men standing next to cannon

  • Box 3, item 33
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"Portrait by Mrs. John T. Fay; Alfred M. Peter 1922"

  • Box 3, item 34
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picture of what appears to be a locket that has a picture of an unidentified man in it

  • Box 3, item 35
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Glass negative of Dr. Peter holding A.M. Peter as a small child on his lap, 1860s

  • Box 3, item 36
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corn stalks

  • Box 2, folder 5:37
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root system of corn stalk

  • Box 2, folder 5:38
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Postcards

  • Box 2, folder 6
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Clippings, Publications, and Programs

The Clippings, Publications, and Programs series contain newspaper clippings, assorted materials, and publications regarding Alfred M. Peter, Robert Peter, and their scholarly work. Most of the publications include items by or about the Peter men. Included are a couple of short works on the life of Robert Peter. Also of note are Alfred Peter's certificate of membership in the University of Kentucky Half Century Club and lyrics to a song written in his honor.

Alfred M. Peter Clippings and Related Papers

  • Box 2, folder 7
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Robert Peter Clippings and Related Papers

  • Box 2, folder 8
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Publications (8)

  • Box 2, folder 9
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Publications and Programs

  • Box 2, folder 10
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Researchers are required to have an SCRC Researcher Account in order to request or order digital copies of materials. Research Account set-up and use instructions can be found at: http://libguides.uky.edu/SCRCaccount

If you are visiting the Breckinridge Research Room, please request materials at least 48 business hours in advance of your arrival.

For all other questions, contact us at: https://libraries.uky.edu/ContactSCRC.

Researchers are required to have an SCRC Researcher Account in order to request or order digital copies of materials. Research Account set-up and use instructions can be found at: http://libguides.uky.edu/SCRCaccount

If you are visiting the Breckinridge Research Room, please request materials at least 48 business hours in advance of your arrival.

For all other questions, contact us at: https://libraries.uky.edu/ContactSCRC.

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