20 Handwritten Diaries Ballston Spa Lawyer Burke 1893- 1914 Buffalo Bill Chaparone/Prominent Names/Travel RARE Start Price USD 9.99 Current Price USD 350.00 Time Left - Bid Count 11 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Friday, August 15, 2008 End Time Friday, August 22, 2008 Location Sheridan, OR See more about '20 Handwritten Diaries Ballston Spa Lawyer Burke 1893-' Description These are the fantastic diaries of a prominent New York lawyer who was from Ballston Spa http://www.geocities.com/BALLSTONSPANY/ and who had a thriving law practice there from the late 1800’s into the early 1900’s. His name was John H. Burke and there are 20 handwritten diaries in this lot and they represent the years 1893-1914. The years 1908 and 1912 are the only missing diaries; otherwise every year is represented. They also came in a beautiful box but sadly it is very worn and needs much repair. I’m not exactly sure what kind of material the box is covered with but it almost feels like celluloid. There was a note that came with the diaries that gave a little history of the life of Mr. Burke and it says….. "John Burke Atty. 1856-1915. Married to Minnie Christopher who was born in Mechanicsville 1857. Member of the Assembly of Saratoga City 1887." In the back of many of the diaries is his personal stamp and that says "John H. Burke Attorney at Law Wiley Building Ballston Spa. N.Y." One rather interesting note is the fact that the last diary, 1914, was written a year before his death and it was also the year of his mothers death. There are very few days that haven’t been filled out in the diaries and I would say that each of them is ¾ or completely full of writing. Most of the entries have to do with his legal work and the cases he’s representing at the time. However there are also lots of entries dealing with trips he’s taken and other personal and noteworthy events. These diaries would be fantastic for any collector researching the life of an 1800’s lawyer and or anyone living in the area of Ballston Spa. I also have not thoroughly researched any of the names or cases that Mr. Burke talks about so I’m sure there are many prominent people he represents. One entry in particular was very interesting to me. On July 13th, 1899 he writes; "CLEAR COOL. BUFFALO BILL M-WENT AS CHAPARONE. TOOK 3:30 FOR SYRACUSE WITH KERBY AND BESSIE." Since there are so many diaries in this lot and so much to quote from so I’ve only taken a few entries for each diary to give you an example, as follows; 1893 "January 9th, Governors Reception. Attended same Booth and I…..March 29th, Reached Johnstown at 10:30. Drove up from Fonda. 5 prisoners arraigned….May 24th, To Albany, Minnie again and other girls. 12 in all down to "Pinafore" 3 married, many acted shamefully. Supper at mothers. Have a good time.…June 19th, Commenced trip through Lake George in p.m. Marcellus in a.m. Private yacht took us to Sagamore. http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://bp0.blogger.com/_mvVWYL-NShw/RXJQJeKHxAI/AAAAAAAAABM/QUOi4ZNDJZQ/s400/sagamore-lodge-from-sag-lak.jpg&imgrefurl=http://adirondackboys.blogspot.com/2006/12/great-camp-sagamore-from-sagamore-lake.html&h=246&w=400&sz=73&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=wCk2-nnLZmDoeM:&tbnh=76&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3D%2522Lake%2BGeorge%2522%2Bpostcard%2Bsagamore%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1T4ADBR_enUS206US206 June 20th, Started early 8:30. Visited islands to Friends Pt. Com. Pimpson took us to Caldwell, his yacht. Set up champagne. Last mile took steamer. Three returned to Sagamore. Tramped about island. Home at 6:20…….June 28th, Cool. Minnie and I took 8:30 train for New York. Dinner at St. Dennis. Called on J.E. Morris. Norwich Line 6 p.m. Met Thompson boys. On board yacht India at 11 a.m. Delightful sail to Fisher’s Island. Stayed at Metropolitan Hotel http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/suffolk/fishers.htm …….August 27th, Troy to be electrocuted this week. Drove to Newcomb in the thunder shower.……" 1894 "April 7th, Lewis elected chairman County Com. and not a member himself. Direct slap at us. Bitter pill but will get even, storming…..April 29th, Clear but cool. At 10:30 Mr. R. drove us to Coney Island, chilly there. Army’s of bicycle riders. Heard Dr. Fall……July 24th, Interviewed May Gardner at 136 White Street Schenectady. He is as much to blame as she…..August 5th, Attended Mass in little Saranac Church. Row alone up river. In p.m. digesting testimony till 11:30 p.m…August 28th, Steven’s says no Jews so we got to Martin St. Staid in poor rooms. Then to "Grand View"…..September 11th, 7:37 for Plattsburgh. At Putman our train struck and killed man and wife named Higgins and child named Manley. 4 teams from Vermont going to a picnic. Going usual speed. One man led his horse……October 11th, Franchise meeting. I gained some glory, knocked Verbeck out at every point….." 1895 "January 23rd, In office working on Electric Road matter. Drew Codicil Rhoda Thompson’s will. Making Kerley one of exs. She is a bright woman. I told her about Scottie. All formality compiled. Said reason she left property as she did, her brother too visionary and knows these people would care for him…..May 6th, Jefferson Circuit. Williams. 3 engineers begin work on electric road survey. Roland Reed "Politician"……September 15th, Fair and Cool. Did not get up in time to attend Mass. John Jerson was found dead today at 12:40 in a stall in Dr. Lawman’s barn….." 1896 "March 31st, Worked late last night. We have nice rooms and parlors. Case closed at 7 p.m. Hasbronck goes home and leaves case with me. He and Leggett skip out and let me pay all bills. I do so and settle with the men. To Albany on Boston Special. Home at 1 p.m……October 4th, Attended Mass. In p.m. took a boat ride with John Grover through lake and down the river. Quite cool. Quite cool. John Grover and I went up to Rustic Lodge and back. Clear and Pleasant…..November 5th, Trip to Chinatown. Working in office. Andrew Smith part of p.m. on business……" 1897 "April 26th, Surrogate Ct. Saratoga Springs, his office. Anderson and Mitchell 7:30. Tried Shayne Case. Eldridge and Barlow. Important witness not here. Jury out 5 to 11 p.m. Disband 8 to 3…..September 16th, Fair and cool. Qualified today as Director of Ballston Spa National Bank……November 10th, Windy. George Story and I took possession of Shaul and Umitago lands……December 20th, Threatens snow. "Smoker Club Rooms" Fine music. John and I attended. About 70 present….." 1898 "February 21st , Left home 8:30 for Washington. M, Aggie and I via West Shore. Took Limited on B & O. Minnie stood it well. W at 8:45, chilly. February 22nd , Downtown. Mr. Meyer Nay Yard. Six of us visited Arlington Heights. Mansion built 1804. Interesting….April 5th, Harry Newton’s wife died last night after childbirth. The result of her husbands neglect and cruelty……April 21st, War declared between United States and Spain. U.S. Minister Woodford leaves Spain. April 22nd, First blow was US and Spain. Spanish Merchant man captured….April 23rd, "City of Paris" said to have been captured off coast Iceland. Proclamation 125000 volunteers…..September 8th, Clear and pleasant. Argument with Carrigan girls in reference to rent. They are moving out.…." 1899 "July 13th, Clear Cool. Buffalo Bill M-went as Chaperone. Took 3:30 for Syracuse with Kerby and Bessie…." 1900 "April 8th, Fire Alarm 2:30 a.m. Opera House Block and Sheffer’s burned to ground. Hot fire. $125,000 loss total. B-did it…..June 4th, Glavin and I met Van Kaumen by appt at Herald Square. Hot. Gave him to understand we opposed McNulty. Had long talk with McNulty. Fixed things up. At 3 p.m. met in Senatorial Conference. April 5th, Foley and Doolittle down against him. Had sparring matches with Emmell Blair. Convention at 11 a.m. Adjusted to 3. On contested seats, myself 24 to 19……July 16th, Oppressively hot. Affidavits to be served in Butler. Bachelder’s arraigned on charge of abduction…." 1901 "August 27th, Spent day on Pan America, for details see larger notebook…..August 29th, To Niagara Boat trolley on Canadian side. Returned via Gorge Route Trolley. Met Grace Settler and Bates. Went down under falls in rubber coat. Fine trip and exciting afternoon. August 30th, Rain at Rochester. Gar Races End. About city in automobile. 2 hrs. Delightful. Excursion in Empire State 1 p.m. to Rochester, Ontario. Reach _____place. Boat at Charlotte 11 p.m. August 31st, Fairly decent weather but cold and with occasional shower. Arose early, 5:30. Rode to Kingston. I did not sleep. Delightful through 1,000 Islands. Like Lake George. Rapids are exciting. Split Rock, the roughest. Too late for Lachine Rapids….. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thousand_Islands September 2nd, Labor day in Canada also. Trolley to Lachine Rapids. Exciting and dangerous I think. Took boat "Montreal" for Quebec. Calm and Quiet. September 3rd, Fair. Reached Quebec late at 9 a.m. Breakfast Victoria Hotel. Lunch Tom LeVallins. Dinner Chatam, a quaint old city….." 1902 "September 17th through 21st, Norfolk night and morning. Arose 5:30. Breakfast on boat. Little sick. Norfolk 10:45. About city on Trolley…Beautiful day. Up James River 7 a.m. Pocahantas. Most interesting historically. Richmond 6 p.m. Out to reservoir, Murphy’s…. http://www.fortpocahontas.org/index.html Ogden. Warm carriage ride about city. Old, quaint and odd. Down C & O to Newport News…Fair and warm. $100 note to self. To Virginia Beach and Portsmouth Navy yard. Cooking not good in south. Took Hamilton’s O D Line Boat….P.m. lie still 2 to 3 hrs. Passengers alarmed. Still N.E. wind. Sick, kept stateroom all day till entering harbor. Over to Ruppels 6 p.m…..December 31st, Mr. Mead and Mrs. Mead, Mrs. Burke and I drove to Arrowhead and had supper. Theodore’s rig. Ride over 6-8. Back 10:30 to 12:30. Mead’s delighted. Good supper. Agreed that we should go over each year New Years eve. Very cold seats. Drove team. M. all right. Ran into Kerley’s Whist Party…" 1903 "April 10th, Made search for Percell. Dictated brief for court in Shaeffer Rc. April 11th, Fair and warm. To Sar. 11:11 Shaeffer. 4 attorney’s against me. Beat them all. 22 maj. For Shaeffer….July 29th, M and I took "Drew" to N.Y.C. When in city I did foolish thing. Went to bed without calling M. She supposed I was downstairs visiting Clapp. She was greatly alarmed…..September 18th, Pasted in scrapbook. Found certificate. Called on Senator Hill a.m. Less and less impressed with him. His methods are small and under qualified…" 1904 "July 25th, Cloudy and quite cool. Breakfast at 6 a.m. All day searching in vaults in Co. Matters Roust House…Spent morning at Judge Shelden’s office, nothing!!……September 13th, Rep. State Convention. Bankers Convention. Busy on Politics….." 1905 "August 8th, Arose 5:30. Breakfast 6:30. Grand trunk through White Mountains to Portland. 297 miles. 5:30 Very interesting. Hotel Falmouth Portland…..August 14th, Surrogate court Saratoga Springs. Ladies out shopping. I’m about city. Ball game, Boston and Chicago. Double header. The pears and the pumpkins…..October 30th, Sur. Ct. Saratoga Springs. People vs Smaldone, Murder. Richardson citation…..December 2nd, Odensburg Special 1:07 p.m. for NYC on Long Island Real estate deal……" 1906 "January 28th, Attended 10:30 Mass. M and I had dinner with Andrew. Attended George West funeral. Great display, several hundred Masons…..September 25th, Democratic State Convention, Buffalo. It looks like Hearst 21Contests. All day on same. September 26th, Atlantic Hearst thrown out. Objection to Hearst Bvd. together in dining room last night. September 27th, Began business about 8 p.m. Lasted until 2 a.m. Bitter speeches in opposition. Home 10 a.m. Moore deserts us……." 1907 "May 10th, Closed up matters 3:30 for Albany. 5:19 S.N. Line to K. Riding along, Ohio, Indiana. Arrived St. Louis 5 p.m. Took carriage ride about city. May 11th, delightful ride across state of Illinois on two observation cars….May 17th, Arrived in Chicago via C.M. St. Paul RR in morning. Great Northern Hotel. Drawing room dinner. Met Harry Rathborne….. http://www.patsabin.com/illinois/GreatNorthern.htm October 16th, Overnight at Rems. Jury complete about noon. Gleason opening all a.m. Is bitter. Personal attack up on my conduct in case, which I always supposed, was honest. If I had been biggest rascal in the world could not have been worse. All of my efforts through life are to be fair and honest have been for naught??….." 1909 "February 8th, "Diamond Jim" Brady and cohorts in town early. We have a hard fight on coming. Busy in office……March 20th, Moore’s will. Made arrangement with Gould on my own responsibility. Proof taken. A very wise settlement as I look upon it. Old Mr. Seaman knows why Moore families are mad at each other. Jos. Moore loaned Dr. Monty. Learn something. Talked with Jim there after "smoker" about what Sweetmen said. They agree with me now…..July 18th, Beautiful day. 120 miles across bay to Provincetown. A quaint old town. Lanes named streets, delightful, yet rough….. http://www.provincetowntourismoffice.org/provincetown-history.php September 25th, Went aboard S. North Star 12. Maine Line. Met Williard Ross Family, 12 to 6:30 around fleet. Fine and Grand night….." 1910 "May 18th, Last and most brilliant night for comet in Eastern sky as predicted but no comet has been since 14th. May 19th, Strange day. Earth to pass through tail of comet. Heavy showers…..June 22nd, Presidents reception and convention ball. A fraternity affair. Great mistake. Should be called men first……July 30th, Miss Wendell died between 7 o’clock when man John had a request to bring her some hot water "quick" and when she threw out keys to kitchen and 9 a.m. when she was found dead. Strange Coincidence!! Williard bids good bye to Aunt and old surroundings…… August 2nd, Willard and Lillian call me in for a conference in Wendell & Willard. Says they want me to represent them…." 1911 "February 12th, Lincoln’s Birthday. Big democratic conference in office. Shall we compromise or fight. All say fight. Queries, who will furnish ammunition…April 25th, Bright sad day. Glen Falls, 9 a.m. village. Mr. Glavius’ funeral 9:30-10 a.m. Most carriages I ever saw in one funeral…..June 24th, Manhattan Island in Sagamore. Spent day with Howland and wife. Supper & rooms at Park Avenue. Olympic grand sight outside window……November 11th, Cold and windy. Do not attend Mass. Working on Conn. Re. Indian. All day on Con Laws-Indian Laws &c." 1913 (In this one I noticed there were lots of meetings with the Governor and senators.) "August 9th, Sulzer Exit!! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Sulzer Sulzer remains silent under charges of Frawley Committee that he used contributions given for campaign for himself……August 11th, 15 days before 3rd ____ Assembly considering Sulzer Impeachment. Went over Santa Clara case with McClung. Waiting for members to vote for impeachment of Governor http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=990CEFDD113CE633A25754C2A96E9C946296D6CF&oref=slogin September 18th, Sulzer Impeachment trial. Trial opened with great dignity…." 1914 "September 6th, Mother died at 10 min. to 9 O’clock a.m. Was notified by Mr. Tucker at 8:35. Down to mother’s many people pay their respects….September 21st, Warm, still. Saratoga, Roosevelt. Declare myself for Roosevelt….." I know it seems like I’ve quoted a lot but with 20 diaries represented I wanted to at least take a few excerpts from each and believe me there is so much more within the pages of Mr. Burke’s diaries. Each of them measures about 2 ¼" x 5 ½" and there are also handwritten pages of his monthly expenses. The diaries are in good condition but each does have some wear to their covers. Please email me with any questions. Place a Bid!