John F. Hurley Papers, 1861-1935, undated
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Not requestable
Scope and Content Note
The John F. Hurley papers document the activities of this Civil War veteran and Salem, Massachusetts, politician. Also included are papers of his nephew, Thomas S. Hurley.
John F. Hurley's papers briefly touch on his army life, political activities, and personal affairs. The two diaries give a detailed account of his activities during the Civil War, while the account of Hurley's 1907 voyage to Ireland (F1), speeches (F2), and scrapbooks (F3 through 5) record his political life. The scrapbooks contain newspaper clippings and notations of the Salem Water Board's activities and some election returns.
The personal papers include correspondence with his family (F6), struggles over the distribution of his pension check (F8), newspaper clippings of his birthday celebration and death notices, and genealogical notes on the Hurley family. Of special notes are the letters to and from his family which reflect the affection of his children and nephew and his estrangement with his wife, Katherine Driscoll. The folder of miscellaneous papers (F9) includes press release photographs, miscellaneous poetry, and calling cards.
The papers of Thomas S. Hurley (F10) document his activities as a cab driver in Salem. Also included is one letter from his cousin Edward Hurley regarding the death of John F. Hurley.
Dates
- Creation: 1861-1935, undated
Creator
Restrictions on Access
This collection is open for research use.
Biographical Sketch
John F. Hurley was born in Ireland in 1844 and immigrated to Salem, Massachusetts, as a child. At the age of 16 he enlisted in the army serving in the 4th Battery Massachusetts Light Artillery. Upon his discharge in 1865, he returned to Salem. In 1866 he began sporting a silk top hat which became his trademark and nickname throughout the remainder of his life. Hurley served as member and later president of the Salem Water Board and was elected mayor of Salem five times between 1901 and 1914.
He married Katherine Driscoll, who he divorced and later married his second wife, Eliza E. Davidson. He had an adopted step-daughter named Gertrude L. Hurley, daughter of Eliza E. Davidson. In 1920 rheumatism forced Hurley to move to a veteran's home in Virginia, He remained there until his death in 1935.
Extent
1 linear foot (1 box; 2 volumes)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
The John F, Hurley papers document the activities of this Civil War veteran and Salem, Massachusetts, politician.
Physical Location
Phillips Library Stacks
Provenance
This material was donated by Paul Voyer and Thomas F. Voyer in September 1986 (acc #86025). Copies of John Hurley's pension applications and other paperwork was donated by Joan Maloney in June 1992 (acc #92011). A photograph of Thomas S. Hurley was donated by Valerie L. Perron in February 1997 (acc #1997.001).
Processing Information
Collection processed by Prudence K. Backman, November 1986. Updated by Tamara Gaydos, December 2015.
Subject
- Hurley, Thomas S. (Person)
- Hurley, Katherine Driscoll (Person)
- Title
- JOHN F. HURLEY PAPERS, 1861-1935, undated
- Author
- Processed by: Prudence K. Backman; Updated by Tamara Gaydos; machine-readable finding aid created by: Rajkumar Natarajan.
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Phillips Library Repository