Lucius E. Burch Papers
12
Finding aid prepared by EBL Special Collections Staff
This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit
December 09, 2013
EBL Manuscripts Collection
2004-10-27
Lucius E. Burch Papers 12
Table of Contents
Summary Information ................................................................................................................................. 3
Historical or Biographical Note.................................................................................................................... 4
Collection Scope and Content Summary...................................................................................................... 4
Administrative Information .........................................................................................................................5
Subject Headings........................................................................................................................................... 5
Collection Inventory...................................................................................................................................... 6
Series 01: Diaries and Papers of Lucius E. Burch, MD........................................................................ 6
Series 02: Addition to Burch Papers, Donated by Edith Burch...........................................................14
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Lucius E. Burch Papers 12
Summary Information
Repository
EBL Manuscripts Collection
Creator
Burch, Lucius E.
Title
Lucius E. Burch Papers
Date [inclusive]
1818 - 1959
Extent
3.0 Cubic feet
Abstract
Personal papers of Lucius Burch, Vanderbilt alumnus, Dean of
the Medical School and chair of the Department of Obstetrics and
Gynecology. This collection consists primarily of Burch's diaries covering
the period 1921-1959, also includes some family correspondence,
newspaper clippings, and photographs.
Preferred Citation
Lucius E. Burch Papers. Eskind Biomedical Library Special Collections, Vanderbilt University Medical
Center, Nashville, TN.
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Lucius E. Burch Papers 12
Historical or Biographical Note
Lucius E. Burch (1874-1959) was a surgeon, professor, dean, and editor. He was a major participant
in the reorganization of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, working with Chancellor James
Kirkland, Abraham Flexner and G. Canby Robinson.
Dr. Burch was born in 1874 in Nashville. He attended the Webb School in Bell Buckle and was a star
football player at Vanderbilt in the 1890's. Receiving his M.D. degree in 1896, Dr. Burch practiced briefly
in Bear Spring, Tennessee before studying surgery at St. George's Hospital in London in 1897. Dr. Burch
was a professor of gynecology at the Vanderbilt School of Medicine from 1904-1945. He was dean of
the Medical School from 1914-1925. After service in France during World War I, he returned to play a
key role in the transition between the old medical school and the new one. While supporting the changes
proposed by Chancellor Kirkland and Dean-Elect G. Canby Robinson (a new medical school and hospital
on the west campus and introduction of a full-time faculty), Dr. Burch upheld the position of the old,
local, part-time faculty.
On retiring as dean in 1925, Dr. Burch was appointed chairman of Vanderbilt's department of gynecology
and obstetrics, where he served another twenty years. In addition, he continued an active private practice.
Dr. Lucius Burch served as president of the Nashville Academy of Medicine and as editor of the
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In 1929, he was elected president of the Southern
Surgical Association.
Collection Description
Personal papers of Lucius Burch, Vanderbilt alumnus, Dean of the Medical School and chair of the
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. This collection consists primarily of Burch's diaries covering
the period 1921-1959, also includes some family correspondence, newspaper clippings, and photographs.
Also included are typescripts and notes on letters of the maternal grandparents of Sarah Polk Cooper
Burch and the family letters of the paternal grandfather of Lucius E. Burch. Dates on these letters range
from 1818-1897.
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Lucius E. Burch Papers 12
Administrative Information
Publication Information
EBL Manuscripts Collection 2004-10-27
Notes about Access to this Collection
All collections are subject to applicable VUMC privacy and confidentiality policies. Collection specific
restrictions: No Restrictions.
Reproduction Rights
Copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United
States copyright law.
Subject Headings
Personal Name(s)
Burch, Lucius E.
Subject(s)
Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hospital
Obstetrics/Gynecology
Surgery
Surgery--history
Vanderbilt Alumni
Vanderbilt University. School of Medicine--history
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Lucius E. Burch Papers 12
Diaries and Papers of Lucius E. Burch, MD
Collection Inventory
Series 01: Diaries and Papers of Lucius E. Burch, MD
Box
Folder
1921 Diary
1
--
1922 Diary
1
--
1922 Folder, including: 1. Commencement program for Vanderbilt
1
--
1923 Diary
1
--
1924 Diary
1
--
1925 Diary
1
--
1926 Diary
1
--
1927 Diary
1
--
1928 Diary
1
--
1929 Diary
1
--
1929 Folder, including: 1. Fishing log (May-June, 1929) for one of Dr.
1
--
1
--
2
--
University (June 14, 1922). 2. Report card for John C. Burch, third-year
student at Vanderbilt School of Medicine (June 15, 1922). 3. Telegram, John
C. Burch to Lucius E. Burch, a
Burch's annual trips to Boca Grande, Florida. 2. News clipping (June, 1929)
relating to delivered by Sir Henry Thornton, Canadian railway president and
coach of Vanderbilt's
Diary (1926) kept by John C. Burch. M.D., containing detailed case notes
(January, 1926 only).
1930 Diary
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Lucius E. Burch Papers 12
Diaries and Papers of Lucius E. Burch, MD
1930 Folder, including: 1. Card of the polish ambassador, T. Filipowicz
2
--
1931 Diary
2
--
1931 Folder, including: 1. Typescript: entry for Dr. Burch in the National
2
--
1932 Diary
2
--
1932 Folder, including: 1. Obituary for Dr. Burch's brother Robert
2
--
2
--
(see diary entry, May 18, 1930). 2. News clipping announcing Miss Rachel
Buntin's engagement to Dr. John C. Burch (July 1, 1930). 3. News clipping
on the Burch-Buntin wed
Cyclopedia of American Biography (dated 3-13-29). 2. News clipping of
Vanderbilt's 1931 football team, including Lucius Burch, Jr. (September 20,
1931).
(April, 1932). 2. Letter from Dr. Arthur H. Curtis of Evanston, Illinois
congratulating Dr. Burch on his paper on mortality in hysterectomy (April
17, 1932). 3. Letter from Mr. an
1932 Folder, including: 1. Obituary for Dr. Burch's brother Robert
(April, 1932). 2. Letter from Dr. Arthur H. Curtis of Evanston, Illinois
congratulating Dr. Burch on his paper on mortality in hysterectomy (April
17, 1932). 3. Letter from Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Baker of Nashville
thanking Dr. Burch for donating blood to Mrs. Hale (April 17, 1932).
4. Fishing log from trip to Boca Grande, Florida (May, 1932). 5. Letter
from Dr. J.G. Bridges of Gordonsville (June 7, 1932) congratulating Dr.
Burch on performing a difficult Caesarian delivery. A newspaper article,
"Mrs. Moss recovering from Serious Operation," accompanies the letter.
6. Note from Lucius Burch to his parents at Beersheba, asking for his
shotgun and other supplies for a hunting trip (August, 1932). 7. Letter
from Flora M. Lillentine (?) enclosing check and thanking Dr. Burch for
professional services (September 14, 1932). 8. Vanderbilt Medical School
Commencement book (1926). 9. Clipping from the Memphis Commercial
Appeal, ca. 1907: Mrs. Burch returns to Nashville after attending a wedding
in Memphis. 10. Abstract of Dr. Burch's article "The Diagnosis and
Treatment of Uterine Bleeding"(1934)
1933 Diary
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Lucius E. Burch Papers 12
Diaries and Papers of Lucius E. Burch, MD
1933 Folder, including: 1. Two newspaper clippings detailing Dr. Burch's
2
--
1934 Diary
2
--
1935 Diary
2
--
1935 Folder, including: 1. Newspaper photograph of Lucius "Birch" (Jr.)
2
--
1936 Diary
2
--
1936 Folder, including: 1. Admission tickets and receipts for Dr. Burch's
2
--
1937 Diary
2
--
1937 Folder, including: 1. Program of the quarterly meeting of the Central
2
--
1938 Diary (entries for June 22-26 are contained on an insert)
3
--
1938 folder, including: 1. Receipt for funds paid to the Springfield
3
--
capture of a record (192 lb.) tarpon during his annual fishing trip to Boca
Grande, Florida (May 24, 1933).
as president of the Vanderbilt Law School honor council. Also pictured is
Robert Horsley, the retiring president.
admission to the study of surgery and tropical diseases at St. George's
Hospital medical School in London (1898). 2. Typescript of a poem,
"Success," by A.D. Armstrong. 3.
1936 Folder, including: 1. Admission tickets and receipts for Dr. Burch's
admission to the study of surgery and tropical diseases at St. George's
Hospital medical School in London (1898). 2. Typescript of a poem,
"Success," by A.D. Armstrong. 3. Postage stamp bearing the likeness of
Edward VIII. 4. Photograph of Vanderbilt's Class of 1896, made at Belle
Meade Country Club (June 7, 1936). Dr. Burch is in the top row on extreme
left.
Medical Society in Jackson, Mississippi, including a talk made by Dr. Burch
(March 2, 1937). 2. Newspaper clipping of the Hindenburg disaster (May 7,
1937). 3. Letter
Production Credit Association by the Burches (January 25, 1938). 2. Letter
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Lucius E. Burch Papers 12
Diaries and Papers of Lucius E. Burch, MD
to Dr. Burch from "Rachel" (possibly his former daughter-in-law, since she
addresses him as "father")
1939 Diary
3
--
1939 Folder, including: 1. Letter from Dr. George Crile of the American
3
--
1940 Diary
3
--
1940 folder, including: 1. Article, "Come to the Assistance of Finland,"
3
--
1941 Diary
3
--
1941 Folder, including: 1. Photograph of S.S. Manhattan, aground in
3
--
3
--
College of Surgeons (January 27, 1939) thanking Dr. Burch for his role
in success of Nashville sectional meeting. 2. Newspaper cartoon "Side
Glances" (April 24, 1939). 3.
sent to Dr. Burch from Dr. Gunnar Nystrom, a former Flexner lecturer at
Vanderbilt. Also included is one of Dr. Nystom's business cards (envelope
dated January 3, 1940).
Florida (January 12, 1941). 2. Photographs of the June, 1941 reunion of the
Vanderbilt Class of 1896, including Dr. Burch. 3. Letter from Dr. Tinsley
Harrison (June 16, 1941), writte
1941 Folder, including: 1. Photograph of S.S. Manhattan, aground in
Florida (January 12, 1941). 2. Photographs of the June, 1941 reunion of the
Vanderbilt Class of 1896, including Dr. Burch. 3. Letter from Dr. Tinsley
Harrison (June 16, 1941), written upon leaving Vanderbilt to thank Dr.
Burch for his friendship and professional assistance. 4. "Films (negatives)
of Sarah, Elsie & Edith," the Burches' grandchildren. Envelope dated
August 20, 1941. 5. Sunday School card belonging to Sarah Burch. 6.
News clipping: "Bronze Tablet Is Unveiled at Dover" (November 4, 1941),
describing a memorial erected by Dr. Burch to his father, Colonel John
C. Burch of the Ft. Donelson garrison. Also included is a brochure on Ft.
Donelson Military Park. 7. News clipping on Frances (Mrs. John C.) Burch,
undated.
1942 Diary
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Lucius E. Burch Papers 12
Diaries and Papers of Lucius E. Burch, MD
1942 Folder, including: 1. News clipping: "Extension of Democracy Thru
3
--
1943 Diary
3
--
1943 Folder, including: 1. Letter from Chancellor O.C. Carmichael of
3
--
1944 Diary
4
--
1944 Folder, including: 1. Post card announcing the regular meeting of the
4
--
1945 Diary
4
--
1945 Folder, including: 1. Wedding announcement for Katherine Newell
4
--
1946 Diary
4
--
1946 Folder, including: 1. Editorial from Nashville Tennesseean praising
4
--
1947 Diary
4
--
1947 Folder, including: 1. Memorial resolution by Calvary Church in honor
4
--
World Is Imperative" (talk made by Lucius Burch, Jr., January 24, 1942).
2. Notarized copy of Lucius Edward Burch's baptism at Christ Church,
Nashville, February 10, 1888.
Vanderbilt (February 4, 1943) reappointing Dr. Burch as Professor of
Obstetrics & Gynecology and setting forth the terms of his eventual
retirement. 2. News clipping (March 5
Nashville Academy of Medicine, May 30, 1905, during Dr. Burch's tenure
as president. 2. "Vignettes of Vanderbilt" from the Vanderbilt Alumnus
(September, 1944). Articl
Burch and Leslie Warner (November 13, 1880). 2. Photograph of Col. John
C. Burch, with his sons John and Lucius, at Ft. Sam Houston (January 1,
1945). 3. Newspaper clipping:
the work of a Nashville Academy of Medicine committee on hospital needs
(April 18, 194[6]). The committee was chaired by Dr. John C. Burch. 2.
Letter to Mrs. John C. Burch
of John C. Burch, Dr. Burch's brother (January 28, 1947). 2. Letter from
Dr. William Witt and others to Mrs. Lucius E. Burch regarding her role as
"Quinq Queen" at the class r
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Lucius E. Burch Papers 12
Diaries and Papers of Lucius E. Burch, MD
1947 Folder, including: 1. Memorial resolution by Calvary Church in
honor of John C. Burch, Dr. Burch's brother (January 28, 1947). 2. Letter
from Dr. William Witt and others to Mrs. Lucius E. Burch regarding her
role as "Quinq Queen" at the class reunion of Vanderbilt Class of 1896
(undated, but pre-June 4, 1947). 3. Message to Dr. and Mrs. Burch at
Beersheba (July 16, 1947): "Mr. & Mrs. P[aul] Davis cannot come up." 4.
Daily cash report for the Burch Clinic, October 22, 1947. 5. Inspirational
quotation by Charles Kingsley (typed), with another in Dr. Burch's hand.
Undated. 6. Memorandum (presumably by Lucius Burch, Jr.) on "Whether
the Tennessee legislature may authorize a particular county to levy a local
sales tax..." (undated). 7. Letters from the Burches' granddaughter Sarah
and her sisters, along with report cards, greeting cards, etc. Of particular
interest is a story about the Burches and Buffalo Bill.
1948 Diary
4
--
1948 Folder, including: 1. News clipping (January 11, 1948): replacement
4
--
of Broadway viaduct in downtown Nashville. 2. Letter from Rev. Charles
L. Widney to Sarah Burch (April 1, 1948), referring to her confirmation. 3.
Letter from Donald M. Pear
1948 Folder, including: 1. News clipping (January 11, 1948): replacement
of Broadway viaduct in downtown Nashville. 2. Letter from Rev. Charles
L. Widney to Sarah Burch (April 1, 1948), referring to her confirmation.
3. Letter from Donald M. Pearsall, chairman of the Vanderbilt Dormitory
Committee, asking his support against eviction of upperclassmen from the
Vanderbilt dormitories (April 29, 1948). A copy of the committee's report
is also present. 4. Letter from Dr. Burch to President Harry S. Truman
(June 28, 1948), offering information on philanthropic organizations and
wishing him success in the November election. 5. News clippings of Dr.
Burch and his granddaughters (one undated; one July 9, 1948). 6. Post
card from Sarah Burch to Rosabell Crawford, Dr. Burch's cook (August
25, 1948). 7. Minutes of the Vanderbilt Hospital Committee (November
15, 1948), with an accompanying list of subjects for discussion. 8. Text of
telegrams to Dr. Burch (December 9, 1948) regarding Dr. John D. Burch's
selection as secretary of the Southern Surgical Assocation. 9. Handwritten
letter from Estes Kefauver to Sarah Burch ("Tuesday" December 14, 1948),
thanking her for a handkerchief. Sarah's father, Lucius Burch Jr., managed
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Lucius E. Burch Papers 12
Diaries and Papers of Lucius E. Burch, MD
Kefauver's successful 1948 senatorial campaign. 10. Letters and other
material from the Burch grandchildren.
1949 Diary
4
--
1949 Folder, including: 1. Statement regarding financial arrangements
4
--
1950 Diary
5
--
1950 Folder, including: 1. Unidentified photograph, possibly of Dr. John C.
5
--
1951 Diary
5
--
1951 Folder, including: 1. Letter from Chancellor Harvie Branscomb of
5
--
connected with Dr. Burch's retirement from the Burch Clinic (effective
January 1, 1949). 2. Letter from Lucius Burch, Jr. to Dr. John Burch
(February 12, 1949) regarding financial
1949 Folder, including: 1. Statement regarding financial arrangements
connected with Dr. Burch's retirement from the Burch Clinic (effective
January 1, 1949). 2. Letter from Lucius Burch, Jr. to Dr. John Burch
(February 12, 1949) regarding financial settlement above. Includes
signed note by Dr. Lucius E. Burch. 3. Letter from Dr. J. Clinton Foshee
of Michigan, asking Dr. Burch's help in getting a friend's son admitted
to Vanderbilt (February 21, 1949). 4. Letters from Sarah Burch to her
grandparents (April 25 and June 20, 1949). 5. Letter from Senator Estes
Kefauver to Edward Meeman, editor of the Memphis Press-Scimitar
(December 7, 1949), regarding a complimentary editorial on Lucius Burch,
Jr. 6. Letter from Lucius Burch Jr. (dated "Tuesday") thanking Dr. Burch
for birthday presents. 7. Copies of doggerel attributed to Chief Justice John
Marshall and a poem by Uncle Will Tate. 8. Vanderbilt commencement
announcement; cards and school papers by the Burch grandchildren.
Burch as a young man. 2. Deposit receipts from American National Bank,
dated December 12, 1949 and January 4, 1950. 3. Three letters of thanks
from those who attended
Vanderbilt (January10, 1951), thanking Dr. Burch for his service on the
board of trust. 2. Another letter from Chancellor Branscomb to Lucius
Burch, Jr., thanking him for a
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Lucius E. Burch Papers 12
Diaries and Papers of Lucius E. Burch, MD
1952 Diary
5
--
1952 Folder, including: 1. Two letters from Devereux Lake (February
5
--
1953 Diary
5
--
1953 Folder, including: 1. Letter from one of Dr. Burch's English relations,
5
--
1954 Diary
5
--
1954 Folder, including: 1. Business card of Prefessor E.K. Cruickshank,
5
--
1955 Diary
5
--
1955 Folder, including: 1. Draft of a thank-you letter to Mr. and Mrs. Joe
5
--
10 and March 10, 1952), giving information on surviving members of
Vanderbilt Class of 1896 and discussing plans for a reunion. 2. Letter from
Dr. Burch to his son John on John's bi
1952 Folder, including: 1. Two letters from Devereux Lake (February
10 and March 10, 1952), giving information on surviving members of
Vanderbilt Class of 1896 and discussing plans for a reunion. 2. Letter
from Dr. Burch to his son John on John's birthday (July 21, 1952), "briefly
reviewing" his 52 years. 3. News clipping (October 3, 1952) discussing
an effort to draft Lucius Burch, Jr. as a member of the state constitutional
convention. 4. Letter from Sarah Burch to Dr. Burch prior to their birthday
(December 9, 1952). 5. Letter from Dr. Alfred Blalock (December 19, 1952)
congratulating Dr. Burch on John's success in organizing the Southern
Surgical Association meeting. 6. Philosophical quotation (?) in Dr. Burch's
hand. 7. Letter from Sarah Burch to Lucius Burch, Jr.. (undated); offers
birthday greetings. 8. School reports of the Burch grandchildren
written from Jamaica and referring to an impending visit (January 2, 1953).
2. 1952 tax information for Dr. Lucius and Sarah Polk Burch. 3. Text of
telegram sent by Dr
University College of the West Indies. 2. News clipping: "Many
Tennesseeans Won Success in Nation's Governmental Affairs" (undated);
article mentions Dr. Burch's father, J
King (undated). 2. Valentine from Lucia Burch. 3. X-ray report on Dr.
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Lucius E. Burch Papers 12
Addition to Burch Papers, Donated by Edith Burch
Burch's left knee (March 28, 1955). 4. Commencement program for Miss
Hutchison's School, Washint
1956 Diary
6
--
1956 Folder, including: 1. Another copy of Longfellow's "Morituri
6
--
1957 Diary
6
--
1957 Folder, including: 1. Round Table schedule for 1956-57. 2. Letter
6
--
1958 Diary
6
--
1958 Folder, including: 1. Letter from Dr. Thomas N. Evans, acknowledging
6
--
1959 Diary
6
--
1959 Folder, including: 1. Letters to Drs. Lucius and John Burch pertaining
6
--
Box
Folder
6
--
Salutamus," read at the 50th anniversary reunion of Vanderbilt's Class
of 1896; apparently also read at 60th anniversary (June, 1956). 2. News
clippings from the Memphis society p
from Paul Davis, a close friend of Dr. Burch and honorary chairman of First
American National Bank, enclosing a check for a football bet (January 3,
1957). 3. Wedding anno
receipt of Dr. Burch's portrait (January 1, 1958). 2. Letter from Edward J.
Shea of the Vanderbilt Alumni Association (February 6, 1958), thanking Dr.
Burch for accepting
to LEB's being given honorary membership in the Southern Medial
Association (January 7, 1959). 2. Letter from Congressman J. Carlton Loser
congratulating Dr. Burch on
Series 02: Addition to Burch Papers, Donated by Edith Burch
1. Typescripts and miscellaneous notes on family letters of maternal
grandparents of Sarah Polk Cooper Burch and family letters of paternal
grandparents of Lucius E. Burch. Dates span from ca. 1818 to ca. 1897. 2.
Copies of The Round Table (ca.
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Lucius E. Burch Papers 12
Addition to Burch Papers, Donated by Edith Burch
1. Typescripts and miscellaneous notes on family letters of maternal
grandparents of Sarah Polk Cooper Burch and family letters of paternal
grandparents of Lucius E. Burch. Dates span from ca. 1818 to ca. 1897. 2.
Copies of The Round Table (ca. 1931 and 1955). 1955 volume signed by
members, including Lucius E. and John C. Burch.
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