Collection Guide
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Bradford (James Otey) Papers
M0046
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Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
Title: James Otey Bradford Papers
Creator:
Bradford, James Otey
Identifier/Call Number: M0046
Identifier/Call Number: 211
Physical Description:
2 Linear Feet
(4 boxes)
Date (inclusive): 1869-1919
Open for research. Note that material must be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use. Audiovisual materials
are not available in original format, and must be reformatted to a digital use copy.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Harriet Bradford, 1919.
James Otey Bradford (d 1919?] was born in Virginia and served as a lieutenant in the Confederate Navy. After the war he worked
for various English shipping lines. He began his employ with Wells, Fargo in New York City. In this position he was in charge
of freight and travel requests for tourists. He left Wells, Fargo and moved to San Francisco where he was employed by the
Palace Hotel. He shortly returned to the employ of Wells, Fargo and remained with them until retirement. In his later years
he served as the director of the Wells, Fargo historical exhibit at the Columbian Exhibition of 1893. Later he was placed
in charge of all Wells, Fargo historical exhibits. He retired after forty years service with the company. Much of the present
collection represents Mr. Bradford's interest in the history of Wells, Fargo.
The letters in these books are arranged chronologically on this list, not just according to page number. Unless otherwise
noted, letters are from Bradford to the people named.
Page from catalog record https://searchworks.stanford.edu/view/4082932
[Identification of item] James Otey Bradford Papers, M046, Dept. of Special Collections, Stanford Libraries, Stanford, Calif.
The Bradford papers contain James Otey Bradford's correspondence from 1888-1919. Much of it is correspondence pertaining to
his duties with the Wells, Fargo & Co. There are also typescripts of historical writings (possibly copied from printed sources)
and copies of newspaper articles pertaining to the early days of stage coaching, the men involved and the crimes committed
against stages. Biographical material pertaining to stage robbers, as well as drivers are in the collection.
An important part of the collection are the numerous pictures of employees of Wells, Fargo and the coaches, as well as pictures
of sailing vessels and related transportation media.
The papers of Henry Chester Ward, an early employee of the company are included in the collection. Among Ward's papers are
his diary for a short period of 1869-1870.
Oversize glass negative of a print showing stage coach in Cal. mountains.
One scrap-book of newspaper clippings. Some are articles written by Bradford.
These materials are believed to be in the public domain. There are no restrictions on use of public domain materials.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Coaching (Transportation) -- History
Pony express
Wells, Fargo & Company.