C. H. Mayo Papers, 1879-1883

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Summary

Creators:
Mayo, C. H. (Clarence Hastings)
Abstract:
The collection consists primarily of letters, most of which were written by C. H. (Clarence Hastings) Mayo to his family back home in Warwick, Massachusetts, describing the various towns in which Mayo lived, his work on cattle ranches, agriculture, and his impressions of the landscapes of New Mexico, Wyoming, North Dakota, and Colorado, between 1879 and 1882.
Extent:
101 items in 2 boxes
Language:
English.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists primarily of letters, most of which were written by C. H. (Clarence Hastings) Mayo to his family back home in Warwick, Massachusetts. Mayo describes the nature of his employment (or the lack thereof), the various towns in which he lives, cattle ranching, agriculture, and his impressions of the landscapes of New Mexico, Wyoming, North Dakota, and Colorado. He occasionally discusses national politics (in particular the election and assassination of President James A. Garfield) and frequently refers to his business activities with or on behalf of William Windom. There are also occasional references to Native Americans, Nelson Appleton Miles, Sitting Bull, and William T. Sherman in a few of the letters. Mayo writes home frequently, and his letters are most often addressed to his father (Edward F. Mayo), mother, sister (Kittie Mayo), and brother (Ned). There are also two letters in the collection from William Windom and one from an Uncle Richards.

Biographical / historical:

C.H. (Clarence Hastings) Mayo traveled West in late 1879 to work on a cattle ranch in Colfax County, New Mexico, in the employ of United States Congressman and family friend William Windom (1827-1891). Mayo worked on Windom's Kiowa Ranch from January-April 1880 before heading north to Wyoming and Fargo, North Dakota, in search of other business opportunities. In August of the same year, Mayo moved to Colorado, where he worked and lived in Saguache, Bonanza, and Gunnison through 1882. Although Mayo was interested in purchasing land and having a ranch in Colorado, he worked as a carpenter and was also paid to provide musical entertainment with his cornet.

Acquisition information:
Purchased from Dawson's Book Shop, September 21, 1959.
Arrangement:

Arranged chronologically, with an undated receipt and two carte-de-visite photographs stored at the end.

Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.

Location of this collection:
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108, US
Contact:
(626) 405-2191
reference@huntington.org
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