Collection Guide
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Dodge (Fred James) Papers
mssDodge
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Table of contents
Contributing Institution:
The Huntington Library
Title: Fred James Dodge papers
Creator:
Dodge, Fred,
1854-1938
Identifier/Call Number: mssDodge
Physical Description:
12.87 Linear Feet
(9 boxes, 1 volume, 1 oversize folder)
Date (inclusive): 1890-1938
Abstract: A collection of correspondence,
records, reports, criminal cases, and photographs belonging to Fred James Dodge, Chief
Special Agent for Wells Fargo and Company.
Language of Material: Materials are in
English.
Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at
the Huntington Library for more information.
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from
or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The
responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining
necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
[Identification of item]. Fred James Dodge papers, The Huntington Library, San Marino,
California.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased from William Wreden, August 1963.
Fred James Dodge (1854-1938) was born on August 29, 1854, at Spring Valley in Butte County,
California; he accompanied his father's pack-train taking supplies to all but inaccessible
gold camps in various mountain areas. Dodge began as a stage-driver in California and Nevada
and later became a special investigator for Wells, Fargo and Co. for forty years. He was
known for his relentless search for justice during his many years as chief special agent.
Dodge died on December 22, 1938.
The collection consists of 2,313 items from 1890 to 1938; it includes letters, documents
and 116 photographs related to the activities of Wells, Fargo and Co., special agent Fred
James Dodge. Subject matter includes nine criminal investigations in Texas, Oklahoma,
Arkansas and Louisiana from 1893 to 1912. The photographs are of outlaws and others; the
collection also includes lists of criminals, and twenty-three letters to and from John P.
Clum, 1930 to 1932. There is also a small amount of Dodge's personal and business papers,
reports, miscellaneous items and ephemera.
Processed by Huntington Library Staff, circa 1965. In 2020, Gayle Richardson created the
finding aid derived from a legacy summary report.
Arranged in the following series: 1. Personal and business papers, correspondence; 2.
Criminal cases; 3. Photographs: criminals and general; 4. Records, reports, miscellaneous
and ephemera.
Former call number: mssDodge papers.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Criminal investigations
Law enforcement -- West (U.S.) -- History -- 19th century
Outlaws -- West (U.S.)
Private investigators -- West (U.S.)
Train robberies -- West (U.S.)
Business papers -- West (U.S.)
Letters (correspondence) -- West (U.S.)
Personal papers -- West (U.S.)
Photographs -- West (U.S.)
Clum, John P.,
1851-1932
Wells, Fargo &
Company