Finding Aid for the Montana Manuscript Collection 1878-1990 Mont.Coll.Mss

Charles Kessler Papers Series 1. 1880-1931

Physical Description: 0.21 Linear feet 1 box

Scope and Contents note

This series consists of a number of photographs and Montana-related ephemera. Much of the correspondence pertains to the accumulation, by Kessler, of information regarding the history of Montana and particular individuals including William Cary, Edwin Thomas Denig, various members of the Culbertson family, Captain James Kipp, Charles M. Russell and others.

Arrangement note

This series has been arranged in chronological order by date where possible.

Folder 1, Folder 1

Miscellaneous Photographs 1908-1927

Scope and Contents note

Contains various photographs including an image of Martin Maginnis of the Society of the Framers of the Constitution of the State of Montana, Lieutenant-Colonel R. L. Walker, George Armstrong Custer, and a number of other images. This folder also contains a list from 1908 of Montana writers or individuals who have written about Montana.

Folder 1, Folder 2

Clark-Related Miscellaneous Material 1880's-1990

Scope and Contents note

Contains an image of the curator of the Clark Library from 1934-1943, Cora Edgerton Sanders, an image of a military company around 1876, a story from the 1892 "Rockies Magazine," entitled "A Scouting Incident" and an inventory of books received from Robert E. Cowan for the W. A. Clark Library in 1931. Also includes the 17th Annual Montana History Conference brochure that was held in October 1990.

Folder 1, Folder 3

Miscellaneous

Scope and Contents note

Contains postcards with images of flooding at Broadwater, Montana (1908), envelopes made out to Mr. Kessler with handwritten notes, Western Union telegrams, handwritten personal notes, correspondence from the United States Brewers' Association and American Brewing Co., newspaper clippings relating to Joe Culbertson, a print copy of "Now Ready: A Catalogue of Early English Book in the Library of John L. Clawson," and a variety of other unidentified papers and handwritten pages.

Caution

Much of the paper is highly acidic and brittle. Care when handling is of the utmost importance.

Folder 1, Folder 4

Indian Peace Medals 1893-1924

Scope and Contents note

Correspondence from the Butte Newswriters Association regarding compiling a "Reference Work of Men Affairs of Montana" and the American Numismatic Society relating to Indian Peace medals. In addition to this correspondence there are handwritten documents to and from Charles Kessler.

Folder 1, Folder 5

Drake Schultz 1919-1920

Scope and Contents note

Appears to be unsigned correspondence by Drake Schultz to Dan Carpenter requesting a photograph of Captain James Kipp for donation to the Historical Society. Also includes genealogy information of the Culbertson Family, a list of old trading posts on Upper Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers and a list of prices on food items at Alexandria, British Columbia.

Caution

Much of the paper is highly acidic and brittle. Care when handling is of the utmost importance.

Folder 1, Folder 6

Shoup-Kessler Letters 1917-1921

Scope and Contents note

Contains correspondence involving the search for information pertaining to Montana-related ephemera, books and information about well-known individuals like Alexander Culbertson and Charles M. Russell, Montana's cowboy artist. Much of this correspondence involves the history of western Indian matters.

Caution

Much of the paper is highly acidic and brittle. Care when handling is of the utmost importance.

Folder 1, Folder 7

Kessler-Cary Correspondence 1918-1923

Scope and Contents note

Contains images of William Cary's paintings of the West as well as correspondence between Charles Kessler and Mr. Cary. Many of the letters provide historical accounts of Cary's experiences in the West. Also included is correspondence involving Cary's son, A. H. Cary after his father passed away and a list of titles of William Cary's oil paintings.

Caution

Much of the paper is highly acidic and brittle. Care when handling is of the utmost importance.

Folder 1, Folder 8-9

Correspondence Relating to Edwin Thomas Denig 1918-1923

Scope and Contents note

Contains correspondence involving various individuals that attempts to gather information about the former Indian and Fur Trader with the American Fur Company, Edwin Thomas Denig.

Caution

Much of the paper is highly acidic and brittle. Care when handling is of the utmost importance.

Box 1, Folder 10

Correspondence Regarding "The Journal of Julius Rodman" By Edgar Allan Poe 1922

Scope and Contents note

Contains an excerpt written by Charles N. Kessler on January 30th, 1922 regarding similarities between the Lewis and Clark Journal and the short story "The Journal of Julius Rodman," written by Edgar Allan Poe.

Society of the Framers of the Constitution of the State of Montana Papers Series 2. 1889-1929

Physical Description: 0.63 Linear feet 2 boxes

Scope and Contents note

This series consists of two boxes. Box 1 contains general correspondence pertaining to the Society of the Framers of the Constitution of the State of Montana and letters relating to the planning of meetings and reunions as well as RSVP's from members. In addition, inquiries and letters informing of recently deceased members of the Society are also included in this set of correspondence. Box 2 is comprised of a small amount of ephemera, photographs, newspaper clippings, a short history of the society and lists of living and deceased members.

Arrangement note

This series has been arranged alphabetically by sender and is in chronological order by date where possible. Note: Some dates are unknown.

Folder 2, Folder 1

B (Beldon, Bickford, Brazelton, Breen, Brietenstein, D. Browne, V. Browne, Burns) Correspondence 1911-1929

Scope and Contents note

Correspondence involving: Walter M. Bickford, David G. Browne, Van H. Browne, O. W. Belden, Otto Bettiker, J. F. Brazelto, Peter Breen, Art Brietenstein, and Edward Burns.

Caution

Much of the paper is highly acidic and brittle. Care when handling is of the utmost importance.

Folder 2, Folder 2-3

Clark 1911-1919

Scope and Contents note

Correspondence involving William A. Clark.

Caution

Much of the paper is highly acidic and brittle. Care when handling is of the utmost importance.

Folder 2, Folder 4

C (Callaway, Cardwell, Carpenter, Catlin, Cauby, Chessman, Cockrell, Cooper, Craven) 1911-1924

Scope and Contents note

Correspondence involving: Lew L. Callaway, Cardwell, B. Platt Carpenter, Stephen Carpenter, John B. Catlin, Melton Cauby, William A. Chessman, Moncure Cockrell, Walter Cooper, and Arthur J. Craven.

Caution

Much of the paper is highly acidic and brittle. Care when handling is of the utmost importance.

Folder 2, Folder 5

D (Davis, Day, Dickerson, Dobell, Durfee, Dyer) 1911-1929

Scope and Contents note

Correspondence involving: H. A. Davis, E. C. Day, Eugene E. Dicjkerson, J. L. Dobell, D. M. Durfee and William Dyer.

Caution

Much of the paper is highly acidic and brittle. Care when handling is of the utmost importance.

Folder 2, Folder 6

E (Eaton) 1911- 1929

Scope and Contents note

Correspondence involving George O. Eaton.

Caution

Much of the paper is highly acidic and brittle. Care when handling is of the utmost importance.

Folder 2, Folder 7

F-G (Field, Gaylord, Gibson, Gillette, Goddard, Graves) 1911-1929

Scope and Contents note

Correspondence involving: W. J. Field, J. Gaylord, Paris Gibson, W. C. Gillette, O.F. Goddard and F. L. Graves.

Caution

Much of the paper is highly acidic and brittle. Care when handling is of the utmost importance.

Folder 2, Folder 8

H (Hartman, Haskell, Hatch, Hedges, Hilger) 1911-1929

Scope and Contents note

Correspondence involving: Chas. S. Hartman, H. J. Haskell, Luke D. Hatch, Cornelius Hedges and David Hilger.

Caution

Much of the paper is highly acidic and brittle. Care when handling is of the utmost importance.

Folder 2, Folder 9

H-J (Hammond, Hobson, Hogan, Joy) 1911-1929

Scope and Contents note

Correspondence involving: Robert E. Hammond, S. S. Hobson, Joseph Hogan, and Allan R. Joy.

Caution

Much of the paper is highly acidic and brittle. Care when handling is of the utmost importance.

Folder 2, Folder 10

K (Kanouse, Kay, Kellogg, Kelley, Kennedy, Kessler, Knippenberg) 1911-1929

Scope and Contents note

Correspondence involving: J. E. Kanouse, John M, Kay, C. L. F. Kellogg, C. F. Kelley, W. J. Kennedy, Charles N. Kessler and Henry Knippenberg.

Caution

Much of the paper is highly acidic and brittle. Care when handling is of the utmost importance.

Folder 2, Folder 11

K-L (Kohrs, Langhorne, Libby, Loud) 1911-1929

Scope and Contents note

Correspondence involving: Conrad Kohrs, S. W. Langhorne, O. G. Libby, and Charles H. Loud.

Caution

Much of the paper is highly acidic and brittle. Care when handling is of the utmost importance.

Folder 2, Folder 12

M (Mack, Maginnis, Mayger, McAdow, Meyer, Middleton, Murphey, Muth, Myers) 1911-1924

Scope and Contents note

Correspondence involving: Geo Mack, Martin Maginnis, William Mayger, P. W. McAdow, Harry A. Meyer, C. R. Middleton, Jno. M. Murphey, William Muth and Alfred Myers.

Caution

Much of the paper is highly acidic and brittle. Care when handling is of the utmost importance.

Folder 2, Folder 13

N-O (Neal, Neil, O'Malley) 1911-1921

Scope and Contents note

Correspondence involving: John S. M. Neal, Geo G. E. Neill, and M. G. O'Malley.

Caution

Much of the paper is highly acidic and brittle. Care when handling is of the utmost importance.

Folder 2, Folder 14

P-Q (Peet, Pemberton) 1916-1929

Scope and Contents note

Correspondence involving: Herbert M. Peet and W. Y. Pemberton.

Caution

Much of the paper is highly acidic and brittle. Care when handling is of the utmost importance.

Folder 2, Folder 15

R (Ramsdell, Rickards) 1911-1929

Scope and Contents note

Correspondence involving: W. R. Ramsdell and J. E. Rickards.

Caution

Much of the paper is highly acidic and brittle. Care when handling is of the utmost importance.

Folder 2, Folder 16

S-T (Sanders, Sargeant, Schmidt, Stewart, Toole) 1911-1927

Scope and Contents note

Correspondence involving: James U. Sanders, Francis E. Sargeant, Leopold F. Schmidt, Charles T. Stewart and John R. Toole.

Caution

Much of the paper is highly acidic and brittle. Care when handling is of the utmost importance.

Folder 2, Folder 17

W ( Warren, Weiss, Whaley, Winston, Working) 1911-1929

Scope and Contents note

Correspondence involving: Charles S. Warren, Maurice Weiss, Whaley, Geo B. Winston and Lincoln Working.

Caution

Much of the paper is highly acidic and brittle. Care when handling is of the utmost importance.

Folder 3, Folder 1

General Correspondence and Meeting Minutes 1911-1919

Scope and Contents note

Contains meeting minutes and general correspondence relating to the Society of the Framers of the Constitution of the State of Montana.

Caution

Much of the paper is highly acidic and brittle. Care when handling is of the utmost importance.

Folder 3, Folder 2

Lists of the Surviving and Deceased Members and Residence Information 1911-1929

Scope and Contents note

Contains lists of surviving and deceased members of the Society of the Framers of the Constitution of the State of Montana. This folder also includes residence information for a number of members.

Folder 3, Folder 3

A Short History of the Society of the Framers of the Constitution of the State of Montana 1911-1916

Scope and Contents note

Contains a short history of the Society of the Framers of the Constitution of the State of Montana written by W. M. Bickford. This folder also includes a letter written to Bickford regarding necessary corrections to the short history.

Folder 3, Folder 4

Photographs 1928

Scope and Contents note

Contains photographs of members of the Society of the Framers of the Constitution. One set of photographs has a date of 1928 but most dates are unknown.

Box 9

Photograph of 1911 dinner at the Montana Club 1911

Folder 3, Folder 5

Ephemera 1889-1916

Scope and Contents note

Contains brochures, directories, invitations and miscellaneous items relating to the Society of the Framers of the Constitution of the State of Montana

Folder 3, Folder 6

Newspaper Articles 1889-1928

Scope and Contents note

Includes newspaper articles relating general information about the Society of the Framers of the Constitution of the State of Montana as well as a number of members. Also included, an article regarding the death of William Andrews Clark.

Box 3

Notebook 1889

Scope and Contents note

Contains the signatures of many of the members of the Society of the Framers of the Constitution of the State of Montana.

Robert S. Hale and James Thompson Papers Series 3. 1878-1929

Physical Description: 0.21 Linear feet 1 box

Scope and Contents note

This series consists of two separate subgroups. The first two folders contain documents relating to the litigation and settlement of Robert S. Hale's Estate worth a said $100,000. Following his death, his niece Lutie Gibson White was accused by Annie H. Thompson, widow of James Thompson, the son of one of Hale's sisters, for undue influence in gaining control of his properties prior to his death. Folders three through five contain personal papers and legal documents relating to James and Annie Thompson.

Arrangement note

This series has been arranged chronologically by date where possible.

Folder 4, Folder 1

Hale, Robert S.- Correspondence Relating to Annie H. Thompson and the Litigation of Hale's Estate 1917-1927

Scope and Contents note

Consists of correspondence relating to Annie H. Thompson, a relative of Robert S. Hale and wife of James Thompson, regarding the litigation and settlement of Hale's estate.

Folder 4, Folder 2

Hale, Robert S.- Legal Papers Pertaining to Litigation and Settlement of Hale Estate Unknown

Scope and Contents note

Contains legal documents regarding the litigation and settlement of Robert S. Hale's estate.

General note

Only one document has a recorded date, October 1925, all other papers have unknown dates.

Folder 4, Folder 3

Thompson, James- Property Deeds and Legal Documents 1878-1895

Scope and Contents note

Contains land deeds, mining claims and bonds and mining leases.

Folder 4, Folder 4

Thompson, James- Proof of Labor, Receipts, Medical Statement on Mining Injury and Power of Attorney 1880-1883

Scope and Contents note

Contains various documents relating to proof of labor at mines, miscellaneous receipts, medical statement on a mining injury and power of attorney documents written by Thompson.

Folder 4, Folder 5

Thompson, James- Personal Papers 1879-1929

Scope and Contents note

Contains newspaper clippings relating to mining applications, a map of mining claims in Butte, Montana, personal receipts, personal correspondence, proposed plan for consolidation of a group of mining claims, executrix for James Thompson and a decree of settlement of account and distribution.

Folder 4, Folder 6

Miscellaneous 1884-1890's

Scope and Contents note

Contains the 25th Annual Commencement Exercises of the Columbia College Law School, Academy of Music brochure, names of the members of the Helena Bar Association. Also includes the Banquet and Ball Programme for the Montana Pioneers, a list of Pioneers of Helena, Montana and the preface from a volume of the Society of Montana Pioneers.

Cavalry Commissary Papers Series 4. 1878-1893

Physical Description: 0.42 Linear feet 2 boxes

Scope and Contents note

Consists of two boxes containing documents relating to Cavalry and Infantry food orders and returns at Fort Keogh, Montana.

Arrangement note

This series has been arranged by military company and chronologically by date.

Folder 5, Folder 1

Food Purchase Orders for 2nd, 8th and 10th Cavalry 1880-1892

Scope and Contents note

Contains food purchase orders for 2nd, 8th and 10th Cavalry at Fort Keogh

Folder 5, Folder 2

Food Purchase Orders at Fort Keogh 5th Infantry 1879-1891

Scope and Contents note

Contains food purchase orders for the 5th Infantry at Fort Keogh

Folder 5, Folder 3

Food Purchase Orders for 22nd Infantry 1891-1893

Scope and Contents note

Contains food purchase orders for the 22nd Infantry at Fort Keogh

Folder 5, Folder 4

Other Food Purchase Orders (Illegible or Unknown Company) 1879-1892

Scope and Contents note

Contains food purchase orders in which the company name and number are either unknown or illegible.

Folder 5, Folder 5

22nd Infantry Return of Subsistence Stores 1892

Scope and Contents note

Contains a notebook of the Return of Subsistence Stores for the 22nd Infantry at Fort Keogh

Folder 5, Folder 6

Ration Returns for the 5th and 22nd Infantry and the 22nd Cavalry 1879-1891

Scope and Contents note

Contains ration return documents for the 5th and 22nd Infantry and the 22nd Cavalry at Fort Keogh.

Folder 5, Folder 7

10th Cavalry Commutation of Rations While Traveling 1892

Scope and Contents note

Contains the paperwork for the commutation of rations for the 10th Cavalry while traveling by railway.

Folder 5, Folder 8

Register of Orders 1878

Scope and Contents note

Contains a register of food orders of various Companies at Fort Keogh

Folder 6, Folder 1

Requisition for Extra Issues (Ration Returns) 1890

Scope and Contents note

Contains ration return documents for various Companies at Fort Keogh.

General note

These documents are rolled and fragile. Care when handling is of the utmost importance.

Box 6

Sales to Enlisted Men, Companies, Detachments and Hospital for Cash 1889

Scope and Contents note

A bound volume containing food sales to enlisted men, companies, detachments and hospital.

General note

Handle with care. The threshold in which the volume can open is not great. Volume should be supported when viewing, especially along the spine.

Box 6

Bound Volume of Food Orders 1890-1892

Scope and Contents note

A bound volume containing food orders for an unknown Company.

Miscellaneous materials Series 5. 1881-1960

Physical Description: 1.33 Linear feet 2 boxes

Scope and Contents

Consists of miscellaneous Montana-related materials from a variety of sources. Items include periodicals, ephemera, scrapbooks, and legal documents, among other things. Many items in this series were gifts from Donna Adams of Butte, Montana (MS.1991.001).

Box 7, Folder 1

The Frontier Monthly October 1903

Note

Gift of Donna Adams, 1991 (MS.1991.001).

Box 7, Folder 2

Columbia Gardens postcard 1907

Note

Also includes a note from Donna Adams.

Gift of Donna Adams, 1991 (MS.1991.001).

Box 7, Folder 2

Western Federation of Miners membership card 1914-1918

Note

Gift of Donna Adams, 1991 (MS.1991.001)

Box 7, Folder 3

The Society of Montana Pioneers, 34th Annual Meeting Program 1917

Note

Includes correspondence from Donna Adams.

Gift of Donna Adams, 1991 (MS.1991.001).

Box 7, Folder 4

Historic Twin Cities: Virginia City and Nevada City, Montana [brochure] 1960

Note

Images of the cities appear in color.

Gift of Donna Adams, 1991 (MS.1991.001).

Box 7, Folder 5

Hotel Broadwater postcard 1908

Note

Gift of Donna Adams, 1991 (MS.1991.001).

Box 7, Folder 5

Check to Oscar Carlson from the First National Bank in Helena, Montana 1888

Note

Gift of Donna Adams, 1991 (MS.1991.001).

Box 7, Folder 6

Postcard of the Mountain View Mine, Butte, Montana 1908

Note

Gift of Donna Adams, 1991 (MS.1991.001).

Box 7, Folder 8

Interoffice correspondence from H.J. Heinz Co., to "Judge" from "Pat" 1919

Note

Regarding a check for $25 and weather happenings in Butte, Montana on December 12, 1919.

Gift of Donna Adams, 1991 (MS.1991.001).

Box 7, Folder 9

Moulton Mining Company stock certificate issued to George C. Buchanan and signed by WA Clark February 17, 1881

Note

Gift of Donna Adams, 1991 (MS.1991.001).

Box 7, Folder 9

Deed of sale between "Fink" and Marcus and Maggie Daly for a cemetery plot in Anaconda December 14, 1889

Box 8

Sanner family scrapbook of newspaper clippings 1915-1919

Caution

Much of the paper is highly acidic and brittle and the spine of the volume is damaged. Care when handling is of the utmost importance.

Note

Gift of J.E. Reynolds (MS.2011.005).

Box 8

Scrapbook of newspaper clippings related to Admiral Winfield Scott Schley, John X. Beidler, and Colonel Alexander K. McClure 1903

Caution

Much of the paper is highly acidic and brittle. Care when handling is of the utmost importance.

Box 9, Folder 2

Miscellaneous and newspaper-related ephemera 1920s?

Note

Originally housed with MS.1931.001.