Description
This collection consists of papers related to the life and
political career of American lawyer and politician William Gibbs McAdoo (1863-1941). Much of
the correspondence deals with McAdoo's public appearances and engagements as a United
States senator from California and also his failed attempt at re-election in 1938.
Background
William Gibbs McAdoo (1863-1941) was born in Marietta, Georgia, on 31 October 1863 to Mary Faith (Floyd)
McAdoo and William Gibbs McAdoo. He was a practicing lawyer in both Chattanooga, Tennessee
and New York City after passing the bar in 1885. William Gibbs McAdoo developed and oversaw
the construction of the Hudson River Tunnels, acting as president of the company which
operated them from 1902-1913. He served as vice chairman for the Democratic National
Committee in 1912 and as a delegate for the Democratic National Convention in the years
1912, 1932, and 1936. McAdoo was also a member of President Woodrow Wilson's cabinet as
Secretary of the Treasury from March 1913 to December 1918. He was Director-General of the
United States Railroads during World War I from December 1917 to January 1919. One
interesting fact about McAdoo that is little known is that he was the leading candidate for
the Presidential nomination at the Democratic National Convention in 1920. He was a United
States senator from California from 1933 until his resignation in 1936. He was then an
unsuccessful candidate for renomination in 1938.
Extent
12 boxes, 1 oversize folder, 3 oversize volumes.
Restrictions
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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.
Availability
Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department.
For more information, contact Reader Services.