Overland Mail Collection, 1850-1898, bulk 1850-1887

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Summary

Creators:
Overland Mail Company.
Abstract:
This collection contains materials related to the development of overland mail service in the United States West (bulk 1850-1887) and is composed of two parts: the papers of Hiram S. Rumfield (75 pieces), assistant treasurer of the Overland Mail Company at Salt Lake City, Utah, which contain documents related to Rumfield family matters, the business affairs of the Overland Mail Company, and Indians in Utah Territory; and the papers of L.P. Williamson (90 pieces), superintendent of the North Western Overland Mail Company and president of the Western Mail and Stage Company, which include reports from stage drivers concerning road conditions.
Extent:
166 pieces
Language:
English.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains personal correspondence, business papers, 2 photographs, and a scrapbook of newspaper clippings (1865-66) related to the development of overland mail service in the United States West, predominantly for the years preceding the establishment of the railroad. Includes originals and a few letter-press copies.

Two groups of manuscripts integrate this collection:

  • (1) The papers of Hiram S. Rumfield, an officer of the Overland Mail Co. (75 pieces, 1850-1867). Rumfield was appointed to the post of mail agent at Fort Smith, Arkansas, in 1860, but on the outbreak of the Civil War was transferred to the Salt Lake City office as assistant treasurer and remained in that capacity until 1866. He was engaged in a real estate venture in Carson City and acquired 640 acres of land which was laid out as the Rumfield Town Survey. These papers contain documents related to Rumfield family matters, the business affairs of the Overland Mail Company, and Indians in Utah Territory. There are two photographs: a portrait of Rumfield and a photograph of a stagecoach.
  • (2) Papers of L. P. Williamson, of Independence, Mo., superintendent of the North Western Overland Mail Company and president of the Western Mail and Stage Co. in 1884; dealing with the company's business and including reports from stage drivers concerning road conditions. (90 pieces, 1880-1898).

Persons represented by 4 or more pieces: William Connor (4 items); Frederick K. Cook (4 items); Hiram S. Rumfield (21 items); and H. A. Todd (5 items).

Some notable items include:

  • Carney, Thomas. To John McAllister Schofield. Letter asking military protection for Kansas. 1863 August 10
  • Rumfield, Hiram S. To Amos Reed, Indian Supt. Letters interceding on behalf of the Indians, asking help and food for them. 1862 February 10, March 7
  • Williamson, R. C. To L. P. Williamson. Letter concerning extension of the mail route into Oregon. 1882, February 2

Biographical / historical:

The Butterfield Overland Mail Company, organized in 1857, carried mail between St. Louis, Missouri, and San Francisco, California, until the outbreak of the Civil War forced it to move north to the central overland route. It was known as the Central Overland and Pike's Peak Express Company until it was reorganized and General Bela M. Hughes was elected president of the Overland Mail Company in 1861.

Acquisition information:
Purchased by the Library from H. C. Revercomb, June 29, 1946.
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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