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W. A. Graham research

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 1877

Scope and Contents note

Collection is primarily copies of original documents that Colonel W. A. Graham used in researching habeas corpus proceedings concerning prisoners held by general courts-martial. It also includes some of his writings from his research. Most of the papers deal with the court case of John André, an officer of the British Army accused of working with Benedict Arnold who was arrested, tried, and hung in 1780. The collection also includes papers dealing with other courts-martial cases from different presidential administrations; copy of "Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States" (1803 edition), by von Steuben; and three photographs of Colonel William Alexander Graham. Materials are dated from approximately 1778 to 1921, with the pictures dated 1934.

Dates

  • 1934
  • approximately 1778-1921

Creator

Conditions Governing Access note

Open for public research.

Conditions Governing Use note

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances. Permission to publish material from the W. A. Graham research must be obtained from the Supervisor of Reference Services and/or the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Board of Curators.

Biographical History

W. A. Graham (1875-1954) was an American lawyer, army officer, and writer.

William Alexander Graham was born January 23, 1875. He studied at Beloit College Academy from 1891 to 1894, at Stanford University from 1894 to 1896, and at the University of Iowa in 1897. He passed the Iowa Bar that year and practiced law in Iowa until 1916. He began his military service in 1912 when he served as a captain in the National Guard. He became a Major in the Judge Advocate's Department for the United States Army in 1920. He became a colonel in 1931 and retired from the U.S. Army in 1939. During his service at the Mexican border (1916-1917) he received the Mexican Border Service Medal, Victory Medal with Meuse-Argonne and Defensive Sector bars. In addition to being in the military, the colonel was also an author. Some of his works include "The Story of Little Big Horn" (1926), "The Custer Myth" (1953), and "Abstract of the Reno Court of Inquiry" (1954). He died October 8, 1954 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

In 1921 Colonel Graham researched habeas corpus proceedings concerning prisoners held by general courts-martial. He looked into the practice starting with the American Revolution period, starting with the case of John André in 1780 until the 1920s and was given access to all related documents.

Extent

1 oversize box (0.5 linear ft.)

2 boxes (1 linear ft.)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

This collection is primarily copies of original documents that Colonel William Alexander Graham used in researching habeas corpus proceedings concerning prisoners held by general courts-martial. It also includes some of his writings from his research. Most of the papers deal with the court case of John Andre, an officer of the British Army accused of working with Benedict Arnold who was arrested, tried, and hung in 1780. The collection also includes papers dealing with other courts-martial cases from different presidential administrations; copy of “Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States,” 1803 edition, by Friedrich von Steuben; and three photographs of Colonel William Alexander Graham. Materials are dated circa 1778-1921, with the pictures dated 1934.

Custodial History note

Donated by Hugh Shick and Mrs. Helen B. Graham in 1975 and 1977.

Immediate Source of Acquisition note

Donated; Hugh Shick and Mrs. Helen B. Graham; 1975 and 1977.

Appraisal note

19th Century Mormon and Western Manuscripts because of William Alexander Graham's research of American history.

Existence and Location of Originals note

Originals: New York State Library; Cultural Education Center; 222 Madison Ave., Albany, N.Y.; 518-474-5355

Processing Information note

Processed; Melissa Cowles, student processor and John Murphy, curator; 2008.

Title
Register of W. A. Graham research
Status
Completed
Author
Melissa Cowles, student processor and John Murphy, curator
Date
2008
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English in Latin script.

Repository Details

Part of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Repository

Contact:
1130 HBLL
Brigham Young University
Provo Utah 84602 United States