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William A. Carter papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS SC 490

Scope and Contents note

This collection includes several personal and business letters between 1863 and 1925 and letters of condolence at the time of Carter's death in 1881. Many of the letters are from William A. Carter to his wife Mary. Some letters are to and from various associates of Carter's, and the condolences are from General George Crook, General William Harney and Ellen McClellan, wife of General McClellan. In addition, there is a map detailing the water lines and buildings in Fort Bridger, Wyoming. Newspaper clippings are included to tell about events such as Carter's death, and when the first threshing machine arrived in Fort Bridger, Wyoming.

Dates

  • 1863-1925

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 William A. Carter Papers must be obtained from the Supervisor of Reference Services and/or the Special Collections Board of Curators.

Biographical/Historical note

William A. Carter was born April 15, 1818 in Virginia. Around 1857 to 1858 William A. Carter came with Johnston's Army as a sutler or storekeeper to Fort Bridger, Wyoming. Carter and his wife, Mary E. Carter, had six children: Ada, Anna, Lulie, Roberta, William A. and Edgar. He stayed at Fort Bridger with his family rebuilding and restocking the fort. One of the region's early businessmen, Carter was involved in mining, oil, logging, and cattle ranching, and he also operated a sawmill. He raised hay and grain on the land surrounding the Fort to fill contracts with the government. Carter was soon known as Mr. Fort Bridger, and became Wyoming's first millionaire. In addition to his business activities Carter was justice of the peace and probate judge for Green River County.

Extent

5 folders (0.08 linear ft.)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

This collection includes several personal and business letters between 1863 and 1925, and letters of condolence at the time of Carter's death in 1881. In addition there is an undated map of Fort Bridger detailing the water lines and buildings.

Arrangement note

William A. Carter papers are arranged in two series: 1. William A. Carter correspondence; 2. William A. Carter collected materials.

Other Finding Aids

Folder-level inventory available online. http://files.lib.byu.edu/ead/XML/MSSSC490.xml

Immediate Source of Acquisition note

Purchased from Fred A. Rosenstock, 1974.

Appraisal note

19th Century Mormon and Western Manuscripts.

Related Archival Materials note

See also Letter, 1864 (Vault MSS 102, Brigham Young University); William Alexander Carter papers, 1837-1975 (bulk 1860-1869) (MSS 99/75 p. University of California, Bancroft Library); and William H. Foote letters to W.A. Carter and related papers, 1846-1884 (MSS P-M 204, University of California, Berkeley).

Processing Information note

Processed; Dennis Rowley; 1995.

Title
Register of the William A. Carter papers
Status
Completed
Author
Dennis Rowley
Date
1995
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.
Sponsor
Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant, 2007-2008; National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Western Waters (WWDL) Grant, 2007-2010

Repository Details

Part of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Repository

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