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Creator:
Ainsworth, J. C. (John Commingers), 1822-1893
Title:
John C. Ainsworth Papers
Dates:
1858-1911 ( inclusive )
Quantity:
24 linear feet (27 containers)
Collection Number:
Coll. 250
Summary:
John Commingers Ainsworth (1822-1893) was the major founder of the Oregon Steam Navigation (OSN) Company,
the most powerful transportation monopoly in the Pacific Northwest. Ainsworth was also involved in a number
of other ventures, including the Northern Pacific Railroad (NPRR) and various gold, silver and coal mining
operations. The John Commingers Ainsworth Papers contain Ainsworth’s diaries, autobiography, personal
correspondence, and the business records of the Oregon Central Railroad, Oregon Steam Navigation Company,
Northern Pacific Railroad Company, and various mining, building and shipping enterprises.
Repository:
University of Oregon Libraries
1299 University of Oregonhttp://libweb.uoregon.edu/speccoll/index.html
Languages:
Collection materials are in
English.
Sponsor:
Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through
a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Biographical Note
John Commingers Ainsworth was born in Springsboro, Ohio on June 6, 1822. His parents died when he was young,
and with only two years of formal schooling he went to work for his uncle, a merchant. They became partners in a
business selling trade goods from boats along the Ohio River, but soon young Ainsworth split from his uncle and
bought a store with a partner, which they sold at a good profit after a successful year. He married a young woman,
Josephine Augusta Kendall, who died fifteen months later. Ainsworth was not yet twenty.
In 1844 he bought a steamboat with his uncle and for the next five years they ran a successful packet service
along the upper Mississippi. When the Gold Rush hit in 1849, Ainsworth sold his share of the business and went to
California. Failing to find wealth or even interesting work, he took a job piloting a steamer on the Willamette River
in Oregon. In 1851 he married the daughter of Judge S.S. White, and built his Greek Revival-style house in Oregon City
(it is open to the public and listed in the National Register of Historic Places). Over the next few years Ainsworth
purchased several steam boats, becoming a central figure in the fiercely competitive river transportation industry.
In late 1860, Ainsworth and a group of investors incorporated the Oregon Steam Navigation (OSN) Company. The OSN
Company controlled the shipping routes of steamers, railroads, and freight lines, and under Ainsworth’s direction,
quickly became the most powerful transportation monopoly in the Pacific Northwest. By 1869 the OSN Company had consolidated
its control over the Columbia River transportation market. In 1872, Ainsworth bartered a controlling interest in OSN to
Northern Pacific Railroad (NPRR) in exchange for capital and NPRR bonds. When NPRR bonds dropped from $0.90 to $0.10,
Ainsworth involved himself in the company’s affairs, traveling to the East Coast and helping oversee the completion of
their railroad. In April 1879, Henry Villard purchased the OSN Company for its full capitalized value of $5 million.
Ainsworth retired to Oak Lawn, California after the sale.
While in Oregon Ainsworth had become a Freemason, and eventually the third Grand Master of the Oregon Masonic Lodge.
After retiring to California he wrote his autobiography, addressing it to his children George, John, Harry and Daisy.
Ainsworth died in California in December 1893.
Content Description
The Ainsworth Papers are divided into nine groups, housed across 27 boxes and 32 loose volumes. The loose volumes primarily
consist of bound correspondence and are listed within the series appropriate to the content of the volume. The collection contains
Ainsworth’s diaries, autobiography, personal correspondence, and the business records of the Oregon Central Railroad, Oregon
Steam Navigation Company, Northern Pacific Railroad Company, and various mining, building and shipping enterprises.
The Diaries group contains Ainsworth’s diaries and his autobiography, and may be found in the first five folders of Box 1.
Personal Correspondence from family, friends and associates, arranged alphabetically by the sender’s last name, fill the
rest of Box 1 and most of Box 2. Documents relating to the Freemasons—mostly correspondence but including some official papers—
are in folder 8 of Box 2 and the first eight folders of Box 3. Notable correspondents in this group include Evans S. McComas.
Personal Correspondence from family, friends and associates, arranged alphabetically by the sender’s last name, fill the rest
of Box 1 and most of Box 2. Documents relating to the Freemasons—mostly correspondence but including some official papers—are in
folder 8 of Box 2 and the first eight folders of Box 3. Notable correspondents in this group include Evans S. McComas.
Oregon Steam Navigation Company correspondence and business records may be found in Boxes 5 through 9, and in the first three folders of Box 10.
Northern Pacific Railroad Company correspondence and business records begin in folder 4 of Box 10 and run through folder 2
of Box 15. Notable correspondents in this group include Hazzard Stevens.
Mines and Mining and Other Corporate Enterprises (except shipping and Portland Hydraulic Elevator Company) correspondence and
documents begin in Box 15, volumes 6 and 7 and folder 3, and run through volume 32 and folder 2 of Box 18. While most of the businesses
are mining operations (gold, silver and coal), Ainsworth’s enterprises also included two mills (Ainsworth Mill Co. and Cabinet Steam
Sawmill), and the Oregon Steam Brewery.
Records of Barks Alden Besse , Coloma , and Kate Davenport ,
owned by J.C. Ainsworth, CM. Noyes, Allen Noyes, and others (1879–1888), are housed in volumes 35 through 37, and folder 3 of Box 18 through Box 21.
Records of Building and House Construction, Portland (1880–1883) are housed in the first nine folders of Box 22.
Personal Finance and Corporate Records are housed in volume 38, and in folder 10 of Box 22 through Box 27.
:
Collection is open to the public.
Collection must be used in Special Collections & University Archives Reading Room.
:
Property rights reside with Special Collections & University Archives, University of Oregon Libraries.
Copyright resides with the creators of the documents or their heirs.
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted to the
Manuscripts Librarian in Special Collections & University Archives. The
reader must also obtain permission of the copyright holder.
:
[Identification of item], John C. Ainsworth Papers, Coll. 250, Special Collections & University Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, Eugene, Oregon.
Administrative Information
Arrangement :
Collection is organized into the following series: Diaries; Personal correspondence; Oregon Central Railroad Company; Oregon
Steam Navigation Company; Northern Pacific Railroad Company; Mines and mining and other corporate enterprises; Records of Barks
Alden Besse , Coloma , and Kate Davenport ;
Records of building and house construction, Portland; and Personal finance and corporate records.
Detailed Description of the Collection
The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in
the collection.
Box
Folder
1
1
Diaries
1858, 1860, 1861
1
2
Diaries
1865, 1866, 1872
1
3
Diaries
undated
1
4
Autobiography
1877
^ Return to Top
Box
Folder
1
5
Ackerson, John W. Tacoma land for sale
February 8, 1875
1
5
Adams, W.L. (William Lysander). Sale of farm
December 1, 1871; December 11, 1871
1
5
Ainsworth, Andrew (uncle). Family news
August 31, 1875
1
5
Ainsworth, C.W. Inquiry about reformatory job
October 7, 1875
1
5
Ainsworth, George J. (son). News from school at Oakland, CA (includes list of accounts)
September 28, 1872
1
5
Ainsworth, William G. Request for loan
[January?] 8, 1877
1
5
Albright, William G., Jr. Inquiry on immigration; request for job
December 21 1874; February 8, 1875
1
5
Allen, W.A. Request and thanks for aid
February 4, 1879; February 10, 1879
1
5
Anderson, B.P. Request to locate missing person
December 5, 1874
1
5
Armstrong, C.H. Invitation to invest in "Oleomargaine" process
March 11, 1874
1
5
Alvord, Benjamin. Comment on political affairs
November 3, 1864; November 7, 1864
1
6
Babbitt, E.B. Situation in Buffalo, NY
November 27, 1872
1
6
Ball, Mrs. A.H. Advice on Portland investments
April 2, 1879
1
6
Bank of California (J. Dunn). Acknowledgements of receipts
January 5, 1875; November 8, 1875; December 24, 1875
1
6
Barnes, G.A. and Co. Land tax matters in Washington10 letters
February 6, 1874-November 24, 1879
1
6
Barney, Chas O. & Co. Resale of stocks of Western Land Association
May 7, 1880
1
6
Bayley, J.R. Sale of property and note payments
July 28, 1879
1
6
Bell, J.W. Rental of store rooms in Masonic Temple Building, Portland
October 18, 1876
1
6
Blackwell, William B. Thanks for donation; subscription to Forest and Stream
December 29, 1874; February 4, 1875
1
6
Bleakmore, J.B. Recommendation of Orion Kinnerly
October 11, 1875
1
6
Booth, A.R. Promise to pay debt
February 4, 1876
1
6
Booth, Robert. Asks about job opportunities for his son
April 15, 1879
1
6
Bross, Miss Jessie L. Thanks for hospitality
September 1869?
1
6
Bross, William. Recommendation of ex-Governor Marcus L. Ward, NJ
July 30, 1874
1
6
Brown, A.D. Road work due on property
June 28, 1879; July 11, 1879
1
6
Brown, F.R. Inquiry on price of property
May 6, 1880
1
6
Brown, Mart V. Requests extension of mortgage
July 22, 1879
1
6
Brown, R./G. Payment of William T. Shanahan's bond (encl. letter from W.T. Shanahan, October 15, 1874)
December 22, 1874; January 5, 1875
1
6
Brush, Geo. E. Road tax work order
January 24, 1880
1
7
Calhourn, Lucia Gilbert. Thanks for hospitality
September 12, 1869
1
7
Carlile, D. Payment of H. Green Mortgage
August 9, 1880; August 12, 1880
1
7
Cartie, L.F. Sending bond for completion
April 15, 1867
1
7
Caton, N.T. Proposal to start newspaper at Walla Walla, W.T.
November 20, 1878
1
7
Cayton, W.W. Inquiry about Capt. Babbit
March 16, 1878
1
7
Chadwick, S.B. H.C. Owen affairs
January 20, 1876
1
7
Chipman, N.P. Reports on Eastern Washington Territory
November 12, 1878
1
7
Clark, Frank. Land purchase5 letters
October 23, 1876-May 27, 1879
1
7
Colfax, Schuyler. Thanks for favors received
September 2, 1871; October 24, 1871
1
7
Cooke, H.D. Recommendation for Frank T. Dodge
January 4, 1873
1
7
Corbett, H.W. Suggestions for internal improvements
January 14, 1868
1
7
Cornwall, P.B. Sale of Steamer Great Republic
July 31, 1878; September 5, 1878
1
7
Cress and Bowley. Harness purchase
May 27, 1878
1
7
Crook, George. Recollections of Pacific Coast days
December 15, 1875
1
8
Daniels, W.B. Portland city politics
January 26, 1877
1
8
Davis, Jef. C. Introduction of R.D. Burnett
September 29, 1874
1
8
Dawson, Jas. J. Thanks for favors
January 9, 1875
1
8
Death, H.J. Recollections of childhood days
April 7, 1866
1
8
Denny, O.N. Reminder of package on call
February 14, 1876
1
8
Dimon, Chas. Damaged shipment of boxes from Italy
August 9, 1878
1
8
Dolph, Joseph N. Masonic hall business
June 28, 1879
1
8
Dwight, H.W. Inquiry on land purchase
December 12, 1879
1
8
Egbert, Augustine. Thanks for favors
January 2, 1878
1
8
Eliot, Thomas Lamb. Thanks for support of church and friendship
June 1869; May 18, 1874; January 20, 1880; April 10, 1876; July 6, 1874
1
8
Evans, Elwood. Asks for favors and advice[See also Masonic letters]
June 2, 1868; June 4, 1868; December 9, 1875; September 5, 1878; October 17, 1878
2
1
Failing, Henry. Thanks for sympathy regarding the death of Failing’s wife
July 21, 1870?
2
1
Farrow, Edward S. Prosecution of "Young Lane"
June 1, 1879
2
1
Fishburne, George J. Re: school tax, Cornelius, Oregon
March 14, 1879
2
1
Freeman, C.A. Asks for work
December 31, 1875
2
1
Froman, D. Mortgages, Albany, Oregon7 letters
1879-1880
2
1
Fry, J.D. Introduction for T.J. Hay
July 2, 1879
2
1
Gammie, George. Livestock report from a farm on Bachelors Island
April 16, 1879; November 25, 1881
2
1
Gardiner, J.J. Property purchases, Oakland, California16 letters
1879-1880
2
1
Geary, Edward R. Asks favor for Albany College; re: accounts
January 27, 1867; April 2, 1876
2
1
Gibbs, George. Asks Ainsworth to talk with Livingston Stone, United States Fish Commission agent
August 10, 1872
2
1
Goddard & Co., San Francisco. Shipment of iron works
March 11, 1866; August 25, 1866
2
1
Gradon, Herman D. Ainsworth elected as an Honorary Member, Alumni Association of the Portland High School
2
1
Grover, L.F. Support of bills in Congress
September 22, 1876; January 10, 1879; February 18, 1879
2
2
Hallock Charles. Fishing tackle
May 1, 1875; May 3, 1875
2
2
Harland, C.W. Site for schoolhouse, Lewis County, W.T.
June 8, 1879
2
2
Hawley, E.A. House rent
April 26, 1876
2
2
Hayden, James R. Greetings and congratulations on the building of the N.P.R.R.
February 10, 1876; March 24, 1879
2
2
Hiller, Mrs. D.A. Estate settlement5 letters, documents
1879-1880
2
2
Hine, Louis. Introduction, asks for job
November 6, 1878
2
2
Hixon, J.M. Land opportunity in California
April 14, 1880
2
2
Hodges, Henry C. Appointment of Ed Weeks to West Point
September 23, 1878
2
2
Holbrook, Willard A. Asks for a job as a “watchman”
January 25, 1875
2
2
Holman, Fred V. Receipt for money
December 9, 1874
2
2
Holt, H.H. Pails for transporting fish
May 1, 1879
2
2
Ingalls, E.G. Tacoma politics
May 17, 1877
2
2
Ingalls, Rufus. Promotion of Senator Nesmith
August 21, 1866
2
3
Jackson, Edward. Oregon articles in London paper
October 12, 1874; October 17, 1874
2
3
Johnson, P.B. Explanation of relations with Walla Walla Union newspaper; asks to be appointed resident attorney
June 5, 1878; November 7, 1878
2
3
Johnson, Robert. Recollections of old days and request for favor
May 1, 1875
2
3
Kast & Co. (Fashionable Shoe Store, San Francisco). Boot order
June 3, 1878
2
3
Kearney, E.S. Political news
February 6, 1875; January 19, 1876; January 21, 1876; February 14, 1876; May 19, 1876
2
3
Kimball, George P. Wagon payment
June 29, 1868
2
3
Knight, P.S. Public lectures
November 13, 1878; November 20, 1878
2
3
Knights, Templar, Oregon Commandery No. 1. Ainsworth selected an honorary member
October 11, 1876
2
3
Latham, Milton S. Promotion of Senator Nesmith
May 11, 1866; May 30, 1866
2
3
Lewis, D.C. Land list, Columbia River South (Oregon) side
November 10, 1879
2
3
Life Association of America. Form letters to policy holders
December 24, 1879
2
3
Lincoln, E. Change of address
December 22, 1879
2
3
Linderman, Dell. Inquiry about Mrs. Col. Weeks
April 4, 1880
2
3
Linton, Susan A. Family member-asks for information on the West
February 12, 1875
2
4
McCann, H. Farm reports, Lakeview, Oregon7 letters
1878-1880
2
4
McCann, James and John. Lot for sale, Astoria, Oregon
May 26, 1877
2
4
McCartney, H.M. Thanks for favors
September 24, 1879
2
4
McCaver, M.M. Description of the sife of Tacoma
October 4, 1869
2
4
McComas, E.S. Land for sale, Eastern Oregon
January 27, 1872; March 8, 1872; March 18, 1872
2
4
McCracken, J.M. Sales of ship Coloma
June 3, 1879; October 29, 1879; November 8, 1880
2
4
McElroy, J.F. Gift of peaches
October 3, 1879
2
4
McKerchner, D.C. Payment on note
November 3, 1869
2
4
McKinlay, Archibald. Re: shipment of marten skins
May 15, 1866
2
4
Macleary, Donald. Introducing William Reid, American Vice Consul to Dundee, Scotland
April 14, 1874
2
4
McMicken, W. Personal and political news
November 12, 1876; July 25, 1877; November 25, 1878; April 11, 1879
2
4
Marys, F.W.D. Asks to borrow a printing press to publish a paper in Walla Walla, W.T., “in the interests of Christianity”
April 30, 1878
2
4
Meeker, Ezra. Property for sale, Lake view station, W.T.
December 24, 1875
2
4
Miller, W. Railroad prospects
July 23, 1874; August 26, 1874
2
4
Mills, O.O. Land purchases
June 28, 1871
2
4
Min, John. Sale of property to Captain R.R. Thompson
March 17, 1876
2
4
Mitchell, John N. Major Weeks affairs
February 1, 1876
2
4
Morgan, H.B. Tax matters, Hillsboro, Oregon
January 3, 1878; January 9, 1878
2
5
National Metropolitan Bank, Washington, DC. Inquiry re lost check
March 8, 1875
2
5
Nesmith, James M. Political and railroad matters7 letters
1864-1868
2
5
New York Life Insurance Co. Acknowledgements and bills10 documents
1872-1878
2
5
Nordhoff, Charles. Inquiry re: Aurora Colony for article for Harper’s Magazine
January 14, 1878
2
5
Noris, William. Introducing Frank Shilbauer
June 26, 1878
2
5
Noyes and Fairweather. Charter of ship Coloma
July 10, 1879
2
5
O’Brien, R.G. Re: Edward Giddings
February 22, 1875
2
5
Ogden, W.B. Introducing George Wright
December 11, 1875
2
5
Owen, H.C. Swamp lands
September 29, 1876; April 23, 1877; April 25, 1877
2
5
Paige, H.C. Receipt for tax payment
February 2, 1879
2
5
Palmer, Joel. Appreciation for political honor
April 9, 1870
2
5
Parker, J.G. Note for endorsement
March 7, 1874
2
5
Pierce, E.G. & Co., San Francisco. Re: shipment
June 25, 1878
2
5
Plummer, C.B. University of Washington job; notes due
April 5, 1879; April 27, 1879; April 29, 1879; May 17, 1879
2
5
Porter, David W. Bond signature request
February 9, 1863; August 26, 1863
2
5
Pratt, Henry K. Introducing S.L. Bayles, Keokuk, Iowa
September 4, 1878
2
6
Ralston, A.J. Introduction of bearer
April 10, 1879; April 27, 1879; April 29, 1879; May 17, 1879
2
6
Ralston, W.C. Personal, steamboat, and railroad news10 letters
1862-1874
2
6
Ranbeg, Alexander. Re: Major Weeks
May 24, 1880
2
6
Reeves, R.J. Proposed bank in Portland
August 25, 1875
2
6
Sanford, John F. Personal news, invention of The Sanford Safety Lamp
November 2, 1869
2
6
Sawtelle, C.S. Payment of room rental
September 30, 1878
2
6
Sharpstein, B.L. Political favor request
October 25, 1874
2
6
Smith, Hiram. Asks for Ainsworth to hold note for sale of Masonic Temple
June 11, 1879
2
6
Smith, John H. Loan request
April 9, 1879
2
6
Somerville, Thomas. Church affairs
September 23, 1869
2
6
Stark, Benjamin. Railroad and political news
December 11, 1867-June 3, 1875
2
6
Stebbins, Horatis. Offers medical treatment
June 11, 1879
2
6
Steinberger, Justus. Personal and political news
February 3, 1866; September 9, 1866
2
6
Stone, Livingstone. Re: fish
November 23, 1875
2
6
Strickler, J.H. Inquiry for a good attorney in Seattle
March 9, 1876
2
6
Sturt, H. Evelyn. Money borrowed and owed
November 17, 1874; January 5, 1875; April 19, 1875
2
6
Sutton, H.M. Land investment in Chehalis county, W.T.
October 16, 1876
2
7
Train, George Francis. Furs sent
August 6, 1869
2
7
Troy, J.D. Mining properties
November 21, 1875
2
7
Turrlt, B.B. Application for job
February 26, 1875
2
7
Underwood, J.B. Stock owned; money owed
May 17, 1869; May 25, 1869; May 30, 1879
2
7
Valentine, John J. Inquiry re: H.C. Paige
November 15, 1876; December 6, 1876
2
7
Waggener, Willis. School tax due
February 25, 1878
2
7
Wagner, Charles William. Notes due and overdue
October 6, 1875; October 30, 1876
2
7
Weekes, T.J. Loan request
May 10, 1879
2
7
Weeks, George A. Personal and financial matters
May 20, 1876; April 13, 1878; March 9, 1880; April 17, 1880
2
7
Wells, Guy. Introducing S.L. Bayles and William Linderman; acknowledged receipt of steamboat history
September 14, 1878; September 16; 1878; March 18, 1879
2
7
Whitcomb, J.B. Land purchase in California
June 16, 1880
2
7
White, Nettie M. Business inquiry
May 4, 1875; July 7, 1879
2
7
White, S. S. Tacoman lots for sale
October 15, 1878
2
7
Whittlesey, J.H. Thanks for personal favors; news9 letters
1864-1867
2
7
Wilkerson, S. Land for sale, American Lake, W.T.
May 16, 1878
2
7
Williams, J.C. Payment of taxes
January 23, 1875; April 30, 1879; May 2, 1879
2
7
Wingard, S.C. Identification of fish
March 29, 1879
2
7
Woodcock & Baldwin, Corvallis, Oregon. Receipts
August 8, 1879; February 18, 1880
2
7
Wright, George. Job application
March 22, 1879
2
7
Wygant, Theodore. House location and construction
May 24, 1879
^ Return to Top
Freemasons (Oregon and Washington)
Box
Folder
3
1
Documents and Form Letters
3
1
Mortgage assignments; Receipt books (4)
3
2
A.G.Enos case
1872-1876
General Correspondence
Box
Folder
3
3
Apperson, J.T.
November 10, 1871
3
3
Austin, James M.
July 29, 1870
3
3
Bayley, James R.
December 6, 1871; January 16, 1872
3
3
Carter, L.F.
October 17, 1870; October 28, 1870; October 31, 1870
3
3
Caswell, Thomas H.
May 7, 1874; March 30, 1879
3
3
Coburn, C.A.
June 21, 1879
3
3
Fechheimer, L.W.
September 26, 1864
3
3
Gillian, W.H.
May 22, 1872; September 4, 1872; September 18, 1872
3
3
Hayden, James R.
December 4, 1872; August 22, 1875
3
3
Hungary Grand Orient
April 22, 1872
3
3
Lawson, James S.
September 17, 1872
3
3
Learned, A.F.
November 14, 1872; November 26, 1872; December 19, 1872
3
3
McCraaken, J.
March 8, 1875
3
3
McGrotty, E.P.
July 22, 1876
3
3
Meier, Thomas T.
April 15, 1876
3
3
Morrice, H.C.
March 28, 1871
3
3
Patton, Thomas McF.
August 27, 1872; May 30, 1874
3
3
Reed, F.M.
August 24, 1875
3
3
Robbins, G. Collier
March 23, 1871
3
3
Schenck, John S.
December 9, 1871; May 28, 1874
3
3
Shaw, E.H.
August 30, 1866; November 26, 1869
3
3
Sherman, Edwin A.
May 17, 1872; October 21, 1872
3
3
Thibado, A.J.
May 22, 1872; September 4, 1872; September 18, 1872
3
3
Wilkerson, Samuel Jr.
December 1, 1874
3
3
Woodcock & Baldwin
August 18, 1880
3
4
Chadwick, Stephen F.
1871-1876
3
5
Evans, Elwood
1872-1873
3
6
Mackey, A.G.
1871-1874
3
7
Pike, Albert
1870-1879
3
8
Webber, Fred
1870-1872
Volume
1
Letters sent
1865-April 8, 1874
Volume
2
Letters sent
April 11, 1874-1880
^ Return to Top
Oregon Central Railroad Company
Box
Folder
3
9
Incorporation Papers
1867-1869
3
10
Legislative bills, reports, remonstrances
1868-1870
4
1
Mortgages, agreements, contracts
1868-1869
4
2
Monthly accounts
November 1868-April 1869
4
3
Bills, vouches for construction work
1868
4
4
Cash statements
1868-1869
4
5
Inventory
November 1, 1868
4
6
Deeds, memoranda
1868-1869
Letters Received, General
Box
Folder
4
7
Bayley, J.R.
July 13, 1868
4
7
Brinck, P.C. (National Iron Company)
March 30, 1869; August 6, 1869
4
7
Chadwick, Stephen F.
June 20, 1893
4
7
Cornelius, T.R.
February 3, 1870
4
7
Holladay, Ben
November 28, 1870; December 7, 1870
4
7
Lodd, J.W.
April 7, 1869
4
7
McKay, Henry
March 4, 1869; March 6, 1869; March 8, 1869; March 9, 1869
4
7
Nesmith, J.W.
April 4, 1870
4
7
Newby, W.T.
February 17, 1868; March 2, 1868; July 18, 1870
4
7
Olney, Cyrus
December 22, 1869; December 25, 1869; December 30, 1869
4
7
Ralston, W.C.
May 2, 1868; June 24, 1868; July 8, 1868
4
7
Reed, S.G.
February 7, 1869; February 10, 1869; March 7, 1869; March 11, 1869; September 26, 1869
4
7
Russell, Edwin
November 4, 1868
4
7
Smith, J.S.
December 6, 1870
4
7
Thompson, R.R.
October 14, 1868
4
8
Applegate, Jesse
1869-1870
4
9
Gaston, Joseph
1866-1868
4
10
Gaston, Joseph
1869-1870
^ Return to Top
Oregon Steam Navigation Company
Box
Folder
5
1
List of stockholders. Form letters and memoranda re: OSN Stock
1880
5
2
Boat accounts and memoranda
5
3
Indentures, agreements (including Union Transportation Company)
5
4
Middle Cascades Portage Company
5
5
Ainsworth accounts with OSN Commissary
1879-1880
5
6
Miscellaneous
Letters Received, General
Box
Folder
5
7
Adams, John. Pass request
February 26, 1879
5
7
Allen, J.B. Reduced rate and pass request
February 26, 1879
5
7
Andrews, John E. Request for work
March 18, 1875
5
7
Andrews, William H. Explanation of deal with Mr. Kimball of Walla Walla
June 26, 1875
5
7
Ammon, Caspaii & Co. (San Francisco). Trade in Puyallup coal
March 5, 1877
5
7
Apperson, A.J. Warning of competition
November 9, 1878; November 13, 1878
5
7
Bacon, Edward T. Introducing
April 4, 1870
5
7
Badollet & Co. (Astoria, OR). Rates for salmon shipment
January 26, 1876; February 3, 1876
5
7
Bailey, G.W. Proposition for telegraph service, Pendleton, OR
March 2, 1877
5
7
Baker, M. Connection, LaGrande railroad with OSN
November 12, 1872; December 9, 1872
5
7
Ball, Charles A. Offer to lobby in Salem against bill “antagonistic” to OSN
September 23, 1878; October 8, 1878
5
7
Barnard, J.L. Request for job
December 30, 1875
5
7
Barnes, W.L. Inquiry re: building a railroad linking Walla Walla and Wallula
March 3, 1876
5
7
Barney, Charles D. & Co. (Bankeas and Brokers, Philadelphia, PA). Stock transactions7 letters
1875, 1879
5
7
Barnwell, R. Inquiry re: value of OSN stock
May 6, 1875
5
7
Baughman, E.W. Complaint about rates; report on Willow Creek landing, Wallula
November 3, 1876; April 22, 1877
5
7
Beezley, Joseph.
March 9, 1875
5
7
Bell, M.H. Request for bond signature
September 6, 1874; September 11, 1874
5
7
Blinn, Marshall. Transfer of OSN stock
December 25, 1875
5
7
Boughmer, A.B. Request for job
October 3, 1875
5
7
Boyd, W.H. OSN stock offer
March 16, 1877
5
7
Brazee, J.W. Comment on railroad building at Cascades
March 29, 1877
5
7
Brittan, Holbrook & Co. (San Francisco). Receipt
December 24, 1875
5
7
Brooks, George S. Request for job
July 24, 1874
5
7
Brown, M.V. Request for boat charter
May 6 (year unknown)
5
7
Brown, William T. Construction bid
December 24, 1879
5
7
Burnside, D.H. Land purchase offer
February 26, 1879
5
7
Bywater, C.M. Request for job
June 20, 1879
5
8
Campbell, W.E. Request for job; asks for information steamboats
November 6, 1876; May 12, 1877
5
8
Caan, Thomas H. Warning of competition
October 30, 1876
5
7
Cardingley, George. Inquiry re: value of OSN stock
5
8
Can, C.E. Request for job
December 14, 1876
5
8
Carr, T.S. Complaint, wharfage charge; request to expect (flag staff)
October 27, 1876; December 9, 1876
5
8
Caton, N.T. Damaged flour shipment
October 11, 1876
5
8
Chadd, R.V. Requests pass to investigate newspaper prospects upriver4 letters
1879
5
8
Chadwick, S.B. Job request for friend
February 15, 1876
5
8
Chenoweth, F.A. Explanation of Jacobs & Neugass troubles
May 21, 1877
5
8
Church, Charles P. Sale of Oregon Iron Works Property
March 22, 1878
5
8
Clark, Frank C. Sale of steamer New World; tax matters
June 25, 1874
5
8
Clark, Samuel A. Request for pass for Board of Centennial Commission agents
January 9, 1875
5
8
Cole, George E. Request for pass for his daughter Ella
July 20, 1878
5
8
Coleman, Edward T. Thanks for pass
October 24, 1869
5
8
Collins, M.T. Deed to property
May 27, 1878
5
8
Conklin, E. Requests OSN underwrite of his book Picturesque North-West
December 6, 1878-December 20, 1879
5
8
Corbett, H.W. Is sending a copy of Henry Villard’s letter
October 2, 1879
5
8
Crandell, R.W. Lumber for sale
December 13, 1875
5
8
Creamer & Newhall, Philadelphia. Request value of OSN stock
February 14, 1874
5
8
Crosley, W.F. and Crosby, N. Re: Captain Finch suit
November 12, 1875
5
8
Curtis, James. Advertising for Baker City Weekly Herald
February 10, 1875
5
8
Dancy Hyman & Co., New York. Inquiry re OSN dividends
December 20, 1875
5
8
Davenport, John C. Inquiry, freight charges
April 10, 1876
5
8
Denio, John H. Inquiry, value of OSN stock
November 23, 1876
5
8
Dickens, John W. Request for job
February 24, 1877
5
8
Dolph, J.N. Re: Stock
July 9, 1879
5
8
Douglas, James. Thanks for pass
March 24, 1875
5
9
Eagan, H.W. Special freight rate
June 30, 1876
5
9
Effinger, W.H. Damage claims to the Beaver (ship)
September 24, 1874
5
9
Evans, Elwood. Thanks for pass
February 8, 1876
5
9
Fairweather, H.W. Value of new stock; consolidation of officers
January 19, 1880;March 4, 1880
5
9
Farmers' Loan and Trust Company, New York. Transfer of OSN stock4 letters
1879
5
9
Ferguson, H.B. Request for pass
April 12, 1879
5
9
Ferry, E.P. Request for pass
July 24, 1873
5
9
Finch, D.B. Sale of the Olympia (boat)
November 27, 1872
5
9
Fitzgerald, E.P. Rate complaints
July 25, 1874; July 28, 1874
5
9
Flint, Edward A. Requests advice for steamers on Lake Titicaca, Peru
September 20, 1876
5
9
Fraizer, J.M. Requests legal aid
March 1, 1877
5
9
Freeman, C.A. Request for job
December 10, 1874
5
9
Gamble, James. Advertisement for Frear Stone Co., San Francisco
May 17, 1872
5
9
Geer, T.T. Request for pass
April 25, 1876
5
9
Grostein & Binnard, Lewiston, I.T. Shipment of merchandise
June 12, 1875
5
9
Grover, L.F. Rebate request
February 18, 1879; June 13, 1879
5
10
Hale, C.H. Sale of steamer New World
November 19, 1867
5
10
Hamilton, Joel. Building a wharf at Columbia City
October 27, 1874
5
10
Handley & Sinnett. (New Umatilla House), The Dalles, OR. Freight rate complaint
July 20, 1874
5
10
Hedges, Cornelius. Inquiry about character of S. Warner
October 15, 1878
5
10
Hegeman Portable Folding Boat Co., Ballston Spa, NY. Advertisement
187?
5
10
Hodgon, W.A. Requests back pay
November 3, 1873
5
10
Holmes, A.H. Requests net earnings of OSN for September
October 4, 1879
5
10
Holt, W.W. Asks for another shipment of trout eggs to replace spoiled shipment
March 25, 1879
5
10
Howes, S.C. Wants to buy pigeons from OSN
February 2, 1874
5
10
Huelutz, Septimus. Apology for remarks
May 30, 1876
5
10
Humason, Orlando. Formation of steamboat company; plan for
support of the Dalles Mountaineers ; reports on end of firm Moody & French
August 26, 1866; August 29, 1874; February 4, 1875
5
10
Hume, Joseph (&Co.) Eureka W.T. Complaint of boat service
May 18, 1877
5
10
Hunt, Noah. Inquiry, value of stock
December 3, 1875
5
10
Hunter, George. Inquiry, freight charges
April 12, 1876
5
10
Huntley, C.C. Introduces Judge L. Homser
August 13, 1872
5
10
Ireland, D.C. Report on support of Weekly Astorian
June 7, 1877
5
10
Irving, John. Needs as a pilot
April 28, 1880
5
10
James, W.S. Advertising for Baker City Herald
March 6, 1875
5
10
Jennings, ?. Report on legislation
October 7, 1878; October 15, 1878
5
10
Johns, J.M. Freight rates on wheat
March 20, 1876
5
10
Johns, James W. Inquiry, land for sale in Salem
5
10
Johnson, P.B. Inquiry, freight rates
October 26, 1874
5
10
Johnson, McCown & Macrum (lawyers), Oregon City, OR. Case against W.F. Canal & Loack Company
January 12, 1876; May 14, 1879
5
10
Jones, Samuel B. Report on condition of boat; wages supplies
July 18, 1868; October 2, 1874; May 3, 1878
5
10
Jordan, William H. Request for pass
June 30, 1877
6
1
Kamm, Jacob. Stock transactions, boat purchases, OSN7 letters
1867-1869
6
1
Kellogg, A.H. Inquiry, value of OSN stock
May 13, 1875
6
1
Kelly, W.A. Inquiry, steamboating on Snake Rivers
November 21, 1874; December 14, 1874
6
1
Kimball, W.F. Immigration pamphlets
May 25, 1875; June 18, 1875; February 10, 1876
6
1
Kingston, H.T. Price of boats
June 14, 1869
6
1
Kinney, Aug. Offers land for sale; service complaint
July 20, 1874; September 19, 1876
6
1
Kirkman, J.C. Request for pass
February 25, 1878
6
1
Kunzie, J.H. Service complaint, Umatilla
6
1
Lamb, F.H. Needs list of OSN officers and employees to issue passes
December 12, 1876; March 9, 1877
6
1
Leahy, D.F. Complaint about M.D.H. Schenck
July 22, 1874
6
1
Leinenweber, C. Sale of Astoria land; report on steamboats
October 1, 1874; November 12, 1875
6
1
Leng and Ogden, New York. Inquiry, value of OSN stock
May 27, 1875
6
1
Lewis, D.C. Report, anti-OSN legislation
October 8, 1878
6
1
Lewis, Edwin M. Requests OSN proxy
December 13, 1876
6
1
McCall, A.E. Inquiry, freight rates
February 22, 1875
6
2
McDonald, Calvin B. Request for pass
May 13, 18[75]
6
2
McDonald, Mark L. Announcing Pacific Telegraph Company service
March 22, 1877
6
2
McGregon, A. Inquiry, service from Lewiston to Wallula
February 24, 1875
6
2
MacLean, Samuel R. Inquiry, value of stock
November 9, 1876
6
2
McNulty, John. Discharge of Thomas Masters
February 4, 1876
6
2
Marsh, F.H. Complaint about conduct of OSN employees
June 28, 1872
6
2
Matheny, J.N. Inquiry, freight rates
January 26, 1876
6
2
Miller, J.D. Inquiry, boat purchases; request for pass
November 21, 1876; December 10, 1876
6
2
Minay (?), A.P. Inquiry, telegraph connection
May 8, 1875
6
2
Mitchell, John H. Removal of Mr. Schenck
October 20, 1874
6
2
Mix, James D. Inquiry, freight notes
November 9, 1875
6
2
Moberly, Walter. Inquiry, types of river boats for navigating rivers west of the Rocky Mountains
June 27, 1875
6
2
Moore, C. Freight billing methods
March 17, 1879
6
2
Morse, H.C. Flotsam (railroad items) for sale
Julu 10, 1876
6
2
Mulvane, J.R. Inquiry, value of OSN stock
December 28, 1875; January 25, 1876
6
2
Mumford, George H. Thanks for pass
January 22, 1875
6
2
Nicholson, A.S. Charter for the Oneonta
June 7, 1874
6
2
North Western Satge Company, Boise City, I.T. Passes
January 1876
6
2
Odd Fellows, OR. (J.M. Bacon, Grand Secretary). Inquiry about fares
March 31, 1875
6
2
O’Neill, Daniel. Asks for pass for Mr. Abernethy
January 9, 1876
6
3
Paine Bros. & Moore, Walla, Walla. Inquiry, rates on machinery
April 20, 1876
6
3
Painell, William R. Special rates for a church bell for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Walla Walla
February 7, 1877
6
3
Peabody, ?. Stockholders meeting, WWRR Co.
January 2, 1880
6
3
Pearson, C.F. Inquiry, wages due
July 12, 1878
6
3
Pentecost, William C. Immigration fare
July 5, 1875
6
3
Pratt, W.E. Encloses letter from A.J. Appearson to Henry Warren re steamboating on the Willamette River
December 2, 1878
6
3
Preston, Powell & Co., Wailsburg, W.T. Inquiry, freight rates
March 2, 1876
6
3
Pusey, Jones & Co., Wilmington, DE. Estimate, cost of steamer
October 13, 1875
6
3
Range, J.W. Inquiry, Immigrant fares
November 24, 1872
6
3
Renady, G.W. Freight reduction for church bell
June 28, 1875
6
3
Reynolds, A.H. Reduction, freight rates
July 9, 1874
6
3
Richards, D. Signal methods
November 14, 1878
6
3
Ritz, Philip. Payment on note; request for pass
November 23, 1874; August 28, 1875
6
3
Rosenthal, G. Inquiry, freight rates
June 4, 1875
6
3
Russell, Charles. Freight bill payment
November 3, 1874
6
3
Russell, Edwin. Land for sale, Oregon Iron Works
October 7, 1876; October 21, 1876
6
4
Salem Flouring Mills Co., Salem, OR. Inquiry, freight rates
August 10, 1874
6
4
Savage, O. Political action on behalf of OSN
May 25, 1875
6
4
Sawtelle, C.S. Thanks for pass
May 23, 1878
6
4
Safer, George A. Henry Villard matters
October 10, 1879; October 21, 1879; November 25, 1879
6
4
Schwabacher Bros., Walla Walla. Inquiry, freight service
March 29, 1876; May 6, 1876
6
4
Semple & Jones, Pittsburgh, PA. Inquiry, value of OSN stock
September 20, 1876
6
4
Sheat, James B. Sale of steamers City of Galveston and Carondelet
January 8, 1876
6
4
Slocum, C.W. Offer of wood
July 17, 1875
6
4
Smith, Allenson. Legal questions
May 24, 1874
6
4
Smith, E.L. Offer, land for sale; pass request
December 3, 1875; April 6, 1876
6
4
Smith, E.S. Political warnings
October 27, 1874; December 26, 1875
6
4
Smith, W.H. Landing facilities and docks, Astoria5 letters
1874-1876
6
4
Smitch and Hatch, New Tacoma, W.T. Bill for lumber
December 16, 1878
6
4
Squire, W.C. Inquiry, value of OSN stock
November 15, 1879
6
4
Starbuck, W.H. Proposed sale, OSN to Villard5 letters
1879
6
4
Starr, L.M. P.O. Dept. check
October 22, 1874
6
4
Stern, R.H. Inquiry, OSN River boat and service
May 13, 1876
6
4
Stewart, Daniel. Complaint, freight charges
April 20, 1876
6
4
Stone, A.H. Apology for drinking; Opinion on J.H. Slater’s proposed railroad. Includes copy of letters to and from Slater, Dec. 7, 1875; Dec. 10, 1875
October 13, 1874; December 10, 1875
6
4
Stuart, A.H.H. Requests support of Washington immigration pamphlet
January 20, 1876
6
4
Stuart, Granville. (to Col. Joseph Ruckles). Inquiry, property of Charles P. Stewart
December 24, 1864
6
4
Stump, Thomas J., Jr. Resignation
June 5, 1876
6
4
Sutton, H.M. Offer, real estate service
September 28, 1876
6
4
Swan, S.J. Job application
June 30, [1876]
6
5
Taylor, A.C. Request for pass
August 26, 1872
6
5
Taylor, W.H. Inquiry, sale of the steamer Otter
May 28, 1875
6
5
Thomas & Shoemaker, Philadelphia, PA. Inquiry, value of OSN stock
November 1, 1878
6
5
Troup, J.W. Agreement on employment
August 24, 1875
6
5
Trowbridge, CA. Request, status of OSN on behalf of NPRR
February 26, 1865
6
5
Trumble, George A. Inquiry, freight rates
November 9, 1876
6
5
Tull, Victor E. Request for pass
January 11, 1875
6
5
Turnbull, Mary. Request for pass
April 14, 1876
6
5
Tyndale, Troilus H. Acknowledges favor for Mr. Villard
December 5, 1879
6
5
Van Bergen, J.O. Application for captaincy
November 23, 1875
6
5
Van Dusen, A. Negotiations, Astoria property
September 17, 1874; September 19, 1874
6
5
Vogt, M. Shipment to the Dalles
December 15, 1874; December 19, 1874
6
5
Wait & Matzger. Inquiry, freight rates
February 10, 1876; February 20, 1876
6
5
Walker, A.H. Job application
December 28, 1877
6
5
Warren, Shep. Report, Matters at Pend Oreille Lake
March 1, 1875
6
5
Washburn, B.M. Pass requests
March 16, 1875; August 24, 1875; August 28, 1875
6
5
Washington State Grange. Inquiry, railroad from Walla Walla to Wallula
April 14, 1876
6
5
Watson, W.P. Report, Hood River affairs
July 22, 1872
6
5
Wheat, John R. Request for pass
February 26, 1875
6
5
Whitehouse, B.G. Reports, discharge of driver
August 29, 1872
6
5
Whitson, W.C. Request, table of rates
March 25, 1875
6
5
Williams, George H. Comment, cases before Department of Justice4 letters
1872-1874
6
5
Wingard, S.C. Request for pass; note collections
April 29, 1872; May 26, 1872; March 11, 1874
6
5
Wood, Mrs. J.F. Request for pass
June 1, 1878
6
5
Wright, G.B. Request, freight rate list
February 11, 1875
6
5
Wright, George. Job request
September 20, 1876
6
5
Wright, Thomas A. Purchase of machinery from steamer Wenat
January 25, 1875
Letters Received
Box
Folder
6
6
Baker, Dorsey S. Walla Walla and Columbia River Railroad and relations with OSN; sale of OSN to Villard
1876-1880
6
7
Bradford, Daniel F. Portage railroad; OSN affairs; Owyhee mines
1864-1869, 1875, 1877
6
8
Burr, Platte. Telegraph company and OSN
1875-1876
6
9
Cooke, Jay (Estate of Jay Cooke & Co., in Bankruptcy). Bankruptcy; holdings and disposal of OSN stock
1874-1878
6
10
Danforth Cooke & Co., Patterson, NJ. Engine purchases by OSN
1865
7
1
Goldsmith, Bernard. Willamette River Transportation Company
1875-1877
7
2
Hayward, Alvinza. Financial matters
1866-1879
7
3
Holladay, Ben. Miscellaneous.
1865, 1874, 1878
7
4
Jeffries, Noah L. Washington, DC, lobbying
1874-1879
7
5
Kelly, James K. Astoria land; legislation in Congress
1874, 1877
7
6
Ladd, John W. Steamer purchases; sales
1866-1869, 1874, 1878-1880
7
7
Merry, Thomas B. Establishment of newspaper in the Dalles
1876-1879
7
8
Oregon State Board of Immigration. William Reid; immigration to Oregon vis OSN
1874-1876
7
9
Reed, Simeon G. Miscellaneous
1869, 1872, 1874, 1875, 1878-1880
7
10
Schenk, John S. OSN agent, The Dalles
1874, 1875, 1878
7
11
Strong, William. OSN attorney
1875, 1876, 1879
7
12
Thompson, Robert R. Miscellaneous
1866, 1878-1880
8
1
Tilton, Charles E. Miscellaneous
1866, 1871, 1876, 1878, 1879
8
2
U.S. Government (Engineers Office, Post Office, Railway Mail Service, Treasury Department). Miscellaneous
1874-1877
8
3
Villard, Henry. Miscellaneous
1876-1880
8
4
Wygant, Theodore. Secretary, OSN and other enterprises
1867, 1874-1876, 1879
Profit and Loss Statements
Box
Folder
8
5
Profit and Loss Statements
January 1868-March 1868
8
6
Profit and Loss Statements
April 1868-June 1868
8
7
Profit and Loss Statements
July 1868-September 1868
8
8
Profit and Loss Statements
October 1868-December 1868
9
1
Profit and Loss Statements
January 1869-March 1869
9
2
Profit and Loss Statements
April 1869-June 1869
9
3
Profit and Loss Statements
July 1869-September 1869
9
4
Profit and Loss Statements
October 1869-December 1869
9
5
Profit and Loss Statements
January 1870-March 1870, May 1870
9
6
Profit and Loss Statements
September 1870-December 1870
9
7
Profit and Loss Statements
January 1871-June 1871
10
1
Profit and Loss Statements
July 1871-September 1871
10
2
Profit and Loss Statements
October 1871-December 1871
10
3
Memorandum book, Ainsworth’s private memoranda re OSN financial matters
1864-1869
Volume
3
Letters sent (Letterpress book)
December 1879-March 1880
^ Return to Top
Northern Pacific Railroad Company (NPRR), 1871-1880
Box
Folder
10
4
Statement of Earnings and Operating Expenses, Pacific Division
1874
10
5
Statement of Earnings and Operating Expenses, Pacific Division
1875
10
6
Statement of Earnings and Operating Expenses, Pacific Division
1876
10
7
Statement of Earnings and Operating Expenses, Pacific Division
1877
10
8
Inventories: Equipment and Shop Material
January 1, 1875
10
9
Resolutions
11
1
Land Department Documents and Maps
11
2
Puget Sound Construction and Transportation Company.
Articles of Incorporation and Documents Incorporated by J.C. Ainsworth, S.G. Reed, and C.H. Lewis
March 18, 1873
11
3
Documents and Miscellaneous Papers
Letters Received, General
Box
Folder
11
4
Ackerson, John W. Plight of destitute Chinese in Tacoma
December 4, 1873
11
4
Bacon, H.D. Formation, Puget Sound Construction Co.
February 28, 1873
11
4
E.W. Clark & Co., Philadelphia. Quotation, NPRR stock
October 20, 1879
11
4
Beebe, E.R. Transfers of bonds
July 22, 1876; August 29, 1876
11
4
Bingham, E.W. Jan. 31, 1874; Feb. 7, 1874. Note, Oregon Iron Works; Mr. Montgomery’s creditors notes
January 31, 1874; February 7, 1874
11
4
Carr, Job. Land purchase; cooperation in Puyallup area
July 2, 1873; December 28, 1874
11
4
Chapman, W.W. Requests interview about political matters
November 23, 1874
11
4
Cooke, Pitt. Location of Cooke Boys in business. Pacific Northwest
March 16, 1874
11
4
Dart, P.C. Cost of shipping locomotives, San Francisco to Kalama
June 28, 1873
11
4
Failing, Henry. Stop purchase order
November 29, 1873
11
4
Fallows, B. Coal situation at Wilkeson, W.T.
April 16, 1879
11
4
Ferry, P. Re: Major Hibbord
September 1, 1875
11
4
Finch, D.B. Mail contract, Puget sound
December 2, 1873
11
4
Garfield, S. Mail contract, Puget sound
April 23, 1874
11
4
Girard National Bank, Philadelphia. Stock transfers
July 18, 1879; August 7, 1879; November 1, 1879
11
4
Goodwin, John W. Health of Hayward; Rolling mill
November 3, 1873; July 14 (no year listed)
11
4
Greene, Roger S. Clover Creek Trust Fund; Land grant for Baptists
February 9, 1874; February 21, 1874
11
4
Hall, S.W. Inquiry, bonds for sale
November 3, 1875
11
4
Hatch, Rufus. Steamer service on North Coast (Pacific Mail Steamship Company)
March 23, 1874
11
4
Henry, Samuel. Bill for bunkers and trestle at Wilkerson, W.T.
March 24, 1879
11
4
Houghton, J.H. Land sale and taxes, Pierce Co., W.T.
November 19, 1878
11
4
Howard, William A. Land
March 8, 1873
11
4
King, W.S. Re: Cass
February 20, 1873
11
4
Lane, William. Notifies Ainsworth of his election as Director of NPRR
September 23, 1878
11
4
Lewis, D.C. Requests payment of wages; Reference to HB 27, Oregon Legislature
December 19, 1873; September 19, 1878
11
4
McMicken, W. Tire contracts
December 18, 1879; December 22, 1879
11
4
Morris, Thomas B. Trestle Work; payment of workers
November 3, 1873; April 6, 1874
11
4
Montgomery, J.B. Payment of note
February 12, 1876
11
4
O’Brien, R.G. Taxes in Tacoma
January 7, 1876; January 19, 1876; January 25, 1876
11
4
O’Neill, James
March 1, 1875
11
4
Ritz, Philip. Bid log supply; prospects in Eastern Washington
September 7, 1873; June 1, 1878
11
4
Routt, John S. Mail service, Kalama to Tacoma
March 10, 1874
11
4
Sell, W.E. Inquiry, Col. A. Haywards NPRR stock
December 10, 1878
11
4
Stan, Lewis M. Proposition, sale of the steamers South Pacific, Alida, and Isabel
undated
11
4
Stone, John H. Credit of Mr. Montgomery
December 13, 1873
11
4
Tarbell, F. Request for job
November 22, 1873
11
4
Theobald, William W. Job application, land agent
undated
11
4
Thielsen, H. Engineering questions
July 10, 1879; November 24, 1879
11
4
Tower, C. Inquiry, legality of Tacoma Land Company in Pennsylvania
October 22, 1873; November 17, 1873; November 24, 1873
11
4
War Department, Washington City. Re: assignment of Major George H. Weeks
11
4
Wheat, John R. Land propositions near Tacoma
January 9, 1873; October 30, 1873; March 30, 1874
11
4
Wheeler, George Burnett. Job application
April 16, 1874
11
4
Wright, George B. Inquiry, steamer for Otter Tailor Red River, Minnesota
October 4, 1873
Letters Received
Box
Folder
11
5
S.W. Backus and Co., San Francisco. Freight shipments for NPRR
1873-1874
11
6
Belknap, Robert Lenox. Treasurer, NPRR
1879-1880
11
7
Billings, Frederick. Miscellaneous NPRR matters
1873-1877
11
8
Billings, Frederick. Miscellaneous NPRR matters
1878
12
1
Billings, Frederick. Miscellaneous NPRR matters
1879-1880
12
2
Black, Samuel A. Miscellaneous NPRR matters
1877-1879
12
3
Canfield, Thomas H. Lake Superior and Puget Sound Co., New York
1869-1875
12
4
Cass, George W. Miscellaneous NPRR matters
1872-1875
12
5
Cooke, Jay. Miscellaneous NPRR matters
1872-1873
12
6
Cooke, Jay. Miscellaneous NPRR matters
1874-1875
13
1
Hibbard, George B. Tacoma Land Company
1873-1876
13
2
Hosmer, Theodore. Tacoma Land Company
1873-1879
13
3
Jacobs, N.P. Assistant land commission, NPRR
1873
13
4
Nettleton, A.B. Trustee’s agent, NPRR
1874
13
5
Pitchland, A.L. Treasurer, NPRR
1874-1875
13
6
Rice, Richard D. Vice President, NPRR
1872-1875
13
7
Roberts W. Milnor. Engineer, NPRR
1869, 1872-1874, 1878
13
8
Sargent, H.E. General Manager, NPRR
1878-1879
13
9
Schulze, Paul. Land department, O & C Railroad
1874-1875
13
10
Smith, E.S. Political factors, NPRR
1873-1875
13
11
Smith, Isaac W. Laying out Tacoma Sprague, J.W. General Superintendent, Pacific Division, NPRR
1874
13
12
Sprague, J.W.
1872-1873
13
13
Sprague, J.W.
1874
14
1
Sprague, J.W.
1875-1876
14
2
Sprague, J.W.
1877-1880
14
3
Stark, George. Vice President, NPRR
1877-1879
14
4
Stevens, Hazzard. Miscellaneous NPRR matters
1873-1874
14
5
U.S. Post Office Department. Mail contracts
1874
14
6
Wilkeson, Samuel. Secretary, NPRR
1873-1879
14
7
Wright, Charles B. Vice President/President, NPRR
1873
14
8
Wright, Charles B. Vice President/President, NPRR
1874
14
9
Wright, Charles B. Vice President/President, NPRR
1875
15
1
Wright, Charles B. Vice President/President, NPRR
1876-1877
15
2
Wright, Charles B. Vice President/President, NPRR
1878-1880
Volume
4
Letters sent
1873-February 1875
Volume
5
Letters sent
March 1875-1880
^ Return to Top
Mines and Mining and Other Corporate Enterprises (except shipping and Portland Hydraulic Elevator Company)
Companies
Ainsworth Mill Company. Incorporated Portland, OR by J.C. Ainsworth, Daniel F. Bradford. In Nov. 1870 the mill site was sold to Putney F. Bradford
July 2, 1864
Volume
6
Corporate Records
1864-1870
7
Stock Certificates (most are black)
1864
Box
Folder
15
3
Checks, drafts, vouchers
Bannock Gold and Silver Mining Company. Incorporated Portland, OR by Edward A. Temple, Daniel F. Bradford,
R.R. Thompson, Lloyd Brooke, J.C. Ainsworth. At meeting Mar. 25, 1864, claims were transferred back to the original claimants
October 23, 1863
Volume
8
Corporate Records
1863-1864
9
Stock ledger
1864
Blue Gulch Flume Company. Incorporated Portland, OR by R.R. Thompson, J.C. Ainsworth, E.M. White. Last recorded meeting was February 15, 1865
February 6, 1865
Volume
10
Corporate Records
1865-1867
Capay Ledge, Baker County, OR. (Mine). Undivided 1/2 interest owned by J.C. Ainsworth and Josiah Myrick
Volume
11
Day Book, Journal, and Ledger
1883-1885
Crane and Driggs Gold and Silver Mining Company. Incorporated Portland, OR by J.C. Ainsworth,
Thompson Lloyd Brooke. Original stockholders included Daniel F. Bradford, George E. Driggs, W.B. Crane. Last recorded meeting
held was Feb. 20, 1871, authorizing President Josiah Myrick to transact all necessary business
February 19, 1864
Volume
12
Corporate Records
1864-1871
13
Stock journal
1864-1870
14
Stock ledger
1864-1869
15
Journal
1864-1869
Forest Hill Mining Company. Incorporated Portland, OR by R.R. Thompson, J. Myrick, and J.C. Ainsworth
February 27, 1872
Box
Folder
15
4
Papers
1872
French Gulch Flume Company, Auburn, OR
Box
Folder
15
4
Papers
1862-1864
Gambrenus Gold and Silver Mining Company. Incorporated Portland, OR by Edward A. Temple,
Daniel F. Bradford, R.R. Thompson, J.C. Ainsworth. Shareholders included Lloyd Brooke. Final meeting of record was held March 25, 1864
March 24, 1864
Volume
16
Corporate Records
1864
Morning Star Gold and Silver Mining Company
Volume
17
Stock Certificates
1864-1865
Shoeshone Gold and Silver Mining Company. Incorporated Portland, OR by R.R. Thompson,
Daniel F. Bradford, Lloyd Brooke, J.C. Ainsworth. Stockholders include Josiah Mynick. Final meeting of record was March 12, 1864
November 3, 1863
Volume
18
Corporate Records
1863-1864
19
Stock journal
1864
20
Journal
1864
Box
Folder
15
6
Papers[contents missing]
Cabinet Steam Sawmill. Portland?, OR
Volume
21
Day Book
1866
22
Cash Book[in Box 15]
1866
Puyallup Valley Coal Company. Incorporated Portland, OR by J.C.
Ainsworth, R.R. Thompson, S.G. Reed. Final meeting of record was May 4, 1875
December 10, 1874
Volume
23
Corporate Records
1875
24
Stock Book[in Box 16]
1875
Oregon Steam Brewery
Volume
25
Day Book
1871-1872
26
Cash Book
1871-1872
25
Ledger
1871-1872
Account Books
Bed Rock Flume. J.C. Ainsworth & R.R. Thompson, owners
Box
Folder
16
1
Accounts
1864
16
2
Memorandum of Money paid on account of mining interests for 1864
1864
16
3
Cash Book. J.C.A. per L.L.H.
October 1879-March 1881
16
3
Cash Book. J.C.A. per L.L.H.2 volumes
March 1881-January 1882
Volume
28
Cash Book of J.C. Ainsworth’s Private Business[in Box 16]
March 1880-January 1882
Volume
29
Ledger of J.C. Ainsworth’s Private Business[in Box 16]
March 1880-January 1882
Volume
30
Day Book & Journal of J.C. Ainsworth’s Private Business[in Box 16]
March 1880-April 1881
Volume
31
Day Book & Journal of J.C. Ainsworth’s Private Business[in Box 16]
April 1881-January 1882
Volume
32
Memorandum Ledger of Property owned by J.C. Ainsworth
June 1, 1874
Box
Folder
17
1
Papers relating to “Surplus Oro Fino ground”
Letters Received, General
Box
Folder
17
2
Baugh, T.E.
March 11, 1867
17
2
Coe, L.W.
January 25, 1866; February 9, 1866; August 1, 1874; March 18, 1875
17
2
Green, J.W.
March 19, 1871
17
2
Grenzebach, August
May 4, 1866
17
2
Harbet, J.W.
July 24, 1866
17
2
Mirvay?, A.P.
October 6, 1868
17
2
Raymond, R.W.
August 29, 1869
17
2
Robbins, G.C.
December 6, 1868; July 12, 1869
17
2
Wallridge, W.D.
November 12, 1868; April 10, 1869
17
2
White, S.S.
June 29, 1866
Letters Received
Box
Folder
17
3
Bradford, Putney F. Ruby City, Owyhee, Silver City, I.T.
1864-1873
17
4
Brook, Lloyd. “Camp Siberia,” Silver City, I.T.[contents missing]
1864
17
5
Crane, W.B. Silver City, I.T.
1863-1867
17
6
Larabee, C.N. Ruby City, I.T.
1866
17
7
Leonard, R.H. Sinker Creek, Ruby City, Silver City, I.T.[contents missing]
1866; 1869
17
8
Myrick, Josiah. Silver City, Jem City, I.T.
1866-1880
18
1
Webb, Edward. Silver City, I.T.
1867-1869
18
2
White, Elijah M. Auburn, OR
1866-1873
^ Return to Top
Records of Barks
Alden Besse ,
Coloma ,
and
Kate Davenport owned by J.C. Ainsworth, C.M. Noyes, Allen Noyes, and others, 1879-1888
Volume
35
Day Book
1885-1888
36
Journal
1879-1884
37
Ledger
1879-1882
Ship Accounts. Includes ship articles, manifests, vouchers, bills, and correspondence from captains or masters
1879-1888
Box
Folder
18
3-4
Title papers and charter papers for Alden Besse , Coloma , and Kate Davenport
1879-1887
19
1
Alden Besse . Voyage #1. To Hong Kong. Captain: Allen Noyes
October 1879-July 1880
19
2
Alden Besse . Voyage #2. To Hong Kong. Captain: Allen Noyes
August 1880-June 1881
19
3
Alden Besse and Coloma . Voyage #2. Vouchers
19
4
Alden Besse . Voyage #3. To Hong Kong. Captain: C.M. Noyes(also in Folder 5)
November 1881-June 1882
19
5
Alden Besse . Voyage #3. To Hong Kong. Captain: C.M. Noyes(also in Folder 4)
November 1881-June 1882
19
6
Alden Besse . Voyage #3. General vouchers and bills
19
7
Alden Besse . Voyage #4. Vouchers
19
8
Alden Besse . Voyage #5. To Hong Kong. Captain: Allen Noyes(also in Folder 9)
October 1883-June 1884
19
9
Alden Besse . Voyage #5. To Hong Kong. Captain: Allen Noyes(also in Folder 8)
October 1883-June 1884
19
10
Alden Besse . Voyage #5. Vouchers
19
11
Alden Besse . Voyage #6. To Hong Kong. Captain: John O’Brien
September 1884-June 1885
19
12
Alden Besse , Coloma , Kate Davenport . Voyage #6. Vouchers
19
13
Alden Besse . Voyage #7. To Hong Kong. Captain: John O’Brien
October 1885-June 1886
19
14
Alden Besse , Coloma , Kate Davenport . Voyage #7. General accounts
19
15
Alden Besse . Voyage #8. To Hong Kong. Captain: John O’Brien(also in Box 20, Folder 1)
June 1886-July 1887
20
1
Alden Besse . Voyage #8. To Hong Kong. Captain: John O’Brien(also in Box 19, Folder 15)
June 1886-July 1887
20
2
Alden Besse . Voyage #9. To Hong Kong. Captain: John O’Brien
October 1887-July 1888
20
3
Alden Besse , Coloma . Voyage #9. General accounts(also in Folder 4)
20
4
Alden Besse , Coloma . Voyage #9. General accounts(also in Folder 3)
20
5
Coloma . Voyage #1. To Hong Kong. Captain: C.M. Noyes
October 1879-July 1880
20
6
Coloma . Voyage #2. To Hong Kong. Captain: C.M. Noyes(also in Folder 7)
August 1880-June 1881
20
7
Coloma . Voyage #2. To Hong Kong. Captain: C.M. Noyes(also in Folder 6)
August 1880-June 1881
20
8
Coloma . Voyage #3. To Hong Kong. Captain: C.M. Noyes
November 1881-June 1882
20
9
Coloma . Voyage #3. General vouchers and bills
20
10
Coloma . Voyage #4. To Hong Kong. Captain: C.M. Noyes(also in Folder 11)
November 1882-July 1883
20
11
Coloma . Voyage #4. To Hong Kong. Captain: C.M. Noyes(also in Folder 10)
November 1882-July 1883
20
12
Coloma . Voyage #4. Vouchers
21
1
Coloma . Voyage #5. To Hong Kong. Captain: C.M. Noyes(also in Folder 2)
October 1883-June 1884
21
2
Coloma . Voyage #5. To Hong Kong. Captain: C.M. Noyes(also in Folder 1)
October 1883-June 1884
21
3
Coloma . Voyage #5. Vouchers
21
5
Coloma . Voyage #7. To Hong Kong. Captain: C.M. Noyes
August 1885-June 1886
21
6
Coloma . Voyage #8. To Hong Kong. Captain: C.M. Noyes(also in Folder 7)
June 1886-July 1887
21
7
Coloma . Voyage #8. To Hong Kong. Captain: C.M. Noyes(also in Folder 6)
June 1886-July 1887
21
8
Coloma . Voyage #9. To Hong Kong. Captain: C.M. Noyes
October 1887-July 1888
21
9
Kate Davenport . Voyage #3. To Melbourne - Hong Kong. Captain: E.B. Mallet
November 1881-September 1882
21
10
Kate Davenport . Voyage #3. General vouchers and bills
21
11
Kate Davenport . Voyage #4. To Melbourne. Captain: E.B. Mallet
November 1882-April 1883
21
12
Kate Davenport . Voyage #4. Vouchers
21
13
Kate Davenport . Voyage #3. To Hong Kong. Captain: E.B. Mallet
October 1883-June 1884
21
14
Kate Davenport . Voyage #5. Vouchers
21
15
Kate Davenport . Voyage #6. To Hong Kong. Captain: J.E. Howland
December 1884-June 1885
^ Return to Top
Records of Building and House Construction, Portland, 1880-1883
Box
Folder
22
1
New brick. 3rd and Oak Streets. Clinton Day, architect(also in Folder 2)
1882-1883
22
2
New brick. 3rd and Oak Streets. Clinton Day, architect(also in Folder 1)
1882-1883
22
3
Rebuilding burnt brick building. 1st and Front Streets. Justus Krumbein, architect; F.W. Lewis, contractor
1883
22
4
Stores. 2nd and E Streets, couch addition. Ainsworth and Thompson, owners. Improvement
1880
22
5
Ainsworth House. 6th and Yamhill Streets. Phillips & Abell, architects
1880
22
6
O.B. Bird House. 6th near Yamhill Street. Phillips & Abell, architects
1880
22
7
J.C. Hill House. 7th and Yamhill. Phillips & Abell, architects
1880
22
8
Building records: Bird, Hill, and Ainsworth Houses
22
9
Leases
^ Return to Top
Personal Finance and Corporate Records
Volume
38
Personal ledger
1882-1887
Portland Hydraulic Elevator Company
Box
Folder
22
10
Statements
1883
22
11
Statements
1884
22
12
Statements
1885
22
13
Statements
1886
22
14
Statements
1887
22
15
Statements
1888
22
16
Statements
1889
22
17
Statements
1890
22
18
Statements
1891
22
19
Statements
1892
22
20
Vouchers
1885
22
21-22
Vouchers
1886-1887
22
23
Vouchers
1888
23
1
Vouchers
1889
23
2
Vouchers
1890
23
3
Vouchers
1891
23
4
Vouchers
1892
23
5-10
Miscellaneous Vouchers
23
11
Miscellaneous Papers
23
12-13
Miscellaneous Vouchers (Not G. R. M. Vessels)
1883
23
14
Miscellaneous Vouchers (Not G. R. M. Vessels)
1884
24
1
Miscellaneous Vouchers (Not G. R. M. Vessels)
1885
24
2-3
Miscellaneous Vouchers (Not G. R. M. Vessels)
1886-1887
24
4
Miscellaneous Vouchers (Not G. R. M. Vessels)
1888
24
5
Miscellaneous Vouchers (Not G. R. M. Vessels)
1889
24
6
Miscellaneous Vouchers (Not G. R. M. Vessels)
1890
24
7
Miscellaneous Vouchers (Not G. R. M. Vessels)
1891
24
8
Miscellaneous Vouchers (Not G. R. M. Vessels)
1892
24
9
Sailboat, Belle Ainsworth
1883
24
10
Bills Paid
1866-1867
24
11
Bills Paid
1869
24
12
Bills Paid
1870
24
13
Bills Paid
1871
24
14
Bills Paid
1872
24
15
Bills Paid
1873
24
16
Bills Paid
1873-1874
24
17
Bills Paid
1874-1875
24
18
Bills Paid
1877
24
19
Bills Paid
1878
25
1
Bills Paid
1879
25
2-3
Bills Paid
1880
25
4-5
Bills Paid
1881
25
6
Bills Paid, Atkinson & Wakefield
1875
25
7
Bills Paid, Atkinson & Wakefield
1876
25
8
Bills Paid, Atkinson & Wakefield
1877
25
9
Bills Paid, Atkinson & Wakefield
1878
25
10
Bills Paid, Atkinson & Wakefield
1879
25
11
Bills Paid, Atkinson & Wakefield
1880
25
12
Bills Paid, Atkinson & Wakefield
1881-1882
25
13
Miscellaneous Bills Paid, Atkinson & Wakefield
25
14
Cancelled Checks
1872-1873
25
15
Receipt Book
1857-1876
25
16
Ainsworth National Bank
1885-1886
25
17
J.A. Devlin and Co., Astoria, OR. Advances by Ainsworth
1875-1880
25
18
Pacific Land Company
1873
25
19
Portland Cable Car Railway Company. Cancelled Bonds. No. 1-10, 390-400
August 1, 1887
25
20
School District No. 1, Portland, OR
1877-1878
26
Financial Memoranda Books13 volumes
1859-1881
Statements, Ainsworth account with Atkinson and Wakefield
Box
Folder
27
1
Miscellaneous Notes, Receipts, Legal Documents, Power of Attorney(also in Folder 2)
1863-1867
27
2
Miscellaneous Notes, Receipts, Legal Documents, Power of Attorney(also in Folder 1)
1863-1867
27
3
Ainsworth Estate Papers(also in Folder 4)
1893-1811
27
4
Ainsworth Estate Papers(also in Folder 3)
1893-1811
^ Return to Top
Subjects
This collection is indexed under the following headings in the online
catalog. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons, or
places should search the catalog using these headings.
Personal Names :
Ainsworth, J. C. (John Commingers), 1822-1893--Archives
Cooke, Jay, 1821-1905--Correspondence
Stevens, Hazard, 1842-1918--Correspondence
Villard, Henry, 1835-1900
Wright, Charles B., 1822-1898--Correspondence
Corporate Names :
Alden Besse (Bark)
Coloma (Bark)
Kate Davenport (Bark)
Northern Pacific Railroad Company--Records and correspondence
Oregon Central Railroad Company--Records and correspondence
Oregon Steam Navigation Company--Records and correspondence
Portland Hydraulic Elevator Company--Records and correspondence
Subject Terms :
Gold mines and mining--Oregon
House construction--Oregon--Portland
Shipment of goods--Northwest, Pacific
Silver mines and mining--Oregon
Form or Genre Terms :
Diaries
^ Return to Top
