Table of Contents
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
