University of Oregon Libraries
Special Collections & University Archives
1299 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-1299
URL: http://libweb.uoregon.edu/speccoll/index.html



Guide to the John C. Ainsworth Papers, 1858-1911


Coll. 250





Finding aid prepared by Rose M. Smith

Finding aid encoded by Xiaotong Wang, June 2004
Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.


Overview of the Collection

 
Repository Name:
 

University of Oregon Libraries
Special Collections & University Archives

1299 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-1299
URL: http://libweb.uoregon.edu/speccoll/index.html

 
Collection Number:
 

Coll. 250

 
Creator:
 

Ainsworth, J. C. (John Commingers), 1822-1893

 
Title:
 

John C. Ainsworth Papers

 
Dates:
 

1858-1911 (inclusive)

 
Quantity:
 

24 linear feet
27 containers

 
Languages:
 

Collection materials are in English. 

 
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.

 

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.

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.

Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Access 

Collection is open to the public.

Collection must be used in Special Collections & University Archives Reading Room.

Restrictions on Use 

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.

Preferred Citation 

[Identification of item], John C. Ainsworth Papers, Coll. 250, Special Collections & University Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, Eugene, Oregon.

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.

 
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
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
Gold mines and mining--Oregon
House construction--Oregon--Portland
Shipment of goods--Northwest, Pacific
Silver mines and mining--Oregon
Diaries

Detailed Description of the Collection

The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.


 

Diaries

 
Container(s)
Description
Dates
 
box
1
folder
1

Diaries
  1858, 1860, 1861
 
2
Diaries
  1865, 1866, 1872
 
3
Diaries
  undated
 
4
Autobiography
  1877

 

Personal Correspondence

 
Container(s)
Description
Dates
 
box
1
folder
5

Ackerson, John W. Tacoma land for sale
  February 8, 1875
 

Adams, W.L. (William Lysander). Sale of farm
  December 1, 1871; December 11, 1871
 

Ainsworth, Andrew (uncle). Family news
  August 31, 1875
 

Ainsworth, C.W. Inquiry about reformatory job
  October 7, 1875
 

Ainsworth, George J. (son). News from school at Oakland, CA (includes list of accounts)
  September 28, 1872
 

Ainsworth, William G. Request for loan
  [January?] 8, 1877
 

Albright, William G., Jr. Inquiry on immigration; request for job
  December 21 1874; February 8, 1875
 

Allen, W.A. Request and thanks for aid
  February 4, 1879; February 10, 1879
 

Anderson, B.P. Request to locate missing person
  December 5, 1874
 

Armstrong, C.H. Invitation to invest in "Oleomargaine" process
  March 11, 1874
 

Alvord, Benjamin. Comment on political affairs
  November 3, 1864; November 7, 1864
 
6
Babbitt, E.B. Situation in Buffalo, NY
  November 27, 1872
 

Ball, Mrs. A.H. Advice on Portland investments
  April 2, 1879
 

Bank of California (J. Dunn). Acknowledgements of receipts
  January 5, 1875; November 8, 1875; December 24, 1875
 

Barnes, G.A. and Co. Land tax matters in Washington
  February 6, 1874-November 24, 1879
 
10 letters
 

Barney, Chas O. & Co. Resale of stocks of Western Land Association
  May 7, 1880
 

Bayley, J.R. Sale of property and note payments
  July 28, 1879
 

Bell, J.W. Rental of store rooms in Masonic Temple Building, Portland
  October 18, 1876
 

Blackwell, William B. Thanks for donation; subscription to Forest and Stream
  December 29, 1874; February 4, 1875
 

Bleakmore, J.B. Recommendation of Orion Kinnerly
  October 11, 1875
 

Booth, A.R. Promise to pay debt
  February 4, 1876
 

Booth, Robert. Asks about job opportunities for his son
  April 15, 1879
 

Bross, Miss Jessie L. Thanks for hospitality
  September 1869?
 

Bross, William. Recommendation of ex-Governor Marcus L. Ward, NJ
  July 30, 1874
 

Brown, A.D. Road work due on property
  June 28, 1879; July 11, 1879
 

Brown, F.R. Inquiry on price of property
  May 6, 1880
 

Brown, Mart V. Requests extension of mortgage
  July 22, 1879
 

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
 

Brush, Geo. E. Road tax work order
  January 24, 1880
 
7
Calhourn, Lucia Gilbert. Thanks for hospitality
  September 12, 1869
 

Carlile, D. Payment of H. Green Mortgage
  August 9, 1880; August 12, 1880
 

Cartie, L.F. Sending bond for completion
  April 15, 1867
 

Caton, N.T. Proposal to start newspaper at Walla Walla, W.T.
  November 20, 1878
 

Cayton, W.W. Inquiry about Capt. Babbit
  March 16, 1878
 

Chadwick, S.B. H.C. Owen affairs
  January 20, 1876
 

Chipman, N.P. Reports on Eastern Washington Territory
  November 12, 1878
 

Clark, Frank. Land purchase
  October 23, 1876-May 27, 1879
 
5 letters
 

Colfax, Schuyler. Thanks for favors received
  September 2, 1871; October 24, 1871
 

Cooke, H.D. Recommendation for Frank T. Dodge
  January 4, 1873
 

Corbett, H.W. Suggestions for internal improvements
  January 14, 1868
 

Cornwall, P.B. Sale of Steamer Great Republic
  July 31, 1878; September 5, 1878
 

Cress and Bowley. Harness purchase
  May 27, 1878
 

Crook, George. Recollections of Pacific Coast days
  December 15, 1875
 
8
Daniels, W.B. Portland city politics
  January 26, 1877
 

Davis, Jef. C. Introduction of R.D. Burnett
  September 29, 1874
 

Dawson, Jas. J. Thanks for favors
  January 9, 1875
 

Death, H.J. Recollections of childhood days
  April 7, 1866
 

Denny, O.N. Reminder of package on call
  February 14, 1876
 

Dimon, Chas. Damaged shipment of boxes from Italy
  August 9, 1878
 

Dolph, Joseph N. Masonic hall business
  June 28, 1879
 

Dwight, H.W. Inquiry on land purchase
  December 12, 1879
 

Egbert, Augustine. Thanks for favors
  January 2, 1878
 

Eliot, Thomas Lamb. Thanks for support of church and friendship
  June 1869; May 18, 1874; January 20, 1880; April 10, 1876; July 6, 1874
 

Evans, Elwood. Asks for favors and advice
  June 2, 1868; June 4, 1868; December 9, 1875; September 5, 1878; October 17, 1878
 
[See also Masonic letters]
 
2 1
Failing, Henry. Thanks for sympathy regarding the death of Failing’s wife
  July 21, 1870?
 

Farrow, Edward S. Prosecution of "Young Lane"
  June 1, 1879
 

Fishburne, George J. Re: school tax, Cornelius, Oregon
  March 14, 1879
 

Freeman, C.A. Asks for work
  December 31, 1875
 

Froman, D. Mortgages, Albany, Oregon
  1879-1880
 
7 letters
 

Fry, J.D. Introduction for T.J. Hay
  July 2, 1879
 

Gammie, George. Livestock report from a farm on Bachelors Island
  April 16, 1879; November 25, 1881
 

Gardiner, J.J. Property purchases, Oakland, California
  1879-1880
 
16 letters
 

Geary, Edward R. Asks favor for Albany College; re: accounts
  January 27, 1867; April 2, 1876
 

Gibbs, George. Asks Ainsworth to talk with Livingston Stone, United States Fish Commission agent
  August 10, 1872
 

Goddard & Co., San Francisco. Shipment of iron works
  March 11, 1866; August 25, 1866
 

Gradon, Herman D. Ainsworth elected as an Honorary Member, Alumni Association of the Portland High School
 
 

Grover, L.F. Support of bills in Congress
  September 22, 1876; January 10, 1879; February 18, 1879
 
2
Hallock Charles. Fishing tackle
  May 1, 1875; May 3, 1875
 

Harland, C.W. Site for schoolhouse, Lewis County, W.T.
  June 8, 1879
 

Hawley, E.A. House rent
  April 26, 1876
 

Hayden, James R. Greetings and congratulations on the building of the N.P.R.R.
  February 10, 1876; March 24, 1879
 

Hiller, Mrs. D.A. Estate settlement
  1879-1880
 
5 letters, documents
 

Hine, Louis. Introduction, asks for job
  November 6, 1878
 

Hixon, J.M. Land opportunity in California
  April 14, 1880
 

Hodges, Henry C. Appointment of Ed Weeks to West Point
  September 23, 1878
 

Holbrook, Willard A. Asks for a job as a “watchman”
  January 25, 1875
 

Holman, Fred V. Receipt for money
  December 9, 1874
 

Holt, H.H. Pails for transporting fish
  May 1, 1879
 

Ingalls, E.G. Tacoma politics
  May 17, 1877
 

Ingalls, Rufus. Promotion of Senator Nesmith
  August 21, 1866
 
3
Jackson, Edward. Oregon articles in London paper
  October 12, 1874; October 17, 1874
 

Johnson, P.B. Explanation of relations with Walla Walla Union newspaper; asks to be appointed resident attorney
  June 5, 1878; November 7, 1878
 

Johnson, Robert. Recollections of old days and request for favor
  May 1, 1875
 

Kast & Co. (Fashionable Shoe Store, San Francisco). Boot order
  June 3, 1878
 

Kearney, E.S. Political news
  February 6, 1875; January 19, 1876; January 21, 1876; February 14, 1876; May 19, 1876
 

Kimball, George P. Wagon payment
  June 29, 1868
 

Knight, P.S. Public lectures
  November 13, 1878; November 20, 1878
 

Knights, Templar, Oregon Commandery No. 1. Ainsworth selected an honorary member
  October 11, 1876
 

Latham, Milton S. Promotion of Senator Nesmith
  May 11, 1866; May 30, 1866
 

Lewis, D.C. Land list, Columbia River South (Oregon) side
  November 10, 1879
 

Life Association of America. Form letters to policy holders
  December 24, 1879
 

Lincoln, E. Change of address
  December 22, 1879
 

Linderman, Dell. Inquiry about Mrs. Col. Weeks
  April 4, 1880
 

Linton, Susan A. Family member-asks for information on the West
  February 12, 1875
 
4
McCann, H. Farm reports, Lakeview, Oregon
  1878-1880
 
7 letters
 

McCann, James and John. Lot for sale, Astoria, Oregon
  May 26, 1877
 

McCartney, H.M. Thanks for favors
  September 24, 1879
 

McCaver, M.M. Description of the sife of Tacoma
  October 4, 1869
 

McComas, E.S. Land for sale, Eastern Oregon
  January 27, 1872; March 8, 1872; March 18, 1872
 

McCracken, J.M. Sales of ship Coloma
  June 3, 1879; October 29, 1879; November 8, 1880
 

McElroy, J.F. Gift of peaches
  October 3, 1879
 

McKerchner, D.C. Payment on note
  November 3, 1869
 

McKinlay, Archibald. Re: shipment of marten skins
  May 15, 1866
 

Macleary, Donald. Introducing William Reid, American Vice Consul to Dundee, Scotland
  April 14, 1874
 

McMicken, W. Personal and political news
  November 12, 1876; July 25, 1877; November 25, 1878; April 11, 1879
 

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
 

Meeker, Ezra. Property for sale, Lake view station, W.T.
  December 24, 1875
 

Miller, W. Railroad prospects
  July 23, 1874; August 26, 1874
 

Mills, O.O. Land purchases
  June 28, 1871
 

Min, John. Sale of property to Captain R.R. Thompson
  March 17, 1876
 

Mitchell, John N. Major Weeks affairs
  February 1, 1876
 

Morgan, H.B. Tax matters, Hillsboro, Oregon
  January 3, 1878; January 9, 1878
 
5
National Metropolitan Bank, Washington, DC. Inquiry re lost check
  March 8, 1875
 

Nesmith, James M. Political and railroad matters
  1864-1868
 
7 letters
 

New York Life Insurance Co. Acknowledgements and bills
  1872-1878
 
10 documents
 

Nordhoff, Charles. Inquiry re: Aurora Colony for article for Harper’s Magazine
  January 14, 1878
 

Noris, William. Introducing Frank Shilbauer
  June 26, 1878
 

Noyes and Fairweather. Charter of ship Coloma
  July 10, 1879
 

O’Brien, R.G. Re: Edward Giddings
  February 22, 1875
 

Ogden, W.B. Introducing George Wright
  December 11, 1875
 

Owen, H.C. Swamp lands
  September 29, 1876; April 23, 1877; April 25, 1877
 

Paige, H.C. Receipt for tax payment
  February 2, 1879
 

Palmer, Joel. Appreciation for political honor
  April 9, 1870
 

Parker, J.G. Note for endorsement
  March 7, 1874
 

Pierce, E.G. & Co., San Francisco. Re: shipment
  June 25, 1878
 

Plummer, C.B. University of Washington job; notes due
  April 5, 1879; April 27, 1879; April 29, 1879; May 17, 1879
 

Porter, David W. Bond signature request
  February 9, 1863; August 26, 1863
 

Pratt, Henry K. Introducing S.L. Bayles, Keokuk, Iowa
  September 4, 1878
 
6
Ralston, A.J. Introduction of bearer
  April 10, 1879; April 27, 1879; April 29, 1879; May 17, 1879
 

Ralston, W.C. Personal, steamboat, and railroad news
  1862-1874
 
10 letters
 

Ranbeg, Alexander. Re: Major Weeks
  May 24, 1880
 

Reeves, R.J. Proposed bank in Portland
  August 25, 1875
 

Sanford, John F. Personal news, invention of The Sanford Safety Lamp
  November 2, 1869
 

Sawtelle, C.S. Payment of room rental
  September 30, 1878
 

Sharpstein, B.L. Political favor request
  October 25, 1874
 

Smith, Hiram. Asks for Ainsworth to hold note for sale of Masonic Temple
  June 11, 1879
 

Smith, John H. Loan request
  April 9, 1879
 

Somerville, Thomas. Church affairs
  September 23, 1869
 

Stark, Benjamin. Railroad and political news
  December 11, 1867-June 3, 1875
 

Stebbins, Horatis. Offers medical treatment
  June 11, 1879
 

Steinberger, Justus. Personal and political news
  February 3, 1866; September 9, 1866
 

Stone, Livingstone. Re: fish
  November 23, 1875
 

Strickler, J.H. Inquiry for a good attorney in Seattle
  March 9, 1876
 

Sturt, H. Evelyn. Money borrowed and owed
  November 17, 1874; January 5, 1875; April 19, 1875
 

Sutton, H.M. Land investment in Chehalis county, W.T.
  October 16, 1876
 
7
Train, George Francis. Furs sent
  August 6, 1869
 

Troy, J.D. Mining properties
  November 21, 1875
 

Turrlt, B.B. Application for job
  February 26, 1875
 

Underwood, J.B. Stock owned; money owed
  May 17, 1869; May 25, 1869; May 30, 1879
 

Valentine, John J. Inquiry re: H.C. Paige
  November 15, 1876; December 6, 1876
 

Waggener, Willis. School tax due
  February 25, 1878
 

Wagner, Charles William. Notes due and overdue
  October 6, 1875; October 30, 1876
 

Weekes, T.J. Loan request
  May 10, 1879
 

Weeks, George A. Personal and financial matters
  May 20, 1876; April 13, 1878; March 9, 1880; April 17, 1880
 

Wells, Guy. Introducing S.L. Bayles and William Linderman; acknowledged receipt of steamboat history
  September 14, 1878; September 16; 1878; March 18, 1879
 

Whitcomb, J.B. Land purchase in California
  June 16, 1880
 

White, Nettie M. Business inquiry
  May 4, 1875; July 7, 1879
 

White, S. S. Tacoman lots for sale
  October 15, 1878
 

Whittlesey, J.H. Thanks for personal favors; news
  1864-1867
 
9 letters
 

Wilkerson, S. Land for sale, American Lake, W.T.
  May 16, 1878
 

Williams, J.C. Payment of taxes
  January 23, 1875; April 30, 1879; May 2, 1879
 

Wingard, S.C. Identification of fish
  March 29, 1879
 

Woodcock & Baldwin, Corvallis, Oregon. Receipts
  August 8, 1879; February 18, 1880
 

Wright, George. Job application
  March 22, 1879
 

Wygant, Theodore. House location and construction
  May 24, 1879

 

Freemasons (Oregon and Washington)

 
Container(s)
Description
Dates
 
box
3
folder
1

Documents and Form Letters
 
 

Mortgage assignments; Receipt books (4)
 
 
2
A.G.Enos case
  1872-1876
   
General Correspondence
 
 
3
Apperson, J.T.
  November 10, 1871
 

Austin, James M.
  July 29, 1870
 

Bayley, James R.
  December 6, 1871; January 16, 1872
 

Carter, L.F.
  October 17, 1870; October 28, 1870; October 31, 1870
 

Caswell, Thomas H.
  May 7, 1874; March 30, 1879
 

Coburn, C.A.
  June 21, 1879
 

Fechheimer, L.W.
  September 26, 1864
 

Gillian, W.H.
  May 22, 1872; September 4, 1872; September 18, 1872
 

Hayden, James R.
  December 4, 1872; August 22, 1875
 

Hungary Grand Orient
  April 22, 1872
 

Lawson, James S.
  September 17, 1872
 

Learned, A.F.
  November 14, 1872; November 26, 1872; December 19, 1872
 

McCraaken, J.
  March 8, 1875
 

McGrotty, E.P.
  July 22, 1876
 

Meier, Thomas T.
  April 15, 1876
 

Morrice, H.C.
  March 28, 1871
 

Patton, Thomas McF.
  August 27, 1872; May 30, 1874
 

Reed, F.M.
  August 24, 1875
 

Robbins, G. Collier
  March 23, 1871
 

Schenck, John S.
  December 9, 1871; May 28, 1874
 

Shaw, E.H.
  August 30, 1866; November 26, 1869
 

Sherman, Edwin A.
  May 17, 1872; October 21, 1872
 

Thibado, A.J.
  May 22, 1872; September 4, 1872; September 18, 1872
 

Wilkerson, Samuel Jr.
  December 1, 1874
 

Woodcock & Baldwin
  August 18, 1880
 
4
Chadwick, Stephen F.
  1871-1876
 
5
Evans, Elwood
  1872-1873
 
6
Mackey, A.G.
  1871-1874
 
7
Pike, Albert
  1870-1879
 
8
Webber, Fred
  1870-1872
 
volume
1


Letters sent
  1865-April 8, 1874
 
2

Letters sent
  April 11, 1874-1880

 

Oregon Central Railroad Company

 
Container(s)
Description
Dates
 
box
3
folder
9

Incorporation Papers
  1867-1869
 
10
Legislative bills, reports, remonstrances
  1868-1870
 
4 1
Mortgages, agreements, contracts
  1868-1869
 
2
Monthly accounts
  November 1868-April 1869
 
3
Bills, vouches for construction work
  1868
 
4
Cash statements
  1868-1869
 
5
Inventory
  November 1, 1868
 
6
Deeds, memoranda
  1868-1869
   
Letters Received, General
 
 
7
Bayley, J.R.
  July 13, 1868
 

Brinck, P.C. (National Iron Company)
  March 30, 1869; August 6, 1869
 

Chadwick, Stephen F.
  June 20, 1893
 

Cornelius, T.R.
  February 3, 1870
 

Holladay, Ben
  November 28, 1870; December 7, 1870
 

Lodd, J.W.
  April 7, 1869
 

McKay, Henry
  March 4, 1869; March 6, 1869; March 8, 1869; March 9, 1869
 

Nesmith, J.W.
  April 4, 1870
 

Newby, W.T.
  February 17, 1868; March 2, 1868; July 18, 1870
 

Olney, Cyrus
  December 22, 1869; December 25, 1869; December 30, 1869
 

Ralston, W.C.
  May 2, 1868; June 24, 1868; July 8, 1868
 

Reed, S.G.
  February 7, 1869; February 10, 1869; March 7, 1869; March 11, 1869; September 26, 1869
 

Russell, Edwin
  November 4, 1868
 

Smith, J.S.
  December 6, 1870
 

Thompson, R.R.
  October 14, 1868
 
8
Applegate, Jesse
  1869-1870
 
9
Gaston, Joseph
  1866-1868
 
10
Gaston, Joseph
  1869-1870

 

Oregon Steam Navigation Company

 
Container(s)
Description
Dates
 
box
5
folder
1

List of stockholders. Form letters and memoranda re: OSN Stock
  1880
 
2
Boat accounts and memoranda
 
 
3
Indentures, agreements (including Union Transportation Company)
 
 
4
Middle Cascades Portage Company
 
 
5
Ainsworth accounts with OSN Commissary
  1879-1880
 
6
Miscellaneous
 
   
Letters Received, General
 
 
7
Adams, John. Pass request
  February 26, 1879
 

Allen, J.B. Reduced rate and pass request
  February 26, 1879
 

Andrews, John E. Request for work
  March 18, 1875
 

Andrews, William H. Explanation of deal with Mr. Kimball of Walla Walla
  June 26, 1875
 

Ammon, Caspaii & Co. (San Francisco). Trade in Puyallup coal
  March 5, 1877
 

Apperson, A.J. Warning of competition
  November 9, 1878; November 13, 1878
 

Bacon, Edward T. Introducing
  April 4, 1870
 

Badollet & Co. (Astoria, OR). Rates for salmon shipment
  January 26, 1876; February 3, 1876
 

Bailey, G.W. Proposition for telegraph service, Pendleton, OR
  March 2, 1877
 

Baker, M. Connection, LaGrande railroad with OSN
  November 12, 1872; December 9, 1872
 

Ball, Charles A. Offer to lobby in Salem against bill “antagonistic” to OSN
  September 23, 1878; October 8, 1878
 

Barnard, J.L. Request for job
  December 30, 1875
 

Barnes, W.L. Inquiry re: building a railroad linking Walla Walla and Wallula
  March 3, 1876
 

Barney, Charles D. & Co. (Bankeas and Brokers, Philadelphia, PA). Stock transactions
  1875, 1879
 
7 letters
 

Barnwell, R. Inquiry re: value of OSN stock
  May 6, 1875
 

Baughman, E.W. Complaint about rates; report on Willow Creek landing, Wallula
  November 3, 1876; April 22, 1877
 

Beezley, Joseph.
  March 9, 1875
 

Bell, M.H. Request for bond signature
  September 6, 1874; September 11, 1874
 

Blinn, Marshall. Transfer of OSN stock
  December 25, 1875
 

Boughmer, A.B. Request for job
  October 3, 1875
 

Boyd, W.H. OSN stock offer
  March 16, 1877
 

Brazee, J.W. Comment on railroad building at Cascades
  March 29, 1877
 

Brittan, Holbrook & Co. (San Francisco). Receipt
  December 24, 1875
 

Brooks, George S. Request for job
  July 24, 1874
 

Brown, M.V. Request for boat charter
  May 6 (year unknown)
 

Brown, William T. Construction bid
  December 24, 1879
 

Burnside, D.H. Land purchase offer
  February 26, 1879
 

Bywater, C.M. Request for job
  June 20, 1879
 
8
Campbell, W.E. Request for job; asks for information steamboats
  November 6, 1876; May 12, 1877
 

Caan, Thomas H. Warning of competition
  October 30, 1876
 
7
Cardingley, George. Inquiry re: value of OSN stock
 
 
8
Can, C.E. Request for job
  December 14, 1876
 

Carr, T.S. Complaint, wharfage charge; request to expect (flag staff)
  October 27, 1876; December 9, 1876
 

Caton, N.T. Damaged flour shipment
  October 11, 1876
 

Chadd, R.V. Requests pass to investigate newspaper prospects upriver
  1879
 
4 letters
 

Chadwick, S.B. Job request for friend
  February 15, 1876
 

Chenoweth, F.A. Explanation of Jacobs & Neugass troubles
  May 21, 1877
 

Church, Charles P. Sale of Oregon Iron Works Property
  March 22, 1878
 

Clark, Frank C. Sale of steamer New World; tax matters
  June 25, 1874
 

Clark, Samuel A. Request for pass for Board of Centennial Commission agents
  January 9, 1875
 

Cole, George E. Request for pass for his daughter Ella
  July 20, 1878
 

Coleman, Edward T. Thanks for pass
  October 24, 1869
 

Collins, M.T. Deed to property
  May 27, 1878
 

Conklin, E. Requests OSN underwrite of his book Picturesque North-West
  December 6, 1878-December 20, 1879
 

Corbett, H.W. Is sending a copy of Henry Villard’s letter
  October 2, 1879
 

Crandell, R.W. Lumber for sale
  December 13, 1875
 

Creamer & Newhall, Philadelphia. Request value of OSN stock
  February 14, 1874
 

Crosley, W.F. and Crosby, N. Re: Captain Finch suit
  November 12, 1875
 

Curtis, James. Advertising for Baker City Weekly Herald
  February 10, 1875
 

Dancy Hyman & Co., New York. Inquiry re OSN dividends
  December 20, 1875
 

Davenport, John C. Inquiry, freight charges
  April 10, 1876
 

Denio, John H. Inquiry, value of OSN stock
  November 23, 1876
 

Dickens, John W. Request for job
  February 24, 1877
 

Dolph, J.N. Re: Stock
  July 9, 1879
 

Douglas, James. Thanks for pass
  March 24, 1875
 
9
Eagan, H.W. Special freight rate
  June 30, 1876
 

Effinger, W.H. Damage claims to the Beaver (ship)
  September 24, 1874
 

Evans, Elwood. Thanks for pass
  February 8, 1876
 

Fairweather, H.W. Value of new stock; consolidation of officers
  January 19, 1880;March 4, 1880
 

Farmers' Loan and Trust Company, New York. Transfer of OSN stock
  1879
 
4 letters
 

Ferguson, H.B. Request for pass
  April 12, 1879
 

Ferry, E.P. Request for pass
  July 24, 1873
 

Finch, D.B. Sale of the Olympia (boat)
  November 27, 1872
 

Fitzgerald, E.P. Rate complaints
  July 25, 1874; July 28, 1874
 

Flint, Edward A. Requests advice for steamers on Lake Titicaca, Peru
  September 20, 1876
 

Fraizer, J.M. Requests legal aid
  March 1, 1877
 

Freeman, C.A. Request for job
  December 10, 1874
 

Gamble, James. Advertisement for Frear Stone Co., San Francisco
  May 17, 1872
 

Geer, T.T. Request for pass
  April 25, 1876
 

Grostein & Binnard, Lewiston, I.T. Shipment of merchandise
  June 12, 1875
 

Grover, L.F. Rebate request
  February 18, 1879; June 13, 1879
 
10
Hale, C.H. Sale of steamer New World
  November 19, 1867
 

Hamilton, Joel. Building a wharf at Columbia City
  October 27, 1874
 

Handley & Sinnett. (New Umatilla House), The Dalles, OR. Freight rate complaint
  July 20, 1874
 

Hedges, Cornelius. Inquiry about character of S. Warner
  October 15, 1878
 

Hegeman Portable Folding Boat Co., Ballston Spa, NY. Advertisement
  187?
 

Hodgon, W.A. Requests back pay
  November 3, 1873
 

Holmes, A.H. Requests net earnings of OSN for September
  October 4, 1879
 

Holt, W.W. Asks for another shipment of trout eggs to replace spoiled shipment
  March 25, 1879
 

Howes, S.C. Wants to buy pigeons from OSN
  February 2, 1874
 

Huelutz, Septimus. Apology for remarks
  May 30, 1876
 

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
 

Hume, Joseph (&Co.) Eureka W.T. Complaint of boat service
  May 18, 1877
 

Hunt, Noah. Inquiry, value of stock
  December 3, 1875
 

Hunter, George. Inquiry, freight charges
  April 12, 1876
 

Huntley, C.C. Introduces Judge L. Homser
  August 13, 1872
 

Ireland, D.C. Report on support of Weekly Astorian
  June 7, 1877
 

Irving, John. Needs as a pilot
  April 28, 1880
 

James, W.S. Advertising for Baker City Herald
  March 6, 1875
 

Jennings, ?. Report on legislation
  October 7, 1878; October 15, 1878
 

Johns, J.M. Freight rates on wheat
  March 20, 1876
 

Johns, James W. Inquiry, land for sale in Salem
 
 

Johnson, P.B. Inquiry, freight rates
  October 26, 1874
 

Johnson, McCown & Macrum (lawyers), Oregon City, OR. Case against W.F. Canal & Loack Company
  January 12, 1876; May 14, 1879
 

Jones, Samuel B. Report on condition of boat; wages supplies
  July 18, 1868; October 2, 1874; May 3, 1878
 

Jordan, William H. Request for pass
  June 30, 1877
 
6 1
Kamm, Jacob. Stock transactions, boat purchases, OSN
  1867-1869
 
7 letters
 

Kellogg, A.H. Inquiry, value of OSN stock
  May 13, 1875
 

Kelly, W.A. Inquiry, steamboating on Snake Rivers
  November 21, 1874; December 14, 1874
 

Kimball, W.F. Immigration pamphlets
  May 25, 1875; June 18, 1875; February 10, 1876
 

Kingston, H.T. Price of boats
  June 14, 1869
 

Kinney, Aug. Offers land for sale; service complaint
  July 20, 1874; September 19, 1876
 

Kirkman, J.C. Request for pass
  February 25, 1878
 

Kunzie, J.H. Service complaint, Umatilla
 
 

Lamb, F.H. Needs list of OSN officers and employees to issue passes
  December 12, 1876; March 9, 1877
 

Leahy, D.F. Complaint about M.D.H. Schenck
  July 22, 1874
 

Leinenweber, C. Sale of Astoria land; report on steamboats
  October 1, 1874; November 12, 1875
 

Leng and Ogden, New York. Inquiry, value of OSN stock
  May 27, 1875
 

Lewis, D.C. Report, anti-OSN legislation
  October 8, 1878
 

Lewis, Edwin M. Requests OSN proxy
  December 13, 1876
 

McCall, A.E. Inquiry, freight rates
  February 22, 1875
 
2
McDonald, Calvin B. Request for pass
  May 13, 18[75]
 

McDonald, Mark L. Announcing Pacific Telegraph Company service
  March 22, 1877
 

McGregon, A. Inquiry, service from Lewiston to Wallula
  February 24, 1875
 

MacLean, Samuel R. Inquiry, value of stock
  November 9, 1876
 

McNulty, John. Discharge of Thomas Masters
  February 4, 1876
 

Marsh, F.H. Complaint about conduct of OSN employees
  June 28, 1872
 

Matheny, J.N. Inquiry, freight rates
  January 26, 1876
 

Miller, J.D. Inquiry, boat purchases; request for pass
  November 21, 1876; December 10, 1876
 

Minay (?), A.P. Inquiry, telegraph connection
  May 8, 1875
 

Mitchell, John H. Removal of Mr. Schenck
  October 20, 1874
 

Mix, James D. Inquiry, freight notes
  November 9, 1875
 

Moberly, Walter. Inquiry, types of river boats for navigating rivers west of the Rocky Mountains
  June 27, 1875
 

Moore, C. Freight billing methods
  March 17, 1879
 

Morse, H.C. Flotsam (railroad items) for sale
  Julu 10, 1876
 

Mulvane, J.R. Inquiry, value of OSN stock
  December 28, 1875; January 25, 1876
 

Mumford, George H. Thanks for pass
  January 22, 1875
 

Nicholson, A.S. Charter for the Oneonta
  June 7, 1874
 

North Western Satge Company, Boise City, I.T. Passes
  January 1876
 

Odd Fellows, OR. (J.M. Bacon, Grand Secretary). Inquiry about fares
  March 31, 1875
 

O’Neill, Daniel. Asks for pass for Mr. Abernethy
  January 9, 1876
 
3
Paine Bros. & Moore, Walla, Walla. Inquiry, rates on machinery
  April 20, 1876
 

Painell, William R. Special rates for a church bell for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Walla Walla
  February 7, 1877
 

Peabody, ?. Stockholders meeting, WWRR Co.
  January 2, 1880
 

Pearson, C.F. Inquiry, wages due
  July 12, 1878
 

Pentecost, William C. Immigration fare
  July 5, 1875
 

Pratt, W.E. Encloses letter from A.J. Appearson to Henry Warren re steamboating on the Willamette River
  December 2, 1878
 

Preston, Powell & Co., Wailsburg, W.T. Inquiry, freight rates
  March 2, 1876
 

Pusey, Jones & Co., Wilmington, DE. Estimate, cost of steamer
  October 13, 1875
 

Range, J.W. Inquiry, Immigrant fares
  November 24, 1872
 

Renady, G.W. Freight reduction for church bell
  June 28, 1875
 

Reynolds, A.H. Reduction, freight rates
  July 9, 1874
 

Richards, D. Signal methods
  November 14, 1878
 

Ritz, Philip. Payment on note; request for pass
  November 23, 1874; August 28, 1875
 

Rosenthal, G. Inquiry, freight rates
  June 4, 1875
 

Russell, Charles. Freight bill payment
  November 3, 1874
 

Russell, Edwin. Land for sale, Oregon Iron Works
  October 7, 1876; October 21, 1876
 
4
Salem Flouring Mills Co., Salem, OR. Inquiry, freight rates
  August 10, 1874
 

Savage, O. Political action on behalf of OSN
  May 25, 1875
 

Sawtelle, C.S. Thanks for pass
  May 23, 1878
 

Safer, George A. Henry Villard matters
  October 10, 1879; October 21, 1879; November 25, 1879
 

Schwabacher Bros., Walla Walla. Inquiry, freight service
  March 29, 1876; May 6, 1876
 

Semple & Jones, Pittsburgh, PA. Inquiry, value of OSN stock
  September 20, 1876
 

Sheat, James B. Sale of steamers City of Galveston and Carondelet
  January 8, 1876
 

Slocum, C.W. Offer of wood
  July 17, 1875
 

Smith, Allenson. Legal questions
  May 24, 1874
 

Smith, E.L. Offer, land for sale; pass request
  December 3, 1875; April 6, 1876
 

Smith, E.S. Political warnings
  October 27, 1874; December 26, 1875
 

Smith, W.H. Landing facilities and docks, Astoria
  1874-1876
 
5 letters
 

Smitch and Hatch, New Tacoma, W.T. Bill for lumber
  December 16, 1878
 

Squire, W.C. Inquiry, value of OSN stock
  November 15, 1879
 

Starbuck, W.H. Proposed sale, OSN to Villard
  1879
 
5 letters
 

Starr, L.M. P.O. Dept. check
  October 22, 1874
 

Stern, R.H. Inquiry, OSN River boat and service
  May 13, 1876
 

Stewart, Daniel. Complaint, freight charges
  April 20, 1876
 

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
 

Stuart, A.H.H. Requests support of Washington immigration pamphlet
  January 20, 1876
 

Stuart, Granville. (to Col. Joseph Ruckles). Inquiry, property of Charles P. Stewart
  December 24, 1864
 

Stump, Thomas J., Jr. Resignation
  June 5, 1876
 

Sutton, H.M. Offer, real estate service
  September 28, 1876
 

Swan, S.J. Job application
  June 30, [1876]
 
5
Taylor, A.C. Request for pass
  August 26, 1872
 

Taylor, W.H. Inquiry, sale of the steamer Otter
  May 28, 1875
 

Thomas & Shoemaker, Philadelphia, PA. Inquiry, value of OSN stock
  November 1, 1878
 

Troup, J.W. Agreement on employment
  August 24, 1875
 

Trowbridge, CA. Request, status of OSN on behalf of NPRR
  February 26, 1865
 

Trumble, George A. Inquiry, freight rates
  November 9, 1876
 

Tull, Victor E. Request for pass
  January 11, 1875
 

Turnbull, Mary. Request for pass
  April 14, 1876
 

Tyndale, Troilus H. Acknowledges favor for Mr. Villard
  December 5, 1879
 

Van Bergen, J.O. Application for captaincy
  November 23, 1875
 

Van Dusen, A. Negotiations, Astoria property
  September 17, 1874; September 19, 1874
 

Vogt, M. Shipment to the Dalles
  December 15, 1874; December 19, 1874
 

Wait & Matzger. Inquiry, freight rates
  February 10, 1876; February 20, 1876
 

Walker, A.H. Job application
  December 28, 1877
 

Warren, Shep. Report, Matters at Pend Oreille Lake
  March 1, 1875
 

Washburn, B.M. Pass requests
  March 16, 1875; August 24, 1875; August 28, 1875
 

Washington State Grange. Inquiry, railroad from Walla Walla to Wallula
  April 14, 1876
 

Watson, W.P. Report, Hood River affairs
  July 22, 1872
 

Wheat, John R. Request for pass
  February 26, 1875
 

Whitehouse, B.G. Reports, discharge of driver
  August 29, 1872
 

Whitson, W.C. Request, table of rates
  March 25, 1875
 

Williams, George H. Comment, cases before Department of Justice
  1872-1874
 
4 letters
 

Wingard, S.C. Request for pass; note collections
  April 29, 1872; May 26, 1872; March 11, 1874
 

Wood, Mrs. J.F. Request for pass
  June 1, 1878
 

Wright, G.B. Request, freight rate list
  February 11, 1875
 

Wright, George. Job request
  September 20, 1876
 

Wright, Thomas A. Purchase of machinery from steamer Wenat
  January 25, 1875
   
Letters Received
 
 
6
Baker, Dorsey S. Walla Walla and Columbia River Railroad and relations with OSN; sale of OSN to Villard
  1876-1880
 
7
Bradford, Daniel F. Portage railroad; OSN affairs; Owyhee mines
  1864-1869, 1875, 1877
 
8
Burr, Platte. Telegraph company and OSN
  1875-1876
 
9
Cooke, Jay (Estate of Jay Cooke & Co., in Bankruptcy). Bankruptcy; holdings and disposal of OSN stock
  1874-1878
 
10
Danforth Cooke & Co., Patterson, NJ. Engine purchases by OSN
  1865
 
7 1
Goldsmith, Bernard. Willamette River Transportation Company
  1875-1877
 
2
Hayward, Alvinza. Financial matters
  1866-1879
 
3
Holladay, Ben. Miscellaneous.
  1865, 1874, 1878
 
4
Jeffries, Noah L. Washington, DC, lobbying
  1874-1879
 
5
Kelly, James K. Astoria land; legislation in Congress
  1874, 1877
 
6
Ladd, John W. Steamer purchases; sales
  1866-1869, 1874, 1878-1880
 
7
Merry, Thomas B. Establishment of newspaper in the Dalles
  1876-1879
 
8
Oregon State Board of Immigration. William Reid; immigration to Oregon vis OSN
  1874-1876
 
9
Reed, Simeon G. Miscellaneous
  1869, 1872, 1874, 1875, 1878-1880
 
10
Schenk, John S. OSN agent, The Dalles
  1874, 1875, 1878
 
11
Strong, William. OSN attorney
  1875, 1876, 1879
 
12
Thompson, Robert R. Miscellaneous
  1866, 1878-1880
 
8 1
Tilton, Charles E. Miscellaneous
  1866, 1871, 1876, 1878, 1879
 
2
U.S. Government (Engineers Office, Post Office, Railway Mail Service, Treasury Department). Miscellaneous
  1874-1877
 
3
Villard, Henry. Miscellaneous
  1876-1880
 
4
Wygant, Theodore. Secretary, OSN and other enterprises
  1867, 1874-1876, 1879
   
Profit and Loss Statements
 
 
5
Profit and Loss Statements
  January 1868-March 1868
 
6
Profit and Loss Statements
  April 1868-June 1868
 
7
Profit and Loss Statements
  July 1868-September 1868
 
8
Profit and Loss Statements
  October 1868-December 1868
 
9 1
Profit and Loss Statements
  January 1869-March 1869
 
2
Profit and Loss Statements
  April 1869-June 1869
 
3
Profit and Loss Statements
  July 1869-September 1869
 
4
Profit and Loss Statements
  October 1869-December 1869
 
5
Profit and Loss Statements
  January 1870-March 1870, May 1870
 
6
Profit and Loss Statements
  September 1870-December 1870
 
7
Profit and Loss Statements
  January 1871-June 1871
 
10 1
Profit and Loss Statements
  July 1871-September 1871
 
2
Profit and Loss Statements
  October 1871-December 1871
 
3
Memorandum book, Ainsworth’s private memoranda re OSN financial matters
  1864-1869
 
volume
3


Letters sent (Letterpress book)
  December 1879-March 1880

 

Northern Pacific Railroad Company (NPRR), 1871-1880

 
Container(s)
Description
Dates
 
box
10
folder
4

Statement of Earnings and Operating Expenses, Pacific Division
  1874
 
5
Statement of Earnings and Operating Expenses, Pacific Division
  1875
 
6
Statement of Earnings and Operating Expenses, Pacific Division
  1876
 
7
Statement of Earnings and Operating Expenses, Pacific Division
  1877
 
8
Inventories: Equipment and Shop Material
  January 1, 1875
 
9
Resolutions
 
 
11 1
Land Department Documents and Maps
 
 
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
 
3
Documents and Miscellaneous Papers
 
   
Letters Received, General
 
 
4
Ackerson, John W. Plight of destitute Chinese in Tacoma
  December 4, 1873
 

Bacon, H.D. Formation, Puget Sound Construction Co.
  February 28, 1873
 

E.W. Clark & Co., Philadelphia. Quotation, NPRR stock
  October 20, 1879
 

Beebe, E.R. Transfers of bonds
  July 22, 1876; August 29, 1876
 

Bingham, E.W. Jan. 31, 1874; Feb. 7, 1874. Note, Oregon Iron Works; Mr. Montgomery’s creditors notes
  January 31, 1874; February 7, 1874
 

Carr, Job. Land purchase; cooperation in Puyallup area
  July 2, 1873; December 28, 1874
 

Chapman, W.W. Requests interview about political matters
  November 23, 1874
 

Cooke, Pitt. Location of Cooke Boys in business. Pacific Northwest
  March 16, 1874
 

Dart, P.C. Cost of shipping locomotives, San Francisco to Kalama
  June 28, 1873
 

Failing, Henry. Stop purchase order
  November 29, 1873
 

Fallows, B. Coal situation at Wilkeson, W.T.
  April 16, 1879
 

Ferry, P. Re: Major Hibbord
  September 1, 1875
 

Finch, D.B. Mail contract, Puget sound
  December 2, 1873
 

Garfield, S. Mail contract, Puget sound
  April 23, 1874
 

Girard National Bank, Philadelphia. Stock transfers
  July 18, 1879; August 7, 1879; November 1, 1879
 

Goodwin, John W. Health of Hayward; Rolling mill
  November 3, 1873; July 14 (no year listed)
 

Greene, Roger S. Clover Creek Trust Fund; Land grant for Baptists
  February 9, 1874; February 21, 1874
 

Hall, S.W. Inquiry, bonds for sale
  November 3, 1875
 

Hatch, Rufus. Steamer service on North Coast (Pacific Mail Steamship Company)
  March 23, 1874
 

Henry, Samuel. Bill for bunkers and trestle at Wilkerson, W.T.
  March 24, 1879
 

Houghton, J.H. Land sale and taxes, Pierce Co., W.T.
  November 19, 1878
 

Howard, William A. Land
  March 8, 1873
 

King, W.S. Re: Cass
  February 20, 1873
 

Lane, William. Notifies Ainsworth of his election as Director of NPRR
  September 23, 1878
 

Lewis, D.C. Requests payment of wages; Reference to HB 27, Oregon Legislature
  December 19, 1873; September 19, 1878
 

McMicken, W. Tire contracts
  December 18, 1879; December 22, 1879
 

Morris, Thomas B. Trestle Work; payment of workers
  November 3, 1873; April 6, 1874
 

Montgomery, J.B. Payment of note
  February 12, 1876
 

O’Brien, R.G. Taxes in Tacoma
  January 7, 1876; January 19, 1876; January 25, 1876
 

O’Neill, James
  March 1, 1875
 

Ritz, Philip. Bid log supply; prospects in Eastern Washington
  September 7, 1873; June 1, 1878
 

Routt, John S. Mail service, Kalama to Tacoma
  March 10, 1874
 

Sell, W.E. Inquiry, Col. A. Haywards NPRR stock
  December 10, 1878
 

Stan, Lewis M. Proposition, sale of the steamers South Pacific, Alida, and Isabel
  undated
 

Stone, John H. Credit of Mr. Montgomery
  December 13, 1873
 

Tarbell, F. Request for job
  November 22, 1873
 

Theobald, William W. Job application, land agent
  undated
 

Thielsen, H. Engineering questions
  July 10, 1879; November 24, 1879
 

Tower, C. Inquiry, legality of Tacoma Land Company in Pennsylvania
  October 22, 1873; November 17, 1873; November 24, 1873
 

War Department, Washington City. Re: assignment of Major George H. Weeks
 
 

Wheat, John R. Land propositions near Tacoma
  January 9, 1873; October 30, 1873; March 30, 1874
 

Wheeler, George Burnett. Job application
  April 16, 1874
 

Wright, George B. Inquiry, steamer for Otter Tailor Red River, Minnesota
  October 4, 1873
   
Letters Received
 
 
5
S.W. Backus and Co., San Francisco. Freight shipments for NPRR
  1873-1874
 
6
Belknap, Robert Lenox. Treasurer, NPRR
  1879-1880
 
7
Billings, Frederick. Miscellaneous NPRR matters
  1873-1877
 
8
Billings, Frederick. Miscellaneous NPRR matters
  1878
 
12 1
Billings, Frederick. Miscellaneous NPRR matters
  1879-1880
 
2
Black, Samuel A. Miscellaneous NPRR matters
  1877-1879
 
3
Canfield, Thomas H. Lake Superior and Puget Sound Co., New York
  1869-1875
 
4
Cass, George W. Miscellaneous NPRR matters
  1872-1875
 
5
Cooke, Jay. Miscellaneous NPRR matters
  1872-1873
 
6
Cooke, Jay. Miscellaneous NPRR matters
  1874-1875
 
13 1
Hibbard, George B. Tacoma Land Company
  1873-1876
 
2
Hosmer, Theodore. Tacoma Land Company
  1873-1879
 
3
Jacobs, N.P. Assistant land commission, NPRR
  1873
 
4
Nettleton, A.B. Trustee’s agent, NPRR
  1874
 
5
Pitchland, A.L. Treasurer, NPRR
  1874-1875
 
6
Rice, Richard D. Vice President, NPRR
  1872-1875
 
7
Roberts W. Milnor. Engineer, NPRR
  1869, 1872-1874, 1878
 
8
Sargent, H.E. General Manager, NPRR
  1878-1879
 
9
Schulze, Paul. Land department, O & C Railroad
  1874-1875
 
10
Smith, E.S. Political factors, NPRR
  1873-1875
 
11
Smith, Isaac W. Laying out Tacoma Sprague, J.W. General Superintendent, Pacific Division, NPRR
  1874
 
12
Sprague, J.W.
  1872-1873
 
13
Sprague, J.W.
  1874
 
14 1
Sprague, J.W.
  1875-1876
 
2
Sprague, J.W.
  1877-1880
 
3
Stark, George. Vice President, NPRR
  1877-1879
 
4
Stevens, Hazzard. Miscellaneous NPRR matters
  1873-1874
 
5
U.S. Post Office Department. Mail contracts
  1874
 
6
Wilkeson, Samuel. Secretary, NPRR
  1873-1879
 
7
Wright, Charles B. Vice President/President, NPRR
  1873
 
8
Wright, Charles B. Vice President/President, NPRR
  1874
 
9
Wright, Charles B. Vice President/President, NPRR
  1875
 
15 1
Wright, Charles B. Vice President/President, NPRR
  1876-1877
 
2
Wright, Charles B. Vice President/President, NPRR
  1878-1880
 
volume
4


Letters sent
  1873-February 1875
 
5

Letters sent
  March 1875-1880

 

Mines and Mining and Other Corporate Enterprises (except shipping and Portland Hydraulic Elevator Company)

 
Container(s)
Description
Dates
   
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
15
folder
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
 
10

Corporate Records
  1865-1867
   
Capay Ledge, Baker County, OR. (Mine). Undivided 1/2 interest owned by J.C. Ainsworth and Josiah Myrick
 
 
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
 
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
15
folder
4

Papers
  1872
   
French Gulch Flume Company, Auburn, OR
 
 

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
 
 
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
 
18

Corporate Records
  1863-1864
 
19

Stock journal
  1864
 
20

Journal
  1864
 
box
15
folder
6

Papers
 
 
[contents missing]
   
Cabinet Steam Sawmill. Portland?, OR