Archives West Finding Aid
Table of Contents
John N. Downing family business records, 1903-1956
Overview of the Collection
- Title
- John N. Downing family business records
- Dates
- 1903-1956 (inclusive)19031956
- Quantity
- 5 boxes, (3 linear feet)
- Collection Number
- UUS_COLL MSS 264
- Summary
- This collection offers a picture of Montpelier, Idaho, history. The collection consists of the financial documents and records of J. N. Downing, his son, Edgar, and his grandson, Paul N. Richelson, starting in 1903 and continuing until 1956.
- Repository
-
Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections and Archives Division
Special Collections & Archives
Merrill-Cazier Library
Utah State University
Logan, UT
84322-3000
Telephone: 4357978248
Fax: 4357972880
scweb@usu.edu - Access Restrictions
-
Open to public research.
- Languages
- English.
- Sponsor
- Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant, 2007-2008
Biographical NoteReturn to Top
This collection contains the financial records of John Newton Downing (1866-1941) and his various businesses: the Burgoyne Hotel, the Downing Apartments, and the Downing Ranch, all located in Montpelier and Georgetown, Idaho. A local history of Montpelier discusses both the hotel and apartments:
The original Burgoyne Hotel was in a building constructed by Edward Burgoyne for a Y.M.C.A. After some years, the building reverted to Mr. Burgoyne, who sold it to J. N. Downing in 1898. He retained the pioneer name of Burgoyne to designate what became the three-story hotel on Washington Street with seven business rentals. The original building was moved from Washington Street to North Ninth Street and converted into the Downing Apartment. In 1908 the east wing of the new building was built, followed in 1915 with the construction of the west wing. The space between the two wings was enclosed in 1925. (Rich 76)
John Newton Downing was married to Hannah Katherine Nelson Downing. They had a son named Edgar L. Downing, who by 1937, was also a partner in the Burgoyne Hotel. The bank records from First Security Bank of Idaho appear in Edgar's name after the death of J. N. Downing, suggesting that Edgar took over his father's businesses. Paul N. Richelson, a grandson to J. N. Downing, is also listed in these records by 1954. Paul W. Richelson, who donated this collection, is a great-grandson to John Newton Downing.
There are references to several other Montpelier banks in this collection: The Bank of Montpelier, The First National Bank, and the Eccles-Browning Bank. J. N. Downing had accounts and interactions with each of these institutions. The Bank of Montpelier was started in 1891 by G. C. Gray and survived until 1924. The First National Bank was opened by E. A. Burrell in 1904 and remained open until 1925. The Eccles-Browning Bank began in 1925, after the other banks had closed. In this collection, the Eccles-Browning Bank records are for the years of 1925 and 1926.
Many of the names and businesses mentioned in this collection appear in the A. McKay Rich thesis cited below, which also contains photographs of the Burgoyne Hotel and the Downing Apartments. There is another photo of the Hotel in Earl F. Passey's book, An Account of the Settlement and Development of Montpelier, Idaho.
Sources: Rich, A. McKay. The History of Montpelier from 1864 to 1925. Thesis. Utah State Agricultural College. Logan, Utah: 1957.
Content DescriptionReturn to Top
This collection offers a picture of Montpelier, Idaho history. The collection consists of the financial documents and records of J. N. Downing, his son, Edgar, and his grandson, Paul N. Richelson, which started in 1903 and continued until 1956. Included in this collection are warranty deeds and mortgage papers that were turned over to J. N. Downing. There is also a series of bank statements and checks from several banks. Most are from the First Security Bank of Idaho (1941-1956). From 1941 to at least 1943, the accounts (and other records) are in Edgar L. Downing's name. By 1954 the accounts had been transferred to the name of Paul N. Richelson. There are checks from the Bank of Montpelier, The First National Bank, and the Eccles-Browning Bank. The collection contains loan statements from the Federal Land Bank of Spokane as well as correspondence and records dealing with Utah Light and Power, the State of Idaho, life insurance companies, and other businesses. Additionally, there are tax papers from 1918-1950. Eight ledger books are included in this collection which are the financial records for Downing's businesses. Ledger 3 in box 3 is labeled "Apartment House Rent Book" with records for the Downing Apartments. The other ledgers are not clearly labeled and seem to be a mix of all his accounts and expenses. Some of the ledgers are indexed in the front tab section of the book.
The first box consists of tax papers, separated by year. Following the tax papers are various legal-size documents including deeds, mortgage papers, loan papers, and the guest register for the Burgoyne Hotel. The second box consists mostly of bank statements and checks from the First Security Bank of Idaho. (Account no. 2 at the First Security Bank of Idaho is the Ranch Account.) Also in this box are more records for the hotel and the Downing Apartments, along with correspondence from the Department of Agriculture and several life insurance companies. The third box holds four ledgers. The fourth box holds four more ledgers and some oversize items including tax papers and financial figures. The fifth box contains loose papers that were tucked in the pages of the ledgers. These papers are in folders labeled with the ledger and page number indicating where they were found originally.
Use of the CollectionReturn to Top
Restrictions on Use
It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.
Permission to publish material from the John N. Downing family business records must be obtained from the Special Collections and Archives manuscript curator and/or the Special Collections and Archives department head.
Preferred Citation
John N. Downing family business records, 1903-1956. (COLL MSS 264). Utah State University. Special Collections and Archives Department.
Administrative InformationReturn to Top
Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top
Business recordsReturn to Top
Box 5 contains loose papers found in books
Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
---|---|---|---|
Box | Folder | ||
1 | 1 | Tax papers |
1918-1921 |
1 | 2 | Tax papers |
1922-1923 |
1 | 3 | Tax papers |
1937 |
1 | 4 | Tax Papers |
1938 |
1 | 5 | Tax papers |
1939 |
1 | 6 | Tax papers |
1940 |
1 | 7 | Tax papers |
1941 |
1 | 8 | Tax papers |
1942 |
1 | 9 | Tax papers |
1943 |
1 | 10 | Tax papers |
1944 |
1 | 11 | Tax papers |
1945 |
1 | 12 | Tax papers |
1946 |
1 | 13 | Tax papers |
1947 |
1 | 14 | Tax papers |
1948 |
1 | 15 | Tax papers |
1949 |
1 | 16 | Tax papers |
1950 |
1 | 17 | Warrantee Deed Between Mary A. Burgoyne, E. L. Burgoyne, Sarah E. Williams, and Martha E. Cruikshank (sole heirs of the estate of Edward Burgoyne) to Abbie Richardson- |
1905 January 28 |
1 | 18 | Warranty Deed Between Lewis Zitzman of the city and Jacob Jones - |
1908 August 19 |
1 | 19 | Chattel Mortgage, Wm. Perkins to John N. Downing - |
1913 December 8 |
1 | 20 | Warranty Deed, Winnie Wright and Frank Wright to Hannah Downing - |
1914 March 17 |
1 | 21 | Agreement for Building with Bond Between Mr. Adolph Sommers and Mr. J. N. Downing - |
1920 April 26 |
1 | 22 | Real Estate Mortgage From J. N. Downing to E. A. Burrell - |
1920 May 8 |
1 | 23 | Release of Mortgage: J. N. Downing to Andy J. Jensen- |
1940 January 7 |
1 | 24 | United States Department of Agriculture, loan papers |
1953 |
1 | 25 | United States Department of Agriculture, loan papers |
1953 |
1 | 26 | Pacific Wool Growers |
1955 |
1 | 27 | Burgoyne Hotel Guest Register |
undated |
2 | 1 | Bank Statements and checks |
1941-1943 |
2 | 2 | Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho/ Richelson-Crane & Company |
February 2, 1954 |
2 | 3 | Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho |
1954 February 3 |
2 | 4 | Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho/ Richelson-Crane & Company |
1954 March 3 |
2 | 5 | Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho/ Richelson-Crane & Company |
1954 April 3 |
2 | 6 | Bank statement, no checks |
1954 April 2 |
2 | 7 | Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho/ Richelson-Crane & Company |
1954 May 2 |
2 | 8 | Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho/ Richelson-Crane & Company |
1954 July 10 |
2 | 9 | Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho/ Richelson-Crane & Company |
1954 July 3 |
2 | 10 | Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho |
1954 July 3 |
2 | 11 | Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho/ Richelson-Crane & Company |
1954 August 3 |
2 | 12 | Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho |
1954 August 3 |
2 | 13 | Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho/ Richelson-Crane & Company |
1954 September 2 |
2 | 14 | Sale Contract- First Security Bank of Idaho |
1954 September 29 |
2 | 15 | Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho/ Richelson-Crane & Company |
undated |
2 | 16 | Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho |
1954 October 4 |
2 | 17 | Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho/ Richelson-Crane & Company |
1954 November 2 |
2 | 18 | Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho/ Richelson-Crane & Company |
1954 |
2 | 19 | Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho/ Richelson-Crane & Company |
1955 January 4 |
2 | 20 | Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho |
1955 January 4 |
2 | 21 | Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho |
1955 February 2 |
2 | 22 | Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho |
1955 July 2 |
2 | 23 | Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho |
1955 August 3 |
2 | 24 | Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho |
1955 October 4 |
2 | 25 | Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho |
1955 December 3 |
2 | 26 | Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho |
1956 January 4 |
2 | 27 | Money Order Receipts from First Security Bank of Idaho |
undated |
2 | 28 | Deposit slip duplicates |
undated |
2 | 29 | Purchase orders for various places, bills for Montpelier Grain Elevation |
undated |
2 | 30 | First National Bank, Montpelier, Idaho: checks and deposit slips |
1915-1926 |
2 | 31 | The Federal Land Bank of Spokane (Ranch Mortgage) Statements |
1924-1954 |
2 | 32 | Eccles-Browning Bank: check, receipt, and correspondence |
1925-1926 |
2 | 33 | The Equitable Life Assurance Society: correspondence and statements |
1919-1924 |
2 | 34 | Union Mutual Life Insurance Company: statements and correspondence |
undated |
2 | 35 | Montpelier Grain Elev., Wendell Welling Purchaser, Grain Settlement and orders |
1954 |
2 | 36 | State of Idaho, Land Dept., lease rental papers |
undated |
2 | 37 | Utah Light and Power, Georgetown, Idaho: Lease-1931 and Equipment Rental Agreement- |
1940 |
2 | 38 | Burgoyne Hotel: estimates for alterations |
undated |
2 | 39 | Burgoyne Hotel: rent records |
1924-1925 |
2 | 40 | Abstract of title for Ed Burgoyne's Addition to Montpelier 1903 (green), Abstract of title, mortgage papers (gray) |
1920 |
2 | 41 | United States Dept. of Agriculture, Soil Conservation, Cooperative Farm Demonstration |
1939 |
2 | 42 | Miscellaneous: Montpelier Irrigation District 1919, Continental Life Insurance Company 1920, American War Mothers |
1929 |
3 | Ledger 1: (Journal) |
January 1948 - March 1951 | |
3 | Ledger 2: (DE ledger with letter tabs) |
undated | |
3 | Ledger 3: (Gray Journal) Apartment House Rent Book |
undated | |
3 | Ledger 4: (Gray with green tabs) |
1930 October - 1942 June | |
4 | Book 1: Check book balances/ stubs |
1920 March 12 - August 7 | |
4 | Book 2: Check book balances/ stubs |
1923 February 5 - May 7 | |
4 | Book 3: Check book balances/ stubs |
1923 July 5 | |
4 | Book 4: Check book balances/ stubs |
1923 August 6 - November 22 | |
4 | Book 5: Check book balances/ stubs |
1924 November 27 - 1925 January 18 | |
4 | Book 6: Check book balances/ stubs |
195[?] August 8 - October 2 | |
4 | Book 7: Check book balances/ stubs |
195[?] October 3 - December 3 | |
4 | Book 8: Check book balances/ stubs |
193[?] December 10; 195[?] December 12-22; 196[?] December - January 4 | |
4 | Ledger 1: ("Expense Account") before |
1937-1950 | |
4 | Ledger 2: ("Register Queen Insurance Co.") News articles in front cover, expense accounts - indexed in front section with tabs |
undated | |
4 | Ledger 3: (red "Ledger") account book, index in front |
undated | |
4 | Ledger 4: (white with red corners) account records - indexed |
undated | |
Folder | |||
4 | 1 | Tax papers |
1931-1936 |
4 | 2 | Financial Figures: Burgoyne Hotel |
1937-1943 |
4 | 3 | Financial Figures for ranch, Burgoyne Hotel and personal (J. N. Downing) |
1934 - 1937 |
5 | 1 | Ledger 1, Box 3
[pages not numbered] business card for Hardy-Gaines Realty and letter to Paul Richelson from Elton D. Minkler, Wackrli and Co. May 29, 1952
|
1945 April |
Ledger 2, Box 3 |
|||
Box | Folder | ||
5 | 2 | Page 17 Montpelier news clipping, Social Notes |
undated |
5 | 2 | Page 44 [not numbered - "Ranch expenses for 1922"] Federal Land Bank of Spokane: receipt |
1924 February 27 |
5 | 2 | Page 73 The Equitable Life Assurance Society: Receipt |
1925 December 19 - 1926 December 19 |
5 | 2 | Page 73 figures on back of First National Bank stationary |
undated |
5 | 2 | Page 83 Receipt No. 224650 |
1930 November 8 |
5 | 2 | Page 84 The Equitable Life Assurance Society Receipt |
1928 December 19 - 1929 December 19 |
5 | 2 | Page 117 Eccles Browning Bank: J. N. Downing check |
1925 September 21 |
5 | 2 | Page 125 The Equitable Life Assurance Society: receipt |
1929 December 19 - 1930 December 19 |
5 | 2 | Page 127 Interest Coupon |
undated |
5 | 2 | Page 129 The Service Depot - Statement for John Downing |
1927 November 1 |
5 | 2 | Page 154 Inventory |
undated |
Ledger 3, Box 3 |
|||
Box | Folder | ||
5 | 3 | Page 29 State of Idaho: certificate for registration of Burgoyne Hotel |
1937 April 15 |
Ledger 3, Box 3 |
|||
Box | Folder | ||
5 | 4 | Page 2 figures |
1942 May 1 |
5 | 4 | Page 4 calculator tape with figures |
1942 May 1 |
5 | 4 | Page 4 Texaco Service Station Statements: E. L. Downing |
1942 April, May, July, August |
5 | 4 | Page 9 figures |
undated |
5 | 4 | Page 11 note |
undated |
5 | 4 | Page 80 calculator tape with figures |
undated |
5 | 4 | Back Cover Freight Bill: Downing and Downing Hotel |
1947 October 6 |
5 | 4 | Back Cover In envelope: Tax Collectors Final Receipt, calculator print out |
1949 December 2 |
5 | 4 | Back Cover In another envelope: Tax Collectors Final Receipt, calculator print out, Peck Bros Live Stock Commission company: Invoice |
1947 December 4-1947 December 15 |
Ledger 4, Box 3 |
|||
Box | Folder | ||
5 | 5 | Page 1 State of Idaho, State Insurance Fund, Boise, Idaho: Premium Statement |
1937 February 2 |
5 | 5 | Page 253 calculator tape of figures |
undated |
Ledger 1, Box 4 |
|||
Box | Folder | ||
5 | 6 | Front Cover Peck Bros. Live Stock Company: Invoice |
1945 November 26 |
5 | 6 | Page 2 Utah Power and Light: Equipment Rental Agreement |
1946 June 5 |
5 | 6 | Page 2 Log of Hotel Well |
1935 June - July |
5 | 6 | Page 3 Federal Land Bank of Spokane |
1947-1950 |
5 | 6 | Page 3 Policy continuation certificate |
1943 January 1 - 1947 January 1 |
5 | 6 | Page 9 First Security Bank of Idaho - duplicate Deposit Ticket |
1934 December 21 |
5 | 6 | Page 28 State of Idaho Brand Inspection Bureau: Certified Copy of Livestock Brand, Application for Livestock Brand |
1949 August 11 |
5 | 6 | Page 33 figures |
undated |
5 | 6 | Page 39 Federal Land Bank of Spokane |
1951 January 5 |
5 | 6 | Page 45 Formula for weather-proof whitewash |
undated |
5 | 6 | Page 45 invoices for Peck Bros. Live Stock Commission Co. |
1946 |
5 | 6 | Page 46 U. S. Department of the Interior General Land Office: Grazing Lease Receipt to J. N. Downing and William Derricott |
1946 March 11 |
Ledger 1, Box 4 |
|||
Box | Folder | ||
5 | 7 | Back Cover Peck Bros. Live Stock Commission company: invoices |
1946 - 1947 |
5 | 7 | Back Cover John Clay and company Live Stock commission: To William Derricott |
1946 September 13, Friday |
5 | 7 | Back Cover Federal Land Bank of Spokane: statement |
1946 August 1 |
5 | 7 | Back Cover Bear Lake County Wool-Pool: letter |
1946 |
5 | 7 | Back Cover State of Idaho Land Dept.: lease rental, official receipt |
1946 December 1 |
5 | 7 | Back Cover Federal Land Bank of Spokane: statement |
1946 February 1 |
5 | 7 | Back Cover In envelope: contracts and warranty deed |
undated |
5 | 7 | Back Cover letter from Utah Power and Light to E. L. Downing |
1947 |
Ledger 2, Box 4 |
|||
Box | Folder | ||
5 | 8 | Front Cover Custom Account Receipt no. 23 |
[?] November 25 |
5 | 8 | Front Cover Federal Land Bank of Spokane: bill/receipt |
1928 August 27 |
5 | 8 | Front Cover Eccles-Browning Bank: loan |
1926 July 26 |
5 | 8 | Front Cover Treasury Department Internal Revenue Service district of Idaho: Audit - John N. Downing, Montpelier |
1928 August 15 |
5 | 8 | >Front Cover Bank of Montpelier: loan |
1919 April 12 |
5 | 8 | Front Cover Receipt to J.N. Downing - from: E. A. Burrell (teller/cashier) |
undated |
5 | 8 | Front Cover Eccles-Browning Bank: checks |
1925 - 1926 |
5 | 8 | Front Cover Deposit slip for First National Bank, Montpelier |
1920 December 21 |
5 | 8 | Front Cover Release of Mortgage |
1925 |
5 | 8 | Front Cover Thiel and Olsen Bros.:statement |
1926 |
Ledger 2, Box 4 |
|||
Box | Folder | ||
5 | 9 | C D Tab Tax receipts |
1927 |
5 | 9 | V W Tab sale ticket to J. N. Downing, from Miles M. and E. Co. |
1920 April 5 |
5 | 9 | Page 15 Letter to Downing from Chris Sorensen |
1921 May 14 |
5 | 9 | Page 20 grain invoice signed by Joseph H. Oakey |
undated |
5 | 9 | Page 26 Newspaper clipping of house plan |
undated |
5 | 9 | Page 26 figures on Hotel Burgoyne stationary "sold to Derricott ½ of list below" |
undated |
5 | 9 | Page 26 State Board of Land Commissioners: receipt and short letter |
1930 October 9 |
5 | 9 | Page 26 Notice of Acceptance 1933 Wheat Adjustment Program |
undated |
5 | 9 | Page 29 Eccles-Browning Bank: J. N. Downing check |
1926 |
5 | 9 | Page 44 contract between John Downing and Walter H. Beckdolt for remodeling of Burgoyne Hotel |
1926 December 23 |
5 | 9 | Page 49 Blank check with figures on back |
undated |
Ledger 3, Box 4 |
|||
Box | Folder | ||
5 | 10 | Front Cover In the Justice Court, Writ of Attachment, Idaho, John Downing |
1923 January 27 |
5 | 10 | Page 9 Hall, Rm 44, Account Card |
undated |
5 | 10 | Page 19 Map for township 11 South, Range No. 43 E. Boise |
undated |
5 | 10 | Page 81 Receipts for Insured mail |
1919 December |
Ledger 4, Box 4 |
|||
Box | Folder | ||
5 | 11 | Page 63 Machinery on Ranch - Union Mutual Life Insurance Company: statement |
1918 |
5 | 11 | Back Cover Montpelier Coal and Lumber Company: Balance Due |
1921 March 31 |
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Geographical Names
- Georgetown (Idaho)--History.
- Montpelier (Idaho)--History.