Hilliard S. Ridgley papers, 1902-1922

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Ridgley, Hilliard S.
Title
Hilliard S. Ridgley papers
Dates
1902-1922 (inclusive)
Quantity
1.10 cubic ft. (3 boxes)
Collection Number
08135
Summary
Papers of a Wyoming attorney and candidate for Governor of Wyoming in 1914.
Repository
American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
American Heritage Center
University of Wyoming
1000 E. University Ave.
Dept. 3924
Laramie, WY
82071
Telephone: 3077663756
ahcref@uwyo.edu
Access Restrictions
Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes, and the collection is open to the public.

Languages
English

Historical NoteReturn to Top

Hilliard Samuel Ridgley (also spelled Ridgely) (1864-1937) was a prominent member of the Wyoming State Bar. After practicing law in Nebraska, Ridgley moved to Cody, Wyoming, in the early 1900s where he was William F. Cody's personal representative and attorney for a number of years. Upon the Burlington Northern Railroad building from Frannie, Wyoming, south through the Big Horn Basin, he moved to Basin, the county seat, where he built up a large and lucrative practice. He was appointed U.S. District Attorney (1911-1914) for the district of Wyoming by U.S. President William Howard Taft and moved to Cheyenne to take the position. In 1914, Ridgley was the Republican candidate for Wyoming governor against Democratic nominee, John B. Kendrick. Ridgleywas defeated by a small majority. At the close of the campaign, Ridgley withdrew from active politics and resumed practicing law in Cheyenne.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The collection consists primarily of legal documents from Big Horn County, Wyoming (1902-1917). Many of the items concern the Shoshone Irrigation Company, the Union Pacific Railroad, the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, Westbridger Mining and Development Company, Winona Gold-Copper Mining and Milling Company, Taylor-Halstead Canal Company, and the town of Cody, Wyoming. Published material includes issues of Wyoming newspapers (1914) from Basin, Cheyenne, Kemmerer, Laramie, Cody and Cheyenne. There are rulebooks for the Basin Literary Club, constitution and bylaws of the Big Horn County Wool Growers Association of Meeteese, the constitution of the Cody Club, and the Collins Land Company of Helena, Montana. Miscellaneous items include "A Chronology of the History and Achievements of the Republican Party" (1908) compliments of Francis E. Warren, "History of the Lost Soldier Oil Field," map of Wyoming, a route chart for Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show (signed by William F. Cody), and speeches by H.S. Ridgley. The collection also contains 20 pieces correspondence and 3 telegrams (1908-1922).

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

Copyright Information

The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.

Preferred Citation

Preferred Citation

Item Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Collection Name, Collection Number, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Related Materials

Related Materials

There are no known other archival collections created by Hilliard S. Ridgeley at the date of processing.

Acquisition Information

Acquisition Information

This material was received from H.S. (“Sin”) Ridgely in 1977.

Processing Note

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Subordinate Component # 1Return to Top

The American Heritage Center is in the process of converting its older container lists to a more accessible format. This link is to an older version of a container list.

Description

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Lawyers -- Wyoming.
  • Mining law -- Wyoming.
  • Railroad law -- United States.

Personal Names

  • Buffalo Bill, 1846-1917.

Corporate Names

  • Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company.
  • Collins Land Company (Helena, Mont.)
  • Republican Party (Wyo.)
  • Union Pacific Railroad Company.
  • United States. District Court (Wyoming).

Geographical Names

  • Big Horn County (Wyo.)
  • Cody (Wyo.)
  • Shoshone Irrigation District (Wyo.)
  • Wyoming -- History, 1890-1918.
  • Wyoming -- History, 1919-1945.
  • Wyoming -- Politics and government.

Other Creators

  • Personal Names
    • Ridgely, Hilliard S.