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Featherman Mercantile Company Records, 1898-1920

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Featherman Mercantile Company
Title
Featherman Mercantile Company Records
Dates
1898-1920 (inclusive)
Quantity
1.0 linear foot
Collection Number
Mss 243 (collection)
Summary
The Featherman Mercantile was located in New Chicago and Drummond, Montana. The collection contains correspondence and financial records.
Repository
University of Montana, Mansfield Library, Archives and Special Collections
Archives and Special Collections
Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library
University of Montana
32 Campus Dr. #9936
59812-9936
Missoula, MT
Telephone: 406-243-2053
library.archives@umontana.edu
Access Restrictions

Researchers must use collection in accordance with the policies of Archives and Special Collections, the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, and The University of Montana--Missoula.

Languages
English
Sponsor
Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
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Historical Note

John A Featherman was born in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, on March 26, 1836. He arrived in New Chicago, a stage stop along the Mullan Military Road, on July 4, 1872. He opened a mercantile store in partnership with his nephew, James B. Featherman. After the establishment of Drummond along the route of the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1883, the Feathermans moved their store to the new town. They operated the store until 1915 when they sold the business to H. J. Faust and C. N. Bassett. J. B. Featherman was also the postmaster both at New Chicago and at Drummond.

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Content Description

The collection contains incoming correspondence, 1898-1918; outgoing correspondence, 1906-1918; and financial records, 1898-1920. Numerous materials are undated.

Arrangement

The collection is divided into three series:

Series I: Incoming Correspondence, 1898-1918

Series II: Outgoing Correspondence, 1906-1918

Series III: Financial Records, 1898-1920

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Use

Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. and any other applicable statutes. Copyright not transferred to The University of Montana.

Preferred Citation

[Name of document], Featherman Mercantile Records, Archives and Special Collections, Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, The University of Montana--Missoula.

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Administrative Information

Acquisition Information

Gift of Tim Gordon, year unknown

Processing Note

The actions of the processors are unknown. In 1997 this collection was arranged into three series and re-described.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

  • Series I: Incoming Correspondence, 1898-1918

    This series consists of three personal letters, two of which are World War I correspondence written by a soldier to "My dear Mother and Father." They are arranged chronologically.

  • Series II: Outgoing Correspondence, 1906-1918

    This series consists of two letterpress books that contain copies of outgoing business correspondence from the Mercantile. The letters are mostly concerned with accounts payable and other business matters. Most are difficult to read. The correspondence is arranged chronologically; those producing the letter copies did not utilize the alphabetical index at the beginning of the book.

  • Series III: Financial Records, 1898-1920

    This series consists of financial records of the Mercantile. There are copies of individuals' accounts continued from the previous ledger of outgoing correspondence; they are arranged by the personal name attached to each account. An inventory book contains records of invoices for Feb. 15, 1898 (pp- 1-75), assets and liabilities for Feb. 15, 1898 (pp. 78-81), and assets and liabilities for 1900 (pp. 166-167). There is an unidentified, undated ledger and notes on ledgers. There is also a folder of three receipts from the Featherman Mercantile; the Drummond Auto, Team Livery and Feed Stable (1913); and the Society of Montana Pioneers (1920). The last indicates paid dues for 1920.

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • General stores--Montana--Drummond
  • General stores--Montana--New Chicago

Personal Names

  • Featherman, James B., b. 1856
  • Featherman, John A., b. 1836

Geographical Names

  • Drummond (Mont.)--Commerce
  • New Chicago (Mont.)--Commerce

Form or Genre Terms

  • Business records--Montana--Drummond
  • Business records--Montana--New Chicago
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