Overview of the Collection
UUS_COLL MSS 529
Judge William A. Carter papers
1858-1875
Carter, William Alexander, 1818-1881.
Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections & Archives
Manuscript Collections
Merrill-Cazier Library
Utah State University
3000 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-3000
Phone: 435 797-8248
Fax: 435 797-2880
Email: scweb@usu.edu
1 box
0.25 linear feet
This collection contains twenty-nine items including thirteen letters, fourteen itemized bills, an account statement, and a page of blank checks from Judge William Alexander Carter of Fort Bridger, Wyoming.
Material in English
Processed in May of 2015
This collection was purchased from Ken Sanders Rare Books in 2014 by USU Special Collections and Archives.
No restrictions on use, except: not available through interlibrary loan.
It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.
Permission to publish material from the Judge William A. Carter papers must
be obtained from the Special Collections Manuscript Curator and/or the Special Collections
Department Head.
Initial Citation:
Judge William A. Carter papers USU_COLL MSS 529,
Box [ ]. Special Collections and Archives. Utah State University Merrill-Cazier Library. Logan, Utah.
Following Citations:USU_COLL MSS 529,
USUSCA.
Biographical Note
Judge William Alexander Carter (1818-1881) moved to Fort Bridger in 1857 from his birthplace in Virginia at the urging of General William S. Harney. While he took part in various jobs,
Carter was primarily a businessman and Probate Judge of Uinta County, Wyoming. By opening a general store, Carter played a central role in the economic activities at Fort Bridger.
Trading with soldiers, scientific expeditions, Indians, emigrants, miners and mountaineers, Carter was a mainstay of the Overland Trail. From 1859 until his death in 1881, Carter was a
genial host to the visitors and army personnel at the fort. After his death, and until 1890, the business was continued by his surviving wife, Mary E. Carter, and their children.
This collection contains twenty-nine items including thirteen letters, fourteen itemized bills, an account statement, and a page of blank checks. The correspondence dates range from 1858 to 1875,
and include letters from General Patrick Edward Connor. This collection offers a glimpse into the interworkings and day to day operations of a frontier outpost.
Descriptions of each item were prepared by the vendor who sold the collection to USU in 2014.
This collection was arranged chronologically.
William Alexander Carter, account ledger (Coll Mss 168) , William Alexander and Mary E. Carter papers (Caine Coll Mss 029)
Expeditions and Adventure
Pioneers
Military
Mormonism (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
Retail Trade
Utah
Ogden
Salt Lake City
Carter, William Alexander, 1818-1881.
Frontier and pioneer life--Wyoming--Fort Bridger Region.
Pioneers--Wyoming--Fort Bridger Region--History--19th century.
Pioneers--West (U.S.)--History--19th century.
Frontier and pioneer life--West(U.S.)
Overland journeys to the Pacific.
Fort Bridger (Wyo.)--History
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John Hartnett, Secretary of the Utah Territory (1857-1860) to William A. Carter
1858 November 25
Harnett, John. One page correspondence to William A. Carter. Salt Lake City, November 25, 1858. 19 lines in ink. Harnett writes to notify Carter that John Hughes has been pardoned by Governor Cumming. Harnett goes on to write that Carter is not entitled to books and stationary as a Territorial officer, and that he is sending two books and a bill.
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Two page bill from A. S. Parker and Co., Dealers in Dry Goods and Groceries. Atchinson, KS, July 18, 1860. Two page order and one page of payment terms
1860 July 18
Two page order is on Parker billhead with a nice vignette of a team of horses pulling a covered wagon. The order is for W. A. Carter at Fort Bridger. The order is filled out by hand [Carter] in ink and is for forty-seven different items, and multiples of each. The order reads like the staples of any frontier merchant: Whiskey, sugar, tobacco, candles, figs, brandy, pepper, brooms, rope, soap, clocks, ink, etc. Each item contains a quantity and prices per. Signed by Irwin Jackman, Isaac Hockaday, and William Carter at the foot.
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R. E. Clay to William A. Carter
1861 May 13
Clay, R.E. Two page correspondence to Williams A. Carter. Fort Crittenden [Camp Floyd], Utah Territory, May 13, 1861. 45 lines in ink. Clay writes in his capacity as Chief Quartermaster of Fort Crittenden [Camp Floyd] and it would seems that Clay is selling the supplies and provisions left at Fort Crittenden before its eventual abandonment by the US military less than two months later.
Between December 1860 and July of 1861, Camp Floyd was known as Camp Crittenden due to the fact that its namesake, Secretary of War John B. Floyd, resigned his post to join the Confederacy, and it was renamed in honor of Kentucky Senator, John Crittenden.
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Johanthan C. Wright to William A. Carter
1862 April 29
Wright, Jonathan C. One page correspondence to William A. Carter. Brigham City, Utah Territory, April 29, 1862. 25 lines in ink. Letter is an inquiry as to the availability and quality of five tons of iron, and a request to accept all or part of the price in trade. Wright offers produce, flour, butter, eggs, potatoes and maybe some barley and oats.
J. C. Wright served in the Territorial legislature (1857-1881) and was also a Probate Judge (1857-1869) for Box Elder County.
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David Street to William A. Carter
1863 August 13
Street, David. One page correspondence to William A. Carter. Cottonwood Springs, Nevada Territory, August 13, 1863. 20 lines in ink. Street writes in his capacity as Paymaster of the Overland Stage Line, and writes about collecting a debt on behalf of Ben Holladay.
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William A. Carter to the Editor of the Union Vedette
1864 February 9
Carter, William A. One page correspondence to the Editor of the Union Vedette. Fort Bridger, Utah Territory, February 9, 1864. 27 lines in ink. Carter writes to take exception to a recent story in the Vedette accusing him of not doing his job as a postmaster of Fort Bridger.
Union Vedette was the first daily paper in the Utah Territory and was published at Camp Douglas.
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John M. O'Neill to William A. Carter
1864 July 27
O'Neill, John M. Three page correspondence to William A. Carter. [Stockton, Utah Territory] "Camp Conny" near Salt Lake City, July 27, 1864. 46 lines in ink. O'Neill writes to offer Carter a partnership in some mines that he owns in Rush Valley. He lists nine different mines and the amount to buy a half share. "Camp Conny" is certainly a reference to Stockton, Utah that was founded by Patrick Connor.
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Aaron L. Bateman to William A. Carter
1864 September 18
Bateman, Aaron L. One page correspondence to William A. Carter. Camp Douglas, Utah Territory, September 18, 1864. 15 lines in ink. Bateman writes on behalf of the Union Vedette as their "Agt. for Publishing" in regards to twelve issues he sent of the Union Vedette to Fort Bridger.
Sergeant Aaron L. Bateman was a member of the 3rd Regiment Califoria Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War.
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George D. Conrad to William A. Carter
1864 September 25
Conrad, George D. Two page correspondence to William A. Carter. Skull Valley, Utah Territory, September 25, 1864. 47 lines in ink. Conrad writes to let Carter know that he will settle his debt in time.
Captain George D. Conrad led Company B of the 2nd Regiment California Volunteer Cavalry.
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R. J. Golding to William A. Carter
1864 October 3
Golding, R. J. One page correspondence to William A. Carter. Salt Lake City, October 3, 1864. 12 lines in ink. Golding writes Carter to inform him that a recent boarder of Golding's at the Globe Restaurant and Boarding House, J.R. Porter, has left without paying his bill, and is on a stagecoach to Fort Bridger. Golding asks Carter to collect this debt.
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Patrick Edward Connor to William A. Carter
1865 January 19
Connor, Patrick Edward. One page correspondence to William A. Carter. [Camp Douglas, Utah Territory], January 19, 1866. 10 lines in ink on "Head-Quarter District of Utah, Great Salt Lake City, U.T." letterhead. Connor's letter concerns a "Lieut. Lodd' who may owe Carter money. "If you will send me a statement of his swindling transactions with you."
Patrick Edward Connor (1820-1891) was a general in the U.S. Army and is known for his campaigns in the American West.
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Patrick Edward Connor to William A. Carter
1866 January 17
Connor, Patrick Edward. One page correspondence to William A. Carter. [Camp Douglas, Utah Territory], January 17, 1866. 20 lines in ink on "Head-Quarter District of Utah, Great Salt Lake City, U.T." letterhead. Connor's letter concerns his request for leave for the east, and its rejections. Connor asks Carter (in jest?) to intercede on his behalf, "I wish you would telegraph to some friend in Washington to intercede with the Secretary to grant me 90 days leave of absence."
Patrick Edward Connor (1820-1891) was a generaal in the U.S. Army and is known for his campaigns in the American West.
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One page bill from Gilbert and Sons, Dealers in Dry Goods, Silk Goods, Hardware, Groceries. Salt Lake City
1866 June 25
One page bill is on the Gilbert and Sons letterhead. The bill is for Judge William A. Carter. Filled out by hand in ink and contains twelve line items for a variety of charges including: Freight, gunnies, over shoes, wrapping paper. Included with these items are dates and prices for each.
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One page bill from Gilbert and Sons, Dealers in Dry Goods, Silk Goods, Hardware, Groceries. Salt Lake City
1866 October 23
One page bill is on the Gilbert and Sons letterhead. The invoice is for Judge William A. Carter. Filled out by hand in ink and contains five line items for a variety of charges including: Cash for order of Wagon Master, a keg of nails, coffee, bacon and salt. Included with each item is the price per.
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Patrick Edward Connor to William A. Carter
1867 January 13
One page correspondence to William A. Carter. Stockton, Utah Territory, January 13, 1867. 21 lines in ink. Connor writes that he is owed some money by "Fiens" and inquires what his plans are. Connor also writes to notify Carter that he has moved his family to Stockton, Utah.
Patrick Edward Connor (1820-1891) was a general in the U.S. Army and is well known for his campaigns in the American West.
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Thomas H. Bates order from Fort Bridger. Yellow Creek, Utah Territory
1867 June 8
Two page order. 34 lines in ink and pencil. The letter was sent on behalf of James A. Riley. The order is for twenty-six different items. This order contains a number of staples of frontier life: candles, dried apples, sugar, vinegar, molasses, crackers, lard, matches, flour, etc.
Yellow Creek was close to present-day Evanston, WY.
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Frederick Leycock to William A. Carter
1867 September 20
Two page ALS to William A. Carter. Fort Sanders, Dakota Territory, September 20, 1867. 26 lines in ink. The letter is to notify Carter that money has been collected on his behalf.
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One page bill from Excelsior Stove Works. St. Louis, MO
1868 June 11
One page bill is on Excelsior Stove Works billhead with a nice vignette of a stove in the upper left corner. The bill is for Judge William A. Carter. Filled out by hand in ink and contains four items. Included with each item is the price per.
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One page bill from Excelsior Stove Works. St. Louis, MO
1868 October 2
One page bill is on Excelsior Stove Works billhead with a nice vignette of a stove in the upper left corner. The bill is for Judge William A. Carter. Filled out by hand in ink and contains six items. Included with each item is the price per.
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One page bill from William Jennings and Co. Salt Lake City
1868 August 13
One page bill is on William Jennings and Co. billhead. The bill is for Judge William A. Carter, Fort Bridger. Filled out by hand in ink and contains two items (two pairs of children's shoes). Included with each item is the price per.
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One page bill from Merwin, Taylor, and Simpkins, Dealers in Firearms and Ammunition, of All Kinds. New York
1868 October 2
One page bill is on Merwin, Taylor, and Simpkins billhead with a nice vignette at the head of a rifle. The bill is for Judge William A. Carter. Filled out by hand in ink and contains six items. Included with each item is the price per.
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One page bill from Steele and Co., Wholesale Dealers in Window Glass, Paints, Oils, Varnishes, Lamps, etc., etc., Omaha, NE
1868 November 11
One page bill is on Steele and Co. billhead with a nice vignette in the upper left corner of a group of men with barrels. The bill is for Judge William A. Carter. Filled out by hand in ink and contains five items. Included with each item is the price per.
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One page bill from W.M.S. Kimball Co. Rochester, NY
1875 April 8
One page bill is on W.M.S. Kimball Co. billhead with a nice vignette across the head of a nature scene.
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One page bill from S.P. Teasdel, Importer Jobber, Dealer in Dry Goods, Groceries, Queensware, Hardware, Hats, Caps, Clothing, and Gents' Furnishing Goods. Salt Lake City
1875 July 3
One page bill is on S.P. Teasdel billhead. The bill is for W.A. Carter. Filled out by hand in ink and contains one item (3 saddlers Awls)
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One page bill from Adams and Van Dyke Dealers in Grain, Flour, and Produce. Ogden, Utah Territory
1875 July 19
One page bill is on Adams and Van Dyke billhead. The bill is for J.V.A. Carter, Fort Bridger. Filled out by hand in ink and contains two items (cucumbers and squash). Included with both are the prices per.
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One page bill from Adams and Van Dyke Dealers in Grain, Flour, and Produce. Ogden, Utah Territory
1875 July 28
One page bill is on Adams and Van Dyke billhead. The bill is for J.V.A. Carter, Fort Bridger. Filled out by hand in ink and contains three items (squash, apricots, apples). Included are the prices per.
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One page bill from Williams and Co. Manufacturers of Every Description, Ogden, Utah Territory
1875 July 28
One page bill is on Williams and Co. billhead. The bill is for [W].A. Carter, Fort Bridger. Filled out by hand in ink and contains two items (two windows). Included with both are the prices per.
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One page account statement from S.P. Teasdel, Wholesale and Retail Merchant
1875 September 13
One page statement is on S.P. Teasdel billhead. The lower half of the statement contains a ten-line reply from W.A. Carter.
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Four printed checks on a single sheet for M.E. Carter, Post Trader, Fort Bridger, WY
1875
The checks are drawn on an account at First National Bank of Omaha.