Charles Nelson Pray Papers, 1878-1963

This series contains biographical materials including a genealogical and biographical sketch, some family history during the Civil War, profiles of career accomplishments, and other papers. Also included are membership cards from various organization, turn-of-the-century credit cards, and early hunting licenses. A statement authored by Charles Pray concerning the authenticity of a Charles M. Russell painting dated circa 1892-1893 is of special note. Personal and professional diaries are included from Pray's time as a private attorney. The collection also contains 32 diaries from Pray's years as a Federal District judge.

Early incoming correspondence includes personal letters from Pray's childhood, letters of recommendation, and letters from T.C. Power and Bros. Inc. Much of this series contains correspondence concerning Montana court cases, such as the legality of employing women in beer halls on Sundays, or wolf and coyote bounty laws. Also included is an invitation to the execution of James Martin, who was convicted of murder in 1902. Correspondence is included from parties such as the Montana Waterways Association, the U.S. War Department, James A. Metcalf, Mrs. C.M. Russell, and Senator Henry Meyers. Also included is a list compiled in 1922 of Assiniboine Indian names and their translation into English.

This series includes notes and correspondence relating to the appointment of conciliation commissioners in Montana between the years 1934-1937.

Included in this series is promotional material for both the democratic and republican parties. A copy of The Campaign Text Book of the Democratic Party of the United States (1904) and the Republican Text Book (1916) are included. There is also a nice collection of campaign cards from many Montana democratic and republican candidates.

This series includes legal ledgers, Pray's statements and notes, and some correspondence pertaining to cases tried between the years 1925-1957. Cases include such parties as the Anaconda Copper Mining Company, the Great Northern Railway, and the Montana Power Company. One of the largest collections of court papers is the 1958 Montana Florists Association vs. The United States and the Interstate Commerce Commission. Notes on the 1948 Anaconda Copper and Great Northern Railway Company vs. The United States and the Interstate Commerce Commission case are also included.