Dick J. Nelson papers, 1890-1969
Table of Contents
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Nelson, Dick J., 1875-
- Title
- Dick J. Nelson papers
- Dates
- 1890-1969 (inclusive)18901969
1930-1969 (bulk)19301969 - Quantity
- 0.25 cubic ft. (1 slim document box)
- Collection Number
- 00247
- Summary
- The collection contains manuscripts of historical articles and poems of this Western author.
- Repository
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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
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Access Restrictions
There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes, and the collection is open to the public.
- Languages
- English
- Sponsor
- The creation of the EAD-version of this finding aid was made possible through a grant from the National Historic Publications and Records Commission.
Historical Note
Dick J. Nelson (b. 1875) was an employee of the Burlington & Missouri Railroad (later Chicago, Burlington & Quincy) in Wyoming. During his retirement he wrote many reminiscences and short historical works about northeast Wyoming.
The Nelson family arrived in Wyoming from Kansas in 1888. Alfred M. Nelson homesteaded in Weston County. His son, Dick J. Nelson, started work as a brakeman in Sheridan in 1895. Dick Nelson married Mae Murrin, daughter of Cheyenne’s first mayor, in 1900. He served in World War I, then became assistant superintendent of the Casper division. Fifteen years later he became superintendent of the Sheridan division. He retired November 1, 1939, and moved to San Diego, California, where he was president of the Wyoming State Society of San Diego from 1941 to 1952. In 1951 he published Only a Cow Country, a history of northeastern Wyoming.
Content Description
The collection contains manuscripts and poems written by Dick J. Nelson containing many anecdotes of the Sheridan and Newcastle areas. Also included are a few photographs, news clippings, letters, and membership cards.
Use of the Collection
Restrictions on Use
Copyright InformationThe researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.
Preferred Citation
Preferred CitationItem Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Dick J. Nelson papers, 1890-1969, Collection Number 00247, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.
Administrative Information
Related Materials
Related MaterialsTo see another archival collection created by Dick J. Nelson, see:
Dick J. Nelson Papers, 1958-1966, Collection Number C MSS -M569, Denver Public Library, 1357 Broadway, Denver, CO, 80203.Acquisition Information
Acquisition InformationThe material was received from Dick J. Nelson between 1952 and 1966 and from R. E. McWhinnie in 1969.
Processing Note
Processing InformationThe collection was processed by D.C. Thompson in August 2000.
Detailed Description of the Collection
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Description: Correspondence: Burlington Railroad
Points of historical interest in Wyoming
Dates: 1937-1938, 1953Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Correspondence: Cambria, WyomingDates: 1955Container: Box 1, Folder 2
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Manuscripts:
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Description: Baseball, Snakes, and BeerDates: 1953Container: Box 1, Folder 3
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Description: BeansDates: 1953Container: Box 1, Folder 4
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Description: Beneath the Kinakenick (Hank Mason)Dates: 1959Container: Box 1, Folder 5
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Description: A Benefactor (printed)Dates: 1966Container: Box 1, Folder 6
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Description: Christmas Time in Wyoming Territory (1888) (printed)Dates: 1957Container: Box 1, Folder 7
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Description: Dick Nelson, Pioneer Stock, Kansas Born, Wyoming RearedDates: 1952, undatedContainer: Box 1, Folder 8
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Description: History of Weston CountyDates: 1952Container: Box 1, Folder 9
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Description: The Metropolis and Its Now Suburbs of Northern Wyoming (Sheridan)Dates: 1969Container: Box 1, Folder 10
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Description: My Eyes Did Not Deceive MeDates: 1953Container: Box 1, Folder 11
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Description: Pioneer Rails Followed Pioneer PeopleDates: 1955Container: Box 1, Folder 12
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Description: A Preacher Packed to PreachDates: 1951Container: Box 1, Folder 13
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Description: A Spring Blizzard, 1896Dates: 1952Container: Box 1, Folder 14
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Description: When Lead Was LawDates: 1930, 1959Container: Box 1, Folder 15
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Description: Wyoming Homestead Tragedy (printed)Dates: 1960Container: Box 1, Folder 16
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Description: News ClippingsDates: 1959Container: Box 1, Folder 17
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Description: Photographs: Track laying; Dick and Mae Nelson; Fred Coates and Dub Meeks at Hank Mason’s graveDates: 1890-circa 1959Container: Box 1, Folder 18
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Description: Poems by Dick J. NelsonDates: 1942-1966Container: Box 1, Folder 19
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Description: Sketch: Cowboy on bucking horseDates: undatedContainer: Box 1, Folder 20
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Description: Wyoming State Society of San Diego, California
Membership card and paper slip
Dates: circa 1940s-1950sContainer: Box 1, Folder 21
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Railroads--West (U.S.)
Geographical Names
- Newcastle (Wyo.)
- Sheridan (Wyo.)
- West (U.S.)--History.
- Wyoming--History--1890-1918.
- Wyoming--History--1919-1945.
- Wyoming--History--1946-
- Wyoming--History--To 1889.
Form or Genre Terms
- Manuscripts.
- Photographs.
- Poems.
Occupations
- Railroads--Employees.
