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Permission to publish material from the William Alexander and Mary E. Carter papers must
be obtained from the
The papers were given to the Special Collections and Archives in 1977 by Mr. Champ's widow, Frances E. W. Champ, and his children, George H. Champ, Frederick W. Champ, and Mary Knox Champ (Nielson). Since then various other items have been given by the family as they come across them.
William Alexander and Mary E. Carter papers, 1859-1890. (CAINE COLL MSS 29). Utah State University. Special Collections and Archives Department.
W. A. Carter was a sutler and probate judge at Fort Bridger from 1859 until his death in 1881. After his death Carter's widow, Mary Elizabeth (Hamilton) Carter, took her husband's place as post trader until 1890.
William Alexander Carter known as "Mr. Fort Bridger" was the most important individual at Fort Bridger, Wyoming and a key player in the economic development of the intermountain west. Carter's personality and the Fort were so intimately connected that to many contemporaries Fort Bridger was "Carter's Fort."
Carter, a Virginian, came to Fort Bridger with Johnston's army in 1857 during the so-called Utah War. Since goods and people traveling west passed through Fort Bridger, Carter was at the center of economic activities on the frontier. Making the most of his situation, Carter opened a general store. He carried on a brisk trade with soldiers, scientific expeditions, miners and mountaineers, Indians, and emigrants on the Overland Trail.
Of particular interest is Carter's business with Mormons. Aware of the market opportunity presented by Mormons, Carter opened a second store at Heber, Utah. In order to make things go more smoothly, Carter recruited Mormon Bishop Abram Hatch as a partner. Nevertheless, the Heber store closed in the face of the Mormon policy of not trading with "gentiles."
One of the region's early businessmen, Carter was involved in mining, oil, logging, and cattle ranching, and he also operated a sawmill. He raised hay and grain on the land surrounding the Fort to fill contracts with the government. In addition to his business activities Carter was justice of the peace and probate judge for Green River County. Originally, Fort Bridger was in Utah Territory; but it became a part of the newly created Wyoming Territory on July 25, 1868. (The official date for the organization of the Wyoming Territory was May 19, 1869.)
Judge Carter was known for his hospitality. He tried to lead the life of a gentleman, had an excellent library, and a Steinway piano. He was a Republican and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
W. A. and Mary E. Carter had six children: Ada, who married army surgeon J. K. Corson, Anna (Mrs. James Van Allen Carter), Lulie (Mrs. Maurice Groshon), Roberta (Mrs. W. H. Camp), William A. and Edgar. James Van Allen Carter was not related to Judge Carter but was a son-in-law.
For additional studies of Carter see:
W. N. Davis, Jr., "The Sutler at Fort Bridger,"
Robert S. Ellison,
Fred R. Gowans and Eugene E. Campbell,
"Diary of Judge William A. Carter"
Merrill J. Mattes,
Dale L. Morgan and George P. Hammond, eds.,
See also A. R. Standing, "Through the Uintas: History of the Carter Road,"
"Western Justice: The Court at Fort Bridger Utah Territory,"
This four-box collection consists of W.A. Carter and M.E. Carter's correspondence and business records, including invoices, receipts, accounts etc. covering the years 1859-1890. Their correspondents include important western personalities. Many of these were U.S. Army officers: Generals Patrick Edward Connor, A.L. Chetlain, William Meyers, J.W. Clampitt. Other correspondents include Frank A. Root co-author of
The non-correspondence consists of business records pertaining to Carter's statements, checks and accounts. There is also material relating to Carter's mining, lumber, oil and cattle interests. There are a few items relating to Carter's judicial career: a deed, an affidavit, a bond and estray notices.
W.A Carter Account Ledger
Marie Eccles (Caine Coll Mss 1)
William A. Carter papers
Their collection is divided into two parts, correspondence and non-correspondence. boxes 1-2 contain the correspondence. The non-correspondence has been filed in chronological order as well. boxes 3-4 contain the non-correspondence.
The letter is in response to judge Carter's request for a circular saw. One piece.
The letter discusses a three week Methodist camp meeting.
Contains reports of famine in California and Nevada and an account of the contents of a lost mail bag being strewn all over the ground.
The letter reports the finding of two lost mules.
Acknowledges $45 in credit to Mr. Berry.
Kittredge was captain of company "D" 3rd Infantry Battalion. Written from Alcatraz Island this letter was written to assure Ivan that "Kitty" would pay the bill he owed Judge Carter. Ivan justified himself by mentioning greenbacks and the high cost of living, as well as the fact that he had not been paid since August of 1864! Ivan notes that many of the men from the 3rd Infantry "D," "P," and "E" companies were in his company at Alcatraz as well as hospital stewards from Forts Bridger and Ruby. Ivan was learning the heavy artillery drill and explains the schedule.
Brown, a veteran, discusses an oil spring and the possibility of forming a company to exploit it, with Judge Carter. Brown wrote to General Connor who was in Denver about the matter.
On the same day that he wrote to Judge Carter Brown wrote to the General about the South Gap Oil springs. Mr. Eddy, Warren Leland. At the bottom of the last page of the letter is a note from General Connor to Judge Carter dated June 16, 1865. Connor wanted Carter to read the letter and inform him of what he thought of Brown's proposition.
Sherman inquired about his bounty and discharge.
Williamson discssed the business prospects of the oil spring company. He makes the statement that Carter has been paying all the expenses involved. Names mentioned are: General Connor, Lieutenant Joscelyn (?), Captain Linis, Captain Kilredge (?).
The letter discusses the slump in trade in St. Louis caused by a cholera outbreak.
Street ordered nine beaver skins.
Transmitting vouchers for charcoal.
Returned note paid.
The letter covers arrangements (sufficient hay and stabling) for sending Gordon's company to Fort Bridger.
The letter suggests to sale of Carter's house at Bannock City.
The letter states that a mass meeting had put W.A. Carter as its choice as governor and goes on to discuss mining prospects.
Mentions the confirmation of A.D. Paddock as the governor of Wyoming.
Letter discusses the practice of some officers in the east of forwarding mail addressed to Fort Bridger to Salt Lake City. This resulted in a delay in delivering the mail.
Written from Salt Lake City. The writer was planning to visit Fort Bridger and asked if uncle Jack Robinson and Jim Bridger were there because he wanted to meet them.
The letter mentions the robbery of a coach.
The letter expresses the desire of the people for civil officers (justice of the peace and constable).
Edes was the special administrator of the estate of Mr. Livingston which was being probated by the Carter County, Wyoming probate court.
Written from Salt Lake City. The letter refers to a lost mail sack that had been found.
Written from Omaha. Ball, supply agent, inquires if the mail arrived regularly every day.
On stationary of the Chicago & North-Western Railway.
Hamilton, who signed himself "your affectionate brother" notified Carter that he purchased eight hundred acres of timber for him for eight hundred and thirty dollars at a public sale.
Jesse Ewing and his partners asked for protection to work their silver lode.
Written from Alexandria, Virginia. The letter covers family matters at length and makes a poignant reference to Louis Dauguerre the inventor of the daguerreotype.
Written from Omaha. Smith, judge advocate inquired about the conduct of a certain L. Link.
Written from Omaha.
The letter discusses a car load of grain.
Cohen requests Indian souvenirs.
The letter discusses land and cattle deals.
Shipped cartridges and beaver traps.
Request for mocassins.
Lachman & Co. dealers in wines and brandies inform Carter that their discontinuance employing travelling agents will mean a 10% reduction in bill.
Asks about work and wages.
Payment of W.S. Fletcher itemized.
Refers to J. Van A. Carter.
Re: cattle prices, shipping.
Looking for employment as a wood-chopper.
Orders eight black bear skins.
Type written with "Potatoes are very scarce" written in by hand.
About a butcher.
Applying for job as butcher.
Seeking information on the whereabouts of George Mayes.
Jamison put up his coal and petroleum claims in Fort Bridger Mining District as security on a debt.
Morris deeds parts of the "Mammoth" "McClintock" lodes and other claims to Wood for one hundred dollars. Shoshone Mining District.
Copy of letter from Quarter Master General and endorsements.