University of Wyoming
William A. Pinkerton was the son of Allan Pinkerton, the founder of the Pinkerton’s National Detective Agency. William joined the secret service division of the U.S. Army in 1861. He served throughout the Civil War, mainly in the Army of Potomac. After the war, he became clerk in his father’s office eventually becoming chief assistant. Upon the passing of his father, William became head of the Pinkerton Agency.
Collection contains a letter from the Co-Principal of the Pinkerton’s National Detective Agency, William A. Pinkerton, to Frank Canton recommending Tom Horn for the task of recapturing John Tregoning who had escaped from the Laramie penitentiary. At this time, Tom Horn no longer worked for the Pinkerton Agency.
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Pinkerton's National Detective Agency records, 1853-1999, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
Pinkerton's National Detective Agency Collection (MSS #1037), Colorado Historical Society, Denver, Colorado.
Pinkerton's National Detective Agency reports, Historical Collections and Labor Archives, University Libraries, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa.
Pinkerton's National Detective Agency Reports, Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.
This material was received from Buckingham Books in June 2020.
The collection was processed by Krist Jessup in May 2021.
Item Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Collection Name, Collection Number, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.