Guide to the John London collection

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: H71-75

Staff Only

Scope and Content

This collection includes accessions C-1412, MSS 541, H58-50, H71-75, H73-38, and part of H68-144.

Papers include correspondence related to London’s business such as notices of shipment, merchandise orders, merchandise promotions, routine financial matters, and business propositions. Receipts, canceled checks, and similar financial records are interfiled with the correspondence.

A letter and a few invoices (1890, 1894) for John Hunton, London’s successor as post trader, are included with these papers. Sample blank receipts for Hunton are included in the folder of undated materials. Four ledger books and other accounting records are also part of the collection.

Dates

1879-1894

Creator

London, John (Person)

Language of Materials

English

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Copy Restrictions

Limited duplication of print materials allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.

Biographical Note

Following the advice of his brother Robert, an officer in the 5th Cavalry at Fort Laramie, John London, a North Carolina attorney, sought and obtained appointment as the fort’s Post Trader in December 1880. He assumed those duties in February 1881. London held this position for seven and a half years, while building up a financial empire in the area through various business enterprises, including a saloon, hotel, and officer’s club on the military reservation. He also started a ranch, and established stores in the mining communities of Millersburg and Fairbank. Financial setbacks following decreased mining activity, livestock losses from harsh winters and overgrazing, and the steady reduction of troops from the fort led London to resign as post trader in 1888. The fort closed in April 1890.

Extent

1 cubic feet

Additional Description

Abstract

Business records of John London, post trader at Fort Laramie

Arrangement

Chronological

Acquisition Information

C-1412 donated in 1947 by W.R. Shannon.

MSS 541 found in collection.

H58-50 donated in 1958 by Mr. and Mrs. Paul Henderson.

H68-144 dontaed in 1968 by Lyle J. Francis

H71-75 probably donated by Paul Henderson, accessioned in 1971.

H73-38 purchased in 1973 from the Jurupa Mountains Cultural Center in Riverside, California.