Guide to the Governor William A. Richards records

Collection

Identifier: RG0001.14

Staff Only

Scope and Content

Correspondence and record series covering financial records, appointment records, petitions for pardons, the requisition and extradition of fugitives, rewards, legislative information, and Indian and military affairs.

Dates

1895-1899

Creator

Richards, William A. (William Alford), 1849-1912 (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

William A. Richards was born in Hazel Green, Wisconsin on March 9, 1849 and attended public schools there and in Galena, Illinois. Richards came to Wyoming in 1873 and surveyed the southern and western boundaries of the Territory with his brother. He left Wyoming for several years but returned in 1884 and was elected county commissioner of Johnson County in 1886. President Harrison appointed Richards surveyor general of the Territory in 1889. He was elected governor and served from January 7, 1895 to January 2, 1899. Governor Richards also served as Commissioner of the United States General Land Office and as Commissioner of Taxation for Wyoming. William A. Richards died in Australia July 25, 1912.

Extent

5 cubic feet (10 boxes)

Additional Description

Abstract

Records of Wyoming's Governor William A. Richards feature the usual topics associated with the office. Notable issues include the Jackson Hole elk scandal, Hot Springs Resort cession, women's suffrage, Spanish-American War, Indians, the Race Horse case, and livestock matters. Proclamations, requisitions and extradition requests, rewards, petitions for pardons and appointment records are included.

Existence and Location of Originals

Unless otherwise noted, originals of records listed in this finding aid are housed at the Wyoming State Archives. Material may be stored off site. Please contact staff to view.

Related Material

RG0001.00, Wyoming Governor's Office Records, Wyoming State Archives.

RG 4008, US General Land Office, Assistant Commissioner includes incoming correspondence from former Governor William A. Richards, 1900- 1902, Wyoming State Archives

H63-86, Alice Richards McCreery Collection, Wyoming State Archives.

H82-61, William A. Richards Collection, Wyoming State Archives.

Frison Collections, Wyoming State Archives

Separated Material

William A. Richard's outgoing correspondence, 12/5/1898 - 1/2/1899, is located in Volume 1 of DeForrest Richards' letterpress books.

Processing Information

The finding aid for the collection was entered in 1989, and was periodically updated as needed through 2006. It is divided into eight subgroups including: General Records, Administrative Records, Appointment Records, Proclamations, Petitions for Pardons, Requisitions and Extraditions, Indian and Military Affairs, and Legislative Affairs.