Guide to the Governor John A. Campbell records

Collection

Identifier: RG0001.01

Staff Only

Scope and Content

Incoming and outgoing correspondence (1869-1875) covering the formative years of the Wyoming territorial government; together with appointment records and proclamations (1869-1874). Subjects include the organization of the territory, legislative activities, Indian affairs, women's suffrage, post traderships, personnel, and financial matters. Some personal correspondence is also included.

Dates

1869-1875

Creator

Campbell, John A. (John Allen), 1835-1880 (Person)

Language of Materials

English

Restrictions on Access

There are no access restrictions on this collection

Biography

JOHN A. CAMPBELL, the first Governor of the Wyoming Territory, was born in Salem, Columbiana County, Ohio, October 8, 1835. Educated in a public school, Campbell later became a member of the Republican Party. Campbell joined the Union Army in 1861, serving as a publicity writer and later as adjutant general on Major General John M. Schofield's staff. Brevetted as a Brigadier General in 1864, he continued to serve under Major General Schofield during the reconstruction period. While they were in Virginia they apportioned the state into senatorial and representative districts and prescribed the time and manner in which the elections should be held. President Grant appointed John A. Campbell, Governor of the Wyoming Territory April 3, 1869. The newly appointed Governor took the oath of office on April 15, 1869 and served until March 1, 1875. He was then appointed Third Assistant Secretary of State on February 24, 1875. Now Secretary Campbell, he resigned as the Wyoming Governor on March 1, 1875 and served with the Secretary of State until he was appointed American Consul at Basel, Switzerland on December 3, 1877. John A. Campbell resigned on February 4, 1880 and died in Washington, D. C. on July 14, 1880.

Extent

1 cubic feet (2 boxes)

Additional Description

Abstract

Governor John A. Campbell's records as maintained by the Wyoming State Archives consist of about one cubic foot of incoming and outgoing correspondence. Many interesting topics are discussed in these letters, such as the organization of Wyoming Territory, Indian affairs, women's suffrage, personnel, and the routine matters of running a territorial government. The correspondence also addresses matters considered by the territorial legislature, such as appointments, arms for citizens, control of the penitentiary, and support of Campbell. A sampling of other official records generated by the governor's office has survived. These include a few proclamations and appointment records. Also of note is the fact that the territorial governor served as the ex-officio Superintendent of Indian Affairs. Therefore, in addition to the above mentioned correspondence concerning Native Americans, records on personnel and a return of property record are available. Issues facing the first territorial government are outlined in Governor Campbell's message to the First Legislative Assembly. The Governor's 1871 address on the topic of women's suffrage is also available.

Organization and Arrangement

The collection is divided into eight subgroups including: General Records, Administrative Records, Appointment Records, Proclamations, Petitions for Pardons and Commutations, Requisitions and Extraditions, Indian and Military Affairs, and Legislative Affairs