Guide to the Acting Governor Fenimore Chatterton records

Collection

Identifier: RG0001.16

Staff Only

Scope and Content

Files range from incoming and outgoing correspondence of routine nature; to appointment records, proclamations and petitions for pardon. Subjects include expositions, Indian affairs, women's suffrage, financial matters, coal mining, etc.

Dates

1903-1905

Creator

Chatterton, Fenimore, 1860-1958 (Person)

Language of Materials

English

Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes, and the collection is open to the public.

Copyright Information

The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.

Biographical Note

Fenimore Chatterton was born in Oswego County, New York on July 21, 1860. Chatterton was raised in Washington, D.C. where he attended public schools. After attending Columbian University (now George Washington University) Chatterton graduated from Millersville State Normal School in Lancaster, PA. He moved to Wyoming in 1878 and became a clerk in a general mercantile and banking concern. He later became very successful at business and sold out to run for political office. Elected treasurer and probate judge of Carbon County in 1888, Chatterton's public career included service in the first two State Legislatures (1890-91, 1893), and election to Wyoming's Secretary of State for two terms (1898-1907). While he was Secretary of State he became the acting Governor from April 28, 1903 to January 2, 1905 due to the death of Governor DeForest Richards. After his term in office Chatterton practiced law and served a number of boards and commissions until his retirement in 1932. Fenimore Chatterton died May 9, 1958 and is buried in Lakeview Cemetery in Cheyenne.

Extent

3 cubic feet (6 boxes)

Additional Description

Abstract

Records of Wyoming's Acting Governor Fenimore Chatterton feature the usual topics associated with the office. Notable issues involve the Lightning Creek Raid, Spanish-American War Medals, and the State of Wyoming vs. Tom Horn. Proclamations, requisitions and extradition requests, rewards, petitions for pardons and appointment records are included.

Arrangement of the Collection

The collection is divided into nine subgroups including General Records, Administrative Records, Appointment Records, Proclamations, Petitions for Pardons, Requistions and Extraditions, Military and Indian Affairs, Legislative Affairs, and the State of Wyoming vs. Tom Horn

Acquisition Information

MA346 was transferred to the Wyoming State Archives on April 6, 1957

Related Materials

Collection Number 00239, Fenimore Chatterton Papers, 1863-1977, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

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