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Pearce C. Rodey papers

 Collection
Identifier: Ms-0238

Scope and Content

The Pearce C. Rodey papers cover only that portion of his work as attorney for the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District. These files cover the period from 1926 to 1939; most fall within the period from 1930 to 1935. The main topic was the financial status of the district. One important aspect of this was the sale and repayment of MRGCD bonds for financing district projects. Included are documents relating to the initial sale of bonds, maturity date schedules and the district's inability to pay the full interest rates on bonds in 1937. Some of the major bond companies that worked with the MRGCD are: Reconstruction Finance Corporation; Bosworth, Chanute, Loughridge and Company; and Pershing, Nye, Tallmadge & Bosworth.

Rodey also represented the district in court, involving cases of workmen compensation suits, a claim on wastewater, and a claim brought by bond holders. The papers include court briefs and some evidence and precedents regarding each particular case.

Also included are copies of both proposed national and state legislation of interest to the district. In some cases there is correspondence giving Rodey's interpretations of certain bills.

There are some records concerning taxes and levies of the district. Included, too, are notices documenting the sale of bonds and meetings to discuss district matters.

Dates

  • 1923 - 1939

Access and Use Restrictions

This material may be examined by researchers under supervised conditions in the Search Room.

Copy Restrictions

Limited duplication is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with copyright and other applicable statutes.

The copyrights associated with these materials have not been transferred to New Mexico State University.

Biographical Sketch

Pearce Coddington Rodey was the son of Bernard Shandon and Minnie (Coddington) Rodey. He was born on November 8, 1889 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Pearce Rodey received his preparatory education at Mercersburg Academy, Pennsylvania, 1903-1907 and continued on to Harvard University. At Harvard, Rodey earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1912, and his Bachelor of Law in 1915.

Rodey returned to Albuquerque, to practice law and passed the New Mexico Bar in 1915. Rodey was associated with a variety of firms. These firms include Rodey and Rodey, 1915-1927; Rodey and Dailey, 1927-1934; Rodey and Dickason, 1934-1941; Rodey, Dickason and Sloan, 1941-1958; senior partner, Rodey, Dickason, Sloan, Mims and Akin, 1951-1958.

Pearce Rodey acted as attorney for the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, 1925-1936; associate counsel for the New Mexico Rio Grande Compact; of counsel for New Mexico Conference of Upper Basin States for Diversion of Water of Colorado River. In 1938 Rodey was the Republican nominee for Congress.

Rodey was married twice. His first wife was Dorothy McMillen. They were married July 1, 1918, and she died March 1932. Pearce and Dorothy Rodey had two children, Shelia (Faust) and Lon McMillen; both were deceased by 1957.

Rodey's second wife was Maria-Elise Johnson. They were married on December 19, 1934. Maria-Elise Rodey died January 1955. Pearce C. Rodey died May 3, 1958.

Extent

3 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Attorney for the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD), 1925-1936. Rodey passed the New Mexico Bar in 1915 and started his practice in Albuquerque with Rodey and Rodey, 1915-1927; Rodey and Dailey, 1927-1934; Rodey and Dickason, 1934-1941. Collection includes general correspondence, memoranda and legal papers regarding District bond issues, court cases, national and state legislation, taxes, levies and assessments, and other topics. Also includes some MRGCD board minutes and resolutions, news clippings, reports on agricultural topics and three maps of areas within the District.
Title
Guide to the Pearce C. Rodey papers
Status
Completed
Date
2000
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English

Repository Details

Part of the New Mexico State University Library Archives and Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Branson Hall
PO Box 30006
MSC 3475
Las Cruces New Mexico 88003 USA