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Louis Huning Journal, 1891-1894

 File — Box: 13, Folder: 6
Identifier: CD 1

Scope and Contents

Covers the period during which Louis Huning's investment in cattle turned into a financial calamity. Rising cattle prices in 1892 attracted Louis Huning to make a $25,000 investment in cattle with borrowed money. He planned to pasture the herd on the Rio Puerco where he had observed a sub-irrigated bottom for many years. But 1893 was to be the first year in a seven year drought cycle and the Rio Puerco bottom proved unable to provide sufficient pasture for the herd. In February of 1893, a financial panic occurred that threw both financial and commodity markets into a downward tailspin. Despairing of finding adequate pasture to maintain the herd, Huning made the decision to ship them to market by rail. Unfortunately, during the travel time from New Mexico to Kansas, the cattle market collapsed and family history reports that the cost of rail transportation exceed the proceeds of the sale of the cattle. Affairs quickly became disordered and by June 29, 1893 there is an entry for a $2,042.70 being returned.

Dates

  • 1891-1894

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Extent

From the Collection: 45 boxes (34.66 cu. ft.) + 14 microfilm reels

General

Microfilm reel 10. Original ledger at Los Lunas Museum of Heritage and Arts

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451