Harvey Butler Fergusson Correspondence
Collection
Identifier: MSS-40-SC
Scope and Content
This collection contains 57 typewritten letters sent by Fergusson, dated March 18, 1910-November 10, 1911. Primarily, the letters relate to the New Mexico Constitutional Convention of 1910. They are addressed to Felix Martinez, James D. Whelan, E.C. de Baca, J.G. Fitch, M.W. McCoy and others. Also in the collection is a list of names for statehood proceedings in the Senate committee, a paper containing excerpts about Fergusson from Lincoln County newspapers, 1883-1884, and some miscellaneous notes.
All items are one page carbon copies of typed letters unless noted otherwise.
All items are one page carbon copies of typed letters unless noted otherwise.
Dates
- 1910-1911
Creator
Language of Materials
English.
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research.
Copy Restrictions
Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance wht all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.
Biographical Information
Harvey Butler Fergusson was born in Alabama on September 9, 1848. In 1874 he graduated from Washington and Lee University. He was admitted to the bar in 1875 and practiced for a time in West Virginia. Fergusson came to New Mexico in 1882 to represent the Winter heirs in the North Homestake Mining Company litigation at White Oaks. The following year he moved to Albuquerque. Fergusson and his wife, Clara Huning, had three children, Harvey, Erna, and Lina. Harvey and Erna became well-known authors.
Fergusson, a leader in the New Mexico Democratic Party, served in the 55th, 62nd and 63rd U. S. Congresses. In 1898, during his first term, he pushed through the Fergusson Act, which gave millions of acres of the public domain to New Mexico. The revenues were used for funding public schools, thus providing the foundation of a public school system in the territory. Later, Congress passed the Enabling Act of 1910, which provided for the calling of a constitutional convention in New Mexico. Fergusson was a delegate to this constitutional convention. The constitution was drafted the next year and ratified by voters. On January 6, 1912, New Mexico formally became a state.
Fergusson, a leader in the New Mexico Democratic Party, served in the 55th, 62nd and 63rd U. S. Congresses. In 1898, during his first term, he pushed through the Fergusson Act, which gave millions of acres of the public domain to New Mexico. The revenues were used for funding public schools, thus providing the foundation of a public school system in the territory. Later, Congress passed the Enabling Act of 1910, which provided for the calling of a constitutional convention in New Mexico. Fergusson was a delegate to this constitutional convention. The constitution was drafted the next year and ratified by voters. On January 6, 1912, New Mexico formally became a state.
Extent
1 folder (57 items)
Creator
- Title
- Finding Aid of the Harvey Butler Fergusson Correspondence, 1910-1911
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Processed by T.S. Reinig
- Date
- @2000
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid is in English
Revision Statements
- June 28, 2004: PUBLIC "-//University of New Mexico::Center for Southwest Research//TEXT (US::NmU::MSS 40 SC::Harvey Butler Fergusson Correspondence)//EN" "nmu1mss40sc.sgml" converted from EAD 1.0 to 2002 by v1to02.xsl (sy2003-10-15).
- Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.
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
cswrref@unm.edu
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
cswrref@unm.edu