Frank R. Matthews Papers
Collection
Identifier: MSS-498-BC
Scope and Content
This collection consists of the personal papers of New Mexico farmer Frank R. Matthews (1835-c.1918). It is a relatively small collection, which has only 12 folders. A large part of the collection is comprised of correspondence to Mr. and Mrs. Matthews. There are few of his own writings. Most of the letters, generally concerning family matters, are from his two daughters and other relatives. Also, there are some business letters. Among the items of greatest interest might be two letters from Congressman Harvey Fergusson (1913) regarding Matthews' request for reappointment as the postmaster, and correspondence from his two friends, R. Cline and H.K. LaRue, revealing their political insights and viewpoints.
Dates
- 1869-1918
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 with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.
Biography
Col. Frank R. Matthews was born in Virginia in September of 1835. Later his family moved to Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, where his father, J. D. Matthews, served as a preacher. As a young man Frank Matthews had a keen interest in politics, but his father admonished him to remain a "plain farmer." During the Civil War he joined the Confederate Army and reached the rank of colonel. Soon after the war he went back to Kentucky and married. In 1879 his wife's ill health (probably tuberculosis) forced the Matthews to move to Raton, New Mexico, where she died in 1904. Although Matthews spent most of the time farming on his own land, he once worked a mining claim, and was at one time Raton's postmaster. He always retained a lively interest in politics and enjoyed cultural events. He died around 1918.
Extent
1 box (.45 cu. ft.)
Relevant Secondary Sources
- The Raton Range, October 27, 1904.
- Title
- Finding aid of the Frank R. Matthews Papers, 1869-1918
- Status
- Edited Full Draft
- Author
- Processed by CSWR staff
- 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 498 BC::Frank R. Matthews Papers)//EN" "nmu1mss498bc.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