James O. McDowell Papers
Collection
Identifier: MSS-61-BC
Scope and Content
The collection relates to the bookkeeping and petroleum sales of Albuquerque businessman James McDowell. Included are hundreds of letters to and from McDowell to oil and gas companies through the American Midwest and Southwest. Several letters concern a fraud case in which McDowell acted as counsel, 1937. In addition to these business papers, some of McDowell's personal and family correspondence is included. Letters from Senators Carl A. Hatch (NM), Senator Bronson Cutting (NM), and Senator Rush D. Holt (WV) discuss politics and McDowell's job prospects. There are a few maps showing sales by township for New Mexico as well.
Dates
- 1904-1937 (bulk, 1934-1937)
Creator
- McDowell, James O. (Person)
Language of Materials
English.
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research.
Copy Restrictions
Limited duplication 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/History
James O. McDowell was born in West Virginia in 1876. He was educated at the Dunsmore Business College in Staunton, West Virginia, and read law at the West Virginia University Law School. Between 1903 and 1913, McDowell worked as a bookkeeper for two West Virginia petroleum companies, Star Coal and Coke Company, and Cranberry Fuel Company. He also worked briefly as an attorney in Beckley, West Virginia. McDowell moved to New Mexico in 1913 to improve his health.
In New Mexico, McDowell's first job was selling insurance for the Equitable Life Assurance Company in Albuquerque. Then, he resumed his bookkeeping career, joining the L.B. Putney Mercantile Company as an accountant in Albuquerque, between 1913 and 1917. In 1917, McDowell moved to Tyrone, New Mexico, to work as an accountant for the Phelps Dodge Co. He returned to Albuquerque in 1921, where he worked for the Diamond Coal Company until 1930. Throughout his life, McDowell also worked independently as a broker or salesman of oil and gas leases. This work continued up until his death, circa 1937.
In New Mexico, McDowell's first job was selling insurance for the Equitable Life Assurance Company in Albuquerque. Then, he resumed his bookkeeping career, joining the L.B. Putney Mercantile Company as an accountant in Albuquerque, between 1913 and 1917. In 1917, McDowell moved to Tyrone, New Mexico, to work as an accountant for the Phelps Dodge Co. He returned to Albuquerque in 1921, where he worked for the Diamond Coal Company until 1930. Throughout his life, McDowell also worked independently as a broker or salesman of oil and gas leases. This work continued up until his death, circa 1937.
Extent
1 box ( .3 cu. ft. )
Abstract
The James O. McDowell Papers consist of business records pertaining to McDowell's career as a book keeper for oil and gas companies in New Mexico.
Creator
- McDowell, James O. (Person)
- Title
- Finding Aid of the James O. McDowell Papers, 1904-1937 (bulk, 1934-1937)
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Processed by Tad Mcilwraith
- Date
- ©2002
- 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 61 BC::James O. McDowell Papers)//EN" "nmu1mss61bc.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
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