1936-1939
File — Box: 2, Folder: 9
Scope and Contents
From the Collection:
The Ralph Ward Papers are organized into two series: Correspondence and Subject files.
The Correspondence Series, arranged chronologically, ranges from 1897 to 1960. It deals with problems of farming and ranching, legal and financial matters, and land transactions, including the purchase of some land from Usher Burdick (1918), and others. Much correspondence from 1916 to 1920 covers R.N. Stevens' management of the 101 Stock Farm at Minnewaukan as well as family matters. There are also letters on political matters such as the Independent Voter's Association, the 1924 Coolidge Campaign, the 1926 primaries in North Dakota, and the North Dakota Taxpayer's Association. Also included is material on banking problems with such banks as the City National Bank of Bismarck and the First National Bank of Minnewaukan. Among correspondents are L.B. Hanna, J.M. Hanley, W.R. Bond, L.L. Twichell, J.H. Shepperd, J.E. Davis, Alfred. Erickson, Rep. William Lemke, Sen. P.J. McCumber, J.D. Price, and J.A. Power. There is also correspondence of the Ward family with Leonard Sackett of the Institute concerning the collection.
The Subject Files Series contain a series of biographical stories by Henry Ward, uncle of R.D. Ward, dealing with life in Dakota Territory in the 1870's covering such subjects as gold mining in the Black Hills in 1876, a visit with a half-breed family, stories of hunting, the 1881 Mandan flood, life at Owego colony in 1873 and hauling freight in a blizzard. There are a number of biographical clippings and articles on R.N. Stevens and the Ward family. The various certificates include the 1875 lawyer’s certificate of R.N. Stevens, R.D. Ward's discharge from the National Guard, (1897), homestead receipts and certificates (1900, 1907), Masonic and El Zagal certificates, and a registration for a percheron horse. Concerning farming, there are numerous records kept by R. N. Stevens of the 101 Stock Farm, including grain harvesting and sales, payments to laborers (1916- 1920), wheat allotments, performance reports, and maps of grain acreage (1942- 1948). On financial matters there is material on several banks including the First State Bank of Bowbells, the City National Bank of Bismarck, First National Bank of Bismarck, First National Bank of Garrison, and the Equity Co-operative Exchange (1911-1928). There is also a listing of
all cash payments, expenses and receipts, personal accounts, inventories of personal and farm property and other papers from the 101 Stock Farm. Also included are chattel mortgages and loans (1910-1928), check stubs (1919-1924), promissory notes, bank deposits, bills and other financial papers (1905-1923). From the Powers and Ward Livery Stable at Plaza, North Dakota are records of horse sales, notes held by R. D, Ward, and the agreement of sale (1909-1916).
Legal papers include the organization papers of the 101 Stock Farm at Minnewauken (1916), farm contracts and agreements (1915-1923, 1952), the memorandum of agreement and list of directors and stockholders of the Bank of Bowbells (1911-1921), a summons and notices (1915-1935). Also included is a work on riparian rights by R.N. Stevens (1918). Among papers on taxes are North Dakota and U.S. income tax returns (1914-1920) of Mr. Ward, personal property taxes (1919-1949), real estate taxes (1902-1941), and material on the North Dakota Taxpayers Association (1934-1941). Concerning telephones, there is information on purchasing a telephone (1917) and laying telephone lines (1936).
Dates
- 1875-1960.
Access
The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Institute.
Extent
From the Collection: 1.2 Linear Feet (1.2 linear ft.)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Creator
- From the Collection: Ward, Ralph David, 1873-1951. (Person)
Repository Details
Part of the Institute for Regional Studies Repository
Contact:
West Building N
3551 7th Avenue North
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States
ndsu.archives@ndsu.edu
West Building N
3551 7th Avenue North
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States
ndsu.archives@ndsu.edu