David McCauley Family Papers

Collection

Identifier: Mss 329

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The David McCauley Family Papers are organized into two series: Correspondence and Subject files. In the Correspondence Files Series are many official letters to David McCauley as postmaster, sutler and express agent at Fort Abercrombie. There are also several letters to Mrs. McCauley (1901-1904), and a number from Ethel M. Harris to Leonard Sackett of the Institute. In the Subject Files Series are biographies and clippings, an 1845 Odd Fellows Certificate, an 1865 Internal Revenue Service liquor license, an 1863 Act to Aid Victims of Indians, and a Minnesota Supreme Court Case. Other legal and financial papers include accounts at Fort Abercrombie, McCauleyville election returns, postal accounts and sales of hay to the army. There's an 1852 United States Ordinance Department regulation book and a Minnesota Legislative Manual, from 1861. There are also a set of notes from a speech, "Recollections of the Red River Valley" by Carrie McCauley. There's a group of soldiers orders with the Fort Abercrombie sutler from 1864. Included is a complete list of all items by Ethel Harris.

Dates

1845-1955

Creator

McCauley, David, 1825-1900. (Person)

Access

The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Institute.

Copyrights

Copyrights to this collection are not held by the Institute for Regional Studies.

Biography

David McCauley was born July 27, 1825 in Merrimac, New Hampshire. He attended Nashua school and the Literary Institute of Hancock, but left before graduating. From 1838 to 1841 he served an apprenticeship as a Machinist. He later went to Manchester, New Hampshire where he kept a stationary store. In 1858 he came to St. Paul where he worked in a post office. In July 1861 Mr. McCauley came to Fort Abercrombie, Dakota Territory as post sutler and postmaster and as agent for the Northwest Express Company. He remained there till 1864 when he crossed to Minnesota. There he engaged in farming and opened a trading post. He built a sawmill in 1867, and also supplied the army with hay. The village of McCauleyville grew up around him. In 1879 Mr. McCauley married a teacher, Carrie Whitman, born March 31, 1855 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the direct descendent of John Adams and Oliver Woolcott. They had one child, Ethel, born July 22, 1886 at McCauleyville. Mr. McCauley died July 29, 1900 and was buried at Oakland Cemetery in St. Paul, Minnesota. His wife died on July 19, 1919 and was buried beside him. Mr. McCauley was Superintendent of Schools for Wilkin County for 16 years, a post his wife later held, as well as Grand Worthy Matron of Eastern Star. He was also postmaster, Justice of the Peace and town clerk, and took part in organizing Wilkin County. In 1887 he was a delegate to the Farmer's National Congress in Washington.

Extent

0.4 Linear Feet (0.4 linear feet)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Postmaster, express agent and army sutler for Fort Abercrombie.

Provenance

Donated by Ethel M. Harris, 1955 (Acc. 329)

Separation Record

The following non-manuscript items were removed from the David McCauley Family Papers and sent to the section indicated. Books (Library book collection)

Illustrated Album of Biography of the Famous Valley of the Red River of the North and Park Regions, 1889 Proceedings of the Red River Valley Old Settlers Meeting, 1900-1901 Abstract of the 7th Census Report, 1851 Preliminary Report on 8th.Census, 1860 Maps (Institute map collection) Fort Abercrombie Military Reservation, Minnesota Photographs (Institute photograph collection) 6 David McCauley; Carrie McCauley; McCauley's sawmill; McCauley's home, 1901; McCauleyville street scene, 1874; school with children, 1885