John C. Newkirk papers

Collection

Identifier: VAULT-Ruggles-482

Staff Only

Scope and Content of the Collection

Legal, financial, and social correspondence written to John C. Newkirk concerning the development of Joliet, Illinois, 1839-1852. The bulk of the correspondence centers upon the business relationship between Newkirk and his law partner, John M. Wilson, both of whom had invested in Joliet prospects prior to the Panic of 1837. The collection also includes correspondence from other Joliet-based lawyers, including Jesse O. Norton, a lawyer and U.S. Representative originally from Vermont, and George H. Woodruff, a lawyer, druggist, and first County Recorder in Joliet.

Dates

1839-1856

Creator

Newkirk, John C., 1810-1890 (Person)

Language

Materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

The John C. Newkirk papers are open for research in the Special Collections Reading Room; 1 box at a time (Priority III).

Ownership and Literary Rights

The John C. Newkirk papers are the physical property of the Newberry Library. Copyright may belong to the authors or their legal heirs or assigns. For permission to publish or reproduce any materials from this collection, contact the Roger and Julie Baskes Department of Special Collections at reference@newberry.org.

Biography of John C. Newkirk

American lawyer and judge (1810-1890).

John C. Newkirk traveled west in 1836, settling in Joliet (or Juliet, as it was originally named), Illinois, which was an area known for its optimistic land speculation as it was located near the Illinois Michigan Canal and various railroad connections. However, the Panic of 1837 caused a state financial crisis, leading to the abandonment of canal construction and general political, economic, and social strife. Unfortunately, Newkirk and his law partner, John M. Wilson from Massachusetts, had invested heavily in Joliet and found themselves in debt, with diminishing prospects. Newkirk returned East, settling in Hudson, New York, while Wilson remained in Joliet to manage the property

Extent

0.2 Linear Feet (1 box)

Additional Description

Abstract

Legal, financial, and social correspondence written to John C. Newkirk concerning the development of Joliet, Illinois. The bulk of the correspondence centers upon the business relationship between Newkirk and his law partner, John M. Wilson, both of whom had invested in Joliet prospects prior to the Panic of 1837.