John N. Downing family business records

John N. Downing family business records, 1903-1956

Overview of the Collection

Creator: Downing Family
Title: John N. Downing family business records
Dates: 1903-1956 (inclusive)
19031956
Quantity: 5 boxes, (3 linear ft. )
Collection Number: UUS_COLL MSS 264
Summary: This collection offers a picture of Montpelier, Idaho, history. The collection consists of the financial documents and records of J. N. Downing, his son, Edgar, and his grandson, Paul N. Richelson, starting in 1903 and continuing until 1956.
Repository: Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections and Archives Division
Special Collections & Archives
Merrill-Cazier Library
Utah State University
Logan, UT
84322-3000
Telephone: 4357978248
Fax: 4357972880
scweb@usu.edu
Access Restrictions: Restrictions
Open to public research.
Languages: English.
Sponsor: Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant, 2007-2008

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

This collection contains the financial records of John Newton Downing (1866-1941) and his various businesses: the Burgoyne Hotel, the Downing Apartments, and the Downing Ranch all located in Montpelier and Georgetown, Idaho. A local history of Montpelier discusses both the Hotel and Apartments:

The original Burgoyne Hotel was in a building constructed by Edward Burgoyne for a Y.M.C.A. After some years the building reverted to Mr. Burgoyne, who sold it to J. N. Downing in 1898. He retained the pioneer name of Burgoyne to designate what became the three-story hotel on Washington Street with seven business rentals. The original building was moved from Washington Street to North Ninth Street and converted into the Downing Apartment. In 1908 the east wing of the new building was built, followed in 1915 with the construction of the west wing. The space between the two wings was enclosed in1925. (Rich 76)

John Newton Downing was married to Hannah Katherine Nelson Downing. They had a son named Edgar L. Downing, who by 1937 was also a partner in the Burgoyne Hotel. The bank records from First Security Bank of Idaho appear in Edgar's name after the death of J. N. Downing suggesting that Edgar took over his father's businesses. Paul N. Richelson, a grandson to J. N. Downing, is also listed in these records by 1954. Paul W. Richelson, who donated this collection, is a great-grandson to John Newton Downing.

There are references to several other Montpelier banks in this collection: The Bank of Montpelier, The First National Bank, and the Eccles-Browning Bank. J. N. Downing had accounts and interactions with each of these institutions. The Bank of Montpelier was started in 1891 by G. C. Gray and survived until 1924. The First National Bank was opened by E. A. Burrell in 1904 and remained open until 1925. The Eccles-Browning Bank began in 1925, after the other banks had closed. In this collection, the Eccles-Browning Bank records are for the years of 1925 and 1926.

Many of the names and businesses mentioned in this collection appear in the A. McKay Rich thesis sited below, which also contains photographs of the Burgoyne Hotel and the Downing Apartments. There is another photo of the Hotel in Earl F. Passey's book An Account of the Settlement and Development of Montpelier, Idaho.

Sources: Rich, A. McKay. The History of Montpelier From 1864 to 1925. Thesis. Utah State Agricultural College. Logan, Utah: 1957.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

This collection offers a picture of Montpelier, Idaho history. The collection consists of the financial documents and records of J. N. Downing, his son, Edgar, and his grandson, Paul N. Richelson, started in1903 and continuing until 1956. Included in this collection are warranty deeds and mortgage papers that were turned over to J. N. Downing. There is also a series of bank statements and checks from several banks. Most are from the First Security Bank of Idaho (1941-1956). From 1941 to at least 1943, the accounts (and other records) are in Edgar L. Downing's name. By 1954 the accounts had been transferred to the name of Paul N. Richelson. There are checks from the Bank of Montpelier, The First National Bank, and the Eccles-Browning Bank. The collection contains Loan Statements from the Federal Land Bank of Spokane, as well as correspondence and records dealing with Utah Light and Power, the State of Idaho, life insurance companies, and other businesses. Additionally, there are tax papers from 1918-1950. Eight ledger books are included in this collection which are the financial records for Downing's businesses. Ledger 3 in box 3 is labeled "Apartment House Rent Book" with records for the Downing Apartments. The other ledgers are not clearly labeled and seem to be a mix of all his accounts and expenses. Some of the ledgers are indexed in the front tab section of the book.

The first box consists of tax papers, separated by year. Following the tax papers are various legal size documents including deeds, mortgage papers, loan papers, and the guest register for the Burgoyne Hotel. The second box consists mostly of bank statements and checks from the First Security Bank of Idaho. (Account no. 2 at the First Security Bank of Idaho is the Ranch Account) Also in this box are more records for the Hotel and the Downing Apartments, along with correspondence from the Department of Agriculture and several life insurance companies. The third box holds four ledgers. The fourth box holds four more ledgers and some oversize items including tax papers and financial figures. The fifth box contains loose papers that were tucked in the pages of the ledgers. These papers are in folders labeled with the ledger and page number indicating where they were found originally.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

It is the responsibility of the user to obtain permission to publish from the owner of the copyright (the institution, the creator of the record, the author or his/her transferees, heirs, legates, or literary executors). The user agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Utah State University Libraries, its officers, employees, and agents from and against all claims made by any person asserting that he or she is an owner of copyright.

Permission to publish material from the John N. Downing family business records must be obtained from the Special Collections Manuscript Curator and/or the Special Collections Department Head.

Preferred Citation

John N. Downing family business records, 1903-1956. (COLL MSS 264). Utah State University. Special Collections and Archives Department.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

Grouped by document type and chronologically.

Acquisition Information

The donor of this collection is Paul W. Richelson. He is the great grandson of John Newton Downing, the founder of the Burgoyne Hotel and Downing Apartments. This collection came in two installments, the first in June 1997, and the second in December 1999.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Business recordsReturn to Top

Box 5 contains loose papers found in books

Container(s)		Description	Dates
Box	Folder
1	1	Tax papers	1918-1921
1	2	Tax papers	1922-1923
1	3	Tax papers	1937
1	4	Tax Papers	1938
1	5	Tax papers	1939
1	6	Tax papers	1940
1	7	Tax papers	1941
1	8	Tax papers	1942
1	9	Tax papers	1943
1	10	Tax papers	1944
1	11	Tax papers	1945
1	12	Tax papers	1946
1	13	Tax papers	1947
1	14	Tax papers	1948
1	15	Tax papers	1949
1	16	Tax papers	1950
1	17	Warrantee Deed Between Mary A. Burgoyne, E. L. Burgoyne, Sarah E. Williams, and Martha E. Cruikshank (sole heirs of the estate of Edward Burgoyne) to Abbie Richardson-	1905 January 28
1	18	Warranty Deed Between Lewis Zitzman of the city and Jacob Jones -	1908 August 19
1	19	Chattel Mortgage, Wm. Perkins to John N. Downing -	1913 December 8
1	20	Warranty Deed, Winnie Wright and Frank Wright to Hannah Downing -	1914 March 17
1	21	Agreement for Building with Bond Between Mr. Adolph Sommers and Mr. J. N. Downing -	1920 April 26
1	22	Real Estate Mortgage From J. N. Downing to E. A. Burrell -	1920 May 8
1	23	Release of Mortgage: J. N. Downing to Andy J. Jensen-	1940 January 7
1	24	United States Department of Agriculture, loan papers	1953
1	25	United States Department of Agriculture, loan papers	1953
1	26	Pacific Wool Growers	1955
1	27	Burgoyne Hotel Guest Register	undated
2	1	Bank Statements and checks	1941-1943
2	2	Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho/ Richelson-Crane & Company	February 2, 1954
2	3	Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho	1954 February 3
2	4	Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho/ Richelson-Crane & Company	1954 March 3
2	5	Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho/ Richelson-Crane & Company	1954 April 3
2	6	Bank statement, no checks	1954 April 2
2	7	Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho/ Richelson-Crane & Company	1954 May 2
2	8	Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho/ Richelson-Crane & Company	1954 July 10
2	9	Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho/ Richelson-Crane & Company	1954 July 3
2	10	Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho	1954 July 3
2	11	Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho/ Richelson-Crane & Company	1954 August 3
2	12	Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho	1954 August 3
2	13	Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho/ Richelson-Crane & Company	1954 September 2
2	14	Sale Contract- First Security Bank of Idaho	1954 September 29
2	15	Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho/ Richelson-Crane & Company	undated
2	16	Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho	1954 October 4
2	17	Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho/ Richelson-Crane & Company	1954 November 2
2	18	Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho/ Richelson-Crane & Company	1954
2	19	Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho/ Richelson-Crane & Company	1955 January 4
2	20	Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho	1955 January 4
2	21	Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho	1955 February 2
2	22	Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho	1955 July 2
2	23	Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho	1955 August 3
2	24	Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho	1955 October 4
2	25	Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho	1955 December 3
2	26	Bank Statement and checks, First Security Bank of Idaho	1956 January 4
2	27	Money Order Receipts from First Security Bank of Idaho	undated
2	28	Deposit slip duplicates	undated
2	29	Purchase orders for various places, bills for Montpelier Grain Elevation	undated
2	30	First National Bank, Montpelier, Idaho: checks and deposit slips	1915-1926
2	31	The Federal Land Bank of Spokane (Ranch Mortgage) Statements	1924-1954
2	32	Eccles-Browning Bank: check, receipt, and correspondence	1925-1926
2	33	The Equitable Life Assurance Society: correspondence and statements	1919-1924
2	34	Union Mutual Life Insurance Company: statements and correspondence	undated
2	35	Montpelier Grain Elev., Wendell Welling Purchaser, Grain Settlement and orders	1954
2	36	State of Idaho, Land Dept., lease rental papers	undated
2	37	Utah Light and Power, Georgetown, Idaho: Lease-1931 and Equipment Rental Agreement-	1940
2	38	Burgoyne Hotel: estimates for alterations	undated
2	39	Burgoyne Hotel: rent records	1924-1925
2	40	Abstract of title for Ed Burgoyne's Addition to Montpelier 1903 (green), Abstract of title, mortgage papers (gray)	1920
2	41	United States Dept. of Agriculture, Soil Conservation, Cooperative Farm Demonstration	1939
2	42	Miscellaneous: Montpelier Irrigation District 1919, Continental Life Insurance Company 1920, American War Mothers	1929
3		Ledger 1 : (Journal)	January 1948 - March 1951
3		Ledger 2 : (DE ledger with letter tabs)	undated
3		Ledger 3 : (Gray Journal) Apartment House Rent Book	undated
3		Ledger 4 : (Gray with green tabs)	1930 October - 1942 June
4		Book 1 : Check book balances/ stubs	1920 March 12 - August 7
4		Book 2 : Check book balances/ stubs	1923 February 5 - May 7
4		Book 3 : Check book balances/ stubs	1923 July 5
4		Book 4 : Check book balances/ stubs	1923 August 6 - November 22
4		Book 5 : Check book balances/ stubs	1924 November 27 - 1925 January 18
4		Book 6 : Check book balances/ stubs	195[?] August 8 - October 2
4		Book 7 : Check book balances/ stubs	195[?] October 3 - December 3
4		Book 8 : Check book balances/ stubs	193[?] December 10; 195[?] December 12-22; 196[?] December - January 4
4		Ledger 1 : ("Expense Account") before	1937-1950
4		Ledger 2 : ("Register Queen Insurance Co.") News articles in front cover, expense accounts- indexed in front section with tabs	undated
4		Ledger 3 : (red "Ledger") account book, index in front	undated
4		Ledger 4 : (white with red corners) account records- indexed	undated
	Folder
4	1	Tax papers	1931-1936
4	2	Financial Figures: Burgoyne Hotel	1937-1943
4	3	Financial Figures for ranch, Burgoyne Hotel and personal (J. N. Downing)	1934 - 1937
5	1	Ledger 1, Box 3 [pages not numbered] business card for Hardy-Gaines Realty and letter to Paul Richelson from Elton D. Minkler, Wackrli and Co. May 29, 1952	1945 April
		Ledger 2, Box 3
Box	Folder
5	2	Page 17 Montpelier news clipping, Social Notes	undated
5	2	Page 44 [not numbered- "Ranch expenses for 1922"] Federal Land Bank of Spokane: receipt	1924 February 27
5	2	Page 73 The Equitable Life Assurance Society: Receipt	1925 December 19 - 1926 December 19
5	2	Page 73 figures on back of First National Bank stationary	undated
5	2	Page 83 Receipt No. 224650	1930 November 8
5	2	Page 84 The Equitable Life Assurance Society Receipt	1928 December 19 - 1929 December 19
5	2	Page 117 Eccles Browning Bank: J. N. Downing check	1925 September 21
5	2	Page 125 The Equitable Life Assurance Society: receipt	1929 December 19 - 1930 December 19
5	2	Page 127 Interest Coupon	undated
5	2	Page 129 The Service Depot - Statement for John Downing	1927 November 1
5	2	Page 154 Inventory	undated
		Ledger 3, Box 3
Box	Folder
5	3	Page 29 State of Idaho: certificate for registration of Burgoyne Hotel	1937 April 15
		Ledger 3, Box 3
Box	Folder
5	4	Page 2 figures	1942 May 1
5	4	Page 4 calculator tape with figures	1942 May 1
5	4	Page 4 Texaco Service Station Statements: E. L. Downing	1942 April, May, July, August
5	4	Page 9 figures	undated
5	4	Page 11 note	undated
5	4	Page 80 calculator tape with figures	undated
5	4	Back Cover Freight Bill: Downing and Downing Hotel	1947 October 6
5	4	Back Cover In envelope: Tax Collectors Final Receipt, calculator print out	1949 December 2
5	4	Back Cover In another envelope: Tax Collectors Final Receipt, calculator print out, Peck Bros Live Stock Commission company: Invoice	1947 December 4-1947 December 15
		Ledger 4, Box 3
Box	Folder
5	5	Page 1 State of Idaho, State Insurance Fund, Boise, Idaho: Premium Statement	1937 February 2
5	5	Page 253 calculator tape of figures	undated
		Ledger 1, Box 4
Box	Folder
5	6	Front Cover Peck Bros. Live Stock Company: Invoice	1945 November 26
5	6	Page 2 Utah Power and Light: Equipment Rental Agreement	1946 June 5
5	6	Page 2 Log of Hotel Well	1935 June - July
5	6	Page 3 Federal Land Bank of Spokane	1947-1950
5	6	Page 3 Policy continuation certificate	1943 January 1 - 1947 January 1
5	6	Page 9 First Security Bank of Idaho - duplicate Deposit Ticket	1934 December 21
5	6	Page 28 State of Idaho Brand Inspection Bureau: Certified Copy of Livestock Brand, Application for Livestock Brand	1949 August 11
5	6	Page 33 figures	undated
5	6	Page 39 Federal Land Bank of Spokane	1951 January 5
5	6	Page 45 Formula for weather-proof whitewash	undated
5	6	Page 45 invoices for Peck Bros. Live Stock Commission Co.	1946
5	6	Page 46 U. S. Department of the Interior General Land Office: Grazing Lease Receipt to J. N. Downing and William Derricott	1946 March 11
		Ledger 1, Box 4
Box	Folder
5	7	Back Cover Peck Bros. Live Stock Commission company: invoices	1946 - 1947
5	7	Back Cover John Clay and company Live Stock commission: To William Derricott	1946 September 13, Friday
5	7	Back Cover Federal Land Bank of Spokane: statement	1946 August 1
5	7	Back Cover Bear Lake County Wool-Pool: letter	1946
5	7	Back Cover State of Idaho Land Dept.: lease rental, official receipt	1946 December 1
5	7	Back Cover Federal Land Bank of Spokane: statement	1946 February 1
5	7	Back Cover In envelope: contracts and warranty deed	undated
5	7	Back Cover letter from Utah Power and Light to E. L. Downing	1947
		Ledger 2, Box 4
Box	Folder
5	8	Front Cover Custom Account Receipt no. 23	[?] November 25
5	8	Front Cover Federal Land Bank of Spokane: bill/receipt	1928 August 27
5	8	Front Cover Eccles-Browning Bank: loan	1926 July 26
5	8	Front Cover Treasury Department Internal Revenue Service district of Idaho: Audit - John N. Downing, Montpelier	1928 August 15
5	8	>Front Cover Bank of Montpelier: loan	1919 April 12
5	8	Front Cover Receipt to J.N. Downing - from: E. A. Burrell (teller/cashier)	undated
5	8	Front Cover Eccles-Browning Bank: checks	1925 - 1926
5	8	Front Cover Deposit slip for First National Bank, Montpelier	1920 December 21
5	8	Front Cover Release of Mortgage	1925
5	8	Front Cover Thiel and Olsen Bros.:statement	1926
		Ledger 2, Box 4
Box	Folder
5	9	C D Tab Tax receipts	1927
5	9	V W Tab sale ticket to J. N. Downing, from Miles M. and E. Co.	1920 April 5
5	9	Page 15 Letter to Downing from Chris Sorensen	1921 May 14
5	9	Page 20 grain invoice signed by Joseph H. Oakey	undated
5	9	Page 26 Newspaper clipping of house plan	undated
5	9	Page 26 figures on Hotel Burgoyne stationary "sold to Derricott ½ of list below"	undated
5	9	Page 26 State Board of Land Commissioners: receipt and short letter	1930 October 9
5	9	Page 26 Notice of Acceptance 1933 Wheat Adjustment Program	undated
5	9	Page 29 Eccles-Browning Bank: J. N. Downing check	1926
5	9	Page 44 contract between John Downing and Walter H. Beckdolt for remodeling of Burgoyne Hotel	1926 December 23
5	9	Page 49 Blank check with figures on back	undated
		Ledger 3, Box 4
Box	Folder
5	10	Front Cover In the Justice Court, Writ of Attachment, Idaho, John Downing	1923 January 27
5	10	Page 9 Hall, Rm 44, Account Card	undated
5	10	Page 19 Map for township 11 South, Range No. 43 E. Boise	undated
5	10	Page 81 Receipts for Insured mail	1919 December
		Ledger 4, Box 4
Box	Folder
5	11	Page 63 Machinery on Ranch - Union Mutual Life Insurance Company: statement	1918
5	11	Back Cover Montpelier Coal and Lumber Company: Balance Due	1921 March 31

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