Thomas Charles Power papers
Scope and Contents
This addition to the T.C. Power Papers includes a transcript of a diary (1867) of Power's trip up the Missouri River by steamboat; a subject file, including files on his prosecution in 1873-1874 for alleged fraud in his dealings with the Blackfeet Indians and with the U.S. government, on his Senate career, the construction of his house in Helena and other matters; miscellany; and clippings. There are subgroups for the settlement of his estate and for his wife Mary Flanagan Power, including a minute book for the Helena Art Club, inventories of home furnishings, a diary of a trip abroad in 1889, and other items.
Dates
- Creation: 1867-1950
Language of Materials
English
Conditions Governing Access
Collection open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
Researchers must use collection in accordance with the policies of the Montana Historical Society. The Society does not necessarily hold copyright to all materials in the collection. In some cases permission for use may require additional authorization from the copyright owners. For more information contact an archivist.
Biographical / Historical
Thomas Charles Power was born at Dubuque, Iowa, May 22, 1839, the son of Irish immigrants, Michael W. Power and Catherine McLeer Power.
In 1867, he travelled up the Missouri River to Fort Benton, Montana Territory and opened a general mercantile firm in partnership with his brother, John W. Power. T.C. Power and Brother and I. G. Baker and Company dominated trade and freighting on the northern plains by the mid 1870's. In connection with this trade, T.C. Power and several associates were charged by the United States government with fraud. His associates were sent to prison but Power was exonerated.
Power was also active in politics. As a Republican, he served as a delegate to the abortive 1884 Constitutional Convention, ran unsuccessfully for governor in 1889, and was selected one of Montana's first U.S. Senators in a bitterly contended election in the Montana legislature.
Thomas C. Power married Mary Flanagan at Dubuque, Iowa, in 1867. The couple had one son, Charles Benton Power. T.C. Power died at Helena, Montana, March 16, 1923.
[For a longer biographical sketch see MC 55].
Extent
1.5 linear feet
Abstract
T.C. Power was a Montana merchandise, transportation, mining, ranching, banking, and real estate magnate; and U.S. Senator from Montana from 1890 to 1895. Collection (1867-1950) includes a transcript of a diary (1867) of his trip up the Missouri River; subject files (1873-1923), miscellany, and papers of his estate (1923-1950).
Arrangement
Arranged by subgroup and series. Some material housed in oversize folder in archives map case. See inventory below for more information.
Physical Location
2:7-1
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Acquisition information available upon request
Separated Materials
For related material see the Guide to the Thomas Charles Power papers, at the Montana Historical Society, MC 55. Also see the Guide to the Charles B. Power papers, at the Montana Historical Society, MC 55a.
See Guide to the Power family photograph collection, at the Montana Historical Society Photo Archives, Lot 006.
- Title
- Guide to the Thomas C. Power papers 1867-1950
- Author
- Finding aid prepared by Ellie Arguimbau, 2005
- Date
- 2006
- Description rules
- Finding Aid Based On Dacs ( Describing Archives: A Content Standard 2nd Edition)
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English.
- Sponsor
- Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Repository Details
Part of the Montana Historical Society, Research Center Archives Repository
225 North Roberts
PO Box 201201
Helena MT 59620-1201 United States
406-444-2681
406-444-2696 (Fax)
mhslibrary@mt.gov