Southwick, Claude E., 1869 - 1958, and Family. Collection, 1857 - 1957

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: SMHC Collection 1207

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Claude E. Southwick and family collection is divided into four series of information: Correspondence and Papers, Education, Bound Volumes, and photographs.

Correspondence and Papers These documents contain information on Southwick’s legal and business careers.

Education Southwick’s thesis at the University of Minnesota on the “Preferences Under the Minnesota Assignment Law” and information from luncheon lectures attended by Southwick during the period 1937 to 1944 are included in this section.

Bound Volumes These twenty-four volumes provide insight into a variety of facets of Southwick’s life and the lives of his family members. This series contains business ledgers, diaries, desk diaries, cashbooks, journals, office bulletins, and information on the Epworth League of Minnesota.

Photographs The pictures are largely undated and untitled but Frederick O. Southwick and Claude E. Southwick both have folders with labeled photographs of people and places.

Dates

1857-1957

Biographical / Historical

Claude E. Southwick was born in Wells, Faribault County, Minnesota on 15 January 1873. After finishing high school in 1890, he continued his education at Hamline University in St. Paul and graduated in the fall of 1894. He received his law degree from the University of Minnesota in 1897. In 1899, he moved to Albert Lea, Minnesota and served several terms as the City Attorney between his arrival and 1909. Following his stint as the city’s attorney, Southwick campaigned for the state legislature. Southwick, a Republican, found success and served as a legislator between 1913 and 1917.

Aside from public service, Southwick owned property in Faribault County, served as an active member in the Methodist Church, the Masonic Order, the Knights of Pythias, and the Eastern Star.

Information about Southwick’s life and law career between 1923 and the 1950s is sketchy. In 1923, he had already left Albert Lea and began practicing law in Minneapolis. Southwick became active in oil and uranium interests in the Southwestern United States during the 1950s and served on the International Atomic Elements Corporation and as a secretary and counsel to the American Chief Engineers Association.

Southwick died in Minneapolis on 4 September 1958.

Extent

2.00 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Claude E. Southwick and Family collection contains correspondencies, photographs, bound volumes, and other miscellany from 1857 – 1957. The bulk of the information relates to Southwick’s business ventures in the 1950s. Also, included in the collection are materials about Southwick’s father Frederick O. Southwick and other family members.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Peter Nyvall donated this collection to the Minnesota Historical Society. The Minnesota Historical Society transferred the collection to the Southern Minnesota Historical Center in August 1976.