Robert (Woods) Wardlaw, 1823-1902. Collection, 1855-1858.

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: SMHC Collection 0286

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of the ledger Robert Wardlaw used for his trading post and store in Mankato from 1855-1858. Included in the collection are assorted receipts that were loose in the ledger and previously removed. The donor created a typed ledger of the journal to aid researchers in identifying people of interest.

A manuscript produced by Shirley J. Wood focuses on four main sections of the Wood Brothers’ lives. 1. The story of Absalom/Robert Wardlaw in the early days of Mankato 1850s 2. William, George, and Charles Wood’s trading venture before 1857 3. Alexander Wood, an attorney in Minnesota after the death of his brothers 4. Elisha Wood and his involvement in the Civil War, along with his life afterwards

Dates

1855 - 1858

Conditions Governing Use

There are no restrictions on use of this collection for research purposes. The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property and libel laws as they apply.

Biographical / Historical

The Wood Brothers, Absalom (Robert Wardlaw), William, George, Charles, Alexander, Elisha, and Elijah, were prominent figures in the early days of Mankato and the surrounding area. Absalom, who changed his legal name to Robert Wardlaw for protection around 1850, set up a store in Mankato in 1855 with his brother William. The store was successful for a few years, with some receipts and the ledger surviving in the collection.

Robert closed the store in 1858 and continued farming in Lime Township until approximately 1868 when he moved to Alabama. He stayed there until his death on February 24, 1902.

Extent

1.5 Cubic Feet (1 Oversize Box 1 Half Hollinger Box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The collection primarily consists of the business ledger Robert Wardlaw used for his trading post and store in Mankato from 1855-1858. The collection also contains a typed transcript of the ledger and a manuscript about the Woods Brothers in Minnesota (Robert Wardlaw changed his name from Absalom Woods).

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Shirley J. Wood donated this collection in 2021.

Related Materials

There are materials related to Robert Wardlaw and the Woods Brothers at the Blue Earth County Historical Society.

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title: Robert (Woods) Wardlaw, 1823-1902. Collection, 1855-1858. SMHC Collection 0286.
Status: Completed
Author: Jamison Vierstraete and Adam Smith
Date: 2023-11-10
Description rules: Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description: English
Script of description: Latin
Language of description note: English