John McCraken papers

Collection

Identifier: Mss2540

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Papers of John McCraken include a ledger, 1 volume, 1893-1919, with accounts for the McCraken-Ripley Company; receipts, 1893-1902; inventories, 1895-1898; price list, 1935; citations from the U.S. Treasury regarding war bonds, 1945; and correspondence and contracts, 1886-1905, regarding the Portland, Nehalem and Tillamook Railway Company.

Dates

1886-1945

Creator

McCraken, John, 1826-1915 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

The Oregon Historical Society owns the materials in the Research Library and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. The Society does not necessarily hold copyright to all materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from copyright owners.

Biographical note

Colonel John McCraken (1826-1915) came to California in 1849 and co-founded the Greenwich & California Mining & Trading Company. The following year, he came to Oregon, where he became involved in the flour milling business in Oregon City and later moved to Portland, where he ran a wholesale builders' supply company, John McCraken & Co. McCraken held several political appointments, including United States marshal under James Buchanan and member of the Oregon Legislature during the 1891, 1895, and 1901 sessions. Among his civic contributions to Portland, McCraken also helped to found the Portland Chamber of Commerce. He married Ada Panbrum in 1857.

Extent

0.45 Cubic Feet (1 folder in shared box; 1 custom box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Colonel John McCraken (1826-1915) came to Oregon in 1850, and was a businessman, U.S. marshal, and state legislator. Collection includes a ledger with accounts for the McCraken-Ripley Company; receipts and inventories; and correspondence and contracts regarding the Portland, Nehalem and Tillamook Railway Company.