Algernon Sidney Paddock, 1830-1897 [RG1451.AM]

HISTORY NEBRASKA MANUSCRIPT FINDING AID

RG1451.AM: Algernon Sidney Paddock, 1830-1897

Papers: 1878-1918
Beatrice, Gage County, Nebraska: U.S. Senator
Size: 1.0 cu.ft.; 2 boxes

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

Algernon Sidney Paddock was born in Glens Falls, New York on November 9, 1830. He was the son of Ira A. Paddock, an attorney. He attended the Glens Falls Academy until he was eighteen, when he entered Union College in Schenectady, New York. Due to financial conditions, he was forced to withdraw from college. He taught school and studied law.

In 1857, Paddock migrated to Omaha, Nebraska. Although he obtained a farm near Fort Calhoun, he spent most of his time in Omaha, where he joined the editorial staff of the Omaha Republican in 1858. His strong views against slavery won for him a position as a delegate to the 1860 Republican National Convention.

In 1861, Paddock was appointed as Secretary for the Nebraska Territory, where he served until Nebraska became a state in 1867. During his term of office, he helped organize the First and Second Nebraska Volunteer Regiments. He also served as acting governor in the absence of Governor Saunders.

In 1867, Paddock ran for the United States Senate, but was defeated by John M. Thayer. After the election, he turned to business pursuits and obtained eastern capital for the expansion of Nebraska industry. President Johnson nominated him for Governor of the Wyoming Territory, but he declined the position. In 1872, Paddock moved to Beatrice, Nebraska. In 1875, he was elected to the United States Senate for the first time. During his term, he was instrumental in securing appropriations for the development of Nebraska’s river harbors. He served as chairman of the committee on agriculture, where he secured quarantine and meat inspection laws.

In 1881, Paddock was defeated by Charles H. Van Wyck for the Senate seat. For the next five years, he was to serve on the Utah commission of President Arthur. In 1887, he returned to the Senate. During his second term, 328 bills that he introduced or sponsored became law.

Algernon Paddock was married December 22, 1859 to Emma L. Mack of St. Lawrence County, New York. This marriage was to produce five children: Daniel Mack, Susie A., Harriet, Frances Amelia, and Franklin Algernon. Algernon Sidney Paddock died at his home in Beatrice on October 17, 1897.

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE

This collection consists of two boxes of material arranged in four series: 1) Scrapbooks, 1887-1898; 2) Speeches, 1878-1892; 3) Correspondence, 1891-1918; and 4) Miscellany.

This material relates to the career of Algernon S. Paddock in the United States Senate. The bulk of the material consists of scrapbooks containing newspaper clippings from Nebraska and out-of-state newspapers.

Note: For photographs, please see the photo component [RG1451.PH].

INVENTORY

Series 1 – Scrapbooks, 1887-1898
Box 1
Volume

1. Clippings relating to Paddock’s Congressional record in the 50th Congress, 1887-1889
2. Clippings relating to Paddock’s stand on various issues, 1887-1891

Box 2
Volume

3. Clippings relating to Paddock’s stand on various issues, 1891-1892
4. Clippings relating to Paddock’s stand on various issues, 1897-1898

Series 2 – Speeches, 1878-1892

Box 2
Folder

1. Mostly reprints from the Congressional Record, 1878-1892

Series 3 – Correspondence, 1891-1918

Box 2
Folder

1. Letters to Mrs. Paddock from and concerning her husband

Series 4 – Miscellany

Box 2
Folder

1. In Memoriam, Military Order of the Loyal Legion, 1897, 2 copies
2. Unsorted clippings
3. Personal Congressional Record, 44th Congress, 1876

Subject headings:

Paddock, Algernon Sidney, 1830-1897
Politicians — Nebraska
U.S. Congress. Senate, 1875-1881
U.S. Congress. Senate, 1887-1893

DJR/TT/cr 05-12-1969
Revised TMM 08-06-2007