Clarence R. Wharton papers

Collection

Identifier: MS 0019

Staff Only

Finding aid note: Stored off-site at the Library Service Center. Please request this material via woodson@rice.edu or call 713-348-2586.

Scope and Contents

The Clarence R. Wharton Papers includes Wharton’s papers, correspondence and manuscripts related to Texas history. The correspondence pertains primarily to the preparation and/or publication of his works, such as "Gail Borden, pioneer," "Wharton's History of Fort Bend County," "Remember Goliad," "L'Archeveque," and others. Also included is manuscript material of other authors.

Dates

Creation: 1804-1956

Creator

Wharton, Clarence Ray, 1873-1941 (Person)

Restrictions on Access

This material is open for research.

Conditions Governing Access

Stored off-site at the Library Service Center. Please request this material via woodson@rice.edu or call 713-348-2586.

Restrictions on Use

Permission to publish from the Clarence R. Wharton papers must be obtained from the Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library, Rice University.

Historical Note

Clarence Ray Wharton, son of Frank B. and Ella Ray Wharton, was born in Tarrant County, Texas, on Oct. 5, 1873. He attended county schools, taught from 1888 to 1892, studied law and was admitted to the bar around 1893. He began a law practice in 1885 in Decatur with Charles V. Terrell, moved in 1897 to Richmond and then to Houston to join the law firm of Baker, Botts, Baker, and Lovett in 1901. On Aug. 5, 1902 he married Adele Spoonts, and together they had four children. He was made full partner of the law firm in 1906, and as a corporate attorney represented Houston Lighting and Power, Houston Gas and Fuel, and Houston Electric companies. Wharton was the first chairman of Houston Community Chest, and prominent in the American Red Cross during World War I. He was active in the Harris County Historical Society, reaching vice president in 1923. He was very well known for his many articles and published works on Texas history. He died in Houston on May 1, 1941 and was buried in Glenwood Cemetery.

Excerpted from The New Handbook of Texas, 1996.

Extent

10 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract:

The Clarence R. Wharton Papers includes Wharton’s papers, correspondence, research files and manuscripts related to Texas history. The correspondence pertains primarily to the preparation and/or publication of his works, such as "Gail Borden, pioneer," "Wharton's History of Fort Bend County," "Remember Goliad," "L'Archeveque," and others. Also included is manuscript material of other authors.

Arrangement

Materials are organized into eight series:

Missing Title

Series I: Correspondence, 1849-1956 (boxes 1-4)
Series II: Legal, 1927-1940 (boxes 4-5)
Series III: Speeches, 1918-1940 (boxes 4-5)
Series IV: Thomas F. Harwood materials, 1923-1925 (box 6)
Series V: Visuals (box 6)
Series VI: News clippings/scrapbooks, 1930s (boxes 6-7)
Series VII: Texas History Research Files (box 8)
Series VIII: Printer matter/manuscript materials, 1804-1939 (boxes 8-20)

Location note

Library Service Center (This off-site storage requires 24 hours' notice for access. Contact woodson@rice.edu)

Acquisition Information

The materials were received in 1970-71 from Carroll and Harris Masterson III as part of the Masterson Texana Collection.

Accruals

No future additions are expected for this material.

Related Materials

The Masterson Texana Collection (book collection) is a good source for published materials related to the manuscript materials. See http://www.rice.edu/fondren/woodson/search_masterson_books.html.

See also Harris Masterson I Papers MS468. Online guide available at http://www.rice.edu/fondren/woodson/mss/ms468.html.