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Samuel J. Tilden papers, 1794-1886, bulk (1835-1876)

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Creator

Tilden, Samuel J. (Samuel Jones), 1814-1886.

Location

Manuscripts and Archives Division

Extent

  • 49.4 linear feet (99 boxes, 13 v.)

Access Restrictions

Advance notice required. Apply at: http://www.nypl.org/mssref

Scope/Contents Note

The Tilden papers are comprised of correspondence, political and legal files, financial documents, writings, speeches, and personal papers documenting the political and legal career of Samuel J. Tilden. Material dates from 1785 - 1929 (bulk 1832 - 1886). Correspondence, 1810-1886,concerning Tilden's student and professional life and political career, documents his views about the Civil War,politics, government service, and legal matters. Writings include speeches, articles, interviews, and student notes.His political files are aggregations of materials relatingto his specific offices, or political activities and investigations of the "Tweed Ring", Tammany Hall, the "Canal Rings", New York City Charter reform and other matters. Legal and financial files pertain to his law practice and his extensive business dealings. Family papers consist of genealogical materials and correspondence, deeds and printed matter assembled by Tilden's family before his birth. Collection also containsphotographs, railroad maps, honorary certificates, clippings, and materials relating to legal cases and decisions, elections and political activities in which Tilden was involved, including the 1876 presidential campaign.

Biographical/Historical Note

Samuel Jones Tilden (1814-1886) was an attorney, prominentDemocrat, governor of New York in 1874-1875, and U.S. presidential candidate in 1876. An advocate of reforms in taxation, legislative rules and municipal financing, Tilden was active in Democratic Party politics. He gained considerable acclaim for dismantling the Tweed Ring, and battling other instances of graft in state government. In 1876 he won the popular vote for the presidency but lost the election to Rutherford B. Hayes in the Electoral College. He declined the presidential nomination in 1880 and 1884, citing age and ill health. After his death, his estate was tied up in litigation until 1892 in a dispute over the provision of his will that specified that the bulk of the estate be used for the creation of a free library and reading room in New York City. The trust was later used to establish The New York Public Library.

Controlled Access Terms

  • Tilden, Samuel J. (Samuel Jones), 1814-1886.
  • Democratic Party (N.Y.)
  • Tammany Hall.
  • New York Public Library.
  • Canals -- New York (State)
  • Canals -- Pennsylvania.
  • Elections -- United States.
  • Political parties -- United States.
  • Presidents -- United States -- Election -- 1876.
  • Railroads -- United States.
  • Tweed Ring.
  • Delaware and Hudson Canal (N.Y. and Pa.)
  • New York (N.Y.) -- Politics and government -- To 1898.
  • New York (State) -- Politics and government -- 1865-1950.
  • United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865.
  • Photoprints.
  • Maps.
  • Blueprints.
  • Architectural drawings.
  • Photographs.
  • Politicians.
  • Presidential candidates.
  • Lawyers.
  • Governors.

Additional Creator Names

  • Bigelow, John, 1817-1911.
  • Bryant, William Cullen, 1794-1878.
  • Dana, Charles A. (Charles Anderson), 1819-1897.
  • Manning, Daniel.
  • Marble, Manton, 1834-1917.
  • Seymour, Horatio, 1810-1886.
  • Tweed, William Marcy, 1823-1878.
  • Weed, Smith M.
  • Tilden Trust.
  • Hermione Foundation.

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