Collection inventory

Special Collections home page
printer friendly version

John Wells Letters

An inventory of his papers at Syracuse University

Overview of the Collection

Creator: Wells, John, 1770-1823.
Title: John Wells Letters
Inclusive Dates: 1803-1823
Quantity: 17 items (SC)
Abstract: Papers of the New York State lawyer. Letters concerning land sales and legal actions in New York State.
Language: English
Repository: Special Collections Research Center,
Syracuse University Libraries
222 Waverly Avenue
Syracuse, NY 13244-2010
https://library.syracuse.edu/special-collections-research-center

Biographical History

John Wells (1770-1823) was a lawyer in New York State responsible for founding the oldest law firm in the United States: Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft.

Wells was born in Cherry Balley, Otsego County in 1770. In addition to being the founder of what is known today as Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, he is also renowned for his partnership with George Washington Strong: one of the earliest legal partnerships in the new nation. Their practice centered on maritime law, real estate and wills, commercial claims, and more. Their clientele included many notable New York companies and private citizens.

Return to top

Scope and Contents of the Collection

The John Wells Letters consists of correspondence regarding cases and legal matters in New York State. Correspondents include John V. Henry and James Andrews.

Return to top

Arrangement of the Collection

The collection is arranged chronologically.

Return to top

Restrictions

Access Restrictions

The majority of our archival and manuscript collections are housed offsite and require advanced notice for retrieval. Researchers are encouraged to contact us in advance concerning the collection material they wish to access for their research.

Use Restrictions

Written permission must be obtained from SCRC and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.

Return to top

Subject Headings

Persons

Wells, John, 1770-1823.

Subjects

Lawyers -- New York (State)
Lawyers -- United States.

Genres and Forms

Correspondence.

Occupations

Lawyers.

Return to top

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

John Wells Letters,
Special Collections Research Center,
Syracuse University Libraries

Finding Aid Information

Created by: [Summit record]
Date: 2001-01-01
Revision history: 7 Apr 2009 - converted to EAD (AM)

Return to top

Inventory

Correspondence
SC 307 undated (2 items)
SC 307 1803-1823 (15 items)

Return to top