unlv.MSS.33 Guide to the Frank Williams Collection Finding aid written by Christine Marin. Special Collections, UNLV Libraries, University of Nevada, Las Vegas.October 7, 1985. Finding aid encoded by Tom Sommer. October 2007 Descriptive Summary Frank Williams Collection1892-1947 (inclusive) MSS 33 Mrs. Vaughn Holt 13 folders [28 cm] University of Nevada, Las Vegas. UNLV Libraries. Special Collections. Las Vegas, Nevada 89154-7010.The collection consists primarily of manuscripts written by Frank Williams, who moved from Kansas to Nevada in 1892 where he worked first as a miner and prospector in Goodsprings, and later as a University Regent and state assemblyman. The bulk of the writing was done in the 1940's. It concerns his life, local histories, various addresses and articles regarding mines and mining and the evils of gambling. English Preferred Citation:

Frank Williams Collection, MSS 33, Special Collections, UNLV Libraries, University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

 Acquisition Information:

Donated by Mrs. Vaughn Holt, 1968-1969.

 Processed by:

Christine Marin, October 7, 1985.

 Access:

This collection is open for research.

Publication Rights:

For permission to reproduce or publish from this collection, please contact the Director of Special Collections.

 Biographical Sketch

Frank Williams was born in 1871. At the age of 21 he left Kansas for Nevada and arrived on December 13, 1892. He made his home in Goodsprings, Nevada as a miner and prospector. He served as a University Regent from 1909 to 1912 then again from 1923 to 1942. He also served four terms in the state assembly. He died in 1947.

 Scope and Content

The collection consists of manuscripts written for the most part by Frank Williams, 1892 to 1946. The bulk of the writing was done in the 1940's. Concerns his life, local histories, various addresses and articles regarding mines and mining and the evils of gambling.

This collection also contains information regarding minors and prospectors in the Goodsprings, (Nev.) area. It includes an autobiography, biography, and histories of Goodsprings, Potosi, Mesquite Valley and the Yellow Pine Mining district. Finally, this collection contains reports and material reflecting Frank Williams' role as University Regent (1909-1912 and 1923-1942) and his four terms in the state assembly.

Photos transferred to UNLV Photograph Collection 0171.

 Subject Headings Individuals: Williams, Frank 1871-1947 Williams, Edith C. Subjects: University of Nevada System. Board of Regents Mines and mineral resources -- Nevada Gambling -- Nevada -- History Places:Yellow Pine Mining District Mesquite Valley (Nev.) -- History Goodsprings (Nev.) -- HistoryPotosi (Nev.) -- HistoryClark County (Nev.) -- Politics and government Vanderbilt (Nev.) -- History Las Vegas (Nev.) -- History Formats: Inventory:

FolderContents 1Typewritten autobiography with handwritten notations and corrections, 1892-1910

Relates his life after leaving Kansas, December 13, 1892 until 1910, his travels in Nevada, New Mexico and California, mining activities, election to legislative and University Regent, and experiences. Referes to A. G. Campbell, Fred Humphry, A.E. Thomas, Samuel Yount and George Fayle. (30 items)

2Handwritten biography of Frank Williams by wife Edith C. Williams, 1911 (?) - December 19, 1947

Relates his marriage to Edith in New Hampshire, return to Nevada and move to Las Vegas, life during the depressin, anti-gambling stand and his death. (8 items).

 3Typewritten report to the Board of Regents of the University of Nevada, 1911

It concerns a study conducted on the administrative and financial methods of several New England Universities and the University of Nevada, October 2, 1911. (4 items)

4Typewritten, signed,1945-1946

Three articles concerning the evils of gambling written in Goodsprings, Nevada. One 4 pages written December 10, 1945, the second 5 pages dated February 28, 28, 1946, the third 8 pages (1946?). (17 items)

5Typewritten,1932

Washington's Anniversary address delivered in Kingston, CA with two schools inattendence; Spring Mt., NV and Kingston, CA (22 February) 1932. Includes Holograph comments by Edith C. Willaims. Added notation by Frank Willaims. (12 items)

6Typewritten carbon copy,1910

Scholarship address by Regent Frank Williams, State University, Reno, NV, 25 May 1910. Concerns the importance of education and reference to evils of saloons. (6 items)

7Halograph. (History of Goodsprings),ca 1928

Original page 17 lost, Edith C. Williams copied last page from the article which was published in the Las Vegas Review, October 1928. Also, small note refering to death of Mrs. Charles Reno. (10 items)

8Typewritten with signature,n.d.

Description and production of the Yellow Pine, or Goodsprings Mining districe in reference to Vanadium ore. n.d. (2 items)

9Typewritten.n.d.

Report of tests by Ore-dressing section, Meatallurgical Division, Project 373, Vanadium Oro from Nevada, Valley Forge Mine. Includes flotation test and flow sheet attached. n.d. (5 items)

10Typewritten carbon copy,n.d.

Report of tests by ore-testing section, metallurgical division. Project 149, Lead-Vanadate ore from Nevada, Kanasas-Nevada Mine. n.d. (2 items)

11Halograph, signed.1945?

History of the Potosi mine, the oldest mine in Nevada. Includes typewritten transscript. 1945? (22 items)

12Typewritten carbon copy, 1935

The history of Mesquite Valley by Frank Williams, 1935. Annotated in pencil by author 1942. Concerns mines, towns, and prominent individuals in the valley. (16 items)

13Typescript,1923-1924

Newspaper clipping from Carson News August 18 (1923-1924). "Frank Willaims enters a denial of Charges." Concerns charge of campaign expenses for democratic nomination of lieutenant-governor of Nevada are being paid by the Southern PAcific Railroad Company. (1 item)

END OF INVENTORY