Sheridan Downey Papers, 1929-1961

Collection context

Summary

Creators:
Downey, Sheridan, 1884-1961
Abstract:
Letters, Mss. of his writings and speeches; subject files; scrapbooks; and clippings, relating primarily to his political career as U.S. Senator from California, 1939-1950, with information on his investigation of the Central Valley Project.
Included also are a few papers relating to his father, Stephen Wheeler Downey, and other members of the Downey and Owen families.
Extent:
Number of containers: 5 boxes, 6 cartons, and 9 volumes
Language:
English

Background

Biographical / historical:

Sheridan Downey was born in Laramie, Wyoming in 1884, the son of Evangeline Victoria (Owen) and Stephen Wheeler Downey. He was educated in the public schools there and was graduated from the University of Michigan in 1907. In the same year he was admitted to the bar and returned to Laramie to practice law. In 1913 he moved to Sacramento where he continued his law career. He made several unsuccessful attempts to win election to public office including a campaign for lieutenant governor in 1934. In 1938 he was elected to the United States Senate and served until his resignation, November 30, 1950. He then practiced law in Washington, D.C. until his death in 1961.

Physical location:
For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.

Access and use

Location of this collection:
University of California, Berkeley, The Bancroft Library
Berkeley, CA 94720-6000, US
Contact:
510-642-6481