This collection consists primarily of correspondence related to the professional activities of John Dustin Bicknell (1838-1911), who was a partner in several Los Angeles, California, law firms and an attorney for the Southern Pacific Railroad Company. The collection includes letters from individuals who wished to buy or sell property or had a claim against someone concerning their land. In addition, the collection also contains approximately 650 letters (1883-1902) from various individuals who worked in the Frazier Mine near Gorman, California, which Bicknell jointly owned.

John Dustin Bicknell was born on June 25, 1838 in Vermont. He began studying law in the early 1860s and was admitted to the bar in Wisconsin in 1865. After establishing a law firm in Greenfield, Missouri, he relocated to Los Angeles, California in early 1872. He formed a new firm with John R. McConnell and Joseph M. Rothschild, which existed until 1876 when he formed a partnership with Stephen Mallory White (1853-1901). This association lasted ten years until White left to take an active part in California politics. George J. Denis became Bicknell’s new partner until 1890 when Bicknell joined forces with Walter J. Trask (1863-1911). Seven years later James A. Gibson (1852-1922) joined the firm, which became known as Bicknell, Gibson & Trask. In 1903, Bicknell and his partners merged with the Los Angeles law firm of Dunn & Crutcher which eventually became known as Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher after Bicknell’s retirement and Trask’s death in 1911.

9,802 pieces. 20 boxes. 51 bound volumes. 6 rolls. 2 photographs.

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