Printed Books & Early American Photography, including Selections from the Larry Ness Collection

Lot comprised of 75+ items collected by Hiram Hampton (1874-1949) and his descendants, comprised primarily of photographs of Hampton and his family. Also enclosed is documentation related to Hampton's military service and a 44-star American flag.

Enclosed with the archive is Hiram Hampton's obituary, clipped from an unknown newspaper, which provides details about his life and accomplishments. A native of Miller, Missouri, Hampton served with Troop M, 2nd US Cavalry during the Spanish American War. Following the war, he operated a general merchandise store in Niotaze, Kansas. He later worked with the Long Bell Lumber company in Oklahoma and Kansas before moving to Lewistown, Montana, where he served as yard manager of the Grogan Robinson Lumber Co. He was appointed to the Montana Memorial Commission and was commandant of the Montana Soldiers Home between 1943-1944. During 1949-1950, Hampton served as commander of the Montana department of the Spanish American War Veterans. He was also active in the local Masonic Lodge.

Highlighted contents include:

89 x 136 in. wool flag with 44 machine-sewn, double-appliqued cotton stars arranged in 7/8/7/8/7/7 horizontal rows. Hoist is cotton with jute rope. The flag, which dates from ca 1891-1896, commemorates Wyoming's statehood (toning, small holes scattered throughout).

10+ photographs of Hiram Hampton, consisting of images taken during the Spanish American War as well as portraits and personal snapshots. Includes: Cabinet card, studio view of two young men with period notation on verso identifying the subjects as "Hiram and Jack Edward, school, St. Louis, Mo., they enlisted in Spanish War together, 1890." Wichita, Kansas: Haycraft. -- 4 photographs, 7 3/4 x 9 3/4 in., or smaller, showing members of Troop M, 2nd US Cavalry at Huntsville, Alabama, in 1898. Period inked notations on the images or mounts indicate that Hampton is shown in at least three of the photos (each with toning, soiling, edge and corner wear). -- 7 x 10 in. photograph of various military officials posed together at an USWV Encampment at Lewistown, Montana in June, 1949, including Hampton. US Air Force ink stamp on verso (some creasing and wear to print). -- 6 1/2 x 9 1/2 in. photograph of a group of identified men, including Hampton, while attending the USWV Picnic in 1931. -- And others.

Army of the United States partially printed discharge document for Hiram Hampton, private, Troop M, 2nd Regiment of Cavalry, dated 25 January 1899. -- Typed report from the 49th Annual Encampment of the Department of Montana United Spanish War Veterans, Miles City, Montana, June 1950, with Hampton listed as Department Commander. -- Certificate issued in memory of Hiram Hampton for his service in the Armed Forces of the United States, with autopen/printed signature of Lyndon B. Johnson. -- Medal from the Grand Commandery of Montana dated 1915.

Together, 75+ items identified to Hiram Hampton and his family.