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Chronology of the daily life of Theodore Roosevelt between January 1879 to December 1883. Notable events include Theodore Roosevelt’s engagement and marriage to Alice Hathaway Lee, his appointment to the New York State Legislature, and his first visit and buffalo hunt in North Dakota.
Theodore Roosevelt Association
1985
Summary of the annual meeting of the Civil Service Reform Association. President Roosevelt was named a vice president of the organization but was also censured for several inconsistencies, particularly the appointment of James Sullivan Clarkson, an enemy of civil service reform, and a special order allowing the appointment of Joe Murray without examination.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902
Henry J. Jackson, former secretary of the immigration board at Castle Garden, New York City, provides a letter of reference for Joe Murray. He notes that no complaints were made to the Board of Commissioners from 1880 to 1885 during Murray’s tenure with the restaurant at the immigration depot. Jackson believes that during this time the restaurant was “never better or more honestly conducted.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-03-31
President Roosevelt tells Douglas Robinson he will look up the building superintendent and see if something can be obtained. Roosevelt also states he needs to get Joe Murray something. On the back of the letter is a handwritten note stating Murray always claimed to have started Roosevelt in politics.
1901-12-11
Theodore Roosevelt would appreciate if Lloyd Carpenter Griscom could properly arrange a position for Louis Friedel, since Judge Joe Murray is anxious it should happen. He hopes the boy is better and that Griscom and his wife, Elizabeth Bronson Griscom, can visit sometime.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1910-12-23
Theodore Roosevelt wishes Collector of the Port Loeb a Merry Christmas and asks if Louis Friedel can be reinstated.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1910-12-23
Theodore Roosevelt will heartily back Amos Knapp, Roosevelt’s personal messenger when governor, if Joe Murray is not to have the place. Roosevelt’s speech at Plattsburgh, New York, “drew blood” from the Administration. He wishes the Republicans would see that they do not gain anything by “kow-towing” to Wilson.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-08-30
President Roosevelt sends his congratulations to William J. Murray and the future Mrs. Murray on their upcoming wedding.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-03
President Roosevelt is pleased with what Robert Watchorn, the immigration commissioner at Ellis Island, says about his deputy commissioner, Joe Murray.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-03-31
President Roosevelt counsels Robert Watchorn on how to perform his duties as the newly appointed commissioner of immigration. He also asks Watchorn to give his assistant Joe Murray a fair trial.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-01-19
President Roosevelt writes confidentially to Gifford Pinchot concerning the resignation of William Williams as Commissioner of Immigration at Ellis Island. Although Roosevelt believes that Williams has done invaluable work, he has difficulty working and socializing with men of lower social standing and has been unable to get along with his assistant Joe Murray. Roosevelt offered to transfer Murray, but Williams would only accept Mr. Robinson as his replacement; a situation which Commissioner General Frank P. Sargent deemed to be unacceptable. Roosevelt has offered the position of Commissioner to Robert Watchorn and provides a copy of the letter sent to Watchorn apprising him of the whole affair.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-01-19
President Roosevelt asks Collector of Customs in New York City Stranahan for his advice about Deputy Commissioner of Ellis Island Joe Murray. Commissioner of Immigration at Ellis Island William Williams and Murray are having difficulties getting along, and Roosevelt wonders if there is another position that would pay at least $3,000 where he could put Murray by March 4.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-12-24
President Roosevelt would like to find a position for Joe Murray in the New York Custom House.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-03-29
Both pages marked as “Canceled.” There has been a great deal of pressure to retain Terence Vincent Powderly and Edward F. McSweeney. President Roosevelt is replacing McSweeney with Joe Murray even though he doubts any legal charges can be brought against McSweeney.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-03-27
President Roosevelt requests Joseph Bucklin Bishop’s opinion on potential appointees for an unnamed position.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-01-18
President Roosevelt intends to appoint Joe Murray to a position but does not believe him fit to be Commissioner of Immigration in New York. Roosevelt also expresses concern over Theodore Robinson’s health.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-01-15
President Roosevelt requests a letter from F. Norton Goddard so that he may have all the information about candidates for an appointment. In a post script, Roosevelt summarizes his understanding of the case regarding William Henkel, who is being considered for reappointment as a United States marshal.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-01-02
Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt explains to Seth Low that President William McKinley forbids him from taking a stand either way in the New York City political contest. However, McKinley’s secretary, John Addison Porter, and Secretary of the Navy John Davis Long both support Low. Roosevelt wishes he could do more for Low beyond what he has done “on the quiet.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1897-10-15
Samuel M. Leve, Chairman of the Enrolled Republicans of the 30th Assembly District, encourages Republicans to vote the ticket headed by Joe Murray in the election on March 29, 1904.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-03-26
James Sullivan Clarkson reports that Ambrose O. Neal, who will attend the Republican National Convention as a delegate instead of Joe Murray, has pledged to support President Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-04-06