Scope and Content Note

Although the papers of Richard B. Runke illustrate all facets of his career and interests, the legal and insurance agency files are rather meager. Runke's personal correspondence files are quite comprehensive and revealing of family and, occasionally, business activities. It is interesting to note that Runke's papers contain a few references to pro-German sympathies, but that no mention of World War I or the political events preceding it is to be found.

The papers of Richard B. Runke are divided into three groups: Personal Correspondence, Business Records, and Postmaster's Papers.

Runke's Personal Correspondence, 1903-1924, includes incoming and outgoing letters concerning Runke's family and his business affairs such as land transactions, loans, and dairy cattle interests. The correspondence also reveals the charities, clubs, and periodicals which interested him. Among the family correspondents are the following:

• Anna Peacock Runke (Nannie) -- wife
• Glenn R. Runke -- eldest son
• Richard P. Runke (Dick, Dick, Jr.) -- son
• Ruthjane Runke (Ruth) -- daughter
• Henry Runke (Henry Sr.) -- father
• Minnie Runke (Mother Runke) -- mother
• Walter (w. Nettie) -- brother
• Ernest (w. Minnie) Alpine, Washington -- brother
• Rufus (w. Ruth) -- brother
• Henry, Jr. -- brother
• Oliver -- brother
• Martha (Mrs. Fred Witte), Darrington, Washington -- sister
• Alma (Mrs. Schmeling) -- sister
• Marie (Mrs. Emil Maedke) -- sister
• Nan (Mrs. Charles Coons) -- sister
• Edith (Mrs. Royal H. Lamson), Fortsen, Washington -- sister
• Edna (Mrs. Harry Schley) -- sister
• Ora (Mrs. Elmer Duerst) -- sister
• Robert Peacock, Argyle, Wis. -- brother-in-law
• Jennie Peacock, Argyle, Wis.
• John Peacock, Argyle, Wis. -- father-in-law
• Frank E. Tree, South Wayne, Wis. -- brother-in-law
• Orville L. Tree, South Wayne, Wis.
• Ernest Bruemmer, Algoma, Wis. -- uncle or cousin
• Louis D. Bruemmer, Algoma, Wis. -- uncle
• Grace Bruemmer, Algoma, Wis. -- cousin

Business Records consist of legal papers, 1909-1929, a small collection of correspondence, and miscellany. Also included in this series is correspondence, 1913-1924, between Runke (with partners Ryan and Naffz) and various Chicago mercantile credit agencies concerning credit ratings of Merrill businesses and individuals. Evidently Runke and his law partners evaluated the credit standing of many local businesses and individuals; a file of questionnaires, 1912-1914, completed for the credit agencies, is also present. These documents may be a valuable source of information, as they list the date; name, age, occupation, wages, and marital status of an individual, and give a subjective report on the finances, reputation and reliability of a business or person, and often include a recommendation on whether (or how much) credit should be extended.

The file of Postmaster's Papers, 1912-1920, includes incoming and outgoing letters, many pertaining to complaints and problems of individuals, others containing queries to and advice from federal postal officials, usually concerning the establishment of new postal routes. A file of postal addresses, circa 1916-1917, of Lincoln County residents, is also included.