Correspondence, agreements, receipts, deeds, and other papers of W. B. Farrell and William F. Reber, Chicago businessmen. Farrell speculated in land in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, ca. 1850s-1890s. Farrell also operated as a nurseryman and florist, importing and selling plants, with a greenhouse in Hyde Park (Ill.). Letters between the Farrell brothers (1875-1882) indicate close business and personal relationships. Also present in the collection are small amounts of correspondence with the Farrell sisters; some letters of Louisa Farrell, wife of W. B. Farrell; and personal papers and legal documents of Gertrude U. Reber (later Backus), daughter of W. B. and Louisa Farrell. Reber was conservator for Mrs. Farrell and her estate.
