A few years ago I did some major research on a telegraph station dating to
1879 in Utah (on the Overland Trail).  I will look back and see if I can find
information of use to you.  As I remember, I had a very difficult time
finding information.  There was a dissertation that was done at Columbia in
1946, I believe, concerning the Western Union.  I also remember several
reports concerning equipment.  Let me look and get back to you.
 
Mike Polk
Sagebrush Archaeological Consultants
Ogden, Utah
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