A guide to the Captain Andrew Olsen papers, 1890-1919
Processed by: Historic Documents Department Staff (Bailey).
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
2012
Building E, Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: 415-561-7030
Fax: 415-556-3540
SAFR_Historic_Documents@nps.gov
URL: http://www.nps.gov/safr
A Guide to the Captain Andrew Olsen papers
HDC0041
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, National Park Service2012, National Park Service
Title: Captain Andrew Olsen papers
Date: 1890-1919
Date (bulk): 1917-1919
Identifier/Call Number: HDC0041 (SAFR 17611)
Physical Description:
52 items
Repository:
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Historic Documents Department
Building E, Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123
Abstract: The Captain Andrew Olsen papers (SAFR 17611, HDC 41) is comprised of 52 items spanning the years 1890-1919. The collection
contains correspondence, legal papers, insurance documents, personal letters written by Olsen to his wife and daughter, postcards,
certificate registering Capt. Olsen as a master, documents related to the Olsen property in San Francisco, newspaper clippings,
and documents written in German. This collection has been processed to the collection level and is open for use without restrictions.
Physical Location: San Francisco Maritime NHP, Historic Documents Department
Language(s):
In English. --In German
This collection is open for use unless otherwise noted.
Some material may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the researcher's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other
case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections.
Note on Description: The descriptions in this collection guide were compiled using the best available sources of information.
Such sources include the creator's annotations or descriptions, collection accession files, primary and secondary source material
and subject matter experts. While every effort was made to provide accurate information, in the event that you find any errors
in this guide please contact the reference staff in order for us to evaulate and make corrections to this guide. P
lease cite the title and collection number in any correspondence with our staff.
[Item description], [Location within collection organization identified by Collection Number/Series Number/File Unit Number/Item
Number], HDC0041 (SAFR 17611), Captain Andrew Olsen papers, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
SAFR-00001
GOGA-00735
Historical or Biographical Note
Captain Olsen was a native of Sweden and a naturalized US citizen. At the time of his death, he was master of the wooden schooner
E.B. JACKSON, working for the shipping agents Hind, Rolph & Co. of San Francisco. The E.B. JACKSON was built in 1901 in Aberdeen,
Washington. Gross tonnage was 682 tons, the ship measured 182' x 38' x 14', and was designed for a crew of 9. The ship was
owned by Wilson & Sons of San Francisco.
In 1916, the E.B. JACKSON made a voyage from San Francisco to Bombay and subsequently to Melbourne. Leaving Melbourne in ballast
on December 6, 1916 for Apia, Tahiti, the ship encountered a two day gale and continuing adverse conditions until it grounded
on a reef outside Apia on February 7, 1917. The ship was considered a total loss, and was sold for salvage value of 145 GBP.
The crew members were apparently safe and were to return to San Francisco on February 26. However, Captain Olsen was reported
missing on February 11th. His body was recovered on February 17th, and it was ruled that he committed suicide by drowning.
His widow received various insurance payments including a 1/30th share of the E.B. JACKSON's insured value, a share of salvage
value, and various other small amounts as detailed in the materials.
The Captain Andrew Olsen papers (SAFR 17611, HDC 41) is comprised of 52 items spanning the years 1890-1919. The collection
contains correspondence, legal papers, insurance documents, personal letters written by Olsen to his wife and daughter, postcards,
certificate registering Capt. Olsen as a master, documents related to the Olsen property in San Francisco, newspaper clippings,
and documents written in German. This collection has been processed to the collection level and is open for use without restrictions.
Capt. Andrew Olsen was captain of the E.B. JACKSON (schooner) and worked for Hind, Rolph & Co. He was in Samoa in February
1917 when he committed suicide. The collection of documents contains correspondence between his widow Augusta Olsen, Hind,
Rolph & Co., her lawyer, and insurance company. The letters are in regards to insurance claims and compensation including
the compensation for the wreckage of the E.B. JACKSON (schooner). There are also letters from the Department of Commerce Bureau.
Other letters are from Hind, Rolph & Co. regarding Augusta Olsen's compensation for the E.B. JACKSON (schooner) as Capt. Olsen's
widow. San Francisco Chamber of Commerce certificate noting Capt. Olsen's registration as a master. Postcards sent to Alice
and Augusta from India by Capt. Olsen. Letters between Capt. Olsen and Augusta written in German. German documents pertaining
to Augusta in 1890. Documents include a survey of property, gas and plumbing inspection receipts and a billhead for Morrison
Lumber
Co.
2 folders, 52 items, no specific arrangement
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Certificates
E.B. Jackson (schooner)
San Francisco (Calif.)