This collection contains various correspondence and ephemera associated with The Associated Pioneers of the Territorial Days of California, an organization formed in New York in 1875 for individuals who had been in California at some point prior to its receiving statehood on September 9, 1850 . A large portion of the correspondence is authored by Frank D. Clark, who was the organization's secretary, and one of the primary addressees is Stephen L. Merchant.

The Associated Pioneers of the Territorial Days of California was formed in New York in September 1875 by General Horatio Gates Gibson (1827-1924) with the assistance of Francis D. Clark. The Society’s objective was “to form a more perfect union of the Pioneers of California, now residents of the Atlantic States, and to cultivate social intercourse between them” (Article 1, Articles of Association). The organization was primarily composed of Mexican War veterans of the Army and Navy, gold hunters, politicians, and businessmen “who were for any period in California prior to the 9th day of September, 1850 (the date of the admission of the State of California into the Union)” (Article 6, Articles of Association). At its inception, the organization was made up of 49 members who were among the elite of the California gold rush and military history. Members included: John A. Sutter, Joseph Hooker, John Fremont, Cornelius Vanderbilt, W.T. Sherman, Stephen L. Merchant, Francis D. Clark, and E. Kemble.

117 items in 1 box.

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