The collection consists of personal and business correspondence relating to Thomas W. Wells’ photography studio and mining investments as well as financial records.

Thomas W. Wells worked as an insurance agent in the Sonora area in the 1890s before moving to Stockton around 1900. He was an employee at the J. Pitcher Spooner Photography Company. He became the manager, and later the owner. He then opened his own photography studio, in the Yosemite Theater Building. He also had business ventures in mining companies, and was a member of several fraternal organizations including the Free Masons, The Islamic Temple, and the Stockton chapter of the Knights Templar. He lived in Stockton with his wife, Margaret, and their two children Harrington and Myrtle.

2 linear feet

Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the researcher.

Collection open for research.