Guide to the Samuel Franklin Leib Papers
compiled by Stanford University Archives staff
Stanford University Libraries
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
February 2011
Copyright © 2011 The Board of Trustees of Stanford University. All rights reserved.
Note
This encoded finding aid is compliant with Stanford EAD Best Practice Guidelines, Version 1.0.
Overview
Call Number: SC0116
Creator:
Leib, Samuel Franklin, 1848-1924.
Title: Samuel Franklin Leib papers
Dates: 1881-1920
Physical Description:
10.5 linear feet (12 boxes)
Summary: The collection consists of four major components: Stanford correspondence pertaining to Judge Leib's association with the
Stanford family and his responsibilities as a member of the first Board of Trustees of Stanford University (1891-1923); personal
correspondence (1885-1910); correspondence pertaining to Leib's fruit and other farm interest (1883-1919); and legal and business
correspondence pertaining to his San Jose law practice and local business interests (1881-1920),including cases resulting
from the failure of the Savings Bank of San Diego County. Major correspondents include Luther Burbank, John Casper Branner,
George Crothers, Horace Davis, Timothy Hopkins, David Starr Jordan, Charles Lathrop, Leland and Jane Stanford, Wilson and
Wilson (law firm, San Francisco) and Sarah Winchester.
Language(s): The materials are in English.
Repository:
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
Stanford University Libraries
557 Escondido Mall
Stanford, CA 94305-6064
Email: speccollref@stanford.edu
Phone: (650) 725-1022
URL: http://www-sul.stanford.edu/depts/spc/spc.html
Administrative Information
Provenance
The collection was given to the Stanford University Archives by Charles Leib, 1972-1981. Additional materials were given by
Mrs. Richard Anderson in 2002.
Information about Access
This collection is open for research; materials must be requested at least 48 hours in advance of intended use.
Ownership & Copyright
All requests to reproduce, publish, quote from, or otherwise use collection materials must be submitted in writing to the
Head of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, California 94304-6064. Consent
is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission
from the copyright owner. Such permission must be obtained from the copyright owner, heir(s) or assigns. See: http://library.stanford.edu/depts/spc/pubserv/permissions.html.
Restrictions also apply to digital representations of the original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research
and educational purposes.
Cite As
[Identification of item], Samuel Franklin Leib Papers (SC0116). Department of Special Collections and University Archives,
Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, Calif.
Description of the Collection
The collection consists of four major components: Stanford correspondence pertaining to Judge Leib's association with the
Stanford family and his responsibilities as a member of the first Board of Trustees of Stanford University (1891-1923); personal
correspondence (1885-1910); correspondence pertaining to Leib's fruit and other farm interest (1883-1919); and legal and business
correspondence pertaining to his San Jose law practice and local business interests (1881-1920),including cases resulting
from the failure of the Savings Bank of San Diego County. Major correspondents include Luther Burbank, John Casper Branner,
George Crothers, Horace Davis, Timothy Hopkins, David Starr Jordan, Charles Lathrop, Leland and Jane Stanford, Wilson and
Wilson (law firm, San Francisco) and Sarah Winchester.
Access Terms
Branner, John Casper, 1850-1922.
Burbank, Luther, 1849-1926.
Crothers, George E. (George Edward), 1870-1957.
Davis, Horace, 1831-1916.
Hopkins, Timothy.
Jordan, David Starr, 1851-1931
Lathrop, Charles G. (Charles Gardner), 1849-1914.
Leib, Samuel Franklin, 1848-1924.
Savings Bank of San Diego County.
Stanford University--Administration.
Stanford University--Faculty.
Stanford University--Finance.
Stanford University. Board of Trustees.
Stanford, Jane Lathrop, 1828-1905.
Stanford, Leland, 1824-1893.
Wilson & Wilson (law firm).
Winchester, Sarah.
Agriculture --California.
Practice of law --California.
Ross Affair.
Collection Contents
Subseries 1
Stanford Correspondence
1889-1910
Scope and Content Note
This subseries includes letters pertaining to Leib's association witht he Stanfords and his responsibilities as a member of
the Stanford University Board of Trustees. Major correspondents include David Starr Jordan, Charles Lathrop, George Crothers,
John Branner, Timothy Hopkins, the Stanfords, and the Wilson and Wilson law firm of San Francisco. Topics discussed include
finalizing the endowment and enfranchising the Board of Trustees; the Stanford amendment; the Ross affair; faculty appointments
and salaries; water cases; and other trustee business.
Arrangement
Letters are arranged alphabetically by author's last name. Where more than one letter from an individual is included, the
letters are further arranged chronologically.
Box 1, Folder 1
Stanford Correspondence: Abbott through Berner
Scope and Content Note
Abbott, Adams, Allardice, Angell, Arden, Berner
Box 1, Folder 2
Stanford Correspondence: Branner, J.C.
1900-1910
Scope and Content Note
The Branner correspondence covers the following topics: Branner's geological research, local liquor laws, University tax status,
establishment of an on-campus public grade school, water rights and lawsuits, establishment of an on-campus University cemetery.
Box 1, Folder 3
Stanford Correspondence: Brooke through Cooksey
Scope and Content Note
Brooke, Brown, Bullock, Butler, Caldwell, Carnegie Foundation, Caton, Clark, Clement, Cooksey
Box 1, Folder 4
Stanford Correspondence: Crothers, George E.
1899-1910
Scope and Content Note
The Crothers correspondence covers the following topics: campaign for passage of the Stanford Amendment, arrangements for
finalizing the endowment, Stanford Alumni Association business and interests, determination of University's legal status and
Board of Trustee's corporate identity, composition and duties of the Board of Trustees, various aspects of University budgeting
and financial affairs.
Box 1, Folder 5
Stanford Correspondence: Cutter through Hodges
Scope and Content Note
Cutter, Cubberley, W.H. Davis, Horace Davis, Dillman, Dodge, Donaldson, Duniway, Dyer, Eaton, Farrand, Felton, Field, Fischer,
Gardner, Gilbert, Godbold, Gorbusier, Gray, Greeves, Halman, Rabey, Harrison, Hawthorne, Hayne, Herrin, Hess, Hodges
Box 1, Folder 6
Stanford Correspondence: Hopkins, Timothy, through Jenkins
Scope and Content Note
Howard, Hull, Jenkins. The Hopkins correspondence covers the following topics: (1894-1910) social and business meetings of
the Board of Trustees, near-campus liquor sales, proposed town-to-campus railroad line, medical school's financial difficulties,
campus arboretum.
Box 1, Folder 7
Stanford Correspondence: Jordan, David Starr
1891-1902
Scope and Content Note
The Jordan correspondence covers the following topics: professorial appointments, choices of lecturers, invitations to campus
formal events, visit of McKinley, library acquisitions, establishment of on-campus public grade school, salaries, Ross Affair,
campaign for passage of Stanford Amendment, University fees, water supply, arrangements for finalization of endowment, campus
workmen's wages, departure of group of promising young Law School faculty.
Box 1, Folder 8
Stanford Correspondence: Jordan, David Starr
1903-1910
Scope and Content Note
The Jordan correspondence covers the following topics: liquor question near campus, campus trolley line, formal observations
and events, establishment of on-campus public grade school, salary appropriations, invalid students, Palo Alto hospital and
sanitarium, typhoid fever epidemic on campus, Student Guild, trade unions controversy> Atkinson-Snodgrass controversy (bicycle
rules and regulations), Luther Burbank, automobiles on campus, dances on campus, Professor Ross affair, death of Jane Stanford,
Professor Goebel's affair, student discipline, selection of church organist, Medical School facility, Rev. Dr. Brown's nomination
for chaplaincy, Forum Club, Faculty Club. [Letters from Dr. Jordan which do not include direct references to Stanford subjects
are included in personal correspondence, cf. Box 3 , Folder 5 ]
Box 1, Folder 9
Stanford Correspondence: Judge through Kirke
Scope and Content Note
Judge, Kellogg, Kirk, Kirk, Kirke
Box 1, Folder 10
Stanford Correspondence: Lathrop, Charles G.
1894-1902
Scope and Content Note
The Lathrop correspondence covers the following topics: Board of Trustees meeting scheduling, deeds to Stanford lands, campaign
for passage of Stanford Amendment, water questions (pumps, wells, lawsuits), Lathrop's power of attorney for Jane L. Stanford,
Metropolitan Trust Company lawsuit against estate of Jane L. Stanford, University investments, on-campus horse stabling, on-campus
light and power generation, establishment of on-campus public grade school, University band, Professor Ross Affair, on-campus
sewage disposal system, Professor Loser's "locomobile" affair, professorial salaries, on-campus telephone service, rental
of campus facilities, incorporation of Board of Trustees, Jane L. Stanford's personal property taxes, local labor disputes,
law library, gift acquisitions, Palo Alto Stock Farm, miscellaneous physical plant problems and policies.
Box 2, Folder 1
Stanford Correspondence: Lathrop, Charles G. (1903-1909) through Lawton
Scope and Content Note
The Lathrop correspondence covers the following topics: arrangements for finalization of Stanford endowment, several on-going
water rights suits, reports from the management of Vina Ranch, smaller issues under consideration by the Board of Trustees.
Box 2, Folder 2
Stanford Correspondence: Leib's Outgoing Letters
1900-1908
Scope and Content Note
The Leib outgoing correspondence covers the following topics: campus water system, campaign for passage of the Stanford Amendment,
management of Vina Ranch, Metropolitan Trust Company lawsuit, numerous legal discussions regarding finalization of endowment
and other Trustee matters. Primary addressees are: Charles G. Lathrop, David S. Jordan, George E. Crothers, and the Wilson
and Wilson law firm of San Francisco.
Box 2, Folder 3
Stanford Correspondence: Leiter through Sotz
Scope and Content Note
Leiter, Lusk, McMahill, Maddock, Marx, Maurer, Miller, Miscellaneous University form notes, Moore, Mynick, Nash, Newton, Nickel,
Niles, O'Neil, Palo Alto Stock Farm, Pardee, Pease, Peterson, Phelan, Piefer, Pitts, Pomeroy, Ponce, Poole, Quinlan, Ramsey,
Renner, Rhodes, Scott, Sewall, Shaw, Sheehan, Shepard, Shortridge, Shoup, D. R. Smith, E.H. Smith, Sotz
Box 2, Folder 4
Stanford Correspondence: Stanford, Leland and Jane L.
1889-1903
Scope and Content Note
The Stanfords' correspondence includes: five letters from Leland Stanford discussing pre-University judicial questions but
establishing basis of the Stanford-Leib acquaintance which led to Leib's association with the University; and, thirty communications
from Jane L. Stanford (letters, notes, and telegrams) concerning the University budget, campaign for passage of the Stanford
Amendment, Board meetings in the Stanford home, water cases, and the Professor Ross Affair. Some of these communications are
signed by Mrs. Stanford, most are both written and signed by her personal secretary.
Box 2, Folder 5
Stanford Correspondence: Stillman through Tweed
Scope and Content Note
Stillman, Stratton, Sturtevant, Suzzallo, Treat, Tweed
Box 2, Folder 6
Stanford Correspondence: Vina Ranch through Wilke
Scope and Content Note
Vina Ranch, Wells, Whaley, Wilbur, Williams, Wilke
Box 2, Folder 7
Stanford Correspondence: Wilson and Wilson Law Firm of San Francisco
1898-1908
Scope and Content Note
The Wilson and Wilson correspondence covers the following topics: various water cases and lawsuits, taxation cases, disposal
of Jane L. Stanford's bonds, lawsuits arising from near-campus liquor sales question, suits against the Stanford estate, execution
of Jane L. Stanford's will.
Box 2, Folder 8
Stanford Correspondence: Woods through Wright
Scope and Content Note
Woods, Woodworth, Wooster, C.F. Wright, Eli Wright
Subseries 2
Personal Correspondence
1885-1910
Scope and Content Note
This subseries contains letters pertaining to Leib's personal and family life. Included are 140 letters from naturalist Luther
Burbank, a close personal friend of Leib's.
Arrangement
The letters are arranged alphabetically by author's last name. Where more than one letter from an individual is included,
the letters are further arranged chronologically.
Processing/Project Information
The Luther Burbank correspondence has been included in this category despite its preoccupation with fruit and agriculture.
This was done to isolate these particularly interesting letters from the mixed-author, strictly-chronological system used
in the fruit and agriculture portion of the collection. This was also done because of the extremely warm and friendly tone
of the correspondence, which alone qualifies these letters for inclusion in "personal correspondence."
Box 3, Folder 1
Personal Correspondence: A through Bright
Scope and Content Note
Alexander, Allman, American Legion of Honor, Archer, "M. B.", Bartlett, Benso, Bowden, Branner, Breyfogle, Bright
Box 3, Folder 2
Personal Correspondence: Burbank, Luther
1896-1902
Scope and Content Note
The Burbank correspondence covers the following topics: grafts and plant specimens exchanged between Burbank and Leib, arrangements
for exchange visits to each other's farm, arrangements for Burbank's series of lectures at Stanford and for the attendant
honorarium, discussions of horticultural and family incidents and problems.
Box 3, Folder 3
Personal Correspondence: Burbank, Luther
1903-1910
Scope and Content Note
The Burbank correspondence covers the following topics: results of ongoing experiments and research, new ideas in several
branches of horticulture, exchange of family news, discussions of each other's health and tendency to overwork. [Note: This
file also includes copies of Leib's outgoing letters, some incomplete, written to Burbank during 1905.]
Box 3, Folder 4
Personal Correspondence: C through G
Scope and Content Note
Campbell, Carthill, "Carnival of Roses" Executive Committee [including letters from committee under former title: "Executive
Committee to Prepare a Reception for the President"], Chapin, Combe, Cosmos Club, Croke, Crosby, "D.", Dabney, Davis, deCroy,
deG---, Dickey, Driscoll, Eberhard, Gilliland [general agent for Thomas Alva Edison], Emlay, Farrand, Fauley, Ferbos, First
Ward Improvement Club, Fischer, Fox, Gardner, Gates, Gausline, Gillet, Gould
Box 3, Folder 5
Personal Correspondence: H through L
Scope and Content Note
Harkins, Harper, Hatch, Hoskins, Hughes, Hyland, Ingram, Irons, James, Johnson, Johnston, D.S. Jordan [personal correspondence
pertaining to travel plans, dinner parties, other social events not directly pertinent to Stanford business], Lampskin, Latimer,
Earl Leib, Frank Leib, W.W. Leib, Leuzem, Lewis, The Lincoln Farm Association, The Lincoln Monument League, Linda Vista Golf
Club, Lorigan
Box 3, Folder 6
Personal Correspondence: M
Scope and Content Note
McCann, McPherson, McVeigh, Maloney, Marmolejo, Martin, Mauk, Mitchell Motor Car Company, Charles Moore, L.P. Moore, Moorhead,
Mulvema, Murgotten, Mynick
Box 3, Folder 7
Personal Correspondence: N through S
Scope and Content Note
Newton, Ohio Society of Santa Clara County, Ortley, Paine, Parisian Dyeing Works, Payne, Peters, Ranken, Reed, Rutherford,
Sainte Claire Club, Santa Clara College, Santa Clara County Lawyers, Seismological Society of America, Smith and Pressinger
Clothiers, Snyder, Sontheimer, Stephens, Stone, Stump, Sullivan, Swift
Box 3, Folder 8
Personal Correspondence: T through Z
Scope and Content Note
Thomas, Thorne, Trescony, Uncle Remus' Magazine, Unitarian Club, Vanmeter, Villegas, Waldteufel, Welch, Wickson, Wingate,
Wright, Young
Subseries 3
Fruit and Agriculture Correspondence
1883-1919
Scope and Content Note
This subseries consists of letters pertaining to Leib's fruit and other farm interests.
Arrangement
The letters in this subseries are arranged chronologically
Box 4, Folder 1
Fruit and Agriculture Correspondence
1883-1887
Box 4, Folder 2
Fruit and Agriculture Correspondence
1888
Box 4, Folder 3
Fruit and Agriculture Correspondence
1889 Jan-Aug
Box 4, Folder 4
Fruit and Agriculture Correspondence
1889 Sep-Dec
Box 4, Folder 5
Fruit and Agriculture Correspondence
1890
Box 4, Folder 6
Fruit and Agriculture Correspondence
1891
Box 5, Folder 1
Fruit and Agriculture Correspondence
1892
Box 5, Folder 2
Fruit and Agriculture Correspondence
1893
Box 5, Folder 3
Fruit and Agriculture Correspondence
1894
Box 5, Folder 4
Fruit and Agriculture Correspondence
1895-1899
Box 5, Folder 5
Fruit and Agriculture Correspondence
1900-1901
Box 5, Folder 6
Fruit and Agriculture Correspondence
1902-1904
Box 5, Folder 7
Fruit and Agriculture Correspondence
1905-1907
Box 5, Folder 8
Fruit and Agriculture Correspondence
1908-1919
Subseries 4
Legal and Business Correspondence
1881-1920
Scope and Content Note
This subseries includes letters pertaining to Leib's San Jose law practice and local business interests.
Arrangement
The letters in this subseries are arranged chronologically by year only.
Box 6, Folder 1
Legal and Business Correspondence
1881
Box 6, Folder 2-3
Legal and Business Correspondence
1882
Box 6, Folder 4-5
Legal and Business Correspondence
1883
Box 6, Folder 6-7
Legal and Business Correspondence
1885
Box 6, Folder 8-9
Legal and Business Correspondence
1886
Box 6, Folder 10-11
Legal and Business Correspondence
1888
Box 6, Folder 12-13
Legal and Business Correspondence
1889
Box 6, Folder 14-16
Legal and Business Correspondence
1890
Box 7, Folder 1-2
Legal and Business Correspondence
1891
Box 7, Folder 3-4
Legal and Business Correspondence
1892
Box 7, Folder 5-6
Legal and Business Correspondence
1893
Box 7, Folder 7
Legal and Business Correspondence
1894
Box 7, Folder 8
Legal and Business Correspondence
1895
Box 7, Folder 9
Legal and Business Correspondence
1896
Box 7, Folder 10
Legal and Business Correspondence
1897
Box 7, Folder 11-12
Legal and Business Correspondence
1898
Box 7, Folder 13-14
Legal and Business Correspondence
1899
Box 7, Folder 15-17
Legal and Business Correspondence
1900
Box 8, Folder 1
Legal and Business Correspondence
1901
Box 8, Folder 2
Legal and Business Correspondence
1902
Box 8, Folder 3
Legal and Business Correspondence
1903
Box 8, Folder 4-5
Legal and Business Correspondence
1904
Box 8, Folder 6-7
Legal and Business Correspondence
1905
Box 8, Folder 8-9
Legal and Business Correspondence
1906
Box 8, Folder 10
Legal and Business Correspondence
1907
Box 8, Folder 11
Legal and Business Correspondence
1908
Box 8, Folder 12
Legal and Business Correspondence
1909
Box 8, Folder 13-15
Legal and Business Correspondence
1910
Box 8, Folder 16
Legal and Business Correspondence
1911-1928
Subseries 5
Legal and Business Records
Scope and Content Note
The records in this subseries, including bills, receipts, and cancelled checks, are selected samples, chosen on the basis
of their representative value, general interest, and state of preservation.
Arrangement
The records in this subseries are arranged chronologically by year only.
Box 8, Folder 17
Selected Samples of Legal and Business Records (bills, receipts, cancelled checks, etc.)
1883-1892
Box 8, Folder 18
Selected Samples of Legal and Business Records (bills, receipts, cancelled checks, etc.)
1893-1895
Box 8, Folder 19
Selected Samples of Legal and Business Records (bills, receipts, cancelled checks, etc.)
1896-1899
Box 8, Folder 20
Selected Samples of Legal and Business Records (bills, receipts, cancelled checks, etc.)
1900-1906
Box 8, Folder 21
Selected Samples of Legal and Business Records (bills, receipts, cancelled checks, etc.)
1907-1908
Box 8, Folder 22
Selected Samples of Legal and Business Records (bills, receipts, cancelled checks, etc.)
1909-1920
Subseries 6
Oversize Legal and Business Records
Box 9, Folder 1
Various legal-sized documents (copies), including deeds, titles, contracts; and hand-written notes on legal paper.
Processing/Project Information
The materials contained in this folder are rather poorly preserved, particularly when compared to the condition of the rest
of the collection.
Box 9, Folder 2
Journal containing day-by-day account of an oil expedition conducted under Leib's auspices in the Bakersfield area of the
San Joaquin Valley
1900 Apr 13-1901 Nov 30
Scope and Content Note
The journal was apparently (judging by the name in the fly-leaf) kept by a George H. Eldridge of the United States Geological
Survey. It appears to represent an expedition of both scientific and businessinvestment interest.
Subseries 7
Additional Correspondence and Business Records
Scope and Content Note
The contents of this subseries were added to the collection in May 1976. They include Stanford correspondence, personal correspondence,
fruit and agriculture correspondence, and legal and business correspondence. Of particular interest in this subseries is Leib's
correspondence with Sarah Winchester (box 10, folders 4 and 5) , and with Luther Burbank and his publisher, Binner, from July
1907, to August 1908 (box 10, folder 2).
Box 10, Folder 1
Stanford correspondence
1905 Nov 1-1906 Apr 1
Box 10, Folder 2
Personal correspondence
1905 Nov 1-1906 Apr 1
Scope and Content Note
Also includes correspondence with Luther Burbank and his publisher, Binner, 1907 Jul-1908 Aug
Box 10, Folder 3
Fruit and agriculture correspondence
1905 Nov 1-1906 Apr 1
Box 10, Folder 4
Legal and business correspondence
1905 Nov 1-1905 Dec 31
Scope and Content Note
Includes correspondence with Sarah Winchester
Box 10, Folder 5
Legal and business correspondence
1906 Jan 1-1906 Mar 1
Scope and Content Note
Includes correspondence with Sarah Winchester
Box 10, Folder 6
Miscellaneous business records (receipts, bills, etc.)
Accession ARCH-2002-317
Additional Papers
Subseries 1
Correspondence
Box 1, Folder 1
Mabury family, estate matters
1903
Box 1, Folder 3
Dawson, E. L. (California Fruit Growers Association)
1905
Box 1, Folder 4
Correspondence re fruit business, A-J
1905
Box 1, Folder 5
Correspondence re fruit business, K-W
1905
Box 1, Folder 6
Correspondence general, A-C
1905
Scope and Content Note
Includes correspondence with John Casper Branner and from Clarke & Clarke re estate of John Rock.
Box 1, Folder 7
Correspondence general, D-G
1905
Scope and Content Note
Includes correspondence with Joseph E. Donaldson re his California citizenship as it relates to attending Stanford and with
John W. Gwilt re estate of John Rock.
Box 1, Folder 8
Correspondence general, H-K
1905
Scope and Content Note
Includes correspondence with Hayes Apperson Company re purchasing automobile.
Box 1, Folder 9
Correspondence general, L-M
1905
Scope and Content Note
Includes outgoing letter to Geo. W. Scott re Farmers Union and correspondence with Mayfield Board of Trade re direct road
to Stanford campus.
Box 1, Folder 10
Correspondence general, N-S
1905
Scope and Content Note
Includes correspondence with Pope Manufacture Company re purchasing automobile.
Box 1, Folder 11
Correspondence general, T-W
1905
Scope and Content Note
Includes correspondence with Sherman D. Thacher of Thacher School re Leib's son leaving school and issue of accreditation,
and with S. L. Winchester re sale of land.
Subseries 2
Miscellaneous Papers
Box 1, Folder 12
Golden Gate Packing Company accounts
1905
Subseries 3
Savings Bank of San Diego County Failure
Box 1, Folder 15
Correspondence of S. F. Leib, 1896-1902
Box 1, Folder 16
Account books, Hiram Mabury with Bryant Howard
1885-1888
Box 1, Folder 17
Letters to Hiram Mabury from San Diego bank
1884-1890
Box 1, Folder 18
Letters to Hiram Mabury from San Diego bank
1891
Box 1, Folder 19
Letters to Hiram Mabury from San Diego bank
1893
Box 1, Folder 20
Letters to Hiram Mabury from San Diego bank
1896, 1902
Box 2
Legal documents, primarily regarding the failure of the Savings Bank of San Diego County.
1888-1902
