A guide to the Captain James Tuft papers, 1882-1899

Processed by: Historic Documents Department Staff.
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
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
2012

A Guide to the Captain James Tuft papers

HDC0010

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, National Park Service
2012, National Park Service

Title: Captain James Tuft papers
Date: 1882-1899
Identifier/Call Number: HDC0010 (SAFR 13555)
Physical Description: 19 items
Repository: San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Historic Documents Department
Building E, Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123
Abstract: This collection includes correspondence, reports on voyages from seamen and ship documents.
Physical Location: San Francisco Maritime NHP, Historic Documents Department
Language(s): In English.

Access

This collection is open for use unless otherwise noted.

Publication and Use Rights

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Processing Note

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.

Preferred Citation

[Item description], [Location within collection organization identified by Collection Number/Series Number/File Unit Number/Item Number], HDC0010 (SAFR 13555), Captain James Tuft papers, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Acquisition Information

SAFR-00001
Golden Gate National Recreation Area transferred these materials to San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.

Historical or Biographical Note

Biography: James Tuft was born at Nordby, Fano, Denmark on June 30, 1827. He left Denmark at age 14 shipping out as a cabin boy. He arrived in San Francisco in 1849 and signed up with an unknown principal to search for gold under the terms of free food and lodging plus $1.00 per year plus a percentage of gold produced. This contract lasted one year with Tuft terminating with only the $1.00 specified. He started in business for himself carrying potatoes and onions from Sacramento to San Francisco in a small double-ender scow gradually increasing this business to the point of purchasing several larger double-ender vessels for this traffic. Eventually, he purchased an interest in a coastal schooner and entered into the carriage of passengers for the Isthmus of Panama to San Francisco. Later, he established an office located at 22 California Street, investing his earnings in shares of certain vessels, also acting as agent for certain vessels. At the time of the earthquake in 1906, Tuft's office was removed from San Francisco to 1402 Park Street, Alameda and shortly thereafter at age 79 he retired from active business. He died at Alameda, California on August 18, 1909.

Collection Scope and Content

This collection includes correspondence, reports on voyages from seamen and ship documents.

Collection Arrangement

Documents are arranged in reverse chronological order.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Tuft, James, Captain
Peerless (schooner)
Robert Searles (schooner)
Ship's papers--19th century
Captain