Collection consists primarily of letters from John M. Switzer to his brother Albert, written while a student in Chicago (1892-93), at Stanford University (1893-1899), and from Manila, Philippines (1899). His Stanford letters discuss social life of students, disappointment with the library, hard work of hashing at Encina Hall, his bills while at Stanford, his career plans, life in California, difficulties from the 1894 railroad strike, and his military enlistment in 1898. The letters written in Manila primarily relate to his father's estate and his financial affairs with his brother. Other items include receipts for loans from his brother, 1896-1897; Switzer's letter of advice to a young male relative, 1923; letter regarding Switzer's estate, 1937; two letters to Albert Switzer from his brother Charley, 1897; and a letter of reference for Albert Switzer, 1891.

John Marion Switzer was a member of the Stanford Class of 1898, but did not earn his A.B. degree until 1926. As a student he was active in the Philolexian Literary Society, a member of the intercollegiate debating team, officer on the literary magazine THE SEQUOIA, and manager of the football team. He served in the military during the Spanish-American War and was later a delegate to the Republican National Convention from the Philippine Islands in 1904 and 1912.

0.25 Linear feet

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This collection is open for research.