Online content
Collection context
Summary
- Creators:
- Gummer, Samuel P. (1831-1891)
- Abstract:
- Extent:
- .25 linear feet
- Language:
- Preferred citation:
-
Samuel P. Gummer Letters. History San Jose Research Library
Background
- Scope and content:
-
Collection of 35 letters from Samuel Gummer of Santa Clara (Calif.) to his brother, James Gummer, of Brunswick (Maine) circa 1852-1865. The letters chronicle Samuel's farming activities, including land prices, crops grown, and produce prices; activities with the Methodist Church; and his attempt to persuade James to move to Santa Clara. Other correspondents include John Wilson, Free Will Baptist Church of Brunswick; Joseph N. Dunning; M. Jameson; and cousin Emma G.
- Biographical / historical:
-
According to biographies in the San Jose Evening News and San Francisco Call, Samuel P. Gummer (1831-1891) was born in Brunswick, Maine, and came to California in 1849 by way of Nicaragua, taking up mining in Placer County. He settled in San Jose in 1856, later moving to San Francisco around 1880. According to the Call, he helped to organize the San Jose fire department, and held several offices of public trust. In San Francisco, he was a member of the firm of Nathaniel Gray & Co., undertakers; was the first sexton of Laurel Hill Cemetery, and later was in charge of the removal of the remains from Yerba Buena to the City Cemetery. He served under Coroner Dr. C. C. O'Connell as Superintendent of the Morgue. He died in San Francisco on September 11, 1891, of heart disease and dropsy.
- Acquisition information:
- Donated to the San Jose Historical Museum in 1980 by James Gummer.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
Open to the public for research by appointment.
- Terms of access:
-
Contact the Research Library & Archives for information on publication and reproduction.
- Preferred citation:
-
Samuel P. Gummer Letters. History San Jose Research Library
- Location of this collection:
-
1661 Senter RoadSan Jose, CA 95112, US
- Contact:
- (408) 287-2290