Description
This collection contains the papers of the family of Ezra Dane (1828-1921) and Lois Anna Nutting, who settled in California
during the Gold Rush period. The bulk of the papers consist of personal Dane family correspondence; some letters discuss the
Civil War, and the largest group of letters was written by Ada Nutting Baker in Decatur, Michigan, between 1854 and 1902.
The collection also includes business papers, as well as notes and source material used by writer George Ezra Dane (1904-1941).
Background
Ezra Dane (1828-1921) was born in Shutesbury, Massachusetts, on April 12, 1828. He crossed the plains to California in 1852
and engaged in mining in the Tuolomne region. During a visit home to Massachusetts in 1859, he married Lois Anna Nutting,
and on their return established a home in Sonora, California, and in 1884 acquired a fruit ranch, "Sunny Ridge," near Pasadena,
California. His grandson, George Ezra Dane (1904-1941), born in Pasadena on December 21, 1904, was the son of Beatrice (Jodon)
and George Bryant Dane. He was a lawyer and a writer of folklore, western history, and humor.
Extent
20.42 Linear Feet
(17 boxes)
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material,
nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and
obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader
Services.