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Title: Samuel P. Gummer Letters
Dates: 1852-1865
Collection Number: 1980-52
Creator/Collector:
Gummer, Samuel P. (1831-1891)
Extent: .25 linear feet
Online items available
Repository:
History San Jose Research Library
San Jose, California 95112
Abstract: Collection of 35 letters from Samuel Gummer of Santa Clara (Calif.) to his brother, James Gummer, of Brunswick (Maine).
Language of Material: English
Open to the public for research by appointment.
Contact the Research Library & Archives for information on publication and reproduction.
[Identification of item]. Samuel P. Gummer Letters. Collection Number: 1980-52. History San Jose Research Library
Donated to the San Jose Historical Museum in 1980 by James Gummer.
Biography/Administrative History
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.
Scope and Content of Collection
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.
Pioneers--California
Methodist Church
Agriculture
Nineteenth century
Brothers
Families
Gummer, James A.
Santa Clara Valley (Santa Clara County, Calif.)
Brunswick (Me.)
letters (correspondence)