John W. Geary papers, 1849-1851

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Summary

Creators:
Geary, John White, 1819-1873.
Abstract:
Extent:
2 folders
Language:
Preferred citation:

John W. Geary papers. San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco History Center

Background

Scope and content:

One folder includes ten original items, personal and governmental correspondence and other documents: I. Inventory of Post Office Department property placed on board of the San Francisco steamship Panama by Stephen J. Dallas, January 12, 1849 (1 leaf, folded) II. Letter, M.O. Roberts, New York to Mr. S. A. Seymour, February 1, 1849 (1 leaf, folded) III. Letter, JWG, steamer Oregon, Pacific Ocean to Dear Parents, March 31, 1849 (2 leaves, folded) IV. Letter, JWG, San Francisco to dear Parents, April 30, 1849 (1 leaf, folded) V. Letter, David Logan, Stockton, to John Geary [on the Stockton mines], 1849 and VI. Letter, [Margaret Geary], Stockton, to My Dear Mother, 1849 (1 leaf) VII. Letter, JWG [San Francisco], [to Postmaster General] account of establishment of post office, 1849 (1 leaf, folded) VIII. Inventory of Stock in [San Francisco] post office, taken July 23, 1849 (1 leaf, folded) IX. Letter, Horace Hawes, San Francisco, to J. W. Geary, Esq. [notification of election as first Alcalde] January 10, 1850 (1 leaf, folded, and envelope) X. Bond of Indemnity, the City of San Francisco to John W. Geary & others [authorization to execute bonds], May 3,1851 (1 leaf, folded). A second folder includes typewritten transcriptions.

Biographical / historical:

John White Geary was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania in 1819. He served in the Mexican War with the 2nd Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment. President Polk appointed him Postmaster of San Francisco January 22, 1849, with powers to create post offices, appoint postmasters, establish mail routes, and make contracts for carrying the mails throughout California. Geary was elected Alcalde January 8, 1850, and then became first mayor of San Francisco May 1, 1850; he was later governor of the Kansas Territory, and the 16th governor of Pennsylvania. His first marriage was to Margaret Ann Logan, and they had two sons. He died in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, February 8, 1873, soon after his second term as governor ended.

Acquisition information:
Gift.

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours, with photographs available during Photo Desk hours. Collections that are stored offsite should be requested 48 hours in advance.

Terms of access:

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.

Preferred citation:

John W. Geary papers. San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco History Center

Location of this collection:
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102, US
Contact:
(415) 557-4567
sfhistory@sfpl.org
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