Hobson and Macaulay Family Photographs and Papers, 1850-1933
Online content
Collection context
Summary
- Title:
- Hobson and Macaulay Family Photographs and Papers
- Dates:
- 1850-1933
- Creators:
- Macaulay, Martha H. Macaulay, John W.
- Abstract:
- Extent:
- 1.5 linear feet (2 boxes)
- Language:
- Preferred citation:
-
Hobson and Macaulay Family Photographs and Papers. History San Jose Research Library
Background
- Scope and content:
-
The collection is primarily made up of nineteenth century photograph albums, containing cabinet photographs and baby portraits, as well as a gem tintype album. Most of the photographs are not identified; however, the baby albums are likely of Hazel and Thaddeus Macaulay, primarily shot in John Macaulay's San Jose studio. In addition, there are two autograph albums belonging to Mattie Hobson, clipping on a 1933 Hobson family reunion in Los Gatos, and a clippings scrapbook of obituaries of San Jose locals. One folder contains a small number of business receipts and promissory notes related to George Hobson (1854-1879).
- Biographical / historical:
-
The primary thread through the photographs and papers is Martha "Mattie" Hobson Macaulay (1865-1960), who was the youngest of eleven children of California pioneers George Hobson and Sarah Spainhour Hobson. She married John W. Macaulay in 1883; they resided in San Jose, with children Hazel and Thaddeus. Macaulay's father John operated a photography business in San Jose, where the younger John W. worked before going into the clothing business with the Hobson family. He served on the San Jose City Council from 1898-1906 and was active in real estate.
- Acquisition information:
- Donated to the San Jose Historical Museum in 1996 by Ruth Levett of Palo Alto, who was related to the families.
Indexed terms
- Subjects:
- Photographers
Families
Pioneers
cabinet photographs
tintypes
photograph albums
scrapbooks
newspaper clippings
cartes-de-visite (card photographs)
autograph albums - Names:
- Loryea & Macaulay
Macaulay
Hobson
Hobson, George
Macaulay, Hazel
Macaulay, Thaddeus
Macaulay, John - Places:
- San Jose (Calif.)
San Francisco (Calif.)
About this collection guide
- Date Prepared:
- 1850-1933
- Date Encoded:
- This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:55 p.m.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
The collection is open for research by appointment. The collection can also be viewed in History San Jose's online catalog.
- Terms of access:
-
Contact History San Jose Research Library and Archives for information on publication and reproduction.
- Preferred citation:
-
Hobson and Macaulay Family Photographs and Papers. History San Jose Research Library
- Location of this collection:
-
1661 Senter RoadSan Jose, CA 95112, US
- Contact:
- (408) 287-2290