Finding aid to the Photograph album of Chinese criminals, circa 1872, Vault 185

California Historical Society staff
California Historical Society
678 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA, 94105-4014
(415) 357-1848
reference@calhist.org
URL: http://www.californiahistoricalsociety.org/
2011


Title: Photograph album of Chinese criminals
Date: circa 1872
Identifier/Call Number: Vault 185
Creator: Woodruff, Delos.
Extent: 1 photo album (144 photographic prints).
Contributing Institution: California Historical Society
678 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA, 94105-4014
(415) 357-1848
reference@calhist.org
URL: http://www.californiahistoricalsociety.org/
Location of Materials: Collection is stored onsite.
Language of Materials: Collection materials are in English.
Abstract: Leatherbound album containing identification photographs of Chinese men and women (some identified by name), probably criminals, in San Francisco, California, circa 1872. Includes some inscriptions in pencil indicating names, crimes, and sentences.

General Note

Delos Woodruff embossed on cover. Portraits 1-120 numbered in ink.

Restrictions on Access

Permission of photo archivist required.

Publication Rights

All requests to reproduce, publish, quote from or otherwise use collection materials must be submitted in writing to the Director of the Library and Archives, North Baker Research Library, California Historical Society, 678 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. Consent is given on behalf of the California Historical Society as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission from the copyright owner. Such permission must be obtained from the copyright owner. Restrictions also apply to digital representations of the original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research and educational purposes.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Photograph album of Chinese criminals, Vault 185, California Historical Society.

Biographical Information

Woodruff was an officer for the San Francisco Police Department stationed in Chinatown. According to an article in the San Francisco Alta, December 7, 1874, noting his resignation from the force: "His specialty was looking after Chinese thieves, in which he was most successful, and indeed he was looked upon as the head and front of the Chinese specials whenever any important duty was to be performed in that branch of the police service."

Scope and Contents

Leatherbound album containing identification photographs of Chinese men and women (some identified by name), probably criminals, in San Francisco, California, circa 1872. Includes some inscriptions in pencil indicating names, crimes, and sentences.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Chinese--Portraits--California--San Francisco.
Crime and race--California--San Francisco.
Criminals--Portraits--California--San Francisco.
Forensic photographs--California--San Francisco.
Identification photographs--California--San Francisco.
Law enforcement--Photographs--California--San Francisco.
Legal photography--California--San Francisco.
Photograph albums--California--San Francisco.
Police--Photographs--California--San Francisco.
Portrait photographs--California--San Francisco.
San Francisco (Calif.). Police Dept.