Captain James Tuft papers, 1882-1899

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Summary

Abstract:
This collection includes correspondence, reports on voyages from seamen and ship documents.
Extent:
19 items
Language:
In English.
Preferred citation:

[Item description], [Location within collection organization identified by Collection Number/Series Number/File Unit Number/Item Number], HDC0010 (SAFR 13555), Captain James Tuft papers, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Background

Scope and content:

This collection includes correspondence, reports on voyages from seamen and ship documents.

Biographical / historical:

Biography: James Tuft was born at Nordby, Fano, Denmark on June 30, 1827. He left Denmark at age 14 shipping out as a cabin boy. He arrived in San Francisco in 1849 and signed up with an unknown principal to search for gold under the terms of free food and lodging plus $1.00 per year plus a percentage of gold produced. This contract lasted one year with Tuft terminating with only the $1.00 specified. He started in business for himself carrying potatoes and onions from Sacramento to San Francisco in a small double-ender scow gradually increasing this business to the point of purchasing several larger double-ender vessels for this traffic. Eventually, he purchased an interest in a coastal schooner and entered into the carriage of passengers for the Isthmus of Panama to San Francisco. Later, he established an office located at 22 California Street, investing his earnings in shares of certain vessels, also acting as agent for certain vessels. At the time of the earthquake in 1906, Tuft's office was removed from San Francisco to 1402 Park Street, Alameda and shortly thereafter at age 79 he retired from active business. He died at Alameda, California on August 18, 1909.

Acquisition information:

SAFR-00001

Golden Gate National Recreation Area transferred these materials to San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.

Processing information:

Note on Description: The descriptions in this collection guide were compiled using the best available sources of information. Such sources include the creator's annotations or descriptions, collection accession files, primary and secondary source material and subject matter experts. While every effort was made to provide accurate information, in the event that you find any errors in this guide please contact the reference staff in order for us to evaulate and make corrections to this guide. P lease cite the title and collection number in any correspondence with our staff.

Arrangement:

Documents are arranged in reverse chronological order.

Physical location:
San Francisco Maritime NHP, Historic Documents Department
Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard .

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open for use unless otherwise noted.

Terms of access:

Some material may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the researcher's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections.

Preferred citation:

[Item description], [Location within collection organization identified by Collection Number/Series Number/File Unit Number/Item Number], HDC0010 (SAFR 13555), Captain James Tuft papers, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Location of this collection:
Building E, Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123, US
Contact:
415-561-7030
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