Guide to the Thomas Monahan Papers 1992.155
Finding aid prepared by History San Jose
History San Jose Research Library
09/21/2011
1650 Senter Road
San Jose, CA, 95110
(408) 287-2290
research@historysanjose.org
Note
This finding aid was created using Archivists Toolkit, based on a print finding aid created in December 2001.
Title: Thomas Monahan Papers
Identifier/Call Number: 1992.155
Contributing Institution:
History San Jose Research Library
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
1.5 Linear feet
Date (bulk): Bulk, 1912-1914
Date (inclusive): 1872-1915
Abstract: The papers primarily consist of correspondence generated during Monahan's years as mayor of San Jose, 1912-1914.
Immediate Source of Acquisition note
The papers were donated in 1992 by James J. Jennings for Monahan’s daughters and adopted son: Josephine Jennings, Elizabeth
Kelly, Mary M. Lane, and Thomas Monahan.
Conditions Governing Access note
The papers are open to the public for research by appointment.
The papers were processed in December 2001 by History San Jose volunteers and staff.
Thomas Monahan, born in San Jose on July 4th, 1866, was the second of five children. He began his formal education at the
Hester School in San Jose. After one year, he transferred to the University of Santa Clara. At the age of 16, he began to
explore potential careers. In the following years, he apprenticed as a blacksmith, and worked as a mail carrier, as well as
chief jailer. In 1909, he began a career as an embalmer and undertaker, while continuing to work as a mail carrier. This same
year, he married Josephine Moriarty, a native of Ohio. They had four children.
In 1912 Thomas Monahan was elected to two posts: mayor for the city of San Jose and Grand President of the Native Sons of
the Golden West.
He started his political career as a republican, however while mayor, he moved to the progressive ticket. He campaigned for
California state office as a progressive.
The papers primarily consist of correspondence generated during Monahan's years as mayor of San Jose, 1912-1914. The papers
are divided into five series and total 1.5 linear feet, in two manuscript boxes (1-2), and three flat boxes (3-5). They are
filed chronologically within each folder. The papers include correspondence of his Grand presidency to the Native Sons of
the Golden West, his campaigns for state offices, as well as personal papers. Of particular note are the spectacularly beautiful
letterheads produced during this time period.
Property rights reside with History San Jose. For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact History San Jose
Research Library.
Thomas Monahan Papers 1992-155, History San Jose Research Library, San Jose, California 95112-2599.
Series I. Mayoral 1912-1915
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
0.25 Linear feet
This series consists of correspondence, pamphlets, postcards and a photograph. Mayor Monahan conducted brief correspondences
with Congressman E.A. Hayes and California State Governor Hiram W. Johnson. During his brief time as mayor, he was involved
in legal disputes with Pacific Gas and Electric Company and Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company. Arranged chronologically.
Series II. Personal 1872-1919
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
0.25 Linear feet
This series consists of correspondence with family members, requests for support in his campaigns for State Treasurer and
Secretary of State, bank statements, property and land deeds. Arranged chronologically.
Series III. Native Sons of the Golden West 1913-1914
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
0.25 Linear feet
This series consists of correspondence related to Monahan’s grand vice-presidency and presidency to this organization during
the years of 1913-1914. The majority of the correspondence relates to arrangements for official visits with parlors and recommendations.
As a representative of the Native Sons of the Golden West, Monahan was also active in the Portola Festival of 1913 in San
Francisco. The mayor’s personal secretary, Lizzette Krause, was an elected delegate of the “Portola Girls”. The Portola Girls
went on a well-received tour of the Northwest. Arranged chronologically.
Series V. Scrapbooks and Clippings 1912-1914
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
0.5 Linear feet
This series consists of seven scrapbooks containing newspaper clippings documenting current events during Monahan’s time as
mayor. It includes one folder of loose clippings covering the same subject matter. Arranged chronologically.