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A guide to the United Brotherhood of the South Sea Islands records, 1892-1902
HDC0076 (SAFR 17619)
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Title: United Brotherhood of the South Sea Islands records
Date: 1892-1902
Date (bulk): 1897
Identifier/Call Number: HDC0076 (SAFR 17619)
Physical Description:
.5 LF
Repository:
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Historic Documents Department
Building E, Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123
Abstract: The United Brotherhood of the South Sea Islands records (SAFR 17619, HDC 76) comprises correspondence, petitions, statements,
crew lists, sea journals, financial papers and newspaper clippings relating to the group's incorporation, acquisition of the
PERCY EDWARD (built 1866; brig), the expedition to Suva, Fiji and Noumea, New Caledonia, and the disposition of the PERCY
EDWARD in 1897 and other papers from 1892 to 1902. The bulk of the collection is correspondence between a crew member, 22
year old Sydney S. Marshall, and his family, friends and acquaintances from 1897 to 1900. This collection has been processed
to the collection level and is open and available for use.
Physical Location: San Francisco Maritime NHP, Historic Documents Department
Language(s):
In English.
This collection is open for use unless otherwise noted.
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.
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.
[Item description], [Location within collection organization identified by Collection Number/Series Number/File Unit Number/Item
Number], HDC0076 (SAFR 17619), United Brotherhood of the South Sea Islands records, San Francisco Maritime National Historical
Park
SAFR-00001
This collection was transferred from Golden Gate National Recreation Area to San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.
Historical or Biographical Note
The United Brotherhood of the South Seas Islands was incorporated January 22, 1897 with 10 directors. As listed on the Articles
of Incorporation under the State of California, the directors were: L. J. Reinhart, President; E. A. Coe, Secretary; Geo Holt,
J. Petersen, Geo. Holbeck, R. G. Black, A. J. Snyder, P. A. Myers, L. F. Mounts, Frank Finch, and J. R. Driggs. Alfred L.
Atwood of San Francisco was appointed resident secretary with power of attorney.
L. J. Reinhart had the idea of an expedition to start a colony away from civilization on a south sea island in the Pacific
reputed to be an "Adamless Eden." According to the collection documents, Reinhart read in a news article that "white settlers
were eagerly sought after" by south sea island governments. Funds were accepted from approximately 100 interested parties
and on January 27, 1897, the corporation purchased the PERCY EDWARD (built 1866; brig) for the sum of $2,100 dollars for the
expedition. The group of 100 left San Francisco on February 28, 1897 with Captain J. Peterson as master. Besides the 10 directors,
among the crew were adventure seekers from "all parts" including males of various occupations such as miner, farmer, sailor,
baker, machinist, pipe layer, plantation overseer, blacksmith, cook, and carpenter. The group successfully reached Suva, Fiji.
However, due to disagreements among the crew, by July 17, 1897, the group disbanded and the PERCY EDWARD was sold at an auction
for
$1,000.00 in Noumea, New Caledonia after a failed attempt to sail to Auckland, New Zealand.
The United Brotherhood of the South Sea Islands records (SAFR 17619, HDC 76) comprises correspondence, petitions, statements,
crew lists, sea journals, financial papers and newspaper clippings relating to the group's incorporation, acquisition of the
PERCY EDWARD (built 1866; brig), the expedition to Suva, Fiji and Noumea, New Caledonia, and the disposition of the PERCY
EDWARD in 1897 and other papers from 1892 to 1902. The bulk of the collection is correspondence between a crew member, 22
year old Sydney S. Marshall, and his family, friends and acquaintances from 1897 to 1900. This collection has been processed
to the collection level and is open and available for use.
This collection is arranged into eight folders.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Correspondence
Crew lists
Ocean travel
Brig
Clippings (Newspapers, books, etc.)
Sydney S. Marshall
L.J. Reinhart
United Brotherhood of South Sea Islands
Percy Edward (built 1866; brig)
Noumea (New Caledonia)
South Sea Islands
Suva (Fiji)
San Francisco (Calif.)
Articles of incorporation
Clippings
Promissory notes
Bill of Sale
Journals (accounts)
Correspondence
Financial records
Legal instruments