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Simon S. Lucy letters : ALS, 1852-1893 (bulk 1852-1871).
BANC MSS 99/355 cz Box 1
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Collection Overview
Title:
Simon S. Lucy letters : ALS, 1852-1893 (bulk 1852-1871)Creator/Contributor:
Lucy, Simon S., creatorCreator/Contributor:
Lucy, Mary M.Creator/Contributor:
Lucy, John Wesley.Creator/Contributor:
Lucy, Edwin T.Creator/Contributor:
Parker, J. Burnell.Creator/Contributor:
Johnson, Abel.Creator/Contributor:
Lucy, Florence B.Abstract:
Thirty-nine letters written by Simon S. Lucy (sometimes referred to as "Spaulding" or "Spalding") from the Nevada City area
and Santa Clara Valley. Many of these were sent to his sister, Mary, in Mass., but also to other family members, including
his brothers, John Wesley and Edwin, and sister, Florence, and friends. Lucy tells of travelling with his friend, Abel Johnson,
from New York to Calif. on the steamship Illinois via the Caribbean Sea and Panama. The letters describe the difficulty of
life in Calif., with many references to murders, suicides, robberies, and death; the letter dated Oct. 16, 1853, recounts
a story of a family who was murdered. He also comments negatively on Spanish and Indians in the Santa Clara Valley, and when
discussing the Civil War, clearly sides with the North. Lucy often mentions his health, work (both in farming and mining gold
and quartz with various partners), lawsuits defending his claims and property, as well as local events and family matters.
Finally, there is a letter from J.M. Hussey written May 29, 1893, from the Union Hotel in Nevada City, informing Edwin of
Simon's death.
Date:
1852 (issued)Subject:
n-us-caIllinois (Steamship)
Chinese Americans -- Social conditions
Voyages to the Pacific coast
Gold mines and mining -- California -- Nevada County
Fires -- California -- Nevada City
California -- Description and travel
Santa Clara Valley (Santa Clara County, Calif.) -- Description and travel
Caribbean Sea -- Description and travel
Nevada City (Calif.) -- Description and travel
Note:
On verso of letter of May 29, 1893, is a printed advertisement for the Bissell Carpet Sweeper Co. on a broadside from Massachusetts
Charitable Mechanic Association, 1890.
Physical Description:
print
1 box (.2 linear ft.)
Language:
English
Identifier:
BANC MSS 99/355 cz Box 1