Photographs Related to the San Francisco Graft Trial, 1907-1908

View only results with digital items
Printable guide [HTML]
Request items

Summary

Extent:
15 photographic prints, 21 x 36 cm. or smaller. 11 digital objects
Language:
Collection materials are in English

Background

Scope and content:

The Photographs Related to the San Francisco Graft Trial collection contains 15 photographic prints taken mostly in 1907-1908. The collection features many of the important individuals involved in the San Francisco graft trials of 1907 and 1908. The trials occurred during a period of governmental reform following the earthquake and fire of 1906 and the subsequent rebuilding of the city. In the trials, Mayor Eugene E. Schmitz, political boss Abe Ruef--who helped bring Schmitz to power--and other individuals were charged with bribery, acceptance of bribes, extortion, and other acts of corruption. Responsible for the original exposés of the corruption were assistant district attorney Frances J. Heney, San Francisco Bulletin editor Fremont Older, progressive reformer Rudolph Spreckels, and former San Francisco mayor James D. Phelan. After being wounded by a gunshot while acting as prosecuting attorney, Heney was replaced by Hiram Johnson. Schmitz and Ruef were both convicted, though a higher court would overturn the Schmitz decision and Ruef would be pardoned after serving less than five years at San Quentin

Individuals pictured in the collection include Abe Ruef, Frances J. Heney, Fremont Older, Rudolph Spreckels, detective William J. Burns, defendant Pat Calhoun, and defense attorneys Stanley Moore and Henry Ach.

The photographers are unidentified. The collection includes 4 duplicate prints.

Acquisition information:
The Photographs Related to the San Francisco Graft Trial were possibly transferred from the Carl Hoffman Papers, BANC MSS C-B 377.
Physical location:
Many of the Bancroft Library collections are stored offsite and advance notice may be required for use. For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Rules or conventions:
Finding Aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Access and use

Location of this collection:
University of California, Berkeley, The Bancroft Library
Berkeley, CA 94720-6000, US
Contact:
510-642-6481
bancref-library@berkeley.edu
Website