Wilson (John) Papers, 1930-1932

Printable guide [HTML]

Summary

Title:
Wilson (John) Papers,
Dates:
1930-1932
Creators:
Language:
English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Wilson (John) Papers, Mss148, Holt-Atherton Department of Special Collections, University of the Pacific Library

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of petitions for release, letters, and drawings of inventions by mental patient John Wilson. Four of the petitions are in the form of long scrolls made up of smaller pages pasted together.

Biographical / historical:

John Wilson was an inmate in the Stockton State Hospital for the Insane. In his correspondence, Wilson indicates that he received two felony convictions, was sent to Folsom prison (March 8, 1895) and was later (1904) transferred to the Stockton State Hospital for the Insane. Wilson claims to have been illegally transferred to the asylum with out a hearing. In his writings Wilson begs to be released from his "illegal imprisonment, where he is being tortured by invisible, wireless electricity." He also writes with some ire to the hospital Superintendent, Dr. Margaret H. Smythe, about his treatment in the hospital, describing himself as an important inventor whose patents have been stolen. Wilson's inventions included: a reversible, rotary propeller for helicopters and ships; an automatic relighting electric lamp; a puncture proof tire; tire compartments for automobiles; and, a closing tire valve. John Wilson was apparently in contact with V. Covert Martin, a Stockton Record photographer. A Wilson letter addressed to Martin expresses concern that his petitions for release are not being delivered. This collection was previously filed under the pseudonym of "John Wilton."

Physical location:
For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the library's online catalog.
Physical description:
0.5 linear ft.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Processed by Daryl Morrison; rev. by Don Walker; machine-readable finding aid created by Don Walker
Date Prepared:
© 1998
Date Encoded:
Machine-readable finding aid derived from paper by means of scanning and OCR; OCR file edited for typographical errors before encoding. Date of source: 1994; 1998.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Wilson (John) Papers, Mss148, Holt-Atherton Department of Special Collections, University of the Pacific Library

Location of this collection:
University of the Pacific, Holt-Atherton Department of Special Collections, University Library
Stockton, CA 95211, US
Contact:
(209) 946-2404
Website