Finding Aid of the John Emmanuel Pitcher Papers C058568
Finding aid prepared by Michael Lange
Society of California Pioneers
04/28/2014
300 Fourth Street
San Francisco, CA, 94107-1272
(415) 959-1849
pkeats@californiapioneers.org
Title: Pitcher, John Emmanuel Papers
Identifier/Call Number: C058568
Contributing Institution:
Society of California Pioneers
Language of Material:
English
Container: B001629
Container: C058568
Physical Description:
4.0 folders
(3 bound and ruled account books, 1 notepad)
Date (inclusive): 1854-1906
Abstract: John Emmanuel Pitcher came to California in 1849, briefly tried his hand a gold mining and then moved to Half Moon Bay, where
he settled on a 200 acre farm. The first 3 folders of his papers contain "account books" which do record transactions but
also act as a log book of activities on the farm; acquisitions of animals, quality and quanities of harvests, personnel records
and work records, travel and activities of family and associates. Folder 1 covers the period from 1857 to 1871; Folder 2 covers
the period from 1871 to 1884; and Folder 3 covers 1882 to 1893. Folder 4 contains a ruled pad used as a copy book for Pitcher
correspondence from 1897 to 1906.
creator:
Pitcher, John Emmanuel, 1827-1924
Conditions Governing Access note
Collection open for research.
There are no restrictions on access.
John Emmanuel Pitcher Papers. The Society of California Pioneers.
Donor and Date of acquisition unknown.
John Emmanuel Pitcher was born July 25,1827 in Vincennes, Indiana. He studied for the priesthood and worked as an engineer
on Mississippi river boats. Pitcher left St. Louis, Missouri for California May 21, 1849, arriving at Great Goose Lake, October
10, 1849. He spent a short time in the gold fields, having little success; he moved to San Francisco and became a general
laborer. There he married Louisa Bray and in 1860 they moved to a 200 acre farm in Half Moon Bay and raised potatoes. Pitcher
became a Justice of the Peace in 1883 and served for over 35 years and was referred to as the "Grand Old Man of the Coast."
He died in 1924 at his home in Half Moon Bay, California.
John Emmanuel Pitcher came to California in 1849, briefly tried his hand a gold mining and then moved to Half Moon Bay, where
he settled on a 200 acre farm. The first 3 folders of his papers contain "account books" which do record transactions but
also act as a log book of activities on the farm; acquisitions of animals, quality and quanities of harvests, personnel records
and work records, travel and activities of family and associates.
Folder 1:Ledger Book and Diary of ranch accounts, 1854–1871, including drawing of planting layout. Lots of pages are cut out,
or have pieces cut from them.
Folder 2: Ledger Book, 09/13/1871-10/28/1882, and diary of ranch activities. Also includes loose papers that were removed
from between the pages of the ledger.
Folder 3: Ledger Book, 1883-1891, 1893.
Folder 4: Loose bound notepad (in poor condition) containing correspondence and transcribed letters, 1897 – 1906. Letters
regarding general family and business transactions with regards to money loaned and repaid.
Existence and Location of Originals note
The Society of California Pioneers, 300 Fourth St, San Francisco, CA 94107.
Related Archival Materials note
C058929 - Letters of John E. Pitcher Bio File: Pitcher is interviewed at the age of 92 in 1918.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
California, Northern - History - 19th century.
Frontier and pioneer life – California
Half Moon Bay (Calif.)
Mines and mineral resources--California, Northern--History
Overland journeys to the Pacific