Description
The Stoneman family papers addenda
consists of diaries, family and official correspondence, photographs, ephemera, memorabilia,
and genealogical and historical research files from the family of George Stoneman,
1822-1894, and his wife, Mary Oliver Hardisty Stoneman, 1836-1915.
Background
Although best known for his service in the Union cavalry during the Civil War, Major
General George Stoneman, 1822-1894, extended his career into civil and political spheres
after the war. Near the end of the conflict, he married Mary Oliver Hardisty of Baltimore,
Maryland, with whom he eventually had four children: George J., Adele, Katherine, and
Cornelius. After poor health forced him to resign as commander of the Department of Arizona
in 1871, Stoneman relocated with his family to the "Los Robles" estate in the greater Los
Angeles area. His political career in California began with his appointment as Railroad
Commissioner in 1879, and culminated in his tenure as the state's Democratic governor from
1883 to 1887. Domestic, health, and financial troubles vexed Stoneman by the end of this
governorship, apparently compelling him to seek respite in his native New York circa 1892.
While staying with his sister, Charlotte S. Williams, wife of New York Senator Benjamin H.
Williams, his health continued to worsen, precluding his return to California. He suffered a
stroke in April 1894 from which he was unable to recover. Stoneman died in Buffalo, New
York, on September 5, 1894, and was interred at Bentley Cemetery in Lakewood, New York. His
brother, John T. Stoneman, assumed the role of administrator of the ex-general's estate from
the time of Stoneman's death to 1897.
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from
or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The
responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining
necessary permissions rests with the researcher.