Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1886-1892 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
15pp
Context area
Archival history
Kerby A. Miller obtained copies of the James Phelan Letters from the Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley on 8 February 1977 during his time as a faculty member in the History department. The original manuscripts are held in the James D. Phelan papers, University Archives, Bancroft Library [reference number BANC MSS C-B 802].
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Transcribed excerpts and complete reproductions of three letters sent from Ireland to James Phelan in San Francisco between 1886 and 1892. Phelan (1821-1892) was a native of County Laois who came to San Francisco in 1849, initially as a trader before switching careers to banking in 1871, becoming the first president of the First National Bank of San Francisco. He also helped organize the Fireman's Fund and other insurance companies, and a company to dredge the Panama Canal. Phelan's son James Duval Phelan was mayor of San Francisco between 1897 and 1902.