Hobson and Macaulay Family Photographs and Papers
Finding aid created by History San Jose Research Library staff using RecordEXPRESS
History San Jose Research Library
2024
1661 Senter Road
San Jose, California 95112
(408) 287-2290
research@historysanjose.org
http://www.historysanjose.org/
Title: Hobson and Macaulay Family Photographs and Papers
Dates: 1850-1933
Collection Number: 1996-104
Creator/Collector:
Extent: 1.5 linear feet (2 boxes)
Online items available
Repository:
History San Jose Research Library
San Jose, California 95112
Abstract: Collection of 19th century photographs, scrapbook, autograph albums and a small number of business records from the George
Hobson and John W. Macaulay families that appear to have been collected by Martha "Mattie" Hobson Macaulay. The bulk of the
collection dates to 1860-1910.
Language of Material: English
The collection is open for research by appointment. The collection can also be viewed in History San Jose's online catalog.
Contact History San Jose Research Library and Archives for information on publication and reproduction.
[Identification of item]. Hobson and Macaulay Family Photographs and Papers. Collection Number: 1996-104. History San Jose
Research Library
Donated to the San Jose Historical Museum in 1996 by Ruth Levett of Palo Alto, who was related to the families.
Biography/Administrative History
The primary thread through the photographs and papers is Martha "Mattie" Hobson Macaulay (1865-1960), who was the youngest
of eleven children of California pioneers George Hobson and Sarah Spainhour Hobson. She married John W. Macaulay in 1883;
they resided in San Jose, with children Hazel and Thaddeus. Macaulay's father John operated a photography business in San
Jose, where the younger John W. worked before going into the clothing business with the Hobson family. He served on the San
Jose City Council from 1898-1906 and was active in real estate.
Scope and Content of Collection
The collection is primarily made up of nineteenth century photograph albums, containing cabinet photographs and baby portraits,
as well as a gem tintype album. Most of the photographs are not identified; however, the baby albums are likely of Hazel and
Thaddeus Macaulay, primarily shot in John Macaulay's San Jose studio. In addition, there are two autograph albums belonging
to Mattie Hobson, clipping on a 1933 Hobson family reunion in Los Gatos, and a clippings scrapbook of obituaries of San Jose
locals. One folder contains a small number of business receipts and promissory notes related to George Hobson (1854-1879).