London Nelson Legacy Initiative

London Nelson, born on May 5, 1800, in North Carolina, arrived in California in 1850 with his enslaver. Arguably the most famous Black resident of the area, his food stand supported the nutritional needs of the budding settler population. His land extended into the the existing downtown area and included the clock tower “Anthony” Bluff, and the river wall area today. It also encompassed the area which incorporated the city, the first post office downtown. The details of his death are contested, following a brief illness resulting in his land being turned over to the white ruling class. His love of the community was cemented when part of his land was deeded to SC public schools enabling its continuation in the years following his death. In California, he seized the opportunity to purchase his freedom using earnings from the goldmines. From his emancipation until his passing on May 17, 1860, Nelson established a successful farm stand downtown along the San Lorenzo river, demonstrating resilience and entrepreneurial spirit in the face of adversity.

Samuel Padmore, born in Barbados in 1807, experienced freedom following the UK emancipation in 1843. He arrived in California in June 1853 from Boston, where he had mined in the Sierra gold fields. Transitioning to Santa Cruz in 1857, Padmore worked as a saloon swamper until his peaceful passing in 1863. His journey reflects the pursuit of opportunity and independence, as well as the contributions of Black pioneers to the development of Santa Cruz.

Lorraine Pickney, born on December 2, 1903, in San Jose, tragically passed away at the young age of five in October 1909, after falling ill shortly after arriving in Santa Cruz in June of the same year. Although his time in Santa Cruz was brief, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the hardships faced by early settlers and the fragility of life on the frontier.

Henry Grant, born on March 14, 1862, in Missouri, arrived in California in 1882 and settled in Santa Cruz in June 1904. Renowned for his skills as a painter and home builder, Grant established a home on Barson Street with his wife. However, his life was cut short by liver failure, and he passed away in June 1908. Grant's legacy as a skilled artisan and contributing member of the community endures, reflecting the resilience and craftsmanship of Santa Cruz's early Black residents.

Andrew Hall, a Civil War veteran and pioneer, made his way to Santa Cruz around 1893 in the company of the Tipton family, who served as legal guardians to Ida B. Wells. Settling near the San Lorenzo River in the predominantly Chinese and Black area of Santa Cruz, Hall became part of the vibrant community that contributed to the city's cultural tapestry and growth during that era.

Jim Nelson, born around 1780, had a remarkable life journey that took him from Denmark to Virginia and eventually to California. As a former seaman, Nelson arrived in California circa 1849 after sailing on the New England Whaler, the "Roman." Known for his diverse skill set as a laborer, he worked in various capacities, from mining to construction projects like the dam at the Tuolumne River. Nelson's colorful personality and adventurous tales, ranging from encounters with Napoleon Bonaparte to his experiences at sea, made him a local eccentric in California. His passing in October 1884 marked the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of adventure and resilience.

Martha Anne Chester, daughter of George Andrew Chester, lived downtown with her family until her approximate passing in 1870. While limited information is available about Martha Anne's life, her presence in downtown Santa Cruz during that period reflects the historical significance of the Chester family in the community.

George Andrew Chester, born on February 22, 1838, in Pennsylvania, arrived in Santa Cruz, California, around 1856 with his family. Throughout his life, Chester contributed to the local economy and culture in various roles, including working at Zaynante lumber camp, serving as a cook for local hotels, and gaining fame as a bootblack with his own stand. His dedication to his community and longevity as one of Santa Cruz's longest-standing Black residents, spanning 40 years, underscores the enduring impact of Black pioneers in shaping the city's history and identity. Chester's passing in April 1914 marked the end of an era but left behind a legacy of resilience and contribution to Santa Cruz.

Mary Theresa Cooper-Chester, born in 1830 in Tennessee, played a significant role in the Chester family as the second wife of George Andrew Chester. Prior to their marriage, she was a widow, and during the 1870 Santa Cruz census, she was documented with the family alongside their three children, aged 12, 10, and 8 at the time. Tragically, Mary Theresa passed away around May of 1875 due to an outdoor accident. She was laid to rest in the local potter's field in Evergreen Cemetery, marking the end of a life characterized by resilience and family devotion.

Martha Barth Chester, believed to have been born around 1828, became the third wife of George Andrew Chester. Arriving in the area in March 1876, she entered into marriage with the widower George. However, their time together was cut short, as Martha passed away just two years later in 1878. She was laid to rest in the family plot, leaving behind a legacy of love and companionship in her brief time as part of the Chester family.

Joseph McAfee, born in 1820 in Mercer County, Kentucky, led a remarkable life marked by resilience and determination. After being deeded to his enslaver's son and relocated, he purchased his freedom as a young man, eventually making his way to St. Louis and then California in 1844 with along the pathfinder trail. Upon arrival he formally joined the bear flag party when they marched on Sonoma in June 1846. McAfee's contributions to California's history were manifold; he registered as a voter, fought in the Bear Flag Rebellion, and became an advocate for voter registration once it was legalized. Known for his industriousness, McAfee owned successful businesses as a bootblack and operated an oyster stand. Tragically, his life was cut short in May 1878 in an unsolved lynching downtown, underscoring the challenges and injustices faced by Black pioneers in the West. His legacy lives on as a symbol of resilience and advocacy for justice and equality.

Date of Birth: Unknown
Birth Location: Unknown
Arrival to California: Unknown
Occupation: Unknown
Address: Unknown
Date of Death: Unknown
Age: Unknown
Buried: Evergreen Cemetery

Joseph Smallwood, a prominent African-American pioneer in Santa Cruz County, led the civil rights movement before the Civil War and Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Born to ex-slave parents in Maryland in 1814, he became a skilled barber in Philadelphia before joining the California Gold Rush in 1849. Smallwood settled in Santa Cruz in 1868, where he championed voting rights, integration of public schools, and sponsored young students to attend the University of California at Berkeley. His 12 years in Santa Cruz were marked by active involvement in advocacy, community leadership, and contributions to the African-American press on the West Coast, leaving a lasting legacy of resilience and equality.

Dave Boffman, born in 1820 in Kentucky, arrived in California in 1851 to pursue mining in Mokelumne. He later settled in Branciforte and rented land in Zayante, where he established a lumber camp. In 1860, Boffman purchased a 45-acre ranch in Rodeo Gulch, but a famous land dispute with Sheriff Porter, stemming from the release of an unbranded colt onto his land, led to bankruptcy and loss of the ranch in March 1861. Following this setback, he worked as a laborer for the Anthony family until his death in September 1893, where he was buried at Santa Cruz Memorial at the feet of Elihu Anthony.