Guide to the Suyematsu Family Collection

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: H2002-131

Staff Only

Scope and Content

The collection consists of correspondence, various papers, and family history materials. Many personal letters are included. The collection highlights the achievements and activities of the Suyematsu children. Of particular note are letters from Toshiro Suyematsu during World War II. Except in a Dec. 30, 1941 letter about a "presidential order" prohibiting the possession of certain items by aliens, issues faced by Japanese-Americans during the war are not directly addressed. Biographical information (accession H2012-42) about Toshiro was added later.

Dates

1918, 1935-2009

Creator

Suyematsu family (Family)

Language of Materials

English

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Copy Restrictions

Limited duplication of print materials allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.

Biographical Note

Ben T. Suyematsu, born Tsuchio Omaru, left Japan at the age of 16. After a short stay in Hawaii in 1905, he arrived in the San Francisco Bay area in 1906 and apprenticed as a shoemaker. Later, he adopted the name "Ben" and opened his own shoe shop in Oakland. Masa Suyematsu, whose family was acquainted with Ben’s, came to the United States in 1915, when the two were wed. As Masa’s family had no men to perpetuate the family name, Ben had to take the Suyematsu name.

The Suyematsu family came to Wyoming in 1919. Ben worked for the CB&Q Railroad, employment that eventually led to a job in Casper. He left the CB&Q during the national railroad strike of 1922, and opened a shoe repair shop in Casper that he operated for many years.

The Suyematsu’s children, Toshiro (Tosh), King, Sawa, Kiyo, and Taro, were recognized for various achievements and talents in the areas of military service, music, law, and civic service. Another daughter, Alice, died at the age of 17. Much of the collection relates to Tosh Suyematsu, a decorated World War II veteran, Laramie and Cheyenne attorney, Laramie County Justice of the Peace, and U.S. Attorney for Wyoming.

Extent

.5 cubic feet (7 file folders)

Additional Description

Abstract

correspondence, newspaper clippings, comencement programs and family history materials collected by the Suyematsu family of Casper, Wyoming.

Arrangement

Chronologically by record type

Acquisition Information

Donated in 2002 by Carolyn Bentzen. This collection also includes materials accessioned under H2009-43, donated by Randy Suyematsu in 2009, and H2012-42, donated by Tammi Suyematsu in 2012.

Alternate Formats Available

Alternate formats may be available. See container list for more information.

Related Material

H2001-58, Ellen Crowley Suyematsu Collection, Wyoming State Archives.

H2002-50, Suyematsu Collection, Wyoming State Archives.

P2002-32, Suyematsu Photograph Collection, Wyoming State Archives.

OH-1194, Tosh Suyematsu 1987, WWII oral history project, Wyoming State Archives.

Separated Material

Photographs transferred to the WSA historic photograph collection. Artifacts received from the donor were accessioned into the Wyoming State Museum's collection.