I know this is a little out of your timeline, but I thought I would ask in case you could refer me to more information. I am following up on a family legend: My Danish grand-uncle Kris Pedersen, was in port at the time of the 1906 quake and his ship was sunk in San Francisco harbour (may have been anchored in open water, most likely docked at a pier). My grandmother had to send him ticket money to get home to England. Where would I find a list of ships sunk in the Harbour or while docked at the Port at the time of the 1906 earthquake?
Thank you

The resources I would recommend are here: Maritime Heritage Project Resources. It seems that the San Francisco Public Library or the research library at the Shaw Maritime Library in San Francisco would have such a list. Quite a few people ask that question so if I come across anything, I’ll upload it.

San Francisco Call, April 23, 1906

LOSS ON WATER-FRONT.

South of Market street the loss on the water-front proper, is comparatively small. Several sheds will have to be entirely reconstructed and small repairs will have to be made to one or two of the docks, but beyond these slight instances the property loss is insignificant.

There is nothing to interfere with the unloading of ships, and steamers at any of the docks south of the Ferry Building, save at pier 2 of Mission dock, where a collapsed shed entirely covers the wharf.

Large quantities of coal/sufficient to supply all present needs of the city, are are stored in the bunkers south of Market street. Additional supplies of coal are in the harbor and in a few days the coal laden yessels will be towed to their docks and unloaded.

Los Angeles Herald, April 23, 1906

The number of visitors and sightseers who are coming to this city have become so great that it is impeding the work of the relief committee of this city. You will confer a great favor on the mayor and myself (Chief of Police Dinan) if you will have guards stationed at every train approaching this city and allow no one to board them unless on business of urgent necessity, or those who are absolutely known to be willing to assist In relief.”

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