Biographical / Historical Notes
Douglas Gunn was born in Southern Ohio in 1841 to Dr. and Mrs. Lewis C. Gunn. He had three sisters along with a brother, Chester C. Gunn. The Gunn family moved from Ohio in 1852 and settled in Sonora, California. Douglas’ father, Lewis, was involved in the newspaper business and became editor of the San Francisco Times. In 1868, the Gunn family moved to San Diego. Initially Gunn served as a reporter and printer for the San Diego Union, and in June 1873 he purchased the newspaper interest from Edward Bushyhead, becoming the seventh owner. Gunn introduced the first steam printing press to San Diego, which greatly increased printing speed and efficiency. He served as the newspaper’s owner for thirteen years, selling it in 1886.
Gunn was involved in various aspects of San Diego civic affairs. He worked to promote the railway line that linked the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe system to San Diego and purchased interest in the rail line. He wrote several literary pieces on San Diego, including a Historical Sketch of San Diego, Picturesque San Diego and San Diego Illustrated. In May, 1886, a new city charter was adopted, which organized San Diego as a city of the sixth class . In December, 1888 fifteen freeholders were elected to frame a new charter and Douglas Gunn was one of the appointees. In 1889, he was elected the first mayor under this new charter and served until 1891. He passed away in 1891 from a heart condition.
From the guide to the Douglas Gunn Papers, 1873-1889, (San Diego History Center Document Collection)
