Isaac Jacob "Jake" Gold (1853-1905)

Notes for Isaac Jacob Gold: 

Married to Lizzie, not to be confused with his sister Lizzie. Jake was imprisoned in the Territorial Prison for wife abandonment. 1885 Territorial census shows Jacob Gold, age 31 with his wife Lizzie age 25, and confirms Jake born in NY. 

From NM Jewish Historical Society Newsletter, June 1999:  Archive Reception  The new and beautiful New Mexico State Records Center and Archives building was the scene of the NMJHS Archive Reception on March 25, 1999. A large and enthusiastic crowd of more than 100 people attended this spectacular event. The program was entertaining and informative. The more than 100 participants listened attentively as Bob Fein, a Society member and Rain God collector, talked about an early example of this famous creation of the Tesuque Pueblo. Bob explained the connection between the Rain God and the now famous early Jewish merchant, Jake Gold. A creative owner of a Santa Fe Plaza curio shop, Jake Gold promoted the manufacture of a pottery figure by the Tesuque Indians. These seated dolls became known as Rain Gods and they became famous items for the tourist trade in New Mexico. They were even used as a premium give-away by a Chicago candy manufacturer who included a Rain God with each box of chocolates he sold. 

Died at the territorial prison for the insane at Las Vegas, NM  OBITUARY FROM EL PASO HERALD  “Noted Santa Fe Character Passes Away in Las Vegas - He Once Lived in El Paso.  Santa Fe, N.M., Dec, 21 - Jake Gold, known far and wide as the proprietor of the ‘Old Curiosity Shop” at Santa Fe, died at the insane asylum at Las Vegas. Death came at the age of 54 years, after a stormy career, in which he made a fortune and lost one. His father, Lewis Gold, was one of the first settlers from the states and a pioneer Hebrew in New Mexico. Gold lived in El Paso for several years back in the early days.”  OBITUARY FROM ALBUQUERQUE CITIZEN  “Jacob Gold Dead At Las Vegas  Jacob Gold, for many years known throughout the west as a dealer in Mexican and Indian curios at Santa Fe, died at ten minutes past ten Friday night at the territorial hospital for the insane at Las Vegas. Mr. Gold, who had been in failing health, both mentally and physically for some time, was admitted to the institution November 9th, of the present year. It is probable that the burial will be in Santa Fe."