Description
This collection contains 25 pieces of correspondence, invoices, ledgers, papers, and stock certificates from Benjamin David
Wilson. Documents are dated from 1856-1872 and some have notations written on verso from 1936.
Background
Benjamin Davis Wilson (1811 December 1 – 1878 March 11) was a California statesman and politician. He was known to the Native
Americans as Don Benito because of his benevolent manner in his treatment of Indian affairs. Wilson, a native of Tennessee,
was a fur trapper and trader before coming to California. He married Ramona Yorba, daughter of Bernardo Yorba, a wealthy and
prominent landowner, and purchased part of Rancho Jurupa in what would become Riverside County. Wilson was made Justice of
the Peace for the Inland Territory and was entrusted with the care of Indian affairs. He was also commissioned to deal with
the hostile Ute tribe over their cattle rustling and other crimes against the ranchers.
Extent
0.1 Linear Feet
(1 folder)
Restrictions
Copyright has not been assigned to the Autry Museum of the American West. All requests for permission to publish or quote
from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Research Services and Archives. Permission for publication is
given on behalf of the Autry Museum of the American West as the custodian of the physical items and is not intended to include
or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader.
Availability
Appointments to view materials are required. To make an appointment please visit https://theautry.org/research-collections/library-and-archives
and fill out the Researcher Application Form.