Finding aid to the David Spence papers, 1830-1922, undated,
Vault MS 59
Finding aid prepared by Tierney Haupt
California Historical Society
678 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA, 94105-4014
(415) 357-1848
reference@calhist.org
2011
Title: David Spence papers
Date: 1830-1922, undated
Collection Identifier: Vault MS 59
Creator:
Spence, David, 1798-1875
Extent:
3.0 folders
(0.1 linear feet)
Repository:
California Historical Society
678 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA, 94105-4014
415- 357-1848
reference@calhist.org
URL: http://www.californiahistoricalsociety.org/
Location of Materials: Collection is stored onsite.
Language of Materials: Collection is predominantly in Spanish with some English. Language indicated on the item level.
Abstract: Consists of papers of David Estevan Spence, including real estate records for property in Monterey County and San Juan Bautista
(1830-1850). Contains a request by Jose M. Maldonado to build a road near Spence’s property in Monterey County and a letter
from J. A. Sutter to Spence regarding a plot in Sacramento. Also includes a document, dated 1830, regarding the ear mark and
cattle brand used by Spence at his ranch in Monterey. Additionally, the collection contains San Francisco court records documenting
the 1922 case of J. B. Acton vs H. V. Wood and his wife over $55 in unpaid medical fees.
Access
Publication Rights
All requests to reproduce, publish, quote from or otherwise use collection materials must be submitted in writing to the Director
of the Library and Archives, North Baker Research Library, California Historical Society, 678 Mission Street, San Francisco,
CA 94105. Consent is given on behalf of the California Historical Society as the owner of the physical items and is not intended
to include or imply permission from the copyright owner. Such permission must be obtained from the copyright owner. Restrictions
also apply to digital representations of the original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research and educational
purposes.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], David Spence papers, Vault MS 59, California Historical Society.
General Note
Collection originally in portfolio labeled "A.D.S. of Walter Colton."
System of Arrangement
The collection is arranged in two series: 1) land records; and 2) court records.
Processing Information
Processed by Tierney Haupt in 2011.
Biographical Information
David Estevan Spence was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, on October 24, 1798, and arrived in Monterey, California, in 1824.
He worked in the mercantile business before taking up ranching. He acquired Rancho Encinal y Buena Esperanza on the Salinas
plains and later became alcalde of Monterey, a judge, and a member of the state legislature. He died in Monterey on February
18, 1875.
Scope and Contents
Consists of papers of David Estevan Spence, including real estate records for property in Monterey County and San Juan Bautista
(1830-1850). Contains a request by Jose M. Maldonado to build a road near Spence’s property in Monterey County and a letter
from J. A. Sutter to Spence regarding a plot in Sacramento. Also includes a document, dated 1830, regarding the ear mark and
cattle brand used by Spence at his ranch in Monterey. Additionally, the collection contains San Francisco court records documenting
the 1922 case of J. B. Acton vs H. V. Wood and his wife over $55 in unpaid medical fees.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Acton, J. B.
Maldonado, José Maria
Sutter, John Augustus, 1803-1880
Wood, Howard Vincent
Court records--California--San Francisco.
Land titles--California.
Livestock brands--California--Monterey County.
Real property--California.
Bibliography
Sources consulted for biographical note:
"David Spence (1798-1875)." Monterey County Historical Society. Retrieved 7 July 2011 from http://www.mchsmuseum.com/spence_david.html.
Box 1, Folder 1
Land records
1830-1850
Physical Description:
1.0 folder
Letter from J. A. Sutter to David Spence regarding lot in Sacramento
12 June 1850
Language of Material: Item is in English.
Confirmation of purchase of land by David Spence, signed by Walter Colton, Alcalde of Monterey
24 February 1847
Language of Material: Item is in English.
Petition of David Spence for land adjoining that of Simeon Castro, with supporting documents
1831-1835
Language of Material: Item is in Spanish.
Ear mark and cattle brand of David Estevan Spence
1830
Language of Material: Item is in Spanish.
Title to land in San Juan Bautista granted to David Spence
28 January 1850
Language of Material: Item is in Spanish.
Petition of Jose M. Maldonado regarding a road on his property, approved in Monterey
1835
Language of Material: Item is in Spanish.
Box 1, Folder 2
Court records
1922, undated
Physical Description:
1.0 folder
Scope and Contents
The 1922 San Francisco court records regarding the case of J. B. Acton vs H. V. Wood are there to establish connection between
H. V. Wood and David Estevan Spence. A note on the document states that Mrs. Howard Vincent Wood was Miss Eugenia Spence,
daughter of Rudolph Spence. Rudolph Spence was the grandson of David Estevan Spence.
Court summons for H. V. Wood and his wife, San Francisco
25 September 1922
Language of Material: Item is in English.
Court complaint, J. B. Acton vs H. V. Wood and wife for $55
undated
Language of Material: Item is in English.
