The documents produced and collected by the Conlin family relate to every aspect of middle class life in Columbia in the 19th century. The largest grouping of materials in the collection relate to the Conlin family’s business and financial records. Their financial struggles and growth is detailed through bank notes and checks, bills and receipts, deeds and mortgages, and similar documents, primarily in the first two decades of the 20th century. Some promissory notes may relate to Conlin’s personal and business loans to others.

John and Julia C. Conlin were married in Massachusetts in 1855 and moved to Shaws Flat, Tuolumne County, California in 1856, where Mrs. Conlin gave birth to the first of her 11 children:

7.7 cubic feet (8 boxes)

Property rights reside with California State Parks. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permission to reproduce or to publish, please contact the California State Parks, Columbia State Historic Park.

The collection is open for research by appointment only. Appointments may be made by calling (209) 532-0150.