Facsimile copies of the personal, political, land and legal papers of José Antonio de la Guerra y Noriega (1779-1858) and his descendants, who formed one of California's outstanding pioneer families. Don José Antonio went to Mexico from his native Spain in 1792. He entered military service as a cadet at an early age, later rising to the rank of captain. In 1801 he transferred to California where he was habilitado of Monterey and later of San Diego. He was comandante of the Santa Barbara Presidio from 1815 until his retirement in 1842. He also engaged in shipping, commercial and other business enterprises, acquired ranchos, and was influential in politics and government during his entire lifetime. In addition he was treasurer of the Franciscan missions in California and a close friend of the missionaries. He was married to Antonia María Juliana Carrillo, daughter of Raimundo Carrillo and Tomasa (Lugo) Carrillo. Of their 13 children, 9 survived their father. Of their sons, only Pablo became prominent in California public life.

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