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Henry Dalton Papers: Finding Aid
mssDL 1-1196; mssFAC 682  
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Description
This collection consists of the business and personal papers of rancher and businessman Henry Dalton (1803-1884) and his life in early Southern California, with the bulk dating from 1840-1883. Of note are land papers and maps related to Dalton's ranches: Rancho Azusa, Rancho Santa Anita, Rancho San Francisquito, Rancho San José, and Rancho Addition.
Background
Henry Dalton (1804-1884) was born in London, England, on October 8, 1804. On July 7, 1819, at age 14, he was apprenticed to Winnall Thomas Dalton as merchant tailor for a period of seven years. In 1827 Dalton was in Peru, where he purchased for $3000 certain articles in corner Public House in Callao, apparently for commercial purposes. He engaged in coastal trade and commerce in Peru and Mexico, extending his interests in Mexico when he contracted for the purchase of the estate of the Marques de San Miguel de Aguayo. He acquired property in both San Pedro and Los Angeles as early as 1843, from which time he appears to have been definitely established in California. In 1844, he purchased Rancho Azusa from its original grantee Luis Arenas; thereafter Dalton interested himself more in ranching than in shipping, although he maintained his commercial establishment in Los Angeles as an outlet for the surplus production of his various ranches. After 1846, when he charted a cargo vessel between Callao, Peru, and California, he seems to have diminished his trading relations with Peru, but he never abandoned his Mexican contacts.
Extent
2,430 pieces in 15 boxes; 40 bound volumes; 1 tan case; and 13 maps
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.