Collection context
Summary
- Creators:
- Stearns, Abel, 1798-1871
- Abstract:
- This collection chiefly consists of correspondence addressed to Southern California businessman and politician Abel Stearns (1798-1871), relating to his early business affairs. Included are materials containing information on American trade in Cuba, Argentina, Mexico and California, with comments on the political situations in those countries and in the United States.
- Extent:
- 81 pieces in 1 box
- Language:
- The records are in English and Spanish .
Background
- Scope and content:
-
Correspondence of Abel Stearns, chiefly letters addressed to him, relating to his early business affairs. Included are materials containing information on American trade in Cuba, Argentina, Mexico and California, with comments on the political situations in those countries and in the United States, the political situation in the Rio de la Plata region and the early exploits of Juan Manuel de Rosas. Also included are letters on the shoe trade in Cuba and the United States.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Abel Stearns was a pioneer ranch owner and businessman in Los Angeles, California. As a young man, he left his native Massachusetts to engage in South American and China shipping trade. He went to Mexico in 1826, became a naturalized citizen, and in 1829 moved to Monterey, Calif. By 1833, he settled in Los Angeles where he became a wealthy businessman and influential politician.
- Acquisition information:
- Gift of Mr. George W. Alfs, September, 1980.
- Rules or conventions:
- Finding Aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.
- Location of this collection:
-
1151 Oxford RoadSan Marino, CA 91108, US
- Contact:
- (626) 405-2191