The correspondence and papers of William Davis Merry Howard, his wife Agnes, and several generations of their family. The majority of the papers are from: William Henry Howard (I), Edward Whiting Howard, and William Henry Howard (II). Collection also includes papers and photographs from Frances Sargent Howard, Olivia Lansdale Howard, Ana D. Whiting, John Kenneth Howard, Olivia Howard, Marion Howard, Anne Howard, Virginia Howard, George Henry Howard (I), George Henry Howard (II), Agnes Howard, George Henry Howard (III) and Henry S. P. Howard.

William Davis Merry (WDM) Howard (1819-1856), originally from Boston, arrived in San Francisco in 1847. Shortly after, he and Henry Mellus purchased the Hudson Bay Company’s San Francisco post. The company saw much success with the influx of the Gold Rush. With his wealth, WDM bought and developed various areas of downtown San Francisco. He became involved with the formation of the city’s government and early efforts to bring law and order and civic infrastructure. WDM served on the city’s first city council, co-founded the Society of California Pioneers, helped form the Committee of Vigilance and donated buildings that served as a hospital and schools for the San Francisco Public School system.

6 linear feet (3 cartons, 3 oversize boxes, 1 box, 1 oversize folder)

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Collection is open for research.