Finding Aid of James Hawley Papers C058876

Finding aid prepared by Samantha Ronzano
Society of California Pioneers
300 Fourth Street
San Francisco, CA, 94107-1272
(415) 959-1849
pkeats@californiapioneers.org
October 29, 2015


Title: Hawley, James, Papers
Identifier/Call Number: C058876
Contributing Institution: Society of California Pioneers
Language of Material: English
Physical Description: 1.0 folder Document of citizenship; 4 handwritten letters to wife (2 typed copies)
Date (inclusive): 1844-1851
Abstract: File contains one certificate of US citizenship for James Hawley, four handwritten letters to his wife Hatty Hawley, and two typed copies of the letters. The certificate is from 1844, and the letters span from 1849-1851.

Scope and Contents note

File contains one certificate of US citizenship for James Hawley, four handwritten letters to his wife Hatty Hawley, and two typed copies of the letters. The first letter is written September 28th, 1849, describing his wages and his friends in San Francisco. The second letter is written November 25th, 1849, further describing his job, wages, and the prices of common goods. The third letter is written February 12th, 1851. James writes to Hatty that she needs to consult with someone about selling their farm, because he does not want to stay in California for much longer. The last letter was written November 26th, 1851, sent from the Mission of San Jose. James states that he was trying to leave his business and go back to the East, but was advised to stay behind in order to protect his business. He asks his wife Hetty to move her and the children out to California.

Conditions Governing Access note

Collection open for research.

Conditions Governing Use note

There are no restrictions on access.

Preferred Citation note

James Hawley Papers. The Society of California Pioneers.

Existence and Location of Originals note

The Society of California Pioneers, 101 Montgomery St. Suite 150, The Presidio of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94129.

Immediate Source of Acquisition note

Gift of the Patterson Estate, date of acquisition unknown.

Biographical/Historical note

Hawley was born in Birgmingham, England, on September 14, 1822 by Thomas and Phoebe Hawley. In 1825 he moved to Brooklyn, New York with his family. In 1844 he became a citizen of the United States in Newark, New Jersey, and in 1845 married his wife Hetty Munn, and together had six children. James arrived in California in 1849 and sent for his family in 1851. He wordk in the carpenter's and builder's trade.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Hawley, Hetty
Hawley, James
San Francisco (Calif.)
San Francisco Bay Area (Calif.)--History