McKinlay Store Ledger, 1850-1852

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Title:: McKinlay Store Ledger
Dates:: 1850-1852
Creators:: McKinlay, James
Abstract:
Extent:: 1 account book (6 x 30 x 44 cm.) in case box (7 x 32 x 45 cm.); 1 cubic ft.
Language:
Preferred citation:: McKinlay Store Ledger. Monterey Public Library, California History Room Archives

Scope and content:: Entries arranged chronologically within ledgers.
Biographical / historical:: James McKinlay, born about 1804 in Sterling, Scotland, went to sea as a young man. Arriving in Santa Barbara in 1824, he deserted the ship and made his way to Monterey where he was first employed by Jose Amesti on his ranch making barrels. He became an agent for Captain J.B.R. Cooper and eventually owned a schooner trading on the California coast as well as a partner in the trading firm of Fitch and Paty. In 1848, he married Carmen, daughter of Amesti, and became a ranchero. They had four children. McKinlay owned several Monterey buildings, including the Alvarado building and the Pacific House, besides his store. He was a prominent resident of Monterey, became fairly wealthy, and served on the town council during the early American period. He died in Monterey in 1875.
Acquisition information:: Donated by Brian Rianda in 2011

Collection Guide Author:: Finding aid created by Monterey Public Library, California History Room Archives staff.
Date Prepared:: 1850-1852
Date Encoded:: This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:54 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:: By appointment only; contact Local History Librarian or designated staff.
Terms of access:: Reproduction by Local History Librarian or designated staff; may be restricted due to condition of material.

Preferred citation:: McKinlay Store Ledger. Monterey Public Library, California History Room Archives

Location of this collection:: Monterey Public Library, California History Room Archives

625 Pacific Street

Monterey, CA 93940, US