Store account register (July 1850-December 1852) includes customer names and purchases from the McKinlay store located at Pacific and Pearl streets.

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.

1 account book (6 x 30 x 44 cm.) in case box (7 x 32 x 45 cm.); 1 cubic ft.

Reproduction by Local History Librarian or designated staff; may be restricted due to condition of material.

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