McKinlay Store Ledger

Finding aid created by Monterey Public Library staff using RecordEXPRESS

Monterey Public Library

625 Pacific Street

Monterey, California 93940

(831) 646-3741

https://www.monterey.org/services/library/history_room/index.php

2023

Descriptive Summary

Title: McKinlay Store Ledger

Dates: 1850-1852

Collection Number: ARC 639

Creator/Collector:

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

Repository: Monterey Public Library

Monterey, California 93940

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

Language of Material: English

Access

By appointment only; contact Local History Librarian or designated staff.

Publication Rights

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

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item]. McKinlay Store Ledger. Collection Number: ARC 639. Monterey Public Library

Acquisition Information

Donated by Brian Rianda in 2011

Biography/Administrative History

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.

Scope and Content of Collection

Entries arranged chronologically within ledgers.