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Meeks (William Newton) Papers
mssMK  
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Collection Overview
 
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Description
Papers of San Francisco real estate businessman William Newton Meeks.
Background
William Newton Meeks (1821-1899) sailed from New York around Cape Horn to Valparaiso, Chile, in 1839 to help his brother, Robert Smelt Meeks, in his commercial business in Bolivia. After many political disruptions, Robert moved to Valparaiso, followed by William, who soon left by ship for the California Gold Rush. He entered the real estate business in San Francisco and married Abigail Livia Martha Davis, who had come to California as a schoolteacher. In 1871, Abigail moved their four children to be educated first in Philadelphia and then in Lausanne, Nice, and finally Paris. After her death in 1876, of breast cancer, William and the children returned to California.
Extent
26.60 Linear Feet (22 boxes)
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more information.