Description
This collection contains records chiefly related to the years following the failure of the California branch of the express
firm Adams & Co., in 1855, especially as it affected Alfred A. Cohen (1829-1887), the first receiver of the company. Other
subjects include Cohen's business and legal associations (1864-84) with the Central Pacific Railroad Company.
Background
The eastern express firm of Adams & Co. was founded by Alvin Adams of Boston, Massachusetts, in 1840. Nine years later, Daniel
Hale Haskell, one of Adams' trusted clerks, was taken into partnership and given authority to establish a branch of in San
Francisco. The California enterprise was so successful that by 1852 there were offices of Adams & Co. throughout the state,
carrying on an extensive banking business as well as the express service. In 1854 a reorganization of the eastern interests
essentially separated them from the western branch, leaving Haskell and Isaiah C. Woods at the head of the latter, with Adams
as a special partner.
Extent
5 Linear Feet
(4 boxes, 9 volumes, 3 oversize folders)
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 to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader
Services.