The Leidig Papers consist of business records, correspondence, and advertisements. The Papers are divided into three series: Series I covers the earliest and smaller group of records from 1837 until George Leidig's death in 1899, and includes business receipts from his residence in Vandalia, Illinois. Series II, a larger series, includes seven folders of correspondence and business documents. Series III contains two folders of correspondence courses and ephemera. Series II and III were most likely compiled by Robert G. Leidig (1879-1970). The papers from 1900 to 1906 document his business and personal affairs while living and working in Monterey, California. The documents from 1907 to 1909 relate to the years following his move to Carmel.

George Leidig (1828-1899), born to German immigrant parents in Fayette County, Illinois, started his career as a merchant in Vandalia in Fayette County. A purveyor of dry goods and general merchandise, his occupation set an example for his sons to follow later in California. He married Arminda White (ca 1836-1878) in 1855 in Fayette County. After her death in 1880, he married Elizabeth Jeanette Henderson (1850-1947), who became the mother of their four sons. Elizabeth moved from Illinois to California in 1900, a year after her husband's death. Breifly visiting Los Angelos and San Francisco, the family moved to Monterey County, settling in Monterey. In 1902, Robert George Leidig (1879-1970), the eldest son, along with his brother Frederick (1880-1973), purchased stock from the former proprietor and opened a grocery on Alvarado Street, Leidig Brothers. Benjamin and Lawrence, the youngest two brothers attended school at this time. The older brothers incorporated their business in 1903 as the Model Grocery Company with Robert as manager. Robert Leidig also worked as a clerk in the newly constructed Preble Grocery on Alvarado St. in 1904. Moving to Carmel in 1907, the brothers at first worked in Devendorff's grocery then began working for the Preble Co., joining E. A. (Ernest Abraham) Preble in partnership in the Carmel Grocery in 1907. In 1910, Robert married Isabel A. Martin (1885-1961), born at Mission Ranch, Carmel, daughter of a prominent pioneer Monterey County ranch family. Robert's brother Fred (Frederick) married Clara Bell Black (1885-1977) of Salinas, California in 1909. About 1918, Robert left the grocery business to pursue a career in fire equipment sales, eventually becoming chief of the Carmel Volunteer Fire Department. The Leidig groceries were well-known features of early Carmel village and family descendants continue to live and work on the Monterey Peninsula.

1 document case (13 x 39 cm) ; .5 cubic ft.

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