Collection Guide
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Brown (Andrew) Papers
mssBrown
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Table of contents
Contributing Institution:
The Huntington Library
Title: Andrew Brown papers
Creator:
Brown, Andrew, 1829-1909
Identifier/Call Number: mssBrown
Physical Description:
12 Linear Feet
(2 boxes and 115 volumes)
Date (inclusive): 1856-1896
Abstract: Papers belonging to Kernville,
California pioneer Andrew Brown.
Language of Material: Materials are in
English.
Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at
the Huntington Library for more information.
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.
[Identification of item]. Andrew Brown papers, The Huntington Library, San Marino,
California.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. P. Sumner Brown and Elizabeth B. Pallette, August 1935.
Andrew Brown (1829-1909) was born in Ireland and came to Philadelphia before he sailed
around Cape Horn to San Francisco, California, in 1852. After a try at mining and farming,
he moved to Kernville and operated the quartz mill of Joseph W. Sumner. Later, Brown went
into the mercantile business and owned general stores in Kernville and Weldon. He became
engaged in farming and cattle raising and also built a flour mill and a lumber mill. Brown
served as postmaster and agent for Wells, Fargo Express Company until he retired and moved
to Los Angeles in 1904; he died in October 1909.
The collection consists of the correspondence and papers of Andrew Brown. The collection is
made up primarily of business records and contains over 100 volumes of day books, invoices
and account books. Also included are bills and receipts related to Brown's general store in
Kernville, California, his jobs as postmaster and an agent for Wells, Fargo Express Company,
and his other business interests. Of note in the collection are two account books from 1873
to 1886 for business transactions with Chinese individuals in Kernville. Some of the volumes
are damaged and fragile so use may be restricted.
Processed by Huntington Library staff. In 2020, Brooke M. Black created a finding aid.
Arranged by subject and format.
Former call number: mssBrown papers.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Businessmen -- California -- Kernville -- Archives
Business enterprises -- California -- Kernville
Chinese -- California -- History -- 19th century
Express service -- California -- History -- 19th century
General stores -- California
Postal service -- California -- History -- 19th century --
Sources
Kernville (Calif.) -- History -- 19th century -- Sources
Account books -- California -- 19th century
Business records -- California -- 19th century
Daybooks -- California -- 19th century
Invoices -- California -- 19th century
Letters (correspondence) -- California -- 19th century
Receipts -- California -- 19th century
Wells, Fargo &
Company