Description
Collection consists of material relating to William Henry Pratt's activities in California from 1882 to 1908, including certificates
of appointment for California and Humboldt County positions.
Background
William Henry Pratt (1827-1911) was born in Saybrook, Connecticut. Following the discovery of gold in California, he sailed
from New York in 1848, arriving aboard the steamer California in San Francisco in February 1849. He returned briefly to New
York before going into trade in California, eventually establishing a hotel and store at Georgetown in 1854 after a series
of business failures. Pratt was actively involved in the Republican Party in El Dorado County and in California and was nominated
for State Senate in 1856 and 1860. In 1861, President Abraham Lincoln appointed him Receiver of Public Moneys at the Humboldt
Land Office in Eureka, California. He was also appointed Collector of Customs for Humboldt by President Chester A. Arthur
in 1883 and as Surveyor General of California by President Benjamin Harrison in 1890. Pratt died in Easton, California, at
age 84.
Extent
1.7 Linear Feet
(4 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 for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more
information.