This small collection contains an account book 1883-1890, with cash income and expenses for Parsons and son, William B. Parsons, as well as loose letters, receipts and ballots for the Democratic Primary Election.

Henry Fell Parsons was born in England in 1822. Being left an orphan, he came to America at the age of ten years. He lived in New York until he had attained his majority, and then removed to St. Louis, Missouri, where he engaged in mercantile business for several years. In 1849 Mr. Parsons came to California, making the trip with three companions. He brought with him a daguerreotype outfit, under contract with a Philadelphia firm to make views of scenery along the plains. This part of the project was abandoned, however, for it was found impossible to keep the apparatus in order while transporting it on pack saddles.

1 portfolio

Property rights reside with the University of California. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permission to publish or to reproduce the material, please contact the Head of Special Collections and Archives.

Collection open for research.