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Guide to the William Heath Davis Papers, 1838-1871, Vault MS 86
Vault MS 86  
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Collection Overview
 
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Description
Created or collected by William Heath Davis between the years 1838 to 1871, the collection consists of correspondence, bills, receipts, checks, and two account books documenting Davis' business activities as an employee of California merchant Nathan Spear; supercargo aboard the Don Quixote to Honolulu; agent for Paty, McKinley & Co. in San Francisco; owner of the brig Euphemia; and merchant and landowner in San Francisco.
Background
William Heath Davis (1822-1909) was an early Californian merchant, shipowner, and landowner. Born in Hawaii, he went to work for his uncle Nathan Spear in San Francisco beginning in 1838; served as a supercargo aboard the Don Quixote in 1842-1843; and worked as an agent for Paty, McKinley & Co. in San Francisco between the years 1843 and 1845. The following year he purchased the brig Euphemia with his new partner Hiram Grimes, becoming a major San Francisco merchant in his own right. In 1847, he married the daughter of Joaquin Estudillo, Maria de Jesus, assuming ownership of a large property in what is now San Leandro.
Extent
2.0 folders (0.2 linear feet)
Restrictions
All requests to reproduce, publish, quote from or otherwise use collection materials must be submitted in writing to the Director of Library and Archives, North Baker Research Library, California Historical Society, 678 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. Consent is given on behalf of the California Historical Society as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission from the copyright owner. Such permission must be obtained from the copyright owner. Restrictions also apply to digital representations of the original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research and educational purposes.
Availability
CHS is not taking appointments for research at this time. Please check the Library's website updates: https://californiahistoricalsociety.org/collections/north-baker-research-library/