Guide to the William Heath Davis Papers, 1838-1871,
Vault MS 86
Finding aid prepared by California Historical Society staff.
California Historical Society
678 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA, 94105-4014
(415) 357-1848
reference@calhist.org
© 2000
Title: William Heath Davis papers
Date: 1838-1871
Collection Identifier: Vault MS 86
Creator:
Davis, William Heath, 1822-1909.
Extent:
2.0 folders (0.2 linear feet)
Contributing Institution:
California Historical Society
678 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA, 94105-4014
(415) 357-1848
reference@calhist.org
URL: http://www.californiahistoricalsociety.org/
Physical Location: Collection is stored onsite.
Language of Materials: Collection materials are mostly in English. The Pio Pico letter and William E. P. Hartnell receipt are in Spanish.
Abstract: 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.
Access
Collection is open for research.
Publication Rights
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.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], William Heath Davis papers, Vault MS 86, California Historical Society.
Acquisition Information
The collection was given to the California Historical Society by C. Templeton Crocker, forming part of the Templeton Crocker
Collection. At least two items were added later: the John Parrot letter, donated by Mrs. George D. Lyman in 1951; and the
Taafee, M'Cahill & Co. bill, donated by James Abajian in 1952.
System of Arrangement
Papers are arranged in chronological order.
Biographical Information
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.
Scope and Contents
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.
The collection contains nine letters written to Davis by John C. Jones, John A. Sutter, Pio Pico, Hiram Grimes, Thomas O.
Larkin, W. Richardson, Anthony Ten Eyck, and John Parrott. Many of the bills, checks, and receipts in the collection are also
signed by prominent early Californian businessmen, including William E. P. Hartnell and Samuel Brannan. The account books
were kept by Davis while he was a supercargo aboard the
Don Quixote and an agent for Paty, McKinley & Co., and record purchases and payments made between the years 1842 and 1846.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Don Quixote (Ship).
Euphemia (Brig).
Paty, McKinley & Co.
Account books.
Businessmen--California.
California--Commerce--Hawaii.
Merchants--California.
Real property--California--San Francisco.
Receipts.
Supercargos--California--Correspondence.
Correspondence and other papers
1838-1871
John C. Jones letter to William Heath Davis
1838 August 17
Scope and Contents
John C. Jones of Santa Barbara addresses a handwritten letter on one page of a folded sheet to William Davis of San Francisco.
(The letter was sent to William Davis in care of Mr. Nathan Spear, San Francisco, and with the name of Mr. Larkin in the lower
left corner of the address fold on the reverse, accompanied by a red sealing wax closure.) Jones acknowledges receipt of Davis'
letters from Monterrey (sic) and from San Francisco, and marvels that he has learned to write English so well. Jones says
he has also heard from Mr. Spear, who thinks he can find a job for Davis on the coast, and advises Davis to stay in San Francisco
and listen to Spear's wise advice. However, if Spear cannot find Davis a job, Jones suggests Davis come to him in Santa Barbara
with Capt. Paty. Jones recommends that Davis always be honest and honorable, and promises to do all he can to help Davis in
the future.
J. A. Sutter letter to William Heath Davis
1840 March 12
Scope and Contents
J. A. Sutter, writing from Nueva Helvetia on the Sacramento River, sends a handwritten letter on one page of a folded sheet
to W. Davies (sic) of Yerba Buena. (The letter was addressed to W. Davies (sic), Yerba Buena, on the reverse.) Sutter acknowledges
Davis' letter of February 27. He says he is returning the earrings because they are too expensive. He thanks Davis for all
the news contained in his letter, particularly about the Schooner Morse being in Yerba Buena. Sutter asks Davis to write to
him as often as possible with whatever news there might be. Sutter says Mr. Sinclair sends his best to Davis and to Capt.
Paty, Mr. Norton, and A. Talman. He asks Davis to tell Alexander to write to him about his voyage.
Custom's receipt, signed by William E. P. Hartnell
1846 April 4
Scope and Contents
William E. P. Hartnell signs a custom's receipt, written in Spanish in Monterey, indicating that Guillermo Davis has paid
a total of $37.50 ($25.00 for off-loading cargo from the brig Euphemia and $12.50 in dock fees). An official seal has been
stamped in the upper left corner.
Pio Pico letter to William Heath Davis
1846 June 10
Scope and Contents
A letter to Guillermo Davis is handwritten in Spanish from "Angeles" by Pio Pico. Pico asks Davis to order five measures of
corn and one of beans and to deliver them to the Sub-Prefect of Santa Barbara. Pico tells his friend that he is sorry to cause
him such bother.
Hiram Grimes letter to William Heath Davis
1846 June 27
Scope and Contents
Hiram Grimes, writing from Honolulu, addresses a letter of introduction, handwritten on a folded sheet, to William H. Davis.
(The letter was addressed on the reverse simply to William H. Davis, Esquire, Coast of California.) Grimes is introducing
Mr. Brannan, leader of the "new colony," and asks that Davis provide Brannan with information "concerning the country, etc."
Receipts for armaments
1846 September 12 and 14, October 10
Scope and Contents
A series of six receipts, handwritten on a folded sheet, are for armaments which Davis purchased from various people in Yerba
Buena for the government. Each receipt is signed by the seller; five of them have been witnessed by another party. The receipts
are as follows: $35 for a rifle bullet mould, pouch, and powder horn purchased from William H. Ide; $8 for a pair of pistol
holsters purchased from E. Ward Pell; $30 for a rifle bullet mould, powder horn, and leather pouch purchased from William
Mast; $50 for a rifle bullet mould, shot pouch, and powder horn purchased from William B. Brown; $35 for a rifle bullet mould
and powder horn purchased from John Sullivan; and $38 for a rifle bullet mould and powder horn purchased from John Paty.
Thomas O. Larkin letter to William Heath Davis
1846 October 22
Scope and Contents
Thomas. O. Larkin, writing from Yerba Buena, addresses a handwritten letter to W. H. Davis. Larkin tells Davis that some of
the papers he is leaving with him are valuable. He asks Davis to deliver the papers to Messrs. Rivera, Vallejo, and Leace
via responsible persons and to record the name of the persons to whom these papers are entrusted for delivery. Larkin instructs
Davis to send the smaller letter to Don Guadalupe, "filling up the blanket." A note at the bottom of the page dated October
28, 1946, indicates that the first three letters were taken by W. H. Davis and Mr. J. Belden. A further note dated November
15 says that a letter directed to Vallejo was sent by Portsmouth's boat with a "Russian Bill."
Thomas O. Larkin letter to William Heath Davis
1847 March 11
Scope and Contents
Thomas O. Larkin, writing from Monterey, addresses a handwritten letter to William H. Davis. Larkin asks Davis to keep to
himself the information he told Larkin about another person having a deed for the land of which they had spoken. Larkin says
he has reason to believe that Davis' title to the lot behind Larkin's Vallejo land is not valid. He thinks that Hinckley's
title died with him. Larkin advises Davis to innocently ask for his title from the Alcalde and says this will cost $16. Larkin
says he has been given possession of his land near Davis' by Alcalde Bartlett. A translation of this title was given to Surveyor
O. Farnet last year along with orders to survey the land. Larkin asks Davis to urge Farnet to get on with the survey. Larkin
also says he hears that some brickmaking is going on on his land. He asks Davis to see that Mr. Sherman enter into a contract
with the brickmakers to earn Larkin as close to 5% of their proceeds as possible for the privilege of extracting clay and
firewood from his land. In a postscript, Larkin asks Davis to send him a blackboard.
Receipt for the
Californian, signed by R. R. Buckelew
1847 September 25
Scope and Contents
A handwritten receipt, signed by R. R. Buckelew in San Francisco, indicating that W. H. Davis subscribed to the
Californian from August 28, 1847, for one year for $5.
Receipt for the brig
Euphemia, signed by Joseph Lanman
1848 January 11
Scope and Contents
A handwritten receipt, signed by Joseph Lanman, directs Mr. Sherman to pay $19.95 to Governor Mason for tonnage duty for the
Hawaiian brig
Euphemia. A further receipt on the same page from the Customs House in Monterey indicates that $19.95 was received by R. B. Mason
on the same date.
Shipping receipt, signed by Thomas Andrews
1848 January 18
Scope and Contents
A printed shipping receipt is signed in Monterey by Thomas Andrews, master of the ship
Charles, bound for Honolulu. It indicates that W. H. Davis entrusted $500 in gold to Andrews and directed it be delivered to Messrs.
Kenway & Robertson. By his signature, Andrews agreed to carry out this directive, "the dangers of the seas only excepted."
W. Richardson letter to William Heath Davis
1848 May 12
Scope and Contents
W. Richardson of Sausalito writes to W. H. Davis to order 4 or 5 bags of salt and 4 of good sugar. He says that his launch
will "be over with anchors for the government." He asks Davis to deliver the order to Jim, who will be in charge of the launch.
Richardson sends regards to Mrs. Davis. In the bottom left corner, he has written: 3 doz. spool cotton, 1/2 yd. silk [?] and
2 lbs. Almaden.
Invoice and receipt from the Civil Government of California, signed by E. R. Falkner and Capt. Joseph L. Folsom
1848 May 20
Scope and Contents
A printed invoice and receipt from the "Civil Government of California" is signed by E. R. Falkner and by Capt. Joseph L.
Folsom, Assistant Quartermaster for the Port of San Francisco. Folsom states that the he received a safe valued at $350 and
Falkner indicates that Folsom paid him $350 for same.
Bill, signed by S. Brannan
1848 January 15-June 10
Scope and Contents
A handwritten bill, signed by S. Brannan, indicating that W. H. Davis paid him $73.75 for six month's advertising in the
Star.
Bill of lading, signed by Benjamin Hill
1848 December 30
Scope and Contents
A printed shipping receipt is signed in San Francisco by Benjamin Hill, master of the ship
Rhome, bound for China. It indicates that W. H. Davis shipped one bag containing $2,000 in gold dust on Hill's ship and directed
that it be delivered to J. M. Finley. By his signature, Hill agrees to carry out this directive, "the dangers of the seas
only excepted."
Business license, signed by P. C. Lauder
1849 September 12
Scope and Contents
P. C. Lauder, Collector, signs this blue printed license, No. 7, indicating that William H. Davis paid $100 for a license
to run "a wholesale jobbing and retail business on Montgomery Street" for a period of three months, ending on December 11,
1849.
Bill of sale, signed by R. Semple
1849 November 3
Scope and Contents
R. Semple signs this bill of sale for a house, indicating that he has transferred ownership of it to James C. Ward of San
Francisco for the sum of $2,000. The "framed house" is identified as the ferry house on the south side of the Carquinez Straits
in the town of Martinez. W. Robinson and Eltoon (sic) Pfister sign as witnesses. A notation on the reverse indicates that
the bill of sale was recorded on July 3, 1850, over the signature of Thomas A. Brown, Contra Costa County Recorder.
Anthony Ten Eyck letter to William Heath Davis
1849 December 1
Scope and Contents
Anthony Ten Eyck writes this letter from Honolulu to William H. Davis in San Francisco. (A printed letterhead identifies Ten
Eyck as the former U. S. Commissioner to the Sandwich Islands and, since October 1849, a real estate attorney in San Francisco.)
Ten Eyck tells Davis that ever since he returned to Honolulu from San Francisco last summer, news has been delivered almost
weekly that Mr. Eanus [?], his replacement, was about to arrive. Members of the American community in Honolulu are urging
Ten Eyck not to leave until Eanus arrives. Now Ten Eyck has heard from the ship
Massachusetts that Eanus will not be coming at all. Ten Eyck says he had expected to be in San Francisco by the past October (see letterhead
described above) at which time he sent his books on the brig
Lawrence. If he waits for a replacement, Ten Eyck says he would have to stay in Honolulu for another three to six months. Not willing
to do this, he has decided to leave as soon as he can after January 1,1850 -- whether or not a replacement appears. Ten Eyck
asks about the "Contra Costa speculation," hopes Davis has been successful in purchasing it and, if not, that he will do so
immediately. Ten Eyck says he was sorry to hear about Spear's death. He asks Davis to have an office ready for him in San
Francisco by February 1. He sends regards to Mrs. Davis and Mr. Lynds.
State Commissioner's notice
1850 July 17
Scope and Contents
A notice from Denis McCarthy, Street Commissioner, printed on small blue folded paper and addressed to William H. Davis, notifies
him that the street opposite his property on Stockton Street will be graded, planked and otherwise improved. If Davis has
any objections, he must register them within ten days.
Tax assessment bill
1850 October
Scope and Contents
A tax assessment bill, printed on small blue paper, is made out to William H. Davis, indicating payment of a total of $2,019
and signed by William M. Irwin, City Collector. On the reverse, this total is broken down into a listing of properties: lot
93 on Stockton Street, lot 2 on Clay Street, lot 26 on Montgomery Street, lot 1166 on Leavenworth Street, lot 1262 on Hyde
Street and lot 256 on Harrison Street; beach water lots 229, 230, 231 and 587 on Front Street; the brick Custom House and
a frame building; and personal property.
First California Guard notice
1850 October 4
Scope and Contents
A printed notice from J. E. Durinoge [?], Assistant Secretary of the First California Guard, notifies W. H. Davis of a meeting
at the Armory on October 5 at 8 p.m.
Assessment, signed by Joseph Weed
1850 October 5
Scope and Contents
An assessment signed by Joseph Weed, Collector of Assessments for the Street Commissioner's Office, indicates that William
H. Davis paid $1,796.43 for grading and planking Clay Street from Montgomery to Kearney. Davis' assessment, figured at the
rate of 13.06 and 1/2¢ per foot, was for 137 and 1/2 feet on the north side of Clay Street.
Assessment bill, signed by David N. Chauney
1850 October 7
Scope and Contents
A tax assessment bill, printed on large folded blue paper, is made out to W. H. Davis, indicating payment of a total of $2,069
and signed by David N. Chauney, County Treasurer. The total is broken down in a listing of properties it covers: lots on Clay
at Montgomery, on California at Montgomery, on Stockton at Jackson, plus lots 1116, 1262, and 256; and water lots 229, 230,
231 and 587.
Page, Bacon & Co. check
1850 December 3
Scope and Contents
A printed Page, Bacon & Co. check for $1272.35 is made out to John Parrott and signed by Charles W. Lawton, attorney for William
H. Davis.
William Heath Davis note to Messrs. Sanders & Brenham
1853 January 13
Scope and Contents
A handwritten directive, signed by William H. Davis in San Francisco and addressed to Messrs. Sanders & Brenham asks the latter
to pay Edward Visher $600 and charge this to Davis' account. The reverse has been signed by Visher.
John Parrott letter to William H. Davis
1855 February
Acquisition Information
This letter was given to California Historical Society in memory of George D. Lyman by Mrs. Lyman in 1951.
Scope and Contents
A letter handwritten on folded and lined blue paper is addressed to William H. Davis from John Parrott in San Francisco. Parrott
asks Davis to "come over to this City" as soon as possible with all available funds Davis can gather. Parrott says he makes
this demand because of "the extraordinary state of affairs existing at present in this City" and because of his involvement
in these affairs. Parrott ends by saying he hopes Davis will come to San Francisco this afternoon or tomorrow at the latest.
Taaffe, M'Cahill & Co. bill
1856 February 13
Scope and Contents
A bill, filled in by hand on a blue printed form, is addressed to William H. Davis from Taaffe, M'Cahill & Co. (purveyors
of staple and fancy dry goods, clothing, etc.), located in a fire-proof building on Front Street at the corner of Sacramento
Street. The bill is for $37.13 worth of unspecified merchandise purchased on January 1, 1854.
Acquisition Information
This bill was given to California Historical Society by James Abajian in February 1952.
Bill for the steamship
Moses Taylor, signed by C. A. Hughes
1871 March 13
Scope and Contents
A bill, filled in by hand on a printed form, is addressed to William H. Davis and signed by C. A. Hughes, Purser of the steamship
Moses Taylor. (An engraving of the Moses Taylor under full steam, sail and with paddlewheel spinning, appears on the top left.)
The bill is for a total of $4.72, representing $4.50 for four packages measuring 30 feet plus 22¢ for 5% "primage".
Account book
1842-1846
Scope and Contents
This account book is sewn into a soft leather cover on which has been written "Account Book / May 25th 1842 / William H. Davis."
On the flyleaf in pencil is written:
"Sailed from Oahu May 31st 1842, in the Barque
Don Quixote for the Coast of California. Commenced services on board Barque
Don Quixote June 1st 1842 40$ pr. month."
"Sailed from Sta. Barbara Feb. 14th for Oahu arrived at Oahu Mch 15th. Sailed from Oahu May 2, 1843 at 10 minutes past one
P. M. for California."
"Commenced services with Bark
Don Quixote July 17th 1843 60$ per month."
Following this introduction are facing pages listing purchases from and payments to W. H. Davis by the following customers:
E. J. H. Grimes, Stephen Reynolds, Robert G. Davis, Eugenio Montenegro, Thomas O. Larkin, Mrs. Kinlock, the ship's carpenter,
Thomas Jones, Nathan Spear, Mr. Rae's clerk, Mrs. Fuller, Juana Briones, Robert Ridley, Mrs. Ignacia Lopes, Eli Southworth,
Robert Birnei, John C. Jones, Antonio Pacheco, J. P. Thompson, D. M. Howard, Capt. Henry D. Fitch, William S. Hinckley and
William G. Rae.
Most of the items listed as purchases in this account book are clothing (jackets, gloves, handkerchiefs, suspenders, stockings)
and yard goods, including lace and animal hides.
On the last page is written: "Sailed from Oahu in Brig
Euphemia, Thomas Russom master, Febry 23, P. M. 1846 for Monterey coast of California."
Account book
1843-1845
Scope and Contents
This account book has been hard-bound. Inside on the first page is written "William Heath Davis / Accounts Book / Yerba Buena,
1843-45." In the body of the book are facing pages listing purchases from (and in a few instances, payments to) W. H. Davis
by the following customers: Guillermo Castro, Ygnacio Martines, José Martines, Vicente Martines, Hilaria Reed, Francisco de
Harro, Ygnacio Peralta, Jaukin (sic) Carrillo, José Anto. Alvisu (sic), Jesus Ma. Castro, Guillermo Richardson (the man who
built the first house in Yerba Buena), Manuel Sanchez, Charles Weber, Joseffa Benevides, Juan Prado, Anto. Armijo, Juana Estudillo,
José Ma. Amador, Doça Carmen, Francisco Peralta, Jesus Noe, Victor Castro, Anto. Ma. Castro, Tibucio Vasques, Paula Sanchez,
Ygnacio Pacheco, Domingo Sais, Ignacio Miramontes, Ysidro José Sanches, Victor Prudon, Joaquin Castro, Marcus Baca, Vicente
Peralta, Domingo Peralta, José Peça, José de la Cruz Sanchez, Francisco Sanches, Bruno Valencia and wife, Rodulfo Miramontes,
Vicente Miramontes, Ygnacio Lopez, Thimoty (sic) Murphy, Ygnacio Alviso, George Yunt (sic), Ma. E. Soto de Bernal, Chino Sanches,
Domingo Felis, Salvador Valejo (sic), Gregorio Breones, Robert Livermore, Juan C. Galindo, Dr. Edward Bale, Antonio Ma. Peralta,
Antoneo (sic) Soto, Guadaloupe Mesa de Peça, Elias Barnett, Julia Sanches and Antonio Pacheco.
As in the earlier account book, most of the items listed as purchases are clothing (shirts, caps, shoes, pantaloons, shawls,
trousers), yard goods and related notions (silk, cotton, muslin, thread, buttons, hooks and eyes, scissors), cigars and tobacco,
food (rice, almonds, sugar, beans, spice, wine), hardware (files, latches, brads, knives), and feed for animals and animal
hides.
