Henry Harrison Markham Papers, 1867-1899

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Summary

Abstract:
This collection consists of letters and documents related to the life and interests of California governor Henry Harrison Markham (1867-1899). Subjects include: political trends in California, the California gubernatorial campaign of 1890, the 1896 election of President McKinley, and mining in California and Arizona (including some deeds of mining claims and reports).
Extent:
24.94 Linear Feet (21 boxes)
Language:
English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item]. Henry Harrison Markham Papers, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of letters and documents related to the life and interests of Henry H. Markham. These papers deal mainly with the politics of the late 1800s, but include many from his files, dealing with mining and his other business interests. Subjects include: political trends in California, the California gubernatorial campaign of 1890, the 1896 election of President McKinley, and mining in California and Arizona (including some deeds of mining claims and reports). Persons represented in the collection include: Charles Frederick Holder (6 pieces), Henry Harrison Markham (84 pieces), Harrison Gray Otis (20 pieces) and Lorenzo Sawyer (1 piece).

Some notable items include:

  1. Davis, John F. Letters concerning presidential election of 1896. April 2 - Nov. 5, 1896.
  2. Dougherty, O. R. Letter to Markham concerning possible change in location of Pasadena Post Office. Dec. 9, 1885.
  3. Fording, T. J. Letter regarding the silver question. Jan. 11, 1886.
  4. Jones, John W. Letter to H. H. Markham commenting on and enclosing a clipping relating to the part Senator Stanford took in the California campaign of 1890. Nov. 10, 1890.
  5. Otis, Harrison Gray. Letters to H. H. Markham relating to political conditions and current affairs. Jan. 6, 1885 to April 13, 1897.
  6. Sawyer, Lorenzo. Letter concerning bill to create U. S. Court known as Southern District of California. Jan 24, 1886.
  7. Smith, George Hugh. Letter also concerning above-mentioned bill. Jan. 14, 1886.
  8. Letters of the following concerning Railroad Strike of 1894.
  9. California. Adjutant-General's Office. Sept. 8, 1894
  10. Dickinson. John H. Aug. 30, 1894
  11. Dimond, William H. Aug. 29, 1894
  12. Sheehan, T. W. Aug. 30, 1894
  13. Smedberg, W. R. c. 1894
  14. Mining matters:
  15. Clancy, William. Dec. 6, 1881 - June 19, 1882. (8 pcs.)
  16. Smith, Gardner H. Jan. 16 - Dec. 23, 1897. (7 pcs.)
  17. Thompson, M. J. Mar. 25 - May 25, 1897. (4 pcs.)
Biographical / historical:

Henry Harrison Markham (1840-1923) was born in Wilmington, Essex County, New York, on November 16, 1840. He received his education in his native town, and in Wheeler's Academy, in Vermont. In 1861 he entered the army and served in the infantry throughout the Civil War, being honorably discharged after he was seriously wounded in the battle of River's Bridge in 1865. He practised law in Wisconsin from 1867 until 1879, when he moved to California. He settled in Pasadena and soon became a prominent and influential citizen of the county. In 1884 he was elected representative to Congress from the Sixth District and was successful in securing passage of several important measures, such as the establishment of a national soldiers' home in Santa Monica, and the securing of appropriations for improving various harbors on the California coast. He was elected governor of the state in 1890, and served for one term.

His business enterprises were rather varied, but his chief interests were in gold and silver mining.

He died October 9, 1923, and was survived by his wife, Mary Adams (Dana), of Waukesha, Wis., and four daughters.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Hildreth Markham West, February 25, 1936.
Arrangement:

Arranged in the following series: 1. Correspondence (Boxes 1-19); 2. Misc. personal and business papers (Box 20); 3. Legal and business papers (Box 21).

Physical facet:
Approximately 2,494 pieces
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.

Terms of access:

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.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item]. Henry Harrison Markham Papers, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Location of this collection:
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108, US
Contact:
(626) 405-2191
reference@huntington.org
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