Access
Publication Rights
Preferred Citation
Provenance
Biographical Note
Scope and Content
Arrangement
Contributing Institution:
The Huntington Library
Title: Henry Harrison Markham Papers
Identifier/Call Number: mssMarkham
Physical Description:
24.94 Linear Feet
(21 boxes)
Approximately 2,494 pieces
Date (inclusive): 1867-1899
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).
Language of Material: English.
Access
Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department.
For more information, contact Reader Services.
Publication Rights
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.
Provenance
Gift of Hildreth Markham West, February 25, 1936.
Biographical Note
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.
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:
- Davis, John F. Letters concerning presidential election of 1896. April 2 - Nov. 5,
1896.
- Dougherty, O. R. Letter to Markham concerning possible change in location of Pasadena
Post Office. Dec. 9, 1885.
- Fording, T. J. Letter regarding the silver question. Jan. 11, 1886.
- 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.
- Otis, Harrison Gray. Letters to H. H. Markham relating to political conditions and
current affairs. Jan. 6, 1885 to April 13, 1897.
- Sawyer, Lorenzo. Letter concerning bill to create U. S. Court known as Southern
District of California. Jan 24, 1886.
- Smith, George Hugh. Letter also concerning above-mentioned bill. Jan. 14, 1886.
- Letters of the following concerning Railroad Strike of 1894.
- California. Adjutant-General's Office. Sept. 8, 1894
- Dickinson. John H. Aug. 30, 1894
- Dimond, William H. Aug. 29, 1894
- Sheehan, T. W. Aug. 30, 1894
- Smedberg, W. R. c. 1894
- Mining matters:
- Clancy, William. Dec. 6, 1881 - June 19, 1882. (8 pcs.)
- Smith, Gardner H. Jan. 16 - Dec. 23, 1897. (7 pcs.)
- Thompson, M. J. Mar. 25 - May 25, 1897. (4 pcs.)
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).
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Mines and mineral resources -- Arizona.
Mines and mineral resources -- California
Governors -- California -- Archives
California -- Politics and government -- 1850-1950.
Letters (correspondence) -- California -- 19th century
Personal papers -- California -- 19th century
McKinley, William, 1843-1901
Otis, Harrison
Gray, 1837-1917