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1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108
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Manuscripts
These papers document the transfer of land in Los Angeles County during the first few decades of California statehood. This collection consists of the original documents certifying the sale, purchase, pre-emption, or surveying of land by sheriffs, clerks, notary publics, and surveyors of Los Angeles County between 1850 and 1889. Some of these legal proceedings partially document the transfer of land ownership from Californio to American hands. Many of these documents are "pre-emption" claims to land made mostly by new American immigrants to California under the Possessory Act of April 20, 1852, which gave individuals the right to claim 160 acres of public lands for the purposes of mining or agriculture. The "inventories of women's separate property" were a result of the California State law enacted on April 17, 1850, entitled "Act defining the rights of Husband and Wife." This collection includes mortgage agreements and releases; inheritances and wills; certificates of sale due to taxes owed, law suits, and foreclosure; claims of preemption; land documents of individuals significant to Los Angeles history including Abel Stearns, Pío Pico, Ignacio del Valle, Francis P.F. Temple, and Benjamin D. Wilson; lease agreements; and additional miscellaneous legal documents relating to land transfers.
mssLAL
Image not available
Manuscripts
These papers document the transfer of land in Los Angeles County during the first few decades of California statehood. This collection consists of the original documents certifying the sale, purchase, pre-emption, or surveying of land by sheriffs, clerks, notary publics, and surveyors of Los Angeles County between 1850 and 1889. Some of these legal proceedings partially document the transfer of land ownership from Californio to American hands. Many of these documents are “pre-emption” claims to land made mostly by new American immigrants to California under the Possessory Act of April 20, 1852, which gave individuals the right to claim 160 acres of public lands for the purposes of mining or agriculture. The "inventories of women’s separate property" were a result of the California State law enacted on April 17, 1850, entitled "Act defining the rights of Husband and Wife." This collection includes mortgage agreements and releases; inheritances and wills; certificates of sale due to taxes owed, law suits, and foreclosure; claims of preemption; land documents of individuals significant to Los Angeles history including Abel Stearns, Pío Pico, Ignacio del Valle, Francis P.F. Temple, and Benjamin D. Wilson; lease agreements; and additional miscellaneous legal documents relating to land transfers.
mssLAL
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Manuscripts
This folder various types of legal documents not included in other folders such as: affidavits, leases, and by-laws.
mssLAL
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Manuscripts
Approx. 140 items: letters, telegrams, news clippings and other material related to the sale of ranch property of Vermejo Club, known as Vermejo Ranch or Vermejo Park Ranch.
mssLAT
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Manuscripts
These items document the loss of land by individuals who owed property taxes. Their land was sold at public auction by the Sheriff for a fraction of the value of the property.
mssLAL
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Manuscripts
This folder includes legal land documents relating to some of the most famous individuals relating to Los Angeles history. While the documents of many significant individuals are included in this collection, this folder focuses on 24 items relating to Francis P.F. Temple, Abel Stearns, Pío Pico, and Ignacio Del Valle.
mssLAL