San Gabriel Mission Matrimonial Investigation Records, 1773-1856

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Summary

Title:
San Gabriel Mission Matrimonial Investigation Records
Dates:
1773-1856
Creators:
Mission San Gabriel Arcangel (San Gabriel, Calif.)
Abstract:
The matrimonial investigation records, or "diligencias matrimoniales", are part of a collection of California materials gathered by William F. McPherson, an Orange County rancher, scholar and collector. Predominantly though not exclusively the records of Mission San Gabriel (other California missions are also represented), these investigations of the period 1788-1861 consist of notarized interviews with couples requesting marriage in the Roman Catholic Church. There are 165 investigations in all, with 173 men and 170 women being interviewed. An alphabetical index indicates the folder number of each item.
Extent:
4 feet (2 boxes and 1 large envelope)
Language:
Languages represented in the collection: Spanish
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], San Gabriel Mission Matrimonial Investigation Records. Special Collections, Honnold Mudd Library, Claremont University Consortium.

Background

Scope and content:

Notarized interviews with couples requesting marriage in the Roman Catholic Church for the period of 1788-1861. Though predominately from the San Gabriel Mission, other California missions are also represented. There are 165 investigations in all, with 173 men and 170 women being interviewed. A few baptismal records are also included. An alphabetical index indicates the folder number of each item.

Biographical / historical:

The San Gabriel Mission Matrimonial Investigation Records are significant because they offer a unique insight into the pre-statehood activities of the Mission. Also, they establish many facts concerning the individuals married at the Mission and provide much genealogical detail for descendants. There are 165 investigations in all, with 173 men and 170 women being interviewed.

Acquisition information:
Acquired from a gift by William McPherson in 1964.
Processing information:

Arranged and Processed by Russell Michalak

Arrangement:

Series 1 Matrimonial Records

Subseries 1.1 Men

Suberies 1.2 Women

Suberies 1.3 Indian girls (no surname)

Accruals:

No addition to the collection is anticipated.

Physical location:
Please consult repository.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Russell Michalak
Date Prepared:
© 2008
Date Encoded:
Finding aid encoded by Russell Michalak 2008

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact Special Collections Library staff.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], San Gabriel Mission Matrimonial Investigation Records. Special Collections, Honnold Mudd Library, Claremont University Consortium.

Location of this collection:
800 N. Dartmouth Ave.
Claremont, CA 91711, US
Contact:
(909) 607‑3977
specialcollections@claremont.edu
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