The Abel Stearns Papers are of value chiefly to students of the economic and political history of California. Of particular importance are the materials relating to the following subjects:

Abel Stearns (1798-1871) was born in Lunenberg, Massachusetts. As a young man he spent some years at sea, taking part in the trade with South America and China. About 1826 he reached Mexico and during his residence there became a naturalized citizen. He arrived in California in 1829 and soon settled in Los Angeles, where he made his home for the rest of his life. From a small beginning as a trader and merchant Stearns expanded his activities into the fields of landholding, cattle ranching, mining, politics, education and so forth, gradually becoming a wealthy and influential figure. Because he was a participant in so many important phases of the development of California, his papers constitute a valuable source of historical information.

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