Description
The collection consists of scrapbooks
of indexes to articles in periodicals, articles, and manuscripts (in 44 volumes) related to
the life and career of Winfield J. Davis, California politician and writer.
Background
Winfield J. Davis (1851-1909) was born in Oneida County, New York, and came with his family
to California in 1862. The family moved from their farm in Placer County to the city of
Sacramento in 1869. There, Davis studied to become a shorthand reporter and wrote for
newspapers including the Sacramento Bee, Daily Union, and the Daily Record; he also learned
the printing and publishing trade. In 1879 he was admitted to the California bar. Davis was
also active in California political affairs, elected to the state legislature (on the
Republican ticket) where he served from 1884 to 1890. In 1891 he was elected a member (and
later became president) of the Board of Education of Sacramento. He wrote extensively on
historical and political subjects related to California, and he is perhaps best known as the
author of "History of political conventions in California, 1849-1892." Davis held many
offices, was historian of the Sacramento Society of California Pioneers, and was well known
in the public life of Sacramento.
Extent
8 Linear Feet
(44 volumes)
Restrictions
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.
Availability
Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at
the Huntington Library for more information.