Brown, Thomas A. Collection, 1840s-1890s

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Summary

Title:
Thomas A. Brown Collection
Dates:
1840s-1890s
Creators:
Thomas A. Brown
Abstract:
Extent:
9 document boxes, 5 microfilms, 1 index
Language:
Preferred citation:

Thomas A. Brown Collection. Contra Costa County Historical Society

Background

Scope and content:

This collection was part of a personal archive of pioneer attorney and political leader of Contra Costa County, Thomas A. Brown, covering material from 1847-1885. He was a county judge from 1856-64 and from 1874-80. He served in the State Assembly 1864-68. He was a candidate for U.S. Senate and a judge of the Superior Court of Contra Costa County. He also practiced law in Martinez. The collection contains letters, notes, deeds, mortgages, and other legal documents from many of the early pioneers and settlers of the county. Such names include Horace Allen, Mathew R Barber, Elam Brown, Horace W. Carpentier, Joseph Emerick, Hiram Mills, Napoleon B Smith, Joseph Swanson, and Francis M Warmcastle. There are also documentary material concerning Mexican Land Grants in the county, particularly Rancho Acalanes, Rancho Arroyo de las Nueces y Bolbones, Rancho Boca de la Canada del Pinole, Rancho Canada de los Vaqueros, Rancho Canada del Hambre y las Bolsas del Hambre, Rancho San Antonio, Rancho San Pablo, Rancho San Ramon, and Rancho El Sobrante. Political papers include election returns, petitions, manuscript legislative acts, opinions and briefs, and other legal papers. Other topics include education, transportation and mining in the county.

Acquisition information:
Originally a collection at the Contra Costa County Library.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by Contra Costa County Historical Society staff.
Date Prepared:
1840s-1890s
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on April 17, 2025, 11:29 a.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open for research

Preferred citation:

Thomas A. Brown Collection. Contra Costa County Historical Society

Location of this collection:
724 Escobar Street
Martinez, CA 94553, US
Contact:
9252291042
info@cocohistory.com
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