S2 Episode 2 Part 2 William Heath Davis Part 2 1838 - 1846

I’m diving into Davis’ story because it directly captures Yerba Buena and early San Francisco history, with an insiders look at how one, socially, and financially privileged, foreigner, experienced Yerba Buena, among other … socially and financially privileged foreigners and Californios.

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Transcript

S2 E2

Prologue

Welcome back, dear listeners and welcome any new comers. In my last episode, I described the early history of Yerba Buena, through the eyes of one of its most influential residents, William Heath Davis Junior.

He was one of a few foreigners who lived in Yerba Buena, who witnessed the California province go from Spanish, to Mexican, to American rule. William Heath Davis, is the most famous Yerba Buena/San Francisco resident, you’ve never heard of. Well, if you listened to the last episode, you’ve certainly heard of him. 

I’m diving into Davis’ story because it directly captures Yerba Buena and early San Francisco history, with an inside look at how one, socially, and financially privileged, foreigner, experienced Yerba Buena, among other … socially and financially privileged foreigners and Californios. 

Today’s episode is based on “Seventy-Five Years in California” by William Heath Davis, and also, “An American in California, The Biography of William Heath Davis 1822 – 1909” by Andrew F. Rolle.

In my last episode, I left off in 1838, Yerba Buena, with the arrival of 17-year-old, William Heath Davis, who left the Sandwich Islands, to work with his uncle, at Yerba Buena’s first merchant store. 

Davis’ uncle, Nathan Spear, had a falling out with his business partners in Monterey, and, acquired new business partners. They realized the growing commerce coming in and out of Yerba Buena cove, would equate to future business potential, now that the seaside port was formally established a few years earlier. 

Nathan Spear, purchased  Lot #2, today’s northwest corner of Clay and Montgomery Street, and built a store with an attached residence, and opened a store in Yerba Buena, with Jacob Primer Leese, and William Sturgis Hinckley. There’s a reason I said purchased, versus granted. I’ll get into that in a moment.

To be clear, Yerba Buena Cove had a growing business, that predates the establishment of the Pueblo de Yerba Buena. So, the pueblo was named after the cove, both literally, and chronologically.  This point got lost in time. Actually, the importance of the commerce coming in and out of Yerba Buena, prior to the American take over, got lost in time. 

While working at his uncle’s Yerba Buena store, during his first year, Davis met several influential people, from traders, captains, to government officials. Davis absorbed much of what his uncle taught him, and quickly became skillful and comfortable negotiating prices on large quantities, and, was therefore, able to take on more responsibilities at the store.

1839 was a big year for Davis, Spear, and Yerba Buena. In addition to Spears’ merchant store, Spear has a gristmill shipped from Baltimore, to start what would become a very successful grain milling business, just next to his merchant store and house. Spear was able to adapt this mule powered machinery to also saw lumber, make shingles, turn a lathe, and run a bolting apparatus to refine flour. I believe this was California’s first gristmill, but I’m saying this with a question mark, as I can’t be certain this was the first one. It was certainly a very successful gristmill, though. 

Sidenote: By 1839, there are eight permanent households in Yerba Buena, so this merchant store, and gristmill were not established just for these permanent residents. Rather, these businesses are for the residents of the surrounding area, not so near and really far, who travel from the ranchos, to the Pueblo, and for the merchant and whaling ships coming into the cove two to three months at a time.

Spear was a savvy business man, he knew, if you want business, you have to advertise. So, he has Davis travel by horseback, to advertise the mill’s services to their already existing merchant customers, in search of new customers, both for merchant trading and the new grain milling. Davis quickly began accessing new customers by using boats to reach the rancheros who lived near the Sacramento and San Joaquin river. This is what I mean about people traveling from far distances to get to Yerba Buena Cove, and Spears’ land based merchant store being a game changer for the surrounding area.

The business model went like this; Davis would travel and pick up the customer’s grain, and/or take their merchandise orders, travel back to Yerba Buena to mill the grain, then returned the milled flour, and/or merchandise orders to the rancheros. Apparently, grain production was big business in Northern California. Sonoma’s General Mariano Vallejo, was one of their largest, regular customers.

This advertising campaign, and traveling business model, was pivotal to Davis’ career. With the use of the boat, in addition to the milling business, Davis starts buying cattle, and hides and tallow, from his customers/rancheros. The trading was coming directly to the rancheros’ homes, allowing Davis, and his crew, to literally take care of the heavy lifting, eliminating the rancheros’ need to travel to Yerba Buena, which was historically how the hide and tallow trading for merchandise was occurring. Amazon delivery ahead of its time.

Around this time, Captain Johann Augustus Sutter, also known as John Sutter, the man with the gifted tongue, and the legacy of secretly abandoning his wife and kids in Switzerland, to avoid debtor’s prison, found himself in Yerba Buena. (The more I learn about Sutter, the less I like him.) 

After fleeing Switzerland, for safer territory, Sutter lands in Mexico, and creates a new persona, as a commander. Sutter was a lot of things, but stupid was not one of them. He quickly becomes a Mexican citizen and convinces the Mexican government to grant him land. Once the grant was secured, Sutter made his way up the coast, to Yerba Buena, to obtain the supplies needed to start his own trading post, in this envisioned new colony, he planned to name, New Helvetica, now known as Sacramento. 

At that time, the Sacramento area was primitive land, which Mexico needed some onsite representation, to ward off the interested Americans and English. But, Sutter had no familiarity with the land. So, while in Yerba Buena, Sutter asked Spear for a guide to get him to his granted land. 

Since Davis had already travelled along that route several times, Spear felt this would be a great opportunity for Davis, and so it was. Davis escorted Sutter and his company, to the Sacramento area, and stayed for a bit, to help Sutter set up what would go on to become Sutter’s Fort.

Reminiscing, later in life, one of Spear’s and Davis’ proudest accomplishments, was their part in helping establish, what would become, the capital of California. Their relationship with Sutter, however? That soured. History repeated itself, and Sutter, who tended to borrow money, or buy things on credit, he never planned on repaying, managed to stay warm at night, with all the bridges he burnt along the way. 

Also, in 1839, Davis was given rights to land in Yerba Buena, by the governor. Lot #19, December 9, 1839. Now, Davis was not a Mexican citizen, at this time. So, like his uncle Nathan Spear, who maintained his United States citizenship, both had to outright purchase the land from the Mexican government. 

In Spears’ case, he chose not to become a Mexican citizen, and had to purchase his land. Davis attempted to gain Mexican citizenship, but, was surprised to learn he didn’t qualify for Mexican citizenship, for being arrested in the Graham Affair, which is an interesting Alta California rabbit hole, I’m going down.

Davis’ lot was cataloged as 100 varas, in front of Yerba Buena Beach, right by his uncle’s store and gristmill. By the way, Yerba Buena beach would soon be called Montgomery Beach, for the short time Montgomery Street was beach front property.

By mid 1841, the Pueblo de Yerba Buena now has Spear’s store, and mill, a blacksmith shop, some out buildings, and the very popular, Vioget’s billiard room and bar. Spears’ gristmill is doing very well, in addition to the merchant store.

Hudson Bay Company

However, in September 1841, Spears’ Yerba Buena store faces its biggest competition, when the international Hudson Bay Company opened a store, in Yerba Buena. I’ve intentionally avoided mentioning the Hudson Bay Company in my podcast, until now, to prove a point. History has said there was nothing of importance, in Yerba Buena, until the Hudson Bay Company arrived. Nothing to see here. No one lived here. Nothing of importance to discuss. (I wonder what my past eight episodes are about, then? <Wink>) 

If there was ‘nothing’ in Yerba Buena, why would an international company set up shop in desolate territory? They wouldn’t. There had to be a business reason to do so. And Spears’ successful business selling to incoming ships and rancheros was proof there already a there ‘there’, to invest in.

Jacob Primer Leese, and family, leave Yerba Buena, selling the west two thirds of the block bounded by Kearny, Sacramento, Clay and Montgomery Streets, to the Hudson's Bay Company. That was four separate fifty vara lots, the Hudson Bay Company purchased, which included Leese’s house, where, as the second settler in Yerba Buena, he once lived, with his family, in a large wood two-story building. 

The Hudson Bay Company paid $4,800, half in coin, and half in goods for the land and property. Are you curious to know what that translates to in today’s money? I was, too. That’s $151,340 in today’s money.

Davis was friends with William G. Rae, who ran the Hudson Bay store. Davis writes of spending many late nights and early mornings, playing the card game whist with his friend Rae, and always, as Rae’s playing partner. What is Whist? Whist is a classic English trick-taking card game which needs four players, making two teams.

Davis writes about the Hudson Bay Company, “The company traded in the same way that other merchants did on the coast, sending out their little launches and schooners to collect hides and tallow about the bay, and to deliver goods. And they did a good business until the death of Rae in January 1845. They had no large vessels trading up and down the coast.”

Long story short, the Hudson Bay Company was located very close to Vioget’s bar. Too close, in fact. And this encouraged Rae’s drinking habit. Davis writes of his friend’s tendency for depression. There are a few variations for why Rae’s life ended, but all the stories have the same ending … suicide, by gunshot, leaving his wife and three children, behind.

All of Yerba Buena believed Rae’s death was a great tragedy … they lost their best card player. 

Supercargo

Davis spends a total of four years working at the Yerba Buena store, with his uncle. And, becomes a successful businessman, having established loyal business relationships and friendships. 

In 1842, at his uncle’s urging, Davis leaves his position as the Yerba Buena storekeeper, and starts his own shipping cargo company, then called a supercargo, which means he managed the ship, and sold the ship’s cargo. Two things he was already skilled at doing, but now for himself. 

Davis becomes one of Yerba Buena’s prominent merchants and ship-owners, and is officially following in his father’s footsteps and is very successful with this new venture. Davis spent his life trying to learn about the father he never met, from the people who knew him, and very much looked up to the man he never knew.

And, just like his father, Davis was one of many ships who were smuggling, which, Davis preferred the euphemism “nonpayment of duties.”

Professionally, things are going well for Davis. But … 

Marriage

Now, 21 years old, in 1842, Davis starts thinking about settling down. In his own words, Davis said he could manage his growing business more advantageously if he “married a daughter of the soil, of California or Spanish extraction”. 

Let’s interpret that statement. If you were a foreigner, the fast-track method to furthering your business opportunities in California, was to be a Mexican citizen. The fastest route to becoming a Mexican citizenship was … to marry a Mexican citizen. So, foreign men would strategically marry the daughters of prominent Californios. In Davis’ case, he wasn’t eligible for Mexican citizenship, on his own, due to a prior arrest. Technically speaking the Mexican government could deport an American, for illegally being here. But, that rarely to never happened. But, it could have.

It was more than citizenship, though. If you married the daughter of a land wealthy ranchero, you would inherit her inherited land, as her husband. Said another way, as a Californiana, if your father was land wealthy, with Mexican land grants, you were well sought after. 

The opposite side of that, Californios also hoped this type of marital and business intermingling would side in their favor, when the United States, or England, took possession of California. While Mexican government officials were mostly opposed to this takeover, the rancheros Davis interacted with, were in favor of the takeover. 

My first thought, “Well, yes, of course the Californios Davis is directly doing business with would speak favorably to an American, about the American possession of their state”. And, yes, I’m sure to an extent that was conveniently true. 

However, per cultural Mexican tradition, the suitor has to formally ask the father for his daughter’s hand in marriage. If the father doesn’t agree, the marriage doesn’t go forward. So, this is a two-way negotiation. I’m stating this in a sterile, transactional manner, but there was also true affection and love which accompanied these marriages, as well. 

We are still in 1842, Davis, as the supercargo of the ship Don Quixote, finds himself anchored in Santa Barbara, at a merchant store. 

While Davis is discussing business, a Californio father and daughter walk into the store. That’s Don Joaquin Estudillo and Maria de Jesus Estudillo, who were visiting from San Leandro. Davis was already acquainted with Senior Estudillo, via past merchant trading with rancheros. Actually, Estudillo knew Davis’ father, from earlier merchant trading, several years earlier.

On this day, cupid aims his arrow, for Davis’ heart, and, Maria caught Davis’ eye. Despite meeting in Southern California, she lived in Northern California, in San Leandro, which is in the East Bay, (for my international listeners) close enough to Davis, in Yerba Buena in the San Francisco Bay. Once he returned home, Davis would start making visits to the Estudillo San Leandro ranch, as part of his trading, of course. 

One year later, in 1843, Davis writes “By this time, I was seriously in love with the young senorita I had previously met in Santa Barbara”. But, there was strong opposition in the Estudillo family, from Maria’s older sister, who, according to Davis, was envious of her younger sister possibly marrying before her. 

Maria had many other suitors, which she let Davis know about. She was the daughter of a wealthy Californio.

Davis had already expressed his interest in marrying Maria, while talking to Senora Estudillo.  And, per cultural tradition, in 1845, Davis formally writes a letter to Senior Estudillo, asking for his daughter’s hand in marriage. 

Davis receives a letter back from Maria’s father ... and … the request was denied. Davis believed this was the influence of the older sister.

Davis moved on with his life, diving into his business, trying to forget the rejected marriage proposal. He left for Honolulu, to obtain goods for trading in California, and, visit his family, which kept him away for a few months.

In August 1846, returning from his merchant related travels, Davis was in Monterey, doing business, prior to returning to Yerba Buena. He happened to meet up with his friend, Henry Mellus, who asked Davis to take a stroll along the beach, after they conducted business. 

During this walk, Mellus said, “Don Guillermo, (that’s Spanish for William/Bill) I have something to impart to you that concerns you deeply, regarding one of the daughters of Don Joaquín Estudillo of San Leandro. I have heard the true story about your love affair, and my authority is undoubted, and when it was related to me, it seemed incredible, but it was true, nevertheless. 

La Señorita María never knew you had written her father, and she was in ignorance of the letter he sent you declining your proffer of marriage. I really pity the poor girl, for what she has suffered, during your absence from the coast. I am sure when she learns of your return, she will be more than delighted to see you at her home.” 

Davis returns to Yerba Buena eight months later, in April 1846, but, unfortunately, Davis had thrown himself into work and had obligations that kept him busy. So busy, he didn’t have time to go to San Leandro, now with this news about Maria. He wanted so badly to call upon Don Joaquin Estudillo, and ask to visit his family. But, it didn’t happen.

A month later, May 20, Davis was conducting business in Sausalito, (that’s in the North Bay) where, at the same time … Maria was visiting her favorite aunt, Mrs. Richardson, (William Richardson’s wife. They had left Yerba Buena, and moved to Sausalito.)

Upon learning that Maria was also in Sausalito, at the same time, Davis got in touch with the aunt, who invited Davis over for dinner. It was very clear, that evening, that Maria was happy to see Davis.

The following night, Davis invited the family, including Maria, to dine on his ship. Having recently returned from another trip to Honolulu, he had several items in stock. The dinner menu was:

Chicken soup, chicken salad, boiled turkey and ham, roasted duck, sweet potatoes, other vegetables and fruits, custards, cakes and confections. To wash it down, they drank claret, white wine, champagne, and sherry. 

But, the visit to Sausalito came to an end. As Davis sailed away from Sausalito on the now departing ship, Maria on land, they waved their handkerchiefs to one another, until the ship disappeared into the Golden Gate. Ah.

Two months later, in July 1846, the USS Portsmouth landed in Yerba Buena and claimed the town for the United States. The days of Mexico’s Yerba Buena had come to an end. And, Davis was well positioned to continue to conduct business in the takeover, as he was already well connected with the foreigners, who are no longer foreigners, and the newly made foreigners, who a few days prior weren’t foreigners, in the United States takeover of California.

But, cupid, and Davis’ heart … 

In November 1847, at the Mission San Francisco de Asis, Davis, with the blessing of the father, marries Maria de Jesus Estudillo, in what was considered the grandest event in California history. They settled into the Yerba Buena house Davis had built for his bride, located at Sacramento and Jackson Street. 

Davis did more than marry the woman he was in love with. He married into one of the wealthiest families in Northern California, securing his place in California business, among other prominent landholding families. It would be a handful of years before the Californios would begin losing their land grants, but for now, Davis has married the love of his life, and into a, for now, wealthy California family.

There is so much more to tell about Davis’ life, and I haven’t decided if I want to continue telling his story, but, for today, I will end it here. 

Davis said he could manage his growing business more advantageously if he “married a daughter of the soil, of California or Spanish extraction”. But, affection and love, was also involved in this scenario. Felicidades, Senior Davis. Congratulations.

In the end, it didn’t matter that Davis never became a Mexican citizen. He’s now in the United States without ever crossing a border. He didn’t cross the border. The border crossed him.

Closing

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