Includes: Manuscript deed of sale from John Charles Fremont to John C. Angell of “one undivided quarter part of my interest in the tract of land called the ‘Rancho San Emidio’…” for the sum of $2,500. Signed by Fremont, with red paper seal. 4 pp. Dec. 16, 1851. * Ms. deed of sale from Francisco Dominguez to Ramon Malo “”all my right, title and interest in the Rancho Sam Emidio,” for $400. Signed with his mark. Jan. 14, 1852. * Ms. indenture deed of sale from Jose Ramon Malo to John Temple, for his share of the Rancho, signed by Malo and his wife; witnesses include Eugene Lies. July 22, 1856. * Ms. deed of sale from Edward S. Hoar to John Temple, for his interest in the Rancho San Emidio, for the sum of $1. Signed by Hoar, with paper seal. Sept. 22, 1856. * Plus approx. 17 additional deeds and indentures selling portions of the Rancho San Emidio, with the parties including Vicente Deffeliz; Guillermo Abadie; Francis P.F. Temple; John Broder; Jose Olivera; E.C. Singletary; Charles Huse; Jose Gabriel Moraga; etc. * Manuscript tax levy for land in Rancho San Emidio belonging to John Charles Fremont, forcing a sale of a portion of it at auction to John Broder. 6 pp. 1856. * Manuscript Abstract of Title for Rancho San Emidio. 11 leaves. 1878. * Plus additional material.
Fascinating and important archive revealing the many twists and turns in the ownership of Rancho San Emidio, culminating in an inquiry made in the 1930s of the Kern County Land Co., then owners of the land, from a descendent of Francisca Villa de Dominguez, who claimed that her grandmother had sold $5,000 acres of land to John Charles Fremont, but that they were to split any proceeds from mineral rights. Her inquiries were rebuffed, though she persisted, and the compilation of the present documents may be in response to her pursuit of justice.