Leidesdorff, William A. (William Alexander), 1810-1848

William A. Leidesdorff, early California trader and official, was born in the Danish West Indies of a Danish father and mulatto mother. In 1841 he came to California as master of the ship "Julia Ann." He engaged in trade between Hawaii and San Francsico, and afterwards began a general exporting business in San Francisco. Leidesdorff became a Mexican citizen in 1844 and received a grant for Rancho Rio de los Americanos, east of Fort Sutter. The next year he was appointed vice-consul of the United States, and remained prominent in the affairs of San Francisco until his death in 1848.

From the description of Papers of William A. Leidesdorff, 1840-1867. (Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens). WorldCat record id: 122593650

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