Howard, William D. M. (William Davis Merry), 1818-1856.

Howard was a merchant and financier, of San Francisco, Calif.

From the description of William D.M. Howard papers, 1823-1878. (California Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 122642411

Biographical Information

William Davis Merry Howard was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1818 and became a sailor, eventually working on trading ships along the Pacific Coast. He settled in San Francisco and dealt in hides before partnering with Henry Mellus in 1845. Mellus and Howard were successful in the general merchandise business, especially as business boomed during the Gold Rush. Howard assisted in the financial organization and support of the expedition to rescue the Donner Party in 1847. His first wife, Mary Warren, died in 1849 and he soon married Agnes Poett, with whom he had one son, William. Howard became a community leader, serving on the first city council, and was a well-known philanthropist in San Francisco. He also owned a rancho on land near San Mateo. He died in 1856 and, after his death, his widow Agnes married his brother George. Howard Street in San Francisco is named after him.

From the guide to the William D. M. Howard papers, 1823-1878, (California Historical Society)