The Guerra family was one of the most prominent families in early California. The chief figure in the collection is José Antonio de la Guerra y Noriega, who was born in Spain in 1779 and moved to Mexico in 1792. He entered military service as a cadet at an early age, later rising to the rank of captain. In 1801 he transferred to California where he was habilitado of Monterey and later of San Diego. Guerra was comandante of the Santa Barbara Presidio from 1815 until his retirement in 1842. He also engaged in shipping, commercial and other business enterprises, acquired ranchos, and was influential in politics and government during his entire lifetime. In addition he was treasurer of the Franciscan missions in California and a close friend of the missionaries. Guerra was married to Antonia Maria Juliana Carrillo, daughter of Raimundo Carrillo and Tomasa Lugo y Carrillo. His son, Pablo de la Guerra (1819-1875), the other chief figure in the collection, was also active in California politics and government.
From the description of Guerra family collection, 1752-1955 (bulk 1806-1886) (Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens). WorldCat record id: 78610278
