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Portrait of Governor Newton Booth

Newton Booth

11th Governor, Republican
(1871-1875)

- Short Biography
- Administration
- Personal information
- This Time in California

 

Biography*
Born in Indiana in 1825, Newton Booth was a lawyer who came to California and enjoyed success as a wholesale grocer prior to his election as State Senator. As Governor, he had strong opinions and a penchant for using the veto. In 1873, Booth helped to organize a new political party, the "Dolly Vardens", and with their support he was elected to the U.S. Senate. Since his swearing-in ceremony was not to take place until 18 months later, he remained in office as Governor despite being elected to the Senate. This controversial move prompted an attempt to amend the state constitution to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future. A bachelor while in office, booth did not marry until age 68, then died only five months later. Booth, who was considered to be one of the great public speakers of his day, died of cancer of the tongue.

top Administration under Governor Newton Booth

- Inaugural Address - December 8, 1871

top The Life of Governor Newton Booth

Born
December 30, 1825
Salem, Indiana

Died
July 14, 1892
Sacramento, California

Family

top This Time in California, the Nation, the World
1871 1872 1873 1874 1875
Chinese massacre in Los Angeles

California Historical Society formed

 

Last Indian war (Modoc ) breaks out

 

     
         
         


* All Biographies excerpted fromThe Governors of California and their Portraits (see credits)
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