Robert Waterman

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

Biography^*
Born in New York in 1826, Robert Waterman was a store clerk and postmaster in Illinois. He joined the gold rush in 1849 and drove an ox team to California where he prospected first, and then tried his hand at shopkeeping. A Republican, Waterman went back to Illinois where he played a key part in the election of President Lincoln. Upon returning to California he made a fortune in gold mining - his Stonewall Jackson mine in Southern California netted him $500 a day He served as Lt. Governor prior to assuming the office of Governor. A major issue during his term was whether the state of California should be divided. Nicknamed "Old Honesty," Waterman vowed to run the state like a business and not tolerate dishonesty, drunkenness or excessive spending. He harangued the legislature for having 228 clerks at a time when they were only entitled to 35.

Administration under Governor Robert Waterman

- Inaugural Address - September 13, 1887

The Life of Governor Robert Waterman

Born
December 15, 1826
Fairfield, New York

Died
April 12, 1891
San Diego, California

Family
First Lady: Jane Gardner