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Portrait of Governor James Rolph

James Rolph

27th Governor, Republican
(1931-1934)

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

Biography^*
Born in 1869, James Rolph made his success in the ship-building business and served as mayor of his native San Francisco for 20 years. When he fell on hard times he was bailed out by wealthy friends, and it was rumored that he repaid his debts with political favors. A charismatic man known as "Sunny Jim," Rolph openly ignored the prohibition laws and once sent a case of whiskey to a condemned man. He caused an uproar by refusing protection for two kidnappers, and then, when they were lynched by a mob, publicly stating that justice was served. As a remedy for the financial blues during the Great Depression, it was Rolph's suggestion that everyone simply take a two-week holiday. He established the State Park System recommended by C.C. Young, and instituted the California Sales Tax - then known as "Pennies for Jimmy."

Administration under Governor James Rolph

- Inaugural Address - January 6, 1931

The Life of Governor James Rolph

Born
August 23, 1869
San Francisco, California

Died
June 2, 1934
Santa Clara County, California

Family
First Lady: Annie Marshall Reid.

This Time in California, The Nation, The World


		1931		1932		1933		1934
			Oympic Games in Los Angeles		Long Beach earthquake		Alcatraz becomes federal prison San Francisco general strike

* All Biographies excerpted fromThe Governors of California and their Portraits (see credits)
Governors of California is a service from the California State Library to the People of California