- Short Biography - Administration - Personal information - This Time in California
Biography* An educator and newspaperman, Frank Merriam, born in 1865, first entered politics in his home state of Iowa, serving there in the legislature and as State Auditor. He arrived in California at the age of 45 and served as Assemblyman, Senator, and Lt. Governor. He is the only governor to also have served as Speaker of the Assembly and presiding officer of the Senate. As Governor, he waged a war against corrupt lobbyists and appointed a committee to investigate them. His arch-enemy was the notorious lobbyist Artie Samish, whose power was so great he scorned Merriam and called himself "California's behind-the-scenes" governor. Merriam was the first governor to marry in office; he and his bride moved into the Governor's Mansion two days later. Merriam's nickname - a reflection on his shiny bald head - was "Marbletop." Administration under Governor Frank Merriam - Inaugural Address - January 8, 1935 The Life of Governor Frank Merriam Born December 22, 1865 Hopkinton, Iowa Died April 25, 1955 Long Beach, California Family First Lady: Mrs. Jessie Lipsey
Administration under Governor Frank Merriam - Inaugural Address - January 8, 1935 The Life of Governor Frank Merriam Born December 22, 1865 Hopkinton, Iowa Died April 25, 1955 Long Beach, California Family First Lady: Mrs. Jessie Lipsey
- Inaugural Address - January 8, 1935
The Life of Governor Frank Merriam Born December 22, 1865 Hopkinton, Iowa Died April 25, 1955 Long Beach, California Family First Lady: Mrs. Jessie Lipsey
Born December 22, 1865 Hopkinton, Iowa Died April 25, 1955 Long Beach, California Family First Lady: Mrs. Jessie Lipsey
San Francisco general strike
Boulder Dam (now Hoover) completed
