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John McDougall

2nd Governor, Independent Democrat
(1851-1852)

- Portait of Governor
- Short Biography
- Administration
- Personal information
- This Time in California

 

Biography*
Born in Ohio in 1818, John McDougall came to California as a gold miner. When, as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1849 he was nominated Lt. Governor, he said, "I reckon I'll take that. I don't believe anyone else will have it." Despite this less than enthusiastic entrance into politics, McDougall succeeded to the office of Governor. During his term he issued so many proclamations beginning "I, John McDougall", that he was soon known throughout the state as "I John". McDougall opposed legislation that would outlaw dueling. He stated that those who dueled weren't fit to live and that by allowing them to continue to duel they would eventually kill each other off. Interestingly enough, after his term McDougall wounded a newspaper editor in one duel and was arrested still later when about to begin another.

Administration under Governor John McDougall

- Inaugural Address - January 9, 1851

The Life of Governor John McDougall

Born
circa 1818
Ross County, Ohio

Died
March 30, 1866
San Francisco, California

This Time in California, The Nation, The World
1851 1852
Calif San Francisco Vigilance Committee formed

Universities of Santa Clara (Jesuit) and Pacific (Protestant) established

U.S. Land Commission created to adjudicate land claims

California Homestead Act passed

 

Special state census - 255,000

Wells Fargo established

Golden Era, the first magazine, published

 

U.S.A    
World    

* 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