William Stephens | Index | C. C. Young

Friend Richardson

25th Governor, Republican
(1923-1927)

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

 

Biography*
Friend Richardson was actually born William Richardson, in Michigan in 1865. A devout Quaker, he legally changed his name to the Quaker greeting "Friend." He worked as a county clerk, law librarian, and newspaper editor before entering government service, first as Superintendent of the State Printing Office, and then as State Treasurer. Their Quaker beliefs would not allow the Richardsons to have servants at the Governor's Mansion. Richardson ran a "no-frills" administration under the capitol dome, frequently vetoing measures that would increase spending. He even felt that education had become too costly and tried (but failed) to close two colleges. His efforts left a $20 million surplus in the state treasury. Richardson often said, "Politics is my meat and bread." His personal philosophy was one of "making good on the job."

Administration under Governor Friend Richardson

- Inaugural Address - January 9, 1923

The Life of Governor Friend Richardson

Born
December 1, 1865
Friends Colony, Michigan

Died
September 6, 1943
Berkeley, California

Family
First Lady: Augusta F. Felder
Children: 3 children

This Time in California, The Nation, The World
1923 1924 1925 1926 1927
Calif Colorado River Compact approved

 

  Santa Barbara earthquake

 

  First talking picture produced in Hollywood

California ranked first in U.S. petroleum production

 

U.S.A   First airmail flown from San Francisco to New York

 

    Charles A. Lindbergh flies across Atlantic

 

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