Washington Bartlett

Washington Montgomery Bartlett (February 29, 1824 – September 12, 1887) was an American politician who served as the 16th governor of California from January 1887 until his death in September of that year, as well as the 20th mayor of San Francisco from 1883 to 1887. He was the first Jewish governor of any U.S. state and – to date – the only Jewish governor of California.[1][2] Bartlett converted to Congregationalism upon his death bed and was buried as a Christian.[3]

Not to be confused with Washington Allon Bartlett, the first "alcalde" (mayor) of San Francisco.

Washington Bartlett
16th Governor of California
In office
January 8, 1887 – September 12, 1887
LieutenantRobert Waterman
Preceded byGeorge Stoneman
Succeeded byRobert Waterman
20th Mayor of San Francisco
In office
January 8, 1883 – January 2, 1887
Preceded byMaurice Carey Blake
Succeeded byEdward B. Pond
Personal details
Born(1824-02-29)February 29, 1824
Savannah, Georgia, US
DiedSeptember 12, 1887(1887-09-12) (aged 63)
Oakland, California, US
Political partyDemocratic
ProfessionPrinter, politician
Signature

Biography

Bartlett was born in Savannah, Georgia in 1824, the son of Sarah E. Melhado and Cosam Emir Bartlett.[4] His mother was a Sephardic Jew. Unlike the second elected Jewish governor, Moses Alexander of Idaho, Bartlett was not particularly religious and did not participate in Jewish observances while in California: His funeral was conducted at the Trinity Episcopal Church in San Francisco.[5]

He was a lifelong bachelor and a printer by trade. During his lifetime Bartlett was a San Francisco newspaper publisher, San Francisco County Clerk, lawyer, California State Senate member, mayor, and finally a governor.

Bartlett's term as governor started and ended in 1887 when he died in office of Bright's disease nine months into his term.[6] His inaugural address after being elected as governor was presented on January 8, 1887.[7]

Bartlett is buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland, California.[6]

References
  1. "Washington Bartlett". California State Library. Retrieved July 9, 2009.
  2. "Washington Bartlett: California's Pioneer Jewish Governor". Jewish Museum of the American West.
  3. Western States Jewish Historical Quarterly July, 1973, page 287
  4. The National Cyclopaedia of American Biography. Vol. IV. James T. White & Company. 1893. p. 113. Retrieved December 3, 2020 – via Google Books.
  5. "Governor Bartlett". San Francisco Bulletin, San Francisco, California . September 13, 1887.
  6. "In Peace". San Francisco Examiner. September 13, 1887. p. 1. Retrieved December 3, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. Washington Bartlett (January 8, 1887). "Inaugural Address". State of California. Retrieved May 7, 2010. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
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