Price, Rodman M. (Rodman McCamley), 1816-1894

Price was born on May 5, 1816 in Sussex County, NJ; attended College of NJ; served in US Navy with Commodore Sloat's squadron on the west coast of Mexico in 1846, read the proclamation of the annexation of CA from the custom house in Monterey, CA; became alcade of Monterey; was member of the first San Francisco Municipal Council, the CA Constitutional Convention (1849), and a member of the House of Representatives (1851-53); served as governor of NJ, 1854-57; he died on June 7, 1894 in Sussex County, NJ.

From the description of Papers, 1847-1884. (University of California, Los Angeles). WorldCat record id: 40738205

In 1840 Rodman M. Price was appointed a naval purser and was sent to California in 1846 on the ship "Cyane." He served as alcalde of Monterey and was a member of both San Francisco's first municipal council and the California Constitutional Convention in 1849. Price invested heavily in San Francisco real estate. He returned to New Jersey in 1850 and with his partner, Samuel Ward, established the New York office of Ward & Price, Bankers and Agents for California. In New Jersey he served as congressman (1851-53) and governor (1854-57).

From the description of Papers of Rodman M. Price, 1842-ca. 1890. (Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens). WorldCat record id: 122593554

N.J. resident.

From the description of Papers, 1852. (Duke University Library). WorldCat record id: 36115927

Biography

Rodman McCamley Price, naval officer and Governor of New Jersey, was born in New Jersey, went to Princeton and studied law. He married Matilda Trenchard, the daughter of a naval captain.

In 1840 Price received an appointment as purser and was sent first to Europe. He was with the Cyane in 1846, became alcalde in Monterey, was sent back to Washington, returned to San Francisco after the gold discovery to facilitate the transmission of funds. At this time he made money in real estate and was involved in California politics, being a member of the first California constitutional convention. In December 1849 he was relieved of duty as naval agent. He lost receipts and vouchers as well as all his personal possessions when the steamer burned on his return trip to Washington. This loss resulted in a long litigation with the United States Government.

In 1850 Price was elected to the House of Representatives in New Jersey, and in 1853 he was elected Governor, serving a three year term from 1854 to 1857. He showed a good record as a constructive legislator. Not being eligible for a second term, Price retired from politics to his farm in New Jersey.

From the guide to the Rodman M. Price papers, 1843-1892., (The Bancroft Library)

Biography

Price was born on May 5, 1816 in Sussex County, New Jersey; attended College of New Jersey; served in U.S. Navy with Commodore Sloat's squadron on the west coast of Mexico in 1846, read the proclamation of the annexation of California from the custom house in Monterey, California; became alcade of Monterey; was member of the first San Francisco Municipal Council, the California Constitutional Convention (1849), and a member of the House of Representatives (1851-53); served as governor of New Jersey, 1854-57; he died on June 7, 1894 in Sussex County, New Jersey.

From the guide to the Rodman M. Price Papers, 1847-1884, (University of California, Los Angeles. Library. Dept. of Special Collections.)