Bartlett, Washington, 1824-1887

Washington Montgomery Bartlett (February 29, 1824 – September 12, 1887) was an American printer, lawyer, and politician. A member of the Democratic Party, he notably served as Governor of California from January 1887 until his death. He was the first popularly elected Jewish governor of any U.S. state and – to date – the only Jewish governor of California.

Born in Savannah, Georgia, he moved with his family to Tallahassee, Florida when he was 13 years old. In 1849, Bartlett sailed around Cape Horn and on to California, where he settled in San Francisco and set up a print shop. Over the next years he started several newspapers including the Daily Evening News (later the True Californian). Bartlett’s political career began when he joined the Vigilance Committee in 1856, which led to his being county clerk for San Francisco County. In 1863 he began practicing as a lawyer. In 1873 he was elected for a term as state senator. After being on the board which drew up the San Francisco city charter, Bartlett served two terms as mayor there.

In 1886, Bartlett was elected Governor of California. He had a reputation for honesty (his campaign slogan was “Honesty in Politics”) and a concern that government serve everyone and not just a few individuals. In his inaugural speech he outlined many issues, including the need for vocational training for young people who would not be going on to college. By the close of the first legislative session, however, Bartlett had become gravely ill with Bright’s disease and was unable to carry out any of his plans. He died at his sister's house in Oakland, California nine months into his term. Bartlett converted to Congregationalism upon his death bed and was buried as a Christian.