Who is Joshua Norton, a South African immigrant who once declared himself the U.S. emperor?
British-born South African immigrant Joshua Norton even declared himself the U.S. emperor.
On September 17, 1859, Norton handed over the declaration to the San Francisco Evening News’ newsroom, declaring himself “the emperors of these United States.”
That night, the announcement printed his declaration on page 3. It reads: “In accordance with the mandatory requirements and desires of these most American citizens, I, Joshua Norton… declared and declared myself to be these American emperors.”
Norton also called representatives from all over the country to convene at concert halls in San Francisco and reformed the Union’s laws to address what he believed was a state dysfunction, especially the deep divisions on slavery. But before the meeting, the venue was burned down and no representatives appeared at the re-arranged location.
Although Norton’s imperial title had no legal weight, he continued to rule for twenty years, becoming one of San Francisco’s most popular eccentrics in twenty years.
According to the nonprofit, it “committed to respect life and promote the legacy of Joshua Abraham Norton (1818-1880), the San Francisco weirdo and sometimes the most visionary man, who is Emperor Norton.”
Founded in San Francisco by John Lumea, the trust adopted its current name in December 2019.
“The trust’s mission includes biography and cultural research and documentation; public education; cultural vision; advocacy.” The Trust said.
About Joshua Norton
Joshua Abraham Norton (1818-1880) was born in Deptford, England. In 1820, his family immigrated to South Africa, where his father ran a successful ship. The family grew up, but by the 1840s, the business declined. Norton was the only surviving son after Norton’s death, although it’s unclear what inheritance he received.
In 1845, he arrived in Boston in March 1846. By mid-1850, he was advertising in local newspapers and quickly became rich, turning his initial payments into $250,000 through real estate and imports.
However, in 1852, he lost everything he tried to turn the rice market. A legal struggle followed, and in 1856, he filed for bankruptcy. Despite setbacks, he remained active – hired public office, served on a jury, and maintained business advertising in 1857.
