Emperor Norton EMPEROR NORTON At the pre-emptory request of a large majority of the citizens of these United States, I Joshua Norton, formerly of Algoa Bay, Cape of Good Hope, and now for the last nine years and ten months past of San Fransisco, California, declare and proclaim myself the Emperor of These United States. - September 17, 1859 To Sign or View the Emperor Norton Guestbook Highlights from the Emperor's reign ... 1819 Born in London, England on February 14 to John and Sarah Norton [John and Sarah married at Epping Essex u.k.

June 30, 1793 and immigrated to s.africa in 1820.had two sons--Philip and Joshua - Source: Jos Driver, a decendent of Philip Norton] The Norton Family Tree 1849 Arrived in San Francisco from South Africa with US$40,000 1854 Lost the considerable fortune he had built up in real-estate speculation by trying to corner the rice market in San Francisco 1859 September 17 - Issued the first of his now famous proclamations by proclaiming himself the Emperor of the United States Proclamations He continued to make proclamations throughout his reign. These included commanding that the Golden Gate bridge be built and one about the name of the city, "Whoever after due and proper warning shall be heard to utter the abdominal word 'Frisco,' which has no linguistic or other warrant, shall be deemed guilty of a High Misdemeanor." Penalty for noncompliance was $25. Newspapers of the day printed his proclamations (and even made some up which were not from Norton!) See the Norton Archive for more.

Many of the �decrees� attributed to Norton I were fakes; written in jest by newspaper editors at the time for amusement, or for political purposes. Those �decrees� listed here were, we believe, actually issued by Norton. - Norton I, Emperor of the United States [sfmuseum.org] Norton Notes An Exhibit of the Emperor's notes - In order to pay his bills he issued paper notes, mostly in 50 cent denominations but some $5 and $10 notes exist. Today they are worth far more than the face value (if they can be found). Politics In 1869 he abolished both the Democratic and Republican parties, declaring "Being desirous of allaying the dissension's of party strife now existing within our realm, [I] do hereby dissolve and abolish the Democratic and Republican parties, and also do hereby degree the disfranchisement and imprisonment, for not more than ten, nor less than five years, to all persons leading to any violation of this our imperial decree." --San Francisco Herald, August 4, 1869 Another time he called upon the other leaders of the world to join him in forming a League of Nations where disputes between nations could be resolved peacefully.

1880 Died January 8, on California St. On January 10, he was buried in the Masonic Cemetery. The funeral cortege was two miles long - Between 10,000 and 30,000 people were reported to have attended. See: Le Roi Est Mort 1934 Grave moved to Colma Cemetery. [ location ] Articles About the Emperor An Emperor Norton Bibliography at Spiritual Matters Archives Emperor Norton's Archives [at notfrisco.com] During his daily patrol of the streets of San Francisco Norton made certain that all sidewalks were unobstructed. He reviewed the police to see that they were on duty. He checked on the progress of needed street repairs, inspected buildings under construction, and in general saw to it that all office city's ordinances were enforced. "During one of the typical anti-Chinese demonstrations so common at the time, the emperor gave the local populace a lesson in the practical application of civics - and prayer. Sensing the dangerously heated tone of one particular meeting, Norton is reported to have stood up before the group, bowed his head and begun reciting the Lord's Prayer.

within a few minutes the agitators retreated in shame without putting any of their threats into cruel action." (Source: temporarily unavailable. ) sightings ... The King in Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn is reportedly modeled from the character of Norton I. Also mentioned in The Barbary Coast by Herbert Asbury and The Wrecker by Robert Louis Stevenson The Principia Discordia - JOSHUA NORTON CABAL - Surrealists, Harlequinists, Absurdists and Zonked Artists Melee A patron saint of the Cacophony Society Discordian Saint Second Class - being Saints who, by their existence, are ineligible for higher levels of Sainthood, which are reserved for nonexistent saints.- Discordian Saints Emperor Norton is the subject of the story _Sandman: Three Septembers and a January_, by Neil Gaiman. Historical fact in this story comes from Herbert Asbury's _The Barbary Coast_ and William Drury's _Norton I, Emperor of the United States_. It was inspired by Catherine Caufield's The Emperor of the United States of America and Other Magnificent British Eccentrics. - The Annotated Sandman The Madness of Joshua Norton by Joel GAzis-SAx ...

The members of E. Clampus Vitus come to Colma every year to rededicate themselves to absurdity. "If it is absurd, I believe it" is the Clamper motto. Clampers toast Emperor Norton History buffs honor lunatic of old-time San Francisco - by Matthew B. Stannard, SF Chronicle, January 13, 2002 ... And for much of their existence -- at least since the society's rebirth in the 1930s -- the Clamper year has unofficially begun with a pilgrimage to the grave of the Emperor Norton I, held around the date of his death, Jan. 8. Emperor Norton's Palace Registry 05 Mar 2008 - I came across your site while scouting for mentions of Joshua Norton. I became acquainted with his story, as many modern readers have, in the Sandman books by Neil Gaiman. I am a lyricist in Pennsylvania, and had long wanted to write a lyric inspired by, and partially about, Emperor Norton. The song can be heard (and the lyrics read) on my website . Emperor Norton I Abraham Joshua Norton Emperor of the United States of America and Protector of Mexico.

The man who would become the first and last emperor of the United States of America was born sometime in 1819, in London, England, although we don�t know the exact date. He and his family moved from England to Algoa Bay, at the Cape of Good Hope, and got wealthy there. In 1849, at the age of 30, he came to San Fransisco with $40.000 and set up shop as a trader in rice. Rice was immensely popular in San Fransisco due to the large number of Chinese immigrants in the city at the time. He soon made himself a fortune, about a quarter of a million dollars by 1853, but lost it all in 1854 trying to corner the market on rice with an ingenious scheme that unfortunatly failed. He bought up all the rice in the city, thus soon driving up the price to astronomical levels. Disaster struck when two Japanese ships unexpectedly arrived in the harbor laden with rice. Norton was ruined.

He vanished from public wiev for three years, and when he next proclaimed himself, September 17, 1859, he did it in the following way; he walked up to the office of the San Francisco Bulletin, and handed over a note to the editor which read; "At the peremptory request of a large majority of the citizens of these United States, I, Joshua Norton, formerly of Algoa Bay, Cape of Good Hope, and now for the past nine years and ten months of San Francisco, California, declare and proclaim myself Emperor of these U.S., and in virtue of the authority thereby in me vested, do hereby order and direct the representatives of the different States of the Union to assemble in the Musical Hall of this city on the 1st day of February next, then and there to make such alterations in the existing laws of the Union as may ameliorate the evils under which the country is laboring, and thereby cause confidence to exist, both at home and abroad, in our stability and integrity. It was published the following day, on the front page, under the headline; "An Emperor among us?

It is not known how the good citizens of San Fransisco initially felt about their new monarch, but they apparantly soon got used to him, for he was often seen walking the streets of the city, dressed in his regal, although frequently a bit worn, alternating blue and grey uniform, to show his support for both the Union and the Confederacy, his beaver hat with it�s colored feathers, his saber at his side and gnarled cane and wiry umbrella in hand. When his uniform was worn out, the Board of Supervisors, with a great deal of ceremony, presented him with another, for which he sent them a note of thanks and a patent for nobillity in perpetuity for each supervisor. As Norton the I, Emperor of the United States of America and Protector of Mexico, he found, if not a fortune, at least some of the previlegies of his office. He lived at a boarding house on Commercial Street, and was registered as "Emperor, living at 624 Commercial St." in a census done August 1, 1870. He lived there for seventeen years, but refused to pay the rent by week and instead payed by day.

He was fed for free by some of San Fransiscos finest resturants, which he graciosly allowed to put up signs which said; "By Appointment to His Emperor, Joshua Norton I." He had a standing ticket, together with his two dogs, Bummer and Lazarus, at any play or concert in the city�s theatres. He was given a bicycle by the city as his means of royal transport, he was allowed to review the police to check that they performed their duty, a special chair was reserved for him at each precinct. He marched at the head of the annual Police parade and reviewed the cadets at the University of California. The Emperor even let print his own money , which were honored at most places in the San Fransico area, and even a few banks. When saner men had tried to break the currency monopoly and been arrested, Norton I got away with it, on the grounds, one must assume, that he wasn�t percived as a threat. The stories about Emperor Norton is many, and some more facticious than others.

One story tells how on January the 21, 1867, an overzealous Patrol Special Officer, by the name of Armand Barbier, arrested His Majesty Norton I for vagrancy. It was pointed out that the Emperor had $4.75 in his pocket and lived in a lodging house, and so technically wasn�t a vagrant. Armand Barbier then decleared that Norton was of unsound mind and arrested him as a danger to himself and others. This created a public uproar and several scathing newspaper editorials followed the arrest. Norton was was held in custody pending examination by the Commissioner of Lunacy. City Police chief Patrick Crowley saw to it that the hearing was never held and apologized to the Emperor and ordered him released. All police officers began to salute Norton I when he passed them on the street.

Emperor Norton took the title "Protector of Mexico" because Mexico had, as he said, "beseeched him to rule over her." But this didn�t last long, he soon dropped his new title with the explanation that it was "impossible to protect such an unsettled nation." Norton also published many proclamations, some of them sensible, others rather eccentric, like the following; "Whoever after due and proper warning shall be heard to utter the abominable word "Frisco," which has no linguistic or other warrant, shall be deemed guilty of a High Misdemeanor, and shall pay into the Imperial Treasury as penalty the sum of twenty-five dollars." (1872) A few of Nortons edicts was actually very much ahead of his time, such as the one ordering a suspension bridge to be buildt at the exact spot where the Golden Gate bridge now stands; "The following is decreed and ordered to be carried into execution as soon as convenient: I.That a suspension bridge be built from Oakland Point to Goat Island, and then to Telegraph Hill; provided such bridge can be built without injury to the navigable waters of the Bay of San Francisco.

II.That the Central Pacific Railroad Company be granted franchises to lay down tracks and run cars from Telegraph Hill and along the city front to Mission Bay. III.That all deeds by the Washington Government since the establishment of our Empire are hereby decreed null and void unless our Imperial signature is first obtained thereto." (March 1872) And the following, regarding the project of a local inventor, thirty six years before the Wright brothers made their first flight in 1903; "Whereas, we Norton I, "Dei Gratia" Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico, being anxious for the future fame and honor of the residents of San Francisco, do hereby command all our good and loyal subjects to furnish the means and exert their best skill and advance money to make Mr. Marriot's aerial machine a success. Given at San Francisco, Cal., this 25th day of July, A.D.

1869, in the seventeenth year of our reign." Here is another of Norton�s more extravagant decrees; "Being desirous of allaying the dissension's of party strife now existing within our realm, we do hereby dissolve and abolish the Democratic and Republican parties, and also do hereby decree the disfranchisement and imprisonment, for not more than ten, nor less than five years, to all persons leading to any violation of this our imperial decree." --San Francisco Herald, August 4, 1869 Norton also proposed the forming of a League of Nations that would help prevent war and settle difficulties between nations. He also sugested that an international Bible seminar should be held to help the formation of a world religion. Unfortunatly, not all people took the Emperor seriously, or asceded to all his demands. The Chinese laundryman who washed his clothes refused to do it for free, and a friend secretly had to pay for the expense. Caricatures and false proclamations were common, and the Emperor complained about it more than once. He was, however, powerless to do anything about it. The Emperor wasn�t wholly without friends and sympatisers, though.

Samuel Clemens, or as he is more poularly known, Mark Twain, worked next door to Norton�s boarding house and saw the man almost every day. He defended Norton and claimed that the man wasn�t so insane as people thought. Twain later, after the Emperors� death, modeled his character, "The King" in Huckleberry Finn on Emperor Norton. Norton is also mentioned in The Barbary Coast by Herbert Asbury, The Wrecker by Robert Louis Stevenson and the Illuminatus! trilogy by Robert Shea and Robert Anton Wilson The Empreror had two dogs, originally strays given to him by the city, that he had named Lazarus and Bummer. They were his constant companions and followers, and most of the contemporary cartoons of the emperor showed him walking his dogs. Tragedy struck, however, when, in october 1863, Lazarus was run over and killed by a fire-truck. A public funeral was held, and many prominet people turned up to console the Emperor. Bummer continued to beg for scraps at his masters� feet until the 10th of November 1865 when he, too, shuffled off this mortal coil.

Mark Twain wrote the epitaph for the noble canine. The Emperor himself lived out his remaining years in his little room at 624 Commercial Street, continuing to oversee his domain during his daily walks. On the 8th of January 1880, Norton I, "Dei Gratia" Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico, was promoted to glory on California Street, on his way to a lecture at the Academy of Natural Sciences, two blocks away. The cause of death was apoplexy. In his pocket was found some telegrams, a coin purse, a two and half dollar gold piece, three dollars in silver, an 1828 French Franc, and a few of his own bonds. When reporters sacked the Emperors� tiny apartment they discovered that all he left behind in the world was his collection of walking sticks, his tasseled saber, newsclippings, his corrospondesce with Queen Victoria and Lincoln and 1,098,235 shares of stock in a worthless gold mine.

The Morning Call ran the headline; "Norton the First, by the grace of God Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico, departed this life." On the 10th of January 1880 Emperor Norton was buried in the Masonic Cemetery. Wealthy citizens of San Fransisco paid for the coffin and funeral expenses. The funeral cortege was two miles long and an estimated 10,000 to 30,000 people turned up for the funeral. It is reported that his burial was marked by a total eclipse of the sun. On 30th June of 1934 his grave was moved to Woodlawn Cemetery by the citizens of San Francisco. Click here to see the certificate. On January 7, 1980, San Fransisco marked the 100th anniversary of the death of its only Emperor with lunch-hour ceremonies at Market and Montgomery streets.

Not Dead, Just Sleeping Emperor Norton EMPEROR NORTON At the pre-emptory request of a large majority of the citizens of these United States, I Joshua Norton, formerly of Algoa Bay, Cape of Good Hope, and now for the last nine years and ten months past of San Fransisco, California, declare and proclaim myself the Emperor of These United States. - September 17, 1859 To Sign or View the Emperor Norton Guestbook Highlights from the Emperor's reign ... 1819 born in London, England on February 14 to John and Sarah Norton [John and Sarah married at Epping Essex u.k.

June 30, 1793 and immigrated to s.africa in 1820.had two sons--Philip and Joshua - Source: Jos Driver, a decendent of Philip Norton] 1849 Came to San Francisco from South Africa with $40,000 1854 Lost the considerable fortune he had built up in real-estate speculation by trying to corner the rice market in San Francisco 1859 September 17 - Issued the first of his now famous proclamations by proclaiming himself the Emperor of the United States Proclamations He continued to make proclamations throughout his reign. These included commanding that the Golden Gate bridge be built and one about the name of the city, "Whoever after due and proper warning shall be heard to utter the abdominal word 'Frisco,' which has no linguistic or other warrant, shall be deemed guilty of a High Misdemeanor." Penalty for noncompliance was $25.

Newspapers of the day printed his proclamations (and even made some up which were not from Norton!) Many of the �decrees� attributed to Norton I were fakes; written in jest by newspaper editors at the time for amusement, or for political purposes. Those �decrees� listed here were, we believe, actually issued by Norton. -- sfmuseum . Norton Notes An Exhibit of the Emperor's notes - In order to pay his bills he issued paper notes, mostly in 50 cent denominations but some $5 and $10 notes exist. Today they are worth far more than the face value (if they can be found).

Politics In 1869 he abolished both the Democratic and Republican parties, declaring "Being desirous of allaying the dissension's of party strife now existing within our realm, [I] do hereby dissolve and abolish the Democratic and Republican parties, and also do hereby degree the disfranchisement and imprisonment, for not more than ten, nor less than five years, to all persons leading to any violation of this our imperial decree." --San Francisco Herald, August 4, 1869 Another time he called upon the other leaders of the world to join him in forming a League of Nations where disputes between nations could be resolved peacefully. 1880 Died January 8, on California St. On January 10, he was buried in the Masonic Cemetery. The funeral cortege was two miles long - Between 10,000 and 30,000 people were reported to have attended. See: Le Roi Est Mort Who Was Emperor Norton? ... some of the messages taken from his pockets at the Morgue: 1934 grave was moved to Colma Cemetery on June 30th.

Location: Map Articles About the Emperor An Emperor Norton Bibliography at Spiritual Matters Archives Emperor Norton's Archives During his daily patrol of the streets of San Francisco Norton made certain that all sidewalks were unobstructed. He reviewed the police to see that they were on duty. He checked on the progress of needed street repairs, inspected buildings under construction, and in general saw to it that all office city's ordinances were enforced. "During one of the typical anti-Chinese demonstrations so common at the time, the emperor gave the local populace a lesson in the practical application of civics - and prayer. Sensing the dangerously heated tone of one particular meeting, Norton is reported to have stood up before the group, bowed his head and begun reciting the Lord's Prayer. within a few minutes the agitators retreated in shame without putting any of their threats into cruel action." (Source: temporarily unavailable. ) References to Emperor Norton ... The King in Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn is reportedly modeled from the character of Norton I.

Also mentioned in The Barbary Coast by Herbert Asbury and The Wrecker by Robert Louis Stevenson The Principia Discordia - CABAL - Surrealists, Harlequinists, Absurdists and Zonked Artists Melee 1000+ images about Emperor Norton on Pinterest | January 8, Boarding house and Emperor Forward ca. 1855-95. Joshua Norton was a local, San Francisco eccentric who infamously anointed himself “Emperor of the United States” in 1859. Surprisingly, most embraced his title, which came to include “Protector of Mexico”, as well. For twenty-one years his emperor-ship was unchallenged. A currency was even issued in his name, printed and honored at his frequented establishments. He was also an early, outspoken advocate for a bridge to be built across the San Francisco Bay. See More Joshua Norton, Emperor of the United States Joshua Norton, Emperor of the United States Tweet Over the course of United States history, forty-four men have served the nation as President. Immortalized on granite mountains, textbook covers, and placemats, their faces are forever etched in American lore; their stories are remembered and celebrated.

But unwritten in textbooks is the history of the United States’ one-time imperial ruler: on a September evening 150 years ago, a man named Joshua Abraham Norton proclaimed himself Emperor of the United States. For nearly 30 years, the delusional ex-merchant ruled his home-city of San Francisco (and the nation) with benevolence and became one of the most revered figures of the century. Upon his passing, 30,000 attended his funeral, and he was commemorated by the likes of Mark Twain, Robert Louis Stevenson , and Neil Gaiman. A Ruler is Born Joshua Abraham Norton was born in England somewhere between 1814 and 1819 . When he was only a few years old, his family migrated to South Africa, where his father operated a ship chandlery and sold supplies and equipment to seamen. In his early twenties, Norton attempted to start a business, but failed miserably and soon joined his father as a helping hand. By 29, Norton’s entire family -- a mother, a father, and two brothers -- had passed away.

After inheriting his father’s $40,000 will ($1.1 million in 2014 dollars) in 1849, he took to California, where the Gold Rush had recently attracted droves of hopefuls looking to strike it rich. But instead of mining, Norton established a merchant business and rented out ship space to importers. As his business grew, he purchased an arsenal of investments -- a cigar factory, a rice mill, and an office building; within four years’ time, the shrewd businessman had amassed a $250,000 fortune ($6.9 million today). Unfortunately, Norton’s success ceded to greed; eventually, it got the best of him. At the time, China was the main supplier of rice in San Francisco. When a famine cut off shipments in 1852, the price of rice skyrocketed from 4 to 36 cents per pound (an 800% increase). Another merchant had a ship full of 200,000 pounds of rice and offered it to Norton for 12.5 cents per pound.

“At $25,000 for the shipload,” he told Norton, “you could sell it for 36 cents per pound and gross $72,000 (a 300% profit)!” With a $2,000 down payment, Norton signed a contract and agreed to pay the full fee within 30 days. The next day, a fleet of ships arrived from Peru loaded with rice; within the week, there was enough rice to feed San Francisco a thousand times over. Norton had been swindled. He sued the merchant, and a costly two-year legal battle ensued; eventually, he lost and was ordered to pay the remaining $23,000. This would prove to be the catalyst for his downfall. By 1855, the Gold Rush had ended: prices deflated on everything, the real estate market collapsed, and banks failed. Norton joined legions of businessmen in filing for bankruptcy, and was forced to sell off his assets at a huge loss. For some time, he lived in poverty, working odd jobs and brokering coffee, before altogether disappearing from the San Francisco social scene.

The Emperor Strikes Back It was an intense period in America: the Panic of 1857 had left many in financial ruins, the Dred Scott case, which ruled that African Americans couldn’t be U.S. citizens, was an indirect catalyst for the Civil War (1861-1865), and there was a pervading sense that California would cede from the states and form it’s own sovereign nation. When Joshua Norton resurfaced in San Francisco in the late 1850s, he was a new man, with a new sense of purpose. Norton befriended the editor of the San Francisco Bulletin and, on September 17, 1859, published a decree in which he proclaimed himself Emperor of the United States (unbeknownst to James Buchanan, U.S.

President at the time): “At the pre-emptory request of a large majority of the citizens of these United States, I Joshua Norton, formerly of Algoa Bay, Cape of Good Hope, and now for the last nine years and ten months past of San Francisco, California, declare and proclaim myself the Emperor of These United States, and in virtue of the authority thereby in me vested do hereby order and direct the representatives of the different States of the Union to assemble in Musical Hall of this city, on the 1st day of February next, then and there to make such alterations in the existing laws of the Union as may ameliorate the evils under which the country is laboring, and thereby cause confidence to exist, both at home and abroad, in our stability and integrity.” To little fanfare, Emperor Norton assumed his post and went about business. Clad in a baggy, ill-fitting military uniform and a beaver hat ornamented with an array of peacock feathers, Norton took to the streets of the city to make his presence known. According to one account , he “looked and acted every inch a king,” carrying a ceremonial sword at his side and bearing an umbrella as his scepter.

Stocky and bearded, he walked tall, and with an air of elegance; his royal court -- two mongrel dogs -- trotted by his side. His first order of rule was ensuring that the city was operating hitch-free: he took care that sidewalks were unobstructed, police were on duty, and buildings were being constructed up to code. With an encyclopedic knowledge of city ordinances (some of which were no more than a figment of his imagination), he served as any noble, righteous-minded leader would, and set about trying to change the city for the better. The citizens of San Francisco not only accepted Norton’s rule, but entertained the royal treatment he commanded: he was given free transportation, special seating at plays and musical performances, and free restaurant meals. Owners vied for his royal approval, pinning up brass plates outside of their establishments begging for the Emperor's presence. The city of San Francisco even allocated an annual budget for the Emperor’s trappings (for this, Norton granted each supervisor with a "patent of nobility in perpetuity" ). To pay for his debts, Norton collected taxes and issued bonds -- and people complied with his demands.

He was a wise dictator, and took great care in not making outrageous claims; his needs were frugal, and his financial demands were sparse. When Norton decreed his own currency, local printers jumped on board and printed it free-of-charge: San Franciscans took great pride in their new Emperor, and humored his delusions. Historian Patricia E. Carr recounts his early treatment: “Whether it was a salute or a bow as they passed him on the street, they universally gave their Emperor the tribute he expected. They even listed him in the city directory as ‘Norton, Joshua (Emperor), dwl. Metropolitan Hotel.’ They gave him a place of honor at plays, concerts, public lectures, and other civic affairs.

The police department - Norton's ‘Imperial Constabulary’ - reserved a special chair for him at the precinct station and even prevailed upon him to march at the head of their annual parade.” In the 1870 Census , Norton is listed as residing at 624 Commercial Street -- an apartment paid for by the city; his occupation is listed as “Emperor,” and there is a disclaimer that the man is "insane." When a policeman arrested Norton and had him committed to a mental institution, the community created an uproar, and newspapers posted editorials damning the justice department. So much pressure mounted that the chief of police not only released Norton, but issued an apology. “He had shed no blood; robbed no one; and despoiled no country,” he wrote. Norton subsequently granted the chief an “imperial pardon” for his mistake, and he was saluted by officers whenever he went out in public. Anti-‘Frisco’ Campaign, and Politics During the course of his “rule,” Norton I made a series of proclamations and dabbled in the heavy political issues plaguing his city and nation. Though he’d lost touch with reality, his intentions were wholly benevolent.

In 1872, he set out to furiously punish anyone who besmirched his city's honor, outlawing the use of abbreviations; he made his intentions clear in The Herald : "Whoever after due and proper warning shall be heard to utter the abdominal word 'Frisco,' which has no linguistic or other warrant, shall be deemed guilty of a High Misdemeanor." Anyone overheard saying the term would be charged $25 ($430 today) -- a hefty sum. The Emperor rode his fixed-gear bicycle around town, enforcing his new “law:” Later that year, he ordered a bridge to be built across the San Francisco Bay; while his demand was dismissed, his wisdom was later memorialized on a sign near the Bay Bridge (constructed 60 years later): “Pause traveler, and be grateful to Norton I... whose prophetic wisdom conceived and decreed the bridging of San Francisco Bay...” The Emperor stood up for the city’s minorities and the underserved. During an anti-Chinese rally in the city, he mounted the stage , silenced the rowdy crowd, and recited a prayer; within minutes, the aggressors had calmed and dispersed.

In 1878, Norton signed a petition to the California Constitutional Convention calling for women’s voting rights. *** But Norton’s decrees expanded beyond San Francisco. In July 1860, for example, he foresaw the imminent power struggle between the North and South, and called for the dissolution of the Union; despite his eagerness to arbitrate the Civil War, nobody took him up on the offer. He pitched the idea of a League of Nations long before one was created in 1919 .

Fiercely non-partisan, Emperor Norton once even tried to “abolish” political parties; on August 4, 1869, he made his intentions clear in the San Francisco Herald : “Being desirous of allaying the dissension's of party strife now existing within our realm, [I] do hereby dissolve and abolish the Democratic and Republican parties, and also do hereby degree the disfranchisement and imprisonment, for not more than ten, nor less than five years, to all persons leading to any violation of this our imperial decree.” The Emperor also proclaimed himself the “Protector of Mexico,” and set about ensuring the rights of recently-ousted Mexicans (though he later claimed it was “impossible to protect such an unsettled nation,” and dropped this part of his title). Death, Legacy On January 8th, 1880, while making his rounds, Emperor Joshua Norton I suddenly collapsed, and died of apoplexy (internal bleeding of the organs). He’d amassed such a massive following that the procession at his funeral was 2 miles long; over 30,000 attended the most elaborate ceremony the city had ever seen.

"San Francisco without Emperor Norton," one newspaper wrote, "will be like a throne without a king." The entire city mourned: flags were hung at half mast, business closed their doors, and wealthy patrons paid for Norton’s burial, which featured “all the ceremony that a real emperor would have received.” Mark Twain, who wrote about the man’s life, claimed that more ink had been used to cover Norton’s obituary than any death since Abraham Lincoln’s. Twain also surmised that, though the Emperor “filled an emptiness in his life with the delusion of royalty,” he had served his people well. “O dear,” wrote Twain in a column for T he Daily Call , “it was always a painful thing for me to see the Emperor begging, for although nobody else believed he was an emperor, he believed it." Fifty-four years later, when Norton’s remains had to be relocated to nearby Colma, the city still hadn’t forgotten his legacy: 60,000 people attended the ceremony this time, and he was donned a new, luxuriously-engraved tombstone.

“Norton I,” it read, “Emperor of the United States, Protector of Mexico.” This post was written by Zachary Crockett. Follow him on Twitter here , or Google Plus here . Emperor Norton I | American Civil War Forums American Civil War Forums Dismiss Notice Join and Become a Patron at CivilWarTalk! Support this site with a monthly or yearly subscription! Active Patrons get to browse the site Ad free! unionblue Brev. Brig. Gen'l Member of the Year Joined: Found this referenced on another website and thought the membership here would enjoy the read. Issued 17 September, 1859, in San Francisco, CA, by Emperor Norton I. "At the peremptory request and desire of a large majority of the citizens of these United States, I, Joshua Norton, formerly of Algoa Bay, Cape of Good Hope, and now for the last 9 years and 10 months past of S. F., Cal., declare and proclaim myself Emperor of these U.

S.; and in virtue of the authority thereby in me vested, do hereby order and direct the representatives of the different States of the Union to assemble in Musical Hall, of this city, on the 1st day of Feb. next, then and there to make such alterations in the existing laws of the Union as may ameliorate the evils under which the country is laboring, and thereby cause confidence to exist, both at home and abroad, in our stability and integrity. NORTON I, Emperor of the United States." The man's life and times as the United States only emperor, may be viewed at the following website: It is worth your time to read. And I am of the decided opinion, we should have given him a shot at the title. Sincerely, I am inclined to agree. He was an eccentric to the point of perhaps just a little crazy, but not dysfunctionally or destructively so.

But to notice this ...fraud and corruption prevent a fair and proper expression of the public voice; that open violation of the laws are constantly occurring, caused by mobs, parties, factions and undue influence of political sects; that the citizen has not that protection of person and property which he is entitled.[18] and do this During the 1860s and 1870s, there were a number of anti-Chinese demonstrations in the poorer districts of San Francisco. Ugly riots, some resulting in fatalities, broke out on several occasions. During one such incident, Norton allegedly positioned himself between the rioters and their Chinese targets, and with a bowed head started reciting the Lord's Prayer repeatedly until the rioters dispersed without incident.[27] merits applause and respect. (in salute) And as stated, his record is more peaceful than any of the other Emperors of the time. That has to count for something too. 4,607 When I worked at the California Historical Society, I got to hold Emperor Norton's cane. This was when they were at 2090 Jackson Street.

This past Sunday, after a meeting of the Friends of Civil War Alcatraz that discussed the 2010 Annual West Coast Civil War Conference, two of us dashed off to Daly City where there was a reenactment of the Terry-Broderick duel. Terry won and Broderick died three days later in a friend's house in Fort Mason. Anyway, E Clampus Vitus (sp) was there and they're into drinking and history. With them was a man protraying the goodly Emperor Norton. While he was not accompanied by his usual pack of dogs or a crowd of children, he was still cheered enthusiastically by the crowd who appreciated his presence. Emperor Norton was buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery (now the site of the old Fireman's Fund Building) which was later closed. His body was reinterred at Wood Lawn Cemetery in Colma, CA. BTW, Wyatt Earp and his wife are in Colma too. Recent SF newspaper article on Emperor Norton Emperor Norton, zaniest S.F.

street character Carl Nolte, Chronicle Staff Writer Thursday, September 17, 2009 (09-16) 19:43 PDT -- Today marks the 150th anniversary of the accession of Norton I, emperor of the United States and protector of Mexico, unquestioned monarch of all the zany characters who have inhabited the streets of San Francisco. Images Emperor Norton proclaimed himself thus 150 years ago today.Emperor Norton reigned in San Francisco 21 years. On Sept. 17, 1859, the San Francisco Bulletin published a notice on an inside page announcing that Joshua Norton, formerly a prominent San Francisco businessman, had proclaimed himself Norton I, "Emperor of these United States." He had acted, he said, "at the peremptory request of a large majority of the citizens." The newspaper notice was the work of an unhinged mind, printed in a moment of caprice by Bulletin Editor George Fitch, but it marked the beginning of the 21-year reign of San Francisco's most beloved character. Norton followed his first notice with a second proclamation, abolishing Congress because there was too much fraud and corruption.

Later, he abolished political parties for the same reason, ordered a bridge to be built from San Francisco to Oakland and carried on a correspondence with other crowned heads. He reigned over San Francisco as a benign despot, honored everywhere he went. "Newspapers accepted him as part of the fun of living in San Francisco," wrote John Bruce in "Gaudy Century," a book about San Francisco journalism. Wined and dined The emperor dined in any restaurant he chose and was never presented with a bill; the best seats in the theater were reserved for him; he occasionally reviewed the corps of cadets at the University of California; he visited the state Legislature in Sacramento. A general at the Presidio of San Francisco presented him with a uniform and when it wore out, the city supervisors bought him another. The emperor levied taxes (usually 50 cents) and issued currency and "governmental bonds," all printed by the city's finest printers. Once, he was arrested and nearly packed off to the state insane asylum in Stockton, but he was released with a formal apology and all San Francisco police officers were advised to salute whenever they encountered his majesty.

He had two mutt dogs, Bummer and Lazarus, who followed him about. When Bummer died in 1865, Mark Twain wrote the dog's obituary. "In what other city," Robert Louis Stevenson wrote, "would a harmless madman who supposed himself emperor ... been so fostered and encouraged?" The emperor's palace was a rooming house at 624 Commercial St., where he paid 50 cents a night for a modest room. He was duly listed in the city directory and in the U.S. census, where his occupation was listed as "emperor." Norton was not the only street character in San Francisco in the 19th century. There was George Washington II, who wore a Revolutionary War costume; Oofty Goofty, a strange little man who made his living by allowing gents to hit him with a pool cue for 50 cents; the Money King, a celebrated miser; and a mysterious street character who called himself the Great Unknown. Fortune won and lost But Norton was the king, the emperor of them all. His story was known to all San Franciscans.

He was born in England, came to California in the Gold Rush in 1849 from South Africa, and arrived in San Francisco, where he made a fortune in real estate and business deals and lost it all in an ill-advised attempt to corner the market in imported rice. Joshua Abraham Norton disappeared for a few years after that to reappear as Norton I. The emperor dropped dead at the age of 61 one rainy January night in 1880 in front of Old St. Mary's Church on California Street. His funeral cortege was 2 miles long. He was buried at the old Masonic Cemetery and reburied in 1934 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Colma. Every January, on the Saturday nearest the anniversary of his death, members of E Clampus Vitus, a society that combines a love of drinking with a love of history, makes a pilgrimage to the emperor's grave. Norton's legacy lives on: There is an Emperor Norton Inn on Post Street and the Emperor Norton Restaurant and Pizza parlor, which features "Bummer's favorite pizza" as its signature dish.

One of the few artifacts of the emperor to survive his reign is his cane, now the property of the California Historical Society. It will be displayed as part of a larger exhibition starting Sept. 25. Emperor Norton on exhibit Emperor Norton will be featured in an exhibit by the California Historical Society beginning Sept. 25. The exhibit is called "Think California" and will include seven themes, one of which will spotlight people who migrated to California during the Gold Rush, including Norton, and later. Where: California Historical Society, 678 Mission St., San Francisco When: Starts Sept. 25 Admission: $3 adults; $1 seniors, children younger than 6 and students with student identification; free to members. Hours: Noon to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays E-mail Carl Nolte at cnolte@sfchronicle.com . emperor norton | Tumblr emperor norton Grid View List View Finding Joshua Norton, or, How I Spent Independence Day in 2009 In July of 2009, my grandmother was dying.

I had spent most of June camping out on a couch in a hospital in Reston, Virginia, spottily telecommuting and burning through the last of my vacation days. But at the beginning of July, she seemed–however briefly–to be on the mend, enough for her to return home and me to return to Oregon with just enough vacation days left to drive to San Francisco for a long weekend: one day on the road, two days there, one day back. My second day in San Francisco would be July 4. What’s a dubious patriot to do in San Francisco on the fourth of July? It had been a summer of overwrought symbolism, the kind it’s impossible to fictionalize, with the kind of narrative neatness that’s still only dubiously believable when it happens in real life. And so, in keeping with the times, I decided to go visit the Emperor’s grave. Norton I, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico, was born Joshua Abraham Norton in 1814, most likely in Scotland. He spent the first 35 years of his life a successful businessman, but in 1959, following a string of bad luck and subsequent lawsuits, found himself utterly ruined.

So he did what any reasonable man would do: He declared himself Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico. He meant it, too. Gradually, the city that had ruined Joshua Norton, businessman, embraced Joshua Norton, Emperor. Businesses honored his self-released scrip; theaters reserved seats for him and his canine companions. His living was supported by voluntary taxes and the charity of local businesses; he was assiduous about remaining within his means. There were, inevitably, those who painted him as the object of pity or fun, but, for the most part, evidence points to the Emperor commanding a good deal of genuine respect from all classes of San Francisco society. The Emperor’s sanity was, to a great extent, irrelevant; he was, without question, a good man, and one who was of great value to–and greatly valued by–his contemporaries.

He was arrested once, in 1867, by an overzealous young deputy, and released with an official apology; as the court determined, “he had shed no blood; robbed no one; and despoiled no country; which is more than can be said of his fellows in that line.” From then on, the San Francisco policemen made a point of saluting when he passed in the street. The nature of Norton’s delusion, perhaps, makes his humanity all the more remarkable. He lived among his people; respected them and worked for their welfare. He dressed in a mix of Confederate and Union uniforms as a physical manifestation of reconciliation and unity; the declarations he issued were overwhelmingly in the interest of his subjects. He talked down mobs, lobbied for civility, and stayed abreast of and educated on developments in his realm. Joshua Norton is mostly forgotten, these days. To those who remember, he’s the patron saint of another America–an America of the strange and beautiful, a nation of dreamers and storytellers and madness reclaimed and finding and creating value in things other than fortune.

These days, the Emperor makes his home in Woodlawn Cemetery, in the necropolis of Colma, which is its own story, but one for a different time. Armed with a handful of stargazer lilies, a few friends and I hiked our way down and paid our respects, and took rubbings of his gravestone with borrowed crayons, one of which has hung on my office wall ever since. Because if there’s an America I believe in–one that I’m proud to be part of, that reminds me of what I care about in the context of this sprawling and thorny nation–it’s Norton’s. Now, and forever. Loading... Show more notes Reblog “Emperor Joshua Norton Day” is celebrated on the 14th of February. It is marked by a gathering of friends to enjoy a meal of Chinese food (honoring Norton’s legendary stand against an anti-Chinese riot). Rice is always part of the meal to commemorate Norton’s losses in the rice market. The meal traditionally begins with a reading of Emperor Norton’s proclamation of September 17, 1859. — Loading...

Show more notes Reblog At the peremptory request and desire of a large majority of the citizens of these United States, I, Joshua Norton, formerly of Algoa Bay, Cape of Good Hope, and now for the last 9 years and 10 months past of S. F., Cal., declare and proclaim myself Emperor of these U. S.; and in virtue of the authority thereby in me vested, do hereby order and direct the representatives of the different States of the Union to assemble in Musical Hall, of this city, on the 1st day of Feb. next, then and there to make such alterations in the existing laws of the Union as may ameliorate the evils under which the country is laboring, and thereby cause confidence to exist, both at home and abroad, in our stability and integrity. —NORTON I, Emperor of the United States. Pictured here is Joshua Abraham Norton, first Imperator of the Imperial States of America and founder of the Norton dynasty. Norton I began in the former United States as one of the most successful businessmen ever to grace its shores.

Arriving in 1859 from South Africa with only a $40 000 bequest, he quickly tripled and then quadrupled it by a series of sound investments into Peruvian rice markets. A perennial political theorist, he self-published his first book Imperialism and Democracy: A Sound Examination in 1862. The book proved wildly popular, selling over 300 000 copies and further increasing Norton’s fortune. By this time, he was the third-richest man in the former United States. After the American Civil War, in 1868, Norton ran for President on the Imperialist ticket, promising that his first act as President would be to install himself as Emperor and dissolve the Congress. Norton, whose ideas had remained popular on both sides of the Civil War, handily defeated both mainstream candidates, and he was withheld from office only by an emergency act of Congress. In the meantime, his legions of followers kept growing, and by 1870 his Imperialist Party had close to two million members, many of whom were beginning to openly (and sometimes violently) express their disapproval with the American system of government.

When, in 1871, three Imperialists murdered five New York Police Officers, covering the dead bodies with Imperialist graffiti, the government decided to act. On 18 September 1871, a detachment of the 22nd Infantry moved in on Norton’s estate outside San Francisco. Unbeknownst to the American troops, Norton had, over three years, equipped and trained a substantial private army, which would become the Imperial Army of the Americas. Armed with Mausers and Nordenfeldt machine guns, they drove off the Americans and advanced into San Francisco proper, where he issued the above-printed Declaration of Regency. Two months later, the United States of America was officially dissolved and Norton crowned at San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral. The Capital itself was relocated there in 1877, and the Imperial Palace completed just after Norton’s death in 1880. Norton’s coronation initiated the Golden Age of the American Empire, with whose glory Columbia still blesses us today. Long Live The Dynasty Of Right, Long Live, Long Live, Emperor Norton XXI!

© 2015 Imperial Ministry of Interior Affairs, Informatics Section Reblog 6 I’ve read a lot of good comics over the years, and a few brilliant comics. Out of them all, though, if I had to pick one single issue of anything as my absolute favorite, it would probably be this story - “Three Septembers and a January” from Sandman. Despair has her hooks into a failed, suicidal businessman. She challenges Dream to see if he can save the man from her control. So, Dream gives the man… a dream, that he is the Emperor of the United States. Despite being homeless and widely regarded as mad, Emperor Norton manages to fend off Despair, Desire, and Delirium without even realizing it, by holding onto his dream. It’s Sandman issue #31, if you’d like to look for it. Reblog Emperor Norton: Monday’s Historic Awesome Gentleman. So, the 1860s-1880s were, in some ways, a gentler time. In some ways.

Granted, America was wracked by civil war, the ‘civilizing’ of the West (and the annihilation of most of its native inhabitants), and the presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes, but it also had its bright spots: perhaps chief amongst them, Emperor Norton of San Francisco. Then as now, San Francisco was a haven for the slightly…different folk of the world. Many of them started out to the West with hopes of gold or in Norton’s case Peruvian rice, a venture which failed fantastically, finding him washed up and in San Francisco with very little to his name. Maybe suffering a psychotic break with reality, or maybe realizing his true destiny after pulling the sword of Millard Filmore from the stone the great wizard/president had lodged it in before becoming president, Norton, on September 17th, 1859, proclaimed himself Emperor of these United States and Protector of Mexico. Since he was emperor, and therefore wise in all things, he issued a decree disbanding the legislative branch of government–since he made all the laws himself, there really wasn’t any need for all those corrupt senators and weaselly congressmen.

He promptly demanded that Winfield Scott (Pretty much the closest thing 19th century America had to Rambo. During the Mexican-American War, Scott single-handedly defeated Santa Ana and Jeb Stuart in a three way duel, during which Santa Ana lost his leg, which Scott used to bludgeon Stuart senseless.) help him clear the disbanded Congress of any rebellious politicians still claiming to represent the so-called republic. Scott was busy getting ready to fight the Civil War by beating up on Fidel Castro’s great-grandfather, Lopez Castro, so he declined the request. Rather than lock up Norton for being a little unhinged, the folks in San Francisco simply accepted him as emperor, giving him free food (which he shared with his dogs, because an emperor’s first duty is to his loyalest citizens), a place to live, and even a uniform. Not only that, they let him print his own money, and it became an accepted local currency.

“Whoever after due and proper warning shall be heard to utter the abominable word "Frisco,” which has no linguistic or other warrant, shall be deemed guilty of a High Misdemeanor, and shall pay into the Imperial Treasury as penalty the sum of twenty-five dollars.“ Norton spent his days inspecting San Francisco’s streets in an elaborate blue uniform with gold-plated epaulets, given to him by officers of the United States Army post at the Presidio of San Francisco . He also wore a beaver hat decorated with a peacock feather and a rosette. [25] He frequently enhanced this regal posture with a cane or umbrella. During his inspections, Norton would examine the condition of the sidewalks and cable cars , the state of repair of public property, and the appearance of police officers. [26] Norton would also frequently give lengthy philosophical expositions on a variety of topics to anyone within earshot. During one of his inspections Norton is said to have performed one of his most famous acts of "diplomacy.” During the 1860s and 1870s, there were occasional anti-Chinese demonstrations in the poorer districts of San Francisco.

Riots, sometimes resulting in fatalities, took place. During one incident, Norton is claimed to have positioned himself between the rioters and their Chinese targets; with a bowed head, he started reciting the Lord’s Prayer repeatedly until the rioters dispersed without incident. [26] Norton was loved and revered by the citizens of San Francisco. Although penniless, he regularly ate at the finest restaurants in San Francisco; restaurateurs took it upon themselves to add brass plaques in their entrances declaring “[b]y Appointment to his Imperial Majesty, Emperor Norton I of the United States.” [27] Such “Imperial seals of approval” were prized and a substantial boost to trade. No play or musical performance in San Francisco would dare to open without reserving balcony seats for Norton. [9] A rumor started by the devoted Norton caricaturist Ed Jump claims he had two dogs, Bummer and Lazarus , which were also notable San Francisco celebrities. [28] Though he did not own the dogs, Norton ate at free lunch counters where he shared his meals with the dogs. [5] External image So I log into Gmail and I find this message waiting for me. Hmmmmmmm… SEEMS LEGIT.

But for a spam-bot or scammer to have picked out such a specific reference from my deviantART gallery was oddly intriguing, and so after some intense internal debate, I opened it (though moving it to my spam folder first for safety’s sake). And it turned out to be super cute! :D (It’s not every day you get an email from the rightful ruler of the country/your favorite historical figure/a fellow Emperor Norton enthusiast who took the time to seek you out after discovering your amateurish comic.) Emperor Norton rotten > Library > Biographies > Royalty > American Royalty > Emperor Norton Emperor Norton Joshua Abraham Norton (February 14, 1819 - January 8, 1880) quietly ditched England as a young man, traveled through the Cape of Good Hope, and settled in America with forty thousand dollars. He opened a successful business selling mining supplies to gold prospectors, and the land he purchased would later become San Francisco 's Cow Hollow district. He hit upon a bold scheme after studying San Francisco's large immigrant and Chinese population: he'd order massive shipments of chopsticks and rice, virtually cornering an emerging market.

Unfortunately, when the shipment arrived from Europe, there existed twice as much rice as Norton could actually pay for. He went bankrupt on the spot, and spent the next three years in court. Then he vanished. Nine months later, he emerged a complete madman on the streets of San Francisco. Adorned with a beaver hat and full-on naval regalia, Norton marched into the press offices of The Bulletin and submitted the following for immediate publication: At the preemptory request of a large majority of the citizens of these United States, I, Joshua Norton, formerly of Algoa Bay, Cape of Good Hope, and now for the past nine years and ten months of San Francisco, California, declare and proclaim myself Emperor of these United States, and in virtue of the athority thereby in me vested do hereby order and direct the representatives of the different States of the Union to assemble in Musical Hall of this city, on the 1st day of February next, then and there to make such alterations in the existing laws of the Union as may ameliorate the evils under which the country is laboring, and thereby cause confidence to exist, both at home and abroad, in our stability and integrity.

Norton I Emperor of the United States September 17th, 1859 That's right. He proclaimed himself "Emperor of the United States," Protector of Mexico, and prospective consort to the Queen of Great Britain. He fully discharged politicians from their duties, proposed the dismantling and abolishment of Congress, and demanded military backing so lingering lawmakers might be forcibly removed from their posts. Nobody showed up for these meetings of course, because nobody was paying any attention. Emperor Norton's singular goal was to secure control of the States by gradually dissolving the existing Republic of America. His decrees were written in exactly the manner of high English one might expect, sprinkled with hereby's, hitherto's and forthwith's-- and each constituted a larger part of Norton's campaign to enhance community spirit with over-the-top fanfare and not-so-subtle nonsense. These ludicrous declarations might have gone unnoticed, but Norton quickly developed a cult following. People on the streets would bow and curtsey when'er he passed, and San Francisco was all too willing to accept him as their wise, caring monarch.

"Emperor" Norton was equal parts Andy Kaufman and Mark Twain , a shambling clown of a public figure who fed tabloid writers daily material in their columns devoted to "weird news" and eccentric personalities about town. In no time at all, Bay Area newspapers were competing for the honor of posting his proclamations, and more than once they published fakes to generate sales - a practice the Emperor condemed. Norton's self styled "Imperial Government" even went so far as to manufacture its own currency in fifty-cent, five and ten dollar denominations. His money was accepted without question, at a time when U.S. paper currency was still considered unreliable. One day he tried to cash $100 worth of his own notes at the First National Bank. When they refused, he "foreclosed" upon them in yet another proclamation. Norton tried to have Andrew Jackson arrested and sentenced to blacken his boots. In another decree, he patly fired President Abraham Lincoln.

In still another, Norton bans use of the word "Frisco": Whoever after due and proper warning shall be heard to utter the abominable word "Frisco," which has no linguistic or other warrant, shall be deemed guilty of a High Misdemeanor, and shall pay into the Imperial Treasury as penalty the sum of twenty-five dollars. His royal decrees were enthusiastically received by citizens living in the Bay Area. He proposed city engineers tear down Mount Diablo one shovelful at a time in order to construct a tunnel and suspension bridge connecting Goat Island with Oakland Point, thereby "giving back" Goat Island to the Oakland community. If taxes were too high, he'd lower them. If there were inadequate public facilities, he'd order them fixed. He made the rounds, ensuring police were on their beats and city harmony prevailed. If Emperor Norton observed someone performing a kind act, he'd declare him or her king or queen for a day. Thes titles were especially popular with children, who would follow him in groups picking up litter. He ate free of charge in restaurants. He had three seats reserved at every theatrical performance: one for himself and two for his dogs, Bummer and Lazarus.

San Francisco actually paid for his uniforms and the local Masonic Lodge took care of his rent. In January of 1867, Norton was accidentally arrested by a rookie policeman who believed he required confinement and treatment for his mental disorder. Public outrage was immediate: editorials in every newspaper denounced the action, and there existed the possibility of a genuine riot. Chief of Police Patrick Crowley opened the cell doors and issued a lengthy public apology to the Emperor. From then on, police officers would salute His Majesty whenever he passed them on the street. At age 65, Norton collapsed of apoplexy at the corner of California and Grant, dropping his trademarked bamboo umbrella into the gutter. Coroners found in the pockets of his wrinkled uniform astounding telegrams: one from Czar Alexander II congratulating him on his forthcoming marriage to Queen Victoria, and one from the President of France, who warned Norton that such a marriage could be disastrous to world peace. Also found was a coin purse, three dollars in silver, an 1828 French Franc, and several of his fictitious "Imperial" bonds which Norton liked selling to tourists at 7% interest.

Reporters who'd covered the life and times of Emperor Norton for years broke into his room and ransacked the place. They found frayed uniforms hanging from nails, lithographs and portraits of royalty, and obscurely carved walking sticks. On the walls were yellowed newspaper clippings written by those now standing in his otherwise empty room. The squalor of the Emperor's personal life was fully exposed, but he was so beloved that ten thousand people showed up for his funeral, which was complimented by full military honors. Mark Twain wrote an touching epitaph for his dogs. timeline 17 Sep 1859 San Francisco resident Joshua A. Norton proclaims himself Emperor of these United States, a title he retains until his death in 1880. The successor to Emperor Norton I has yet to be anointed. 16 Jul 1860 A decree from Emperor Norton I of San Francisco , Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico, dissolves the United States of America. 12 Aug 1869 In San Francisco , Emperor Norton I issues a stern edict outlawing both the Republican and Democratic political parties. Violators face a prison term of five-to-ten years.

8 Jan 1880 Norton I, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico, dead in San Francisco . Born Joshua A. Norton, he was adopted by the citizens of the city and issued frequent imperial proclamations. Emperor Norton I | MicroWiki | Fandom powered by Wikia February 4, 1819, London, England or c. 1814 Signature Emperor Joshua Abraham Norton I (c. 1819 - January 8, 1880) also known as Emperor Norton I and Emperor Joshua I, was self declared Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico. Emperor Norton was born in England in about 1815, and later moved to San Francisco in 1849 from South Africa. As Emperor Emperor Norton featured on the face of the 50& bill. On September 17, 1859, Emperor Norton declared himself Emperor of these United States by this decleration.

At the peremptory request and desire of a large majority of the citizens of these United States, I, Joshua Norton, formerly of Algoa Bay, Cape of Good Hope, and now for the last 9 years and 10 months past of S. F., Cal., declare and proclaim myself Emperor of these U. S.; and in virtue of the authority thereby in me vested, do hereby order and direct the representatives of the different States of the Union to assemble in Musical Hall, of this city, on the 1st day of Feb. next, then and there to make such alterations in the existing laws of the Union as may ameliorate the evils under which the country is laboring, and thereby cause confidence to exist, both at home and abroad, in our stability and integrity. NORTON I, Emperor of the United States. During his reign, he had issued his own money in the form of bills which were accepted by the local stores where he regularly visited. The people of the area humored Emperor Norton's belief by referring to him as His Imperial Majesty. He had also proposed that a bridge should be built linking San Francisco to Oakland, which eventually was built. Now there is a proposition that the bridge be named after him.

Emperor Norton would often make Imperial Inspections of the sidewalks, cable cars, and dining establishments. Many restaurants in the area had his seal of approval. Plays and musical preformances would often reserve balcony seats for him and his two dogs. Impact on Micronationalism Emperor Norton on the obverse side of the 10 Valora coin. The notion that one could leave a state and create his own country, without interfering with the government or having bloodshed, had no doubt been influenced by Emperor Norton. Today, there are many micronations who have Emperor Norton I Day (Emperor Joshua I Day in Delo-Cavers Empire ) commemorating the Emperor on January 8, the day of his death. These include the Republic of Molossia , the Kingdom of TorHavn , Corvina , and the Empire of Deloraine-Cavers , among others. The countries of Molossia ,Delo-Cavers, and the Kingdom of Bolcar also have Emperor Norton on their bills and coins. There is also the Norton Park in Molossia named after the Emperor.

Emperor Norton - Wikiquote Emperor Norton Jump to: navigation , search At the pre-emptory request of a large majority of the citizens of these United States … declare and proclaim myself Emperor... Quotes[ edit ] At the pre-emptory request of a large majority of the citizens of these United States , I, Joshua Norton, formerly of Algoa Bay, Cape of Good Hope, and now for the past nine years and ten months of San Francisco , California, declare and proclaim myself Emperor of these U.S., and in virtue of the authority thereby in me vested, do hereby order and direct the representatives of the different States of the Union to assemble in the Musical Hall of this city on the 1st day of February next, then and there to make such alterations in the existing laws of the Union as may ameliorate the evils under which the country is laboring, and thereby cause confidence to exist, both at home and abroad, in our stability and integrity . Letter to the editors of various San Francisco newspapers (17 September 1859) Being desirous of allaying the dissensions of party strife now existing within our realm, I do hereby dissolve and abolish the Democratic and Republican parties...

Being desirous of allaying the dissensions of party strife now existing within our realm, I do hereby dissolve and abolish the Democratic and Republican parties, and also do hereby decree the disfranchisement and imprisonment, for not more than 10, nor less than five, years, to all persons leading to any violation of this our imperial decree. "Imperial Decree" dated 12th Day of August 1869, published in The San Francisco Herald (13 August 1869) The following is decreed and ordered to be carried into execution as soon as convenient... That a suspension bridge be built from Oakland Point to Goat Island, and then to Telegraph Hill... The following is decreed and ordered to be carried into execution as soon as convenient: I. That a suspension bridge be built from Oakland Point to Goat Island, and then to Telegraph Hill; provided such bridge can be built without injury to the navigable waters of the Bay of San Francisco. II. That the Central Pacific Railroad Company be granted franchises to lay down tracks and run cars from Telegraph Hill and along the city front to Mission Bay. III.

That all deeds by the Washington Government since the establishment of our Empire are hereby decreed null and void unless our Imperial signature is first obtained thereto. "Imperial Decree" (23 March 1872) Whoever after due and proper warning shall be heard to utter the abominable word "Frisco," which has no linguistic or other warrant, shall be deemed guilty of a High Misdemeanor, and shall pay into the Imperial Treasury as penalty the sum of twenty-five dollars. Proclamation of 1872, quoted in It Happened In San Francisco (2006) by Maxine Cass, p. 44 Quotes about Norton[ edit ] Norton I rises up the exact peer of the haughtiest King or Kaiser that ever wore a crown. Perhaps he will rise more than the peer of most of them. ~ The San Francisco Chronicle They say that the world rests on the backs of 36 living saints — 36 unselfish men and women . Because of them the world continues to exist. They are the secret kings and queens of this world...

~ Death , as depicted by Neil Gaiman Last night at 8:15, Joshua Norton, universally known, and known almost only as Emperor Norton, died suddenly in this city. The similar death of the first citizen of San Francisco, or the highest municipal officer of the city, would not have caused so general a sensation as that of the harmless old man whose monomania never distorted at least a heart which was wholesome, and hardly affected a mind which had once been of the shrewdest, other than in the method of his sovereignty of the United States and Protectorate of Mexico.

Question: September 17, 1859, saw Joshua Norton declare himself Norton 1st, Emperor of what?
Answer: United States