Milton Latham
1860–1860
Significant Facts
Born: May 23, 1827 in Columbus, Ohio
Died: March 4, 1882 in New York City, New York
Married: Sophie Birdsall on October 1, 1853 in San Francisco, CA
Political Party: Lecompton Democrat
Family
Father: Bela Latham
Mother: Julianna Sterret
Wife: Sophie Birdsall, 2nd wife — Mary McMullen
Children: Milton Latham from second marriage
Find out more about the time period and interests of Milton Latham
Did You Know?
- Latham served as Governor for only 5 days—the shortest term in office
- Latham kept a journal of his activities every day of his term
Biography
Milton Latham grew up in Ohio. Milton Latham graduated from Jefferson College (now Washington and Jefferson College) in Pennsylvania in 1845. After graduation, Latham headed to Russell County, Alabama where he worked as a school teacher, served as a court clerk, and became a lawyer. Latham arrived in San Francisco in early April, 1850. While there, he served as a court clerk until he moved to Sacramento and was elected as the area’s District Attorney. In November 1852, Latham was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives where he only served one term. Latham returned to California and served as the Collector for the Port of San Francisco for almost two years.
Latham was elected Governor when he was 32 years old. He was a Lecompton (pro-Southern) Democrat, and his election to the office of Governor was opposed by those who feared that he would make California a pro-slavery state. Two days after Latham took the oath of office, the legislature agreed to elect him to fill Senator Broderick’s vacancy in the U.S. Senate. Many believe that Latham ran for Governor because he wanted the available seat of U.S. Senator Broderick, who had been killed in a duel. When he took his seat in the Senate, Latham was its youngest member.
Bibliography
Books and Articles
- Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress, 1774 – 2005
- Melendy and Gilbert. The Governors of California: From Peter H. Burnett to Edmund G. Brown, Talisman Press, 1965.
- Schaechtele. The Governors of California and their Portraits, California State Capitol Museum Volunteer Association, 1995.
Websites
National Governors Association
Speeches
