Emperor Norton

San Francisco is a city that loves an eccentric. One of the most beloved and famous of San Francisco's eccentric characters was Joshua Norton aka Emperor Norton. Norton I, Emperor of These United States and Protector of Mexico reigned in San Francisco for 21 years. The Emperor issued proclamations and his own currency that was accepted by businessess in San Francisco.
Born Joshua Norton in London his family emigrated to South Africa where Norton was raised and lived until his immigration to San Francisco in 1849. Using an inheritance of $40,000 from his father's estate Norton invested in San Francisco real estate and was very successful. His net worth in the 1850's was estimated to be $250,000 until an investment in a Peruvian rice deal fell through. He was involved in a series of law suits and lost causing him to file for bankruptcy in 1858. Norton left San Francisco for a while in shame and when he returned his state of mind was different. It was then he proclaimed himself Emperor.
As Emperor, Norton wore an elaborate blue uniform with epaulets donated by officers from the Presidio and a beaver hat with a rosette and peacock feather decoration. Norton would issue various proclamations announcing his intentions to over throw the government and declaring the US Congress to be illegal. He also proposed a bridge and tunnel connection San Francisco and Oakland. His vision was eventually completed long after his death with the Bay Bridge and BART tunnel. His main occupation was inspecting the streets of San Francisco. During one of his inspections Norton is said to have with his powers of diplomacy resolved a confrontation with anti-Chinese demonstrators rioting outside of Chinatown. He is said to have stood between the rioters and their Chinese targets and resolved the confrontation by reciting the Lord's Prayer.
In 1867 a police officer, Armand Barbier, arrested Emperor Norton to commit him involuntarily treatment for a mental disorder. A public outrage ensued causing the chief of San Francisco's police to issue a formal apology when Norton was released. Emperor Norton then granted an "Imperial Pardon" to the arresting officer. For the rest of the Emperor's life police officers saluted him whenever he passed.
No theater in San Francisco opened a show in San Francisco without reserving seats for the Emperor on opening night. Restaurants in San Francisco served him complimentary meals and prized his "Imperial Seal of Approval" by mounting plaques outside of their establishments. His self issued currency was accepted through out San Francisco. His notes came in denominations running from 50 cents to $10. The surviving notes are now collectors items and considered very valuable.

Emperor Norton collapsed on the corner of California St and what is now called Grant Ave on January 8, 1880. He died in the ambulance taking him to the hospital. There had always been speculation that Norton was actually wealthy. Upon his death it was discovered that he was indigent when his room in a Commercial Street rooming house was searched. Initally a paupers funeral was proposed but the Pacific Club arranged a fund to pay for a funeral and rosewood coffin. His funeral was on Sunday January 10th was solemn event attended by an estimated 30,000 people and had a cortege said to be 2 miles long. Emperor Norton was laid to rest in the Masonic Cemetary in a gravesite paid for by the City of San Francisco. In 1934 Nortons remains were transfered as were all others from city cemetaries to Colma a town just outside of the city. His grave is now in Woodlawn Cemetery marked with a mounument reading  "Norton I, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico".  An odd footnote to Emperor Norton's life is the gravesite adjacent to his. The headstone is for the self-declared "Her Royal Majesty, Empress of San Francisco, José I, the "Widow Norton" . The Widow Norton is a legendary San Francisco drag queen who makes an annual pilgrimage the the site to honor Emperor Norton.