Henry Markham

Early life

Markham was born in Wilmington, New York, on November 16, 1840. He attended the common schools of his hometown and Wheeler's Academy in Vermont. He moved to Wisconsin in 1861.

Career

During the Civil War, Markham enlisted as a private in Company G, 32nd Wisconsin Infantry Regiment; he was promoted to second lieutenant. Markham was part of General William Tecumseh Sherman's March to the Sea in 1864. He was wounded at the Battle of Rivers' Bridge in 1865, and discharged.

After the war Markham returned to Wisconsin and settled in Milwaukee, where he studied law and passed the bar in 1867. He practiced law in Milwaukee in the state and federal courts. In 1879, Markham moved to Pasadena, California and continued the practice of law.

Congress

Markham was elected as a Republican to the 49th Congress in 1884, but declined to seek renomination in 1886.

Governor

He was elected governor of California in 1890 and inaugurated in January 1891. During his term, California's economy suffered badly from the Panic of 1893. Hoping to boost economic recovery, Markham strongly backed the California Midwinter International Exposition of 1894, held in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park; it was a resounding success. Markham declined to seek a second term as governor in 1894.

Later career

In Pasadena Markham was on the school board and was one of the founders of the Pasadena public library. He was also part of the Calico Union Mining Company. During his run for governor he was referred to as "the dashing colonel from Pasadena," and he was a longtime member of the Pasadena Republican Club.

Personal life

On May 17, 1876, Markham married Mary A. Dana in Waukesha, Wisconsin. He purchased a 23-acre ranch in Pasadena, California, and he and his family moved there in 1879. They had five daughters: Marie, Alice, Gertrude, Genevieve, and Hildreth.

Death and burial

On October 9, 1923, Markham died in his Pasadena home at age 82. He was interred at Mountain View Cemetery in Altadena.(Note: The house, located at 703 S. Pasadena Ave., was demolished in 1939.)

Electoral history

References

• Treasure from the Painted Hills: A History of Calico, California, 1882–1907, page 18, By Douglas W. Steeples, David O. Whitten

References

1. (October 9, 1923). "Death Takes Former Governor H. H. Markham". [[The Sacramento Bee]].
2. "The Governor's Gallery - Henry Harrison Markham (1891–1895)".
3. "The First Ladies/Partners of California- Mary Markham (1891–1895)".
4. California Secretary of State. "California Blue Book, or State Roster 1891". State Printing Office.