John Bidwell
American politician / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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John Bidwell (August 5, 1819 – April 4, 1900), known in Spanish as Don Juan Bidwell,[1] was an American pioneer, politician, and soldier. Bidwell is known as the founder of the city of Chico, California.
John Bidwell | |
---|---|
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 3rd district | |
In office March 4, 1865 – March 3, 1867 | |
Preceded by | Constituency established |
Succeeded by | James Johnson |
Member of the California Senate from the Sacramento district | |
In office 1849–1851 | |
Preceded by | Constituency established |
Succeeded by | Alonzo W. Adams |
Personal details | |
Born | (1819-08-05)August 5, 1819 Chautauqua County, New York, U.S. |
Died | April 4, 1900(1900-04-04) (aged 80) Chico, California |
Political party | Democratic (Before 1864) Republican (1864–1875) Anti-Monopoly (1875–1888) Prohibition (1888–1900) |
Spouse | Annie Kennedy |
Residence | Bidwell Mansion |
Military service | |
Allegiance | United States California Republic |
Rank | Brigadier General |
Unit | California Battalion |
Battles/wars | Mexican–American War Bear Flag Revolt |
Born in New York, he emigrated at the age of 22 to Alta California (then a part of Mexico) as part of the Bartleson–Bidwell Party, one of the first expeditions of American emigrants along the California Trail. In California, he became a Mexican citizen and a prominent landowner, receiving multiple rancho grants from the governors of Alta California. Following the U.S. Conquest of California, Bidwell went on to serve in the California Senate and then in the U.S. House of Representatives.