EmperorNorton5

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Emperor Norton, born Joshua Abraham Norton, was a South African-born immigrant to America in the mid-nineteenth century who eventually settled in San Francisco. In 1859, he distributed letters to several local newspapers proclaiming himself "His Imperial Majesty Norton I, Emperor of the United States." Later proclamations would add "Protector of Mexico" to his title. Despite holding no actual power, and despite the fact that he was homeless and nearly destitute, Norton was quickly embraced by the city of San Francisco. He issued his own currency, which was treated as legal tender by local businesses, and made a number of proclamations aiming to better the city's government and infrastructure. His reign lasted 21 years. When he died in January 1880, he was given an elaborate funeral. By some accounts, over 30,000 people lined the streets to watch the procession, and the funeral cortege was two miles long. His passing was marked by an eclipse of the sun.