Edwin B. Crocker facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Edwin B. Crocker
Edwin B. Crocker, c. 1872 by Stephen W. Shaw
Associate Justice of the California Supreme Court
In office May 21, 1863 – January 2, 1864
Appointed by	Governor Leland Stanford
Preceded by	Stephen Johnson Field
Succeeded by	Elections under 1862 amendment to California constitution and 1863 enabling law
Personal details
Born	Edwin Bryant Crocker (1818-04-26)April 26, 1818 Jamesville, New York, USA
Died	June 24, 1875(1875-06-24) (aged 57) Sacramento, California, USA
Spouses	Mary Norton ​ ​ (m. 1845; death 1847)​ Margaret Rhodes ​ (m. 1852)​
Children	Aimée Crocker Jennie Louise Crocker Fassett
Occupation	Lawyer California Supreme Court Justice
Known for	Crocker Art Museum

Edwin Bryant Crocker (born April 26, 1818 – died June 24, 1875) was an important figure in California history. He served as a Justice on the California Supreme Court. He is also famous for founding the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento.

Who Was Edwin B. Crocker?

Edwin Bryant Crocker was born in Jamesville, New York. His parents were Isaac and Elizabeth Crocker. He studied civil engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. After that, he decided to become a lawyer. He learned law in South Bend, Indiana.

His Early Career and Beliefs

In Indiana, Edwin Crocker became known as an abolitionist. This meant he was against slavery. He even helped enslaved people escape to freedom. In 1850, he lost a court case for helping four enslaved people. He spoke at meetings about helping others. He was a delegate for the Free Soil Party, which opposed slavery.

Moving to California

In 1852, Edwin Crocker and his second wife moved to Sacramento, California. He continued his work as a lawyer there. He also got involved in politics. He helped start the first meeting of the Republican Party in California in 1856.

Serving as a Judge

In 1863, the Governor of California, Leland Stanford, chose Crocker to be a judge. He became an Associate Justice of the California Supreme Court. He served from May 21, 1863, to January 2, 1864. He decided not to run for re-election after a new law changed how judges were chosen.

Working for the Railroad

The next year, Crocker became the main lawyer for the Central Pacific Railroad. This company was run by a group called the "Big Four." Edwin's younger brother, Charles Crocker, was one of them. Edwin helped the railroad legally as they built the First transcontinental railroad. This huge project connected the East and West coasts. It finished with a special ceremony in Promontory, Utah, in 1869.

The Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, California

Starting the Crocker Art Museum

All his hard work took a toll on Edwin Crocker. In June 1869, he had a stroke. He decided to retire from his busy jobs. He had become very wealthy from his railroad investments. He and his family then traveled around Europe. They collected many beautiful pieces of art.

When they returned, they changed their home to include a special art gallery. This home and the art they collected later became the famous Crocker Art Museum. It is a wonderful place for people to see art today.

The gravesite of Edwin B. Crocker and his family.

His Final Years

After his stroke, Edwin Crocker's health never fully recovered. He passed away on June 24, 1875, in Sacramento. He is buried in the Sacramento Historic City Cemetery.

Edwin Crocker's Family Life

Edwin Crocker was married twice. His first wife was Mary Norton. They married on September 3, 1845. Sadly, she passed away in 1847. They had one daughter, also named Mary.

On July 8, 1852, he married Margaret Rhodes. They had four daughters: Aimée Crocker, Jennie Louise Crocker Fassett, Nellie Margaret, and Kate Eugenie Gunn. They also had two sons. One son, Edwin Clark, died as a baby. They also adopted a relative named Elwood Bender.

Crocker Family Tree

See also

• List of justices of the Supreme Court of California
• Warner Cope
• Edward Norton