Frederick Coombs facts for kids

Frederick Coombs, sometimes called Willie Coombs or "George Washington II," was a very unusual person who lived in San Francisco in the 1800s. He truly believed he was George Washington, the first President of the United States! For a while, he was almost as famous as Emperor Norton, another well-known character in San Francisco. Newspapers often wrote about Coombs's adventures. He eventually left San Francisco after a disagreement with Emperor Norton. Coombs thought Norton was jealous of the attention he received. After leaving, Coombs moved to New York City.

Early Life and Skills

Not much is known about Frederick Coombs's early life. He said he was born in England in 1803. Coombs was a phrenologist, which means he studied the shape of people's skulls to understand their personalities. He was also a talented photographer and inventor. He even designed an electric locomotive (a type of train engine). This engine was interesting but was never built on a large scale. In the 1830s, he traveled around the western United States, showing off his phrenology skills. He even wrote a book about it in 1841 called Popular Phrenology.

Life in San Francisco

Coombs arrived in San Francisco sometime before 1863. At first, he might have just set up his phrenology business. People noticed he looked a lot like George Washington. After many comments, he became convinced he was the former President. He then started dressing like Washington in a Continental Army uniform made of buckskin.

He set up his "headquarters" in a saloon. There, he would study maps and plan "campaigns" for the American Revolutionary War, as if it were still happening. He even wrote letters to the United States Congress and made official announcements, just like Emperor Norton did.

During the day, Coombs was often seen on Montgomery Street. He wore a powdered wig and a three-cornered hat. He carried a banner that said "The Great Matrimonial Candidate." At first, he, Emperor Norton, and two famous stray dogs named Bummer and Lazarus were all equally popular in the San Francisco newspapers. Coombs even appeared in funny drawings with Norton and the dogs. In one drawing, he is shown in his uniform holding a banner. In another, he is shown digging a grave for Lazarus while Norton performs a ceremony.

Coombs and Emperor Norton's Disagreement

Even though he was short and round, Coombs was quite proud and thought he was very charming. He believed this was why he had a disagreement with Emperor Norton. Norton had torn down some posters Coombs put up. Coombs reported this to the police. Since it wasn't a crime, the police couldn't do anything. So, Coombs sold his story to the Alta California newspaper to try and get money for a lawsuit. When a reporter asked why Norton would do such a thing, Coombs said Norton "was jealous of the attention I received."

This made many people laugh. A few days later, the Alta California newspaper published a story making fun of both men. It said that "the light of insanity" could be seen in Coombs's eyes. Both Norton and Coombs were sure they were sane and demanded the newspaper take back what it said. Emperor Norton also made his own official order against Coombs. He told the Chief of Police to:

[...] seize upon the person of Professor Coombs, falsely called Washington No. 2, as a seditious and turbulent fellow, and to have him sent forthwith, for his own good and the public good, to the State Lunatic Asylum for at least thirty days.

Life in New York

Coombs left San Francisco right away, likely heading to New York. In 1868, the famous writer Mark Twain met him there. Coombs still believed he was George Washington and still thought he was very charming. He would entertain people by showing off his legs on street corners. Twain reported that Coombs traveled around New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington. He sold photos of himself visiting Benjamin Franklin's grave for 25 cents. When the William Penn Mansion in Philadelphia was going to be torn down, he asked Congress to give it to him. After it was demolished, he started demanding the Washington Monument instead.

Frederick Coombs passed away in New York City on April 9, 1874.

Images for kids

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  Ambling along Montgomery Street. Coombs is the portly figure in the center of the picture.

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  Coombs depicted as the grave digger in The Funeral of Lazarus