Jo Hamilton, 10th and 12th Attorney General

Born in Kentucky in 1827. Among those Attorneys General best known for oratorical excellence, and the only man to have held this office for two non-consecutive terms. Described as a “rugged specimen of humanity,” with a face “seamed like the ribbed gulches of a California canyon,” a voice “like a foghorn,” and an “impressive, majestic convincing air.” He also enjoyed a great deal of attention. Hamilton’s measured, calculated approach was a marked departure from the gun-slinging, punch-throwing of past Attorneys General. Also served as Trustee of the State Library, 1874-82. Died in Auburn, CA in 1904.