Edward J. C. Kewen, 1st Attorney General

Born in Columbus, Mississippi on Nov. 2, 1825. Elected as California’s first Attorney General in less than a month from arriving from the midwest. He was 24 years old. Supported only by part-time clerical help; a frugal Legislature denied him office supplies. Resigned from his post in less than a year to return to private practice because his salary “was simply too low.” Kewen was eloquent and bold; in fact, he later served time in Alcatraz for treason (publicly advocated secession). Continued on to serve a term in the state Assembly. Died in 1879 at the age of 54.