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California Civil War Senator John Conness Autograph c.1860s [155391]

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:100.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 400.00 USD
California Civil War Senator John Conness Autograph  c.1860s  [155391]

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Cut square autograph, John Conness, Cal. 4 x 5.5" Conness served as a US Senator for California from 1863-69. Before that, he was a member of the California State Assembly (1853-55 and 1860-62). He tried unsuccessfully to run to be governor of California in 1861. As a Republican senator during the Civil War, he became close with President Lincoln. They worked together on legislation to protect Yosemite and Mariposa Grove with federal land grants. Lincoln said of Conness that he is "habitually careful not to say what he does not know" and that he was "one of our United States Senators, of high standing, whom I cheerfully endorse." Conness voted to abolish slavery and introduced a bill to establish Yosemite National Park. His advocacy of Chinese immigration and civil rights cost him re-election due to opposition from his California constituents. Conness served as a pallbearer at Lincoln's funeral. Please see the California Senator David C. Broderick's Autographed Cover in the Numismatic Section. California