DAVID BRODERICK

David Broderick was a shrewd and powerful politician in the early years of California’s statehood.  He had been a stonemason and saloon keeper in New York, before joining the Gold Rush in California. 

Settling in San Francisco, Broderick made a fortune in real estate and set his sights on a political career. He was a member of the Democratic Party’s antislavery wing, and he rose quickly in politics – winning election to the State Senate in 1850 and becoming its leader the following year. 

For several years, he had political control of San Francisco – “the dictator of the municipality,” according to one biographer. 

In 1856, the Legislature elected Broderick to the U.S. Senate (Senators weren’t elected by popular vote until the early 20^th century).

In the months before the Civil War, Broderick and California Chief Justice David Terry – both Democrats – feuded over the slavery question. 

Terry, who was pro-slavery, accused Broderick of abandoning the Democratic Party, and Broderick responded by calling Terry a dishonest judge and a “miserable wretch.” 

Terry challenged Broderick to a duel at Lake Merced, at that time, just south of San Francisco. 

They met early in the morning on Sept. 13, 1859. Broderick’s pistol discharged prematurely, after which Terry shot Broderick in the chest. He died three days later.