Charles N. Felton

Charles Norton Felton (January 1, 1832 – September 13, 1914) was an American banker and politician who served as a Congressman (1885 to 1889) and U.S. Senator (1891 to 1893) from California in the late 19th century, in addition to co-founding the progenitor of the Chevron Corporation.

Charles N. Felton
Portrait c. 1891–1893
United States Senator from California
In office March 19, 1891 – March 3, 1893
Preceded by	George Hearst
Succeeded by	Stephen M. White
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 5th district
In office March 4, 1885 – March 3, 1889
Preceded by	District established
Succeeded by	Thomas J. Clunie
Member of the California State Assembly
In office 1880–1882
Personal details
Born	(1832-01-01)January 1, 1832 Buffalo, New York, U.S.
Died	September 13, 1914(1914-09-13) (aged 82) Menlo Park, California, U.S.
Resting place	Cypress Lawn Memorial Park
Political party	Republican
Signature

Biography

Charles Felton was born on January 1, 1832, in Buffalo, New York. The Feltons were of English descent.^[1] He attended and received his education from Syracuse Academy before studying law and being admitted to the bar; however, he never entered practice.

"The Napoleon of the House, C. N. Felton, making the effective speech on the Debris Bill." 1880 sketch by Carl Browne

Early career

Felton moved to California in 1849 and entered the mercantile business and subsequently banking. In 1853, he became sheriff of Yuba County, California. Felton served as a tax collector before being appointed as treasurer of the United States Mint at San Francisco. From 1868 to 1877, he served as Assistant Treasurer of the United States. Felton also served in the California State Assembly from 1880 to 1882.^[2]

Congress

In 1884, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives as a Republican for the 49th Congress. He subsequently won reelection to his seat in 1886 for the 50th Congress.

He did not seek election to a third term in the U.S. House in 1888 after serving from March 1885 to March 1889.

U.S. Senate

Felton was elected to the United States Senate in 1891 to represent California to fill the vacancy caused by the death of George Hearst, serving from March 19, 1891, to March 3, 1893. He did not seek reelection.

Later career and death

Upon retiring from the U.S. Senate, Felton served as a state prison director from 1903 to 1907. He died at his home in Menlo Park, California, on September 13, 1914.

Electoral history

1884 United States House of Representatives elections in California

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Charles N. Felton	17,014	51.7
	Democratic	Frank J. Sullivan	15,676	47.6
	Prohibition	William Crowhurst	232	0.7
Total votes			32,922	100.0
Turnout
	Republican gain from Democratic

1886 United States House of Representatives elections in California

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Charles N. Felton (Incumbent)	16,328	48.8
	Democratic	Frank J. Sullivan	16,209	48.4
	Independent	Albert E. Redstone	470	1.4
	Prohibition	C. Henderson	460	1.4
Total votes			33,467	100.0
Turnout
	Republican hold