John Bidwell

John Bidwell
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 3rd district
In office March 4, 1865 – March 3, 1867
Preceded by	Constituency established
Succeeded by	James Johnson
Member of the California Senate from the Sacramento district
In office 1849–1851
Preceded by	Constituency established
Succeeded by	Alonzo W. Adams
Personal details
Born	(1819-08-05)August 5, 1819 Chautauqua County, New York, U.S.
Died	April 4, 1900(1900-04-04) (aged 80) Chico, California
Political party	Democratic (Before 1864) Republican (1864–1875) Anti-Monopoly (1875–1888) Prohibition (1888–1900)
Spouse	Annie Kennedy
Residence	Bidwell Mansion
Military service
Allegiance	United States California Republic
Rank	Brigadier General
Unit	California Battalion
Battles/wars	Mexican–American War Bear Flag Revolt

John Bidwell (August 5, 1819 – April 4, 1900), known in Spanish as Don Juan Bidwell,^[1] was an American pioneer, politician, and soldier. Bidwell is known as the founder of the city of Chico, California.

Born in New York, he emigrated at the age of 22 to Alta California (then a part of Mexico) as part of the Bartleson–Bidwell Party, one of the first expeditions of American emigrants along the California Trail. In California, he became a Mexican citizen and a prominent landowner, receiving multiple rancho grants from the governors of Alta California. Following the U.S. Conquest of California, Bidwell went on to serve in the California Senate and then in the U.S. House of Representatives.