'''Joshua Abraham Norton''', was a [[San Francisco]] investor until he was rendered bankrupt in 1859, whereupon he took up himself the role of Emperor of the United States of America and Protector of Mexico. The natives of the city humored him, printed his proclamations in the newspapers, and permitted him to support himself by selling 'promissory notes', which are now worth many times their original value. | '''Joshua Abraham Norton''', was a [[San Francisco]] investor until he was rendered bankrupt in 1859, whereupon he took up himself the role of Emperor of the United States of America and Protector of Mexico. The natives of the city humored him, printed his proclamations in the newspapers, and permitted him to support himself by selling 'promissory notes', which are now worth many times their original value. |