E. Kirby Chamberlain
American politician
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ephraim Kirby Chamberlain (April 24, 1805 – December 28, 1852) was a politician in California. He served in the California State Senate and was President pro tempore of the California State Senate in 1849.
E. Kirby Chamberlain | |
|---|---|
| 1st President pro tempore of the California State Senate | |
| In office 1849–1851 | |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Elcan Heydenfeldt |
| Member of the California State Senate for the Los Angeles district | |
| In office 1849–1851 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 24, 1805 |
| Died | 28 December 1852 (aged 47) Near Acapulco, Mexico |
| Party | Non-partisan |
| Spouse | Susan Pennock Clark |
| Education | Columbia University |
Chamberlain was born in Colebrook, Connecticut on April 24, 1805.[1] His parents moved to Elbridge, New York in 1815, and Chamberlain was raised and educated in Elbridge.[1] He graduated from New York City's College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1828.[1] He subsequently established a medical practice in New Brighton, Pennsylvania.[1] In 1836, Chamberlain married Susan Pennock Clark (d. 1846).[1] In 1841, he moved to Cincinnati, where he continued to practice medicine.[1]
During the Mexican–American War he served in the U.S. Army as surgeon of a volunteer regiment from Ohio.[2] After the war, he was one of the commissioners named to establish the border between California and Mexico.[1] After arriving in California, Chamberlain became involved in several businesses, including gold mines.[1] When California attained statehood, Chamberlain was elected to represent the San Diego area in the first state senate, and was chosen to serve as the body's president pro tempore.[1]
While on a trip to San Francisco, Chamberlain became ill in Panama.[3][4] He died aboard ship near Acapulco on December 28, 1852, and was buried at sea.[5]
