Southwestern Sacramento in Sacramento County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Luella Buckminster-Johnston
1861 – 1958
Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 13, 2008
1. Luella Buckminster-Johnston Marker
An outspoken proponent of suffrage for women, she became the first of her gender elected to a municipal office in Sacramento, being swept into office by an all male electorate before women attained the right to vote. Widow of a politician and schoolteacher by avocation, she became a leader of the Progressive Republican Women and Sacramento’s first Commissioner of Education in 1912.
Erected by (Unknown) - This plaque dedicated in honor of Ludmilda Pezel-Hamilton.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Government & Politics • Notable Events. A significant historical year for this entry is 1912.
Location. 38° 33.705′ N, 121° 30.016′ W. Marker is in Sacramento, California, in Sacramento County. It is in Southwestern Sacramento. Marker is located at the Sacramento City Cemetery at 1000 Broadway. Marker is located at the intersection of Olive and Cedar at Block 118 within the boundaries of the Cemetery Grounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1000 Broadway, Sacramento CA 95818, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old Odd Fellows Plot (within shouting distance of this marker); Sacramento Turn Verein (within shouting distance of this marker); Jane Norris (within shouting distance
this page online
Also see . . . California’s First Councilwoman. Sacramentality website entry:
Part 1, with link to part 2 (Submitted on October 3, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Additional commentary.
1. Obituary Published in the Sacramento Union, May 12, 1958
Luella Johnston Dies at 97; Was Former Civic Leader:
Luella Johnston, who became Sacramento's first woman commissioner in 1912, died at the age of 97 yesterday at the home of a son, Markham, in Carmel. Mrs. Johnston, was the widow of A.J. Johnston, who had been state printer for 12 years when he died in 1906.
She was active in political and women's groups, was founder of
via Wikipedia, c.1910s
2. Luella Buckminster-Johnston
Mrs. Johnston was born in New Hampshire, May 9, 1861. Her father was killed in the Battle of Spotsylvania in the Civil War and she and her mother came to San Francisco. She taught school in Sacramento at the age of 15 and was married to Johnston 1880.
Her son Markham was Chief Deputy District Attorney under Hugh Bradford. Another son, Robert Jr., also survives. A daughter, Mrs. Luella Bryant of Atherton, a son Dave, and another son, Alva, proceeded her in death. The latter was a well-known newspaperman and writer, winning the Pulitzer Prize while with the New York Times.
— Submitted October 25, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
2. Article from the Sacramento Bee, May 20, 1912
Burke is Highest Winner
Suburbs Turn the Tide in Favor of Mrs. Johnston, Electing All Five League Candidates
Voters of Entire City Express Preference for Good Government in No Uncertain Terms
The Five Winners:
M. J. Burke 10,791 total votes
J. A. Filcher 9,274
Chas. A. Bliss 9,033
E. M. Wilder 8,802
Luella B. Johnston 7,880
The
Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 13, 2008
3. Luella Buckminster-Johnston Marker and Grave Site
It was upheaval that was a surprise to the most ardent supporter of the Municipal League, and the honors go to the women of the city. Their untiring efforts, their perfect organization and their persistency in getting the voters, particularly the women, to the polls, was a victory over the Machine forces. They proved their right to equal suffrage.
How they will serve:
The five Commissioners, who will launch the new City Charter, based on the commission form of government, and terms which will serve are: M.J.Burke, 5 years; J.A.Filcher. 4 years; Chas.A.Bliss, 3 years; E.M.Wilder, 2 years; Luella Johnston, 1 year.
— Submitted October 25, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 13, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,635 times since then and 23 times this year. Last updated on January 26, 2009, by Gregg Campbell of Sacramento, California. Photos: 1. submitted on October 13, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 2. submitted on October 3, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3. submitted on October 13, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
