Talbot H. Green | |
|---|---|
 Talbot H. Green (Paul Geddes) in Pennsylvania in 1860s[a] | |
| Member of the California State Assembly from the San Francisco Legislative district | |
| In office February 1849 – August 1849 | |
| Member of the San Francisco Common Council | |
| In office August 1849 – May 1850 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Paul Geddes August 11, 1810 Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | July 2, 1889 (aged 78) Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouses | |
| Children | 5 |
| Occupation | Merchant, Clerk, Politician |
Talbot H. Green (born Paul Geddes; August 11, 1810 – July 2, 1889) was an American merchant and politician during the mid-19th century, who was exposed as Paul Geddes, an absconder and embezzler of funds from a Philadelphia bank. Born in Pennsylvania to an influential family of Scottish descent, Geddes initially worked in merchandising and engineering. His early career in Philadelphia ended abruptly after financial mismanagement and embezzlement led him to leave his wife and four children, flee westward, and adopt the alias Talbot H. Green.
In 1841, Green joined the Bartleson–Bidwell Party, a pioneering group of emigrants heading to California. Known for his friendly demeanor and leadership skills, he quickly established himself in the Californian business community. Green worked closely with Thomas O. Larkin, a prominent merchant in Monterey, and became a key figure in Larkin's mercantile operations.
Green's influence extended beyond business; he played an active role in California's early political and social life. He was a founding member of the Society of California Pioneers, served on San Francisco's first city council, and participated in significant land transactions. His contributions during the U.S. military conquest of California included supplying goods to American forces.
In 1851, rumors of Green's true identity as Paul Geddes surfaced, leading to his departure from California. He relocated to Texas and later worked as a clerk for the secretary of the United States Senate. Green spent his final years in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, where he lived quietly until his death in 1889, respected by his community but marked by his earlier misdeeds.
Cite error: There are <ref group=lower-alpha> tags or {{efn}} templates on this page, but the references will not show without a {{reflist|group=lower-alpha}} template or {{notelist}} template (see the help page).