William F. White
Irish-born American politician, pioneer
About William F. White
Lived 1816 – 1890 (aged 73–74). William F. White was an American politician, merchant, elected official, author and farmer.
William Francis White (1816 – May 16, 1890) was an Irish American pioneer, merchant, farmer, author and politician who served two terms as a California Bank Commissioner from 1879 to 1887.
In 1878, he was elected a delegate to California's Second Constitutional Convention on the Workingmen's ticket, representing Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties. The next year, he was the party's nominee for Governor of California, coming in third place behind Democrat Hugh J. Glenn and Republican George Clement Perkins. After his loss, he was appointed a State Bank Commissioner by outgoing Governor William Irwin, serving in that position until 1887.
He was the father of U.S. Senator Stephen M. White.
Caricature gallery
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
People in William F. White's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped William F. White's
Frequently asked questions
Who was William F. White?
Irish-born American politician, pioneer (1816–1890)
When was William F. White born?
William F. White was born in 1816 in County Limerick.
When did William F. White die?
William F. White died on 16 May 1890 in Oakland.
What was William F. White's occupation?
William F. White was a politician, merchant, elected official, author and farmer.
What nationality was William F. White?
William F. White was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William F. White. https://biography.guide/william-f-white/
MLA: "William F. White." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-f-white/.
Chicago: "William F. White." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-f-white/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:21 UTC