Santa Clarita Valley History In Pictures

Henry T. Gage, Republican candidate for California governor, and Jacob H. Neff, Republican candidate for California lieutenant governor. Pinback (campaign button) 1898 by Whitehead & Hoag.

Gage and Neff were successful in their candidacy, Gage serving as California's 20th governor from Jan. 4, 1899 to 1903. Among his other interests, Gage owned several gold mines in Acton. Neff, of Placer County, was longtime president of the California Miners' Association. Their lackluster albeit controversial careers as state constitutional officers ended after one term — although both enjoyed subsequent political appointments.

(This is the obverse and reverse of the same pinback so both sides are actually the same size. The 1896 date reflects Whitehead & Hoag's patent date[s] for this style of pinback and is not related to the specific image shown on the front.)