Reports:

On December 22, 1849 the State Legislature appointed Charles Whiting Surveyor General over a field of three other candidates. Whiting was the only appointed Surveyor General; all of his successors were elected to office.

The Legislature did not authorize procurement of furniture and supplies for Whiting's office until 2 days after his appointment, and did not outline the duties of the Surveyor General until January 19, 1850. The statute that defined his duties was passed on April 17, 1850. According to State Controller records, Mr. Whiting was paid $20.56 per day.

Little biographical information is known about the first Surveyor General. He most probably was born and educated in the Eastern United States, and he probably had some engineering or surveying training, since he accomplished some surveying tasks during his tenure as Surveyor General. Seneca Marlette, a later successor in office, noted that Whiting subsequently become Surveyor of San Joaquin County.

Return to list of Surveyors-General