Today in 1880 Joshua Norton collapsed on the street in San Francisco and died shortly after. He had proclaimed himself 'Norton I Emperor of the United States'. He ordered the US Congress dissolved by force. People sold merch with his image & 10,000 attended his funeral.

@Ram_Seaside Dan Snow Malcolm Nance There's a beautiful story by Neil Gaiman in one of hus Sandman comics featuring him...otherwise would have never heard of him. Fascinating character...