Businessman. Like many from the east this Ohio native contracted “gold fever” and in 1849 went out west looking for his fortune. After several failed attempts at mining in both California and Arizona he partnered with two other men to take over an abandoned Mormon fort in the Las Vegas Valley. In 1870 he bought out his partners’ share in the “Las Vegas Ranch” and further developed the six hundred acre complex into an active producing farm that provided food, lodging and supplies to the multitudes traveling on the nearby Mormon trail. He was a community minded person and served in the Arizona territorial legislature from 1864 to 1867. In 1866 Nevada politicians convinced Arizona officials to give most of the area he represented to Nevada, a deal was struck and against his wishes what is today Las Vegas was given to Nevada. Eventually financial difficulties forced him to sell the ranch he developed. In 1881 he and his family moved to California where he attempted to farm and mine. He never rediscovered the success he enjoyed in Nevada, however his venture in taking an abandoned fort and turning it into a prosperous oasis for travelers on what is now Las Vegas has earned him the distinction of being recognized as the “founding father of Las Vegas”.
Businessman. Like many from the east this Ohio native contracted “gold fever” and in 1849 went out west looking for his fortune. After several failed attempts at mining in both California and Arizona he partnered with two other men to take over an abandoned Mormon fort in the Las Vegas Valley. In 1870 he bought out his partners’ share in the “Las Vegas Ranch” and further developed the six hundred acre complex into an active producing farm that provided food, lodging and supplies to the multitudes traveling on the nearby Mormon trail. He was a community minded person and served in the Arizona territorial legislature from 1864 to 1867. In 1866 Nevada politicians convinced Arizona officials to give most of the area he represented to Nevada, a deal was struck and against his wishes what is today Las Vegas was given to Nevada. Eventually financial difficulties forced him to sell the ranch he developed. In 1881 he and his family moved to California where he attempted to farm and mine. He never rediscovered the success he enjoyed in Nevada, however his venture in taking an abandoned fort and turning it into a prosperous oasis for travelers on what is now Las Vegas has earned him the distinction of being recognized as the “founding father of Las Vegas”.
Bio by: Bigwoo
Family Members
Advertisement
