Category: People

Joseph Raphael De Lamar

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Joseph Raphael De Lamar (1843–1918) was a Dutch-born American maritime adventurer, mining magnate, and financier who rose from poverty to amass a $29 million fortune, leaving a lasting legacy through his contributions to mining and philanthropy.

Dutch-American businessman Joseph Raphael De Lamar
Dutch-American businessman Joseph Raphael De Lamar

Early Life

Joseph Raphael De Lamar was born on September 2, 1843, in Amsterdam, Holland, to Maximiliaan de la Mar, a banker, and Johanna Teune. His father’s death when Joseph was four plunged the family into poverty, leaving his mother to raise seven children. As a young boy, De Lamar stowed away on a Dutch ship bound for the West Indies, working as a cook’s assistant after being discovered. This sparked a maritime career, and by age 23, he commanded a ship, gaining a global education through extensive voyages.

Maritime and Submarine Ventures

De Lamar’s early career was defined by bold ventures. He became a ship’s captain and, during the American Civil War, a submarine contractor, salvaging sunken vessels. In 1872, he raised the Charlotte, a steamship carrying Italian marble, off Bermuda, succeeding where others failed. A near-fatal incident in 1874, trapped for 36 hours in a diving suit while inspecting the Steamer William Tibbitts at Martha’s Vineyard, led him to abandon diving. He then traded along West African rivers, profiting despite significant crew losses to disease.

Mining Career

In the late 1870s, De Lamar joined the Colorado gold rush, studying chemistry and metallurgy to enhance his mining expertise. In 1879, he bought the Terrible Lead Mine in Custer County, Colorado, for $5,500, selling it in 1885 for $130,000. In Idaho, he extracted $1.5 million in gold and silver from a mountain near Silver City, selling a half-interest to the De Lamar Mining Company of England for $2 million. He invested in Colorado’s Cripple Creek and built a cyanide-process mill in Mercur, Utah, expanding it to process 1,000 tons daily. In the 1890s, he explored copper prospects in Bingham Canyon, Utah, influencing its development. His mining legacy includes ghost towns named Delamar in Nevada, Idaho, and California.

Political and Financial Career

In 1891, De Lamar served as an Idaho state senator, chairing key committees but declining a U.S. Senate candidacy. Relocating to New York, he became a secretive Wall Street financier, known as “the man of mystery” for his reserved yet successful dealings, influencing major business interests without seeking public office.

Personal Life and New York Society

In 1893, De Lamar married Nellie Virginia Sands, a John Quincy Adams descendant, and they had a daughter, Alice. After their divorce, he raised Alice alone. To cement his status in New York’s Gilded Age, he commissioned a Beaux-Arts mansion at 233 Madison Avenue, completed in 1905 with features like an automobile elevator. He also built Pembroke, a Long Island estate, housing an Aeolian organ and Tiffany stained glass. Despite his wealth, his reserved nature kept him on the fringes of elite society.

Later Years and Legacy

An accomplished organist, De Lamar hosted grand events, including Alice’s 1915 society debut. He amassed art, including sculptures and paintings, for his homes. De Lamar died on December 1, 1918, in New York from pneumonia following surgery, leaving a $29 million estate (roughly $480 million today) to Alice and $10 million to Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and Columbia for medical research. His Madison Avenue mansion, later home to the American Bible Society and National Democratic Club, became the Polish Consulate in 1973 and a New York City landmark. In 2023, De Lamar was inducted into the American Mining Hall of Fame, cementing his rags-to-riches legacy.

Elias Jackson Baldwin “Lucky Baldwin”

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Elias Jackson Baldwin, known as “Lucky” Baldwin, was born on April 3, 1828, in Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio, the fourth of 14 children in a modest farming family. His parents, Isaac Baldwin and Melinda Jackson, relocated to a farm near New Paris, Indiana, in 1834, where Baldwin spent his childhood. With limited formal education, he developed a sharp, self-reliant character early on. At 18, he eloped with Sarah Ann Unruh, and the couple had a daughter, Clara, in 1847. By his early twenties, Baldwin demonstrated entrepreneurial flair, operating a general store in Valparaiso, Indiana, and later a hotel, which laid the foundation for his business acumen.

Elias Jackson Baldwin, known as "Lucky" Baldwin. April 3, 1828- April 3, 1828 – March 1, 1909
Elias Jackson Baldwin, known as “Lucky” Baldwin. April 3, 1828- April 3, 1828 – March 1, 1909

Journey to California and Early Ventures (1853–1860s)

In 1853, drawn by the California Gold Rush, Baldwin joined a wagon train from Indiana to San Francisco, a perilous six-month journey across the continent. Rather than prospecting for gold, he capitalized on the journey by trading goods like brandy, cigars, and tobacco, turning a profit before even reaching California. He narrowly escaped attacks by Native Americans, showcasing his resilience. Upon arriving in San Francisco, Baldwin avoided mining, instead investing in more stable ventures: a livery stable, a brick manufacturing business, and hotel properties. His foresight in focusing on infrastructure and services during the Gold Rush boom set him apart from speculative miners.

By the early 1860s, Baldwin’s investments expanded into the stock market, particularly shares in Nevada’s Comstock Lode, a major silver mining region. His nickname “Lucky” was cemented during this period due to a fortuitous incident. While traveling abroad, he instructed his broker to sell his Norcross mining stock if it fell below $800 per foot. Unable to access his safe due to a forgotten key, the sale was delayed, and the stock rebounded dramatically, earning Baldwin millions—equivalent to approximately $87 million in 2024. This windfall transformed him into one of San Francisco’s wealthiest figures.

Rise to Prominence in San Francisco (1860s–1875)

Using his mining wealth, Baldwin diversified his portfolio in San Francisco. He acquired the Montgomery Block, a prominent commercial building, and built the luxurious Baldwin Hotel and Theatre in 1876, which became a social hub until it burned down in 1898. His business ventures included real estate, shipping, and speculative investments, establishing him as a leading figure in California’s post-Gold Rush economy. Baldwin’s charisma and bold decision-making earned him both admiration and notoriety, as he navigated the city’s competitive business landscape.

Acquisition and Initial Development (1873–1874)

In 1873, Baldwin acquired a promising gold claim from brothers Barney and Charley Carter, who had discovered a gold-bearing quartz ledge on what they called “Carters’ Quartz Hill” (later Gold Mountain) near Baldwin Lake. Baldwin purchased the claim for $30,000 (approximately $750,000 in 2024), renaming it the Gold Mountain Mine. His investment sparked a second gold rush in the Big Bear area, fueled by exaggerated reports, such as one in The Guardian (September 12, 1874), which hailed the site as a “mineralogical miracle.” To support operations, Baldwin’s company built a road from Cactus Flats to Big Bear and began transporting heavy machinery.

Gold Mountain Mine and Bairdstown (1874–1875)

Baldwin invested $250,000 (about $6.5 million in 2024) to construct a 40-stamp mill at the base of Gold Mountain, designed to process 100 tons of ore daily. This steam-powered mill was a significant engineering feat for the remote region. By late 1874, a boomtown called Bairdstown emerged near Baldwin Lake to support the mine, boasting saloons, a blacksmith, boarding houses, and, by 1875, additional amenities like stores, hotels, a bakery, and a Chinese wash house.

The mill began operations on March 6, 1875, employing 180 workers. However, the ore proved low-grade, yielding insufficient gold to cover costs. After two months, Baldwin reduced operations to 20 stamps, and by October 1875, he shut down the mill entirely, just eight months after its launch. A fire destroyed the mill in August 1876, and Bairdstown was abandoned, becoming a ghost town.

Later Attempt with J.R. DeLaMar (1899–1900s)

In 1899, J.R. DeLaMar, a mining entrepreneur, proposed reviving the Gold Mountain Mine using the cyanide process to extract gold from low-grade ore. Baldwin, still owning the claim, agreed, and a new 40-stamp mill was built higher on Gold Mountain. Despite optimism, the operation again yielded poor results, and mining ceased after limited activity. The site saw sporadic efforts by other companies into the 1940s but never achieved significant production.

Geological and Historical Context

The Gold Mountain Mine, located in the Baldwin Lake District at approximately 7,251 feet elevation, featured gold-bearing quartz veins in quartzite and schist. San Bernardino County hosted over 3,000 mines, with gold as a primary commodity in 1,585. Baldwin’s venture was part of a shift from placer to corporate quartz mining, often employing diverse labor, including Chinese workers. The region’s challenges—limited water and low ore quality—hindered profitability.

Horse Racing and Santa Anita Park (1870s–1909)

Baldwin’s passion for thoroughbred horse racing defined much of his legacy. In the 1870s, he began breeding and racing horses, establishing the Santa Anita Stable. He developed the original Santa Anita Park racetrack on his rancho, which became a premier venue for horse racing in California. His horses, including stars like Volante, Emperor of Norfolk, and Los Angeles, won major races, including the American Derby in 1885, 1886, 1888, and 1894. Baldwin’s dedication to the sport earned him a posthumous induction into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2018 as a Pillar of the Turf.

His racing ventures were not without controversy. Baldwin’s competitive nature and willingness to bet heavily on his horses drew scrutiny, and he faced accusations of manipulating races. Nevertheless, his contributions elevated California’s status in national racing circles, and his legacy inspired the modern Santa Anita Park, reestablished by his daughter Anita in 1934.

Personal Life and Scandals

Baldwin’s personal life was as colorful as his business ventures. He married four times: Sarah Ann Unruh (1846–1865), Mary Cochran (1865–1876), Jane Virginia “Jennie” Dexter (1876–1881), and Lillie Bennett (1884–1909). His marriages were often tumultuous, and he faced multiple lawsuits from women alleging breach of promise or seduction. In 1876, 16-year-old Louise Perkins sued him for $75,000, claiming he reneged on a marriage promise; the case was settled out of court. In 1883, Baldwin survived a shooting at his Baldwin Hotel by Lillian Ashley, who accused him of misconduct. A decade later, her sister Vinnie Ashley shot at him again, seeking revenge, but Baldwin escaped unharmed.

Despite these controversies, Baldwin remained a charismatic figure, known for his charm, poker-playing prowess, and lavish lifestyle. He was a regular at San Francisco’s elite social clubs and maintained a reputation as a shrewd yet approachable magnate.

Later Years and Financial Decline (1890s–1909)

By the 1890s, Baldwin’s fortune began to wane due to economic downturns, poor investments, and the costs of maintaining his vast properties. The Panic of 1893 and the destruction of his Baldwin Hotel in 1898 further strained his finances. Nevertheless, he remained active in horse racing and continued to manage his rancho, often spending evenings playing poker with friends. His health declined in the early 1900s, and he contracted pneumonia in early 1909. Baldwin died on March 1, 1909, at his Santa Anita ranch, leaving an estate valued at approximately $25 million (about $750 million in 2024).

Legacy and Impact

Baldwin’s estate was divided primarily between his daughters, Clara Baldwin Stocker and Anita Baldwin McClaughry. Anita used her inheritance to reestablish Santa Anita Park in 1934, cementing the family’s racing legacy. Baldwin’s land subdivisions spurred the growth of Los Angeles County, and his agricultural innovations boosted California’s citrus and wine industries. Place names like Baldwin Hills, Baldwin Park, Baldwin Avenue, and the city of Arcadia reflect his enduring influence.

Baldwin’s life embodied the spirit of the American West: bold, opportunistic, and resilient. His ability to navigate the Gold Rush, mining booms, and California’s land development made him a transformative figure. Despite personal scandals and financial setbacks, his contributions to real estate, agriculture, and horse racing left a lasting mark on California’s history.

Key Achievements

  • Mining Wealth: Amassed millions through Comstock Lode investments, earning the “Lucky” nickname.
  • Land Development: Acquired and developed over 63,000 acres, founding Arcadia and Monrovia.
  • Horse Racing: Established the original Santa Anita Park and won multiple American Derbies, earning a 2018 Hall of Fame induction.
  • Agricultural Innovation: Developed Rancho Santa Anita into a model for citrus and wine production.

Sources

  • San Francisco Chronicle archives (1870s–1909)
  • National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame records
  • Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden historical documents
  • California State Historical Society records on Rancho Santa Anita
  • Biographical accounts from “Arcadia: City of the Santa Anita” by Robert F. Walsh

Job Harriman

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Job Harriman founded Llano del Rio, a socialist utopian community in California, aimed at creating a self-sufficient cooperative based.
Job Harriman founded Llano del Rio, a socialist utopian community in California, aimed at creating a self-sufficient cooperative based.

Early Life and Education

Job Harriman was born on January 15, 1861, in Clinton County, Indiana, to a farming family. His early years were shaped by the rural Midwest, where he developed a strong work ethic and a curiosity about social reform. Harriman pursued higher education at Butler University in Indianapolis, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1883. His academic background, combined with his exposure to Christian ethics, led him to study theology, and he was ordained as a minister in the Disciples of Christ Church. However, his growing interest in social justice and labor issues soon drew him away from the pulpit and toward political activism.

Early Career and Political Awakening

After briefly serving as a minister, Harriman shifted his focus to law, studying at the University of Michigan and earning admission to the Indiana bar in 1886. He practiced law in Indiana before moving to San Francisco in the late 1880s, where he was exposed to the burgeoning socialist movement. The stark inequalities of the Gilded Age, coupled with his experiences in urban centers, radicalized Harriman. He joined the Socialist Labor Party and later the Socialist Party of America, aligning himself with the progressive ideals of figures like Eugene V. Debs.

In 1900, Harriman’s prominence within the socialist movement led to his nomination as the Socialist Party’s candidate for vice president, running alongside Debs in the presidential election. Although the ticket garnered only 0.6% of the national vote, the campaign elevated Harriman’s profile as a leading socialist voice. His oratorical skills and legal expertise made him a compelling advocate for workers’ rights and economic equality.

Move to Los Angeles and Political Campaigns

In 1902, Harriman relocated to Los Angeles, California, seeking a new stage for his activism. He quickly became a prominent figure in the city’s labor and socialist circles, representing striking workers in high-profile legal cases. His most notable political endeavor came in 1911 when he ran for mayor of Los Angeles as the Socialist Party candidate. Harriman campaigned on a platform of municipal ownership of utilities, labor rights, and social reforms, resonating with a city grappling with rapid industrialization and labor unrest. He secured 44% of the vote, narrowly losing to incumbent George Alexander in a highly contested election. The defeat, which Harriman attributed to political corruption and media bias, marked a turning point, leading him to question the efficacy of electoral politics as a means of achieving socialist goals.

Founding of Llano Del Rio

Disillusioned by his electoral loss, Harriman turned to a more radical vision: creating a cooperative socialist community to demonstrate the viability of collective living. In 1914, he founded the Llano Del Rio colony in the Antelope Valley, 45 miles north of Los Angeles. As the colony’s charismatic leader, Harriman envisioned a self-sustaining community based on shared labor and resources, free from capitalist exploitation. He secured 9,000 acres of land and water rights along Big Rock Creek, launching the colony on May 1, 1914, with an initial group of five settlers.

Under Harriman’s leadership, Llano Del Rio grew to a peak population of around 1,100 by 1917, boasting agricultural production, a Montessori school, and cultural activities like orchestras and baseball teams. Harriman’s legal and organizational skills were critical in structuring the colony as a corporation, raising funds through stock sales, and managing its early growth. However, his leadership style drew criticism, with some colonists and external observers, including the Los Angeles Times, labeling him autocratic. Internal dissent, water rights disputes, and financial difficulties led to the colony’s bankruptcy in 1918, prompting Harriman to relocate with approximately 200 colonists to Vernon Parish, Louisiana, to establish New Llano.

Later Years and New Llano

Colonists outside a crude machine shop at the Llano del Rio colony, 1914.
Colonists outside a crude machine shop at the Llano del Rio colony, 1914.

The failure of Llano Del Rio did not deter Harriman’s commitment to socialism. In Louisiana, he led New Llano, which operated until 1937 and is considered one of America’s most successful socialist experiments. Harriman remained a guiding figure, though he delegated much of the day-to-day management to others as he focused on writing and lecturing. He authored articles for socialist publications like The Western Comrade and continued to advocate for cooperative principles, though on a smaller scale than during his political heyday.

Harriman’s health declined in the early 1920s, and he gradually withdrew from public life. He spent his final years in New Llano, reflecting on the challenges and achievements of his utopian ventures. Harriman died on August 26, 1925, at the age of 64, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering socialist and utopian visionary.

Legacy and Impact

Job Harriman’s life was defined by his relentless pursuit of social justice, from his early days as a minister to his leadership of Llano Del Rio and New Llano. His contributions to American socialism extended beyond politics, as he sought to create tangible alternatives to capitalism through cooperative communities. While Llano Del Rio’s racial exclusivity and eventual collapse highlighted the practical difficulties of utopian experiments, its innovations—such as early forms of minimum wage and social security—foreshadowed later progressive reforms.

Harriman’s influence persists in historical studies of American socialism and utopian movements. The ruins of Llano Del Rio, designated California Historical Landmark No. 933, stand as a testament to his ambition, while the Llano Del Rio Collective, an artist group, keeps his ideas alive through contemporary projects. Harriman’s life underscores the challenges of translating socialist ideals into practice, yet his vision continues to inspire discussions on cooperative living and social equity.

References

  • Greenstein, Paul, et al. Bread & Hyacinths: The Rise and Fall of Utopian Los Angeles. Los Angeles: California Historical Society, 1992.
  • Hine, Robert V. California’s Utopian Colonies. San Marino: Huntington Library, 1953.
  • The Western Comrade, November 1914, courtesy of the City of Lancaster Museum/Art Gallery.
  • Llano Del Rio Colony Records, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Wells Spicer

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Wells Spicer (1831–1885 or 1887) was an American journalist, lawyer and judge whose over saw the trial after the gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone Arizona.

Historical photo of Wells Spicer, 1875. Cropped from group photo of John D. Lee's defense team for Lee's second murder trial.
Historical photo of Wells Spicer, 1875. Cropped from group photo of John D. Lee’s defense team for Lee’s second murder trial.

Early Life and Education

Wells Spicer was born in 1831 in Chemung, Tioga County, New York, to William and Seba Spicer, Presbyterian farmers. He had two siblings: an older brother, George, and a younger sister, also named Seba. Around 1840, when Wells was nine, the family relocated to Tipton, Cedar County, Iowa. As a young man, Spicer clerked for respected lawyer, banker, and merchant William H. Tuthill, under whose guidance he was admitted to the Iowa bar in 1853. That same year, Spicer, with associates, launched the Cedar County Advertiser, becoming its sole publisher and editor by 1854. He sold the successful newspaper four years later.

Early Career and Family

Spicer’s early career was multifaceted. In 1854, he ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat for county prosecutor but switched to the Republican Party and won election as county judge in 1856. That July, he married Abbie Gilbert, and they welcomed a son, Earnest, in 1857. The couple faced marital difficulties, separating in 1876, though Spicer considered himself married years later. After a brief stint in Onandaeg City, Colorado, Spicer moved to the Utah Territory in 1869 with former publishing colleague Charles Swetland, settling in Corinne City, a non-Mormon enclave. Admitted to the Utah bar, Spicer specialized in mining suits and claims and opened a hotel. Abbie and Earnest joined him around this time.

Utah Ventures and the Mountain Meadows Massacre Trial

In 1871, Wells Spicer and his family moved to Ophir City, Utah, where he continued legal work, prospected, and founded a tunneling company. He contributed to the Salt Lake Daily Tribune and Utah Mining Gazette. By 1872, the family settled in Salt Lake City, where Spicer was appointed U.S. Commissioner by the Supreme Court, handling cases primarily in Bingham. In 1874, he leased the Rollins Mine in the Lincoln Mining District near Minersville, striking a profitable lead and gold vein that revitalized the area.

Through his Beaver connections, Spicer became entangled in the infamous Mountain Meadows Massacre trial. In November 1874, Sheriff William Stokes arrested John D. Lee for his role in the 1857 massacre, where a Mormon militia killed approximately 120 emigrants in southern Utah. Spicer defended Lee in two trials. The first, in 1875, ended in a hung jury—eight Mormons voted for acquittal, four non-Mormons for conviction. Spicer faced backlash: non-Mormons labeled him a “jack Mormon” for defending Lee, while Mormons criticized his defense tactics. The second trial in 1876, with a Mormon-heavy jury, convicted Lee, who was executed by firing squad on March 22, 1877. Spicer’s reputation suffered, with both sides vilifying him in the press, often referring to him derisively as “One Spicer.”

Move to Tombstone and the O.K. Corral Hearing

In 1878, Spicer relocated to Tombstone, Arizona, where he worked as an attorney, mining broker, and U.S. Commissioner for Deeds. He was appointed Justice of the First District Court in June 1880, overseeing customs, internal revenue, and U.S. criminal cases. Related to the Earp brothers, Spicer’s most notable role came after the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral on October 26, 1881. The 30-second shootout pitted Marshal Virgil Earp, his brothers Wyatt and Morgan, and Doc Holliday against outlaws Billy Claiborne, Ike and Billy Clanton, and Tom and Frank McLaury. Billy Clanton and the McLaury brothers were killed.

As Justice of the Peace, Spicer presided over the preliminary hearing to determine if the Earps and Holliday should face murder charges, following complaints filed by Ike Clanton. The month-long “Spicer Hearing,” held in a building near the Tombstone Epitaph office, generated intense debate. Spicer’s rulings, including allowing Kate Holliday’s testimony despite her allegations against Doc Holliday, sparked accusations of bias, especially given his business ties with Wyatt Earp in liquor and tobacco sales. On November 29, 1881, Spicer ruled that the evidence would not support a murder conviction, citing the defendants’ actions as justified in their official duties. He noted the lawlessness of the frontier and the Earps’ role in maintaining order, though he acknowledged the Grand Jury could revisit the case. The Grand Jury upheld his decision, and the Earps and Holliday were released.

The bodies of Tom & Frank McLaury and Bill Clanton after the shoot-out in Tombstone
The bodies of Tom & Frank McLaury and Bill Clanton after the shoot-out in Tombstone

The ruling was polarizing. The Tombstone Epitaph praised Spicer, while the Tombstone Nugget and the Cowboy faction condemned him. In December 1881, Spicer received a threatening letter from “A Miner,” warning him to leave or face violence. Unintimidated, he remained in Tombstone but faced ongoing scrutiny for alleged partisanship.

Later Years and Mysterious Disappearance

The O.K. Corral decision effectively ended Spicer’s legal career in Tombstone. He shifted focus to prospecting, first in Pima County, Arizona, then in Ures, Sonora, Mexico. In the mid-1880s, he invested heavily in a silver mine in the Quijotoa Mountains near Tucson, but the shallow veins led to financial ruin. Destitute and reportedly despondent, Spicer’s final days are shrouded in mystery. In January 1887, while en route to Covered Wells, he visited Bill Haynes and attempted suicide twice. He then wandered into the Arizona desert and vanished. Some believe he died of exposure, while others speculate he faked his death to escape creditors and fled to Mexico, possibly Ures. A report suggests his body was found in Ajo, Arizona, in 1885, but no definitive evidence confirms his fate.

Legacy

Wells Spicer’s life encapsulates the complexities of the American frontier. A lawyer, journalist, prospector, and judge, he navigated the volatile worlds of mining, politics, and justice. His involvement in the Mountain Meadows Massacre trials and the O.K. Corral hearing placed him at the heart of two defining frontier events, earning him both fame and infamy. Criticized for bias yet praised for his legal reasoning, Spicer’s decisions reflected the blurred lines between law and lawlessness in the Wild West. His mysterious disappearance only adds to his enigmatic legacy, leaving historians to debate whether he met a tragic end or slipped away to a new life.

Thomas Long Smith

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Thomas Long Smith known as "Peg Leg Smith" image from a woodcut in Hutchings' California Magazine, October 1860
Thomas Long Smith known as “Peg Leg Smith” image from a woodcut in Hutchings’ California Magazine, October 1860

Early Life and Beginnings

Thomas Long Smith, known as “Peg Leg” Smith, was born on October 10, 1801, in Crab Orchard, Kentucky. As a teenager, he left home seeking adventure, finding work on a flatboat navigating the Mississippi River. By the time he reached St. Louis, Missouri, Smith joined the ranks of fur trappers employed by John Jacob Astor, working alongside legendary mountain men like Kit Carson, Jim Bridger, and Milton Sublette. His early years were marked by a restless spirit and a knack for survival in the rugged American frontier.

Adventures as a Mountain Man

In the 1820s, Smith established himself as a skilled trapper and scout, joining expeditions that explored the American Southwest, including present-day New Mexico. He accompanied Alexandre Le Grand’s expedition as a scout, learning several Native American languages and adapting to the harsh environments of the frontier. His ability to navigate and communicate with Indigenous peoples made him a valuable guide for early expeditions.

In 1827, during a trapping expedition in North Park, Colorado, Smith’s life took a dramatic turn. Wounded in the left leg during a skirmish with local Indigenous people, he faced a dire situation. With no medical help available, Smith, assisted by fellow trapper Milton Sublette and fortified by a jug of “Taos Lightning” (a potent whiskey), amputated his own leg below the knee. Sublette sawed through the bone, and the wound was cauterized with a heated rifle barrel. Taken in by Ute women who treated his wound with traditional remedies, Smith recovered and crafted a wooden leg, earning the nickname “Peg Leg.” He adapted remarkably, learning to ride horses and even using his detachable wooden leg as a weapon in barroom brawls, cementing his reputation as a fierce and resourceful frontiersman.

A Life of Diverse Ventures

Smith’s career as a fur trapper thrived despite his disability, but by the 1840s, the decline of the fur trade pushed him toward less savory pursuits. He turned to horse theft, targeting large Mexican haciendas in California. In 1839, alongside mountain man Jim Beckwourth and Ute chief Walkara, Smith orchestrated a massive theft, rustling 3,000 horses from California ranches and driving them to New Mexico for profit. His partnership with Walkara also involved guiding 150 Utes across the Sierra Nevada, stealing hundreds of horses in daring raids. These exploits, while lucrative, drew the ire of authorities, forcing Smith to abandon horse thieving by the late 1840s.

During the late 1840s, Smith operated a trading post along the Oregon Trail near the Idaho-Wyoming border, assisting emigrants with supplies and repairs. Travelers described him as a “jolly one-legged man,” a testament to his charisma and resilience. He also engaged in prospecting, particularly in the Borrego Badlands of southeastern California, where his most enduring legend was born.

The Legend of the Lost Peg Leg Mine

A Map of Henry E. W. Wilsons search area published in Desert Magazine
A Map of Henry E. W. Wilsons search area published in Desert Magazine

Smith’s greatest claim to fame—and controversy—revolves around the so-called Lost Peg Leg Mine. According to legend, in 1829, while traveling from Yuma to Los Angeles, Smith attempted a desert shortcut and lost his way. Climbing a hill to regain his bearings, he noticed black, burned-looking rocks sprinkled with yellow particles. He collected samples, later learning in Los Angeles that these were gold nuggets. Despite repeated attempts, Smith could never relocate the hill, and the tale of his “lost mine” grew into a frontier myth. He sold maps and claims to the mine until his death, capitalizing on the 1849 California Gold Rush fever, though many doubted his story due to his reputation for embellishment and drinking.

Historical accounts cast doubt on the mine’s existence. Research by the Legend Detectives, a historical team, suggests that the gold mine story may belong to another “Pegleg,” possibly John Smith, active after Thomas Smith’s death. Interviews with Smith’s contemporaries, including trapping partner George Yount, and Smith’s own statements late in life, indicate he never claimed to have found gold. Nonetheless, the legend persists, fueling treasure hunts and the annual Pegleg Smith Liars Contest in Borrego Springs, where storytellers compete in his honor.

Later Years and Legacy

By the 1860s, Smith’s health and fortunes declined. He spent his final years in a veterans’ home in San Francisco, where he died penniless in October 1866 at a hospital, likely at Yerba Buena Cemetery. Conflicting reports, such as a 1930 newspaper claiming he died in a Los Angeles bar fight in 1880, reflect the muddled lore surrounding his life.

Smith’s legacy endures through cultural touchstones. The Peg Leg Smith Monument, established in 1948 by artist Harry Oliver in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, invites visitors to add ten rocks to a pile for luck in finding the lost mine. Designated California Historical Landmark No. 750 in 1960, the site remains a draw for adventurers and history buffs. Smith appears in historical novels like Louis L’Amour’s The Lonesome Gods and Robert Lewis Taylor’s A Roaring in the Wind, as well as the 1995 game Oregon Trail II, where he runs a trading post. The annual Liars Contest, now held at American Legion Post 853, celebrates his storytelling prowess.

Historical Significance

Peg Leg Smith embodies the contradictions of the American frontier: a trailblazer who helped map the Southwest, a survivor who overcame immense hardship, and a rogue whose questionable deeds fueled his legend. While the Lost Peg Leg Mine may be more myth than reality, Smith’s life as a mountain man, trapper, and larger-than-life character captures the untamed spirit of the Wild West. His story, blending fact and fiction, continues to captivate, reminding us of the era’s rugged individualism and the allure of the unknown.

References