George Lovelock (March 11, 1824–1904) was an English-born American pioneer who played a significant role in the development of the American West. A carpenter by trade, he immigrated to Australia in the 1840s, worked in copper mines, and survived a shipwreck en route to Hawaii. Arriving in San Francisco in 1850, he built homes in California, established a store in Butte Creek (named Lovelock in his honor), and engaged in placer mining. In 1860, he settled in Nevada, purchasing land that became the foundation for the town of Lovelocks, Nevada. In 1867, he donated land to the Southern Pacific Railroad, which named the town Lovelocks. A skilled mineralogist and entrepreneur, Lovelock’s legacy includes founding two towns named after him in California and Nevada, reflecting his contributions to frontier settlement and community-building.
Early Life and Background (1824–1840s)
George Lovelock was born on March 11, 1824, in England, where he was raised and educated. Little is known about his early years, but his upbringing in England equipped him with practical skills, including carpentry, which would prove invaluable in his later endeavors. In his youth, he married Mary Forest, marking the beginning of a life filled with adventure and resilience.
Journey to Australia and the Pacific (1840s–1850)
Shortly after their marriage, George and Mary embarked on a perilous four-and-a-half-month voyage to Australia. During this journey, their first child, Fred Lovelock, was born at sea. In Australia, George worked in the copper mines for over two years, gaining experience in labor-intensive industries. Seeking new opportunities, the family set sail for the Sandwich Islands (now Hawaii). Tragically, their ship wrecked on a reef seven miles from the islands during a storm, and their infant daughter died. The surviving family members reached land, where Mary and Fred remained while George continued his journey.
Arrival in California and Early Ventures (1850–1852)
In April 1850, George sailed to San Francisco aboard the schooner Starlin. During the voyage, he overheard a plot by stowaway pirates to seize the ship and kill the passengers. Alerting the captain, George helped thwart the scheme, ensuring the pirates were subdued and held until the ship reached San Francisco, though they escaped upon arrival. In San Francisco, George initially worked as a carpenter, building houses in Happy Valley. By May 1850, he moved to Sacramento, where he was joined by Mary and Fred in June. The family relocated to Brown’s Valley and then to Feather River, where George constructed the second house in what would become Oroville, California. His son Thomas was born there in September 1851, noted as the first child born in the settlement.
Establishing Roots in California (1852–1860)
In 1852, seeking a healthier environment for his family, George moved to Marysville, California. He later settled in Butte Creek, where he built a small store, and the area was named Lovelock in his honor—a testament to his growing influence. By 1855, George blazed a wagon road over the mountains to Honey Lake Valley, engaging in placer mining at Meeker’s Flat, where he extracted $80 to $100 daily. He also took up teaming, transporting goods. In 1859, he built a sawmill in Lovelock, California, but the onset of the Civil War in 1861 halted lumber demand, prompting him to abandon his California ventures.
Settlement in Nevada and Founding Lovelocks (1860–1867)
In 1860, George relocated to Nevada, initially settling at the mouth of Rocky Canyon in Humboldt County. By 1866, he purchased 320 acres of land, including the oldest water right on the river, for $2,250 from two squatters. This land became the foundation for the town of Lovelocks, Nevada. In 1867, as the Southern Pacific Railroad was constructed, George donated 85 acres for a town site, which the railroad named Lovelocks. In exchange, he was promised a block in the town and a free pass on the railroad, though the company later reneged, forcing him to pay $500 for half a block and granting him only one free ride. George continued prospecting and mining, becoming a skilled mineralogist, while managing his extensive real estate holdings.
Family Life and Legacy (1867–1904)
George and Mary had eight children in Nevada, five of whom survived to adulthood. Fred settled in Tonopah, while their daughters and their husbands remained in Lovelocks, living on lands George had acquired. Mary died in 1882, and George remarried Mrs. Evans, who tragically drowned in 1885 while fishing near their home. George’s large family, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren, cherished him as a beloved patriarch. Known for his independence, he never joined any societies, forging his path through determination and ingenuity. His contributions to the development of Lovelocks, Nevada, and his earlier efforts in California left a lasting mark, with two towns bearing his name.
Death and Historical Significance
George Lovelock died in 1904, respected as a pioneer who shaped the American West. His life, spanning 80 years, was marked by bold migrations, entrepreneurial ventures, and community-building. From surviving shipwrecks and pirate plots to founding towns and navigating the challenges of frontier life, George’s story embodies the spirit of resilience and adaptability. The town of Lovelocks, Nevada, remains a testament to his legacy, a symbol of his enduring impact on the region.
Sources
- Nevada Genealogy Trails, Pershing County, George Lovelock Biography