John Mackay: Silver King in the Gilded Age (Wilber S. Shepperson Series in Nevada History)

This is a new biography of the most successful miner in the West. From the early 1870s until his death in 1902, John Mackay was among the richest men in the world, and he was without doubt the wealthiest man to emerge from Nevada's fabulous Comstock Lode. Beginning life as a poor Irish immigrant, he early developed a strong work ethic that distinguished him for the rest of his life. He came west to seek his fortune in the California Gold Rush, then moved on to Virginia City, Nevada, where he operated silver mines and discovered the 'Big Bonanza' that was three times as rich as any other Comstock strike. After making a fortune, he transferred his energies to banking and communications. John Mackay offers new insight into the life and achievements of this remarkable man. Particularly, it sets Mackay into the broader context of the Gilded Age, an era of robber barons and corruption, rapidly advancing technology, national and international capitalism, and flagrant displays of newfound wealth. Even in this milieu, he stood out, not only for his contributions to Nevada and mining history but also for fighting the consolidation and venality of corporate power in the Gilded Age. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Mackay was respected for his ethical conduct and generous philanthropy, and his unassuming lifestyle endeared him to less-affluent contemporaries. While his wife pursued social status in Europe, maintaining palatial estates in Paris and London, Mackay mostly remained in the U.S., tending to his many business concerns and shunning publicity. This fascinating new biography contributes significantly to our understanding of the development of the Far West and of business and society in the Gilded Age. From the early 1870s until his death in 1902, John Mackay was among the richest men in the world and was without a doubt the wealthiest man to emerge from Nevada’s fabulous Comstock Lode. Author Michael J. Makley explores how, from his beginnings as a poor Irish immigrant, John Mackay developed a strong work ethic that distinguished him for the rest of his life. He came west to seek his fortune in the California Gold Rush and then moved on to Virginia City, Nevada, where he dealt in mining stocks and operated silver mines. After making a fortune in mining, he transferred his energies to banking and communications. John Mackay offers new insight into the life and achievements of this remarkable man. It also places Mackay in the broader context of his time, an era of robber barons and rampant corruption, rapidly advancing technology, national and international capitalism, and flagrant displays of newfound wealth. Even in this context, he stood out, not only for his contributions to Nevada and mining history, but also for his reputation as an important business leader fighting the consolidation and venality of corporate power in the Gilded Age. His actions freed the Comstock from a financial monopoly, resulting in moderated rates for the milling, timber, shipping, transportation, and water that made mining possible and precipitated the discovery and development of the ore field known as the “Big Bonanza.” Makley’s book recounts the life and career of one of the most successful men of his age, a capitalist of immense wealth who generously helped those around him and worked diligently in the public interest. This engaging biography will appeal to readers interested in the Comstock Lode and mining in the West during the latter part of the nineteenth century as well as general western history enthusiasts. John Mackay Offers New Insight Into The Life And Achievements Of This Remarkable Man. It Also Sets Mackay Into The Broader Context Of His Time, An Era Of Robber Barons And Rampant Corruption, Rapidly Advancing Technology, National And International Capitalism, And Flagrant Displays Of Newfound Wealth. John Mackay Recounts The Life And Career Of One Of The Most Contradictory Men Of His Age, A Capitalist Of Immense Wealth Who Generously Helped Those Around Him And Worked Diligently In The Public Interest. This Engaging Biography Contributes Significantly To Our Understanding Of The Development Of The Far West And Of Business And Society In The Gilded Age.--jacket. 1. Starting Out -- 2. The Fountainhead -- 3. Hale & Norcross -- 4. Competitors -- 5. The Con. Virginia -- 6. Bonanza Silver And Kings -- 7. 1875 -- 8. Responses -- 9. Status And Scandal -- 10. To Try Fortune No More -- 11. A Changing Cast -- 12. The New War -- 13. Near Disaster -- 14. Losing Control -- 15. Universal Eulogy. Michael J. Makley. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 247-255) And Index. Title Page 4 Contents 6 Preface 10 Prologue 16 Chapter 1 Starting Out 23 Chapter 2 The Fountainhead 31 Chapter 3 Hale & Norcross 50 Chapter 4 Competitors 63 Chapter 5 The Con. Virginia 73 Chapter 6 Bonanza Silver and Kings 88 Chapter 7 1875 98 Chapter 8 Responses 116 Chapter 9 Status and Scandal 134 Chapter 10 To Try Fortune No More 149 Chapter 11 A Changing Cast 161 Chapter 12 The New War 186 Chapter 13 Near Disaster 201 Chapter 14 Losing Control 218 Chapter 15 Universal Eulogy 231 Notes 240 Bibliography 274 Index 284 Images 174 Presents the biography of John Mackay, one of the successful miner in the West. This book shows how he came west to seek his fortune in the California Gold Rush, then moved on to Virginia City, Nevada, where he operated silver mines and discovered the 'Big Bonanza' that was three times as rich as any other Comstock strike.