Prominent Cities and Towns of the State

Boise, Idaho’s capital, boasts a rich history that began with the arrival of French Canadian explorers in 1834, who named the area for its scenic woods. Established in 1863 alongside Fort Boise, the city grew steadily, supported by agriculture, mining, and a healthy climate. By the late 19th century, Boise had developed into a thriving center of commerce and education, featuring state institutions and a diverse population benefiting from local resources. It emerged quietly yet robustly, distinguishing itself as the heart of Idaho’s progress and prosperity.

The Red Cloud Group Of Mines

The Red Cloud Group of Mines, located on Deer Creek in Blaine County, Idaho, was discovered in 1880 by Orin Porter and others. Acquired in 1889 by Lyttleton Price and others, it became productive, yielding significant dividends. However, operations ceased around 1897 due to challenging geology and low market prices. Currently, the mines, now resumed under lease, show potential as a valuable asset in Idaho’s mining landscape, with recent developments indicating a promising ore body.

Biography of Homer G. Patterson

Homer G. Patterson, born on October 4, 1862, in Indiana, is a prominent dentist and legislator in Idaho, representing Blaine County. With a strong background in both the practice and business of dentistry, he has built a successful career in Hailey. Educated under Dr. J. B. Hatton and Dr. Wise, he opened his own practice in Bellevue before moving to Hailey in 1896. A family man, he and his wife, Nettie, have five children. Patterson has also engaged in mining and served on the state dental board, contributing to Idaho’s legislative processes.

Biography of Neal J. Sharp

Neal J. Sharp, born July 14, 1833, in Fulton County, Illinois, was a notable lawyer and military officer. He descended from a lineage of patriots, including a Revolutionary War soldier. Admitted to the bar in 1857, he served as a second lieutenant in the First Nebraska Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War, achieving rank and recognition for his service. A successful attorney and prominent figure in mining, he served as register of the land office in Hailey, earning respect in his community and among Republicans. Sharp’s legacy includes his influence in local governance and social organizations.

Biography of John Hailey

John Hailey, a prominent pioneer and statesman of Idaho, was born on August 29, 1835, in Tennessee. He moved to Idaho in the 1860s, where he built a successful stagecoach and freight business, eventually serving as a delegate to Congress. Hailey played a crucial role in the development of Idaho and was honored with the naming of Hailey, Idaho, after him. A lifelong Democrat, he also engaged in ranching and mining, while raising eight children. Hailey remains a respected figure in Idaho’s history.

Biography of James H. Hawley

James H. Hawley, born in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1847, emerged as a significant figure in Idaho’s political, commercial, and legal spheres. His extensive career included serving as a member of the territorial legislature, district attorney, and United States district attorney. A noted Democratic advocate, he played a crucial role in Idaho politics and mining law, gaining prominence as one of the region’s leading criminal lawyers. Hawley’s dedication to public service and legal excellence significantly influenced Idaho’s development and political landscape.

Biography of Newell Jonathan Brown, M. D.

Dr. Newell Jonathan Brown, born March 10, 1854, in Stanstead, Canada, has been a prominent family physician in Hailey since 1883. A graduate of McGill University and Dartmouth College, he initially practiced in Iowa before relocating for health reasons. Renowned for his dedication to the community, he has significantly contributed to local welfare and holds mining interests. Active in several medical and fraternal organizations, Dr. Brown is well-respected and has a strong social presence, supported by his wife, Celia, and their four sons.

Biography of Isaac N. Sullivan

Isaac N. Sullivan, born on November 3, 1848, in Iowa, served as Idaho’s first chief justice, significantly shaping the state’s jurisprudence. A distinguished lawyer, he was recognized for his analytical mind and commitment to integrity. After being elected as a justice in 1890, he held the chief justice position multiple times. A lifelong Republican with interests in farming and mining, Sullivan was married and had two sons who followed his legal path. His quiet demeanor and unwavering ethical standards have made him a respected figure in Idaho’s history.

Biography of Julius S. Waters

Julius S. Waters, born in Indiana in 1838, exemplified the virtues of self-reliance and determination throughout his life. Orphaned young, he worked various jobs to fund his education and eventually pursued a legal career, becoming a prominent attorney and political figure. He was actively involved in the abolitionist movement and helped establish the Republican Party in Kansas. Throughout his career, Waters held multiple public offices, including county attorney and presidential elector, gaining respect for his legal expertise and commitment to public service in Idaho.

Biography of Albert Wolters

Albert Wolters, born in Germany in 1841, was a notable figure in the mining industry. After graduating from the Mining Academy in Clausthal, he immigrated to the U.S. in 1866, working first in Colorado before moving to Boise as the superintendent of the United States assay office. He played a significant role in mining, particularly at the Star mine, and was involved in various mining ventures. A member of the Populist Party, he was influential in the establishment of Blaine County and had a prominent social standing in Hailey, Idaho.

Biography of Presley M. Bruner

Presley M. Bruner, born September 15, 1850, in Chillicothe, Ohio, was a distinguished attorney and former district attorney in Idaho. Descended from German and Scottish ancestry, he was educated at the University of the Pacific and began his law practice in California before relocating to Hailey in 1882. Bruner contributed significantly to the city’s development and held a prominent legal reputation. A former Republican, he became a staunch supporter of the Populist Party. Bruner was also active in various civic organizations, including the Masons and Odd Fellows.

Biography of William H. Watt

William H. Watt, born in Canada in 1851, has played a pivotal role in Idaho’s mining industry as president of the Delia Mountain Mining Company. After extensive experience in farming and mining in the Black Hills, he became integral to developing Idaho’s mineral resources, particularly through the successful operation of multiple mines near Hailey. An active Democrat, Watt also served as Alturas County treasurer and in the state senate. Known for his business acumen and commitment to community welfare, he is a prominent figure in Idaho’s economic landscape.

Biography of Francis E. Ensign

Francis E. Ensign, a distinguished Idaho lawyer, has had an exemplary career spanning 45 years. Born in Ohio in 1829, he overcame early health challenges and pursued law, becoming a prominent attorney in both California and Idaho. Ensign served as district attorney and was active politically, holding significant positions within the Idaho legislature. He moved to Hailey in 1881, where he continued his legal practice and maintained extensive mining interests. A respected community member, he is also a devoted family man and Mason, embodying the ideals of a pioneering spirit.

Biography of Simon J. Friedman

Simon J. Friedman, born in Germany on April 5, 1846, was a pioneering businessman in Hailey, Idaho. After gaining mercantile experience in his father’s store, he emigrated to the U.S. in 1869 and worked in Salt Lake City until starting his own venture in southern Utah. In 1881, he established one of the first stores in Hailey, known for its fireproof construction. Beyond retail, Friedman invested in mining and was active in the community, marrying Lucia Meyer and raising four children.

Biography of William T. Riley

William T. Riley, a pivotal figure in the founding of Hailey, Idaho, was born on March 31, 1843, in Allegany County, New York. He served honorably in the Civil War, enduring injuries that marked his dedication. After the war, he contributed to the development of the West through various business ventures, including merchandising and real estate. Riley played a crucial role in laying out Hailey and was involved in essential community projects, such as establishing a water company. He was a devoted family man and an active member of his community and fraternal organizations.

Biography of John C. Fox

John C. Fox, born on July 2, 1847, in Pennsylvania, played a significant role in the development of Hailey after arriving eighteen years ago. He began his career as a clerk and, in 1881, opened a successful mercantile business in Hailey. Despite losing his store to a fire in 1890, he rebuilt and expanded his establishment, focusing on dry goods. A community leader, Fox is active in local education and social causes, and he has a strong family life, married to Fanny E. Lovell with five children.

Biography of Charles O. Stockslager

Judge Charles O. Stockslager, a prominent jurist in Idaho’s fourth judicial district, was born on February 8, 1847, in Harrison County, Indiana. With a legal career starting in Kansas, he became a respected attorney and public servant, holding positions such as district court clerk and county attorney. After moving to Hailey, Idaho, he was appointed as receiver of the U.S. land office and later elected judge. Renowned for his fair judgments, he has earned respect across the Idaho legal community and is known for his contributions to society and family life.

Biography of Robert L. Nourse, M. D.

Dr. Robert L. Nourse, born on September 27, 1864, in Cloverport, Kentucky, is a notable physician in Hailey, Idaho, descended from early English settlers. He graduated from Rush Medical College in 1889 and practiced in Chicago and Ashland, Wisconsin, before establishing his successful practice in Hailey. A skilled surgeon with a focus on ophthalmology and otolaryngology, he received a gubernatorial appointment to the state board of medical examiners. Married to Marie Crawford, he is a prominent community figure and active in local and medical societies.

Biography of Selden B. Kingsbury

Selden B. Kingsbury, born on October 29, 1842, in Ohio, has practiced law in Idaho for eighteen years, residing in Boise. A Civil War veteran, he served with the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry and was captured and imprisoned before returning to education and law. Kingsbury’s legal acumen is distinguished, and he is known for his integrity and dedication to client interests. He married Hulda C. Corning in 1865, with whom he has five children and has established a prominent social presence in Boise.

Biography of R. W. Berry

R. W. Berry, born March 25, 1842, in Augusta, Maine, is a prominent businessman in Hailey, Idaho. After various ventures in prospecting, farming, and retail, he became involved in the hardware trade, co-founding Coffin Company, which he later solely owned after a devastating fire in 1888. Notable for his business acumen and community involvement, Berry has earned a strong reputation and loyal patronage. He has been politically active, supporting the Republican party, and is a Mason. He is married with two daughters, both successful in their careers.