Samuel Thomas Hauser

Samuel Thomas Hauser (born January 10, 1833 in Falmouth , Pendleton County , Kentucky , † November 10, 1914 in Helena , Montana ) was an American politician . He was the tenth governor of the Montana Territory from 1885 to 1889 .

Early years

Samuel Hauser grew up in Kentucky and attended local schools there. In 1854 he came to St. Louis , Missouri , where some of his mother's relatives were successful businessmen. Hauser then worked as an engineer on railroad construction in Missouri. Then in 1861 he tried his luck in the gold fields on the Salmon River . In the spring of 1862 he boarded one of the first steamers to go up the Missouri . After arriving at Fort Benton , he went with another group of gold panners in search of gold . His wanderings in the Montana Territory made Hauser a pioneer in this area.

Ascent in Montana

In 1864, Hauser was a co-founder of one of the first banks in Virginia City . Later he was also involved in the establishment of banks in Helena, Butte , Missoula and Fort Benton. In addition to these activities, he was also active in other economic areas in his new home. This included the real estate business, cattle breeding, urban development, irrigation systems and the railroad. He was involved in more than 30 mines. His ventures made him one of the richest and most influential personalities in Montana.

Political career

Politically, Hauser was a member of the Democratic Party . Because of his influence, he was appointed the new territorial governor by US President Grover Cleveland in 1885 . He was a multiple delegate to the Democratic National Conventions . As governor, he campaigned for Helena as the capital of the territory. He remained territorial governor until 1887. Due to economic crises and the depreciation of silver, Hauser got into economic difficulties towards the end of the 19th century. The marketing of electricity generated from hydropower meant economic salvation for him at the beginning of the 20th century. This industry was brand new and Hauser hit a niche in the market. Shortly before his death, however, he ran into difficulties again when natural disasters and fierce competition led to further economic setbacks. Samuel Hauser died on November 10, 1914. He had been married to Ellen Farrar Kennett since 1871.

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personal data
SURNAME	Hauser, Samuel Thomas
BRIEF DESCRIPTION	American politician
DATE OF BIRTH	January 10, 1833
PLACE OF BIRTH	Falmouth , Pendleton County , Kentucky
DATE OF DEATH	November 10, 1914
Place of death	Helena , Montana