Samuel Thomas Hauser
Samuel Thomas Hauser | |
|---|---|
| 7th Governor of Montana Territory | |
| In office July 14, 1885 – February 7, 1887 | |
| Nominated by | Grover Cleveland |
| Preceded by | B. Platt Carpenter |
| Succeeded by | Preston Leslie |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 10, 1833 |
| Died | November 10, 1914 (aged 81) |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Ellen Farrar |
Samuel Thomas Hauser (January 10, 1833 – November 10, 1914) was an American industrialist and banker who was active in the development of Montana Territory. He made his first fortune in silver mines and railroads, but he lost everything in the Panic of 1893. He restored his fortune by building hydroelectric dams, only to lose it all again after his Hauser Dam burst. In addition to his many business interests, he was appointed the 7th Governor of the Montana Territory, serving from 1885 to 1887.
A complicated figure, Hauser engaged in fraud and through his First National Bank of Helena he stole over $2 million. On the other hand, Hauser was praised by his contemporaries for his undeniable contributions to the development of Montana Territory. His mines, smelters, railroads, and dams all stimulated the region's economy. One newspaper called him "Montana's greatest captain of industry, former chief executive, pioneer trailblazer, eminent financier, distinguished citizen and one of the choice and master spirits of the age."