Gen. Patrick E. Connor: Father of Utah Mining

Patrick Edward Connor (Library of Congress P rints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA)

Gen. Patrick Edward Connor was born, fittingly enough, on St. Patrick's Day 1820 in Ireland. He immigrated to America at age 12 and enlisted in the military at age 18. He served a five-year hitch with the 1st Dragoons in Iowa Territory, then returned to New York to become a merchant. Shortly after, he moved to Texas and served as captain of a Texas volunteer regiment. Connor was wounded at the Battle of Buena Vista.

After the Mexican War, Connor moved to California where he helped capture the bandit Joaquin Murieta. He later worked in construction and road-building and became known as a leading citizen of Stockton.

At the start of the Civil War, Connor volunteered his services to the Union Army and was made colonel of the 3rd California Infantry. This unit was charged with guarding the Overland Mail route. In October 1862, Connor and his command moved to Salt Lake City, where they established Fort Douglas. In January 1863, Connor led his men in the Battle of Bear River. He received his brigadier's star following the battle, and was named commander of the District of the Plains in 1865.

One of Connor's less-successful campaigns was the Powder River Expedition, in which he and his men pursued Lakota, Arapaho and Cheyenne in Wyoming Territory. He was discharged from the Army in 1866 as a brevet major general.

After his military career, Connor turned his attention to mining in Utah and Nevada. He enjoyed initial success, but lost his more valuable properties over time and died in 1891 a fairly poor man