Leete, Benjamin Franklin, 1831-1927

Businessman and politician, of Nev.; born in Lockport, N.Y.; studied civil engineering; employed in construction of the New York Central Railroad; 1858, he took passsage for California and arrived at San Francisco; recognizing that salt was a needed mineral in the reduction of Comstock Lode silver ore, Leete spent three years perfecting his salt manufacturing apparatus; in 1871, Leete's Eagle Salt Works began furnishing salt to area consumers.

From the description of Benjamin Franklin Leete papers, 1856-1921. (Nevada State Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 643574066

Benjamin Franklin Leete was one of Theodore Judah's surveyors and was present at organizational meetings for the Central Pacific Railroad (1861). He lived to be over ninety and was one who provided information for Robert L. Fulton's "Epic of the Overland" (1924). Leete lived in the Reno area from 1870 until his death. This small collection consists of stock certificates for the Nevada State Agricultural, Mining and Mechanical Society, the Highland Ditch and Water Company and the Reno Reform Club Building Association. All date between 1874 and 1879. Others of Leete's papers are in the John D. Goodwin manuscript collection at the California State Library.

From the description of Nevada securities, 1874-1879. (University of the Pacific). WorldCat record id: 36859849