Cruse, Thomas, 1836-1914

Thomas Cruse was born in County Cavan, Ireland, in 1836. He immigrated to America in 1856, spent seven years in New York, and then traveled to California by steamer in 1863. He prospected for gold throughout the California, Nevada, Idaho, and Montana mining regions for several years without success. In 1876, he discovered a rich lode, at Marysville, Montana, which became famous as the Drumlummon Mine and yielded millions in gold and silver. Cruse sold the mine in 1882 to the London Company Associated in England for nearly one and one-half million dollars. This company reorganized as Montana Company, Limited to operate the mine. Cruse formed the Thomas Cruse Savings Bank in Helena in 1887 and expanded his investment and mining enterprises into cattle and sheep ranching and oil speculation in Montana. Cruse married the sister of Montana's Senator Thomas H. Carter, Margaret Carter, in 1886. Cruse became one of the leading philanthropists in Montana. He was noted especially for his large contribution toward the construction of the Saint Helena Cathedral in Helena. Thomas Cruse died December 21, 1914.

From the guide to the Thomas Cruse Papers, 1841-1956, (Montana Historical Society Archives)