Governor John Henry Kinkead

JOHN H. KINKEAD, the third governor of Nevada, was born in Smithfield, Pennsylvania on December 10, 1826. His early education was attained in the common schools, and later he attended Lancaster High School. Before entering into politics, Kinkead established a successful career as a merchant, which took him from Missouri, to Utah, to California, and eventually to Nevada. Kinkead first entered public service as the treasurer of the Nevada Territory, a position he held from 1862 to 1864. He also served as a delegate to the 1863 State Constitutional Convention. Kinkead next secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by a popular vote in 1878. During his tenure, mining developments were endorsed; and roads were improved. The VCT Railroad was completed between Virginia City and Carson City in 1869 to 1870 and between Carson City and Reno in 1872. After declining to run for reelection, Kinkead secured an appointment to serve as the first territorial governor of Alaska, a position he held from 1884 to 1885. Governor John H. Kinkead passed away on August 25, 1904, and was buried in the Lone Mountain Cemetery in Carson City, Nevada.