Thomas Kearns

Thomas Kearns
Thomas Kearns
Born	Template:Birth date; Woodstock, Canada West (present-day Ontario)
Died	October 18, 1918 (aged 56)
Occupation(s)	Mining executive, banker, railroad executive, newspaper publisher, politician
Years active	1883–1918
Known for	U.S. Senator from Utah (1901–1905), co-owner of The Salt Lake Tribune, founder of San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad

Thomas Kearns (April 11, 1862 – October 18, 1918) was a prominent American figure in mining, banking, railroads, and newspapers who represented Utah as a US Senator from 1901 until 1905. Distinct from the majority of his largely Mormon electorate, Kearns was a Catholic.

Early life

Kearns was born near Woodstock, in what was then Canada West (present-day Ontario), to parents Margaret (née Maher) and Thomas Kearns. He attended local public schools before relocating with his family to O'Neill, in Holt County, Nebraska. There, he continued his education until age 17, after which he contributed to the family farm and worked in freight transportation.

Mining

In 1883, Kearns moved to Salt Lake City and subsequently to Park City, Utah, where he became involved in mining operations. He managed several mines including the Ontario mine and acquired partial ownership of the Mayflower mine by 1889. That same year, alongside partner David Keith, he uncovered the valuable ore deposit that evolved into the famous Silver King Mine in Park City. Their mining enterprises expanded across Utah as well as into Nevada, Colorado, and California. Kearns married Jennie J. Judge in Park City on September 15, 1890; they had four children: Margaret Ann (1892–1893), Edmund Judge (1893–1936), Thomas Francis (1897–1967), and Helen Marie (1899–1943).

Politics

Kearns served on Park City's City Council in 1895 and took part in the Utah constitutional convention that same year, where he supported establishing an eight-hour work day. He also acted as a delegate at both the 1896 and 1900 Republican National Conventions.

As a member of the Republican Party, Kearns was elected to the U.S. Senate to complete a term beginning March 4, 1899. His entry was delayed due to a deadlock in Utah’s legislature over reelecting incumbent Frank J. Cannon. Cannon’s opposition to protective tariffs favoring Utah’s sugar industry and other disputes caused him to lose backing. Alfred W. McCune, a leading businessman supported by the LDS Church, also failed to secure election amid accusations of vote-buying and legislative impasse, leaving Utah temporarily represented by only one senator.

In early 1901, the newly convened legislature selected Kearns, who served from January 23, 1901, to March 3, 1905. He gained national prominence through connections with Presidents William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, and William Howard Taft. His efforts were instrumental in designating Fort Douglas as a regimental military post.

Kearns played a key role behind the scenes in establishing the American Party, which—backed by the Salt Lake Tribune—dominated Utah’s political scene from 1904 through 1911. The newspaper had been acquired by Kearns and David Keith in October 1901.

Business and later life

After completing his Senate term in 1905, Kearns resumed his involvement in mining, railroads, newspapers, and banking. Together with David Keith, he had purchased The Salt Lake Tribune through an intermediary in 1901. He was among the founding incorporators of the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad, playing a vital role in connecting Salt Lake City with Los Angeles via Las Vegas. Kearns remained a resident of Salt Lake City until his death in 1918 due to a stroke following an accident. He was laid to rest at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Together with his wife Jennie Judge Kearns, he financed construction of the Kearns-Saint Ann's Orphanage, now functioning as a Catholic elementary school. The couple built an ornate chateauesque mansion made of marble and granite on Brigham Street (currently South Temple); this residence was donated by Mrs. Kearns in 1937 to serve as Utah’s official Governor's Mansion. Additionally, Kearns contributed to St. Mary's Cathedral located in Salt Lake City.

Bibliography

Alexander, Thomas G. Mormonism in Transition. Urbana, Illinois: University of Illinois Press, 1996.
Appletons' Annual Cyclopaedia and Register of Important Events. New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1902.
Committee on Privileges and Elections. Regarding the Protests Concerning the Eligibility of Hon. Reed Smoot, Senator from Utah, to Retain His Seat. Document No. 486. 59th Congress, 1st Session. Committee on Privileges and Elections, United States Senate. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1906.
Powell, Allan Kent. Utah History Encyclopedia. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1995.

External links