Thomas Cruse

Thomas "Tommy" Cruse (1834-1914) was an Irish-born American miner and business man. After arriving in the United States in 1863, Cruse spent the next few year traveling across the American West unsuccessfully seeking his fortune. In 1867, he arrived in Helena, Montana, where he finally struck it rich at the Drumlummon Mine. After selling the mine to a London company, Cruse continued to invest in Helena, establishing a bank and investing in local ranching, mining, and oil speculation. He also developed a reputation as a philanthropist in Helena.

He married Maggie Carter in March, 1886. She died in December ten days after giving birth to their only daughter, Mary Margaret. His daughter predeceased him by one year.

Cruse died of myocarditis in 1914.

Thomas Cruse in Southern Victory
Thomas Cruse was a miner turned banker from the Montana Territory. He'd come west and struck it rich in the gold mining business, rising high in the social ladder and even owning his own bank. Because of his travels from rags to riches, he'd earned the respect of everyone in the town of Helena, and he made sure never to abuse that power.

When Abraham Lincoln was expelled from the Utah Territory in the second half of the Second Mexican War, he came north to Helena were he spoke to the local miners. Tom Cruse came to see his speech, where Lincoln inadvertently set off a riot. After all the violence had calmed down, Cruse met Lincoln and warned him the next time he ever saw him, he'd shoot him. Lincoln responded with thanks, which made Cruse even madder.