Roswell K. Colcord

Roswell Keyes Colcord ( born April 25, 1839 in Searsport, Maine, † October 30, 1939 in Carson City, Nevada ) is an American politician ( Republican). He held office from 1891 to 1895 as governor of the state of Nevada.

Colcord was born in Maine, where he served an apprenticeship as a carpenter at a shipbuilder. 1856 he moved westward to California, and later in 1860 to Aurora, Nevada, and in 1863 finally to Virginia City, where he became a successful mining engineer. He also founded a law firm and became one of the most famous lawyers in the State of Nevada.

Elected in 1891 to the Governor of Nevada, Colcord strengthened the economy of the state. During his tenure, a health committee was established and in public elections, the secret ballot was introduced. After his time as governor was Colcord Commissioner of the United States Mint in Carson City, a position he held from 1898 to 1911. He enjoyed until his death at the age of 100 years of relatively good health. He was buried in Carson City.