Morton Post

Morton Post was an American businessman and politician who served as a delegate to the United States House of Representatives from Wyoming Territory's at-large congressional district. A member of the Democratic Party, he held office from 1881 to 1885. Post's life was marked by significant achievements in both business and public service, reflecting the dynamic opportunities and challenges of the American West during the late 19th century.

Early life and career

Morton Everel Post was born on December 25, 1840, in Henrietta, New York, to Morton A. Post and Alary Wickware. He received his early education in Medina, New York, where he likely developed the foundational skills that would serve him in his later endeavors. In 1860, seeking new opportunities, he traveled westward by railroad to the Missouri River. This journey marked the beginning of a series of ventures that would take him across various territories in the United States.

Post's early experiences included leading a wagon train from the Missouri River to Denver, Colorado Territory. His journey continued during the gold rush, and in 1864, he moved to Alder Gulch in the Montana Territory, where he successfully mined gold, reportedly amassing a fortune of $75,000. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident early on, as he engaged in various business activities, including freighting, which involved transporting goods across challenging terrains.

In addition to his mining activities, Post was politically active. In August 1864, he served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, indicating his early involvement in political processes. He married Amalia Barney Simons Nichols in October of the same year, and they remained together until her death in 1897. Post's life was not without peril; in 1865, while freighting from Atchison, Kansas, to Denver, he and his companions faced a violent encounter with Native Americans, resulting in casualties among his group.

Post's journey continued as he relocated to North Platte, Nebraska, in 1866, where he continued his work as a freighter. His business acumen led him to Cheyenne, Dakota Territory, in 1867, where he established the first mercantile house in the area. This venture laid the groundwork for his future success, as he expanded his business interests to include a store, a post office, cattle investments, and banking. By 1885, Post had achieved considerable wealth, becoming a millionaire through his various business endeavors.

However, his fortunes were impacted by the Great Blizzard of 1888, which caused extensive property damage and financial loss. Following this setback, Post transitioned to real estate in Ogden, Utah Territory, and later invested in mining ventures after a trip to Europe in 1890. By 1895, he had settled in Rancho Cucamonga, California, where he began farming on a substantial tract of land.

House tenure

Morton Post's political career began in earnest when he served on the Laramie County Commission from 1870 to 1876. His involvement in local governance provided him with valuable experience and insight into the political landscape of the region. Following this role, he was elected to the Wyoming Territorial Senate, serving from 1878 to 1880. These positions laid the foundation for his subsequent election to the United States House of Representatives.

In 1881, Post was elected as Wyoming's territorial delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives, a position he held until 1885. During his time in Congress, he represented the interests of Wyoming Territory, advocating for issues pertinent to his constituents. His tenure coincided with a period of significant growth and development in the region, as Wyoming was on the cusp of statehood.

Post's decision not to seek re-election in 1884 marked the end of his congressional career. His time in the House was characterized by his commitment to the Democratic Party and his efforts to address the needs of the territory he represented. Although specific legislative achievements during his tenure are not detailed, his role as a delegate was crucial in bringing attention to the unique challenges faced by Wyoming residents.

Legislative focus and committees

While specific details regarding Morton Post's legislative focus and committee assignments during his time in the House are not extensively documented, it is evident that his background as a businessman and farmer influenced his perspective on various issues. His experiences in the rapidly changing economic landscape of the West likely shaped his approach to legislation concerning agriculture, commerce, and infrastructure development.

Post's involvement in local and territorial politics prior to his congressional service suggests that he was attuned to the needs of his constituents. His business ventures, particularly in mercantile and real estate, would have provided him with insights into economic policies that could benefit the growing population of Wyoming. Additionally, his early engagement in political activities, such as serving as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, indicates a commitment to the broader political discourse of his time.

The period during which Post served in the House was marked by significant national debates over issues such as land use, transportation, and the rights of territories seeking statehood. As a representative from a territory, Post's role would have involved advocating for Wyoming's interests in these discussions, particularly as the region sought to establish itself within the framework of the United States.

After concluding his congressional service, Post continued to engage in business and farming until his retirement in 1916. He spent his later years in California, where he lived until his death on March 19, 1933, in Alhambra. His contributions to both business and politics reflect the complexities of life in the American West during a transformative era, and his legacy is intertwined with the development of Wyoming as a territory and eventually as a state.