TWHP


Darius Ogden Mills, 1812-1869   

Darius Ogden Mills sailed for California in December 1848 and became one of the state's most successful businessmen. After becoming part-owner of a bank in Buffalo, New York, he got the gold fever and took his financing capability west. He founded his own institution, the Gold Bank of D.O. Mills, and partnered with William Ralson in 1864 to found the Bank of California, with himself in the nominal role of president and Ralston as cashier. Under Ralston's direction, the bank accrued holdings in all the major deals in the west, most significantly the Comstock Lode in Nevada. Mills became fabulously wealthy as well, distanced himself from the bank, and returned to New York, where he engaged in international finance. After the bank failed due to Ralston's overextension, ruination and death by stroke, Mills returned to shepherd it back to financial health. He finished his life back home back East, becoming a major figure in New York society, known for his honesty, good judgment and uncanny business sense.


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