Henry Rust Mighels facts for kids

Henry Rust Mighels (born November 5, 1830 – died May 27, 1879) was an important American journalist and politician. He was known for his writing and for helping to run a newspaper in Nevada. He also served in the military and held important government jobs.

Henry Rust Mighels: A Life of Words and Public Service

Henry Rust Mighels was a talented writer and a dedicated public servant. He was part of a group of writers called the Sagebrush School. This group wrote about life in the American West. Mighels spent much of his life in Carson City, Nevada.

Early Life and War Service

Henry Rust Mighels was born in Norway, Maine, on November 5, 1830. When he grew up, he joined the Union Army. This was during the American Civil War. He served as an assistant adjutant general. This job meant he helped with important military paperwork and planning. He held the rank of captain. During his time in the war, he was wounded in battle.

A Career in Journalism

After the war, Henry Mighels became a well-known journalist. He was the editor and publisher of the Nevada Appeal newspaper. This newspaper was based in Carson City, Nevada. As an editor, he decided what news and stories would be printed. As a publisher, he managed the business side of the newspaper.

His only book, Sage Brush Leaves, was published in 1879. It was a collection of his essays. These essays showed his writing style and his thoughts on different topics.

Serving the Public

Besides his work in journalism, Henry Mighels was also active in politics. In 1868, he was elected as the State Printer. He held this job for two years. The State Printer is in charge of printing official government documents.

Later, in 1876, he was elected to the Nevada Assembly. This is a part of the state government that makes laws. In 1877, he became the Speaker of the Assembly. The Speaker leads the meetings and helps organize the work. The next year, he ran for Lieutenant Governor of Nevada. However, he was not elected to that position.

His Artistic Side

Henry Mighels was also an artist. He enjoyed painting different types of art. He painted still life pictures, which are paintings of objects like fruit or flowers. He also painted landscapes, which are pictures of nature scenes.

Family and Legacy

Henry Rust Mighels passed away in Carson City in 1879. He died from cancer. He is buried at Lone Mountain Cemetery. His wife, Nellie Verrill Mighels Davis, is buried next to him. They had five children together. These included three sons and two daughters.

One of his sons, Henry R. Mighels Jr., followed in his father's footsteps. He took over as editor of the Nevada Appeal in 1898. Another son, Philip Verrill Mighels, also became a writer. Philip's ex-wife, Ella Sterling Mighels, was a famous historian. She is known as the "First Literary Historian of California."

Partial works

• Sage Brush Leaves (1879)