Thomas Kearns, one of Ireland's favorite sons, first entered town with a pack on his back and left as a millionaire and a United States Senator.

Success never made a snob of Kearns. His party invitations were sent to miners in flannel shirts as well as the high society folk in silk. Holdings in several Park City mines including the Silver King Mine where his holdings had a market value over $4,000,000.00. He and his partner David Keith were meshed in dealings ranging from mines, mills, and the purchase of the "Salt Lake Tribune" newspaper. The mining money also helped construct lavish homes and buildings in Salt Lake City. Thomas Kearns built a mansion on East South Temple, which is now the governor's official residence. In 1900 he took his crusade for the "little man" into politics when he was elected to the United States Senate.