Samuel C. Park

Samuel Culver Park was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory on November 1, 1869, the son of Boyd Park and Jane (Culver) Park.[1] The Park family relocated to Salt Lake City in 1871, where Boyd Park owned and operated one of the city's first jewelry stores.[1] Samuel Park attended the local schools and Hammond Hall Academy.[2] He graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1889,[3] then attended the University of Michigan as a member of the class of 1891.[4] Park was a longtime member of the university's alumni association.[4][5]

Park followed his father into the Boyd Park Inc. jewelry business, which he expanded into jewelry wholesaling and manufacturing as manager, vice president, and president.[5] Park was also active in Salt Lake City's Bank of Commerce, of which he was cashier.[5] In addition, he was active in numerous fraternal and civic organizations, including attaining the 33rd degree of Scottish Rite Masonry.[1] Park was also a Shriner and an Elk.[1] Park also belonged to the Sons of the American Revolution as well as Salt Lake City's Commercial Club and University Club.[1]

A longtime member of the Utah National Guard, Park was serving as a sergeant in Cavalry Troop A in April 1898 when he received promotion to first sergeant.[6] By late 1899, he had received his commission and been elected lieutenant colonel of Utah's 1st Infantry Regiment.[7] In November 1900, he was elected to command the 1st Regiment as a colonel.[8] He received promotion to brigadier general as commander of the 1st Brigade in 1905.[9] Park later served on the staff of the governor of Utah, and he retired as a brigadier general in 1908.[10]

A Republican, Park served in the Utah State Senate from 1905 to 1909.[5] From 1909 to 1912 he was a member of the Salt Lake City School Board.[5] In 1911, Park received the honorary degree of Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan, as of 1891.[4][5] In November 1911, Park was elected mayor of Salt Lake City, and he served one term, 1912 to 1916.[11][12] Park was the first mayor chosen after Salt Lake City adopted a city commission government, and as mayor he was also the city's commissioner of public safety, with jurisdiction over the police, fire, and health departments.[13]

After serving as mayor, Park returned to his business and banking interests.[13] He died at Shady Brook, his country home in Holladay, Utah, on February 19, 1920.[14][15] He was buried at Salt Lake City's Mount Olivet Cemetery.[14]

In 1894, Park married Eleanor "Ella" Thomas, the daughter of Governor Arthur Lloyd Thomas.[14] They were the parents of three children Boyd, Samuel Jr., and Eleanor.[14]