William Sargent Ladd was born in Holland on this day in 1826. He would move to Portland, Oregon in his mid-20s.

Ladd began as a merchant, and ended with an empire. Ladd built Portland’s first brick building, established the first bank north of San Francisco, and was the mayor of Portland...all before he turned 30.

Ladd was involved in railroads, mills and hotels. He was also a charitable man, setting aside ten percent of his income for worthy causes.

His obituary in the Portland Oregonian spoke volumes, stating “The biography of William S. Ladd wants but little of being also the history of Portland...”

Historic image courtesy Riverview Cemetery