David H. Moffat
David H. Moffat was born in Washingtonville, NY. When he was twelve years old, Moffat moved to New York City, where he began work as a messenger boy in the New York Exchange Bank (now Irving Exchange National Bank). His starting position was minor, but he was eager to learn the banking business, and was soon noticed by the bank president and was promoted to assistant teller.
In 1855, Moffat made his way to Des Moines, IA, and became a teller at A. J. Stevens & Company. Moffat moved his way up in the Des Moines banking industry until he moved to Denver, CO in 1860 where he opened a bookstore on 15th and Larimer. The book and stationery store was not highly profitable, so after a few years, he returned to banking. In 1867, Moffat started at the First National Bank of Denver as a cashier. Moffat worked his way up, eventually becoming president in 1880. He instituted policies and methods which led to the growth and success of the bank for years to come.
A visionary, Moffat also financed many railroad projects that would prove to be instrumental in the development of Colorado. Many viewed Moffat as ahead of his time, and his legacy lives on today in the Rio Grande Western Railroad, Union Pacific Railroad, the Moffat Tunnel, and Moffat County.
In 1855, Moffat made his way to Des Moines, IA, and became a teller at A. J. Stevens & Company. Moffat moved his way up in the Des Moines banking industry until he moved to Denver, CO in 1860 where he opened a bookstore on 15th and Larimer. The book and stationery store was not highly profitable, so after a few years, he returned to banking. In 1867, Moffat started at the First National Bank of Denver as a cashier. Moffat worked his way up, eventually becoming president in 1880. He instituted policies and methods which led to the growth and success of the bank for years to come.
A visionary, Moffat also financed many railroad projects that would prove to be instrumental in the development of Colorado. Many viewed Moffat as ahead of his time, and his legacy lives on today in the Rio Grande Western Railroad, Union Pacific Railroad, the Moffat Tunnel, and Moffat County.