Description

Isaac Taft Stoddard (b. 1851 - d. 1914) was born on January 1, 1851 in New York. He was the son of Roswell Stoddard, born in 1818 in New York, and Angeline Stoddard, born in 1826 in New York. She was the cousin of President William Taft.

He married Mary (Martin) Stoddard in 1879.

An early studier of the law, Isaac did not pursue a law degree. He started in the life insurance business in New York and Hartford, Connecticut and his knowledge of law was a tremendous asset. He then became interested in mining in Arizona. Simultaneously working with insurance in New York and mining in Arizona, Isaac made the decision to focus on mining and moved to the company town of Stoddard, Arizona in 1892. He owned several copper mines in Yavapai County, Arizona and built the first smelter in that part of the state. He also assisted out-of-territory corporations in incorporating in the territory.

Isaac served as Secretary on the Arizona Territorial Legislature from 1902-1904 but was forced to resign amid criticism over conflict between his role in the incorporating business and as Secretary. He was a prominent business man of the southwest at the close of his term as Secretary. Following his resignation, he founded and was President of the Stoddard Incorporating Company. 

Writing on photograph reads: "Isac T. Stoddard". 

Isaac died suddently from a stroke on November 10, 1914 in Phoenix, Arizona. He was buried at Floral Park Cemetery in Johnson City, New York.

Sources: findagrave.com; Arizona Deaths, 1870-1963; New York State Censuses 1855, 1865; U.S. Censuses 1870, 1900; "The Successful American" by William Cauldwell, January, 1903; Arizona republican 11-11-1914; Arizona, Maricopa County, Voting Records 1904, 1912, 1914.