The person at the center of this case
John William Gates
Missing Person · Open
110 years waiting · since 1916
Missing Person: John William Gates
Justice for John William Gates — the trail went cold in 1916, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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vehicle
Lead #1Was Gates operating a wagon when he disappeared? What was the condition of any wagon or equipment he may have been using?
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location
Lead #2Which mountain roads was Gates traveling to deliver supplies to mining operations? Were there known hazardous routes?
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clue
Lead #3Why did Gates leave home with no explanation after being a reliable provider? Did he leave any note or communicate with family?
John William Gates, a 33-year-old family man and provider, disappeared on April 23, 1916, from Longmont, Colorado, leaving behind a wife and children with no explanation. Over a century later, the circumstances remain unknown—family stories suggest either a wagon accident on a mountain road while delivering mining supplies, or foul play. This historical case remains unsolved, with no confirmed trace of what happened to Gates since he left home that spring day.
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
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evidence
Lead #4Were there any searches conducted in 1916-1917? What physical evidence, if any, was ever recovered?
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Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP24464. Missing person: John William Gates.
Last known contact: 1916-04-23 in Longmont, Boulder, CO. Circumstances: According to the "Investigator's Report for Mother's Compensation of the Boulder County Court," in May 1917: "John W.
Gates, husband of Applicant and father of children. He left home April 23, 1916 for no reason known to Applicant who does not know of his whereabouts now and has had no word from him since leaving, previous to leaving he was a good provider, and good husband, and kind father.
Applicant fears he met with an accident." Family stories include the theory that his wagon ran off a mountain road while hauling supplies to a mining company. The rumors also include a story that he was murdered.
Demographics: 33 years, Male, White / Caucasian. Physical description: 5 ft 9 in, 160 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Unknown.
Investigating agency: Longmont Department of Public Safety | 14-3410 | 2014-04-30.
Timeline of Events
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1916-04-23
John William Gates disappears
Left home in Longmont, Colorado with no known reason. Wife reported he had been a good provider, husband, and father prior to disappearance.
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1917-05-01
Mother's Compensation investigation
Boulder County Court investigator's report filed. Wife feared he met with an accident. Family theories included wagon accident on mountain road while hauling mining supplies or possible murder.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:April 23, 1916
Last Updated:June 29, 2026
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Phone: 3036518555
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Case Information
Incident:April 23, 1916
Last Updated:June 29, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 3036518555
You can remain anonymous