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 #1Did Gates' wagon run off a mountain road while hauling supplies to a mining company, as family stories suggest?
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location
Lead #2What mining operations was Gates supplying to, and were there mountain roads in that area prone to accidents?
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suspect
Lead #3Is there any credible basis for the rumor that Gates was murdered, or was this speculation based on his unexplained disappearance?
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. His family and authorities have never determined his fate, though theories range from a wagon accident on a mountain road while hauling mining supplies to foul play. Over a century later, the circumstances of his disappearance remain a mystery, and any information about his whereabouts could finally provide answers to his descendants.
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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 search efforts conducted in 1916-1917, and if so, what areas were covered or what evidence was found?
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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
John William Gates left home on April 23, 1916, from Longmont, Colorado, with no known reason. He was last seen by his family and has not been heard from since.
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1917-05
Investigator's Report filed
An Investigator's Report for Mother's Compensation was filed with the Boulder County Court in May 1917, documenting that Gates was a good provider, husband, and father before his disappearance. His wife feared he met with an accident.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:April 23, 1916
Last Updated:October 31, 2026
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Phone: 3036518555
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Case Information
Incident:April 23, 1916
Last Updated:October 31, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 3036518555
You can remain anonymous