The person at the center of this case
John William Gates
Missing Person · Unsolved
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' wagon found? What evidence exists of an accident on a mountain road?
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location
Lead #2Which mining company was Gates hauling supplies for, and what route would he have taken?
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suspect
Lead #3What basis exists for family rumors of murder, and were there any suspects or investigations into foul play?
John William Gates, a 33-year-old family man and provider, disappeared on April 23, 1916, from Longmont, Colorado, leaving behind his wife and children with no explanation or subsequent contact. Over a century later, his fate remains unknown, though family accounts suggest his wagon may have run off a mountain road while delivering supplies to a mining company, or that foul play was involved. This case represents a historical mystery where a devoted husband and father vanished without trace, and any information about his whereabouts or circumstances could finally bring closure to his family's long-standing questions.
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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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witness
Lead #4Did anyone witness Gates' departure or report seeing him or his wagon in the days following April 23, 1916?
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evidence
Lead #5Are there any records from the 1917 Mother's Compensation case or Boulder County Court that contain additional investigative details?
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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 on April 23, 1916, from Longmont, Colorado with no known reason. Wife had no word from him afterward.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:April 23, 1916
Last Updated:August 13, 2026
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Phone: 3036518555
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Case Information
Incident:April 23, 1916
Last Updated:August 13, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 3036518555
You can remain anonymous