The Comstock Lode was the richest silver mine in American history.

He came into knowledge of the enormous silver lode which bears his name, but sold out his interest early and did not profit from it.

Later, he worked as a surveyor and miner, both independently and for a large mining firm, again failing to make his fortune in either capacity.

Referred to by history books variously as a "sanctimonious gaffer",[1] an "illiterate prospector",[2] and a "quick-thinking loudmouth",[3] he was known by his contemporaries as "Old Pancake", because he could not be bothered to bake bread.

He died from suicide by his own pistol on September 27, 1870, near Bozeman, Montana.