Thomas Henry Blythe (born Thomas Williams;^ 1822–1883), was a Welsh-born American businessman; he became a successful self-made capitalist and tycoon after emigrating to San Francisco in the United States.

[6] Blythe is most remembered for purchasing, developing, and subdividing the Palo Verde Valley in southern California, and obtaining primary rights to Colorado River water to irrigate the valley.

[7] At the time of Blythe's death his estate was estimated to be worth around four million dollars.

He died suddenly, and unexpectedly, without any family in the United States, and without a will or other instructions regarding his estate.

[8] Almost 200 people initially claimed to be his legitimate heirs,[9] including three women each professing to be his wife.