A man of many talents, Thaddeus Lowe was a Civil War balloonist-spy for Union General McClellan; Lowe and his crew made over 3,000 flights over enemy territory and earned the distinction of "father" of aerial reconnaissance. He also developed the first airborne use of a telegraph and camera. In 1866, Lowe became the first person in America to manufacture artificial ice. After moving to Pasadena, California, Lowe developed and built the Mount Lowe Railway, providing local residents access to nearby mountain resort areas. His check is drawn on the Mount Lowe Railway Company. An amazing and creative genius.  This reproduction would look great in an album or display.