Charles D. Gallagher, born in 1884, is a native of White Pine County. His father, W. C. Gallagher, established a ranch there early in the state's history. The homestead, in the Duck Creek Valley, came to be known as Gallagher's Gap. Charles Gallagher's earliest memories are of the life of the family at Gallagher's Gap. He remembers social and educational contacts with many of the pioneer settlers in the area, and retains vivid memories of the native and non-native groups.

Mr. Gallagher's career, spanning over half a century, was first as a teacher in a rural school and then as a photographer. He photographed Greek weddings and funerals in Ely, used a circuit camera to record the growth of the Kennecott establishment at McGill, and met every graduating student in the local schools at commencement time. He learned aerial photography during World War I. The war and its aftermath kept Gallagher away from Ely for a number of years, but he returned to his home and resumed his photography business.

When Charles Gallagher retired he entered politics as a state senator from White Pine County. He served ten years in the Nevada State Assembly; he was greatly respected by the people of White Pine County and by his former colleagues for his performance in the state senate. Gallagher served on a number of important committees, and was chairman of the Education Committee when the school districts of Nevada were reorganized. His efforts at that time earned him a life membership in the Nevada Congress of Parents and Teachers.