James T. Stanford was from Canada. He became a NWM Policeman in 1872. Later, he was the administrative assistant to the NWMP Commandant at Fort Macleod, Alberta, Canada. On a diplomatic mission to Helena, Montana he met the banking and transportation Conrad family. He was employed by the Conrad Bank in Helena in 1881. Later he became known as a banker, Business leader, and entrepreneur. He was appointed the Inspector General of Montana in 1898 with a rank of Colonel. He is considered to be one of the Founding Fathers of Montana.