FLOOD, James Clair, capitalist, born in Ireland in 1825. He emigrated to New York when a young man in the same ship with William O'Brien, with whom he formed an intimate friendship during the voyage. After working in ship-yards the two went to California in 1851, and opened a saloon in San Francisco. They made money by speculating in mining stock, and several years later formed a partnership with James G. Fair and John W. Mackay, who were then young miners. Flood and O'Brian agreed to furnish money for tools and outfit, while Fair and Mackay prospected in the Sierras. The result was the discovery of the Corn-stock lode, which made them four of the wealthiest men in the world. They subsequently established the Nevada bank in San" Francisco, and the partnership continued till 1881, when Mr. Fair was elected to the United States senate. Soon afterward Mr. Flood withdrew from active business.