El Paso County, Colorado
Biographies
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ROBERT W. ANDERSON.
Mr. Anderson, of the firm of Anderson & Gaby, contractors and builders, of
Colorado Springs, was born near Ottawa, Canada, December 17, 1840. The early
portion of his life was spent at working on the farm and in attending public
school. At the age of twenty-seven he went to Henry County, Mo., where he
began work at the carpenter's trade and remained at it one year. He then
removed to Eastern Kansas, where he carried on contracting and building for
the subsequent six years. In the spring of 1874, he came to Colorado and
located in Colorado Springs, where he worked at his trade one year. He then
began contracting and building and in 1878, formed a partnership with W. D.
Gaby, in which business he is still engaged. Mr. Anderson was married in
October, 1871, to Miss Mary C. Scott, of Zanesville, Ohio, and has a family
of four children—one son and three daughters.
DR. W. A. BELL.
Dr. W. A. Bell was born in Clonmel, Tipperary, Ireland, on April 26th, 1841.
His father is an eminent physician, well known in London, having resided in
Hartford Street, Mayfair, for twenty years. With the view of following his
father in the medical profession, he went from school to the University of
Cambridge, where he graduated in arts, with first-class honors in the
natural science tripos, and took his M. A. degree in 1863. After completing
the usual course of medical studies at the London Hospital he took his
medical degree at the University of Cambridge in 1865, and in the winter of
1866-67, visited the United States for the first time, on a tour of
recreation. In the spring of 1867, through the influence of Philadelphia
friends, he became attached to the Kansas Pacific Railway Surveys, which
were organized under the protection of the United States Government to
determine the best route for a southern trans-continental railway. These
surveys were extended through New Mexico and Arizona, both by the
thirty-second and thirty fifth parallels to San Francisco, and the results
obtained there from are contained in a valuable report made by Gen. W. J.
Palmer, in 1868, who had sole charge of the expedition. It was during this
long course of western travel and exploration that strong attachment first
showed itself between Gen. Palmer and Dr: Bell, which has since developed
into a life-long friendship and the closest business relations. Returning to
England at the close of the expedition in 1868, Dr. Bell commenced the
practice of his profession in London, but failing in health again joined
Gen. Palmer in Colorado for a six-weeks trip in the summer of 1869. In the
summer of 1870, the doctor made his third trip to Colorado, and then the
first step was taken towards inaugurating the great system of narrow gauge
railways throughout the Rocky Mountains, with which his name has since been
associated. This step was the incorporation early in the fall of 1870 of the
Denver & Rio Grande Railway Company, after which Gen. Palmer returned with
the Doctor to England to study the narrow gauge systems in Europe, and to
decide upon the -practicability of a cheaper system than that of the
standard, 4.81 gauge, and one better adapted to the necessities of a
mountainous region. The result of their investigations was the adoption of
the three-foot gauge, which gauge has since been followed by all subsequent
builders of narrow-gauge railways throughout the United States. With Gen.
Palmer as President head, with the subject of this as Vice President and
Lieutenant, assisted by a small, though most efficient staff of steadfast
men, men of whom Colorado will ever be grateful and proud, this great public
work, the Denver & Rio Grande Narrow Gauge has prospered and grown to be the
most marvellous, as well as one of the most successful railway enterprises
on the continent. On the 8th of May, 1873, at St. James' Church, Piccadilly,
London, Dr. Bell married Cora Georgina Whitmore, elder daughter of Whitmore
Scovell, Esq., of Weddon, Surrey. Returning with his bride to Colorado, he
made his permanent home at Manitou, where he erected the first private house
which was built in that lovely glen, now so well known and admired as the
Valley- of Manitou. The house is a comfortable and unpretentious English
home transferred to the foot of Pike's Peak. The native shrubbery and trees
have been protected and cared for, shady walks have been cut through them,
the dashing mountain brook, the Fontaine Qui Bonille, has been crossed with
rustic bridges, and four acres of land captured from a state of rugged
wildness, have been tamed and beautified, and made a blooming garden. The
collateral enterprises in which Dr. Bell has been engaged, and with which
his name is and has been associated, are many, and are distributed all over
the State. In 1869, he negotiated the bonds of the Denver & Pacific Railway
Company in Europe, and assisted in the sale of the Maxwell estate, but
withdrew from that company when the controlling interest in 1871 opposed the
immediate extension of the Denver & Rio Grande Railway into it, which he
considered vital to the near success of that large property. In the
establishment of the Colorado Central Improvement Company, which has now
grown into such a vast undertaking under its new name of Colorado Coal and
Iron Company, Dr. Bell took an active part, his English clients furnishing
about half the capital. From 1870 to 1877, financial matters connected with
this and the railway company obliged him to spend much of his time in
Europe. In mining affairs, Dr. Bell has never taken a prominent part, but he
has been the means of directing much well-expended capital to Colorado. The
founders of the Colorado Mortgage and Investment Company were induced to
chose Colorado as the field of operations through the representations of Dr.
Bell, at a time, too, when it required confidence, pluck and wise foresight
to venture as boldly as they did into vast investments so far from home.
With the characteristic instincts of his nationality, Dr. Bell became a
large land-owner almost immediately upon his settlement in Colorado, and his
landed estates are among the most beautiful in the State. He is the owner of
Manitou Park, an estate of 10,000 acres, situated among the mountains some
nineteen miles northwest of Manitou, and well known to tourists. He also
owns the Clifton Hay Farm of 2,000 acres in the Wet Mountain Valley,
opposite Westcliffe —a farm that has probably no equal in the State. He is
also part owner and trustee of two patented land grants in New Mexico,
containing respectively 95,000 and 413,000 acres. In private life he is
known to be a lover of music, painting, and especially of architecture. It
has always been a source of pleasure and recreation for him to erect a
picturesque cottage or villa, or an artistic railway station, such as that
at Manitou. He is the owner of that priceless modern art treasure, Moran's
picture of the Mountain of the Holy Cross. Manitou, his home, he has
steadily promoted in every possible way, forwarding its interests by the
erection of its two finest hotels, and in beautifying the place with
buildings, fountains, ornamental lakelets, parks and shade trees. Among
those who have been prominently connected with the many large enterprises
for developing the natural resources of Colorado, none have entered into the
work with a greater zeal and enthusiasm, or more untiringly and devotedly at
all times to forward its progress, having its best interests at heart, than
the subject of this sketch.
COL. JOHN H. BACON.
Col. Bacon is of New England parentage, and was born in Tioga Co., N. Y.,
June 27, 1828. At the age of twelve he removed with his parents to
Coldwater, Mich., where he resided two years, thence to Hillsdale Co., same
State. At the age of sixteen, after receiving a limited education in the
public schools, he began an apprenticeship at the printer's trade. From 1847
to 1852, he traveled over the Southern States, and worked at his trade. In
1852, he married Miss Mary A. Weaver, of Princeton, Ill. In 1854, he removed
to Washington, Washington Co., Iowa, where he was engaged in the hotel and
livery business twenty-one years. During the late war of the rebellion, he
was appointed Provost Marshal of the First District of Iowa. In 1875, he
came to Colorado, located at Colorado Springs, and again engaged in-the
hotel and livery business. During the first year of his residence here, he
ran the hotel known as Bacon's Exchange, and from that time until May of the
present year, when he sold out to his son, he devoted his attention to the
livery business. In 1878, he built a livery stable on Pike's Peak avenue
which, at the time of its completion, was the largest in the State. He is at
present devoting his attention to the breeding of fine horses, of which he
has a large herd on Four Mile, in the western part of El Paso Co. Col. Bacon
was for twenty years an active member of the State Agricultural Society of
Iowa and during that time held various official positions in that society.
He was also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Iowa State College. In
the spring of 1880, he was elected Mayor of Colorado Springs, which office
he honorably filled one year. Col. Bacon is a member of the Republican
Party, and an active politician, but has never sought political emoluments.
He is also a strong Prohibitionist.
HON. CHARLES W. BARKER.
Mr. Barker is a native of New York, and was born in Jefferson Co. of that
State, February 1, 1839. He attended public school until eighteen years of
age, and subsequently completed his education at Oberlin College, in
Oberlin, Ohio. In 1861, he went to Indianapolis, Ind., and in June of that
year enlisted in the First Indiana Cavalry, and served three years as scout.
After being honorably mustered-out of the service, he returned to Indiana,
and during the succeeding four years taught school in that State and in
Ohio. In 1869, he removed to Kansas City, Mo., and was there engaged in the
real estate and insurance business six years. In 1875, he came to Colorado,
located at Manitou Springs, the famous "health resort," and leased the
Manitou House for a term of five years, and entered the hotel business. He
then bought and enlarged the hotel, now known as the Barker House, which he
has since conducted. Mr. Barker has served on the Town Board of Trustees of
Maniton Springs two years, and as Secretary of the School Board one term. In
the fall of 1880, he was elected a member of the Lower House of the State
Legislature from El Paso County. Mr. Barker was married in 1865 to Mrs.
Rebecca S. Rand, of Philadelphia, Penn.
PETER E. BAINTER.
Mr. Bainter, the enterprising grocery man at Monument, El Paso Co., was born
in Henry Co., Ind., July 29, 1848, and is of Holland-Dutch descent. At an
early age he removed with his parents to Jefferson Co., Kan., where he
remained on a farm and in attending school until sixteen years of age. He
then completed his education at Lane University, at Lecompton, Kan., in
1871. He subsequently engaged in the mercantile business in the latter place
one year, then clerked in a store at Perryville, Kan., two years. In 1874,
he married Miss Jennie E. Hinton, of that place, and the following year
devoted his attention to farming. He then removed to Lawrence, same State,
and clerked in a store two years, and followed farming one year. In
November, 1878, he came to Colorado, located at Monument, and the following
spring engaged in the grocery business, to which he has since added flour,
hay and grain. Mr. Bainter has a family of two daughters.
WILLIAM W. BRYAN.
Mr. Bryan is of French and German descent, and was born in St. Louis, Mo.,
June 15, 1854. He completed his education in the high schools of that city.
In 1875, he came to Colorado, and after spending two years as clerk of the
bar at the Grand Central Hotel, at Denver, he went to Leadville, where he
was engaged in business one year. In 1878, he came to Manitou, and leased
the bar and billiard-hall in the Beebee House for a term of five- years. He
has large mining interests at Red Cliff and Leadville, and is one of the
Directors of the Golden Cornet Silver Mining Company, and of the Iowa Gulch
Gold and Silver Mining Company, both operating at the last-named place.
T. A. BENBOW, M. D.
Dr. Benbow was born in Guilford County, N. C., November 7, 1830. His early
life was spent on a farm. At the age of seventeen, through his own efforts,
he had acquired sufficient education to teach school, at which he was
engaged the succeeding fifteen years. During this time he applied himself to
reading medicine. In 1862, he was conscripted and taken to Camp Holmes, at
Raleigh, N. C., where he was kept for three months, and during his stay
there he was assigned a position with the Surgeon of the camp. During this
time the rebel Congress passed a law exempting all non-combatants by paying
a fine of $500. Dr. Benbow determined to pay the fine and thus free himself
and get away from the rebel camp. He returned home the following November,
1862, and again taught school and continued the study of medicine until the
19th of July, 1864, when he started with his family through the rebel lines,
and arrived at New Providence, Harden Co., Iowa. At this place he entered
into the old school practice of medicine, but only continued this system for
a short time, when he was converted to the Hahnemann theory of practice,
which he immediately took up and practiced. In 1866-67, he attended the
Hahnemann Medical College, at Chicago, where he received a thorough medical
education in the theory and practice of homoeopathy. Soon after returning
home to his professional duties, he was elected a member of the State
Medical Society of Homoeopathic Physicians of Iowa, and also Vice President
of said society. In June, 1873, he came to Colorado and commenced practice,
and in August, 1874, moved his family to Colorado Springs, where he has been
actively engaged in his profession.
GERRITT S. BARNES.
Mr. Barnes, the well-known wholesale and retail dealer in hardware,
agricultural implements, etc., in Colorado Springs, was born in Oneida
County, N. Y., in 1818. In 1831 he removed to Jefferson County, same State,
and subsequently completed his education at Court-land Academy, in Homer, N.
Y. From 1836 until 1854 he followed farming, then went to Dodge County,
Wis., where he was engaged in the hardware business nineteen years. In 1873,
owing to failing health, he came to Colorado, located at Colorado Springs,
and again embarked in that business and at present carries the largest stock
of hardware and agricultural implements in the State.
GEORGE C. BANNING.
Among the pioneers of El Paso County who have endured the hardships and
deprivations of frontier life and become familiar with the history and
growth of the State, is the above named gentleman. He was born in Lorraine
County, Ohio, July 9, 1836. His early life, until his fifteenth year was
spent on the paternal farm. In 1851 he went to Henry County, Ill., where he
worked on a farm three years. From there he went to Iowa City, and there
drove a hack until 1858, then returned to Illinois where he remained one
year. In the spring of 1859, when the news of the rich discoveries of gold
at Pike's Peak were heralded throughout the East, he started for the new El
Dorado; but on arriving at Big Sandy, in the eastern part of this State, he
met hundreds of parties returning, who gave such discouraging accounts of
this country that he joined the stampede and returned to Illinois. In the
spring of 1860, he again came to Colorado, and after spending some time at
Boulder, Gold Hill and Denver, went to Central City, Gilpin Co., where he
engaged in mining a short time. He then began freighting between Denver and
Central City, and in buying cattle for the markets of the latter place. The
following fall he worked in a saw-mill in Georgia Gulch three months, then
came to Colorado City, El Paso Co., and from here took an ox-train back to
Plattsmouth, Neb., and from there went to Illinois. In the spring of 1862,
he returned to Colorado City, and from that to 1866 was engaged in raising
and buying and selling stock. During the latter year he removed with his
family to Oregon, where he remained two years variously engaged. He then
returned to Colorado City, and during the succeeding four years was engaged
in freighting between Colorado City and the mountain camps. In 1872, he went
to San Juan in Southwestern Colorado, where he followed mining and teaming
eight years. During the summer of 1880, he bought a one-third interest in
the Luona Mine in the Elk Mountains of Gunnison County, which has since been
stocked at $4,000,000, and located seven leads on the same mountain. After
two decades Mr. Banning is reaping the reward for which he has earnestly
labored and for which he left the civilization of the East for the wilds of
the Far West. His home since 1862 has been principally at Colorado City,
where he still resides. Mr. Banning was married in 1858 to Miss Melissa
Rose, of Newton, Iowa, and has a family of two sons.
J. W. COLLINS, M. D.
The above named physician was born in Green County, Ala., December 22, 1835,
and is of Irish and Scotch descent. His education was completed in the
University of Alabama, at Tuscaloosa. At the age of twenty-two he began
reading medicine under Dr. James J. Forrester, at which he continued two
years. At the expiration of this time he entered the medical department of
the University of Louisiana, at New Orleans, from which he graduated March
20, 1860. He then began the practice of medicine in Marengo County, Ala.,
until September 13, 1861, when he enlisted in Company A, Third Alabama
Cavalry, as Third Sergeant. He served in this office until August, 1862,
when, after an examination by the Medical Board, he was promoted to Surgeon,
and was assigned to the Eighth Regular Tennessee Infantry. In December,
1863, was re-assigned to the First Tennessee Infantry, with which he served
until the spring of 1864, when he was assigned to his old company, the Third
Alabama Cavalry. After the close of the war he located in Clark County,
Miss., where he practiced his profession five years. He then removed to
Jackson, Tenn., in 1869, where he continued at his profession until 1879. He
then removed to Colorado Springs, and has been actively engaged in the
practice of medicine. Dr. Collins was married in 1856 to Miss L. E. Gilmore,
of Gaston, Ala., and is the head of a family of four children—two sons and
two daughters.
HON. JOHN B. COCHRAN.
Mr. Cochran, a member of the legal profession of Colorado Springs, was born
in Spencer Co., Ky., July 19, 1824, and is of Scotch-Irish descent. His
early life, until attaining his eighteenth year, was spent on a farm and in
attending private schools. He subsequently went to Lexington, Ky., and
entered the Transylvania University, from which institution he graduated. He
then determined to adopt the legal profession, and began applying himself
studiously to the study of law. After being admitted to the bar, he began
practice at Shelbyville, in his native State, and from that time until the
spring of 1880 practiced there and at Louisville, Ky. He then came to
Colorado Springs where he has since resided, engaged in the practice of his
profession. During the war of the rebellion, Mr. Cochran served four years
in the Kentucky Legislature, an unconditional Unionist, and did much to
prevent his State from seceding. He was married in 1855 to Miss Magdalen M.
Cochran, of Virginia, a lineal descendant of Col. Charles Lewis, who
perished at the head of his regiment at the battle of Point Pleasant in
1774, and has a family of two sons.
CAPT. GILES CRISSEY.
Mr. Crissey, an enterprising lumber dealer of Colorado Springs, was born in
Fairfield Co., Conn., April 9, 1840. At the age of seven he removed with his
parents to Warren Co., Ill., where he attended public school until fifteen
years of age, dud subsequently spent one year at Lombard College, in
Galesburg, Ill. He then clerked in a general mercantile store in Greenbush,
Ill., and from there went to Avon, Fulton Co., same State, where he
continued in that occupation three years longer. In 1862, he enlisted in the
Eighty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was, by his company, elected
Orderly Sergeant. His company was sent to Fort Henry, and subsequently was
stationed at Fort Donelson, and at Clarksville and Nashville, Tenn. In 1863,
he was promoted to rank of Captain, and in the spring of 1865 was honorably
mustered-out of the service. He then returned to Fulton Co., Ill., where he
was engaged in the lumber business until 1873. During the latter year he
came to Colorado and located in Colorado Springs, where he has since been
actively engaged in the lumber business. In 1878, he was elected a member of
the City Council, which office he honorably filled one term. Capt. Crissey
was married in January 1867, to Miss Ellen Mings, of Avon, Ill. and has a
family of four children—two sons and two daughters.
CAPT. WILLIAM L. CONANT.
Capt. Conant, of the wholesale and retail grocery firm of Conant & Thedinga,
in Colorado Springs, was born in New York City May 30, 1841. After attending
the public schools of that city he completed his education at the age of
nineteen, in Thompson's Boarding School, at Port Chester, N. Y., whither his
parents had removed. He then entered his father's store in the capacity of
clerk. In 1861, on the breaking-out of the war of the rebellion. he enlisted
in Company A, of the Forty-eighth New York Volunteer Infantry, and remained
with that company fifteen months. He then received a commission as First
Lieutenant of Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-seventh New York Volunteers,
and was soon afterward promoted to the rank of Captain and remained with his
company, participating in all of its engagements until the close of the war,
when he was honorably mustered out of the service. He then returned home and
from that time until 1S71 clerked in his father's store, and during four
years of the time held the position of Post master. He then came to
Colorado, and after clerking in a store at Black Hawk, Gilpin County, one
year, removed to Colorado Springs. where he has since resided, being engaged
in clerking for different firms until December, 1880, when he, in company
with J. H. Thedinga, succeeded S. Sessler in the grocery business. Capt.
Conant was married in October, 1870, to Miss Etta C. Downs, of Huntington,
N. Y., and has one daughter.
HARVEY CLEMENT.
Mr. Clement. of the well-known contracting firm of Clement & Russell, and
the proprietors of the marble works on Nevada avenue, Colorado Springs, was
born in Union County, Ohio, July 15, 1848. He is of English and Welsh
descent. His early life was spent in attending the public schools and the
high school of Marysville, Ohio. In 1865, he removed with his parents to
Ottawa, Kan., where he completed his education at the Ottawa College, in his
.twentieth year. He subsequently worked on his father's fruit farm three
years. In the spring of 1872, he began an apprenticeship at the
stone-cutting trade. The following spring he came to Colorado Springs and
continued to work at his trade, until completing it in 1875. He then formed
a partnership with his brother-in-law, D. A. Russell, and began contracting,
and in January, 1880, established the marble works, which they have since
carried on in connection with contracting. Mr. Clement was married in the
fall of 1871 to Miss Arabella Russell, of London, Kan., and has a family of
two children, a son and a daughter.
NATHAN S. CULVER, M. D.
Dr. Culver was born in Milton, Rock County, Wis., May 1, 1842. He attended
the public schools until sixteen years of age, then entered Milton Academy,
where he remained until the breaking-out of the war of the rebellion in
1861. He then enlisted in the Randall Guards of the Second Wisconsin
Volunteer Infantry, and after serving a short time was called home, owing to
the serious illness of his father, and there remained one year in charge of
the paternal farm. He then determined to adopt the medical profession, and
went to Milwaukee, Wis., where he began to apply himself studiously to
reading medicine, Dr. R. W. Hathaway being his preceptor. After remaining in
that city four years, engaged in the study and practice of medicine, he
entered the Pennsylvania University in Philadelphia, from which he graduated
and received the degree of M. D. in the spring of 1866. He then went to
Rochester, Minn., where he resumed and continued practice six years, and in
connection therewith established a large wholesale and retail drugstore. In
1873, owing to overwork and bronchial troubles, he closed up his business
and came to Colorado, located in Colorado Springs, and gave his attention to
the mining business until 1878. Dr. Culver is prominently identified with
the mining interests of Colorado. He is one of the principal owners of the
Osceola Mine at Sunshine, Boulder County ; President of the Culver Mining
Company, operating in Ouray County ; Vice President of the Silver Wing
Mining & Reduction Company of La Plata County ; the originator and one of
the Directors of the Little Willie Mining Company of Gunnison County, and
owns various other interests. When Colorado Springs was incorporated as a
city, he was elected Alderman of the First Ward, and subsequently served as
Treasurer of the School Board. In the fall of 1878, he was elected State
Treasurer. Owing to failing health, he could not stand confinement in the
office, and appointed his brother George his Deputy, to take charge of the
active work. During his term, he ably and efficiently conducted the business
of the office by personal and written instructions, which were faithfully
carried out by his trustworthy Deputy. Since his residence in this city, Dr.
Culver has always been distinguished for his public spirit. He is a good
financier and bears an untarnished reputation. He has always been an
earnest, hardworking Republican, and deserves well of his party.
MAJ. H. H. DE MARY.
This gentleman ranks among the oldest pioneers of Colorado, coming here as
he did in 1859. He was born in Genesee County, N. Y., December 4, 1814. His
parents were farmers, and he remained with them until he was twenty years
old, working on the farm summers and attending district school winters. He
was then given his time and started life for himself by chopping cord-wood
for 25 cents per cord. At the age of twenty-two, he went to work on the
Tonawanda Railroad, as foreman of a construction train, at $1.25 per day ;
was thus engaged eighteen months. He was afterward proprietor of a
butcher-shop in Westchester for two years. In 1840, he engaged to travel for
the Zoological Company and Sand's American Circus ; was with them four
years, two of which they spent in Europe. From 1844 to 1847, he conducted
his father's farm, and during this time was married to Mrs. Jane Raworth. He
has one daughter, who is married and lives in Chicago, Ill. The next five
years of his life he spent working on the railroad as contractor. In 1852,
he went to Chicago, where he remained until he came to Colorado. While there
he was Constable two years and Justice of the Peace three years. The first
year in Colorado he spent in mining and then sold out for $10,000. In 1860,
he went back to Chicago, to vote for Lincoln, and engaged in the flour and
feed business. But his taste for Western life was so strong, he sold out in
1861, and came back to Colorado. During the early part of the war of the
rebellion, he was Assistant Major General of the State Militia. Summoned to
appear in Denver on his way to the latter place, he fell in with a band of
jay-hawkers, commanded by a man by the name of Reynolds, who had been driven
out of Fairplay only a short time before. They captured the Major and his
party, took them to a house and placed them under guard. The same afternoon
they captured and robbed the mail-coach and disabled it by cutting out the
spokes of the wheels, and placed all under oath not to leave until sunrise
the following morning. The robbers took $120 from De Mary, and one exchanged
hats with him. The hat the robber left was a curiosity, and the Major was
obliged to wear it to Denver, where he had to introduce himself to his most
intimate-friends. The following morning, by early dawn, the Major was out
giving the alarm, and a short time after the whole gang were surprised by a
party of pursuers from Gouge Eye Gulch who had been notified of their
depredations, and all were killed but one. The robbers, a party of nine,
were men from the border of Arkansas and Texas. They had come to Colorado
for the purpose of obtaining recruits to form a company sufficiently strong
to rob the banks in. Denver. In 1862, Maj. De Mary was appointed Provost
Marshal for Park County ; held this position for eleven months. He then went
to California Gulch and engaged in placer mining. He was County Commissioner
for Lake County for three years. He was in the Council for Lake County for
two years. He was appointed by Gov. Evans Major General of the Militia. In
1879, he went on to a cattle ranch, twenty miles north of Canon City, where
he still lives.
DANIEL DURKEE.
Daniel Durkee, proprietor of the drug store on the corner of Tejon and
Huerfano Streets, Colorado Springs, was born in South Royalton, Vermont,
September 1, 1852. He completed his education at the Royalton Academy at the
age of seventeen. He then served three years in a drug store at Windsor,
Vt., and subsequently had charge of a drug store two years at Lebanon, N. H.
He then went to Indianapolis, Ind., where he held the position of bookkeeper
for Fairbanks Scale Company two years, after which he engaged in the drug
business in that city. In the fall of 1879, he came to Colorado and located
in Colorado Springs and opened a drug store, in which business he is still
engaged. During the fall of 1880, he became one of the stockholders and was
elected a Director of the East Leadville Town Site and Reduction and
Smelting Works Company, of which he is at present Vice President. Mr. Durkee
was married in May, 1880, to Miss Anna Downs, of Lebanon, N. H.
GEORGE DE LA VERGNE.
This gentleman is, as his name implies, of French descent, and was born in
Marietta, Ohio, August 9, 1837. At an early age he, with his parents,
removed to Cumberland County, Tenn., where he spent the first years of his
life, and by his own efforts acquired an education. At the age of nineteen,
he went to Seneca, Kan., where he remained two years, but at the expiration
of that time he returned to Tennessee, where he arrived just in time to cast
his vote against the secession of that State, having had to go to the polls
armed. The alarming situation, however, compelled him to leave that State,
and he proceeded to Brooklyn, N. Y., and when the war of the rebellion was
finally declared, he enlisted in the Forty-Seventh Brooklyn Infantry, who
volunteered for the three months' service. He was promoted through the
non-commissioned offices, and subsequently, upon the advice of his officers,
and the recommendations of Gov. Brownell, he went to Kentucky, and formed a
regiment of Tennessee refugees, known as the Eighth Tennessee Volunteer
Infantry. After serving in the subordinate offices, he was promoted to
Lieutenant Colonel of the Third Division of the Twenty-third Army Corps,
under command of Gen. Hartsuff, at that time doing service in East
Tennessee. At the battle of Lost Mountain, he was overcome by fatigue and
concussion, and was sent to the hospital at Lookout Mountain, and
subsequently to Cincinnati, Ohio. After partially recovering, not being able
for field service, he was detailed on special duty under Gen. Hooker, at
Cincinnati, and subsequently was sent to Detroit, Mich., under command of
Gen. Ord, where, at the close of the rebellion, he was honorably mustered
out of service. After peace was declared, he engaged in the manufacture of
woolen goods at Chattanooga, Tenn., in which he was engaged until 1867, when
he closed out his business. He then removed to Clinton, Mo., where he was
engaged in the mercantile business until 1873, when he sold out his
interests and accepted the joint-position of Secretary and Treasurer of a
wholesale nursery in that county. In 1876, owing to his wife's ill health,
he resigned his position; and, with his family, made a journey to the
Sandwich Islands, where he remained during that winter, and returned to
Missouri in the spring, but did not remain there long. He then emigrated to
Colorado, and has found this climate to be very benefical to his wife's
health. Upon his arrival here, he bought Rigg's ranch, one mile south of
Colorado Springs, and since that time has been engaged in ranaing,
stock-raising and the culture of fish, having a splendid fish-pond with
facilities for hatching. He is also largely connected with the mining
interests in Gunnison County, being the Vice President of the Silver
Mountain Mining Company.
Mr. De
La Vergne is a member of the Board of Trustees, and one of the Executive
Committee of the Colorado College. He is prominently identified with the
Presbyterian Church of this city, being its Ruling Elder, and has been the
Superintendent of its Sunday School for the past three years. He is also a
friend and strict adherer to the temperance cause. He was married at
Nashville, Tenn., January 2, 1867, to Miss Emily Rice, daughter of William
H. Rice, missionary to the Sandwich Islands, and has two sons.
ANDREW J. DOWNING.
This gentleman, a hardware merchant of Colorado Springs, was born in Steuben
County, Ind., September 21, 1851. His early life was spent on a farm and in
acquiring an education, which he completed in the High School of Quincy,
Mich., at the age of eighteen. In 1870, he came to Colorado, and during the
succeeding six years worked at the carpenter's trade in various parts of the
State. In 1876, he located in Colorado Springs and embarked in the
butchering business. In February, 1880, he opened a hardware, stove and
tinware store on Huerfano street, in which business he has since been
successfully engaged. Mr. Downing was married, in 1874, to Miss Louisa
Melvin, and has one daughter.
F. E. DOW.
Mr. Dow. the well known ready-made clothing merchant in Colorado Springs,
was born in Erie County, N. Y., June 10, 1845. At an early age, he removed
with his parents to De Kalb County, Ill., where he attended public school
until his eighteenth year ; then spent one year at Hillsdale College, in
Hillsdale, Mich. In February, 1865, he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred
and Forty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served until February,
1866, his regiment having been detailed on guard duty after the close of the
rebellion. After being honorably mustered out of the service, he went to
Chicago, Ill., and entered Eastman's Business College, from which he
graduated that year. From there he went to Courtland, Ill., and embarked in
the drug business, continuing the same until June, 1868. He then sold out,
and went to Olathe, Kan., and engaged in the clothing business, in company
with his brother, J. H. Dow. In 1873, owing to failing health, he came to
Colorado, and after spending three months traveling over the State, located
in Colorado Springs. where he has since resided. In the fall of 1877, he
opened a clothing store on Tejon Street, and, through perseverance and close
attention to business, is building up a good trade. During - the past year,
Mr. Dow has erected a fine residence on North Tejon Street, where he now
resides, with pleasant and comfortable surroundings. In the spring of 1876,
he was elected to the joint office of Clerk and Treasurer of Colorado
Springs, and at the expiration of his term of two years was re-elected ;
but, owing to the pressure of private business, resigned the Clerkship, and
continued to serve as Treasurer two years longer, having discharged his
duties with ability, and with credit to himself and the city. Mr. Dow was
married to Miss Helen E. Hayden, of Sycamore, Ill., in 1867, and has a
family of three daughters.
DAVID DE GRAFF.
Mr. De Graff, who, during the past ten years has been prominently identified
with the stock-growing interests of El Paso County, was born in Ulster
County, N. Y., in February, 1826. He remained at home on his father's farm
until fourteen years of age, then followed boating on North River three
years. He subsequently served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, at
which he worked eight years. In the fall of 1851, he went to California via
the Nicaragua route and worked at his trade six years in San Francisco, and
during the succeeding seven years followed mining in Trinity County. In
1864, he returned to Ulster County, N. Y., and bought a farm and was engaged
in agricultural pursuits six years. In 1871, he came to Colorado and bought
a stock ranch of 169 acres in El Paso County, eight miles southeast of
Colorado Springs, and engaged in stock-raising. In 1873, he returned East
and brought his family out. He has since purchased additional lands, until
he now owns 10,000 acres, all under fence, 250 of it being agricultural
land, and at present has a herd of 5,700 sheep and over 300 cattle. Mr. De
Graff was married in the fall of 1866, to Miss Emma Varse, of Sullivan, N.
Y., and has two daughters.
CAPT. M. L. DECOURSEY.
Capt. DeCoursey, a real estate and insurance agent in Colorado Springs, was
born in Philadelphia, Penn., February 12, 1842. He received his education in
the public schools of that city, graduating from the high school at the age
of sixteen. He then entered the employ of Alfred Slade & Co., dry goods
commission merchants, with whom he remained until 1861 ; then enlisted in
the Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, under command of Gen. William J. Palmer,
now President of the D. & R. G. R. R. Co., by whom he was promoted to the
rank of Captain, in which capacity he served until 1863, when he was
appointed Chief Clerk in the Provost Marshal General's office of the United
States, at Washington, and Confidential Clerk to Gen. James B. Fry, Provost
Marshal General of the United States. After the close of the rebellion, he
entered the service of Jay Cooke, as traveling agent, and assisted him in
placing his 7-30 bonds on the financial market. He was employed in this
capacity six months ; then embarked in the dry goods commission business in
Philadelphia, being the junior partner of the firm of Hamilton, Evans &
DeCoursey. In 1871, he closed up his business and came to Colorado.
Subsequently, he aided Gen. Palmer in organizing the National Land &
Improvement and the Colorado Springs Companies, of which he became first
Secretary and Treasurer. In 1876, he resigned his positions in Colorado, and
returned East, accepting the position of Chief Clerk under the Passenger
Agent of the Pennsylvania Railroad, at Harrisburg, Penn., with whom he was
employed until 1880. He then returned to Colorado, and located at Colorado
Springs, where he has since resided, engaged in the real estate and
insurance business. Capt. DeCoursey was married, in 1868, to Miss Mary A.
Stovell, of Philadelphia, Penn., and has a family of four children.
S. DAVIS, D. D. S.
Dr. Davis was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., November 20, 1839. He
received his early education at Richmond, Ohio. In 1861, on the breaking-out
of the war of the rebellion, he enlisted in the Second Ohio Volunteer
Infantry and served two years. He then determined to adopt the profession of
dentistry, and began study, Prof. G. T. Barker being his preceptor. He
subsequently practiced in Centerville, Penn., a number of years. In 1870, he
entered the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery at Philadelphia, from
which he graduated and received the degree of D. D. S. in the spring of
1871, his number of years of practice being equivalent to one course of
lectures. He then located in Parker City, Penn., where he practiced
dentistry until he was burned out in 1878, when he came to Colorado, located
in Colorado Springs, where he has since been actively engaged in the
practice of his profession.
E. J. EATON.
Mr. Eaton, County Clerk and Recorder of El Paso County, was born at Tonica,
La Salle County, Ill., September 3, 1847. His early life, until attaining
the age of manhood, was spent on a farm and in attending public school. In
1868, he removed to Lincoln, Neb., where, during the succeeding three years,
he held the position of Assistant Postmaster. In 1872, he came to Colorado
Springs and accepted the position of bookkeeper for the Sloan Lumber Company
and the Pioneer Manufacturing Company, continuing in that capacity three
years. During the spring of 1875, he was appointed Deputy Assessor for El
Paso County, and the following fall was elected to that office, which he
held until the fall of 1879. He was then appointed County Clerk and
Recorder, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Irving
Howbert, and was shortly afterward elected to that office, in which capacity
he has since honorably and with credit to himself and the county served. Mr.
Eaton was united in marriage to Miss May S. 'Whipple, of Colorado Springs,
April 13, 1876.
JAMES M. ELLISON.
Mr. Ellison, the well known Station Agent of the Denver & Rio Grande
Railroad Company at Colorado Springs, was born in Abingdon, Knox County,
Ill., December 23, 1839. His early life was spent on a farm and in acquiring
an education, which he completed in his nineteenth year, at Heddino- College
in his native town. He then taught'' school two years. In April, 1860, he
married Miss Lydia A. Sanford, of Prairie City, Ill. In 1861, on the
breaking-out of the war of the rebellion, when President Lincoln issued his
first call for 75,000 troops, Mr. Ellison was one of the first to respond
and enlisted in Company H, Thirty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and
served until January, 1863, when he was taken sick and discharged. He then
returned home and from there went to Chicago, where he devoted his attention
to learning telegraphy. He subsequently went to Champaign, Ill., where he
had charge of a telegraph ace a short time. From there he went to Waukegan,
same State, and served in the same capacity four months. He then assumed
charge of the City Western office at Joliet, Ill., where he remained until
September, 1869. During the succeeding year he had charge of the Atlantic &
Pacific office at Ogden, Utah Territory. He then went to Salina, Kan., and
there held the position of clerk and operator about eighteen months. In May,
1872, he accepted the position of local agent for the Denver & Rio Grande
Railroad Company, at Colorado Springs, and has since had charge of the
freight and passenger business. During the past year Mr. Ellison has erected
a fine residence on North Tejon Street, where he now resides, with pleasant
and comfortable surroundings. He has a family of two children, a son and a
daughter.
M. W. EVERLETH.
The above-named gentleman, of the wholesale and retail grocery firm of
Everleth & Taylor, was born in Portland, Me., October 11. 1843, and is of
Scotch-English descent. He lived in Portland, Me., where he received his
education, until 1871, when, owing to failing health, he was obliged to drop
his studies. He removed to Winfield, Kan., the same year, where he remained
two years, in order to regain his health; failing, however, to find relief
there, he removed to California in 1873, where he remained until 1876. While
there he became associated with Don Juan Forster, one of the most prominent
stock men in California, and in 1876, in the interests of the firm, brought
a drove of 1,080 horses to this State, which he disposed of here and in
Utah. While in Colorado, he became very much pleased with the climate and
the State, and resolved to remain here, locating in Colorado Springs. He was
first clerk in the grocery store of True & Sutton, which position he held
until 1879. Being a gentleman of prudence, temperance, energy and industry,
he was enabled at this time to purchase the stock in trade, in company with
Mr. Taylor. The same sterling qualities which characterized him as a clerk
remained with him after he embarked in business for himself, and have made
him one of the most successful business men in the place.
ROBERT FINLEY.
Mr. Finley, one of Colorado's pioneers; who has been identified with her
agricultural, stock-growing, mining and lumbering interests, was born in
Fayette County, Penn., in May, 1830. His early life, until his twenty-first
year, was spent on a farm and in attending public school, after which he
attended Dunlap's Creek Presbyterian Academy at Merrittstown, Penn., one
year. In 1852, he removed to Dubuque County, Iowa, where he clerked in a
store one year and was with the Government Survey three years. He then went
to Eastern Kansas, where he was connected with the Government Survey until
1859, and during that time held the office of County Surveyor of Johnson
County, Kan., one year. During the latter year, he purchased an interest in
a steam saw-mill, which he ran that season. In the spring of 1860, in
company with W. H. Booth, Ambrose Flornoy, G. W. Smith and Peter Smith,
brought the mill to Colorado. arriving on Cottonwood Creek, twelve miles
northeast of the present site of Colorado Springs June 17, that being the
first steam saw-mill brought into El Paso County, and continued to run the
mill two years. From 1860 to 1864, he was variously engaged in milling,
mining, carpentering and surveying, and during 1863, sold his interest in
the mill. In the fall of 1864, he enlisted in the 100-day service, to
suppress the outbreak of the Indians on the plains, and participated in the
Sand Creek massacre. After being mustered out of the service he took up 160
acres of land, the southern part of which included the town-site of Colorado
City, and subsequently pre-empted the land and sold the town site to the
Colorado City Town Company. He has since resided on his farm, principally
engaged in farming and stock-raising, the remainder of the time being spent
in surveying and carpentering. Mr. Finley was in the fall of 1861 elected
first County Treasurer of El Paso County, but at the expiration of one year
resigned. He was subsequently County Assessor three years, and in the fall
of 1865 was elected County Clerk and Auditor, the duties of which office he
discharged one year, when, owing to the pressure of other business, he
resigned. Mr. Finley was married in June, 1877, to Mrs. Alvira Brown, widow
of J. C. Brown, an attorney who came to Colorado in 1864, and has one
daughter.
JAMES D. FAULKNER.
The subject of this sketch was born in Nova Scotia September 20, 1848. At an
early age he, with his parents, removed to Fall River, Mass. He received a
limited education and at the age of eleven he began an apprenticeship at the
printer's trade, at which he remained three and one-half years. He then
accepted a clerkship in a store, at which he was employed eighteen months.
When the war of the rebellion broke out, he enlisted in Company D, Sixtieth
Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry for the three months' service. In January,
1865, he was mustered out of service, and shortly afterward removed to
Blendon, Mich., when he again accepted the position of clerk in a store,
serving in this capacity the following three years. In 1869, owing to
failing health, he removed to Colorado and located in Colorado City. In the
spring of 1870, he was employed on the Kansas Pacific Railroad, but the
following winter he returned to Colorado City, where he remained two years
engaged at clerking. In 1872, he purchased the store of R. A. Innis, and
succeeded him in business. Two years after, he had bought out the store of'
Burr & Lamb and consolidated both stores under his own management and has
since been engaged in general mercantile business. In January, 1876, he was
appointed Postmaster of Colorado City, which position he still holds. Mr.
Faulkner was married in June, 1877, to Miss Mary E. Stone, daughter of Judge
E. T. Stone, of Colorado Springs, and has two children.
HON. MATT FRANCE.
Mr. France, one of Colorado's pioneers and a gentleman well known to nearly
all the residents of El Paso County, was born in Roanoke County, Va.,
September 2, 1830. He received his education at Botetourt Springs Academy in
that State. In 1850, he removed to South Bend, Ind., where he entered a
journalistic career, and when Schuyler Colfax first ran for Congress Mr.
France took charge of Mr. Col-fax's paper. In 1854, he emigrated to Kansas,
and during the Kansas troubles did not hesitate to affirm that he was a
Free-State man. He remained in Kansas until 1860, when he found his health
rapidly failing him, and decided to follow the setting sun to the then
almost unknown Colorado, which he did, thus becoming one of the first to
seek-health in this salubrious climate, and during most of the journey
across the plains was confined to his bed. He settled in Central City,
Gilpin County, and from 1863 to 1867 was employed as telegrapher. During the
latter year removed to Georgetown, Clear Creek County, where he was engaged
in mining until 1870, since which time he has been a resident of El Paso
County, his principal business being stock-raising, and is still owner of
the Jimmy Camp ranch. In 1871, he was elected County Commissioner, which
office he has, by re-election, since held. In the spring of 1878, he was
elected Mayor of Colorado Springs, and in 1880 was re-elected, but
subsequently resigned. Mr. France has been one of the Trustees of the Deaf
and Dumb Institute since its organization. He is one of the Trustees of the
Colorado College at Colorado Springs, and has been President of the School
Board the past two years.
FRANCIS R. FORD.
This gentleman, one of Colorado's '59ers, who has had an extensive
experience in mining, not only in this State, but also in California, during
the early gold excitement on the Pacific Slope, was born in Sumner, Oxford
Co., Me., May 6, 1819, and is of English descent. After spending his early
life on his father's farm and in attending public school, he completed his
education, at the age of twenty, at Hartford Academy, in Hartford, Me. In
1839, he went to Ovington, Mass., and there clerked in a boot and shoe store
five years. He then returned to Maine, located at Mechanic Falls, where
during the succeeding seven years, he was engaged in manufacturing boots and
shoes. In 1851, he went to California, via the isthmus route, and there
remained five years, engaged in mining, in El Dorado and Sierra Counties. He
then returned to the States, and shortly afterward located at Leavenworth,
Kan., where he followed hotel-keeping two years. In 1859, he came to
Colorado, and during the succeeding three years was engaged in mining, at
Nevadaville, Gilpin County. He then bought a ranch on Platte River, six
miles below Denver, an devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. In
1864, he built a quartz-mill in Russell Gulch, Gilpin County, which he
operated two years. In 1866, he went East, and bought a residence in
Chelsea, Mass., where he resided until 1871; then returned to Colorado, and
during the succeeding three years kept the Gilpin House, in Denver. In 1874,
he built the Monument House, at Monument, El Paso County, which he has since
conducted. During the past two years, he has been engaged in mining
operations at Leadville and Montezuma. where he has large interests. Mr.
Ford was married, in 1844, to Miss Henrietta Beirce, of Yarmouth, Me., and
has a family of two children, a son and a daughter.
JOSEPH W. GILLULY.
This gentleman, Cashier and Paymaster of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad,
and of the Rio Grande Extension Companies, was born in Shrewsbury, N. J.
February 13, 1851. He completed his education in the public schools of
Brooklyn, N. Y., after which he entered a large wholesale dry goods house in
New York, where he remained several years. In 1872, he came to Colorado, and
entered the employ of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Company, as clerk in
the Auditor's office, continuing in that capacity until 1878, when he was
made Chief Clerk in that office. During the same year, he was appointed
Auditor, and in November, 1880, was promoted to Cashier and Paymaster of
that company, and of the Rio Grande Extension Company, which position he now
holds.
THADDEUS E. HOPKINS
Mr. Hopkins was born in Madison County, N. Y., November 21, 1849. His early
life was spent in obtaining an education, by attending the public schools.
He also took a course of instruction at Gilbertsville Academy. At the age of
eighteen, he went to Allamakee County, Iowa, where he followed farming the
succeeding five years. He then removed to Independence, Buchanan Co., Iowa,
where he learned the art of photography. In 1878, he left Independence, and
emigrated to Colorado Springs, and has since been engaged in the photograph
business. Mr. Hopkins was married in February, 1871, to Miss Lizzie Fish, of
Lansing, Iowa.
G. S. HOLMES.
Mr. Holmes, junior partner of the firm of Hooker, Holmes & Co., dealers in
groceries, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, October 14, 1857. His early life
was spent in attending the public schools in that city. At the age of
sixteen, le became a member of the firm of W. H. Thayer & Co, in the
wholesale dry goods and millinery business. He was connected with this house
until October, 1878, when, owing to ill health, he removed to Colorado, and
spent six months in traveling over the State. He then purchased a ranch of
two hundred acres near Manitou, in El Paso County. He then returned East to
Kentucky, and brought out with him a number of thoroughbred horses from that
State, and has since given a great deal of attention to breeding horses.
During the summer of 1880, he entered partnership with Mr. E. E. Hooker in
the grocery business in Colorado Springs. He is also engaged in mining
interests in various parts of the State. Mr. Holmes was married in May,
1879, to Charlotte M. Leffell, daughter of James S. Leffell, the well known
manufacturer of water wheels in Springfield, Ohio, and has one daughter. Mr.
Hooker is a young man of unusual business qualifications, and is respected
by all who know him.
T. G. HORN, M. D.
This gentleman, a member of the medical profession of Colorado Springs, was
born in Martinsburg, Berkeley Co., Va., September 5, 1832. He is of German
descent, and of his ancestry he may well be proud, being a lineal descendant
of Martin Luther. After completing his primary course at the age of ten, he
entered St. James College, near Hagerstown, Md., for the purpose of
preparing for the Presbyterian ministry, from which he graduated in his
sixteenth year. Owing to bronchial troubles, he gave up his profession, and
taught school six years. In 1856, he removed to St. Charles, Mo. He then
determined to adopt the profession of medicine, and began reading, Dr. E. D.
Bevitt being his preceptor. In the fall of 1859, he entered the Missouri
Medical College, at St. Louis, where he remained one term. On the
breaking-out of the war of the rebellion in 1861, he entered the service as
Surgeon, and at the closeof the war was retained by the Government, and had
charge of various frontier forts until 1867. He then returned to St. Louis
and entered the St. Louis Medical College, from which he graduated and
received the degree of M. D. the following spring, and subsequently, in
1872, was honored by the Missouri Medical College. In 1869, he removed to
Junction City, Kan., where he practiced until 1874. He then removed to
Colorado. and located in Colorado Springs, where he has since resided,
engaged in the active practice of his profession. He is a member of the
State Medical Society, of which he was President one year, having been
elected June 12, 1877. In 1876, he was appointed by the Governor a member of
the State Board of Health for a term of eight years, which office he at
present holds. Dr. Horn possesses those characteristics of industry,
perseverance and honesty of purpose which lead to success, and has used well
the powers given him, and en-joys the respect and confidence of the entire
community. He is an ardent worker in all educational interests and in the
temperance cause and M. E. Church and Sabbath school. Dr. Horn was united in
marriage, September 3, 1862, to Mrs. Emma C. Chenault, of Carthage, Mo., and
has two daughters.
HENRY W. HUTCHIN.
Mr. Hutchin was born in Butler County, Ohio, November 1, 1825. He remained
on the farm and attended public school until twenty-three years of age.
During the succeeding five years, he was engaged in the hardware and stove
business at Hamilton, Ohio. and Richmond, Ind. In 1853, he removed to
Jefferson County, Iowa, where he followed farming nine years. In 1862, he
came to Colorado and located near the mining camp of Hamilton, in Park
County, and there engaged in dairying. In the fall of 1863, he homesteaded
160 acres of land ten miles southeast of the present site of Colorado
Springs, and during the succeeding eight years followed farming, dairying
and stock-raising. He then sold his stock, and for some years spent a
portion of his time in the mountains and became connected with the mining
interests of Tomichi Valley, in the Gunnison District. In the spring of
1880, he bought a store-building in Fountain, where he has since been
engaged in the grocery business and has held the office of Postmaster. Mr.
Hutchin was married, in 1850, to Miss Elvina Russell, of Middletown, Ohio,
and has a family of three daughters.
CALVIN R. HUSTED.
In the chronicles of pioneer life is revealed the fact that the successful
founding and establishing of the nucleus around which have grown up the
great industries of Colorado was due to the efforts of a few hardy men whose
ardor and energy were not lessened by the toilsome journey across the great
plains or the hardships incident to frontier settlements. Without a sketch
of the life of Calvin R. Husted in this history would be to omit one of
Colorado's most active pioneers—one who has witnessed the transition, step
by step, of an almost unknown region into an empire, rich in resources and
dotted with populous cities and towns. Mr. Rusted was born in Salem, N. J.,
December 30, 1832. His early life was spent on a farm and in his father's
saw-mill and in acquiring a limited education in the public schools. Then,
after spending two years at sea, in 1857, he went to Illinois and worked in
saw-mills in various parts of the State two years. In the spring of 1859, he
crossed the plains to what was then known as the Pike's Peak country, but on
arriving at Denver he met hundreds of people who gave such discouraging
accounts of this country that he joined the stampede and spent the following
winter in Eastern Kansas. In May, 1860, he again came to Colorado and
located at the Bentley Pinery, on Cherry Creek, twenty-eight miles east of
Denver, where he took charge of a saw-mill for T. J. Bayaud Co., which he
ran three years, then returned to his home in New Jersey. During the summer
of 1864, he again came to Colorado and accepted his former position, where
he remained until the fall of 1865, when he was married in Denver to Miss
Amanda Talbert, of Keokuk Co., Iowa. He then went to Council Bluffs, Iowa,
where he spent the winter. The following spring, he returned to Colorado and
located on the divide, in El Paso County, where he has since resided and
formed a partnership with Charles Rater and engaged in the lumber business;
that partnership existed three years, when Mr. Husted bought Mr. Ruter's
interest and has since continued the business. Mr. Husted owns a fine
stock-ranch of 2,500 acres in El Paso County, and has for some years devoted
considerable attention to raising horses and cattle. He is also to some
extent connected with the mining interests of Southwestern Colorado. During
the past eighteen months, Mr. Husted has held the position of tie and lumber
superintendent for the Rio Grande Extension Company on their western
extensions. In the fall of 1875, he was elected County Commissioner of El
Paso County, which position he has since, by re-election, held and has
efficiently and creditably discharged the duties of that office. Mr. Husted
has a family consisting of two sons and three daughters.
TIMOTHY E. JOHNSON.
Mr. Johnson was born in Wayne Co., Ind., March 31, 1833. His early life,
until attaining the age of manhood was spent on a farm and in attending
district school. During the succeeding six years, he followed farming during
summers and superintending pork and beef packing, for different firms in
Chicago and various cities, during winters. In 1860, he accepted a permanent
position as superintendent for the firm of Goodwin & Murphy, of Chicago, and
went to Des Moines, Iowa, where he built a large packing-house for that
company, in charge of which he remained twelve years. In 1872, he resigned
his position, owing to failing health of his wife, and traveled over
Colorado. In 1873, he crossed the plains with his family, bringing with him
a herd of cattle, and located in Colorado Springs and began dairying and
stock-growing, which he has since continued. He shortly afterward bought a
ranch three miles south of this city, to which he has since added by
purchase until he at present owns 2,400 acres, all under fence. Since 1875,
he has supplied Colorado Springs and Manitou with ice. In the spring of
1880, he was elected a member of the City Council for a term of two years,
which office he still holds. Mr. Johnson was married, in February, 1861, to
Miss Mary E. McIntosh, of Wayne County, Ind., and has a family of four
children, three sons and one daughter.
E. C. KIMBALL, M. D.
Dr. E. C. Kimball, the first physician located in Colorado Springs and next
to oldest in El Paso County, was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., May 24, 1827.
Spent the early years of his life on a farm. At the age of eighteen, he
commenced teaching school and reading medicine. He attended two courses of
lectures in Geneva Medical College, and one at Castleton, Vt., where he
graduated in the fall of 1852. Commenced practicing in his native town, but
in 1854 removed to Shullsburg, Wis., a mining town in the lead region,
building up a successful practice. In 1862, he made Chicago his home, and
until the close of the war was in the South. Returning to Chicago, he
continued his business till the spring after the great fire of 1871. He
started for Colorado, arriving at Colorado' Springs the 12th of April, 1872,
being among the very first settlers of the place. He took an active part in
building up the place, and promoting her interest. Has been actively engaged
in the practice of his profession. In 1876, was appointed County Physician,
and in 1877, City Physician, which positions he still holds. In 1880, was
President of the El Paso County Medical Association ; is a member of the
State Medical Association. In the spring of 1880, was appointed Physician to
the State Mute and Blind Institute, and in the fall United States Examining
Surgeon for Pensions.
CHARLES A. LEE.
Charles A. Lee, of the hardware firm of Durkee & Lee, Colorado Springs, was
born in Detroit; Mich., in April, 1852. Shortly after that time, his parents
removed to St. Louis, Mo., where they resided a year or two, removing thence
to Beloit, Wis., where his father died in 1856. Young Lee remained in Beloit
fifteen years, receiving a good English education graduating from the Beloit
High School in 1869. Soon after leaving school, he returned to St. Louis and
entered the Valley National Bank, with which institution he remained two
years, rising from the position of messenger to that of Teller. At the end
of the two years, he concluded to try mercantile life, and left the bank to
enter the employ of Waterman Bros. & Co., iron merchants. With this house he
remained two years, first acting as shipping clerk and afterward as cashier.
Desiring a more active life, he left this house to take the position of
traveling salesman for George D. Hall, also in the iron business, and with
him he remained till March, 1877, when he came to Colorado Springs. In July
of the same year, he engaged in the hardware business with his step-brother,
Mr. Charles E. Durkee. Mr. Lee is unmarried. He is a thorough business man,
while his connection with first-class mercantile houses has given him a
business training, which, coupled with his natural qualifications and
sterling characteristics, admirably fit him for a successful business
career.
COL. CHARLES B. LAMBORN.
This gentleman was born in Chester County, Penn., November 28, 1837. He
received a liberal education, graduating from the University of Michigan in
1859. On the breaking-out of the civil war, he was one of the first to offer
his services to the Government, and entered the Union army as Adjutant of
the First Pennsylvania Reserve Corps, and served as Aid-de-Camp on the staff
of Gen. John F. Reynolds, who was killed at Gettysburg, Penn., July 2, 1863.
Col. Lamborn served two years in the Army of the Potomac, and afterward
became Lieutenant Colonel of the Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry (Col. W. J.
Palmer, afterward Brevet Brigadier General, commanding), and served in the
Army of the Cumberland. On the close of the war, he became connected with
the Pennsylvania Railroad, and in 1866 removed to St. Louis. as Secretary of
the Kansas Pacific Railway Company, and remained with that company until
1874. Coming to Colorado in the summer of 1874, he has had charge of the
Central Colorado Improvement Company and of the Southern Colorado
Improvement Company (since consolidated with the Colorado Coal and Iron
Company), as Vice President, since that date. The last-named company—the
Colorado Coal and Iron Company—was incorporated January 23, 1880 ; owns the
Nolan grant south of the Arkansas River, consisting of 48,000 acres of land,
including the town site of South Pueblo, and 40,000 acres of coal land along
the Arkansas Valley ; also, the Canon Coal Mines of 3,500 acres, the
Walsenburg Coal Mines of 3,000 acres, the El Moro Coal Mines of 8,000 acres,
the El Moro Coke Works, the Iron Blast Furnace and Bessemer Steel Works at
South Pueblo, and a large number of iron mines. The President of the company
is Gen. William J. Palmer, and the Vice President Col. Charles B. Lamborn.
Col. Lamborn is also Vice President of the National Land and Improvement
Company, and the Colorado Springs Company. He resides at Colorado Springs.
LEWIS S. LONG.
This gentlemen, a member of the wholesale and retail grocery firm of Nichols
& Long, in Colorado Springs, was born in Detroit, Mich., December 25, 1843.
While yet an infant, his parents removed to Crawford County, Penn., and in
1854 to Topeka, Kan. His early life, until his eighteenth year, was spent in
attending public school. On the breaking-out of the war of the rebellion, in
1861, he enlisted in Company A, Second Kansas Volunteer Infantry for three
months' service. At the expiration of that time, he re-enlisted for three
years in Company A, Fifth Kansas Cavalry, and served until February, 1864,
when he was honorably mustered out of the service. He then returned home,
and followed farming that season. In the spring of 1866, he came to
Colorado, and spent the summer in placer mining at Gold Run, Summit County.
In September of that year he went to Southwestern New Mexico, where he was
engaged in mining two years. He then returned to Kansas, and during the
succeeding five years devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. In
1873, he again came to Colorado, located at Pueblo, where he worked at the
carpenter's trade until 1876. The succeeding four years he was engaged in
prospecting in the mountains, and is the discoverer of the Tin Cup District
in Gunnison County, and located the Silver Cup Mine in that district. During
the winter of 1880-81, he sold his mining interests to the Bald Mountain
Mining Company of New York City. Then, in company with W. S. Nichols, he
succeeded A. D. Craigue in the wholesale and retail grocery business.
HON. JAMES H. B. McFERRAN.
Among the many prominent men of Colorado, who have diligently and
successfully toiled and labored up the " hard and rugged road to fortune "
to honor and distinction, is the subject of this sketch. Mr. McFerran, or
Judge Mc-Ferran, as he is better known, was born September 17, 1819, in
Washington County, Maryland. At that time the advantages of attaining an
education were very limited, and Mr. McFerran received the rudiments of his
instruction in a subscription school, which held its sessions in a log
cabin. During the winter, his time was spent in attending the school, while
in the summer seasons he was employed in assisting his parents in
agricultural pursuits. Being devoid of patrimony or inheritance, at the age
of sixteen he left his home, and succeeded in obtaining employment in
assisting in the construction of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, then being
built through his native State. For six months he was employed at this, with
a remuneration of 87+ cents per day, and at the expiration of that time he
was appointed foreman, and received as compensation for his labor $1.87 per
day. Succeeding this, he embarked as a contractor and superintendent of
public works, in which capacity he served seven years. During this time he
availed himself of all the opportunities, and .constantly added more and
more to his then limited education, and in order to further his progress, he
attended a higher grade of school, devoting his time and attention
principally to mathematics. At the age of twenty-five, he began the study of
law at his home, under the personal instruction and advice of Mr. Lowe, a
very distinguished attorney of Hagerstown, Md., who was afterward elected
Governor of the State. After three years of ardent study, during which he
practiced before some of the inferior courts. he removed to Gallatin,
Daviess County, Mo., where he began the practice of law, meeting with
excellent success. In 1848, he was elected to the State Senate of Missouri,
which office he subsequently resigned. In 1856, he was elected to represent
Daviess County in the Legislature. In 1859, he was elected Judge of the
Circuit Court. When the war of the rebellion was declared, he espoused the
Union cause, and organized the First Missouri Cavalry M. S. M. Federal
Volunteers, and entered the service as its Colonel, which office he
maintained until the close of the war, when, in 1865, he was mustered out.
After the close of the war he resumed the practice of law. In 1865, he
established the Daviess County Savings Association, a banking corporation,
of which he was President, and which is still doing business in Gallatin,
Mo. In 1869, he removed to Chillicothe, Mo., where he established the
Peoples' Savings Bank, which is still in operation at that point. In 1873,
he removed to Colorado Springs, Colo., and founded the Peoples' Bank of this
city, and is still its President. Mr. Mc-Ferran has adopted this State as
his home, and has always taken a live interest in the prosperity, growth and
welfare of this city. He is now engaged in mining and the reduction of ores,
and is the President of the Peerless Mining and Reduction Works, and of the
East Leadville Town Site Company, an incorporation having a capital stock of
$1,500,000. He is also largely interested in coal mining at the coal fields,
eight miles east of this city, which is in a flourishing condition,
containing an eight foot vein of good coal.
MAJ. HENRY McALLISTER.
Maj. McAllister was born in Wilmington, Del., September 14, 1836. At an
early age he removed with his parents to Delaware County, Penn., where his
early life was spent in attending a private school, under the conduct of the
Society of Friends ; after which he attended public school until eighteen
years of age. He was then placed in a wholesale mercantile house in
Philadelphia, Penn., where he remained two years. During the succeeding five
years he was engaged in a general mercantile business in Delaware County,
Penn. Shortly after the breaking-out of the war of the rebellion, he closed
up his business, and enlisted in the Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry as
private, and after filling all the subordinate offices of that company, was
promoted to the rank of Major, under command of Gen. William J. Palmer, now
President of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Company, upon whose staff he
served as Assistant Adjutant General during the last six months of the war.
At the close of the rebellion he was honorably mustered out of the service,
and returned to Philadelphia, where he was immediately elected Secretary of
the American Iron and Steel Association, an organization formed for the
purpose of protecting the iron and steel interests of America, in which
capacity he remained until the winter of 1872 –73. Owing to failing health,
he then resigned his position. and came to Colorado, having previously been
elected President of the National Land and Improvement Company, an
organization formed to sell lands along the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad,
with headquarters at Colorado Springs. On arriving here, he immediately
assumed the duties of that office, and subsequently became Executive
Director of the Colorado Springs Company, which offices he continued to hold
until the fall of 1879, when he resigned. He has since devoted his attention
to mining, and is at present largely connected with the mining interests of
Southwestern Colorado. Maj. McAllister was President of the Board of Town
Trustees from 1875 to 1877. He is a pronounced Republican, and has taken an
active part in the campaigns, having at various times stumped the. State. In
1876, he was a delegate to the National Republican Convention. held at
Cincinnati, Ohio ; and during the fall of 1878 took an active part in
electing Gov. Pitkin. Maj. McAllister was married in 1866 to Miss Elizabeth
Cooper, of Delaware County, Penn., and has a family of three children.
F. L. MARTIN.
In looking over the list of pioneers of Colorado Springs, we take pleasure
in mentioning the name of Mr. F. L. Martin, one of her most prominent and
respected citizens. Mr. Martin was born in Chenango County, N. Y., August 2,
1835, where he received his education and lived until 1864. In that year he
removed to Chicago and embarked in the mercantile business, in which he
remained until 1870,when, on account of failing health, he sold out his
business there, and came to Colorado, the invalid's home, where his health
has been completely restored. In 1872, he located in Colorado Springs, and
embarked in the sheep husbandry, in which he is still successfully engaged.
In 1879, he invested in the mines at Silver Cliff, where he now holds
valuable property. He was married to Miss Maria L. Phillips, of Coventry, N.
Y., in 1857, and has two children — both girls.
DAVID McSHANE.
Among those who, in 1860, helped to swell the army of pioneers moving across
the plains to Pike's Peak, whose early experience was one of deprivation and
hardship, but whose subsequent efforts have been crowned with success, is
David McShane, who has, during the past fifteen years, been identified with
the agricultural and pastoral interests of El Paso County, was born in
Fayette County, Penn., October 13, 1830, and is of Scotch descent. His early
life, until attaining the age of manhood, was spent on a farm and in
attending district school. In 1851, he went to Linn County, Iowa, where he
followed farming eight years. In the spring of 1859, he started for
Colorado, but, on arriving in Kansas, determined to spend the season there.
The following spring he came to Colorado, arriving at Colorado City on the
18th of May. He immediately went into the mountains and spent that season
placer-mining on Blue River, Summit County. The following fall he joined the
Baker expedition and went to the San Juan district in Southwestern Colorado,
and became one of the original town company which laid out the old town of
Animas City, near the present site of Durango. He remained there until the
summer of 1861, engaged in erecting buildings. Then returned to Blue River
and followed mining and prospecting until 1865. During the spring of that
year, he took up 160 acres of land on Monument Creek adjoining the present
town site of Monument in El Paso County, which he subsequently homesteaded.
He has since devoted his attention chiefly to farming and stock-raising and
has added to his farm 280 acres of adjoining land. He is also devoting some
attention to mining in Southwestern Colorado. Mr. McShane has served as
County Commissioner of El Paso County six years, being first elected in the
fall of 1870 and re-elected in 1873, and honorably and efficiently
discharged the duties of that office. He was married in 1855 to Miss
Catharine Willyard, of Fayette County, Penn., and has a family of six
children, one son and five daughters.
JAMES L. MARSTON.
This gentleman, senior member of the plumbing and gas fixture establishment
of J. L. Marston & Co.. in Colorado Springs, was born in Mansfield, Mass.,
December 25, 1830. He attended the public schools of his native town until
eighteen years of age. He then traveled for a wholesale straw and millinery
house three years. During the succeeding two years, he was engaged in that
business for himself and traveled over Maine, New Hampshire and
Massachusetts. In 1853, he went to Philadelphia, Penn., where he accepted a
position in the wholesale and retail straw and millinery house of Thomas
White & Co., and had charge of the manufacturing department and of the straw
goods in the store. In the fall of 1856, he went to Providence, R. I., and
embarked in the wholesale millinery business in company with his uncle
Leonard, under the firm name of Leonard & Marston, where he remained
fourteen years. In 1871, he sold out and took charge of the Albion White
Lead Works, at Taunton, Mass., the first year as Treasurer and the
subsequent six years as Agent, Superintendent and Treasurer. In 1878, he
came to Colorado and purchased a herd of 3,500 cattle, which he drove to
Wyoming Territory, then returned East and sent his two sons out there to
look after his stock interests. In November, 1880, he removed his family to
Colorado Springs and, in December following, succeeded J. H. Drinkwater in
the plumbing and gas fixture business.
WILLARD S. NICHOLS.
Mr. Nichols, of the wholesale grocery firm of Nichols & Long, was born in
Crawford County, Penn., November 15, 1840. At an early age he removed with
his parents to Topeka, Kan., where he was engaged in agricultural duties and
attending public school until he was twenty-one years of age. At that time
he accepted a clerkship in a grocery store and for the subsequent twelve
years was engaged in that capacity with different houses. At the expiration
of that time, owing to ill health, he removed to Colorado and bought and
improved the Summit Park ranch in El Paso County, twenty miles west of
Colorado Springs. While on the ranch he built a hotel and store, which he
operated. In the fall of 1879, he rented his interests there and removed to
Colorado Springs and engaged in the grocery business at Alpine, Chaffee
County. He was engaged at that point one year, when, in company with Louis
S. Long, they succeeded A. D. Craigue in the wholesale grocery business in
Colorado Springs. Mr. Nichols was married in May, 1878, to Miss Hattie Long,
of Topeka, Kan.
CAPT. EDMUND NEWCOMER.
Capt. Newcomer was born in Northumberland Co., Penn., July 16, 1832. After
receiving a limited education in the public schools of his native county, at
the age of fourteen, he left home and began an apprenticeship at the
carpenter's trade, and traveled over various States for the purpose of
gaining the best possi- ble knowledge of that trade. At the age of nineteen
he began contracting and building in Niagara Co., N. Y., where he remained
six years. He then removed to Macomb Co., Mich., and was there engaged in
that business five years. In May, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, Tenth
Michigan Volunteer Infantry, of which he was, by the company, elected
Captain, and served until the close of the war. In April, 1862, after being
honorably mustered out of the service, he returned home. From there he went
to Chicago, where he accepted the position of traveling agent for the
publishing house of Bradley & Co., of Philadelphia, Penn. After serving in
that capacity three months, he went to Dubuque, Iowa, and took charge of a
branch house for that company, where he remained two years. During the
succeeding eighteen months, he held the position of traveling agent for the
International Life Insurance Agency of Chicago. In 1868, he removed to
Lincoln, Neb., and was there engaged in contracting and building two years.
He subsequently removed to Galena, Ill., where he traveled for a marble
house two years, and was afterward engaged in mining lead three years. In
1876, he started west, and after spending some time at Omaha and Lincoln,
Neb., came to Colorado Springs, where he has since resided. During the first
year of his residence here, he worked at his trade ; then began business for
himself, and soon afterward built a planing-mill, which he has since run in
connection with contracting and building.
JOHN L. PEARCY.
Mr. Pearcy was born in Rutherford Co., Tenn., February 9, 1823. He remained
on his father's farm and attended private schools until twenty-one, then
engaged in farming. In 1855, he removed to Newton Co., Mo., where he
continued that pursuit nineteen years. In 1875, he came to Colorado, located
in El Paso County, and during the succeeding four years followed farming on
Cheyenne Creek. He then leased Mrs. Hemenway's farm, three miles southeast
of Colorado Springs, for a term of five years, where he at present resides.
GEORGE H. PARSONS.
This gentleman, Secretary and Treasurer of the Colorado Springs and of the
National Land and improvement Companies, was born in Flushing, on Long
Island, N. Y., March 17, 1849. He completed his education at Columbia
College in New York City, graduating as mining engineer from the school of
mines of that institution at the age of twenty. He subsequently engaged in
the nursery business at Flushing, continuing the same until the spring of
1880. He then came to Colorado Springs I to take charge of the above-named
office. Mr. Parsons was married in 1872, to Miss Lorraine Hascall, of New
York City, and has one son.
IVORY PHILLIPS.
The industry of sheep husbandry is justly regarded as one of the most
important and interesting subjects to the citizens of Colorado, and whoever
contributes in any degree to its advancement performs work which will
continue in its results after he shall have passed away. Prominent among the
representatives of the above interest in El Paso County is the subject of
this sketch. Mr. Phillips was born in Saco, Maine, May 10, 1843. The first
years of his life were spent in acquiring an education, and at twenty years
of age he graduated from Bryant & Stratton's Business College of Portland,
Maine. He then obtained a position as bookkeeper in the last-named city,
where he remained two years. He then went to Chicago and was there engaged
in the same capacity six months. In 1866, he came to Colorado and located at
Black Hawk, Gilpin County. The following spring, in company with Daniel F.
McBenney, he began the purchase of sheep in New Mexico, driving them north
and selling them in the markets at Black Hawk and Central City. He continued
in this business until the fall of 1870, when he made a trip East, spending
the winter there. Early the following spring he returned to Colorado and
located on the head-waters of Big Sandy, in El Paso County, and embarked in
sheep husbandry. Mr. Phillips is the possessor of eleven ranches of patented
land, consisting of 1,120 acres, all lying in El Paso County, and divided
into timber and water privileges. He also owns four ranches consisting 500
of land in Elbert and Douglas Counties. Mr. Phillips controls the water on a
range of 50,000 acres on which he keeps his sheep. He is also extensively
engaged in breeding thoroughbred sheep, of which he has ninety-two head of
registered stock, on shares, in Labette County, Kan.
JAMES ROBERTS.
AMong the many pioneers of El Paso County we are pleased to chronicle the
above-named gentleman. Mr. Roberts was born in Luzerne County, Penn., March
22, 1810. The early portion of his life was spent on the farm and at the age
of twenty-one he engaged in farming and subsequently rented and ran a hotel
four years. In 1847, he left his native State and proceeded west to
Winnebago County, Ill., where he worked at carpentering the succeeding five
years. In 1852, he went to Dubuque, Iowa, where he obtained employment in a
planing-mill, at which he worked eighteen months and then removed to Waseca
County, Minn. While there he embarked as a contractor at which he was
engaged until 1859. He then started for Pike's Peak, having learned of the
gold excitement then so prevalent, but owing to the stampedes of returning
emigrants he remained at Nemaha City one year. In 1860, he succeeded in
reaching Pike's Peak, and located at Colorado City, again starting as a
contractor. In 1864, he built and opened the St. James Hotel, which he
operated the succeeding ten years. He then rented the hotel, and has not
since been engaged in active business. In the fall of 1860, Mr. Roberts was
elected Justice of the Peace, continuing in this office seven years. In
1878, he was appointed by the Commissioners to that position again to fill
vacancy left by his predecessor, which office he still holds by re-election.
DANIEL W. ROBBINS.
Among the prominent business men of Colorado Springs is D. W. Robbins, who
has, by fair dealing and perseverance, established himself as one of the
leading merchants. He was born in Parke County, Ind., November 3, 1844. In
1852, he removed with his parents to Dallas County, Iowa, where his early
life was spent on a farm and in attending school. In August, 1862, when only
eighteen years of age, he enlisted in Company D, Thirty-second Iowa
Infantry, and served until the close of the war, fourteen months of the time
being spent in a rebel prison at Camford, Texas. In July, 1865, he was
honorably mustered out of the service, and returned home. During the
following fall, he entered the Mount Pleasant University at Mount Pleasant,
Iowa, where he remained one year. He was subsequently engaged in the
mercantile business at Swede Point, Iowa, two years, and at Dallas Center,
same State, three years. In 1873, he came to Colorado, bringing with him a
herd of stock, and engaged in stock-growing in South Park one year. He then
located in Colorado Springs, and during the succeeding three years clerked
in a clothing store for J. M. Hunter. During the spring of 1877, he
succeeded Mr. Hunter, and has since added largely to his stock of ready-made
clothing, boots, shoes, etc., and now has one of the finest stores in
Colorado Springs. In the spring of 1879, he was elected a member of the City
Council, which office he honorably filled one year. Mr. Robbins was married
January 23, 1868, to Miss Anna A. Brubaker, of Swede Point, Iowa, and has a
family of four children —two boys and two girls.
CAPT. LORING S. RICHARDSON.
Capt. Richardson, Auditor Denver & Rio Grande Railway, Colorado Springs,
Colorado, was born in- Boston, Mass., January 8, 1837. At the age of
fourteen, he graduated from the English High School, and took the books of a
large mercantile house in Boston. He was in the war of the rebellion from
April, 1861, to September, 1865, serving as a private ; then promoted to
First Lieutenant Thirteenth Massachusetts Infantry, until wounded at Second
Bull Run ; after which he was promoted to Captain of artillery by Gov.
Andrew, in which position he served until the close of the war. In 1866,
appointed Auditor of the Ogdensburg & Lake Champlain Railroad. In 1870,
Auditor and General Passenger Agent of the Little Rock & Fort Smith
Railroad, until it changed hands, when he returned in 1876 to his old
position as Auditor and General Passenger Agent of the Ogdensburg & Lake
Champlain. General Palmer, in November, 1880, tendered him the position of
Auditor of the Denver & Rio Grande Railway, which position he now holds,
having been a railway auditor for fifteen years.
OSCAR M. ROSE.
This gentleman was born in Stephenson County, Ill., September 5, 1850. His
early life was spent on a farm, and in attending public school. In the
spring of 1869, he, with his parents, removed to Colorado, and located on a
ranch one and one-half miles south of the present site of Colorado Springs.
In November, 1875, he married Miss Mary D. Bailey, of Little Rock, Ark., and
shortly afterward removed to South Park, where, during the succeeding three
years, he was engaged in stock-raising. He then removed to Colorado Springs,
and engaged in freighting between there and the mountain camps. During the
spring of 1880, he located on a ranch on Cheyenne Creek, where he has since
resided, engaged in farming and stock-raising.
E. A. SMITH.
This gentleman, who, during the past sixteen years, has been prominently
identified with the agricultural and stock-growing interests of El Paso
County, was born in Loudoun County, Va., July 30, 1829. At an early age, he
removed with his parents to Belmont County, Ohio, where his early life,
until attaining the age of manhood, was spent on a farm and in attending
district school. He then determined to adopt the profession of law, and
began reading under Judge William Kennon, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, and was
admitted to the bar in 1854. The following year he removed to Knox County,
Mo., where he practiced six years. In 1865, he came to Colorado and
homesteaded a farm of 160 acres in El Paso County, ten miles southeast of
the present site of Colorado Springs, where he has since resided, engaged in
farming and stock-raising, and at present owns 245 acres of well-improved
land. Mr. Smith was married, in 1853, to Miss Judith Cell, of Oxford, Ind.,
and has a family of seven children, three sons and four daughters.
WILLIAM STRIEBY, A. M., E. M.
Prof. Strieby was born in Knox County, Ohio, August 12, 1852. At an early
age he removed with his parents to Syracuse, N. Y., thence in 1862 to
Newark, N. J., where he fitted for college in the public and high schools of
that city. In 1871, he entered the University of the City of New York, from
which he graduated with the degrees of Bachelor and Master of Arts in 1875.
In 1878, after a term of three years he graduated with the degree of Mining
Engineer from the School of Mines, Columbia College. He then went-to Santa
Fe, New Mexico, and took charge of the Santa Fe Academy. He now has charge
of the Mining and Metallurgical Department at the Colorado College at
Colorado Springs, to which position he was appointed in November, 1880.
Prof. Strieby is eminently fitted for the work in hand. His attainments in
metallurgical and general chemistry are of high order, and his ability to
impart instruction in these branches remarkable.
A. Z. SHELDON.
A. Z. Sheldon began his youthful struggles with the great problem of life in
Southampton, Mass., July 28, 1833. He is derived of the bluest Puritanic
stock of the early settlers in Massachusetts, and his ancestors, paternal
and maternal, were generously represented in the war of the Revolution. He
early profited by the admirable common-school system of his native State,
and mastered Adams' Common School Arithmetic at the age of ten years. He
enjoyed the advantages of Williston's Seminary, and was nearly two years at
Amherst, but is not a graduate. His propensity for mathematics inclined him
to give his attention to civil engineering, which he subsequently made his
profession, though he dabbled, for a year or two, after the manner of
American youths, in school-teaching. He pursued his profession in
Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Kansas and Colorado. He was in Kansas
during the Border Ruffian war, and, at one time, acted as aid-de-camp to Jim
Lane. Inasmuch as the corps of correspondents for the Eastern press in
Kansas attained a brilliant reputation as liars, he is especially proud to
have it recorded that he was one of them, and breathed his inspirations,
mostly, through the medium of the Illinois State Journal. He was a confrere
of Phillips, Richardson, Realf, Redpath, Hinton and poor John Cagi, and
considers the character of his associates a sufficient extenuation of the
reputation given them by the "diabolical press." He assisted in the
organization of the Lawrence party, for explorations in the neighborhood of
Pike's Peak, with the intention of accompanying that famous expedition, but
was detained by business, which, though less fascinating, promised to be
more profitable. The spring of 1860. however, found him, in company with F.
Crowell, George A. Crofut, Fred Spencer and Jim Tappan, threading the plains
for the new El Dorado. Arriving at Colorado City the last of June, the
remainder of the season was spent, mostly, in taking notes of the situation.
Everything was novel, and needed to be studied. First impressions are not
always just, and Colorado did not especially commend herself to the newly
arrived; but, the result of study was—excluding the preceding couplet
"As she grew familiar to the face,
First to pity, next endure, then embrace."
The following year, he addressed himself to mining, and, after spending the
season, and all his money, returned to Colorado City with the net profit of
his experience. He then engaged in such work in his profession as the
country afforded, selected a farm, and patiently abided the growth of the
country. In 1864, he married Miss Calanthe .Everhart, and established
himself on his farm near Colorado City, where he has lived until the present
time He has ever been zealous in the promotion of the interests of his
county, and of Colorado. He has been honored by various offices in the gift
of the people, including several terms in the Legislature, but never, in any
instance, by his own solicitation. He has ever evinced an abiding confidence
in the future of Colorado, and she has rewarded his faith with a pleasant
home and a reasonable competence.
WILLIAM M. STRICKLER, M. D.
Dr. Strickler is one of Colorado Spring's tried and successful practitioners
in medicine and surgery. He was born in the Shenandoah Valley, Va.,
September 28, 1838. His early life was spent on a farm and in acquiring an
education, completing the same at Dickinson College at Carlisle, Penn. He
then determined to adopt the medical profession, and with that view pursued
the study of medicine at the University, Charlottesville, Va., one year. At
the breaking-out of the war of the rebellion in 1861, he entered the
Confederate army as Assistant Surgeon, in which capacity he served until
peace was declared, having participated in thirty-five regular battles. He
then returned home and the following year taught school. He subsequently
entered the Medical College of Virginia, at Richmond, from which he
graduated and received the, degree of M. D. In 1869, he came to Colorado and
located at Colorado City, El Paso County, and during the succeeding five
years practiced medicine there and at Mauitou Springs. In 1874, he removed
to Colorado Springs, where he has since resided, engaged in the active
practice of his profession. For the past few years he has been interested in
sheep-raising and wool-growing. He has a good range in the southern part of
El Paso County, near the line of the Denver & Rio Grand Railroad, well
stocked with improved sheep, where he occasionally spends a day or two by
way of recreation from professional cares. In connection therewith he has
farming lands, which he has cultivated in cereals for his flocks. During the
fall of 1870, he was elected Superintendent of the Public Schools of El Paso
County, which office he honorably filled four years. Dr. Strickler has taken
great interest in the order of Freemasons in this county, having served his
lodge for several years as Worshipful Master, and has the gratification of
seeing his lodge in a highly prosperous condition. He was married, in
September, 1865, to Miss Virginia Lipscomb, with whom he first became
acquainted while caring for the wounded on the field after the second battle
of Manassas.
CAPT. CHARLES STEARNS.
This gentleman, the well-known merchant tailor of Colorado Springs, was born
in Perthshire, Scotland, August 12, 1841. He attended school until ten years
of age ; then served an apprenticeship at the tailor's trade, at which he
subsequently worked in the leading cities of England six years. In 1860, he
sailed from Liverpool for Apalachicola, Fla. On the breaking-out of the war
of the rebellion he entered the Confederate service and was shortly
afterward promoted to the rank of Captain, and served until the close of the
war, being wounded five times and made prisoner twice. During the succeeding
five years, he worked at his trade in New York City, Philadelphia and
Chicago. In 1870, he crossed the plains with a mule team and located in
Denver, where he followed his trade two years ; then came to Colorado
Springs, and established himself in the merchant tailoring business, which
he has since successfully carried on.
HON. LINUS E. SHERMAN.
This gentleman was born in Fairfield, Vt., June 30, 1835. He is of English
and Welsh descent, and the early portion of his life was spent in working on
a farm and attending public school. At the age of twenty, he began
preparations at Burr Seminary at Manchester, to admit him to college, and in
1857 he entered Middlebury College, from which he graduated in 1861. In
1862, he enlisted in Company A, Ninth Vermont Volunteer Infantry, by whom he
was elected First Lieutenant, but afterward was promoted to the rank of
Captain. In this capacity as well as in staff duty, he served until the
close of the war, when he returned to Vermont and entered the drug business
in Ludlow. In 1876, he emigrated to Colorado, and located in Colorado
Springs, and embarked in the wholesale and retail grocery business, in which
enterprise he is still connected. From 1873 to 1875, he was the President of
the Vermont Pharmaceutical Association, of which he was one of the charter
members. He was also one of the members of the Constitutional Convention
which was originated in 1869 for the purpose of amending the Constitution of
the State of Vermont. He is still an active and energetic business man, and
is commanding a large and steadily increasing trade.
JAMES _M. SIGAFUS.
The history of this gentleman is an example of the enterprise of Western
men, and presents a record of active, busy and successful life, and he is
now enjoying the rich reward which he so justly merits. Mr. Sigafus is a
native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Wayne County of that State February
21, 1837. At the age of sixteen, after receiving a limited education in the
public schools of his native county, he went to Marathon County, Wis., where
he was engaged in the lumbering business until 1861. In November of that
year, he enlisted in the Eighth Wisconsin Light Artillery and served with
his company through its various engagements until January 15, 1865, when he
was honorably mustered out of the service. After spending a short time in
Illinois, on April 20, he started for Colorado with an ox team. After
spending one year prospecting on Bear and Clear Creeks, in Jefferson County,
he took up a ranch of 160 acres on the first-named creek, twenty-eight miles
west of Denver, which he subsequently pre-empted, where he resided until
1871, engaged in farming, gardening and stock-raising. He then removed to
South Park, and bought a hay ranch of 920 acres and there followed
stock-raising and hauling hay to the mountain camps, five years. In 1876, he
removed to Colorado Springs and, during the succeeding three years, was
largely engaged in freighting between the latter place and Lead-vale. In
1878, he sold his ranch in South Park, and during the winter of that year
grub-staked George W. Belt, who, in April following, discovered the famous
Robert E. Lee Mine near Leadville, which has yielded nearly $3,000,000, and
with which he was connected until February, 1881, when he sold his interest.
Mr. Sigafus is still largely connected with the mining interests of
Leadville and Southwestern Colorado. He is one of the Directors of the First
National Bank and of the Gas Company, in Colorado Springs. Mr. Sigafus has
retired from active business, and purposes enjoying his accumulated wealth.
During the past four months he has been on a pleasure trip through Florida
and the West India Islands. He was married, in 1860, to Miss Augusta Swartz,
of Marathon County, Wis., and has one daughter.
PROF. WINTHROP D. SHELDON.
W. D. Sheldon was born in Raymond, N. H., December 18, 1839. He fitted for
college at a military school at New Haven, Conn., and graduated at Yale in
1861. When the class met for its last term of college life, the war of the
rebellion had just begun. A company of sixty men was immediately organized
in the class, for drilling, of which he was chosen Captain. Half of this
number afterward entered the army. In 1862, he enlisted as a private in the
Twenty-seventh Regiment of Connecticut Volunteers, and served in Gen.
Hancock's Division of the Second Army Corps. He was soonafterward
commissioned as Second Lieutenant, and served with the regiment until it was
mustered out in the summer of 1863. At the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., he
was slightly wounded in the charge up the Mary's Heights back of the city.
In the course of the battle of Chancellorsville, he was taken prisoner while
out on picket in the dense woods, when Gen. Hooker fell back to a new line,
leaving the pickets to be surrounded by the enemy. From Chancellorsville, he
marched to Richmond, and after a short detention, was paroled and exchanged.
After his return home, he prepared a series of papers for the "Connecticut
War Record," which were subsequently published in a volume entitled a
History of the Twenty-seventh Regiment, Connecticut Volunteers." He then
taught for several years in New Haven, Conn., and graduated in 1868 at the
Yale Theological Seminary. In 1869, he became Principal of the Preparatory
Department of the Western Reserve College, Hudson, Ohio, which position he
resigned in 1873, and then went to Europe, where he spent the succeeding
fifteen months. Soon after his return, he became Principal of the Classical
Department of the Chickering Institute of. Cincinnati, Ohio. He is now
Professor of Greek and Latin in Colorado College, Colorado Springs, to which
position he was appointed in 1876.
ANDREW SAGENDORF.
In the fall of 1858, when the news of the rich discoveries of gold at Pike's
Peak was heralded throughout the States, such a stream of immigration began
to pour into the then almost unknown country, as had rarely been witnessed,
even in the balmiest days of the California gold excitement. Among the first
to join this throng, and to unite his destiny with the Far West was the
gentleman whose name is written above. Mr. Sagendorf was born in Columbia
County, N. Y., August 26, 1828. His early life, until attaining his
majority, was spent on a farm and in acquiring an education. During the
succeeding seven years, he was engaged in farming and school-teaching. In
1854, he removed to Sarpy County, Neb., where he was engaged in the real
estate business until the fall of 1858. On September 3 of that year, he left
Omaha, Neb., for what was then known as the Pike's Peak country, arriving at
the mouth of Cherry Creek, where Denver now stands, November 5, and there
spent the winter. On May 8 of the following spring, he went up Clear Creek
to Chicago Bar, near the present site of Idaho Springs, and began placer
mining. On the 15th of that month, he, in company with 11. P. Smith,
discovered the Spanish Bar diggings three miles above there, where he
continued to wash for gold until July 1. . He then returned to Auraria, now
Denver, and the following spring, 1860, was elected Secretary of the Auraria
Town Company, which office he held two years. During 1862, he was engaged in
the real estate business, and the following year held the position of
Weighing Clerk in the United States Mint at Denver. He then embarked in
mercantile pursuits in that city, continuing the same two years. In 1866, he
was appointed Postmaster for Denver, which office he honorably and
efficiently filled until the fall of 1869, when he resigned. The subsequent
two years were spent in erecting buildings and establishing the White River
Agency, on White River, in the Ute Indian reservation, in Western Colorado.
In 1871, he removed to Douglas County, Colo., where he was engaged in
stock-raising three years. During the spring of 1874, he removed to Colorado
Springs, and the succeeding two years ran the Express' and Transfer Line. He
then succeeded Palmer & Lorenz in the drug store on Tejon street, in which
business he has since been successfully engaged. Mr. Sagendorf was married,
in April, 1862. to Mrs. E. D. McCook, and has two sons.
CHARLES STOCKBRIDGE.
Mr. Stockbridge was born in Cambridgeshire, England, November 27, 1843. He
attained his education by attending boarding- school. At the age of sixteen,
he embarked with his father in the grain business, in the Mark Lane Corn
Exchange in London. In 1871, he sold out his interests, and early in 1872 he
emigrated to America and located in Colorado Springs, Colo., and engaged in
the real estate business and money loaning. In December, 1877, he organized
the El Paso County Brewery Company, of which he was elected President. In
the fall of 1879, he, in company with Charles Elwell, one of the stock
holders, bought out the remainder of the company, and have since been
engaged in that business. Mr. Stockbridge was married, in 1866, to Miss
Annie Ayers, of Bedford, England, and has seven children, three sons and
four daughters. One of his sons is now in England receiving his education.
GEORGE H. STEWART.
Mr. Stewart is of Scotch-Irish descent, and was born in Montpelier, Vt.,
March 24, 1815. At an early age, he removed with his parents to Genesee
County, N. Y., where his early life was spent in acquiring such education as
the schools of that early day afforded. At the age of eighteen, he began
work in his father's woolen-mills, where he remained four years. He
subsequently ran a woolen-mill eight years in Yates County, N. Y., and one
in Onondaga County, same State, from 1842 until 1853. He then removed to
Beaver Dam, Dodge County, Wis., where he started the Pioneer Woolen-Mill,
there being no other mill between Wisconsin and California, and continued in
that business thirteen years. In 1866, he sold his mill and purchased a
firm, and engaged in agricultural pursuits three years ; then, owing to
failing health, was compelled to dispose of his farm and retire from active
business. In 1872, he came to Colorado, and located in Colorado Springs,
where he has since resided. In 1874, he aided in organizing the First
National Bank, of which he was elected first President, and remained an
active member of that institution until 1879, when he severed his connection
with the bank. Mr. Stewart is one of the original stockholders in the
plaster paris mill, at Colorado City, and in 1878 leased the mill, which he
has since been engaged in running. In 1879, he was appointed by Gov. Pitkin
a member of the Board of Trustees of the Mute and Blind Institute, and was
by the board elected Treasurer, which office he still holds.
J. HENRY THEDINGA.
This gentleman, a member of the wholesale and retail grocery firm of Conant
& Thedinga, in Colorado Springs, was born in Dubuque, Iowa, June 5, 1857.
After completing his education in the high school, he entered Baylie's
Commercial College, in his native city, for the purpose of preparing himself
for a business life, and graduated from that institution in his seventeenth
year. He then accepted a clerkship in a hardware store, where he remained
four years. In April, 1880, he came to Colorado, and after spending six
months traveling over the State, located in Colorado Springs. In December of
that year, he, in company with W. L. Conant, succeeded S. Sessler, and by
their integrity and close attention to business, are building up a large and
steadily increasing trade.
GEORGE W. TURNEY.
Mr. Turney, one of the enterprising and worthy young merchants of Colorado
Springs, was born in Marion, Ohio, May 7, 1855. He received a limited
education in the public schools of his native city. His father being a
jeweler, it was but natural, as well as wise, that he should follow in his
footsteps, and at the age of ten began an apprenticeship at that trade in
his father's store, where he remained until January. 1879. He then came to
Colorado, located in Colorado Springs, and, in company with his brother
Henry, succeeded R. Morris in the jewelry business, under the firm name of
Turney Bros. That firm existed until February 1, 1881, when he purchased his
brother's interest, and has since continued the business. Mr. Turney has a
large and well-stocked store, and through integrity and close attention to
business, is building up a large and steadily increasing trade. Mr. Turney
was married in Chicago, November 4, 1880, to Miss Flora P. Page, daughter of
D. W. Page, of the publishing house of Culver, Page, Hoyne & Co., of that
city.
F. D. TAYLOR.
Mr. F. D. Taylor, of the grocery firm of Everleth & Taylor, was born in
Boston, Mass., February 26, 1855, and received his education here and at
Cambridge. In 1870, having completed his education, he embarked in the
mercantile business with John Herington & Co., an old and prominent firm of
Boston, in the capacity of clerk. Mr. Taylor held this position, with great
honor and credit to himself and complete satisfaction to the firm, for seven
years. In 1877, he resigned his position as clerk, and resolved to take
Horace Greeley's advice and try his fortunes in the great West. He came to
Colorado that year, and, after sojourning for two years in the State,
located in Colorado Springs and embarked in the grocery business, in which
he is still actively engaged.
WILLIAM F. TILTON.
Among the prominent business men of Colorado Springs is Mr. W. F. Tilton,
engaged in the queensware business. Mr. Tilton was born at Ludlow, Vt., May
31, 1852. From here he removed with his parents at an early age. to
Leominster, Mass., where he received his early education. In 1874, he
entered Fort Edward Institute, near Saratoga, N. Y., to complete his
education ; but, owing to failing health, he was compelled to drop his
studies here in 1875 and travel. In the autumn of 1875, he went to
California, but finding little relief there, he returned to his home in
Massachusetts, in 1876, stopping off for a short time at the Centennial, and
taking in the world's fair. In the autumn of this year he started South to
try the climate of Mobile, Galveston, New Orleans and other places in the
Southern States, but in vain. He returned to his home again in 1877, and,
after a brief visit, started westward once more, to try the climate of
Colorado. He was so much relieved by the climate of this State, and highly
pleased with it, that he resolved to remain. He located at Colorado Springs
and embarked in the glassware and queensware business, in which he is still
engaged, being the leading wholesale and retail dealer.
GEORGE P. VAUX.
Mr. Vaux was born in Erie County, N. Y., September 13, 1847. At an early
age, he removed with his parents to Dodge County, Wis., where he resided
twelve years, thence to Eau Claire County, same State. He attended public
school until sixteen years of age, then enlisted in Company I, of the
Thirtieth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry and served two years. After being
honorably mustered out of the service. he returned home and engaged in the
drug business in Eau Claire, where he remained eleven years. In 1876, he
came to Colorado and bought a ranch of 720 acres in El Paso County, seven
miles north of Colorado Springs, and engaged in stock-raising. May 1, 1881,
he succeeded W. H. Roby, of the firm of Roby & Coulter, dealers in hay,
grain, flour and feed, in Colorado Springs. He has some valuable mining
interests at Ruby, Gunnison County, where he spent some months during the
past year. Mr. Vaux was married, April 27, 1869, to Miss Josephine Searl, of
Augusta, Eau Claire County, Wis., and has a family of three children, one
son and two daughters.
SAMUEL B. WESTERFIELD.
Among the many well-known business men of this city is the subject of this
sketch. Mr. Westerfield was born in Louisville, hid., May 11, 1850, but at
an early age he removed with his parents to Greencastle, Ind., where he
completed his education at the Asbury University of that State. At the age
of nineteen, he went to Burlingame, Kan., where he applied himself
studiously to the profession of law, and in 1871 was admitted to the bar.
From this time until 1873, he practiced law at the above-named city, when,
owing to ill health, he gave up his profession and spent the next two years
of his life in traveling through the States of Colorado and California. In
1875, he came to Colorado Springs and located here and embarked in the
furniture business in which he is still successfully engaged. Mr.
Westerfield was married in September, 1875, to Miss Addie Hodgman, of
Colorado Springs, and has one daughter.
LEWIS WHIPPLE.
Mr. Whipple, the well-known contractor and builder, was born in that part of
Luzerne County, Penn., since cut off and known as Wyoming County, May 10,
1822. His early life was spent on the paternal farm and in attending
district school. At the age of nineteen, he accepted a clerkship in a store
at Tunkhannock, in his native counts, where he remained five years. He then
engaged in mercantile and lumbering business and in running a grist-mill at
the above-named town, continuing the same until 1864, when, owing to failing
health, he was compelled to retire from active business pursuits. He then
determined to seek health in the Far West, and notwithstanding the fact that
seven physicians with whom he consulted, expressed the opinion that he would
not live to reach the Great Plains, he started toward the "setting sun,"
accomplishing the trip to the Missouri River by traveling a portion of one
day and resting two days. At the Missouri River he joined a party bound for
the Pacific coast and started across the plains. He soon began to regain his
health, and on the way so far recovered that the greater part of the last
few hundred miles was accomplished on foot, preferring to walk rather than
ride. From the Red Buttes on the North Platte River, his party opened a new
road, via the Yellow Stone to Virginia City in Montana Territory, and from
there proceeded north to British Columbia and from there to Salem, Oregon.
Near the last-named city he engaged in farming, but at the expiration of
three years, his health again failed him, and continued so to do during the
succeeding two years. He then felt the necessity of another change of
climate, and with that view came to Colorado and located at Greeley, Weld
County, where he carried on contracting and building one year. In the spring
of 1870, he came to El Paso County, having taken the contract to build Gen.
W. J. Palmer's residence at Glen Eyrie. During the season of 1871, he
continued that occupation at Pueblo. In 1872, he located in Colorado
Springs, where he has since resided, emgatred in contracting and building.
During the past thirteen years, Mr. Whipple's health has been such that he
has not been able to do manual labor, yet_ he has very successfully carried
on business, keeping from five to twenty men at work, and at times has a
much greater number in his employ. Mr. Whipple was married in 1856 to Miss
Irene S. Benson, of Tunkhannock, Penn., and has one daughter.
WILLIAM B. WALKER.
Mr. Walker, the proprietor of a general mercantile store at Monument, El
Paso County, was born in Winchester, Va., May 22, 1842. He attended school
in his native town until fourteen years of age, then removed with his
parents to Petersburg, Ill. The succeeding four years he attended school
during winters and clerked in a dry goods store during summers. In August,
1862, he enlisted in Company C, Twenty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry,
and served until July 25, 1865, when he was honorably mustered out of the
service, at Clarksville, Texas. He then went to Taylorsville, Ill., where he
clerked in a general mercantile store seven years. In the fall of 1872, he
came to Colorado, located at South Water Station, on the Denver & Rio Grand
Railroad, in El Paso County, where, during the succeeding eight months, he
was engaged in the general mercantile business. He then removed his store to
Monument, where he has since resided, successfully engaged in that business.
Mr. Walker was married in 1871 to Miss Isabella Walker, of Shelbyville, Ill.
CHARLES F. WILSON.
This gentleman, known as "Dick Wilson" all over Colorado, was born in
Kentucky February 2, 1830. He remained at home on the farm until he was
twenty-one years old; the next five years were spent working by the month on
a farm and teaming. He then moved a man and his family, with a team, to
Alabama; he remained with this man, as overseer of his plantation, two
years. He then went to Huntsville, Ala., and engaged in the grocery business
till April 29, 1859, when he started for Colorado. He went to work by the
day in the mines in Russell Gulch, near Central. The next spring, he started
out prospecting, and was one of the party who first discovered mineral in
California Gulch. From this time till 187.6, he spent most of his time in
mining in different camps; then he located on a cattle-ranch near Pike's
Peak, and twenty miles from Canon City, where he still resides and owns a
large herd of cattle. In 1866, he went East to visit his parents, but soon
got homesick and came back to his adopted State. He is a bachelor, having
never found the lady with whom he wished to share his fortune.
JAMES C. WOODRUM
It is unnecessary to comment upon the practical benefits which have accrued
to El Paso County through the commendable efforts, enterprise and public
spirit of some of its pioneers, notwithstanding losses and difficulties
which would have staggered less hardy men. Among those, there are few men
who can present a more interesting record than James C. Woodbury. He is of
English descent, and was born in Franklin County, Mass., December 16, 1826.
At an early age, he removed with his parents to Putnam County, Ill., where
his early life was spent on a farm and in acquiring an education, which he
completed at the college at Palatine, in 1852. During the succeeding three
years, he traveled for a mercantile house ; then removed to Fort Dodge,
Iowa, where he was engaged in a general mercantile business five years. In
the spring of 1860, owing to failing health—hemorrhage of the lungs—he
closed up his business and started for this health-restoring climate,
arriving in Denver April 3. The succeeding two and a half years, were spent
in traveling, prospecting and mining in the mountains of Colorado. He then
located in El Paso County, and homesteaded 160 acres of land among the rich
agricultural and pastoral lands of the Fontaine Qui Boille Valley, twenty
miles south of the present site of Colorado Springs, and engaged in farming
and stock-raising. He also opened a general mercantile store on his ranch,
which was on the line of travel between Denver, Pueblo and New Mexico, and
continued the same until 1871. He then sold his ranch and store, and
purchased another ranch near there, where he has since resided, engaged in
agricultural and pastoral pursuits, the success of which is attested by his
increased lands, being at present one of the largest land-owners in El Paso
County. In the fall of 1870, he was elected County Commissioner of El Paso
County for a term of two years, the duties of which office he so ably and
creditably discharged that he has since retained that position by
re-election at the expiration of each term of office. Mr. Woodbury was
married, in 1871, to Miss Jane A. Sylvester, of Medina County, Ohio, and has
a family of three daughters.
MILTON YARBERRY.
Mr. Yarberry was born in Benton County, Ark., March 1, 1854. He attended
private schools until sixteen years of age, then followed freighting through
Missouri, Arkansas and Texas five years. In 1875, he started for California
with an ox team, but on arriving in Colorado, determined to remain here, and
located at Alma, Park County, where he followed placer mining two years. In
the fall of 1877, he came to Colorado City, and during the winter furnished
ties for the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Company by contract. The following
summer he spent at Leadville, engaged in logging. During the winter of
''1877-78, he freighted between Colorado and Las Vegas and Fort Union, New
Mexico. In March following, he returned to Colorado City, and after working
in the plaster paris mill a short time, took charge of a grain and freight
house at Colorado Springs for the St. Louis Smelting Company. During the
fall of 1878, Judge G. H. Stewart tendered him the position of
superintendent of his plaster paris mill at Colorado City, which he
accepted, and still holds. He has held the office of Precinct Constable at
the latter place two years, and City Marshal one year. Mr. Yarberry was
married, in 1872, to Miss Cynthia England, of Benton County, Ark., and has a
family of three children—two sons and one daughter.
History of the Arkansas Valley,
Colorado
O L Baskin & Co., Chicago, 1881 - Pages 444-476
Transcribed 24 January 2006 by Martha A Crosley Graham
Site Created: 26 January 2006