USA > Colorado > Colorado pioneers in picture and story > Part 18
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Colonel Archer. in a brief speech. stated that the Kansas Pacific would build to Denver if the people would give a bonus of $2.000.000 : otherwise it would not. There were many in the audience who had not been told of the proposition Colonel Archer had been authorized by his company to make, and it fell like a thunderbolt among them : they were simply stunned.
George Francis Train followed with a sensible, vigor- ous and logical address: he outlined a plan for Denver to build a line of her own to connect with the Union Pacific at Chevenne. "Colorado is a great gold mine. Denver a great fact: make it a railroad center." said Train. The town builders were thrilled and filled with courage.
The new Board of Trade immediately acted upon
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Train's advice. A mass meeting was held in the old Denver theater, with W. F. Johnson as president, John Walker, of the Denver Tribune, secretary. John Evans was the principal speaker. He had such a mighty faith in the future of Denver that one stood appalled at its mightiness. At this meeting he predicted that within fifty years Denver would be the bullion center of America. and it would be made an important railroad center. Within twenty years thereafter both of his prophecies were fulfilled.
Talk gave way to work. The Denver Pacific Com- pany was incorporated. The officers were: Bela M. Hughes. president ; Luther Kountze, vice-president: D. H. Moffat, treasurer: W. F. Johnson, secretary; F. M. Case. chief engineer. The board of directors were: Joseph E. Bates. Wm. M. Clayton. John Evans, Bela M. Hughes. W. F. Johnson. Luther Kountze, D. H. Moffat, John Pierce and John W. Smith. All names of importance in themselves. "We knew with these men at the front the road would be built." said Mr. Brown in conclusion.
How it was announced in the old Denver Tribune:
THE BIGGEST KIND OF NEWS ! !
Building of the D. P. Railway. The Contract Made at Cheyenne
A Dispatch From the Directors
Fire the Guns-Bring Out the Music
Cheyenne, April 27 .- Have contracted for the build- ing and equipment of the Denver Pacific Railway. Nine cheers. Music. Fire, Cannon.
J. W. SMITH, A. B. DANIELS. F. Z. SALOMON,
Directors D. P. R. Company.
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Denver was a little town on the edge of civilization; Cheyenne, as the headquarters of railroad construction, was throwing a long dark shadow over Denver; hard times were a reality. Yet in four days $300,000 in stock had been subscribed. This was not sufficient to complete the road. Arapahoe County issued $500,000 in bonds. They had difficulty in disposing of them. A committee went to Chicago to sell them, but Chicago bond dealers did not think they were of much value. Arapahoe County was a wilderness, and Denver was just a rag of a town. But when John Evans, bearded and big bodied, put his shoulder to the wheel. it moved. He determined to go ahead.
J. SI DNEY BROWN
NEW DEPOT
FIRST ENGINE ON DENVER IRIO GRANDE RR.
BELA M.HUGHES The breaking of the ground for the Denver Pacific was the occasion for much rejoicing. Two women. Mrs. Frederick J. Stanton and Miss Nettie Clark, held the plows that turned the sod. A large number assembled to witness it: a brass band filled the air with music.
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and Governor Gilpin made one of his famous prophetic speeches.
When the building of the Denver Pacific was an assured thing, the inhabitants of Denver politely in- formed the Kansas Pacific railroad officials that they could bring their road into Denver if they so desired. but no bonus would be paid. Then commenced a lively race in railroad building, and the Kansas Pacific reached Denver August 15, 1870, two months after the Denver Pacific.
It was the custom in those days to paint the name of some individual on the locomotives. The first loco- motive, named D. H. Moffat. arrived with the construc- tion train on June 15.
This engine, previous to its purchase by this com- pany, had been known as number 29 of the Union Pacific road, and had a history. It was the first to enter the town of Cheyenne, the first to cross the Black Hills (west of Cheyenne) and the Rocky Mountains, the first to sig- nal its presence in the valley of Salt Lake, and finally. with the veteran engineer. Sam Bradford, the first to announce to the people of Denver the completion of their first railway.
June 24, 1870, the first passenger train came in: Governor Evans drove the silver spike, which was a pres- ent from Georgetown. On one side of it was engraved. "To the Denver Pacific Railway:" on the other side. "John Evans, president." The event was celebrated with music. processions and speeches.
These two railways formed the nucleus around which Colorado's present railroad system was built. Only the group of railroad builders of that time know of the dif- ficulties, the uncertainties, the haltings, the sanguine hope and the utter despair that attended the pioneer railroad enterprises. They had many trying situations to meet and great obstacles to overcome: financial and political
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difficulties clogged their way, and litigations beset them on every hand.
While these heroic men were struggling to build the Denver Pacific, they were also planning the construction of various other roads in Colorado.
GOVERNOR EVANS
There were five master leaders among the men who laid the foundation of Denver's great railroad system : Governor John Evans, W. A. H. Loveland, W. J. Palmer, Jerome B. Chaffee and David H. Moffat.
After John Evans retired from the office of gov- ernor he gave his energy and constructive power to the development of the resources of the Territory, particu- larly concerning railroad transportation facilities.
He outlined a system of railroad for Colorado ex- tending from Denver to Golden, Central, Georgetown, Boulder, up South Platte canyon to South Park and beyond into the valley of the Blue river.
It seemed like flights of fancy at that time, yet they were built with marvelous swiftness.
Governor Evans was a shrewd, energetic and far- seeing business man. He was active in the many affairs of the fast growing city: founded Colorado Seminary, out of which grew the University of Denver; a philan- thropist. a church builder and a great Denver builder. To the prophetic vision of Governor Evans Colorado owes much.
Mr. William G. Evans, the son of Governor Evans, has been connected with some of the greatest enterprises which have made for the greater development and the building up of Denver and the State. He was the chief lieutenant of Mr. Moffat in the construction of what is known as the Moffat Railroad to connect Denver with Salt Lake. was one of its board of directors; he was one
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of the builders of the Denver Tramway, and its president for many years. He is interested in real estate and has been. in part. the means of constructing some of the large business blocks of the city.
Mr. Evans is a man of courage, indomitable will and a marvelous grasp of affairs; he has been a vital factor in shaping the destiny of Colorado; and. as he is yet in middle life, much may be expected of him in the future.
GENERAL BELA M. HUGHES
Among the really great men in the history of this western State, not one stands forth with more distinction than General Bela M. Hughes. His efforts in the con- struction of the first railroad and several later railroads. and his participation in many affairs of the fast grow- ing city placed him among the Colorado State builders.
He was a brilliant lawyer. and what he did in carrying forward the pioneer enterprises. by his elo- quence and convincing speeches, cannot be estimated in words and figures.
With a personality distinctly individual and a fine flow of language he could command and hold attention at any time, at any place, and inspire his audience with hope and courage to face the problems of the day.
It was my privilege to know this distinguished gen- tleman from Kentucky, whom Colorado claims as her very own. His manners were those suggesting a courtly ancestry, he impressed all with his ability and with his breeding. He was naturally retiring and modest. never a seeker of fame, but his scholarly attainments caused men to seek him out. To avarice he was a stranger, valu- ing money only for the enjoyment it gave him in pro- viding pleasure and happiness for his family and his friends. He was a financier of brains and at the same time a man of heart. which marks the rarest blending in
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human nature. While carrying forward his work in life. he climbed to fame and wealth, but not at the ex- pense of his fellow creatures.
His wife was a woman of the old Southern school, refined and modest, and in her quiet way became one of the best known and best loved women in Denver; her home was open to everyone, both in a social way and to those needing assistance. Their children are Mr. Andrew S. Hughes, Miss Mary Hughes, Mrs. Sewell Collins, Mrs. Charles E. Roberts. Miss Georgia Hughes and Dr. Tandy Hughes.
Mrs. Peter Randolph Morris, the granddaughter of General Hughes, has inherited many of his fine character- istics. and is today an important personage in the social world of Denver.
David C. Dodge
DAVID C. DODGE
David C. Dodge is a highly respected citizen of Denver. He began life as a civil engineer, and while he was competent and suc- cessful in that line. it did not offer a field large enough to satisfy his am- bitions. He came to Den- ver in 1865, and engaged in mercantile business. In 1867 he entered the em- ploy of the Chicago & Northwestern railway as general agent for Colo- rado and New Mexico. and became associated with other railways. While in the service of these
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companies his worth was recognized by railway officials and other positions were open to him. He was chosen vice-president and general manager of the Rio Grande Western railway, and the rapid development of that pio- neer system under his management forms an important chapter in the history of the State. He is a man of sound common sense, quick perception and fine executive ability.
He is public spirited and always interested in move- ments which tend to the material and social benefits of the State. In Denver he is known to almost everyone and has many personal friends. His second wife, Miss Nannie O. Smith, was an educator of high standing in Denver for many years. She is a woman of generous impulses and fine culture.
The first telephone installed in Denver was part of a system which operated between the offices of Colonel D. C. Dodge, then manager of the Denver & Rio Grande railroad, and the company's passenger station in this city. The first telephones were operated by a battery which was usually placed in a box in some out-of-the way corner of a room and which was unsightly and unsat- isfactory. A Denver grocer conceived the idea of put- ting a small box under his telephone on which he could write orders from customers. He had the battery placed in this box because it was the most convenient place. Mr. Bell happened to be passing through Denver and was the guest of Colonel Dodge. The box arrangement came under his observation and out of that grew the combi- nation wall instrument which was in standard use for many years.
COLONEL JAMES ARCHER
After the coming of the railroads in 1870, there was a change in the feelings of the people. All doubts of the future vanished and Denver's position as the metropolis
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of the region was assured. While there was no boom the hotels were crowded. and men were discussing new enter- prises.
Colonel James Archer, who was identified with the building of the Kansas Pacific, became one of Denver's forceful and valued citizens. He proposed to the city the construction of gas works. The people approved of his proposition, and the city entered into a contract with Colonel Archer's company for lighting the streets. The gas service was ready January 22nd, 1871, and it was a delightful change, for the artificial lights up to this time had been chiefly stearin candles and coal oil. The maxi- mum price of gas to private customers was five dollars per one thousand feet. Simultaneously with the forming of the gas company. Colonel Archer organized the Den- ver City Water company, composed of Denver men. to construct water works. on the Holly direct-pressure sys- tem, using steam power, to distribute through three or four miles of street mains, supplied from the Platte river.
The people received this proposition with some incre- dulity. However it was agreed upon, and a contract was made with the city for fire protection by fire hose hydrants on the streets.
In 1871. construction work was begun and rushed to completion. Up to that time domestic water was sup- plied from wells in door yards.
With these two public utilities Denver started on its way to be the beautiful city of verdure and lights that it is today.
Colonel Archer lived in Denver to the day of his death and was an enterprising and highly respected citizen.
JOHN L. McNEIL
Mr. John L. McNeil came to Denver May 1, 1870, and upon the advent of the Denver Pacific railway,
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became chief clerk and cashier in the freight office, which gave him a wide acquaintance with Colorado business men. He entered the Colorado National Bank early in 1871, serving as paying and receiving teller until January, 1876. At that time he opened the Bank of San Juan at Del Norte. in company with Alvin B. Daniels. Junius F. Brown, J. Sidney Brown and William Moritz Barth, under the firm name of Daniels, Brown & Company. The bank John L. McNeil was later moved to Ala- mosa. A branch was established at Durango in 1880, now the First National Bank of that city with Mr. Mc- Neil as its vice-president.
While connected with the banks at Del Norte and Alamosa, Mr. McNeil began to make investments in the San Luis valley and the southwest, developing many interests in that part of Colorado.
In 1883, at the request of prominent business men in Leadville. Mr. McNeil went to that city, where he estab- lished the Carbonate Bank. which is still in successful operation.
In 1887. Mr. McNeil removed to Denver. where he represented the Pennsylvania Lead Company of Pitts- burgh, purchasing silver and other bullion to the extent of millions of dollars annually. He was president of the Denver Clearing House Association in 1891: was one
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of the organizers and a director of what is now the Globe Smelting plant of the American Smelting & Refining Company, and was one of the organizers and builders, also the secretary of the Rio Grande Southern railroad. In 1909 he organized the Durango Trust Company of which he is president.
During forty-five years, Mr. McNeil has been con- nected with the banking, smelting and mining interests of the State. Sterling integrity, good business judgment. combined with firmness and tact, are qualities that have enabled him to become a successful and prosperous busi- ness man. His genial disposition makes for him a host of friends.
MRS. JOHN L. McNEIL
Mrs. John L. McNeil has had a public-spirited career : both as club woman and patriotic citizen, she has been prominent in many circles of activities which entitle her to a place among Colorado State builders. As charter member and life member of the Woman's Club of Denver she has rendered vital assistance to that organization. She was the club's first treasurer. and her active work in building up the organization has been rewarded by many honors at the hands of her fellow-members. Mrs. John L. McNeil She was chairman of the commit- tee appointed to secure the first appropriation from the Legislature for the support of the State library: the object was accomplished, which attested the efficient work of the committee.
Mrs. McNeil was member of the committee that secured a National Charter for the General Federation
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of Women's Clubs, 1901. She was chairman of Emer- gency committee, Colorado Soldiers' Aid Society, 1898, Spanish American war. Charter member of the George Washington Memorial Association October 31. 1898. A member of State commission to mark Santa Fe Trail in Colorado, 1908-09.
Her work as State Regent for Colorado of the Soci- ety of the Daughters of the Revolution is an interesting story of itself.
She has been a loyal member of the Denver Fort- nightly club for many years.
In local philanthropic work Mrs. McNeil has always been active, serving a long time on the Board of Mana- gers of the Denver Orphans' Home and on that of the Woman's Christian Association.
Her interest in the manners and customs of the Indians led her to become the first Colorado member of the American Folk-lore Society. Her collection of Navajo blankets, gathered from many Indian tribes, before the market was gleaned by tourists, is probably the finest in Colorado.
Yet with all these many phases of active service. Mrs. McNeil finds time for the graces of social com- panionship and has gathered around her a large circle of delightfully interesting people.
D. H. MOFFAT
Denver will always place David H. Moffat high among those who labored for the foundation of its greatness.
His career is romantic and full of interest: A poor farmer boy in New York; at the age of twelve, he left home for the city and obtained employment in the New York Exchange Bank as a messenger boy. His promo- tion was rapid: at the age of sixteen he was assistant
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teller, and soon after, he accepted the position of teller for the firm of A. J. Stevens & Co., in Des Moines, Iowa.
D. H. Moffat
When he was eighteen he was offered the position of cashier of the Bank of Nebraska, in Omaha. He filled this responsible position satisfactorily for four years.
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At this time the Pike's Peak gold excitement was begin- ning to arouse interest in the east, and Omaha was the starting point for many overland parties. David Moffat became enthused with the spirit of adventure; he formed a partnership with C. C. Woolworth, and together they loaded four wagons with books and stationery. Wool- worth remained at home and forwarded supplies, and Moffat, the master builder, started on his pioneer jour- ney, which was to end at the summit of the world.
DAVID H. MOFFAT 1860.
DAVID H. MOFFAT 1865.
He arrived in Denver March 17. 1860. and imme- diately opened a book and stationery shop in Auraria. now called West Denver. Later he moved to the corner of Blake and Fifteenth streets in Denver City. His business venture proved successful and he was soon at the head of one of the largest hardware houses of Denver.
In those days David H. Moffat was a slender youth weighing only one hundred and ten pounds. He appeared to be in delicate health, but the life-giving air of Colo- rado developed in him a robust constitution, which enabled him to undergo the most active and unceasing labors. Two years after his arrival in Denver he mar-
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ried Miss Fannie A. Buck- hout, of Saratoga, New York. There was only one child, now Mrs. Mar- cia McClurg, widow of James A. McClurg.
A. W. Bailey, who came to Denver about the time Moffat arrived here, tells the following story : It was a custom of young married couples to meet at the homes of different friends once a week. One evening we met at Moffat's cottagehome in West Den- ver. Dinner had been served and the men sat to- Mrs. D. H. Moffat and Daughter gether around the table smoking and talking of our business and our ambitions. Moffat had been silent several minutes, listening to the conversation. Suddenly he turned and looked me squarely in the eye-a way that was characteristic of him,-"Billy," he said, "did you set a stake for yourself when you came out here?" "I did not think much about what I would do here," I replied. "except to make a living, and lay up a little money."
"Well," he said, "I set my mark before I started for Colorado. I determined to make $75.000. When I have done that I will go back to New York and enjoy myself."
His real climb to fortune began when he became engaged in the lucrative business of buying bullion from the miners, and shipping it to the east. It was then that he forgot his stake of $75.000 and set out to make himself one of the big financiers of the country.
His early experience as well as his natural abilities
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inclined him to banking. Experience had secured him a position in Denver's first banking house, that of Clark & Company, on Blake street, which was swallowed by the First National Bank.
In 1865 the First National Bank of Denver was authorized by the comptroller of the currency. It opened for business May 10, with Jerome B. Chaffee, president ; H. J. Roberts, vice-president; George T. Clark, cashier.
In 1867 Moffat's ability as a banker was recognized and he was elected cashier. He became its president in 1880, and continued to hold that position to the time of his death, March 18, 1911.
Moffat had the Midas touch, he became a banker of nation-wide recognition, and during the time he was making a success of the institution with which he was identified, he contributed largely to the upbuilding and the maintenance of the general business of the City and the State. The history of Colorado's progress for forty years carried his name in every chapter. Men regarded him as a brave, far-seeing. aggressive citizen; they admired him as a leader, and loved him as a man.
Other men have been content to succeed as bankers. but Moffat was driven by an inexhaustible energy and purpose. He became engaged in mining, and either alone or in association with some of the best mining men, he was interested in many of the largest gold and silver mines in the State. He dug millions from the ground.
A story is told that in a big Leadville mining deal he set aside an interest for Sylvester Smith, an old asso- ciate. Smith's profits amounted to $75,000. Smith was in New York and did not know of his good fortune. One day the cashier of the First National Bank went to Moffat and said, "What do you suppose that fellow Smith has done? He has drawn on us for $50,000." "Well," replied Moffat, "his account is good for it. isn't it ?" "Yes," replied the cashier, "but he does not know
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it." "Don't suppose he does," returned Moffat, "but he knows I am here. He is probably helping a good fellow out of a hole, and knows I'll not go back on him." This was characteristic of D. H. Moffat. He was constantly letting friends in on his good fortune.
Simplicity marked his home life; display was at all times distasteful to him; wealth had a tendency to enlarge his sympathy and good will for his fellow man. No old friend of pioneer days ever went to him for help, who did not receive it. In the panic of 1893, he saved from ruin more than the public will ever know.
Not a State bank, connected in any way with Moffat's bank, went down in that panic. Their credits were extended and money was advanced to tide them over. With his help, tottering mercantile houses weathered the storm. It is said that he dumped $2,000,000 of gilt-edged government securities. his personal property, on the market to save those with whom he had labored through the hard frontier days.
He was often urged to accept the office of United States Senator, but he as. often refused, saying he would not have the position if it were handed to him on a silver salver.
Though he never cared for political honors, his influ- ence in politics was powerful. He was a Republican and stood by his party whenever he felt that he was needed.
He was democratic in his ideas; while his friends rode in elegant carriages, he spurned vehicles. and walked. He became a familiar figure on Seventeenth street, stroll- ing along. usually alone. from his home. on Seventeenth and Lincoln. to his bank.
MOFFAT HELD UP
May 28, 1888, the banker had just entered his private office, when a card was brought him. He did not know the man who sent the card, but. as was his. custom in
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those days, he directed that he be admitted. A young man with brisk air, entered. He was well dressed and seemed excited. When Mr. Moffat asked him his busi- ness, he pulled a small vial from his pocket and said :
"I come for money. I want $21,000, and if I do not get it at once, I will hurl this vial against the wall; it contains nitroglycerine; you and this building will be blown to pieces."
Moffat looked the young man in the eyes, and said not a word. Then wrote a check for $21,000, and escorted the man to the cashier's window where the money was paid. The young man, after receiving the money, van- ished, and never a trace of him was found.
"I felt," said Mr. Moffat. "the moment I looked him in the eye, after he told me why he had come, that he was in earnest."
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