USA > Colorado > History of Colorado; Volume II > Part 100
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On the 20th of March, 1875, Mr. Ernest Le Neve Foster was married to Miss Charlotte Teal, of Georgetown, a daughter of George Teal. a well known mining engineer of Clear Creek and Boulder counties, and to them were born two children: Bernice, who died at
ERNEST LE NEVE FOSTER
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the age of four years; and Oscar Le Neve, who was born in Georgetown, Colorado, in 1878 and was graduated from Princeton University with the degree of Civil Engineer. He is now with Taylor, Dodge & Ross, bond and investment brokers of Chicago, as manager of their electrical plants at Glendive and other points in Montana, where he makes his home. He is married and has two children, Elizabeth Le Neve and Mary Le Neve Foster. Mrs. Charlotte Foster passed away in November, 1906, and her death was the occasion of deep regret to her many friends. On the 20th of February, 1909, Mr. Foster was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Marion Fulton, of Denver. During his long residence in Colorado, Mr. Foster has taken a very active and prominent part in promoting interests which have been of great value to the state and aside from his business affairs has always stood as a loyal citizen, active in support of plans and meas- ures for the general good.
OLIVER WENDELL WARD.
Oliver Wendell Ward, living at Colorado Springs since 1901, has occupied the position of postmaster since 1914. He was born in Clinton, Missouri, on the 11th of April, 1869, a son of James and Sarah Jane (Benton) Ward. His grandfather in the paternal line was a native of Ireland and came to the United States in 1839. James Ward was born in Ireland in 1832 and was therefore but seven years of age when brought by his parents to the United States, the family home being established in New York, where both the father and mother passed away a few years later. James Ward afterward removed to Freeport, Illinois, and in 1866 went to Clinton, Missouri. He was married in Ohio to Miss Sarah Jane Benton, who is still a resident of Clinton, Missouri; but Mr. Ward passed away in 1897.
In the public schools of his native city Oliver Wendell Ward pursued his cducation, supplementing his public school course by study in the Clinton Academy. He then took up the profession of teaching, which he followed for eight years in Clinton, and thinking that the west would furnish him better opportunities, he removed to Colorado Springs in 1901. He then turned his attention to the grocery business, which he conducted successfully for twelve years, or until December, 1913. On the 1st of March, 1914, he assumed the duties of the office of postmaster of Colorado Springs, to which position he had been appointed, and through the intervening period he has filled that office. He is prompt, systematic and faithful in discharging the duties that devolve upon him in this connection and is a popular official.
On the 16th of June, 1897, in Clinton, Missouri, Mr. Ward was united in marriage to Miss Lena Sisson, a daughter of John A. Sisson, who was born in Clinton, Missouri, and they have become the parents of two sons: J. Russell, who was born in 1902; and Oliver W., born August 25, 1917. They also have a daughter, Lois Vivian. The parents are members of the Second Presbyterian church and they are well known socially in the city in which they reside.
Mr. Ward gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masons. As a business man and public official he has made an excellent record in Colorado Springs and enjoys the confidence, goodwill and high regard of all with whom business, official or social relations have brought him in contact.
W. E. SMITH.
W. E. Smith, filling the office of county assessor of Morgan county and acting as assistant cashier of the Stockmen's National Bank at Brush, was born in Maquoketa, Iowa, on the 20th of April, 1862, and is a son of Henry J. and Mary A. (McPeak) Smith, the former a native of New York, while the latter was born in Illinois. The father was a blacksmith by trade and on removing to Iowa settled in Maquoketa, becoming one of the pioneer residents of that section of the state. Subsequently he went to Nebraska and to Kansas, where he homesteaded land which he continued to cultivate and improve until 1892. He then removed to Colorado on account of his health and spent his remaining days at the home of his son. W. E. Smith of this review, here passing away in 1908. He is still survived by his widow.
W. E. Smith spent his youthful days in western Iowa and is indebted to the public school system for his early educational opportunities. He attended high school at
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Shelby, Iowa, and afterward became a student in Cornell College at Mount Vernon, Iowa. He next took up the profession of teaching, which he followed for twelve years, becoming principal of the schools at Arapahoe, Nebraska, at Akron, Colorado, and at Brush. He came to this state in 1892 and after successfully following the pro- fession of teaching for several years he withdrew from that field of activity to turn his attention to merchandising, becoming junior partner in the firm of Harris & Smith. They continued in business together for five years and in connection therewith estab- lished a small bank known as the Bank of Brush. This was in 1898. Mr. Smith took charge of the bank and in 1902 it was reorganized into the First National Bank. Mr. Smith then sold his interest in the store and concentrated his efforts and attention upon the banking business, becoming cashier of the institution. In 1908 he retired from that position and engaged in the clothing and men's furnishing goods business but still retained his bank stock and remained one of the directors of the bank. He carried on his clothing business successfully until 1917, when he was appointed assistant cashier of the Stockmen's National Bank. in which capacity he still continues. In 1914 he was elected county assessor and is now completing his second term in that office. He has sold his interests in the First National Bank but remains a stockholder in the Stockmen's National Bank and is recognized as one whose judgment is sound and whose discrimination is keen in relation to all banking affairs.
On the 8th of April, 1886, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Maude Colvin and to them have been born five children: Merton E., Mabel B., Ripple Mae, Barton E. and Rex E. The religious faith of the family is that of the Presbyterian church and in fraternal relations Mr. Smith is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to lodge, chapter, commandery and Mystic Shrine, also the Eastern Star, and being a past master of the blue lodge. He is also past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias and grand chancellor of the order and still other official honors may be expected to be conferred upon him in that organization. He likewise belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His political endorsement has ever been given to the republican party since he reached adult age. He has served on the town board of trustees of Brush for six years and for three years has been mayor of the town, putting forth effective and earnest effort for its benefit and upbuilding. His official record is one that is most commendable and it is well known that every trust reposed in Mr. Smith will be faithfully performed. Men speak of him in terms of high regard and the circle of his friends is almost equal to the circle of his acquaintance.
JOHN KIRKPATRICK. .
John Kirkpatrick, identified with commercial interests in Walsenburg as treasurer and manager of the Huerfano Trading Company, is also prominent in the public life of the community and through popular suffrage was called to the office of mayor, in which capacity he is now serving. He was born in Wapello county, Iowa, on the 12th of November, 1877, a son of Henry and Agnes (Lamme) Kirkpatrick. The father is a farmer by occupation. He came to Colorado at an early day and is now living retired, while the mother has departed this life. Their family numbered four sons and one daughter. of whom John Kirkpatrick is the third in order of birth.
In the public schools John Kirkpatrick acquired his education save that which he has gained in the school of experience, in which he has learned many valuable lessons. He was reared to farm life and early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He continued to assist his father upon the Iowa farm until he had attained his majority, when he started out independently in the business world, making his way to Colorado. He located in Huerfano county and became identified with mercantile interests as an employe of the Colorado Supply Com- pany, while later he was employed by the firm of Dick Brothers. He is now treasurer and manager of the Huerfano Trading Company, which carries a large and well selected line of goods and enjoys a liberal patronage. He gives close attention to the business and by reason of his earnest effort and enterprise is contributing much to the success of the institution.
On the 26th of September. 1908, Mr. Kirkpatrick was married to Miss Frances Lillis, of Walsenburg, and they have become parents of three children, John, Jr., Henry and Francis A.
Mr. Kirkpatrick's military record covers three years' service with the National Guard of Colorado. Fraternally he is a third degree Mason and an Elk. His political
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allegiance is given to the republican party and in 1916 he was elected to the office of mayor, in which he is now serving for the third term, giving to the city a business- like and progressive administration. He belongs to the Red Cross and has been a generous contributor to the war work of the Young Men's Christian Association and to the Liberty Loans. In fact he has done committee work for all three and is putting forth every possible effort to aid the country in its purposes of maintaining justice and right between the nations of the world, so that no stronger nation can override the rights and opportunities of the weaker.
HIRAH W. WOODWARD.
Hirah W. Woodward, cashier of the First National Bank of Fort Morgan and a prominent figure in lodge circles, was born in Lincoln county, Maine, on the 24th of June, 1864, a son of U. W. and Elizabeth (Cox) Woodward, who were natives of the Pine Tree state and who can trace their ancestry in New England back to the year 1635. The father was a shipbuilder in the east and spent his entire life in Maine, where he passed away in February, 1903, his wife dying at the same date. They had traveled life's journey together for nearly sixty years and were only separated by death for a few hours.
Hirah W. Woodward was reared in the Pine Tree state and completed his education in the Lincoln Academy at Newcastle. He afterward went to Massachusetts, where he was employed in stores for about five years, but the opportunities of the west attracted him and in May, 1886, he came to Colorado. Making his way to Leadville, he there entered the employ of the Iron Silver Mining Company, occupying a clerical position in the office for three or four years. He next became connected with the old American Smelting Company of Leadville and subsequently was deputy county clerk for three years. In 1896 he was working at different jobs and on the 3d of October. 1897, he became connected with the Carbonate National Bank, with which he remained as assist- ant cashier until March 12, 1918. On that date he removed to Fort Morgan and accepted the cashiership of the First National Bank, which is capitalized for one hundred thou- sand dollars, has a surplus of twenty thousand dollars and deposits amounting to a million dollars. He is well qualified for the position which he is acceptably filling and is contributing in no small measure to the continued success of the institution.
In May, 1893. Mr. Woodward was married to Miss Enola Hill, and they have become parents of a daughter, Anne, who was born February 22, 1894, and was graduated from Wellesley College of Massachusetts.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Episcopal church and politically Mr. Woodward maintains an independent course. In Masonry he has reached the thirty- second degree of the Scottish Rite and is a prominent representative of the order in this state, being a past master, also a past grand priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, a past grand master of the Grand Council, R. & S. M., and past grand junior warden of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar. In a word, he stands among the leading Masons in Colorado and is a most honored and worthy exem- plar of the craft.
OTHO B. FAWCETT.
Otho B. Fawcett, a dealer in hardware, harness and implements at Brush, was born in Morgan county, Ohio, on the 3d of April, 1868, and is a son of Asa and Lucy (Morris) Fawcett, who are also natives of Morgan county, Ohio. The father was a carpenter by trade and eventually took up contracting and building. In 1861, fired by the spirit of patriotism, he enlisted in response to the country's call for troops to aid in the preservation of the Union and became a member of Company I, Sixty-third Ohio Infantry, with which he continued throughout the period of the Civil war. When hostilities had ceased he returned home and resumed the work of contracting, in which he engaged for many years, being prominently connected with building operations in his section of the state. He is now living retired and makes his home at Glouster, Ohio, he and his wife being among the valued and respected residents of that place.
Otho B. Fawcett was reared and educated at Chesterhill, Ohio, and then went to work as a clerk. being employed in that manner in various general merchandise
MR. AND MRS. OTHO B. FAWCETT
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stores for several years. Eventually he removed to North Dakota and had charge of a department store for nine years, displaying excellent business ability in its manage- ment and conduct. In 1910 he arrived in Colorado, settling first at Iliff, where he engaged in the hardware, harness and implement business for three years. He then sold out and removed to Brush, where he established a similar store, and he now carries a very extensive stock. In fact his stock is larger than that found in any similar estab- lishment in northern Colorado. He enjoys an extensive patronage and has been a close student of trade conditions. Watchful of every indication pointing to success, he has so directed his lahors as to overcome obstacles and difficulties in his path and therefore he has gradually advanced step by step until he is now in a foremost place among the enterprising merchants of Morgan county.
On the 26th of November, 1889, Mr. Fawcett was married to Miss Mattie Worrall and to them have been born a son and a daughter. The former, Ernest W., who is in partnership with his father under the firm style of O. B. Fawcett & Son, is now instructor in an aviation school at San Diego, California. The daughter, Thelma E .. is at home.
Mr. Fawcett has always been deeply interested in community welfare and has co- operated heartily in movements and projects for the public good. He votes with the republican party and for two terms has served as a member of the city council, exer- cising his official prerogatives in support of all plans that are looking toward the upbuilding of the district. He is a member of the Masonle fraternity, also of the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church and he is loyal to its teachings and purposes. In a word the sterling traits of his character are many and his life has been guided according to principles which in every land and clime awaken confidence and regard. To know Mr. Fawcett is to esteem and honor him and he counts his friends by the scores.
CHARLES THEODORE FERTIG.
Charles Theodore Fertig, active in the insurance field at Colorado Springs and also handling investments, his interests being conducted under the name of the Charles T. Fertig Insurance & Investment Company, was brought to this state in 1879, when a lad of nine years. His hirth occurred in Brooklyn, New York. July 31, 1870. The family comes of Bavarian ancestry. His grandfather, Thomas Fertig, was a native of Bavaria and never came to the United States. John T. Fertig, the father, was born in Germany in 1828 and when a young man of twenty-eight years sailed for the new world, attracted by the broader and better opportunities which he believed he could secure on this side of the water. He located in New York and was there married to Miss Marga- retha Kress. He was a millwright hy trade and in 1879 he removed with his family to the west, making Denver his destination. There his remaining days were passed, his death occurring in 1899. His widow afterward became a resident of Colorado Springs, where she passed away in 1909.
Charles T. Fertig was a pupil in the public schools of Denver and in 1885 he made his initial step in the business world by securing a position in the insurance office of Chamberlin, Packard & Wilson of Denver. He continued his residence in that city for thirteen years longer removing in 1898 to Chicago, Illinois. In 1900 he came to Colo- rado Springs, where he formed a partnership, resulting in the organization of the firm of Lawton & Fertig. This relation was maintained until the death of his partner, A. L. Lawton, in 1902. In 1908 Mr. Fertig incorporated the business under the name of the Fertig & Tutt Insurance & Investment Company. This association continued for about three years, at the end of which time Mr. Tutt retired and the corporation became the Charles T. Fertig Insurance & Investment Company, under which name the busi- ness is now being carried on.
In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1896, occurred the marriage of Mr. Fertig and Miss Martha Morrow Cooper, a daughter of the late John Cooper, who served as cap- tain in a Pennsylvania regiment during the Civil war. To this union have been born two daughters, Margaret and Elizabeth Proctor Fertig.
Politically Mr. Fertig has always been a stalwart republican and in 1908 he served as president of the city council of Colorado Springs, in which connection he carefully considered public interests and labored untiringly for the general good. He is a Master Mason and is also connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Furthermore he is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and with the Modern
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Woodmen of America. He likewise belongs to the El Paso Club and is vice president and a director of the Broadmoor Golf Club. All these associations indicate much of the nature of his interests and the rules which direct his activities. He has made steady progress since starting out in the business world and his entire career has been devoted to insurance activities. Long experience has made him thoroughly familiar with the business and the spirit of progressiveness and marked enterprise has carried him into important business relations, resulting in the establishment of a large and profitable agency.
J. ARTHUR CONNELL.
J. Arthur Counell, president of The Colorado Title & Trust Company of Colorado Springs and thus figuring prominently in the financial circles of the city, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in November, 1862. His father, Arthur Connell, was born in Glasgow in 1796 and died in that city in 1864.
J. Arthur Connell acquired his schooling in Edinburgh and supplemented his pre- liminary training by a special course in civil engineering. In the fall of 1884, when a young man of twenty-two years, he determined to try his fortune in the new world, believing that he might have better opportunities for more rapid advancement on this side of the Atlantic. He accordingly severed home ties and came to the United States. In the spring of 1885 he made his way westward to Colorado Springs, where he has since remained and through the intervening period his business career has been marked by steady progress resulting from ready recognition and utilization of opportunities. His developing powers have brought him into prominent relations. In 1901 The Colo- rado Title & Trust Company was organized and Mr. Connell became its president and has continued its executive head since that time. He is hending his attention to con- structive effort and administrative control, closely studying every phase of the business and developing his powers in a way that brings splendid results to the company.
In 1895, in New York city, Mr. Connell was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Byrne and to them has been born a daughter, Madeline. In his political views Mr. Connell is a republican and in club circles he is well known, being identified with the El Paso Club, the Cheyenne Mountain Club, the Colorado Springs Golf Club, the Cheyenne Mountain Cooking Club and the Winter Night Club. This indicates his social prominence and the high regard entertained for him. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. His life has ever been actuated by high and honorable principles and he is a man whom to know is to respect and honor. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for here he has found the oppor- tunities which he has sought and has made steady advancement in a business way. At the same time he has fully recognized his obligations and duties to his fellowmen and has done important public service for the benefit of his community.
C. F. McMULLEN.
C. F. McMullen, filling the office of postmaster at Brush, was born in Waterloo, Pennsylvania, October 9, 1872, a son of Andrew G. and Anna E. (Bodine) McMullen. who were likewise natives of the Keystone state. The father was a farmer by occupa- tion and in 1862 removed to Kewanee, Illinois, where he purchased land which he developed and improved, continuing the cultivation of the farm throughout his remaining days. He passed away October 9, 1916, and his wife is still living.
C. F. McMullen spent his youthful days in Kewanee, Illinois, and acquired his educa- tion in its public schools. He then worked at various points in the country, learning telegraphy, and was employed by different railroad companies as an operator. He worked for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy for five years and for the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha for four years. Later he spent four years in the employ of the steel corporation at Kewanee, Illinois, and in 1906 he came to Colorado, settling at Brush, Morgan county, where he engaged in railroad work for seven months. He next spent two years in the sugar factory, after which he opened a jewelry store and carried on business on his own account for four years, having previously learned the jeweler's trade. In 1914 he was appointed postmaster of Brush and is still occupying the position. His business career has been marked by steady progress and the wise utilization of his time and opportunities.
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On the 31st of May, 1893, Mr. McMullen was married to Miss Hannah Olson and they have become the parents of four children: George A., who was formerly engaged in the jewelry business in Brush but is now a member of the Marine Corps in training at Philadelphia; Mabel, the wife of C. W. Scotland, living in Brush; Lillian M., the wife of Robert E. Jenkinson, also a resident of Brush; and Charles Andrew, who is attending school.
Mr. McMullen and his family are of the Methodist Episcopal faith and he is serving as one of the trustees in the church, doing all in his power to advance its interests and promote its growth. Politically he is a democrat and for two years he served as town trustee. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, being a member of Kewanee Lodge, No. 159, A. F. & A. M., and Chapter No. 47, R. A. M., and also the Modern Woodmen of America and the Mystic Workers, and he stands for all those interests which are of value to community and commonwealth. All who know him, and he has a wide ac- quaintance, speak of him in terms of warm regard and he has gained many sincere friends during the period of his residence in Colorado.
JAMES E. MCCLURE.
Among the honored pioneers of Colorado is numbered James E. McClure, who after many years of active labor is now living retired in Canon City. He was born near Somerset. in Pulaski county, Kentucky, November 25, 1842, and is a son of David and Lavina (Hubbel) McClure. During his boyhood the family removed to Iowa. and in that state his father passed away in 1854. He made farming his life work.
James E. McClure began his education in private schools of Kentucky and later continued his studies in the rural schools of Iowa. In the meantime he assisted his father in the operation of the home farm, and after the latter's death went to work in a carding mill, where he operated a machine for seven dollars per month for three years. He also worked in a grist mill for a time. When the country became involved in civil war he laid aside all personal interests and entered the Union army as a member of Company F, Seventeenth Iowa Infantry, with which he served for eighteen months.
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