History of Colorado; Volume II, Part 114

Author: Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed
Publication date: 1918
Publisher: Chicago, S. J. Clarke
Number of Pages: 944

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On July 3, 1917, occurred the marriage of Mr. Robison and Miss Mary McCullough,

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a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Mccullough, of Cumberland county, Pennsyl- vania, the mother's maiden name being Hayes. The father was a successful agricul- turist in his native state, where both he and his wife passed away.

In his political affiliations Mr. Robison is a republican but although interested in the promotion of the principles of this organization is not a politician in the sense of office seeking, preferring to devote his time and attention to his large practice. Fra- ternally he belongs to the Masonic order, in which he holds membership with the blue lodge, chapter and Eastern Star, and is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the principles of brotherhood underlying those organizations guiding him largely in his conduct toward his fellowmen. His religious faith is that of the Meth- odist Episcopal church, while Mrs. Robison is a United Presbyterian. Along professional lines he is a member of the District and County Bar Associations, taking a lively interest in their proceedings. Mr. and Mrs. Robison reside at No. 313 Walnut street, Fort Morgan, and their home is a favorite meeting place of their many friends. Both take an active part in the social life of the city. In the profession Mr. Rohison stands very high and as a citizen he is esteemed by the home folks, who have come to appreciate in him a man of high qualities of character who has ever at heart the public welfare and is ready to give of his time and means in order to promote movements undertaken in behalf of moral, intellectual and spiritual uplift.

JUDGE CHARLES C. BUTLER.

The life record of Charles C. Butler, district judge of Denver, is the history of successful achievement on the part of one, who at the age of fourteen years, started out in the world on his own account and has since been dependent entirely upon his own resources. Choosing as his life work a profession in which advancement results entirely from individual merit, he has progressed step by step and is now upon the bench of the district court of Denver.

A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he was born on the 6th of February, 1865, and is a son of Washington I. and Etta C. (Comstock) Butler, both of whom are descended from prominent families of Ohio and New York, the mother being a native of the former state, while the birth of Washington I. Butler occurred in the Empire state where he was reared and educated. He became a member of the bar of New York city, where he practiced from 1868 until his death, in 1885, when he was fifty years of age. He had also practiced in Milwaukee prior to becoming a member of the New York bar. His widow, who still survives him, now makes her home with her son in Denver. Their only child was Judge Butler, of this review, who in his boyhood days attended the public schools of Sedalia, Missouri, his mother having removed to that city. Here he attended school for a few years and when a lad of but fourteen, started out to aid in the support of his widowed mother. He removed to Milwaukee, in 1879, and worked for a while as errand boy in a crockery store, afterwards obtaining a position in a bank. In 1887, he came to Colorado as manager for a mining company operating a prospect in Gilpin county. However, the prospect proved worthless and he retained that position for only a short time. Having become interested in the practice of law. he devoted his leisure hours to study and decided to make that profession his life work. Removing to Denver, he entered the law office of Robert Collier, a well known attorney, who directed his reading. At length he felt qualified to enter the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and became a student there, continuing his preparation for the bar until his graduation with the class of 1891. He was then admitted to prac- tice in Colorado and, in 1894, he entered into partnership with William H. Wadley, an association that was maintained until the latter part of 1895. Judge Butler then went to Cripple Creek, Colorado, where he successfully engaged in practice until 1908, when he returned to Denver and opened a law office in the Equitable building. His practice steadily increased from year to year until 1912, when he was selected by the lawyers of Denver as a non-partisan candidate for judge of the district court, and was duly elected. He has since filled the office with credit to himself and honor to the profession, his judicial decisions being characterized by strict impartiality, combined with a com- prehensive knowledge of legal principles. While a resident of Teller county, Colorado, he served. for a short time, as deputy district attorney.

On the 6th of June, 1900, Judge Butler was united in marriage with Miss Emma Allen, of Cripple Creek, Colorado, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes Allen. Fraternally be is a Mason and in his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft. He has mem-

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bership in the Denver Bar Association, and the Colorado Bar Association, of which he served a term as first vice president. He is also a member of the American Bar Asso- ciation and the American Judicature Society. While a resident of Teller county, Colorado, he served for two terms as president of the County Bar Association. His interest has ever centered in his profession and lie has won distinguished honors in this field.

ELI L. EVANS.

Eli L. Evans, living on section 8, township 6, range 67, Weld county, has an excel- lent farm pleasantly and conveniently located two miles north of Windsor. He comes to Colorado from Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in Beaver county of the latter state, in April, 1845, his parents being North and Mary Ann (Black) Evans, who were natives of Pennsylvania. The father worked on the canals in that state and also engaged in farming in the employ of others and saved from his earnings a sufficient sum to enable him to engage in farming on his own account and he was thus identified with agricultural interests in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, through- out his remaining days. He died in August, 1868. Two of his sons served throughout the Civil war in defense of the Union cause and another son died in the service, thus laying down his life on the altar of his country. The mother passed away in 1863.

Eli L. Evans was reared and educated in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, and remained with his father until the latter's death. For five years he was engaged in mining in his native state and in 1874 he came to Colorado, settling in Jefferson county, where he lived for two years. In 1876 he removed to Weld county, took up a homestead and bought land near Highland Lake, after which he concentrated his efforts and attention upon agricultural interests and continued to engage in farming there for eighteen years; but fate seemed against him, for during three successive years his crops were destroyed by hail storms. He afterward removed to his present place, which is situated two miles north of Windsor aud has since carried on farming on this tract of land, which belongs to his wife. For two years he did not engage in farm work but resumed his efforts in that direction and is today controlling a well developed and productive property. He also owns an interest in a tract of one hun- dred and thirty-five acres of irrigated land just north of his present place.

In October, 1866, Mr. Evans was united in marriage to Miss Angeline Z. Coats and they became the parents of nine children, as follows: Harry, who died at the age of five years; George W., who follows farming east of Denver; Charles, who resides at Sterling, Colorado, where he is acting as agricultural superintendent for the sugar com- pany; Thomas, who cultivates a farm near his father's place; Ida Belle, who passed away at the age of twenty-eight years; Emma G., who gave her hand in marriage to E. L. Hahn and lives in Texas; Jesse J., who follows farming in association with his father; Perry E., who devotes his attention to agricultural pursuits near Windsor; and Nellie, who is the wife of Samuel Bierbauer, residing in Pasadena, California. The wife and mother passed away in May, 1904, after a week's illness, and in December, 1910, Mr. Evans was again married, his second union being with Eliza Cowley.

Politically Mr. Evans is a democrat. Fraternally he is connected with the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows and his religious faith is evidenced in his membership in the Christian church. His has been an active and well spent life, and though at times he has met hardships and difficulties, he has not allowed himself to become dis- couraged but by persistent effort has worked his way upward. He has for a number of years engaged in feeding sheep and makes this a feature of his business. His place is pleasantly located near Windsor and in its management he displays enterprise, dili- gence and determination-qualities which cannot fail to win success ultimately.

PARK MCKEE FRENCH.

Park McKee French, a Denver architect of pronounced ability, was born December 13, 1881, in the city in which he still makes his home, and his record stands in contra- distinctlon to the old adage that a prophet is never without honor save in his own country, for in the city in which he has spent his entire life Mr. French has made a most creditable position and on various sides are seen the evidences of his skill and

ELI L. EVANS

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handiwork. His father. Charles E. French, is a native of Pike county, Illinois, and is a representative of one of the pioneer families of that state, of English lineage. The family was originally founded in New England, whence representatives of the name removed to the middle west. Charles E. French was reared in Illinois and about 1866 came to Denver, then a western frontier city. During the early years of his residence here he was engaged in merchandising and also was connected with mercantile interests in Central City and in Fairplay, Colorado, He afterward turned his attention to the real estate business in Denver and conducted many important realty transfers. Since 1912 he has lived retired, enjoying the fruits of a well spent life. He married Agnes McKee, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of James C. McKee, born in County Down, Ireland, April 14, 1825, who came to America when a lad of nine years. He was among the pioneers of California of 1849 and after successfully engaging in mining there for several years he recrossed the plains, returning east on horseback with a large quantity of gold. At length he reached Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and thence some time later brought his family westward to Des Moines, Iowa, and to Colorado, in 1860, settling in Denver, where he remained to the time of his demise. From Iowa to Colorado he brought with him a train of forty wagons and thus conveyed a sawmill and a quartz mill, setting up the former on Turkey creek and operating the quartz mill on Clear creek, having the first plants of the kind at that point. He was also extensively engaged in merchandising on Blake street and Cherry creek during the time of the flood in 1864, when his home and business were completely destroyed, caus- ing a very heavy and extensive loss. This, however, was not sufficient to daunt his progressive spirit and shortly thereafter he again entered upon the merchandising busi- ness and also gave a portion of his time to farming. He was very successful in all that he undertook and was a most enterprising and valued citizen. He held to high ideals in all that he did and enjoyed the warm esteem and confidence of his fellow towns- men to an unusual degree. His daughter, Mrs. French, was but two years of age at the time of the arrival of her parents in Denver, where she was reared, educated and mar- ried. On the maternal side she is a descendant of Charlotte Murdock, of Scotch descent. The Murdocks were early settlers of Pennsylvania. On the paternal side she is related to the Depue family, one branch of which has a representative in Chauncey Depew. Her parents, James C. and Charlotte (Murdock) McKee, both passed away in Denver, the former on December 7, 1886, after having contributed in substantial measure to the early development, progress and upbuilding of the city. They had six children: Agnes, Frank, James, Charlotte, Caroline and Francis, of whom Agnes and Charlotte are still living, the former being Mrs. Charles E. French and the latter Mrs. George P. Rudd. To Charles E. and Agnes (McKee) French were born four children, three of whom are yet living, namely: Howard McCord, an artist, residing in Denver; Stuart Whiting, a contractor, who married Margaret Crow, of Denver, also living in this city; and Park McKee, who is the eldest. Charles Stanley French died at the age of six years.

Park McKee French was educated in the public and high schools of Denver, also pursued a manual training course and continued his studies in the department of archi- tecture of the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated with the class of 1904. Previous to pursuing his course in the eastern university, however, he had taken up the study of architecture in Denver offices, and after completing his course in the University of Pennsylvania he spent four years in the practice of his profession in New York city. He later pursued post-graduate studies in architecture under the direction of the Society of Beaux Arts Architects, and was employed by some of the most prominent representatives of the profession in the eastern metropolis. Later he returned to Denver and soon afterward entered upon the active practice of his pro- fession under the firm style of Mountjoy & French, a partnership that was maintained until November, 1916, at which time they were joined by Frank W. Frewen, Jr., under the name of Mountjoy, French & Frewen. This firm still maintains its existence and its members rank among the leading architects of Colorado, having erected many of the important commercial buildings, factories, schoolhouses and other prominent structures not only of this city hut in all parts of the state.

On the 15th of June, 1916, in Denver, Mr. French was united in marriage to Miss Florence Loughridge, a native of Chicago, Illinois, and a daughter of Charles and Amelia (Harmon) Loughridge. They now have one son, Charles Loughridge French, born in Denver. August 23, 1917. Mr. French holds membership in St. Barnabas' Episco- pal church. Politically he maintains an independent course, casting his ballot accord- ing to the dictates of his judgment without regard to party ties. Formerly he was presi- dent of the Colorado State Board of Examiners of Architects, his term of three years

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expiring in October, 1917. He is likewise a member of the Sons of Colorado, of which organization he is president, and a member of the executive committee of The Colorado Patriotic League. He belongs to the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. His attention and ener- gies are chiefly concentrated upon his profession and he has made steady progress along the line of his chosen life work. Never content with the second best, Mr. French has constantly forged ahead in professional lines, actuated by a most laudable ambition, and today enjoys a well merited reputation that places him among the leading architects of the west.

CHARLES SHARPLESS PASTORIUS.

Charles Sharpless Pastorius, treasurer of the Colorado Investment & Realty Com- pany, operating extensively in Colorado Springs, was born in Germantown, Pennsylvania, in 1866. His father, Washington Pastorius, was born in Philadelphia in 1818 and was a son of Abram Pastorius, also a native of that city. The grandfather was a sea cap- tain in the China trade, having his own ship. He was captured and presumably killed and his ship destroyed by pirates. The immigrant ancestor of the family came from Bavaria in 1683 and founded Germantown, which is now a part of the city of Philadelphia. Since that time representatives of the name have remained residents of Pennsylvania. Washington Pastorius was for many years engaged in merchandising in Philadelphia and was there married to Miss Mary W. Wolf, a native of that city. He died in the year 1881, while his wife survived for a number of years, passing away in Newton, Massachusetts, in 1894.

Charles Sharpless Pastorius is indebted to the public school system of Philadelphia for the early educational opportunities which he enjoyed and later he entered Harvard University, pursuing a classical course which won him the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1887. He afterward traveled in Europe, thus gaining that broad and liberal knowledge and culture which only travel can bring. In 1889 he arrived in Colorado Springs, his three brothers having come to this city in 1883. He had previously studied architecture but never practiced that profession. In Colorado Springs, in connection with his brother, Francis D., he turned his attention to the real estate business and in 1901 the Colorado Investment & Realty Company was incorporated, with F. D. Pastorius as the president, Charles J. Wright as the secretary and C. S. Pastorius as the treasurer. Their business has assumed extensive proportions and they have been most active in negotiating many of the important realty transfers in this city. Their clientage is large and their business management shows them to be thorough masters of the situation as affecting the real estate market.

In his political views Mr. Pastorius is a republican and he affiliates with the Con- gregational church. He is well known as a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, also of the El Paso Club and of the Cheyenne Mountain Country Club. Well descended and well bred, his educational opportunities being most liberal, he has become an influencing factor not only in business life but in other connections in Colorado Springs, where for almost thirty years he has now made his home.

HOWARD S. ROBERTSON.

Howard S. Robertson, general attorney for and one of the directors of the Tramway Company of Denver and otherwise connected with several important corporations which have to do with the business development and substantial progress of the city, was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on the 23d of May, 1878, a son of Nathaniel and Alice (Orr) Robertson. The father was a native of Scotland and was but three years of age when brought by his parents to the United States, the family landing at New York city, where they remained for a time but afterward removed to Montreal, Canada. where Nathaniel Robertson was reared to his eighteenth year. He then sought the opportu- nities of the growing western section of this country, making his way by overland trail to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where he resided for a number of years. In 1882 he came to Denver, where he engaged in the carriage manufacturing business organizing the Robertson & Doll Carriage Company. This firm became widely known as prominent manufacturers in their line, conducting business in both Cheyenne and Denver, and Mr. Robertson was active as one of the leading manufacturers of the city to the time of

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his demise, which occurred in Denver in February, 1903, when he was sixty-two years of age. His widow, who was born in Montreal, Canada, is still a resident of Denver, where she has made her home since 1882 or for a period of more than thirty-six years. By her marriage she became the mother of three children: Howard S., of this review; Mrs. H. F. Kern, now living in San Francisco, California; and Florence, of Denver.

Howard S. Robertson attended the graded schools of Denver and the West Denver high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1898. He afterward became a student in the University of Colorado, pursuing the law course, which he completed by graduation with the class of 1901. He then began the practice of his profession in connection with C. J. Hughes in 1901. In 1906 he was made general attorney for the Denver Tramway Company and has since been associated with its legal department. He was also elected one of its directors, is likewise interested in the Denver & Inter- mountain Railway Company and in the Consolidated Securities & Investing Company, which is a subsidiary company of the Denver Tramway Company. Of the Tramway Company he is the secretary and of the Denver & Intermountain Railway Company he is the treasurer. As a business man, aside from his profession, he is recognized as a forceful factor by reason of his sound judgment and indefatigable energy.

On the 30th of October, 1906, in Denver, Mr. Robertson was united in marriage to Miss Emma F. Sperry, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William F. Sperry, of a well known family of Denver. The father was at one time a prominent figure in hotel circles, being manager of the American House and the Adams Hotel, but he is now living retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest. To Mr. and Mrs. Robertson have been born two children: Howard Sperry, born August 2, 1910, in Denver, and now attending the public schools; and Donald Bettis, whose birth occurred in Denver in October, 1913.

Along professional lines Mr. Robertson has connection with the Denver and with the Colorado State Bar Associations and he enjoys the goodwill, high regard and con- fidence of his professional colleagues and contemporaries. His political views are in accord with the teachings and principles of the republican party. He is well known socially and has membership in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, in the University Club, the Rotary Club, the Denver Athletic Club and the Denver Motor Club. His record is one of successful achievement. Starting out without any special advantages or in- herited wealth to aid him in life's struggle, he has worked steadily upward and is today enjoying a well earned reputation as a lawyer of marked ability and as a business man whose capability, enterprise and insight have won for him an enviable position in business circles.

J. STANLEY EDWARDS.

J. Stanley Edwards, manager at Denver for the Aetna Life Insurance Company of Hartford, Connecticut, and a well known figure in insurance circles in the west, was born in Ontario, Canada, March 29, 1872. His father, A. W. Edwards, was also a native of that country and was a clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal church. He wedded Marian E. Marvin, of Canada, and passed away in the year of 1897, leaving two sons, the brother of J. Stanley Edwards being Arthur M. Edwards, now a practicing attor- ney of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

J. Stanley Edwards has been a resident of Denver since July, 1890. He had previ- ously attended the public schools of St. Paul, Minnesota, where he had pursued a high school course, and he was also a student in Hamline University of St. Paul. He after- ward entered the University of Denver and was graduated therefrom in 1894 with the Bachelor of Science degree. Throughout his entire business career he has been identi- fied with insurance interests. He took his initial step in that connection as cashier with the Rocky Mountain Branch of the Aetna Life Insurance Company and through intermediate positions has steadily worked his way upward to manager, in which place of prominence he is now serving. That he is a leading figure in insurance circles is indicated in the fact that in 1917 he was vice president of the National Association of Life Underwriters and is now chairman of the executive committee of that organization. He was also at one time president of the Colorado Association of Life Underwriters and he has lectured quite extensively on insurance topics and has written many articles along that line. His father because of failing health was obliged to abandon the work of the ministry and entered upon the life insurance business.

In 1896 Mr. Edwards was united in marriage to Miss Mabel D. Walker, of Spring- field, Illinois, who afterward became a resident of Colorado. To Mr. and Mrs. Edwards have been born two children: Beatrice G., fifteen years of age; and Walker Stanley,

Granby Godwardy

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aged seven. Mr. Edwards is identified with many fraternal societies, clubs and other organizations. He belongs to Beta Theta Phi, a college fraternity, and he has attained high rank in Masonry, having membership in Commandery, No. 29, K. T., in the Scottish Rite bodies, and in El Jebel Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He has member- ship with the Sons of the American Revolution, having on his mother's side a great- uncle who served in the American army with the rank of general. Mr. Edwards belongs also to the Denver Athletic Club, to the Lakewood Country Club and to the Denver Civic and Commercial Association. He takes a very active and helpful part in the work of the Warren Methodist Episcopal church and is serving as chairman of its board of trustees. He is also a trustee of the University of Denver and is a member of the athletic council of the university. Of late Mr. Edwards has devoted much of his time and energy to war activities, having done effective work in the last Liberty Loan drive and in every way promoting the cause of the Red Cross and the Y. M. C. A. He has also done his share in making the sale of thrift stamps a success as far as Denver is concerned. He has been spoken of as "a leader in insurance circles and a man of high character and attainments." While recognizing the possibilities opened in the avenues of business, he has recognized his duties and obligations of citizenship and has put forth earnest and effective effort to uphold those interests which work for the uplift of the individual, the advancement of community ideals and the welfare of the nation.

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History of Colorado; Volume II, Part 114

Author: Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed Publication date: 1918 Publisher: Chicago, S. J. Clarke Number of Pages: 944

Author: Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed
Publication date: 1918
Publisher: Chicago, S. J. Clarke
Number of Pages: 944