History of Colorado; Volume II, Part 115

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

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GEORGE W. BAILEY.

Among the oldest representatives of the real estate and loan business in Denver is George W. Bailey, who came to this city in July, 1882. He first bought an interest in the agency of the Wanamaker & Brown clothing house of Philadelphia, and also received an appointment as agent for the collection of rents and the care of property belonging to a non-resident. These occupations afforded a moderate income and likewise an oppor- tunity to extend acquaintance and make plans for the future. In the spring of 1883 he formed a partnership with James R. Hicks, under the firm name of Hicks & Bailey, for the transaction of a general real estate business. The firm soon won an enviable standing among the dealers in the city, and its list of patrons began to grow. The High- land Park Company, of Colorado Springs, which had large real estate holdings in Denver and vicinity, made the firm its agent and opened the way for a selling campaign which continued through the prosperous years that followed. Among the additions handled for it were Highland Park, Hager's, Kennedy's and a part of Central subdivision. Appreciating the advantages of an efficient street railway system, the firm became an active supporter of Short's Electric railway on Fifteenth street, and, later, of the cable system, contributing generously and promoting among the business men a campaign for subsidies to secure extensions. They joined a syndicate to build and operate the Uni- versity Park railway, affording transportation for Broadway Heights, Myrtle Hill, Elec- tric Heights and University Park, as well as other tracts at a distance from the existing lines. This encouraged building homes and gave an impetus to the growth of the popular south side. After a time the merging of the street railways into one system, now known as the Tramway, made Fifteenth street the main thoroughfare of the business section and gave increased value to abutting property. As a result of plans for its im- provement, the Mining Exchange was the first large building to materialize through the aid of Hicks & Bailey and a few others. The firm assisted in organizing the first arti- ficial ice plant in Denver. the Colorado Ice & Cold Storage Company, and as members of the Chamber of Commerce and the Real Estate Exchange and the Mining Stock Exchange, they encouraged many legitimate enterprises for the upbuilding of Denver. Previous to 1893 the growth of the city was remarkable. Then came the panic, bringing widespread disaster to banks and all business concerns. Several of the Denver banks were forced into litigation, money and credits were greatly restricted, and the payment of obligations became impossible to many. Foreclosures of real estate became a daily feature of the business at the courthouse, rendering any but forced purchases practically impossible. Many a dealer found his occupation gone. The subject of this sketch, instead of seeking other fields or a new line of business, has continued, in a quiet and unassuming way, to serve such friends and clients as come to him.

George W. Bailey was born in Woodburn, Macoupin county, Illinois, July 29, 1841, the eldest of five children of William and Abigail T. (Warren) Bailey, both of whom were natives of Massachusetts and descendants of old New England families. They were married in 1838 in Boston, and set out at once on their wedding journey to the home already secured in the west, at Woodburn, Illinois. There the father engaged in

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farming, and, later, established himself in a general mercantile business to supply the settlers in the surrounding district. In 1888, in Denver, they celebrated their golden wedding surrounded by all their children and grandchildren numbering twenty-four. Eleven years more of happy married life was granted them, making a total of sixty-one years, before they were separated by death. The husband and father was called in 1899, on Thanksgiving day. at the age of eighty seven, while his life companion rounded out her ninety years and quietly passed away in 1908. The memory of that beautiful family life, enriched by sacrificial devotion to each other and to all high ideals will ever be the cherished possession of their children.

In his boyhood and youth George W. Bailey attended the public schools of the village until September, 1859, when he left home to enter the preparatory department of Illinois College at Jacksonville, Illinois. He pursued the regular course until the spring of 1861, then returning home to assist in farm work during the summer. It was his intention to enter college in the fall. The outbreak of the Civil war and President Lincoln's call for volunteers caused a change in his plans, and, instead of entering college, he enlisted August 16, 1861, in Captain Alfred W. Ellet's Company, "I," in the Fifty-ninth Illinois Regiment of Infantry. He was mustered in at St. Louis, Missouri, where he received his equipment and his first military training. During the months that followed he served as a non-commissioned officer with his regiment, in Missouri and Arkansas, participating in the battle of Pea Ridge in March, 1862. In the latter part of April he accompanied a detachment selected from the regiment by Captain Ellet to New Albany, Indiana. This call was made by the secretary of war for an important and hazardous service, not dis- closed at the time, but, as was afterward learned, was for duty as military guards on a ram fleet to be organized to aid in opening the Mississippi. Colonel Charles Ellet, a dis- tinguished civil engineer, brother of Captain Alfred W. Ellet, was authorized to con- struct the vessels and have command of the ram fleet in its cooperation with the naval force already in service. In the latter part of May several of the rams arrived at the rendezvous of the Mississippi flotilla above Fort Pillow. From that point to Port Hudson, the Confederates were in control. In a few days the enemy evacuated Fort Pillow and his "River Defense Fleet" retired to Memphis. The Union fleet closely pur- sued, and on the 6th of June approached Memphis to find the enemy's gunboats and rams drawn up in front of the city to give battle. The Union ironclads moved slowly down the river, firing their guns, while two of Ellet's rams dashed ahead under a full head of steam and engaged the opposing rams with such success that, at the end of one hour's fighting, the entire Confederate fleet of eight vessels, except one that escaped down the river, was either destroyed or captured. Several were sunk by the Union rams, and others pursued and driven to the shore where they were abandoned by their crews. By this victory possession of Memphis was gained and virtually of the river as far as Vicks- burg, which place was soon reached by the victorious ram fleet. During the fall and winter Mr. Bailey remained with the fleet, while patrolling the river and taking part in the assault of Vicksburg by General Sherman and in the capture of Arkansas Post in January, 1863. February 2d the ram "Queen of the West" with a volunteer crew, in- cluding Mr. Bailey, ran the blockade of the batteries of Vicksburg. and made her way down to the mouth of Red river, capturing and destroying several boats conveying sup- plies for the Confederate armies. The Queen returned to Vicksburg for coal, and a second time went down to Red river, ascended the stream to Fort De Russey, where she ran aground under the guns of the fort and was disabled. In attempting to escape on a cotton bale and afterward in a small flatboat, in company with others. Mr. Bailey was taken prisoner. Fortunately he was not sent to a Texas stockade, but, after nine days, was paroled and delivered to the naval authorities of the United States at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for exchange. In due course of time he reached Benton Barracks at St. Louis, where he received, in June. notice of formal exchange. Meanwhile, his commission as first lieutenant and adjutant, dated January 30th, received at fleet headquarters in Feb- ruary, and forwarded at last to St. Louis, was delivered to him. In anticipation of this appointment, his commanding officer at the fleet detailed him for duty as a signal officer in December, previous to his capture. In these circumstances he reported to his chief at the signal camp of instruction at Memphis. Thence lie was ordered, in turn, to Vicks- burg, after its surrender, and later to New Orleans for service in the Department of the Gulf. He had active service in the field at various points, among others at the battles of Sabine Cross Roads and Pleasant Plains, where he was attached to the staff of General Emory, commanding a division of the Nineteenth Army Corps. during General Banks' Red River expedition. He spent a part of the summer of 1864 at New Orleans, where he received his commission as first lieutenant in the signal corps, ahout one year after his examination. On two occasions he was assigned to duty at department headquarters

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in command of a detachment of signal officers and their men, once at Memphis and once at Vicksburg. Not long after General Lee's surrender, believing that the rebellion was virtually crushed, he tendered his resignation, in order to resume his college course. This was accepted and he was relieved from duty, July 8, 1865, at New Orleans. In September he entered Illinois College and took the four years' course, graduating in 1869 with the degree of A. B. By invitation he became an instructor in the college, and continued a member of the faculty for thirteen years. He resigned his position and removed to Denver, as stated, in the summer of 1882.

In June, 1871, in Jacksonville, state of Illinois, George W. Bailey was united in marriage to a school teacher, Miss Lucy D. Wood, a daughter of Jonathan and Mary (Dustin) Wood, both of whom were members of New England families. Six children were born to them, three daughters and three sons, four of whom are still living. For more than twenty-seven years the devoted wife, hy her womanly virtues and her Christian ideals, as well as her efficiency and skill in all household duties, made the home a delightful place for all the family, while her genial disposition and her attractive social qualities drew a large circle of friends around her. In 1899 she was called to her rest, leaving a bereaved household to mourn her loss. Time assuages grief, and the remembrance of a beautiful life and its influence in the home and the social circle has brought comfort and cheer amid the changes that have followed.

Mr. Bailey still prefers the quiet home life with a married daughter, who generously opened her doors to receive him. His other children have established themselves in homes far away.

In politics, he is an independent republican, in local affairs, usually voting for the candidates who, in his judgment, will give the community the best service. He believes in the church as the greatest institution among men for the moral uplift of society, and in the Young Men's Christian Association as its efficient ally. He is a member of Plymouth Congregational church, a supporter of the Anti-Saloon League and in sympathy with all organizations that exist for the promotion of human welfare.

HUBERT REYNOLDS.

Public progress and activity in Greeley receive great stimulus through the enter- prise of Hubert Reynolds, who occupies the position of postmaster but has also been instrumental in promoting a number of public enterprises which have turned out to be of great value to his community. He was representative of his district in the upper house of the legislature and has ever been helpful in the projects of the Commercial Club of Greeley, of which he was one of the founders.

Hubert Reynolds was born May 10, 1860, at South Amherst, Lorain county, Ohio, a son of Lord Nelson and Jane Reynolds, the former horn July 15, 1821, in Elizabeth township, Essex county, New York, and the latter a native of Utica, New York. The father died at Las Animas, Colorado, February 17, 1892, while on a visit to this state. The mother, whose maiden name was Jane Abel, passed away in Monroe, Michigan, September 19, 1877. Their marriage was solemnized at Henrietta, Lorain county, Ohio, Fehruary 28, 1845. L. N. Reynolds was extensively engaged in the manufacture of wagons and carriages, employing many men, and his business extended into several western states. He was very successful in this line and was at the head of a repre- sentative commercial enterprise of his vicinity. In 1869 he closed out his business in Ohio, and with his family removed to Monroe, Michigan, buying property in that city and also obtaining title to farms in the vicinity. He was endowed with musical tastes and prominent in musical circles, deeply interested in church and Sunday school work, and in every way recognized as a man of stalwart character who could be depended upon in all of his dealings.

Hubert Reynolds attended school in Monroe, Michigan, the family having removed thither when our subject was but nine years of age. On account of poor health he was, however, obliged to give up school work one year before graduation. His delicate health caused him to come to Colorado, January 10, 1878, finding employment with a brother-in-law, Burrell D. Smith, a prominent stock raiser, thirty-five miles east of Pueblo, who was located upon what is now known as the old Smith ranch, just across the Arkansas river from Fowler. On this ranch Mr. Reynolds continued for five years as a cowboy, having charge of the outfit during the last three years of that period. Mr. Smith having sold his ranch and cattle in the fall of 1882, Mr. Reynolds proceeded to Leadville during the following spring, remaining there for a short time, but finding the kind of life led in a mining camp not to his liking, he returned to Las Animas,

HUBERT REYNOLDS

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securing a position in the drug store of William E. Culver. He remained in that posi- tion until September, 1886, when he went to Chicago and entered the department of pharmacy of Northwestern University, graduating from that institution in the spring of 1888 with the degree of Ph. G. Returning to Las Animas, he resumed his position in the Culver drug store and proved up on one hundred and sixty acres of land under the Fort Lyon canal and also purchased property in the town. Later he bought a half interest in the book and stationery department of the store. In 1891 he married Minnie A. Culver, the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Culver. At the time of the wedding, which took place at two p. m., Judge Gunter, now Governor Gunter, was holding court, he then being district judge of the district, and he adjourned court for two hours in order that their many friends could attend the wedding, an incident that both have always remembered with much satisfaction.

In March, 1893, Mr. Reynolds came to Greeley and opened a drug store, with new fixtures and a new stock, under the name of H. Reynolds & Company, Mr. Culver being interested in the new firm. This business grew and later Mr. Reynolds established or became interested in other drug stores, notably the C. D. Smith Drug Company, of Grand Junction, Mr. Smith being a nephew of Mr. Reynolds. In time Mr. Reynolds sold his interests, including stores at Las Animas and Windsor. In 1910 he sold his store in Greeley to C. W. Gilbert, thereby closing out all his interests in the drug busi- ness. In the fall of that year, at the solicitation of many friends, he was placed on the democratic ticket as a candidate for county assessor, realizing that his chance of election was very slight, and so it proved to be. During the next year and a half he spent his time in Greeley, Grand Junction and at Las Animas, where he owned a ranch, on which he worked at times.

In the spring of 1913 Mr. Reynolds was invited to attend a meeting of prominent democrats who were desirous of reorganizing the party and who believed there was a chance to elect at least a few democrats at the fall election. He was asked to take the county chairmanship, but not having had experience in politics he objected, feeling that he was not equal to the task of organizing a party that had not elected a candi- date (or but very few) in twenty years. However, they insisted, there being some forty democrats present, and he finally said he would do his best. Offices were opened May 15th and a vigorous campaign carried on during the summer and fall. All pre- cincts were visited several times and considerable enthusiasm worked up. Democrats who had been asleep for years, as far as party loyalty was concerned, awoke to the need of a change in the administration of affairs in the county. Speakers from abroad were obtained, such as Thomas H. Marshall, Champ Clark, Senators Thomas and Shafroth, Edward T. Taylor, and many others of national fame, who spoke to overflowing meet- ings. The day before the county convention was called to nominate a ticket it was impossible to get candidates to fill all positions on the ticket, the office of state senator being the most important one. Mr. Reynolds was called upon by several gentlemen, who requested that he make the race for that office. He refused, stating that he had had no experience as a legislator and was not familiar with the duties which they are called upon to perform. They insisted, stating it would never do to place a ticket in the field and not have a candidate for senator. After several hours of talk Mr. Reynolds finally said that he would run, providing a candidate could not be obtained up to the time of calling the convention together. No candidate was found, and when his name was presented he was nominated by a rising vote, there being no opposition. He con- tinued his efforts to elect the ticket but made practically no effort for himself. The result was that the entire county ticket, with three exceptions, was elected, and all of the judicial and legislative ticket was elected by splendid majorities, Mr. Reynolds having a majority of nearly nine hundred votes. He served one session of the nineteenth general assembly, resigning during the summer, having received the appointment as postmaster and commencing his duties September 1, 1913. On the 24th of January, 1918, he was reappointed.

On the 10th of September, 1889, at Las Animas, Mr. Reynolds was married to Miss Minnie A. Culver, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Culver. She died at Greeley, Colo- rado, May 23, 1901. To this union were born the following children, Burrell Culver; Nelson Elmer, Burton Ralph and Frances M. Mrs. Reynolds came of Colorado pioneer stock. Her father, W. E. Culver, was one of the earliest settlers of Bent county and the first county assessor. He assisted in organizing Las Animas and was the first mayor of the city, and that his services were satisfactory is evident from the fact that he was elected for several terms. During the Harrison administration he was postmaster of Las Animas and was reappointed by President Mckinley. On June 8, 1903, Mr. Rey- nolds was again married, this union being with Miss Mary M. Jones, of Denver. She

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comes of an old and distinguished Maryland family, her father having been a lawyer by profession. He was a conspicuous figure in the early affairs of Bent and Pueblo counties. His wife, Eliza Y. Jones, is a daughter of Colonel A. B Boone and a direct descendant of Daniel Boone. Both Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds are popular in the social circles of the city and the hospitality of their home is often partaken of by their many friends.

Mr. Reynolds is not a member of any church but is interested in moral and intel- lectual development and with his wife and family attends the Congregational church. Fraternally he is prominent as a Mason, having been received into the order at Las Animas, Colorado, in 1890. He is a member of King Solomon Lodge, No. 30, A. F. & A. M., of Las Animas, of which he was secretary for two years, but upon removing to Greeley demitted from that lodge and joined Occidental Lodge, No. 20, of Greeley. He is also a member of the Elks' Club. He was one of the organizers of the Greeley Commercial Club and had the honor and distinction of serving as the first president of this pro- gressive organization, which has done so much toward extending the trade interests of Greeley and bringing about other valuable improvements in the city. His club rela- tions are with the Greeley Commercial Club and the Greeley Club, of the latter of which organizations he served as a director for one year. Mr. Reynolds is a stock- holder and director in the Antero & Lost Park Reservoir Company. In 1891 he served for one term as city alderman of Las Animas and in 1914 was elected from Greeley to represent his district in the state senate. He painstakingly took care of the interests of his constituents and made his influence felt not only in committee rooms but addressed the house from the floor when occasion demanded. While yet a hoy Mr. Reynolds had a short military experience, serving in a company of cadets which consisted of about seventy members. He was then about fifteen years of age, continuing in that organ- ization for two years and having attained the rank of second lieutenant when the com- pany was disbanded. For forty years Mr. Reynolds has been a resident of Colorado and he has become a thoroughly western man, progressive and enterprising. Coming to Colorado as a cow puncher, he was subsequently for years successful in the drug business and along other lines and he now serves efficiently as postmaster and has come in contact with the various phases of development in his state, having not only been a witness thereof, but having by his own labors contributed to the state's progress. His honorable purpose and his manly qualities have ever been recognized by his friends and his standing in his community is an enviable one.

FREDERICK EUGENE CARROLL.

Frederick Eugene Carroll, state commissioner of mines, with offices at Denver, was born in Hiawassee, Georgia, May 22, 1874, a son of Samuel Stephens Carroll, who was likewise a native of Georgia and a descendant of one of the old families of North Carolina and Virginia of Scotch-Irish origin. The family ancestry is traced back to Charles Car- roll, who figured prominently in Revolutionary war times. Samuel S. Carroll became a pioneer settler of Colorado, arriving in this state in 1879, at which time he took up his abode in Rosita, Custer county. There be joined his brother, Charles Nathan Carroll, who was one of the earliest pioneers there and who settled in Colorado in 1869, at which time he turned his attention to stock raising. Samuel S. Carroll also entered the live stock business in Colorado and, prospering as the years passed by, became one of the foremost representatives of the live stock industry in the state. He conducted his in- terests as a member of the firm of Carroll Brothers and was thus engaged to within a few years of his death. He also had large mining interests and his operations in every field in which he directed his labors brought to him a substantial measure of success. His political allegiance was given to the democratic party and while still a resident of Georgia he served as sheriff of Towns county. He was also a candidate for the office of county commissioner in Mesa county, Colorado, in 1901 and he was very active in political and civic matters in the state. He contributed in substantial measure to the early development and later progress of county and commonwealth and his aid and in- fluence were always given on the side of advancement and improvement. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Julia Brown, was a native of Georgia and represented a family of Holland Dutch ancestry, the progenitors of the family in this country having taken up their abode among the early settlers of Pennsylvania. She passed away in Custer county, Colorado, in 1885, while the death of Samuel S. Carroll occurred in Kis- simmee, Florida, December 12, 1914, when he was sixty-seven years of age. In their family were five children, three of whom are living: Frederick E., of this review; Frank,

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who is officially connected with the Ingersoll-Rand Drill Company of New York city; and Mae M., the wife of John H. Fry, of the firm of Pershing, Nye, Fry & Talmadge of Denver.

Frederick E. Carroll was educated in the schools of Custer and Mesa counties of Colo- rado and pursued a preparatory course at Boulder, while after completing his freshman year in college he took a course in special work in metallurgy and chemistry in the Uni- versity of Colorado. He then became associated with his father in the live stock busi- ness and so continued until 1902, when he became connected with F. L. Siegel in mining operations and in the raising and handling of live stock. He has been very active along those lines and is still prominently connected with live stock interests of the state. In 1903 he took the management of the Atlas Mining & Milling Company and continued to act in that capacity until 1915, while he is still one of the directors and stockholders of the company. In May, 1915, he was appointed to his present office by Governor Carl- son, an appointment that was confirmed by the senate, so that he became state commis- sioner of mines, in which capacity he has since served in a most acceptable manner, his appointment to cover a term of four years. He is also secretary of the Colorado section of the American Institute of Mining Engineers and he is a director of the mining bureau of the Civic and Commercial Association of Denver, also a director of the Citizens State Bank at Ouray, Colorado, and holds a position on the directorate of several local corporations. Mr. Carroll has also been called upon to render valuable service, through national appointment which he now holds, as an associate member of the war minerals committee. He was also appointed by the secretary of the interior, in 1917, assistant explosives inspector in the Federal Bureau of Mines. In September, 1918, he received appointment as one of the three advisors for the state of Colorado, under the man power commission. His business investments have ever been judiciously made and his judg- ment in regard to business policies is sound, his progressiveness being tempered by a safe conservatism that produces most desirable results.

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History of Colorado; Volume II, Part 115

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