History of Colorado; Volume II, Part 125

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

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in which Mr. Mechling is conducting his business was in those days the one in which the state legislature held its regular sessions. Since returning to Denver in 1887 Mr. Mechling has here continuously remained. His association with Mr. Fleming was main- tained until 1900, when the latter withdrew and Mr. Mechling has since been sole pro- prietor. He is today one of the oldest druggists of the city in years of continuous con- nection with the trade and he has ever maintained a foremost position in commercial circles, honored by reason of the progressiveness and the integrity of his methods.

On the 2d of June, 1897, in Denver, Mr. Mechling was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Burlingame, a daughter of E. Burlingame, one of the pioneer assayers of Central City. Her mother, Mrs. Alice (Buckman) Burlingame, is still living and makes her home in Denver. To. Mr. and Mrs. Mechling have been born two children: Eugene B. Mechling, who is a pursuit pilot in the Aviation Corps in the United States service, with the rank of lieutenant; and Alice Mechling, who is at home with her parents. Both children were born in Denver.

Mr. Mechling finds diversion in the hunting of big game and in motoring and is a lover of outdoor sports and life. He started in the business world without financial assistance, came to the west equipped only with educational training for life's practical and responsible duties and has since depended entirely upon his own resources, advancing step by step as the result of close application, merit and ability. While a successful business man, he is more than that hecause of his broad interest in science and in public affairs. Mr. Mechling gives his political allegiance to the republican party and his religious faith is that of the Christian Science church. His fraternal connection is with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and he is also a member of the Denver Civic and Commercial Association.

LOUIS A. SIENER.

Louis A. Siener, president and founder of the Royal Commercial Insurance and Investment Company of Denver, is well known in financial and investment circles of that city. He was born in Rhine-Bavaria, May 15, 1876, a son of Louis and Apollonia (Pioth) Siener. The father was a descendant of a prominent French family and his father par- ticipated in the Napoleonic wars as an officer, serving under Napoleon at the time Bavaria submitted to him and when the first Bavarian king ascended the throne. The grandfather of Mr. Siener of this review decided to remain in that part of Europe and there estah- lished his home and reared his family, which included the father of Mr. Siener, who mar- ried a lady of German birth. They continued to reside in Rhine-Bavaria until death. Louis Siener studied the decorator's art and in that connection became noted throughout Europe, winning well earned fame as a designer and decorator. He died in his native land in 1893 and his widow, surviving him for many years, there passed away in 1915. They became the parents of five children, one of whom died in infancy, the others being Charles Otto, Margaret, Louis A. and Anna.

In his youthful days Louis A. Siener attended the public schools of his native country and thereafter rendered compulsory military service. He then took up the study of com- mercial law, banking and insurance, after which he accepted a responsible position with the Rhine-Bavaria Bank, wherein was laid the foundation of his practical knowledge of banking. His work took him to various branches of this institution in Belgium, Holland and northern France, as well as brought him into acquaintance with the New York Life Insurance Company, whose dealings with the Rhine-Bavaria Bank were extensive. In 1905 he came to America and accepted a position in the clerical department of the home office of the New York Life Insurance Company. Subsequently he went to Fremont, Ohio, where he represented that company for a time. In the course of his work he was sent to Denver, Colorado, in the spring of 1907, and greatly enjoying his sojourn in the west, he decided to remain. He continued actively and successfully in insurance work in this state and, steadily advancing along that line, is today president of the Royal Commercial Insurance and Investment Company, which he organized in 1916. In the meantime he organized the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Limon, Colorado, and remained a member of its hoard of directors until he disposed of his interests therein in March, 1918. He is a man of keen discernment in relation to financial and business affairs and has gained an enviable position in those circles not only in Denver but wherever he is known.

On the 26th of October, 1910, Mr. Siener was united in marriage in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Miss Rosa B. Strobel, a daughter of Melchior Michael Strobel, a represent- ative of one of the pioneer families of Denver, Colorado. Mr. and Mrs. Siener have

LOUIS A. SIENER

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become parents of three children: Francis Louis, who was born in Denver, July 21, 1911 ;. George Edward, born February 7, 1913; and Margareta Elizabeth, born April 30, 1915.

Mr. Siener is well known in Denver, where he has become firmly established as a representative of important business and financial interests. Wisely utilizing his time, his talents and his opportunities, he has won a most gratifying measure of success. He has excellent powers of organization, combined with executive force and keen discrim- ination, and what he has accomplished should serve to inspire and encourage others, show- ing what may be done when there is a determined will, coupled with indefatigable indus- try. He is a man of domestic tastes, interested most deeply in the welfare and comfort of his family and finding his recreation in the care and beautifying of his very comfortable home at No. 3860 Federal boulevard in Denver.

FRED B. CHAMBERLIN.

Fred B. Chamberlin, vice president and general manager of the Maxwell-Chamber- lin Motor Company, was born in Custer county, Colorado, September 10, 1882. a son of Frank D. and Gertrude (McFadden) Chamberlin, both of whom were natives of Pennsyl- vania. It was in the year 1880 that they removed westward to Colorado, settling in Custer county, where the father engaged in ranching and cattle raising for three years. He then took up the occupation of mining in Custer county and later became connected with the Geyser mine. While thus engaged he met with an accidental death in 1893, when he was about thirty-four years of age. His widow still survives and now makes her home in Denver. They had but two children, the daughter being Mrs. Mabel Parker, now deceased.

The elder was Fred B. Chamberlin, whose name introduces this review. He attended the public schools of Custer county, and returning to Pennsylvania. he also spent three years as a student in the schools of that state. In 1896 he again became a resident of Colorado and at this time established his home in Denver, where he completed his public school course. He then took up mechanical lines, working at the machinist's trade, and later he pursued a course in mechanical drawing and in electricity. He then entered the automobile business. with which he has been identified since 1904. He was con- nected with the Felker Auto Company until 1912, when he established the Maxwell- Chamberlin Motor Company and through the intervening period has developed the busi- ness to large and extensive proportions. It was incorporated in 1912 with Mr. Chamberlin as vice president and manager, while G. A. Maxwell is the president and treasurer and Edwin J. Wittelshofer is the secretary. Since 1912 the company has been state distributor of the well known Peerless car.

On the 7th of November, 1904, Mr. Chamberlin was united in marriage to Miss Magdalene Weber, of Denver, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Weber. They have one child, Ethel, who was born in Denver, February 20, 1910, and is attending the Corona school.

Mr. Chamberlin belongs to the Denver Automobile Club, also to the Modern Woodmen of America and to the Royal League. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he is a stanch advocate of its principles, keeping at all times well informed on the leading questions and issues of the day, but he does not seek nor desire office as a reward for party fealty, preferring to concentrate his attention upon his business affairs, which are intelligently and systematically conducted. He is a well known repre- sentative of the automobile trade in Denver and the Maxwell-Chamberlin Motor Com- pany is today enjoying a liberal and well deserved success.

JAMES S. GILBERT.

James S. Gilbert, now living retired at Fowler, merely giving his attention to his invested interests. was formerly identified with the implement business and has lived a most busy and useful life, so that his present rest is well deserved. He was born at Newark, Ohio, on the 13th of January, 1837, and has therefore passed the eighty-first milestone on life's journey. His parents were Jolin and Massy (Nutter) Gilbert. The father was a cooper by trade and died when his son, James S., was a little lad of four and a half years, the latter being then reared by his grandparents.

James S. Gilbert pursued his education in the public schools to the age of seven- teen years, when his textbooks were put aside and he began learning the blacksmith's

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trade, which he followed for a number of years. He also carried on farming in the east. He was reared in Indiana from the age of five years, living with his grandparents, but in 1886 he left that section of the country and came to Colorado, making his way first to Lamar, where he continued for two years. He then removed to Fowler, building the first house in the town. He turned his attention to blacksmithing here and opened the first shop, which he conducted for a number of years. Later he turned his attention to the implement business, which he carried on successfully for a considerable period. enjoying a large, growing and profitable trade. At length, however, he sold his interests and is now giving his attention merely to the supervision of his investments, which return to him a gratifying annual income and enable him to live retired.

It was in 1860 that Mr. Gilbert was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Lee and they became the parents of nine children, namely: Lucy, David, Frank, Edward, Corim- mey, Elizabeth. Corinne, Fred and Louis. Mrs. Gilbert passed away about twenty-three years ago.

At the time of the Civil war Mr. Gilbert espoused the Union cause and joined the army as a member of Company C, Fifty-fourth Indiana Infantry. With the "boys in blue" he then went to the front and aided valiantly in defending the Stars and Stripes. He has always been as loyal to his country as when he followed the nation's starry banner on the battlefields of the south and throughout his entire career has been actuated by a public-spirited devotion to the general good. From his boyhood days he has been an advocate of republican principles and since attaining his majority has voted with that party. He was the first mayor of Fowler and filled the office for two terms, the town being incorporated while he was the incumbent in that position. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and his religious faith is that of the Methodist church. His life has ever been guided by high and honorable prin- ciples and in the evening of his days he can look back over the past without regret and forward to the future without fear. Those who know him, and he has a wide acquaintance, esteem him as a man of genuine personal worth whose life has ever been actuated by high principles and ideals and who in all life's relations has endeavored to follow the golden rule.

THOMAS E. MCINTYRE.

Thomas E. McIntyre, a member of the Denver bar now serving as assistant district attorney, was born in Eaton, Ohio. September 23, 1858, a son of John and Rosanna (Brannan) McIntyre, both of whom came to America from County Down, Ireland, in early life. The father crossed the Atlantic with his parents to New York city and was reared to manhood in the metropolis. Rosanna Brannan came alone to the new world and joined her brothers, who were in business at Eaton, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. McIntyre had been acquainted as children in Ireland and after the lady came to the new world the acquaintance was renewed and they were married in Ohio. John McIntyre learned the stonecutter's trade in early life and afterward became a contractor in stone con- struction work. He had the contract for building the foundations and piers of the present railroad bridge over the Ohio river at Covington, Kentucky, and he built many other large structures, becoming a man of prominence in his chosen field of labor. He died in New York city in 1866 and is still survived by his widow, who yet makes her home in Ohio. She is now past seventy-five years of age and is enjoying excellent health. In the family were four children, two of whom have passed away, while one son, John B. McIntyre, is an attorney of Marion, Indiana.

Thomas E. McIntyre of this review spent much of his youth at Montgomery, Ohio. In early life he developed a marked fondness for a gentleman of the name of John Stoner and prevailed upon his mother to permit him to go and reside with Mr. Stoner. The permission was granted and he became a member of that gentleman's family and in his household largely spent his boyhood and youth. He attended the public schools of Montgomery and Preble counties and during the summer months worked upon the farm. After completing his public school education he became a student in Antioch College at Yellow Springs, Ohio, defraying his expenses by doing odd jobs, including the making of the college fires. He devoted a year to a literary course there and in the following year took up the profession of teaching, thus earning the money that enabled him to pursue further studies at Antioch College. He afterward taught for another term and next became a student in the Central Normal College at Danville, Indiana, which he attended during the year 1880-1, graduating in the teachers' course. During the succeeding two years he gave his attention to teaching and by thus alternately

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working and studying he managed from his savings to pay his tuition and eventually complete a scientific and classical course in said college, graduating in 1886. Attracted by the opportunities of the west, he then went to Cloud county, Kansas, and secured a position to teach school at the remunerative salary of forty dollars per month. Sub- sequently he went to Ames City, Kansas, where he taught for three months at a salary of fifty dollars. While there he received a letter asking him to go to Gilpin county, Colorado, where he would receive a salary of one hundred dollars per month. This letter came on the recommendation of one of his former teachers in college. He accepted the offer and taught in Gilpin county for two terms. In 1889 he resigned his position to again enter the Danville College, where he pursued a law course and was graduated in 1890. Once more he made his way westward to Colorado with Denver as his destina- tion and entered the law office of W. W. Anderson, with whom he remained until 1892, when he became connected with the office of Sullivan & May, well known attorneys of this city, with whom he continued until 1894, when he entered into a partnership relation under the firm style of McIntyre & Bray. He then successfully conducted practice in that relation until 1901, when he was appointed deputy district attorney, continuing thus for four years. In 1904 he resumed the private practice of law, but in January, 1917, was again appointed assistant district attorney under Hon. William E. Foley, and is now most efficiently filling that position.

On the 7th of July, 1897, Mr. McIntyre was married in Denver to Miss Minnie O. Meehan and they have become parents of two children: Margaret, who was born in Denver in 1900 and is now pursuing the third year's work in Normal training in the high school; and Thomas, who was born in 1903 and is now a first year pupil in the high school.

Mr. McIntyre is an attendant of the Christian Science church and fraternally is identified with the Knights of Pythias. He is independent in his political views, pre- ferring to cast his ballot without regard to party ties. He belongs to the Denver Bar Association and he has made for himself a most creditable place as a representative of the legal fraternity. Steadily has he worked his way upward, being dependent upon his own resources from early life, and he is truly a self-made man. In his early years he studied by lamplight, often far into the night, in order to gain his education. Actu- ated by a laudable ambition, he has steadily progressed as the years have gone by and is today making a most excellent record in the office of assistant district attorney, his capability having led to his second appointment in this connection.

CHESTER BLUNT.

Chester Blunt is identified with many progressive features of farm life in Weld county, his home being on section 21, township 6, range 65, not far from Greeley. He was born in Bingham, Maine, March 4, 1859, and is a son of Dr. Nathan F. and Elizabeth W. (Leadbetter) Blunt. The father was a physician and was born in Bing- ham, Maine. His father, however, came from New Hampshire and settled in the Pine Tree state at an early day. Dr. Blunt prepared for the practice of medicine and at the time of the Civil war responded to the country's call for surgical aid and as a volunteer surgeon was connected with the army for four years. He died in Bingham, Maine, in 1872, honored and respected by all who knew him.

Chester Blunt came to Colorado in 1879, when a young man of twenty years. He had pursued his education in the public schools of his native state and was there graduated when a youth of nineteen. He afterward turned his attention to farming and with his removal to Colorado concentrated his efforts and attention upon agri- cultural pursuits. After a time he rented land, which he cultivated for three years, and during that period he carefully saved his earnings until the sum was sufficient to enable him to purchase property. He bought his present farm in the fall of 1882, securing eighty acres at that time. During the last few years he has made a specialty of feeding lambs. He has engaged in raising potatoes, beets and alfalfa and he annually gathers good crops, for which he finds a ready sale. He purchased his land from one of the old-time pioneer settlers and upon his farm erected the buildings which are now to be seen. He has been very much interested during the last few years in the raising of fancy chickens, has taken several prizes at the largest fairs in the state, and is one of the charter and life members of the Western Stock Show. In addition to the management of his farming interests in its varied lines he was president of the Lucerne Elevator & Mercantile Company, of which he was also a stockholder. This establishment, however, was sold in June, 1918, and he has now no further interest in

CHESTER BLUNT

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that company. He held the office of president for three years and he is interested in several other business concerns of importance in Greeley, being among others, a director in The Greeley Loan Company.

It was in November, 1882, in the year in which he purchased his farm, that Mr. Blunt was united in marriage to Miss Julia M. Hinkle, a daughter of George W. and Mary (Harrison) Hinkle. Her father was born in Tennessee and devoted his life to farming. He lived on the old family plantation in the south and while very strict he was nevertheless very good to his family. He remained in active business life until his last four years, when he lived retired. He met with an accident which rendered him very feeble during his last three years and he passed away October 17, 1917, at the age of eighty-two, his remains being interred in the cemetery at Fort Collins, Colorado. His wife was born near Woodstock, Virginia, and was a consistent Christian woman and a most devoted mother. Mr. Hinkle held membership in the Baptist church while his wife was a member of the Methodist church for many years, but in later life went with her children to the Presbyterian church. It was in 1873 that the family re- moved to Colorado, largely for the benefit of the health of the husband and father, after which he cultivated farms in the vicinity of Greeley for a number of years. Later he bought land at Fort Collins, becoming the owner of one hundred and sixty acres, and there he had splendid pastures, on which he had a large herd of good milch cows giving his attention in considerable measure to the manufacture of butter as well as to the sale of milk and cream. His wife died in 1906 at the age of sixty-eight years. The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Blunt are as follows: John D .; Elizabeth M., the wife of Lamot A. Harding; Josephine, who died at the age of thirty years; Mary, who became the wife of Alexander Chisholm, the latter dying in 1917; Emma, the wife of Frank L. Blunt; Charles; Annie Alice; Ella, the wife of Frank Heidelburg; Henry, who died at the age of twenty-three years; and Minnie, who died at the age of seven years. All of the children were buried at Fort Collins, as were their par- ents. Mrs. Blunt was born in Dandridge, Jefferson county, Tennessee, and there at- tended the public schools to the age of twelve years, when she accompanied her parents on their removal westward to Colorado. She then continued her studies in the high school at Greeley and also went to the Pleasant Valley school, completing her course when seventeen years of age.

To Mr. and Mrs. Blunt have been born the following named: Carrie Edna, born in Greeley, July 31, 1883; Eunice, born September 15, 1884; and Lephe M., born June 18, 1887. All were born upon the home farm, attended high school and also the Teachers' College. The second daughter is engaged in the millinery business in Eaton and the youngest daughter is at home with her parents, while the eldest daughter was married March 10, 1913, to Benjamin C. Reinks, of Greeley.

Mrs. Blunt has been a member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Association for thirty years and is much interested in Red Cross work. In fact, the family are identified with all movements which constitute features in the development and progress of the district in which they live or which tend to promote the welfare of common- wealth and country.

HENRY JOHNSON HERSEY.

Advancing steadily in the ranks of the legal profession, Henry Johnson Hersey is now classed as one of the eminent lawyers of Denver, his name appearing in connection with much important litigation that has been heard in district, state and federal courts. He was born in Sandwich, Massachusetts, February 18, 1863, his parents being Joseph Odell Bogart and Mary Knowles (Dyer) Hersey. He was graduated from Boston Uni- versity with the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1884 and won the LL. B. degree cum laude in 1886. Attracted to the west with its broad opportunities, Mr. Hersey entered upon practice in Denver in the year of his graduation, and while advancement at the bar is proverbially slow, he was not long in winning favorable attention that resulted in gain- ing a large clientage which has steadily increased with the passing years. He was general counsel of the Denver, Lakewood & Golden Railroad Company from 1890 until 1892. He has not only taken active part in conducting important litigation before the court or acting as counselor to leading corporations, but has also left the impress of his indi- viduality in large measure upon questions and events of public importance. He compiled the charter and ordinances of the city of Denver in 1898 and he was again in a notable position when in 1903 and 1904 he represented the state of Colorado in the labor trouble cases, notably the Moyer habeas corpus case. He was retained as leading counsel for

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Governor Peabody in the gubernatorial contest before the Colorado legislature in 1905, his opponent being Alva Adams. He has largely specialized in corporation law and has been retained as the legal representative for many of the most prominent corporations of Denver.

On the 15th of June, 1886, Mr. Hersey was united in marriage to Miss Annie Louise Budlong, of Providence, Rhode Island, and with his bride he came to the west, where they have since made their home, for many years occupying an enviable position in the social circles of the city. They are of the Episcopalian faith and have been interested in many active efforts for moral progress in the community.

In politics Mr. Hersey is a republican. In 1903 he was made deputy attorney general of Colorado and occupied that position for two years. He has been judge advocate, head of the judge advocate general's department of the Colorado National Guard, with the rank of major, being commissioned on the 16th of August, 1915.

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History of Colorado; Volume II, Part 125

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