History of Colorado; Volume II, Part 129

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

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LeRoy S. Carpenter took up the occupation of farming as a life work and for a long period was identified with agricultural interests in Cedar county, Iowa, to which district he removed in 1849. He carried on the work of the fields there for many years and on the 12th of April, 1871, arrived in Weld county, Colorado, where he pre- empted his present farm. This he improved and as the years have passed on he has continued its further development and cultivation until it is now a valuable and pro- ductive property. He also homesteaded a farm which he afterward sold. He has been very successful and has long been accounted one of the representative agriculturists of his section of the state. He had four brothers who were soldiers in the Civil war. His younger brother, Silas, is now living with him and has reached the age of sixty- nine years, his birth having occurred in Richland county, Ohio, May 29, 1849. The brothers farmed together in Cedar county, Iowa, for twenty-two years and came together to Colorado, since which time they have held many of their business interests in common.

NANCY (SCOTT) CARPENTER

DANIEL CARPENTER

Carpenter!

MARTHA A, CARPENTER

LE ROY S. CARPENTER

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LeRoy S. Carpenter was married to Martha A. Bennett, who was born in Browns- ville, Pennsylvania, April 19, 1854. To this union were born three sons: Alfred B., a farmer residing near Platteville; Delph E., of Greeley, who is one of the prominent and influential residents of this section of the state; and Fred G., of whom more extended mention is made on another page of this work.

LeRoy S. Carpenter is a Methodist in religious faith, while his political allegiance is given to the republican party and he is a member of the Home Forum. He has made valuable contribution to the general upbuilding of the state and particularly of the section in which he resides, and he and his wife are highly honored by all who know them. Under their eyes and with their practical aid a vast area of wild and un- cultivated land has been developed into a prosperous and flourishing commonwealth, and their invaluable assistance in this work is recognized and appreciated.

JAMES HESSELL.

James Hessell, secretary of The Farmers Mortgage and Loan Company and a promi- nent real estate dealer of Denver, was born in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada, April 27, 1880, a son of Amos and Hannah (Boothby) Hessell, both of whom were natives of England. They came to the new world in early life, taking up their abode in Canada, where the father engaged in the meat business, conducting a market at Cornwall for many years until the death of his wife in the spring of 1884, whom he survived only four years. In their family were eleven children, of whom James Hessell of this review is the youngest. He attended the public schools of Canada and at the age of thirteen years started out to provide for his own support, becoming identified with mercantile interests. He con- tinued in that field of labor in Canada and northern New York for six years and in 1899 came to Denver, Colorado, where for a time he was employed in various lines of business. He finally entered the real estate field on his own account and through his operations in that connection became very successful, handling farm lands and suburban and city property from 1906 until 1917. In the latter year he organized the Diamond Oil Com- pany, with leases in the Big Muddy, Lost Soldier and Wheatland oil fields of Wyoming. Of this company Mr. Hessell is secretary, manager and general sales agent. They are now doing active work in their fields with every indication of substantial success. They are in the midst of one of the best oil districts of Wyoming and expert knowledge of the oil region indicates that their wells will prove most productive. Mr. Hessell gives much of his time to his duties as secretary of The Farmers Mortgage and Loan Company of Denver, in the direction of which he takes a vital part.

Mr. Hessell was united in marriage in Canon City, Colorado, on the 20th of May, 1908, to Miss May Terry, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James W. Terry of that place, who were Colorado pioneers. To Mr. and Mrs. Hessell has been born one child, Marion W., whose birth occurred in Denver, September 2, 1915. Mr. Hessell has membership with the Masons and in his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft. He has made steady progress since he started out in the business world and his enterprise and pro- gressiveness are features in his growing success.

RALPH HARTZELL.

Ralph Hartzell, of high professional standing in the practice of law in Denver, was born in Canton, Ohio, October 21, 1874. his parents being Josiah and Mary K. Hartzell. The family has been represented in America through many generations. The progenitor of the family in the new world was Frederick Herzel, a Bavarian by birth, who landed at Philadelphia in 1732. Thus for one hundred and eighty-six years the family has been represented in the United States.

Ralph Hartzell in preparation for his career at the bar became a student in the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he won his LL. B. degree upon gradua- tion with the class of 1894. He has been a representative of the Denver bar since 1895, and steady progress has brought him to a place in the front ranks of the legal profession in this city. He served as special assistant United States attorney from 1906 until 1912 and since that date has concentrated his efforts and attention upon the private practice of law, his clientage continually growing in volume and importance. The only interrup- tion to his professional activity came at the time of the Spanish-American war, when

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in 1898 he enlisted for active service and served with the rank of major on the general staff.

On the 30th of December, 1902, in Canton, Ohio, Mr. Hartzell was married to Miss Mary Barber, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marshall C. Barber and a niece of Mrs. William McKinley. Their children are Helen, Mary and James Saxton, all yet at home. In his political views Mr. Hartzell has always been a stalwart republican and a close student of the vital problems and issues of the day but never an aspirant for office outside the strict path of his profession. He belongs to the University Club of Denver and to the Denver Country Club and also the University Club of Washington, D. C. He has a mind naturally analytical, logical and inductive. He possesses, moreover, a dynamic force that never stops short of the successful accomplishment of his purpose. He possesses, too, that indefatigable energy which is just as essential in the practice of law as in industrial or commercial pursuits, and the thoroughness with which he prepares his cases has constituted the foundation for his growing success. He gives to his clients the service of talent, unwearied industry and broad learning, yet he never forgets that there are certain things due to the court, to his own self-respect and above all to justice and a righteous administration of the law, which neither the zeal of an advocate nor the pleasure of success permits him to disregard.

CHARLES MARBLE KITTREDGE.

Well esteemed by some, cordially disliked by a few and tolerated with indifference by the many; of such is the average citizen and as such is the subject of this sketch well content to remain.

Decently descended on one side from John Kittredge, 1664 Massachusetts colonist, and on the other from Charles Marble, also Massachusetts stock; Puritan blood, so-called, a present day analysis would reveal some English, a sprinkling of Irish and more Scotch -a combination as good as any in the all-American melting pot.

Born June 6, 1857, at Painesville, Ohio, his father was Cornelius Van Ness Kittredge; his mother, Mercy Elizabeth Marble Kittredge, both parents of sturdy Vermont birth and breeding. The elder Kittredge was a prominent bridge engineer and builder when all-iron bridges were in their infancy; his last and greatest accomplishment was the construction of the cantilever bridge at Niagara Falls; a pioneer in the early western railroad construction period, building many of the large bridges on western trunk lines. During the Civil war the family lived in Madison, Wisconsin. In 1866 it moved to Malden, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston, where the boy and his two sisters attended school, the former taking the college course; his ripe intelligence of seventeen years vetoed the college career as mapped out by his less astute parents, the boy electing to squander a few years of valuable time in becoming an indifferent printer.

June 17, 1879, on the anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, the boy packed his grip and left home, going first to northern Vermont in the office of a large woolen mill, and the next year, as construction agent for the Kellogg Bridge Company, of Buffalo, New York, he was stationed at Fulton, Arkansas, on the erection of a railroad bridge and draw over the Red river; this work completed, in the fall of 1880 he became identified, as stockholder and traveling salesman, with the first grape sugar (glucose) works to be constructed west of the Missouri river, at Leavenworth, Kansas. The glucose trust finally absorbed this plant, as it did most of the others in the east, and the young man was thereupon out of a job. Learning that a local bank needed an experienced bookkeeper and being possessed of an absolutely unbiased mind as to the whys and wherefores of bookkeeping, he promptly applied for and secured the place; thanks to the goodwill of his associates in the bank, he finally "made good" and later, in 1882. secured another and more lucrative bank job with the State Savings Bank, in St. Joseph, Missouri, where he remained until 1883, when he was married to Sarah A. Bowman, of Chicago. In 1884 he organized the Bank of Wabaunsee County, in Alma, Kansas, selling out in 1885 and removing to Denver, where he and R. H. McMann opened a private bank on Lawrence street, between Sixteenth and Seventeenth streets. The firm of McMann & Kittredge was dissolved in 1888. Mr. Kittredge opening his own bank at Fifteenth and Lawrence streets and Mr. McMann remaining at the old stand. The post office at that time was located on Fifteenth, near the corner of Lawrence.

In this location and business Mr. Kittredge was unusually successful and fortunate in his investments. During a visit from his father in 1889, both men bought the four- lot corner at Sixteenth and Glenarm streets and started the erection of what later became known as the Kittredge building. This was a disastrous undertaking, the property heing

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at the time several blocks removed from the business center and the improvement much too expensive in construction for the locality and needs of the city. It becoming necessary for father and son to borrow rather heavily during this construction period and the panic of 1893 ensuing, a local banker started foreclosure proceedings. In those days there were no redemption privileges and the day before the sale was scheduled to take place Mr. Kittredge went to the banker and tendered his warranty deed, his father's half interest having been placed in his hands in the meantime. This was accepted and the deed was made and delivered in exchange for the canceled notes of father and son, the latter walking out of the bank penniless and in debt. Thus, two modest but com- fortable fortunes were wiped out, an old man of sterling character and uprightness hastened to his grave and a younger one jolted sufficiently to last him as needed castiga- tion for a lifetime. In the midst of these business reverses heart disease carried off the wife of C. M. Kittredge, leaving two children, Claire (now Mrs. George E. Collisson), and Charles M., Jr.

Prior to the happenings enumerated in the last paragraph, Mr. Kittredge had done considerable residence building throughout the city-notably, the large stone home, after- ward known as the Hughes Castle in Montclair, the old stone residence at Colfax and Gaylord, both occupied as homes by the family; also, many smaller and less pretentious buildings in different sections of the city.

Since 1893 Mr. Kittredge has been somewhat identified with mining, with the laying- out and disposal of several Denver additions and subdivisions and the building and sale of residences. Marking time with the whitening years, he has been constantly alert in searching for the silver lining behind the troublous clouds of life, growing old with Denver as gracefully as Denver will permit. Otherwise he is glad to be alive and a republican.

In 1900 he married Anna F. Myrback; they have two children, Alma Cornelia and Cornelius Van Ness.

CHARLES J. MUNZ.

Charles J. Munz, an able Denver lawyer, is equally well known on the lecture platform, but his most important work as regards the public is to be found in the wonderful improvements which he has brought about as president of the South Denver Improvement Association. At all times the interests of the common people are nearest his heart and he has done much in shaping progress at the south side of the city to ensure the happiness of his fellow residents there. He is truly a man of vision, yet not a visionary, for many of his public projects have come to tangible realization. He may be said to be the most potent factor in guiding the destiny of the south side, his absorbing passion being to make this part of the city a beautiful, clean and sanitary community. He is a diligent student of municipal needs and his efforts have led to fruitful results.

Charles J. Munz was born in Hawkinsville, New York, January 11, 1872, a son of Mathias A. and Mary A. (Good) Munz. The father was a native of Germany but came to the United States in 1854 and figured for many years as a leading hotel proprietor of Hawkinsville, New York. He passed away when his son Charles was a youth of nineteen years. His wife was born in Deerfield, New York, and by her marriage became the mother of seven children, five of whom are still living.

Charles J. Munz was a pupil in the public schools of the Empire state and later of Kansas, his father having removed with the family to the west in 1882, when the son was a lad of ten summers. After completing his public school course he continued his studies in the State Normal School of Kansas, at Emporia, for two years and then attended the University of Kansas. His preparation for the bar was made in the office and under the direction of John T. Bottom and in the law school of the University of Kansas. Thorough preliminary training well qualified him for active and successful practice. With his arrival in Denver in 1898 he continued his law studies until admitted to the bar on the 31st of July, 1899. He has always practiced alone, so that his progress is the direct result of individual effort, ability and merit. While he con- tinues in general practice, he has largely specialized in probate and real estate law and is thoroughly informed concerning those branches of jurisprudence, in which con- nection he has been accorded a large clientage. · However, it would give a onesided and partial view of Mr. Munz to speak of him merely as a capable lawyer, for he is in addition a well known lecturer, possessing marked oratorical power and ability. His public utterances are fine specimens of logic, clearly and forcefully presenting any

CHARLES J. MUNZ

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cause which he espouses. He has delivered many public addresses, prominent among which is his lecture on the life of Lincoln. Always a champion of the interests of the common people he has done much for them by presenting their cause before a general public and has brought about good results in their favor.

In 1898, Mr. Munz was united in marriage to Miss Agnes M. McConnell, of Lawrence, Kansas, a daughter of John L. McConnell. Their children are: Mary Agnes, nineteen years of age, who is a graduate of the South Side high school of the class of 1918; and Charles J., Jr., who will complete his high school course as a member of the class of 1919.

Mr. Munz belongs to Schiller Lodge, No. 41, A. F. & A. M., and is identified with the Denver Bar Association. On the 5th of February, 1917, at one of the largest meet- ings of the South Denver Improvement Association, Charles J. Munz was reelected president. He had filled this office for many terms when the association was first organized, but then the office was filled for a number of years by others. In 1915 Mr. Munz was prevailed upon to again accept the office and in 1917, as above stated, he was reelected and is now serving as president of the South Denver Improvement Association. That his reelection occurred without a dissenting voice is only slight testimony to his true worth. Through his efforts the south side has become one of the most desirable and attractive parts of Denver. In this connection the South Denver Tribune says: "The citizens of Denver may feel justly proud of our distinguished citizen. It is seldom that a professional man of the ability and prominence of Mr. Munz is willing to unselfishly give of his time and money to promote the welfare of the community without the hope of individual reward. These are truly his character- istics. It is with great pride we pay this slight tribute of respect and praise to one who has done so much."

Mr. Munz was one of the most ardent workers for the west and south sanitary sewer, realizing the importance of this project as one of the great works of the city. Before this time he was deeply interested in promoting the water and telephone sys- tems and the electric light project. In such improvements as grading, curbing and sidewalks he has always been interested and in that way has done much toward making a city beautiful of South Denver. He has been and is deeply interested in the street railway system, in ample libraries to satisfy the needs of all, the improvement of vacant lots and tree planting. He is equally concerned in practical improvements, such as the graveling and macadamizing of streets and the improvement of bridges, as well as just and equitably divided taxation in order to bring about the realization of such projects. Mr. Munz is indeed a man of high ideas and ideals and in his plans always figure utility, sanitation, comfort and beauty. As printed in the South Denver Tribune of February 9, 1917, we give a few excerpts from Mr. Munz's annual report, rendered at the meeting of the South Denver Improvement Association on February 5, 1917, at which, as above stated, he was again elected to the presidency of this beneficial organization. This report covers one year of Mr. Munz's presidency and in it he said in part: "One of the most valuable things that was done was the plowing of any number of vacant lots and sowing the same to wheat; obtaining the ornamental lighting system on Arizona avenue, east of the park; the planting of trees on Arizona avenue from Washington Park to University street and from that point south to the University buildings; the graveling of South Franklin street along the park, with the assurance that gravel will be placed upon Kentucky avenue and South Gaylord street to the end of the car line; the opening of a portion of Louisiana avenue, and the creation of an improvement district in connection therewith; the new track on South Gaylord and Kentucky avenue; the discussion of the more daylight proposition; the running of the Lawrence street car from where it formerly stopped to First and Broadway; the laying of the new six-inch water main from Louisiana avenue north on Gaylord to Kentucky and thence west to Vine street, thereby reenforcing the pressure of the entire system in our community; the extension of the light wires on South University street, together with the promise of extending the gas mains when desired; the removal of the remainder of the fence around Washington park; the discussion of a school bond issue by President Jones of the school board; a talk upon landscape architecture by Irving J. McCrary, and many other useful lectures and improvements too numerous to mention are a part of the work that has been accomplished by the association during the past year. However, much more work ought to be accomplished in order to give the south side that to which it is justly entitled. The driveway entering Washington park from Arizona avenue should be properly drained. * * * A lighting system for the park and for University street out to the university buildings should be provided. * * * A new high school is badly needed to accommodate the students of the south

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side. The old and dangerous bridge crossing Cherry creek at Logan street should be replaced with a proper concrete structure. *

* * The lily pond should be completed. * * * All of the above improvements that I have suggested can be obtained if prop- erly presented to the city authorities. However, they must be paid for by general and special taxation. Under the present administration, no doubt, we will receive no improve- ments of any kind or nature except those that the people pay for at so much per front foot, at extortionate taxation. It is almost impossible to discuss the welfare of a city without referring to transportation, communication, light and water. The Tramway Company has shown a great change towards the people under its new manager, Mr. Frederic W. Hild. The number of improvements that he has made for the benefit of the patrons of the company are too numerous to mention. However, we cannot refrain from calling attention to the fact that when it was made apparent to him that we needed a turnout at South Gaylord and Kentucky, it was but a short time before it was built. Likewise an increased service has been placed upon the Louisiana line during the rush hours, with the promise of better service on all lines if the people demand it. * * * However, the service could be much more improved if a loop were obtained at the depot. If some arrangement could be arrived at with the Union Depot Company whereby a loop could be formed on the depot grounds, it would be much better than any other disposition of this question; and in this connection I might say that if the city owned the Tram- way Company and the depot the loop would be there, or if the Tramway Company owned both the tramway system and the depot, it would certainly be there or vice versa. How- ever at the present time we are grinding between the two private interests and the people have to suffer from the avarice and greed of two great companies organized for profit other than use. I have but little to say about the telephone company. It is now oper- ating without a franchise and the service is at the minimum, with extortionate rates. This is an institution that will soon pass into the hands of the United States government and will be operated under the postal system, as it should be. I am thoroughly con- vinced that it will not be many years until all systems of communication will be owned and operated by the government. In speaking of the light question I can only reiterate what I have stated many times publicly. We are now paying the Denver Gas & Electric Light Company nine cents per kilowatt per hour for electricity that is being delivered at the door of Denver for less than seven-eights of one cent per kilowatt, thereby paying this octopus about eight cents for the distribution of electricity over our city. Is it not about time that the people of Denver, individually and collectively, awakened to their rights in this matter? * * * The water question will no doubt be settled agree-

ably to the terms, wishes and demands of the water company. While no doubt we will have to pay the price fixed approximately by Mr. Chinn in his appraisement at the last hearing of this question, it will be better for the citizens to pay the extortionate price, acquire the plant and serve the citizens as they should be served. *

* * Denver has now reached the stage of growth and development where all the utility corporations must be owned and operated in the interests of the citizens. * * * I do not presume it would be proper for me to close this report without referring to the school question. To a person who has been a student of school affairs in this city for the last fifteen years to look upon the actions of the school board is but to laugh. After a survey that cost the citizens of Denver several thousands of dollars, now the poor school board finds itself so hopelessly ignorant of the true situation in Denver as to the matter of building schools and other improvements that they come praying again for another school survey. Regardless of the fact that some of the members have been on the board for twelve or thirteen years, they tell us now that they do not know the wants nor understand the condition of the school situation, and that if it is necessary to build schools and make improvements they would be willing to vote a bond issue for that purpose, providing they are properly advised of the true situation. * *

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History of Colorado; Volume II, Part 129

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