USA > Colorado > History of Colorado; Volume II > Part 50
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from that point shipped to market. Forceful and resourceful, his efforts have extended still farther into business lines and he is now the president of the Western Hotel Com- pany, which operates and owns the Midwest Hotel of Casper, Wyoming. Whatever he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion. He is a man of keen sagacity, readily recognizing the value of opportunity and quickly eliminating from all business conditions their non-essential elements or incidental features. Using only those things which are most worth while, he builds upon a safe basis, looking beyond the exigencies of the moment to the opportunities of the future. He has that clear judgment which prevents unwarranted risks and failures and as the years have gone by he has placed himself in a most prominent position in business circles in Denver.
Mr. Klink has been married twice, his first union being with Miss Frederika Houser, who passed away in Cincinnati. For his second wife he chose Miss Augusta Wineng, a native of Kentucky, by whom he has three children. Frederick William, now twenty-two years of age, was educated in a military school in the east and is book- keeper of the Denver Packing & Provision Company. He is a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Denver Lodge, No. 5, A. F. & A. M., and is a popular young man of much promise of whom his parents have every reason to be proud. He has enlisted in the Quartermaster's Department and is now stationed at Camp Logan. Irma Sylvia is a student at the Wolcott School of Denver, an excellent institution for girls. Ralph Edmund, six years of age, is also attending school.
In Masonry Mr. Klink has attained high rank, being identified with Schiller Lodge, No. 41, A. F. & A. M .; Colorado Consistory, No. 1, S. P. R. S .; and El Jebel Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He is also connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is likewise a member of the Denver Athletic Club. The career of Mr. Klink is one which may well serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to those who know aught of his career. He started in the new world as practically a penniless emigrant. He has worked his way steadily upward to a notable point of success, with large interests under his control, and his business is of a character that contributes to the prosperity and progress of any community in which he operates. Moreover, he is a public-spirited man, highly esteemed by reason of his personal worth and honored by reason of his valuable contribution to matters of citizenship and civic betterment.
A. J. SIMONSON.
A. J. Simonson is carrying on a business of substantial and profitable proportions in connection with the realty interests of the city, but it is not ony as a business man that he is widely known. He is prominent and popular in sporting circles, but he holds para- mount to all these interests his duty to his country, and in this hour when the call is made for the tangible expression of American patriotism Mr. Simonson has not been found wanting. Indeed, he has done most effective work for his country as a member of the committee on all the three Liberty Loan drives, in the War Savings Stamp drives, in the drives for the Young Men's Christian Association and for the Red Cross. In fact, his committee work for the public and welfare of the country has been most effective, far-reaching and resultant. Mr. Simonson's total capital when he left home was a thor- oughbred colt given to him by his father. From that time to the present he has been the owner of fine horses, and as a sportsman is widely known. Another feature of his life deserves more than passing notice, and that concerns his charitable work, for he is extending a helping hand wherever aid is needed.
Michigan claims Mr. Simonson among her native sons. He was born in Birmingham, that state, December 14, 1863, his parents being Alvin D. and Margaret (Evans) Simonson, the former a native of New York, while the latter came to America at the age of nine years from her native land-the little rock-ribbed country of Wales, her parents settling with their family in Michigan. In early life Alvin D. Simonson left his native state and removed to Michigan, taking up his abode on a farm. He was a pioneer in that section of the state, in which the birth of his son occurred. He followed farming in the summer months and in the winter seasons engaged in teaching school, and he continued to reside upon the old homestead farm in Michigan for forty years, there passing away in 1897, when seventy-two years of age. His wife is also deceased. In their family were seven children, of whom one daughter has passed away. The others of the family are: Decalvis G., who is now living retired in Denver; John E., a prominent attorney of Denver, who was formerly city and county attorney of Bay county and of Bay City, Michigan; Mrs. Mary J. McManus, residing in Dallas, Texas; Dr. Albert G. Simonson, chief physician
A. J. SIMONSON
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and surgeon for the Calumet & Hecla Copper Company of Michigan, with thirty-four physicians under his direction; and William G. Simonson, an attorney of Denver.
The other member of the family is A. J. Simonson, who in his youthful days was a pupil in the public schools of Birmingham, Michigan, but after his fourteenth year worked upon his father's farm until he reached the age of sixteen, at which time he was made manager of the farm. When a young man of twenty-one years he was elected county assessor and township treasurer in his home county, and occupied those positions in a most acceptable manner for six years, when he decided to remove to the west. His father then presented him with a racing-bred colt. This colt was bred on the home farm, and when foaled looked so unpromising that his father gave it to the son, to do with as he liked. Young Simonson trained and developed it, and probably more through his skill than its breeding, the animal showed speed, and at four years old was given a mark of 2:28. In disposing of it for eleven hundred dollars and another horse, which he sold later for five hundred dollars, Mr. Simonson secured the capital that proved the founda- tion of his subsequent success. In 1888 Mr. Simonson went to Alliance, Nebraska, where he turned his attention to the lumber business. He prospered in the undertaking, and from time to time established new yards until he was the owner of three lumber-yards along the North Platte river in Nebraska, before the railroads were built. His business grew extensively, and in addition to conducting his chain of lumber-yards he also engaged in cattle raising and ranching. In Alliance he established a livery business and also became connected with general merchandising there, conducting a large store. His inter- ests were thus broad and of a most important character, and constituted a valuable element in the upbuilding and development of that section of the country. When there was anything to be done for the welfare of the community he was called upon to further the project, and never failed to respond, nor did he fail to do effective work in the line indi- cated. In addition to all of his other interests, public and private, he erected over one hundred houses and business blocks in Alliance. He was the head of the Business Men's Association, and also organized the County Fair Association, being its principal factor and its president for six years. During that time he built the race track and grandstand at the fair grounds, but in 1900 he disposed of all of his interests in Nebraska and came to Denver, seeking a new field of labor. Here he established himself in the real estate business,, specializing in farm, ranch and acreage property and in irrigation enterprises. He organized the Antero Land & Irrigation Company, of which he is the president, and which controls one of the biggest irrigation projects of Colorado, irrigating six hundred thousand acres of land near the city of Denver. Mr. Simonson was also one of the prime movers in the organization of and became the president of the Tolgate Land & Reservoir Company of Colorado. This company was organized for the purpose of bringing the water down from the mountains and storing it in reservoirs for irrigation purposes.
Mr. Simonson has likewise been identified with many organizations of a public and semi-public character. He was one of the founders of the Gentlemen's Riding and Driving Club, of which he is the president, and through his efforts and perseverance has made driving one of the most popular sports for ladies and gentlemen in the west. People from all over the world have been his guests at the meets, and Mr. Simonson is fast winning the records of the local harness horse track. He won the one mile pacing record with Tommy Gratton, with a record of 2:1014. The half mile pacing record was won by his horse, Hal C., who covered the track in 1:0212. Mr. Simonson is also the owner of a trotting mare, Paceta Belle. He is a member of the Colorado State Racing Commission, appointed by Governor Julius Gunter, and he has charge of all the fairs and racing associations in the state of Colorado. In 1916 he was president of the Denver Real Estate Exchange, and he is vice president of the Agricultural Bureau of Denver, a member and director of the Civic and Commercial Association, and chairman of the increased farm production committee. He is likewise vice president and member of the board of directors of the farm lands committee of the Merchants' Association of America, which is the only one of the kind in the world and covers the United States and Canada, Mr. Simonson having charge of its interests in Wyoming. Colorado and New Mexico. The political . allegiance of Mr. Simonson is republican. He always stands for principles and plans which he believes to be for the best interests of the community, and casts an independent hallot.
In January, 1888. Mr. Simonson was married to Miss Eva J. Crouch, of Birmingham, Michigan, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Crouch, the latter a descendant of Miles Standish. Mr. and Mrs. Simonson have become parents of two children, Lynn E., born in Alliance, Nebraska, in 1891, is now with the colors as a wireless operator in the radio service. He was graduated from the Manual Training school and Mrs. Roberts' school, and for three years was a well known business man of Denver, in connection with iron
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and wire work. Warren S. Simonson, horn in Alliance, Nebraska, in 1895, attended the schools of Denver, and for a year was a student in the Denver University and Agricultural College. He was engaged in ranching on an extensive scale at Torrington, Wyoming, raising cattle and horses, but is now in the army and is acting sergeant, stationed at Fort McArthur, Texas.
Mr. Simonson, in addition to his interests already mentioned, is operating four fine farms, one in Lincoln county, two in Arapahoe county, and a large irrigated farm of twenty-four hundred acres in Prowers county. He is engaged in raising fine horses and cattle upon his different farms, and pays especial attention to the breeding of thorough- bred stock. His life has indeed been a busy, active and useful one, and important and extensive as are his business affairs, he has found time since the entrance of America in the war to take a most active and helpful part in all the movements that tend to support the welfare and purposes of the government in its world policy.
MARSHALL MOORE.
Marshall Moore is a prominent factor in business circles of Fort Collins as manager of the Lowell Moore Hardware Company, conducting an extensive business at No. 111 North College avenue. He was born at Woodbine, Iowa, on the 2d of October, 1870, a son of William H. and Almira J. (Town) Moore, natives of Peru, Indiana, and Gales- burg, Illinois, respectively. In the acquirement of his education he attended the public schools of his native town and also pursued a course in the Woodbine Normal School. At the age of nineteen years he entered the employ of the J. A. Boies Hardware Company and in their service learned the hardware, plumbing and heating business, working for the firm until 1897, when he purchased an interest in the concern. Mr. Boies passed away in 1901 and in closing up his estate the business was sold. Mr. Moore then engaged exclusively in the plumbing and heating business at Woodbine, Iowa, until 1904, when he came to Fort Collins, Colorado, to take charge of the plumbing and heating department in the store of the J. A. Brown Hardware Company, remaining with the firm until its interests were sold to the Barkley, Bouton & Crain Company. He took some stock in the new concern and was elected its secretary, holding that position until President Roosevelt appointed him postmaster of Fort Collins in February, 1909. He ably discharged the duties of that office until President Wilson was elected and made a most creditable record for efficiency and fidelity. Subsequently he again turned his attention to the hardware business and is now manager of the Lowell Moore Hardware Company, in which connection they have built up an extensive and most gratifying trade, carrying an enormous stock of goods in this line. He is a man of excellent executive ability and sound judgment, and prosperity has attended his undertakings.
On the 9th of December, 1891, Mr. Moore was united in marriage to Miss Jennie A. Smith, by whom he has two children, Ethel M. and Gladys L. He is a republican in politics and a recognized leader in the local ranks of the party. Both as a business man and citizen his worth is widely acknowledged and he has long been numbered among the leading and influential residents of his community.
FRANK SCHERER.
Every avenue of business opportunity is open to the citizen of Denver. The countless commercial and manufacturing interests which are carried on here have combined with the large industrial pursuits to make this a great business center, and lying as Denver does in the midst of a mining district, there have sprung up many interests that have to do with the use of metals. Mr. Scherer is among those whose activities depend upon the development of the mines, for he is a sheet metal manufacturer, carrying on business at No. 1261 Curtis street. He was born in Denver, April 30, 1871, a son of the late Mathew Scherer, who was a native of Germany but came to America in 1869. He made his way direct to Denver, where he resided until the time of his death, which occurred when he was eighty-five years of age. He was a carpenter and huilder by trade and met with a fair measure of success, so that during the last twenty years of his life he lived retired, enjoying the fruits of his former toil. He built hundreds of Denver's pretty homes and contributed much to the development and improvement of the city. In early manhood he wedded Mary Aichelman, a native of Germany. who came to America with her husband and three daughters. She is a sister of Frank Aichelman, who was
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one of the pioneers of Denver of 1859. He became a farmer and during the first few years of his residence in Colorado also engaged in washing gold in Gilpin county. Mrs. Scherer passed away in Denver in 1906 at the age of seventy-six years. By her marriage she had become the mother of seven children, two sons and five daughters, all of whom are living and are yet residents of Denver with the exception of one who resides at Fort Collins, Colorado.
Frank Scherer was the fifth in order of birth in the family. He acquired a public school education in Denver and at the age of fourteen years started out to provide for his own support, serving an apprenticeship with the George Wright Manufacturing Company, under whose direction he learned the tinsmith's trade. He was employed as a journeyman at his trade for ten years, during which time he gained marked efficiency, skill and ability in his chosen line of work. In 1898 he embarked in business on his own account, starting in a small way, but with the passing years he has established and developed a large and satisfactory patronage and conducts one of the leading jobbing shops in his line in Denver.
On the 5th of June, 1902, Mr. Scherer was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Dwyer, a native of Nevadaville, Colorado, and a daughter of John and Ellen Dwyer, who were pioneer people of the city but have now passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Scherer were born two children, Walter and Leo. Mrs. Scherer died August 5, 1904, in Denver, and in 1906 Mr. Scherer was married to Miss Theresa Erhard, of Denver, and to them have been born three children, Margaret, Mary and Frank.
The parents are members of St. Elizabeth's Catholic church and Mr. Scherer belongs to Denver Lodge, No. 17, B. P. O. E. At one time he was a member of the old volunteer fire department of the city. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he turns for diversion to a game of bowling or pool at the Elks Club. For thirty- seven years he has resided at No. 1372 Santa Fe street, the old home of his parents. He has lived to witness remarkable changes in Denver through the years of his connection with the city and that he has been identified with it from pioneer times is indicated in the fact that he was at one time a member of its volunteer fire department, an organ- ization that has long since passed out of existence, but which did splendid service for the city in its time.
JOHN F. KEATING.
John F. Keating, a prominent figure in educational circles in southwestern Colorado, is now serving as superintendent of schools of Pueblo. Holding to high professional ideals and attacking everything that he does with a contagious enthusiasm, he inspires pupils and teachers under him with much of his own zeal and interest in the work and is therefore accomplishing most valuable results. He was born in West Milton, Ohio, on the 23d of September, 1862, and is a son of Lawrence and Bridget (Neil) Keating. The father was a farmer by occupation but at the time of the Civil war put aside all business and personal considerations and with unfaltering loyalty responded to the country's call for troops. He went to the front in defense of the Union as a member of the One Hundred and Forty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry and throughout days of peace as well as in time of war he was ever a faithful champion of the Stars and Stripes and the cause which the old flag represents. Both he and his wife have passed away. Their family numbered two sons and two daughters.
John F. Keating, the eldest of the family, began his education in the rural schools and afterward had the benefit of two years' instruction in the high school at West Milton. He next took up the profession of teaching, which he followed through the winter seasons for five years, but ambitious to promote his own knowledge, he then entered the Northwestern Normal School at Ada, Ohio, in which he studied for two terms. His next step in the furtherance of his education was matriculation in the Ohio Wesleyan University, from which he was graduated as a member of the class of 1892. Continuing his educational work, he became principal of the schools of Lena, Ohio, where he remained for two years, and while teaching there he completed his university course and was granted his degree.
The year 1893 witnessed the arrival of Professor Keating in Colorado, at which time he accepted the superintendency of schools at Aspen, where he remained for two years. He then resigned to accept a similar position at Central City and after a year he was elected to his present position as superintendent of the schools of Pueblo. No higher encomium upon his official service can be pronounced than the statement of the fact that for the past twenty-two years he has occupied this position and the school
JOHN F. KEATING
Vol. II-23
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system of the city is a monument to his effort, his enterprise, his progressive spirit and his efficiency. He has the faculty of winning the confidence and cooperation of teachers and pupils and he is popular with all classes. While he holds to the highest ideals, his methods are of a most practical character and he has ever labored with the end in view of making education a most thorough preparation for life's practical and responsible duties.
On the 18th of June, 1891, Mr. Keating was united in marriage to Miss Anna Travis, a graduate of the Ohio Wesleyan University of the class of 1891. Their children are as follows: Lawrence Francis and Jerome Hughes, both of whom are serving in the United States army in France; Katherine, who is a graduate of the University of Colo- rado; Martha, who is successfully teaching in a high school in Wyoming; Marion Mar- ston, who is a member of the United States navy; and Ellen and Janet, who are still under the parental roof.
Professor Keating may well be proud of the record of his family. It is in harmony with the military spirit of their grandfather and with the equally strong and patriotic spirit of the father and they are now standing loyally by the colors, doing their part in France to save the world for democracy. Professor Keating has always given his political allegiance to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. In fraternal circles, too, he is well known. He has attained the thirty second degree of the Scottish Rite in Masonry and he belongs to the Woodmen of the World, while in Pueblo his membership relations extend to the Commerce Club and to the Minnequa Club. He is fond of the pleasures of outdoor life but he never allows outside interests to interfere with the faithful performance of his professional duties. Since 1895 he has been a member of the National Educational Association and in 1910 he was made national secretary of the Department of Superintendents. In 1904 he was elected a director of the N. E. A. as the representative from Colorado. He has frequently been a lecturer in teachers' institutes, doing important work in this connection through- out Colorado for the past twenty-five years, and he has lectured for a number of years as a member of the summer faculty at the Colorado State Teachers' College. At different times. he has lectured at the Colorado Agricultural College and has been a member of the summer faculty of Denver University. At the last meeting of the National Educa- tional Association, which convened in Pittsburgh in 1918, Mr. Keating was chairman of the resolutions committee and he presented the report to the association, which was enthusiastically received and adopted as read without amendments.
Recognition of his ability and high professional attainments has come to him as the years have passed. He received the Bachelor of Arts degree from the Ohio Wes- leyan University and Denver University has since conferred upon him the degrees of Master of Arts and Bachelor of Letters. He has done post graduate work in Chicago University and he early came to a realization that the keenest pleasure in life is that which comes from intellectual stimulus and activity. He holds membership in the Methodist church and his efforts in behalf of its upbuilding have been far-reach- ing and productive of results. Life has been to him purposeful and serious, and he has fully met every obligation that has devolved upon him as the years have passed. Not only has he done much public speaking along the line of his profession but has often addressed gatherings upon questions of the hour and issues of the day, and he is now numbered among the Four Minute men, who are bringing to the public accurate and intimate knowledge that the country wishes to convey to its citizens.
EDWIN H. PEARSON.
An excellent farm pleasantly situated three and a half miles northeast of Greeley pays tribute to the care and cultivation bestowed upon it by Edwin H. Pearson, who is regarded as one of the progressive agriculturists of Weld county. He is a native son of Nebraska, his birth having occurred in Neligh. Antelope county, on the 26th of December, 1890. his parents being Nels and Elida (Jones) Pearson, both of whom are natives of Sweden. The father was a farmer by occupation and in young manhood bade adieu to friends and native land and came to the new world. attracted by the reports which he had heard concerning the opportunities on this side of the Atlantic. He came to America about 1881 and settled first at Colchester. Illinois, where he worked in the coal mines for a time. He then purchased a team and camp wagon and drove across the country to Nebraska, after which he took up a homestead in Antelope county. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made upon the place but with character- istic energy he began its development and improved the tract, which he converted into
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rich and productive fields. He continued the cultivation of that farm for ten years and in 1896 he disposed of his business interests in Nebraska and removed to Colorado, making his way to Weld county. Here he purchased eighty acres of land near Lucerne, which he improved and cultivated until 1916. He then retired and removed to Greeley, where he still makes his home. He was for many years one of the active and enterprising farmers of his community and contributed much to the development of the agricultural interests of his section of the state. His wife is also living and they are among the most highly esteemed residents of Colorado.
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