History of Colorado; Volume II, Part 51

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

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Edwin H. Pearson was but six years of age when his parents came to Colorado and his youthful days were passed in Weld county, where the public schools accorded him his educational privileges, while home training brought him to a realization of the value of industry, perseverance and energy as essential factors in business life. He remained with his parents until he reached the age of twenty years and then started out on his own account. He first rented land, which he cultivated for six years, after which he carried on farming for a year in partnership with his brother. He next bought land which he held for two months and then sold at a good profit. In September, 1917, he purchased his present place of eighty acres, which is pleasantly and conveniently situated three and a half miles northeast of Greeley, so that the advantages of the city are easily obtainable. This is an attractive and well improved place and everything about the farm is indicative of the progressive spirit of the owner, whose plans are well defined and promptly executed and whose labors are productive of substantial success.

Mr. Pearson was united in marriage on the 24th of February, 1915, to Miss Ethel Marie Johnson, a daughter of Albert and Julia Johnson, who are natives of Sweden. They came to America at an early day, settling in Weld county, Colorado. Mr. Johnson has always followed farming and by his intelligently directed efforts has established a good home for himself and wife. In the present year (1918), however, he rented his land, although he still lives upon the farm, which is two and a half miles north of Eaton. His wife also survives. Their daughter, Mrs. Pearson, was born in Weld county on the 20th of February, 1894, and both Mr. and Mrs. Pearson are widely and favorably known in this part of the state. They are members of the Swedish Mission church and their genuine worth has gained for them the warm regard of all with whom they have been brought in contact. Mr. Pearson gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is never neglectful of the duties of citizenship. He has not been an office seeker, however, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs, which are constantly growing in volume and importance. He is now a stockholder in the Motor Implement Company of Denver and is also the holder of considerable oil stock. In his farming operations he makes a specialty of the production of potatoes, beets and beans and in the year 1917 he farmed two hundred and forty acres three miles northwest of Greeley. He is now concentrating his efforts and attention upon the further development of his eighty-acre tract of land, which is being brought under a very high state of cultivation. He utilizes the most progressive and scientific methods in the care of his fields and the production of his crops and his well formulated plans are bringing him a measure of success that is most gratifying.

CHARLES DURBIN KIRKLAND.

Charles D. Kirkland, who has been characterized as "the undoubted leader" in the art of photography in Colorado, has a beautiful and splendidly equipped studio in Denver and his patronage is very extensive. He was born in Bucyrus, Ohio, July 4, 1851, and is a son of Samuel and Susan { Bair) Kirkland. The father was a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and possessed much mechanical skill and in- genuity. He became the inventor of a machine for cutting out boots and shoes, which constituted a valuable contribution to that industry. He served in the Civil war from 1861 until 1865, making a most creditable record for valor and loyalty. The greater part of his life was passed in Bucyrus, Ohio, where he held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, his religious faith guiding him in all of his relations. He died in the year 1867, when yet a comparatively young man, and was long survived by his wife, who passed away in 1897. They had a family of seven children, of whom three are yet living.

In the public schools of his native city Charles D. Kirkland pursued his education, and owing to his father's early death, the care and support of his mother and four sisters devolved upon him when he was yet quite young. He began carrying papers when a boy and otherwise assisted in the support of the family, and he is indeed a

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self-made man who deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. He early became attracted to the art of photography and began studying along that line. In 1872 he made his way westward to Denver and engaged as operator in one of the early studios here, where he soon began to attract attention to his photography by having introduced methods, particularly of lights and shades, entirely new to the western public at that time. In 1874, he acquired a studio on Larimer street and began business for himself. Later disposing of this business, he went to Cheyenne, in 1877, where he began again as an operator, but in 1881, purchased a studio and continued in business there for many years. He soon became known, throughout the entire western country, as the leading photographer of the west, and his studio was visited by most of the public and professional men and women, many of whom came long distances in order to have a sitting made in the Kirkland Studio. During his sojourn in Cheyenne, Mr. Kirkland perfected in 1887 his invention of a new and superior photographic print paper, known as "Gelatine Chloride," which soon gained such recognition among the trade that he 'found it necessary to manufacture it in large quantities. This constantly increasing demand, necessitated a return to Denver, in 1893, where better manufacturing facilities were obtainable, and where he devoted his entire time to the production work, until 1899, when the manufacturing rights of Gelatine Chloride was acquired by the Eastman Kodak Company. In 1901, Mr. Kirkland again opened a studio in Denver, this time on Champa street, removing later to Welton street, and in 1910, to the present location, on Tremont place. The Kirkland Studio, with its spacious, and attractively furnished quarters, is equipped with all the latest appliances for photographic work, while the artist within him enables him to readily discern the value of light and shade, of pose and all those things which make for naturalness in a picture. His work is of a most attractive, finished and artistic character and there is nothing that has to do with photography in its most advanced form with which he is not thoroughly familar.

In 1883 Mr. Kirkland was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Todhunter, of Indian- ola, Iowa, a daughter of Lewis Todhunter, a prominent attorney and worker in prohibi- tion ranks and well known as a writer. Mr. Kirkland gives his political allegiance to the republican party but is not always bound by party ties and has never desired or sought office, for his attention and energies are concentrated upon his art. This is his whole life purpose and he has become master of it.

GORDON JONES.

In the life of civic communities certain personalities project themselves from the masses, certain individuals attain a leadership through the manifestation of specialized qualities and quickly come to occupy a place of authority, esteem and command. Whether this position is in business circles, professional ranks, the clergy or in finance, the attain- ment is acquired by the same characteristics of industry, wisdom and executive ability.

The state of Colorado, among her builders, must record the name of Gordon Jones, who, in the banking history of the state, occupies such a position as described above. The state and city had the benefit of his training and knowledge for only a few years, but in that time learned to regard his views and opinions of banking methods as authori- tative. In other cities of the United States and in the capitals of foreign countries he sought further knowledge of his chosen profession-always developing, building, invig- orating and energizing the banking interests which he represented. In disposition he was possessed of great courage, was animated by high ideals and principles which remained unmarred through years of business activity. The Missouri Bankers' Associa- tion, at the time of Mr. Jones' death, spoke of him as follows: "In his entire banking career Mr. Jones exercised the highest faculties in business life, and he successfully met the responsibilities that are inseparable from the conduct of banking business on the larger scale in this country of great opportunities. He achieved the respect and good- will of those with whom he dealt in business or met in social life, and was a man of splendid business ability, just and impartial, generous, whole-souled, and with unfailing good nature."

How well his work was accomplished in his resident city is shown by the few well chosen words from the United States National Bank records of April 20, 1917. In part this record states:

"From the day when he became vice president upon the organization of the bank, more than twelve years ago, to the day when he closed his desk for the last time, he gave freely and devotedly of his physical powers and his exceptional intellectual attainments to the upbuilding and strengthening of this institution. He early made known his deter-

GORDON JONES

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mination that in the distant future it should command both the confidence of the public and the respect of the banks and bankers of this city and state. How completely he realized this ambition the frequent commendation of the patrons of the bank, the annals of the banking associations of the state and the records of the treasury department of the federal government convincingly show.

"He was, however, too public spirited and broad-minded to allow affairs in which his personal advantage was the chief incentive to success to monopolize his capacity for service, and during the period of his connection with this bank he gave freely and unsel- fishly of his time and strength to matters of concern to the city, the state and the nation.

"His appointment as state bank examiner in Missouri, his selection as president of the Missouri Bankers Association, as president of the Colorado Bankers Association, as the Colorado member of the executive council of the American Bankers Association, as a director of the Federal Reserve Bank of the Tenth District, and as a member of the American commission on rural credits in Europe, attest the estimation in which his sense of public duty, his energy and his talents (approaching upon financial subjects the realm of genius) were held. not only by his associates and competitors at home, but also by state and national officials."

Gordon Jones was born at Richmond (Lexington?). Kentucky, on December 20, 1864. and was the son of Rev. A. B. and Katherine (Gordon) Jones, the father a prominent minister of the Christian church. The paternal ancestor, who came to this country from Wales in a very early day, was John Jones, who, with his brother Samuel, settled first in old Virginia. He had a son. also named John, who marrried Elizabeth Elrod at Shallow Ford, Yadkin county. North Carolina, and to this union there were born the following children: John, great-grandfather of Gordon Jones; David, Robert, William, Mary, Phebe and Elizabeth. This family eventually moved from Virginia and settled in Kentucky, at Bryant's Station. near Lexington. A fortification was located here, and in this place they lived two years and then moved to Lincoln county, Kentuckv.

The last-named John Jones here married Annie C. Coleman on January 1. 1804. and to them were born: Sandy Elrod, grandfather of Gordon Jones; Emily C., who married John Jones, a distant relative; Susan H., who married Chesley Jones: Elizabeth L., who married Allen Bailey; John S .; James W .; Polly Ann, who married Adam Carpenter; Patsy, who married Jacob Carpenter; Beersheba, who married George Powell; Samuel C .; and Matilda J., who married Addison Taylor.

Sandy E. Jones was born December 7. 1804, and was married in Lincoln county, Kentucky. August 29, 1824, to Sophia Crutcher. She was born September 26. 1807. Her death occurred January 20, 1836, in Montgomery county, Missouri. She was the daughter of Samuel and Nancy J. Crutcher. who came originally from Virginia to Lincoln county, Kentucky; thence to Montgomery county, Missouri. Sophia had two brothers, John and Samuel, and one sister. Lucella. All four of the children reared families in the state of Missouri.

Sandy E. Jones was married the second time to Catherine Briggs on October 31, 1847, in Russellville, Alabama, and then located near Nashville, Tennessee.

To his first wife were born: Nancy C., May 29, 1827, who married William C. Powell, February 10. 1847; W. A. C. Jones, June 17, 1829; Allen B., father of Gordon Jones, January 5, 1832, and Sandy E., Jr .. December 20, 1835. To Sandy E. Jones' second wife there was born one son, Wharton S., September 14, 1849.

Allen B. Jones, the father of Gordon Jones, was one of the distinguished pioneers of the state of Missouri. After an education received in reward for his own toll he became widely known, and from the early day when he rode horseback to his pastorate from St. Louis to Fulton he was a religious and educational leader. To him and his devoted wife there came all the hardships which frontiering brings, but, animated by the unconquerable spirit of their ancestors and encouraged by their stanch faith in Providence, they bore through the many trials, and in so doing imparted to their children that strength of character and ambition so well exemplified in Gordon Jones.

Allen B. Jones was first married on July 15, 1857, to Saralı B. Stewart in Winchester, Tennessee, and to this union one child was born, Mattie Belle, soon after which, on August 30. 1858, the mother passed away. Mr. Jones was again married, February 28. 1860, to Katherine M. Gordon of Clay county. Missouri, and to them were born: Doniphan. who died in infancy: Charles P., who died June 19. 1892, in his thirtieth year; Gordon, subject of this sketch; Allene. Mary D., and James W.

In the year 1874. when Gordon Jones was but ten years of age, his parents removed to Liberty, Missouri, where as a lad he began his primary education, supplementing this somewhat inadequate training with a course in the William Jewell College, which insti- tution was located at Liberty. While yet in his teens Mr. Jones manifested an aptitude for business, and his first venture was as a salesman in a Liberty drygoods establish-

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ment, and later at Kansas City, Missouri. However, such quarters were too small for his growing ambitions, and in 1887 he, with his elder brother, embarked in the banking business in Lathrop, Missouri. Here he found the opportunity to begin bis financial career, which in comparatively few years was to carry him to a position of national reputation and which, in rapidity of promotion, has seldom been surpassed. After two years of successful business in Lathrop the chance for a larger field at Odessa. Missouri, came to Mr. Jones. The Bank of Odessa, having determined to nationalize itself, extended to him the position of vice president, which, after investigation, he accepted in September. 1889. In this change, however, Mr. Jones was in reality the leading spirit; he made the plans for the nationalization and organization of the new bank, and then executed them in characteristic manner. His departure from Lathrop was not unheeded, as the following words from the Lathrop Monitor will show: "The Bank of Odessa, having determined to nationalize, have associated with them Mr. Gordon Jones, of this place, who has been elected a director of the bank, and also occupies the position of vice president. Mr. Jones has been assistant cashier of the Lathrop Bank here for nearly three years and has proven himself a wideawake and successful business man. His elevation to the position he will occupy is a compliment well deserved, and we have no doubt he will prove himself worthy the honor and confidence reposed in him. He is a young man we hate to see leave, for just such enterprising men as he are needed in ambitious cities. The Monitor takes pleasure in commending him to the favorable consideration of the grand people of Odessa, and recommends him to them as a gentleman and a citizen of whom they can well feel proud." Little the editor of this country paper knew how well he was prophesying the future of young Jones when he penned the words "for just such enterprising men as he are needed in ambitious cities."

Mr. Jones remained with the bank at Odessa for about three years, or until 1892. His close study of the banking business and his experience as an active banking official resulted in his determination to promote a law for the state which should provide for the regular examination of state banking institutions by capable and efficient inspectors appointed for that purpose. In conformity with that conviction he was instrumental in the preparation of a bill for the legislature of Missouri, which would create the office of state bank examiner and provide for the periodic examination of banks organized under the laws of the state. This bill was introduced by the representatives from his county, its merit was recognized, and after personal advocacy of the measure by Mr. Jones before the legislative committee at the state capitol. it became a law of the state. Under these conditions it was entirely fitting that Gordon Jones should be tendered the office of bank examiner, for the creation of which he had labored so faithfully. He accepted the position and discharged the duties thereof with marked fidelity and to the satisfaction of the public. He remained in this office for a period of three and one-half years, resigning to accept a proposal made by the Swift interests of Chicago to organize a stock yards bank at St. Joseph, Missouri. For nearly four years he continued as president of the St. Joseph bank, then in 1901 decided to seek the superior climate of Colorado and to transfer his business interests to the new location. His first banking interest in the state was that of the Fountain Valley Bank, which he changed to the First National Bank of Fountain. For one year he held the management of this institution and then removed to Colorado Springs. Of this move the New York Financial Review of Sep- tember 24, 1902, states: "It is announced that the prominent St. Joseph banker, Mr. Gordon Jones, best known as the president of the St. Joseph Stock Yards Bank at that place and of the Fountain Valley Bank of Fountain, Colorado, is preparing to open an office in Colorado Spings, in order to be in closer touch with his western interests. It is his intention to loan to the local cattlemen in that section, which will materially help that industry in El Paso and adjoining counties, as that field has never been occupied before. It may be said, without fear of contradiction, that Mr. Jones is authority on the handling of cattle paper, and certainly his bank is looked upon by the best informed as having the most complete and successful system for that purpose of any in that section of the country. His system for cattle loaning has been adopted by various packing centers. * * He was one of Missouri's first state bank examiners, having received * the appointment when the bank inspection law was passed in 1894, and resigned to take up the organization and accept the presidency of the St. Joseph Stock Yards Bank. He was president of the Missouri Bankers Association last year, and as such was chosen to preside at the Inter-State convention of Missouri. Kansas, Oklahoma and Indian Territory bankers recently held in Kansas City." Mr. Jones also organized and became president of the Elbert County Bank. Also, during his residence in Colorado Springs he became interested in the affairs of two of the trust companies of that city, and through his efforts the institutions were consolidated, which proved most beneficial to the com- mercial and financial interests of that city.

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While conducting his extensive banking business with the cattlemen in the vicinity of Colorado Springs, Mr. Jones became impressed with the possibilities of the field at Denver, and in the year 1903 he consummated the purchase of the Union Stockyards Bank from the late David H. Moffat, of which institution he became the principal stock- holder and president.

Two years later he disposed of his holdings in the Stockyards Bank and, with a number of influential associates, organized the United States National Bank of Denver, October 10. 1904, and became vice president and active executive of the institution. From the very beginning this bank developed rapidly, and in September, 1908, took over the business of the National Bank of Commerce, increasing the capital stock of the United States National from $200,000 to $350,000, with corresponding increases in surplus and undivided profits. By a unanimous vote Mr. Jones was chosen president of the new and enlarged institution. In March, 1912, the Central National Bank of Denver was taken over. Mr. Jones continued as president of the enlarged institution, which position he held until the time of his death, being succeeded by W. A. Hover. The progress, develop- ment and success of the United States National Bank of Denver during Mr. Jones' admin- istration constitutes a monument to his financial genius, and during the perilous days of 1907, when banking circles of the entire country were shaken, the financial institutions of Denver maintained an even keel through no other factor than the cool strategy and solid business methods of Gordon Jones and his brother bankers. As president of the Denver Clearing House Association, Mr. Jones rendered invaluable service to the banking interests of the city and state.

In 1908 Gordon Jones was elected president of the Colorado Bankers Association, which gave him the singular honor of having been executive head of the bankers asso- ciations of two states-Missouri and Colorado. In 1910 he was elected a member of the executive council of the American Bankers Association at its convention held in Los Angeles, and was selected as the representative of the Denver Chamber of Commerce to the annual convention of the Academy of Political Science held in New York city in November, 1910, under the auspices of Columbia University. While in New York Mr. Jones was met by representatives of the treasury department, who asked that he go to Washington and discuss the emergency currency situation with Secretary MacVeagh. This was the beginning of the campaign for the betterment of financial conditions throughout the country and for which the national monetary commission was created by the government. After investigating the proposed renovations in the national cur- rency system, Mr. Jones returned to Denver, and before the Chamber of Commerce delivered his report in the form of an address. This paper on the proposed monetary legislation attracted country-wide attention and directly resulted in the visit of the national monetary commission to Denver. Mr. Jones took the position that the west was opposed to any currency reforms which would place the funds of the country under the control of Wall Street interests, and this view was from then on the authorized opinion of the west on the then proposed Aldrich plan. Without going into the specific details of the national monetary commission's visit to Denver, it may be said that Gordon Jones took strong exception to many of the plans offered, with the result that at least three of his recommendations were incorporated by the commission in the bill afterward pre- sented to congress. In brief, the three recommendations proposed by Mr. Jones were: that, in order to prevent Wall Street domination, it should be provided that banks which own a controlling interest or are pooled with other banks should have only one vote in the election of directors of the National Reserve Association; that the manager of the local association should be appointed subject to the will of the bankers of that district; and that one sixth of the directors of each local association should consist of persons not acting as officers or directors of banks, but who were representatives of the agricultural, commercial and industrial interests of the district. That the views of Mr. Jones were of great weight with eastern men of affairs is shown by the fact that he was the sole western banker whose statements were considered as authoritative and whose address on the subject was officially published by congress.

Having been a student of finance in its broader aspects, Gordon Jones manifested a keen interest in the subject of rural credits, and his wide experience convinced him that the farmers of the country deserved more generous treatment in the matter of long-time credits. In private conversation and in public address he frequently gave expression of his view upon this important topic. It was quite natural, therefore, that in 1913 he should be appointed by Governor Ammons of Colorado as a member of the American commis- sion on agricultural credit and cooperation. In that year this commission traveled through England, France, Germany, Russia, the Balkan states, Switzerland, Norway and Sweden, everywhere studying the credit methods of the foreign nations and endeavoring

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History of Colorado; Volume II, Part 51

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