USA > Colorado > History of Colorado; Volume II > Part 58
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129 | Part 130 | Part 131
Dr. Beverley Tucker was only two years of age at the time of the removal of the family to Marshall, Missouri, where he began his education in the public schools, and later he pursued a high school course in Colorado Springs following the establishment of the family residence in this city. He afterward entered the University of Virginia at Charlottesville and was graduated in 1889 on completing the medical course. In further preparation for a professional career he went to New York and entered Columbia College, where he did post-graduate work until April, 1890. He afterward spent eighteen months as interne at Randall's Island Hospital and thus gained broad and valuable knowledge and experience such as could never be acquired as quickly in any other way as in hospital practice. Upon his return to Colorado Springs he entered upon practice in connection with his father and the partnership was maintained until the father's death. Since 1892 Dr. Beverley Tucker has continuously practiced in Colorado Springs,
404
HISTORY OF COLORADO
covering a quarter of a century, and his marked ability has placed him in the front rank among the representatives of the profession.
On the 24th of June, 1896, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, Dr. Tucker was united in marriage to Miss Martha J. Wright and they have a daughter, Martha Christina. The religious faith of the doctor and his wife is that of the Episcopal church. Fraternally he is con- nected with the Masons and he also belongs to Colorado Lodge, No. 309, B. P. O. E. His political endorsement is given to the democratic party, and while he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and is interested in all matters of progressive citizenship, he finds it necessary to concentrate his efforts and attention largely upon his professional duties, which are constantly growing in volume and importance. He keeps in touch with the trend of thought and progress along professional lines as a mem- ber of the El Paso County Medical Society, of which he has served as president, as a member of the Colorado State Medical Society and as a member of the American Medical Association.
MATT JERMAN.
Matt Jerman, national vice president of the Grand Carniolian Catholic Union of America, with offices in Pueblo, was born in Carniola, Austria, February 6, 1880, a son of Jacob and Katherine (Grahek) Jerman. The father came to the United States several years later, made his way across the country and settled in Pueblo, where he engaged in the plumbing business, continuing active as a factor in industrial circles of the city until the time of his death, which occurred in 1910. His widow survives him and is yet a resident of Pueblo.
Matt Jerman was but eight years of age when brought to the new world and pursued his education in the schools of Pueblo, after which he started out in the busi- ness world, working in a brickyard and afterward at steel work. Nature had endowed him with much musical talent, and studying along that line, he developed his powers and began devoting his entire time to the art. He is now a teacher of band instruments and is the diretcor of a band and orchestra known as Jerman's Band & Orchestra. In this connection he is accorded a liberal patronage, his being known as one of the leading musical organizations of the city. He was also one of the incorporators and is the secretary and treasurer of the Garden Amusement Company.
On the 24th of November, 1902, Mr. Jerman was united in marriage to Miss Cath- erine Hoffer, of Pueblo, and to them have been born the following named, Dorothy, May Margaret, Bernard, Frances and Albert. Mr. Jerman is of the Catholic faith and is a third degree Knight of Columbus. He also belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and to the Musicians Union. For three years he was president of St. Joseph's Lodge, No. 7, of Pueblo. His political allegiance is usually given to the democratic party, but he holds the general welfare above partisanship and supports the best candidate rather than party. He was served as alderman of the city under the old form of government. He is much interested in the state and its development and is strong for Americanism. Public-spirited, he cooperates in many measures and movements for the general good and stanchly sup- ports all those interests which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride. He is a leader among his people, respected for his genuine worth. His activities have been broad and varied in connection with his musical interests and as vice president of the Grand Carniolian Catholic Union of America.
WILLIAM BOSTROM.
William Bostrom, now living retired in Greeley and spoken of by his fellow towns- men in terms of the highest regard, was born in Sweden January 6, 1868, a son of C. R. and Christine Louise Bostrom. He came to this country when eighteen years of age, after acquiring a limited education in his native land. The reports which he heard concerning the opportunities of the new world led him to the determination to leave Sweden and cross the Atlantic. He arrived in Winnipeg but spent only a few months there, earning a little money by doing anything that came his way and scorning no employment that would yield him an honest dollar. He then decided to go to Chi-
WILLIAM BOSTROM
406
HISTORY OF COLORADO
cago but remained in that city for only a few days and subsequently proceeded westward to Iowa, where he obtained a position in the coal mines. He spent a few months there and then determined to seek his fortune still farther west. Proceeding to Cheyenne, Wyoming, he there obtained a position with the Union Pacific Railroad Company, and during the time which he spent with them he worked very hard, winning promotion to the position of foreman, in which capacity he continued to serve until 1894. He then decided to come to Eaton and try and interest himself in farming and general agricultural pursuits. He rented a tract of land, which he carefully and systematically cultivated until 1897, and by reason of his close application, his earnest study of the best methods and his unfaltering perseverance he made good, so that he was able to purchase a tract of land northeast of Greeley, buying one hundred and sixty acres from F. E. Smith. In 1901 he sold that property, having cultivated it for four years, and then purchased another tract of land from Governor Eaton, situated southeast of the city of Eaton. This was eighty-seven acres of deeded land. He then carried on general farming and sheep feeding, aud owing to his foresight, his business discernment and enterprising methods he won a very substantial measure of prosperity. He is still interested in the farm but is now leading a retired life and occupies a beautiful home in Greeley.
In 1895 Mr. Bostrom was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Hager, who was born in Sweden and came to the United States in 1889. Their children are: Arthur R., who is married and is engaged in farming near Greeley; Eben R., who is married and is living on the Eaton road, where he follows farming; Olga Louise; Hettie Elizabeth; Florence; and Clarence W.
Mr. Bostrom votes with the republican party. He has seen many changes in Greeley and Eaton, there being very few houses in Greeley when he arrived. A genial disposi- tion and pleasing manner have won for him the warm regard of all with whom he has come in contact. He is greatly respected for his straightforward dealing and genuine worth and all who know him speak of him in terms of high regard. He and his family are connected with the Swedish church of Eaton and the hospitality of the best homes is freely accorded them.
GEORGE W. BROOKS.
"A gentleman with whom it was an honor to be acquainted, just, courteous, generous and considerate," George W. Brooks lives in the memory of his many friends as a kind and noble man, ever thoughtful of the welfare of others, and well may those who knew him apply to him the words of Shakespeare:
"He was a man; take him for all in all, We shall not look upon his like again."
He figured for many years as a prominent representative of the business interests of Denver, being secretary and general manager of the Smith-Brooks Printing Com- pany. His life covered the intervening years between the 24th of July, 1857, when he was born at Newark, New Jersey, and the 13th of May, 1911, when he passed away in San Diego, California, at the age of fifty-three. He was a son of John Powell Brooks, a native of Birmingham, England, who in 1842 came to the United States and took up his abode in Newark, New Jersey, with his brother and sister. He was at that time a lad of eleven years and in 1856 he wedded Eliza Ann Lawrence, of Paterson, New Jersey, who passed away in 1859, when their son George was but two years of age. The father afterward married Emma Hobbis, also a native of Birmingham, England, and they became parents of four children. The father died in 1893, while his second wife passed away in 1909.
During his youthful days, spent in Newark, New Jersey, George W. Brooks attended the public schools and the Heightstown Academy. At the age of eight years he established a newspaper route, sometimes carrying papers both morning and eve- ning, and thus he was continuously earning money during his school days. When a lad of fourteen his textbooks were put aside and he entered upon an apprenticeship at the printing trade in the office of Lawrence Hardham in Newark. He continued in his native city until 1880, when at the age of twenty-three years he started for the west with Denver as his destination. Soon after his arrival he secured a position in the office of the Denver Tribune, at that time the leading paper west of the
407
HISTORY OF COLORADO
Mississippi river, and while thus engaged became acquainted with Eugene Field and other members of the group of distinguished young writers who were then making their initial step toward fame. It was during that period that Mr. Brooks also became acquainted with Orville L. Smith, with whom he afterward entered into part- nership. He remained with the Tribune for four years as printer and as circulator, and when the Tribune was consolidated with the Republican in 1884, Mr. Brooks turned his attention to other interests, becoming identified with his father-in-law, E. J. Warner, in cattle raising in Montrose county, Colorado,-an enterprise that soon afterward became unprofitable owing to the steady decline in the cattle market. Various business ventures afterward claimed his attention, including the carrying of mail on horseback over a forty-mile route. In the spring of 1887 Mr. Brooks again became a resident of Denver and resumed work at the printing trade until he found opportunity to engage in business on his own account. In February, 1890, he pur- chased the interest of the junior partner in the firm of Smith & Ferl, then conducting a small job printing plant in Denver, and thus was organized the Smith-Brooks Print- ing Company, under which name the business was incorporated. From that time forward their patronage steadily increased and demanded a removal from their old quarters at No. 1849 Arapahoe street that they might secure a more commodious building. Removal after removal followed owing to the continued growth of their trade and in February, 1902, the firm secured spacious quarters at Nos. 1733 to 1747 California street, and thus from the smallest of beginnings there grew a great industrial plant of paramount importance to the commercial interests of the state. In this connection a contemporary writer said: "The overshadowing ambition of Mr. Brooks' life was the building up of a great printing plant-great in its volume of business, in the quality of its work, in the completeness and excellence of its mechani- cal equipment; and great as a force in the community by its practical demonstration of what may be accomplished in the industrial world through the harmonious rela- tions of employer and employed. To the realization of this ideal he devoted his best energies; to the notable degree of success that attended his efforts he undoubtedly owed some of the happiest moments in his life. The firm of Smith-Brooks today is one of the largest and best known printing concerns in the west. Its staff of employes numbers about two hundred and fifty. Its equipment throughout the various depart- ments is thoroughly up-to-date, no expense having been spared to furnish it with the latest and best machinery and mechanical devices known to the trade; and the high standard of excellence attained in all its output has never been questioned. Among the factors contributing to this result, three are of prime importance. Without doubt, to the personal initiative of Mr. Brooks himself-his unflagging enthusiasm, his aggressive idealism and broad-gauged policies, were in no mean measure due the rapid growth and solid soundness of his firm. But another element of equal value was the singularly happy and congenial relations existing between him and his part- ner, Mr. Smith-a perfect cooperation conditioned alike by business qualities and individual characteristics, each, as it were, in his tastes and special capabilities supplementing the other, to the attainment of perfect harmony in plans and methods. But no sketch, however brief, of Mr. Brooks' life and character would be complete without a mention of his relations with his employes. This was one of the outstand- ing features in the policy and management of his firm. The noble humaneness of the man, combined with his farsighted business sagacity, was instrumental in creating that atmosphere of mutual goodwill and conscious identity of interests essential to the attainment of the best results, but which is so often lacking in modern in- dustrialism. 'Labor difficulties' were absolutely unknown in the office of Smith- Brooks. No employer has ever been more truly solicitous for the welfare of his workers, none more deservedly popular." At his death many who had long been in his employ bore testimony to his character and their regard for him. One of these said: "A man respected and beloved for his many sterling qualities; broad-minded and just, his kindly consideration and liberality appealed to the best in those with whom he came in contact." Another termed him: "A man among men; highly respected by everyone that knew him; toiling for the welfare and pleasure of his employes." Others spoke of him as "just, plain and resolute . . . a genuine American gentleman." He was termed "a friend and benefactor to the wage- earner . .. . in every way worthy of love and respect; one who was every ready to assist by a kind word or act, and whose sterling qualities were recognized by all with whom he came in contact."
A happy and harmonious home life came to Mr. Brooks in his marriage in 1882 to Miss Sannie Warner, daughter of E. J. Warner, who had removed from Ohio to Denver in 1879. They became the parents of four children: Mrs. Edna
408
HISTORY OF COLORADO
Swift, John P. and Edwin Warner, all residents of Denver; and a daughter, Lyda, who died in 1894, at the age of three years.
Mr. Brooks was a great lover of music and possessed a fine baritone voice. He was deeply interested in the Warren Memorial M. E. church, to the support of which he liberally and cheerfully gave responsive to its every necessity or demand. He belonged to many clubs and lodges and few of Denver's men of affairs had a wider circle of friends and acquaintances. He was never an active worker in political affairs, although keenly interested in everything that pertained to the welfare of city, commonwealth and country, and upon all vital questions he maintained the attitude of a progressive and public-spirited citizen. Society, as it is generally known, had no attraction for him, but he held friendship inviolable and he found his greatest happiness at his own fireside in the midst of his family, counting no effort or sacrifice on his part too great if it would enhance the welfare or promote the comfort of his wife and children. He was ever unselfish, thoughtful of the welfare of others, optimistic, of cheerful demeanor and genial disposition and, above all, a genuine American gentleman. Perhaps no better testimonial of his worth and character can be found than in the words of one of his associates,
who wrote: "We have lost-a friend. He was dear to all of us because he was fair with all of us and just with all of us. We want his memory to live because of the good it can do. He understood humanity and he believed in humanity. He sought its better side and encouraged it with the warm smile of his faith. He measured every man and every woman, however old or however young, by practical standards, expecting of them neither more than was natural nor less than was right. He was kind without being patronizing; and he was dominant without being officious. He was our general and our leader, but he wore no panoply and rode no horse-he needed none. The tribunal of his personal judgment he reserved for large affairs, seeking to encourage harmony by holding aloof from petty discords. The genial personality that contributed so largely to his success we know to have been spontaneous and sincere-the prompting of a heart that stored nothing but kindness and a soul that hoped nothing but happiness. The twinkle in his eye was born of sheer good humor, and the cordiality of his smile was unforced and unaffected. He was genuine; he was candid; he was square. Those of us who knew him longest loved him most. The changing years and the changing fortunes made no changes in the man. We worked together with a single aim, all individu- alities submerged in the mutual purpose. He was a man so great that his greatness needed no asserting. He was a man so wise that he could afford to seek advice. He was a man so strong that he did not hesitate to put reliance in the strength of other men. He was a man so kindly human, so broadly sympathetic, so freely impartial in his estimates of other men, that we knew he understood us-each of us-for what we really were, and wanted us to believe him only what he really was. When there came to us that message of death, the blow was personal to each; each of us said: 'I have lost a friend-my friend.' A higher tribute than 'friend' we cannot give, because a higher title we do not know. He was to us all that an employer could be or should be; he was not only the material fact, but our mental ideal. His success was wrought without imposition, without injustice- without sacrifice of those humaner impulses that make men noble. He leaves us a memory in which there is no rancor and no bitterness. He leaves the world better than he found it."
ERNEST J. MILLER. .
Ernest J. Miller, making his initial start in the insurance field at the age of twenty- one years, is now, at the age of thirty-six, proprietor of one of the three largest general insurance agencies of Denver, with offices in the Gas & Electric building. The business has been built up to extensive proportions through close application, intensive study and thorough mastery of every subject that has to do directly or indirectly with the insurance business. Mr. Miller is a native of Michigan. He was born in the town of Brooklyn on the 19th of March, 1882, and is a son of William H. and Emma (Carey) Miller. The father was also born in Michigan and belongs to one of the old families of that state, of German lineage. He was for many years a wholesale liquor merchant and is now living retired in Jackson, Michigan. His wife came of French ancestry and was called to her final rest in 1885. In the family were but two children and the younger son, Fred, is now deceased.
x
ERNEST J. MILLER
410
HISTORY OF COLORADO
Ernest J. Miller pursued his education in the public schools of Deerfield, Michigan, and when a youth of nineteen years started out in the business world on his own account. He arrived in Denver on the 23d of October, 1903, an entire stranger, and through the intervening years has been actively connected with the interests of this city. He was first employed by the firm of Ferris & Conway, real estate and insurance agents, in the capacity of stenographer and remained in the employ of the firm until 1914, having charge during the latter years of that period of the insurance department. In 1914 he entered the insurance business with his former employers under the firm name of Ferris, Conway & Miller, a partnership that was maintained until 1916, when he purchased the interests of Messrs. Ferris and Conway and removed the business to its present quarters in the Gas & Electric building. Increasing patronage has forced him to secure increased space from time to time and he is today at the head of one of the leading insurance agencies operating in Denver, his business justifying the employment of ten people. He handles all classes of insurance save life insurance and now represents the Niagara-Detroit Underwriters Agency in Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming, the American National Insurance Company of Ohio, the Newark Fire and Vulcan of California, in Colorado and Wyoming, the Detroit Fire & Marine, also the Michigan Fire & Marine and the Standard Fire of Hartford in Colorado. The agency also handles the Metropolitan Casualty and the Western Indemnity for the entire moun- tain field. Mr. Miller is the youngest general agent in the mountain territory, and the ' Insurance Report, writing of him, says: "His rise to the position of success he now occupies has been accomplished by intensive study and development of the peculiar insurance requirements of the territory he covers, and in the building up of a loyal agney force. 'Service' has been the keynote of the office's relations with all its agents, and with such an array of carriers in every branch it has been a good office for an agent to represent. Through the acquisition of the Niagara-Detroit Underwriters Agency, Mr. Miller increases his opportunities for rendering service, not only by reason of added carrying capacity, hut by the addition of the lines of explosion and full war coverage and automobile lines of all kinds.
"Mr. Miller's department office at Denver is one of the best equipped In the west, occupying an elaborate suite in the Gas & Electric building, that home of insurance offices. With his tremendous energy, enthusiastic vigor and great popularity, the future of his department cannot fail to produce immensely gratifying results, and the companies under his management are to be congratulated."
On the 13th of August, 1904, in Denver, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Florence Soyer, a native of Wisconsin and a daughter of George and Mary Soyer, of an old family of that state. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have two children: Hazel G., born October 13, 1910, and Donald W., born June 5, 1912.
Mr. Miller holds membership in the Royal League. He is also a member of the Optimist Club and the Denver Civic and Commercial Association. His political allegiance is given to no party, for he maintains an independent course, voting according to the dic- tates of his judgment and the exigencies of the case. His business career has been marked by continuous progress and he deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, in that he started out empty-handed, having no special advantages at the beginning of his business career. Thorough mastery of what he has undertaken, keen sagacity, executive force and indefatigable energy have been the salient points of his progress.
ROY RAY.
Roy Ray, editor and proprietor of The Poudre Valley at Windsor, Colorado, was born in Villisca, Iowa, October 19, 1877, a son of J. S. and Alice (Moore) Ray, both of whom were natives of Missouri. The mother died in 1879, when her son Roy was but two years of age. The father was a brick moulder and burner by trade and worked along that line until 1885, when he turned his attention to farming in western Kansas and devoted a number of years to general agricultural pursuits there. About 1903 he removed to Weld county, Colorado, where he has since engaged in farming.
Roy Ray was reared and educated in Kansas and after his textbooks were put aside he learned the printer's trade. He was twenty-one years of age when he came to Colo- rado and in 1900 he established the Phillips County Republican at Holyoke, Colorado, which paper he conducted for ten months. He then sold and in August, 1901, came to Windsor, where he purchased the Windsor Leader, changing its name to The Poudre Valley. This paper is known all over the country as the P. V. Mr. Ray has continuously
411
HISTORY OF COLORADO
published it during the intervening years and has made it a most popular journal in this section of the state. He has a splendidly equipped plant, including a linotype ma- chine, and his is one of the largest newspaper offices in the county. In addition to pub- lishing his paper he does a general job business and is accorded a liberal patronage in that connection. His paper has a large circulation all over northern Colorado, not- withstanding county papers are usually little read outside of their own territory. The Poudre Valley, however, is circulated all over the northern part of the state and its editorials and general news are read wtih interest in every home into which it enters. Mr. Ray keeps in touch with the most advanced methods of newspaper publication and displays a spirit of initiative in all that he undertakes ..
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.