History of Colorado; Volume II, Part 68

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

USA > Colorado > History of Colorado; Volume II > Part 68

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).

Dr. Corwin's identification with Colorado dates from 1881, in which year he removed to Pueblo in order to accept the position of chief surgeon with the Colorado Fuel & Iron Company. This position also includes the general management of the sociological de- partment. He has been associated as surgeon with some of the largest corporations in the state and his prominence in the profession is indicated in the fact that he has been chosen president of the State Medical Society and also of the Pueblo County Medical Society. Moreover, he belongs to the American Medical Association, the American Public Health Association, the Association of Military Surgeons, the American Asso- ciation of Railway Surgeons and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. In October, 1905, he was elected to the presidency of the American Association of Railway Surgeons-an honor which he well merited. He has served as a member of the Colorado State Board of Health and on the 7th of June, 1905, the degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred upon him at Boulder by the University of Colorado, in which institution he fills the chair of surgery. In 1916 he visited France and Belgium in order to further study surgery in hospitals under Drs. Carrel and Depag, and others, for the purpose of introducing the latest surgical methods and discoveries at the Minnequa Hospital. A man of pronounced ability, continuous study has resulted in the development of his powers until he stands today among the ablest medical and surgical practitioners of the west. He is perhaps equally well known by reason of his writings, for he has been

RICHARD W. CORWIN

476

HISTORY OF COLORADO

for many years a well known contributor to the literature of the profession. His published writings include "Injuries to the Vertebrae or Spinal Cord and Their Treat- ment," "Medicine in Egypt-Past and Present," "Care of the Stump in Appendicitis; Two Cases of Interest," "Unique Case of Traumatic Hernia," "The Rectal Syphon," "Osteomyelitis-Diagnosis and Treatment," "Bacteriology in the Public Schools," "Education vs. Legislation" and "Social Betterment in the Rocky Mountains." All this indicates the breadth and nature of his reading and research and his opinions are largely accepted as authority wherever they have been expressed, through the medium of lecture platform or the press.

While Dr. Corwin has confined his attention largely to his profession, he is interested in all that pertains to development and progress and served on the school board of Pueblo for twenty seven years continuously. For ten years he also served as a member of the Normal School board and served on the board of the State Agri- cultural College. He served on the medical staff of the Colorado National Guard and was surgeon general under Governor Adams. He was likewise made a member of the staff of Governor Peabody and of Governor Buchtel. In Masonry he has attained. high rank. In 1904 and 1905 he was right eminent grand commander of the grand commandery of Colorado and has been given the honorary thirty-third degree. It has been under his direction that the great hospital of the Colorado Fuel & Iron Company has been built; and in his splendid work at this hospital he now makes use of his observa- tions and research carried on while visiting the war hospitals of Europe in 1916. At the present hour in the country's crisis Dr. Corwin is standing loyally for American interests, giving time, effort and thought to advancing the nation's welfare. He is a fluent speaker and is one of the four-minute men who are addressing the public upon the vital questions of the day. His life work has been fraught with fruitful accomplish- ment and his contribution to the world's progress has been of genuine worth and value.

ANDREW P. NILES.

Andrew P. Niles, secretary and treasurer of the Niles-Moser Cigar Company of Denver and a most popular citizen, was born in Felton, Delaware, May 8, 1865, and is a son of Andrew P. and Margaret (Dorr) Niles, the former a native of Vermont, while the latter was born at Cambridge, New York. In early life they became residents of North Easton, Pennsylvania, where they continued to reside for many years. The father was a well known representative of the medical pro- fession and long engaged in active practice in the Keystone state, his marked ability being recognized by colleagues and contemporaries as well as the general public. He died at Carbondale, Pennsylvania, in 1913 and his widow survived until 1915, when she, too, was called to her final rest. They had a family of four sons, Frank, John, Harry and Andrew P.

The last named, the youngest of the family, while spending his youthful days under the parental roof mastered the branches of learning taught in the public schools of Felton and afterward entered the Pennsylvania State Normal School at Millersville. When his studies were completed he turned his attention to rail- road work, in which he became engaged in clerical lines. The year 1890 witnessed his arrival in Colorado, at which time he established his home in Denver, where he continued in railroad employment. Later he became general agent for the Short Line Railroad Company at Cripple Creek, Colorado, remaining in that depart- ment until he resigned to become manager of the Niles-Moser Cigar Company, a Kansas City enterprise, of which his brother, Frank Niles, is the president. Andrew P. Niles became manager of the Denver branch of the business in 1903 and since that time has established one of the largest cigar manufactories of the state, employing many expert workmen, while the output of the plant is very extensive. The company manufactures several very popular brands of cigars and the business has steadily grown until it is today one of the important productive industries of the city. Andrew P. Niles is the general manager, treasurer and secretary of the company and its success is due in large measure to his efforts, his business dis- cernment and his unfaltering enterprise.

In 1891 Mr. Niles was married to Miss Ida Wells, a daughter of Jesse and Mary F. Wells, of Denver. They have become parents of four children. Ray, born in Denver in 1892, was graduated from the military academy at Columbia, Missouri, and is now an ensign in the United States navy, on the battleship Wisconsin.

477

HISTORY OF COLORADO

John S., born in Denver in September, 1896, is now in the West Point Military Academy. Margaret, born in Cripple Creek, Colorado, in 1899, is a graduate of St. Theresa's Academy of Kansas City, Missouri. Ruth, born in Denver in 1903, is attending high school.

Mr. Niles is well known in Masonic circles, having membership in the lodge, chapter, the Knight Templar Commandery and the Mystic Shrine, and he is also connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. In club circles he has membership connections with the Rotary, the Denver Athletic, the Motor and the Lakewood Country Clubs and his personal qualities are such as make for popularity wherever he is known. His friends, and they are many, speak of him in terms of high regard and all who know him are proud to claim him as an acquaintance.

M. E. SMITH.

M. E. Smith, the president and general manager of the Smith Lumber Com- pany of Ault, was born in Adrian, Missouri, September 19, 1883, and is a son of John S. and Anna A. (Hodges) Smith, the former a native of Indiana, while the latter was born in Kentucky. In early life, prior to the Civil war, the father removed to Missouri and there operated a farm until 1892, when he came to the west with Boulder, Colorado, as his destination. He then continued to farm in this state in a small way, but did not take up work as actively as he had formerly done. He continued to reside in Boulder throughout the residue of his days, his death occurring in February, 1902. For five years he had survived his wife, who passed away in March, 1897.

M. E. Smith was reared and educated in Missouri and in Colorado, having been but nine years of age when brought by his parents to this state. His school days were therefore passed in Boulder and after the completion of his education he devoted three years to work upon a cattle and hay ranch in North Park. He afterward returned to Boulder and pursued a course in a business college. In 1904 he removed to Eaton and entered the employ of the E. G. Steele Lumber Company as bookkeeper, remaining with that company in connection with its interests at Eaton, Ault and Galeton, Colorado, until 1917, and during seven years of that time he was a partner in the business. In 1917 he returned to Ault and organized the Smith Lumber Company, which is the largest independent company operating in this part of the state. The business is capitalized for twenty-five thousand dol- lars. They carry a large stock of lumber and builders' supplies and enjoy an extensive patronage.

In June, 1907, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Lenora Rayburn and to them was born a son, Homer G., in April, 1908. Mrs. Smith was a daughter of James A. and Adelia (Blake) Rayburn, who were pioneers of Weld county, where for many years her father followed the occupation of farming and he still resides upon a farm southeast of Greeley. Mrs. Smith passed away April 30, 1917, after an illness of but five days, and her death was the occasion of very deep and wide- spread regret.

Mr. Smith has served as town clerk of Ault and at the present writing is one of the town trustees. His political allegiance is always given to the democratic party. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons and the Odd Fellows and his religious faith is that of the Christian church, which has guided him in all of his life's relations, making him a man whom to know is to respect and honor.

RAPHAEL L. NARDINI.

Raphael L. Nardini, deceased, was for some time connected with the United States government secret service department and at the time of his death was engaged in the hotel business in Pueblo, where he ranked among the leading and Influential citizens, being especially prominent among those of his own nationality. He was born in Tuscany, Italy, on the 16th of April, 1864, and was a son of Julius and Hermine Nardini, who came to the new world with their family when their son, Raphael L., was a youth of sixteen years. The family home was estab- lished in Elmira, New York, where Raphael L. Nardini took up railroad construc- tion work. He afterward removed to Detroit, Michigan, and subsequently to

478

HISTORY OF COLORADO

Iowa, while later he became a resident of Denver. He did contracting in team work for many years and for a time was in the Cripple Creek district. His varied experiences in Colorado made him largely familiar with the state, its possibilities and its development. About 1899 he came to Pueblo, where he was first engaged in merchandising on B street. There he remained until he built the Arcade Hotel, after which he conducted the hostelry to the time of his demise, which occurred on the 4th of November, 1909. He proved himself a most popular hotel proprietor and his capable management won a liberal patronage. He also owned other prop- erty in the city, including a restaurant. In fact his business interests were being continually broadened throughout his active career and whatever he undertook he carried forward to successful completion, for in his vocabulary there was no such word as fail. He knew that when one avenue of opportunity seemed closed he could mark out other paths whereby he might reach the desired goal.

It was about 1888 that Mr. Nardini was united in marriage to Miss Adaline Camilli and to them were born the following named: Julius R., who is continuing his father's business; Richard, who is associated with his brother, Julius R .; and Helen. The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church, of which Mr. Nardini was a loyal supporter. Fraternally he was connected with the Eagles. He had a wide acquaintance in Pueblo and commanded the respect and goodwill of all who knew him. His friends were indeed many and his death was the occa- sion of deep and widespread regret. All with whom he came in contact acknowl- edged his genuine worth.

E. H. BRAUKMAN.

E. H. Braukman is vice president of the Bankers Supply Company and also of the Denver Lithographing Company and is recognized as one of the city's leading manufacturers and wide-awake business men, who within a comparatively brief period has built up interests of considerable importance, his activities placing him. among the prominent representatives of business life in his adopted state. He was born in Worchester, Massachusetts, and his natal day was June 25, 1868. His parents, Augustus and Wilhelmina (Casper) Braukman, were natives of Germany but came to this country in early life, the father to escape the dominating military influence of that country, which has prevailed in Germany for so many years and to which he was bitterly opposed. He was a man of high intelligence, well trained along mechanical lines, and his high efficiency in that direction soon gained for him a lucrative position in Worcester, Massachusetts. He entered manufacturing circles there as superin- tendent of the Washburn-Moen Company, wire manufacturers of Worcester, with whom he remained in a responsible position until 1870. He then removed to Cleve- land, Ohio, where he associated himself with The Cleveland Rolling Mill Company with which concern he was officially connected up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1881. His wife died in Cleveland in 1901 at the advanced age of seventy-four years. Their family numbered five children: Anna, now Mrs. A. H. Ristedt; Emma; Flora, now Mrs. H. A. McElroy; E. H. of this review; and Clara, now Mrs. George A. Jones. All are residents of Cleveland with the exception of E. H. Braukman.

In early life E. H. Braukman was a pupil in the public schools of Cleveland and passed through consecutive grades to the high school, while later he pursued a course in a business college and then entered the employ of the Cleveland Paper Company, which was the predecessor of the Cleveland-Akron Bag Company, manufacturers of paper, cotton and burlap bags. He became identified with the business in 1887 and rose from the position of clerk to that of treasurer and manager. He was connected with the company altogether for twenty-three years and as his responsibilities in- creased the success of the institution devolved more and more largely upon him. He was adequate to the demands made upon him but on account of the health of his son he resigned and removed to Denver in 1907. For a time he was not actively associated with business interests in this city, but indolence and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature and when a favorable opportunity presented itself he once more became an active factor in business circles. On the 1st of April, 1909, he bought out the Denver Lithographing Company, taking over a business which was conducted by C. C. Worrall. Soon after purchasing this business the company erected a handsome building at Nos. 1200-1220 Lawrence street, and on the 1st of February, 1913, the Denver Lithographing Company and the Bankers Supply Company were consolidated. This has grown from a local concern to the largest business of its kind in the country.

E. H. BRAUKMAN

480

HISTORY OF COLORADO

The company also operates a plant in Chicago employing one hundred people which with the Denver plant employing one hundred and fifty people manufactures more hank supplies, such as bank checks, etc., than any other concern in this country or abroad. They employ expert workmen, lithographers, engravers and high class men for every branch of the work and maintain the highest standards of production. Mr. Braukman is vice president of the company to which he brings long and broad experience. He is acquainted with every phase and department of the business and neglects no detail, while at the same time he gives due attention to the more important points which have to do with the success of the concern. In a word, he has marked appreciation for and recognition of values, so that the business throughout is splendidly balanced and is conducted along methodical and progressive lines. It holds to high art standards in its lithographing and engraving department and throughout the concern the business has been so systematized that it has grown from a local to a national concern. Aside from his efforts in this connection Mr. Braukman is the president of the Denver Fac- tories Company of South Denver.

On the 16th of August, 1893, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Braukman and Miss Mary H. Brown, of Cleveland, a daughter of Lemuel and Julia F. (Henry) Brown. They have become parents of three children. Clarence A., born in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 5, 1897, is a graduate of the Manual Training high school and is now a lieu- tenant in the aviation service with the United States army. Loretta, born in Cleve- land in 1901, is attending high school. Theodore, born in Cleveland, October 3, 1905, is a pupil in the public schools of Denver.

Mr. Braukman is the treasurer of the Colorado Woman's College, an institution- for the betterment of young women. He is also interested in young men, being a director in the Denver Young Men's Christian Association. He belongs to the Denver Athletic Club and is a director of the Rotary Club, while his interest in community affairs and business development is shown through his connection with the Civic and Commercial Association of Denver and with the Manufacturers Association. He is a strong and forceful man, strong in his ability to plan and to perform, strong in his honor and his good name. His identification with Denver covers a comparatively brief period, but in this time he has so utilized his opportunities that he has developed one of the leading manufacturing concerns of the city and one which in the volume and char- acter of its business overtops other institutions of the kind not only in this country but in the world. In his vocabulary there is no such word as fail. He never stops short of the successful accomplishment of his purpose if it can he gained through honorable methods and his life record is an expression of the spirit of marked Amer- ican enterprise.

JOE L. STETMAN.

Joe L. Stetman, the president of the Lone Star Oil Company, with offices in the A. C. Foster building of Denver, was born in Glasgow, Missouri, June 4, 1886, and is a son of Joseph R. Stetman, who was born in Missouri. His parents were among the pioneer residents of that state and came of German ancestry. The family was founded in America by Joseph R. Stetman, who came to the new world during the '40s and settled in Missouri, where he spent his remaining days. In the same locality his son and name- sake, Joseph R. Stetman, Jr., was born, reared and resided. He became a stockraiser and packer and conducted important and extensive business interests. His well devel- oped plans, carefully executed, made him a wealthy man. He died in the year 1887 at the age of twenty-five years. His wife bore the maiden name of Nettie E. Race and is a native of New York and of English lineage. In the family were two children: Joe L., of this review; and Yolande, the wife of J. H. Haynes, a resident of Independence, Colorado.

Joe L. Stetman of this review is indebted to the public school system of Denver for the educational opportunities which he enjoyed. He came to this city with his mother in 1892 and she is still living here. He was then but six years old and he continued to attend school until he reached the age of seventeen, when he made his initial step in the business world and has since been dependent upon his own resources and efforts. He was first employed along clerical lines by the firm of Ed P. Eppich & Company, real estate and insurance agents, with whom he continued for a period of twelve years. He next turned his attention to ranching in Jefferson county, taking up that business on account of ill health, hoping that the outdoor life would benefit him. After his return to Denver he became the secretary of the Seventeenth Street Building Company and also

481

HISTORY OF COLORADO

of the First National Bank Building Company and remained in that association for a year. He afterward entered the oil business, actively operating in the oil fields in Harris county, Texas, where the company has producing properties. The Lone Star Oil Com- pany was incorporated in October, 1917, with a capital of three hundred thousand dol- lars and has the promise of becoming a very large enterprise, as it has already taken its place as a dividend-paying concern. Mr. Stetman has since the incorporation been the president and general manager of the company and his previous experience in the oil fields well qualifies him for the duties which he has assumed in this connection. His efforts are bringing about substantial results and the growth of the business has been rapid.

On the 5th of June, 1909, Mr. Stetman was united in marriage to Miss Alma Dumars, a native of Denver and a daughter of F. P. and Jessie (Smith) Dumars. The mother was born in Denver and was a daughter of J. W. Smith, one of the pioneers of this city. To Mr. and Mrs. Stetman has been born a son, Joe L., Jr., whose birth occurred in Denver, August 30, 1910. The family residence is at No. 650 Downing street.

In his political views Mr. Stetman maintains an independent course, voting for men and measures rather than party. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Albert Pike Lodge, No. 117, at Denver. He also belongs to the Denver Athletic Club. He is a man of genial disposition and his social qualities make for personal popularity. He is also a man of excellent business ability, energetic and determined, and, turning his attention to the oil fields, he has found there the opportunity for the successful achievement which he sought, and in the utilization of his opportunities he is making rapid and substantial advance.

JAMES WESLEY NELSON.

James Wesley Nelson, of Las Animas, fills the important position of county clerk of Bent county. He was born in Ray county, Missouri, and is a son of George W. and Fanny (Crow) Nelson. The father has followed agricultural pursuits throughout his life and is still living but his wife has passed away. In their family were six children, three daughters and three sons, our subject being the second in order of birth. His sisters and one brother have passed away.

James W. Nelson was educated in the rural schools of his native state and also attended high school for three years. He assisted his father with the farm work until twenty-two years of age and then learned the barber's trade and continued in that line until two years ago, when he became connected with the bakery and confectionery busi- ness. He came to Colorado in July, 1910, locating at Las Animas, where he was con- nected with the barber's business, but sold his shop in 1915, when he was elected to the position of county clerk, which he has since ably filled. He is now a candidate for reelec- tion and his record well entitles him to continuance in the office.

On December 16, 1908, Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Sadie Mae Bur- nett, a native of Kansas City, Missouri, and to them have been born two children, Marguerite B. and Lora E. Mr. Nelson is active in the democratic party and has served as delegate to county conventions. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church, and fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows and the Loyal Order of Moose. He is fond of outdoor life and finds recreation in hunting and fishing. He now gives much of his time and attention to war service work and is a member of the local draft board. All who know him esteem him highly, for he has not only made an enviable record as a public official, but he is a man who easily makes friends because of his geniality and affability.

HUGH G. GAINES.

Hugh G. Gaines, a progressive and prosperous young business man of Weld county, is an active factor in financial circles as cashier of the Farmers Bank of Severance. His birth occurred in Cassville, Georgia, on the 29th of February, 1884. his parents being James H. and Susan (Kelly) Gaines, who are also natives of that state. The father has always followed farming in Georgia and his undertakings in that connection have been attended with a well merited measure of success. He is now sixty-two years of age, while his wife has reached the age of fifty-seven.

Hugh G. Gaines was reared and educated in Rome, Georgia, and completed a prepar- Vol. II-31

482

HISTORY OF COLORADO

atory course by graduation in 1909. He then learned carpentering and in May, 1910, came to Colorado, taking up his abode at Eaton, Weld county, after which he worked at his trade and also on a farm for one year. On the expiration of that period he entered the service of the Union Pacific Railroad Company, acting as yard clerk for a year and a half and as cashier and bill clerk in the freight house for two years. On the 5th of February, 1915, he became assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Eaton and thus remained until May 1, 1916, when he accepted the position of cashier of the Farmers Bank of Severance, in which capacity he has continued to the present time, being also one of the stockholders of the institution. The bank is capitalized for ten thousand dollars and has deposits of about seventy thousand dollars. Its officers are: R. Irl Mawson, president; E. G. Holden, vice president; and H. G. Gaines, cashier. To the continued growth and success of the institution Mr. Gaines has contributed in no small measure and he enjoys an enviable reputation as a most courteous, obliging and capable official. He is also a stockholder in the Great Western Alfalfa Mills, a concern operating a number of mills in Colorado; a stockholder in the Western Mortgage Company, and a stockholder in the Pan Motor Company of St. Cloud, Minnesota.

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.

History of Colorado; Volume II, Part 68

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