USA > Colorado > History of Colorado; Volume II > Part 73
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Charles J. Gilkison pursued his education, after leaving the public schools, in the Colorado Agricultural College. He also received training in the Eastman Business College at Poughkeepsie, New York, and following his graduation from the commercial department of the Colorado Agricultural College he became principal of the department. In the meantime, however, he engaged in the wholesale produce business with his father in Fort Collins and his youthful experiences were those of the ranch, so that his activities have covered a broad field. After putting aside his work as an educator he reentered the wholesale produce business at Fort Collins and also engaged in feeding lambs. He there remained until August, 1912, when he removed to Denver, where he
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established business as a wholesale produce merchant, and in this line he has since successfully and continuously engaged.
Mr. Gilkison has been married twice. On the 24th of December, 1900, at Fort Collins, he wedded Miss Frances May Warren, a native of that place and a daughter of Edson and Susan (Riddle) Warren. Her father is now deceased but her mother is still living and is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Larimer county. Mrs. Gilkison died October 6, 1907, at the age of twenty-eight years, leaving three chil- dren, Warren, Charles Thomas and Frances. On the 5th of December, 1911, Mr. Gilkison was married in Boulder, Colorado, to Miss Maude E. Dulaney, a native of Georgetown, Colorado, and a daughter of George and Margaret Dulaney, who were early settlers of that place. Mrs. Dulaney had been a resident of North Platte, Nebraska, during its pioneer days.
In politics Mr, Gilkison is a democrat where national issues are involved but casts an independent local ballot. He belongs to Collins Lodge, No. 19, A. F. & A. M., and has also taken the degrees of Cache La Poudre Chapter, No. 11, R. A. M., and De Molay Commandery, No. 13, K. T. He likewise has membership with the Benevolent Protec- tive Order of Elks and with the Sons of Colorado. He finds his chief diversion in camp- ing, hunting and fishing in the mountains and when leisure permits greatly enjoys such an outing. Starting out in the business world empty-handed, he has steadily advanced as the result of his efforts and is today comfortably situated in life, occupying an at- tractive home at No. 4033 West Twenty-ninth avenue and owning and controlling an extensive and prosperous business.
CHARLES P. PFEIFFER.
Charles P. Pfeiffer was for more than thirty years an active business man of Denver, where he conducted his interests under the name of the Charles P. Pfeiffer Steam & Hot Water Heating Company, at No. 1140 California street, to the time of his death, which occurred May 13, 1918. He had made for himself a most favorable position in busi- ness circles and in the regard of his fellow townsmen. He was born in Liverpool, Ohio, January 2, 1866, a son of Frank Xavier and Katherine Mary (Haffier) Pfeiffer, the former a native of Switzerland, while the latter was born in Alsace, France. Com- ing to America in 1848, Mr. Pfeiffer settled at Cleveland, Ohio, and later removed to Liverpool, that state, where he engaged in farming. He afterward became proprietor' of a hotel in Toledo, Ohio, and there continued his residence to the time of his death, which occurred in 1897, when he was eighty-seven years of age. His wife passed away in 1876. In their family were fourteen children.
Charles P. Pfeiffer, who was the thirteenth in the family in order of birth, spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the Buckeye state. After attending the public schools of Toledo and of Edgerton, Ohio, he worked upon his father's farm until he reached the age of eighteen years, when he took up the trade of steamfitting and hot water heating at Toledo, being employed by the well known firm of Shaw, Kendall & Company. After completing his apprenticeship he removed westward to Denver in 1887 and soon afterward established business on his own account. Thoroughness and efficiency ever characterized the efforts of Mr. Pfeiffer and his determination and skill brought him to a prominent place in industrial circles. He had the contracts for work in his line on some of the largest buildings in Denver, including the Empire building, the Union Station, St. Clara's Orphanage, St. Anthony's Hospital, the May building, the Exchange building at the stock yards and the office building of Swift & Company.
On the 25th of May, 1907, Mr. Pfeiffer was united in marriage to Miss Lillian Hambly, of Denver, a daughter of Thomas J. and Jane (Luke) Hambly, who were pioneers of this city. To this union were born two exceptionally bright and interesting little daughters: Marjorie Jane, whose birth occurred December 3, 1909; and Charline Phyllis, whose natal day was July 4, 1912. Both are natives of Denver.
In politics Mr. Pfeiffer maintained an independent course, voting for men and measures rather than for party. Fraternally he was a Mason and attained the Knight Templar degree of the York Rite. He was also connected with the Court of Honor and the Woodmen of the World. He found his greatest pleasure in his home life and his predominant characteristics were those of a devoted husband and a loving and indulgent father. Cheerful in disposition, he never paraded his troubles and his pres- ence radiated sunshine. He was much interested in his Masonic work and labored zealously in whatever capacity he was called upon to serve the organization. His
CHARLES P. PFEIFFER
Vol. II-33
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record as a business man was sound and clean. He worked his way upward entirely through his own efforts and ability, and something of the high position which he occu- pied in business circles is indicated in the fact that he was the secretary of the Colorado Master Plumbers' Association and also of the Denver Master Plumbers' Asso- ciation. His genuine worth as a man and citizen commanded the respect and con- fidence of all who knew him and he had many friends in the city in which he so long resided.
CHARLES H. TEMPLE.
Active among the energetic, farsighted and successful business men of Eaton is Charles H. Temple of the real estate firm of Hensley & Temple. He was born near Fort Collins, Colorado, October 30, 1891, and is a son of Joseph R. and Lucy H. (Pascoe) Temple, who were natives of Ohio and Missouri, respectively. The father became a stock raiser of New Mexico, where he continued in business for several years, and about 1885 he removed to Ward, Colorado, where he resided for two years. He next went to Larimer county, Colorado, where he rented land for a time, but as his financial resources in- creased he purchased property near Fort Collins and there continued to engage in farm- ing throughout his remaining days. He largely specialized in the dairying business during his last ten years. He passed away in April, 1916, and is survived by his wife, who yet makes her home in Fort Collins.
Charles H. Temple of this review was reared and educated in Fort Collins and also attended business college there. When his textbooks were put aside he took up office work as a bookkeeper and was employed in that capacity at Las Vegas, New Mexico, for about two and a half years. He afterward served as deputy county assessor for a year and in 1912 he arrived in Eaton, Colorado, where he secured employment in the flour mills, there remaining until September, 1915. At the latter date he turned his attention to the real estate business and in July, 1916, entered into partnership with E. L. Hensley, with whom he has since been associated under the firm style of Hensley & Temple. They are wide awake, alert and enterprising young business men and the firm is rapidly winning a place in the front rank of real estate dealers of the city.
In August, 1913, Mr. Temple was united in marriage to Miss Margaretta Aitchison, a daughter of William Aitchison, a native of Canada, who was a contractor and builder and for many years resided in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1891, however, he removed from that city to Colorado and after three or four years took up his abode in Eaton, where he engaged in the contracting business until 1913. He then established a furniture store in Eaton and was thus identified with the commercial interests of the city through- out his remaining days. He also filled the office of justice of the peace in Eaton for five years and made a most creditable record by the fair and impartial manner in which he discharged his duties. He died October 30, 1917, after a short illness, when seventy- three years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Temple have been born two children: Celeste, born in May, 1916; and Robert, in December, 1917.
Politically Mr. Temple is a democrat and gives stalwart allegiance to the party although he has never been an office seeker. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church and it guides him in all of the relations of life. He is a valued and respected young business man of Eaton and one whose career, judged by what he has accomplished in the past, will be well worth the watching.
HENRY J. JOHNSON.
Business development in Lamar has taken a new impetus through the efforts of Henry J. Johnson, who at this writing serves as president of the Young Men's Business Association. There is much honor due Mr. Johnson for what he has achieved, as he is a self-made man, serving at present as assistant manager of the Lamar flour mills of Lamar, and is a former vice president of The Bank of Baca County at Two Buttes, which he assisted in organizing. He also is the secretary of the W. A. Zimmer Drug Company, with stores at Lamar and Springfield, Colorado. By profession he is an expert ac- countant and is connected with government service.
Henry J. Johnson was born in Chicago, Illinois, January 28, 1886, and is a son of B. C. and Caroline A. Johnson, the former of whom has been connected with the Chicago &
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Northwestern Railroad Company for the past fifty years. Both are still living and in their family are five sons, of whom Henry J. is the oldest.
Henry J. Johnson was educated in the public schools of his native city but at the age of twelve began his active career by selling newspapers. Later he was connected with the Western Union and subsequently was employed by Mr. Joseph T. Talbert, vice president of the National City Bank of New York. He afterward became identified with financial interests and at the early age of eighteen held the position of assistant teller in the Continental National Bank of Chicago. He continued with that institution for eight years but then removed to Holly, Prowers county, Colorado, where for some time he was an auditor. At Two Buttes he assisted in organizing The Bank of Baca County and subsequently Charles Maxwell made him assistant manager. There is great credit due him for what he has achieved, as all his success has come to him entirely through his own labors. Mr. Johnson is not only an expert accountant, now doing work for the government, but he is equally well acquainted with the law, having studied in North- western University and having also attended night classes at the Young Men's Christian Association in Chicago.
On the 6th of January, 1907, in Chicago, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Edith Thurnell and they have two daughters, Elizabeth and Josephine. He is a republi- can in his political affiliations and has taken an active part in the local affairs of his party, although he is not a politician in the sense of office seeking. Fraternally he be- longs to the Masons, being a Knight Templar and a Shriner, and he is also a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, having served as exalted ruler. He has always taken a deep interest in military affairs and is therefore in full accord with the war measures instituted by the government, having served as a captain in the Third Liberty Loan drive. He is also county manager of the food administration and through his able efforts he has well served his country. His religious faith is that of the Prot- estant church and he has ever been interested in its work as well as in charitable organizations. His recreation he seeks and finds in fishing and hunting and he is fond of the out-of-doors.
HENRY P. WATERMAN.
Denver can boast of having the largest machinery and supply house in the United States, and actively connected with the business, which is conducted under the name of the Hendrie & Bolthoff Manufacturing & Supply Company, is Henry P. Waterman, the vice president and treasurer. He has been identified with the business since 1880 and since 1893 has been one of the company's officials, in which connection he has bent his energies to administrative direction and executive control of a business which now o'ertops every other of the kind in the country. The story of his life is one of continued progress since he made his initial step in the business world. He was born in Lockport, Will county, Illinois, March 31, 1855, a son of the late Benoni Cook Waterman, who came to Colorado in 1860, settling in Gilpin county, where he followed mining with a fair measure of success. He had previously engaged in the manufacture of wagons in Lockport, Illinois, and in 1849 had been one of the Argonauts who went to California in search of the golden fleece, traveling overland from Lockport and meeting with many hardships and privations while en route. The Indians occasioned considerable trouhle but the entire party arrived safely at their destination. Mr. Waterman made the return trip by way of the Isthmus after several years' stay in California and, as previously indicated, came to Colorado in 1860, continuing his residence in Gilpin county until his death in 1873, when he was fifty-three years of age. His political endorsement was given to the republican party, which found in him a stanch supporter, but he never sought or desired office as a reward for party fealty. In early manhood he wedded Mary Parsons, a native of New York and a member of one of its old families of English lineage. She died in Denver in 1898 at the age of seventy-five years and is survived by three of her four children: Henry P .; Herbert, who is secretary of the Hendrie & Bolthoff Manufacturing & Supply Company of Denver; and Almira, also living in this city.
Henry P. Waterman acquired a public school education in Gilpin county, Colorado, and afterward attended the Williston Seminary, from which he was graduated in 1877. He later pursued a course in Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie, New York; where he was graduated in 1878, and on the completion of his studies he returned to Gilpin county, where he was engaged in mining and milling until 1880, when he removed to Central City, where he hecame associated with the company of which he is now an
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official. He remained there for eighteen months and then came to Denver as a repre- sentative of the firm. Gradually working his way upward in this connection, he was elected one of the officials in 1893 and is now the vice president and treasurer. The business was established in Central City fifty-three years ago and a branch was opened in Denver in 1878. Sound business principles, straightforward dealing and indefatigable energy on the part of its officials have made this little branch the largest establishment of the kind in the United States. Its main office and store building alone cover eighteen thousand square feet, while there are four brick warehouses aggregating many thousand square feet. The pipe warehouse contains twenty thousand, five hundred square feet, the bar iron and steel warehouses, eighteen thousand, eight hundred square feet, and in addition thirty thousand square feet of uncovered adjoining ground is piled high with steel products. The firm utilizes in its delivery and shipping service six single wagons, seven heavy platform wagons and seven automobile trucks, and two hundred people are now employed by the firm. The great quantity of merchandise handled by the firm is listed in the four principal catalogues, covering electrical supplies, eight hundred and fifty pages; automobile supplies, one hundred and seventy-five pages; machine tool and woodworking equipment, eighty pages; and milling machinery, one hundred and seventy pages; and there is also a general catalogue containing a thousand pages. For a quarter of a century as one of its officials Mr. Waterman has contributed to the con- tinued growth and development of the business.
On the 18th of June, 1900, Mr. Waterman was married in Los Angeles, California, to Miss Jean McFarland Hanna and to them have been born two children, Mary Eliza- beth and Robert H., both born in Denver. The family reside at No. 1851 Grant street.
Mr. Waterman finds his chief recreation in motoring, golfing and fishing. He votes with the republican party and strongly endorses its principles. He belongs to the Denver Athletic Club, to the Sons of the Revolution and to the Denver Civic and Com- mercial Club, associations which indicate much of his interests and the rules which gov- ern bis conduct. He stands for progress and improvement in all things relating to the welfare of the community and cooperates heartily with the Denver Civic and Commercial Association in its efforts to uphold higher standards of citizenship and promote the welfare and growth of Denver.
DAVID EDWIN SEVERANCE.
David Edwin Severance is now living retired but is still the owner of valuable farm- ing property, from which he derives a substantial annual income. He is a self-made man and as the architect of his own fortunes has builded wisely and well. His activities have always been intelligently directed and his enterprise and perseverance are unfaltering. He was born in Tuftonboro, Carroll county, New Hampshire, May 6, 1848, and was one of a family of eleven brothers and sisters, all of whom have now passed away. Their parents were David and Ruth (Welch) Severance, who were likewise natives of the Granite state.
David E. Severance acquired his early education at the place of his birth and in an academy, from which he was graduated when eighteen years of age. He began work in connection with the butchering business in Boston in 1866, in company with a brother, and was active along that line for about five years. Later he went to Charles- town, Massachusetts, where he conducted a retail business in meat and produce for two years and afterward he returned to New Hampshire to take up the management of his father's estate. He then worked in the lumbering business and at farming and became owner of three hundred acres of land, purchasing the interest of the other heirs in the old home property. He cut down all of the timber upon the place and hauled it to Lake Winnepesaukee, New Hampshire. He afterward disposed of his interests in New Eng- land and came west to Colorado in 1882, arriving in Greeley in December of that year. He then followed farming for a year in that locality, after which he took up bis abode near Severance and carried on general agricultural pursuits for two years. On removing to his present farm he became owner of one hundred and sixty acres which was school land. He rents the present place and he also owns a farm known as the Mills place not far distant. As the years have passed he has prospered in his undertakings and is today one of the substantial citizens of the community. He owns the bank building and the town site of Severance and his property holdings are the visible evidence of his life of well directed energy and thrift.
In April, 1867, Mr. Severance was united in marriage in Tuftonboro, New Hampshire, to Miss Mary A. Milliken, who was born in Newton, Massachusetts, a daughter of I.
MR. AND MRS. DAVID E. SEVERANCE
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Milliken, who was one of the veterans of the Civil war. The children of this marriage are Augusta, Dora, David, Freddy and Mary. The wife and mother passed away October 12, 1916, when sixty-eight years of age, her birth having occurred in 1848. She had been in ill health for fifteen years and when called to her final home was laid to rest in the Linn Grove cemetery at Greeley.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Severance is a Mason, having been identified with the blue lodge for twenty years. He has always endeavored to remain a faithful follower of its teachings and loyal to the purposes of the craft. For more than a third of a century he has been a resident of Weld county and is widely known as one of its representative agriculturists, his determined effort and unremitting energy constituting the broad foundation upon which he has built his success.
DAVID F. RANEY.
The history of the pioneer development of Weld county would be incomplete and unsatisfactory were there failure to make reference to David F. Raney, who took up his abode at Platteville in 1861, although the town had not been founded at that time. Through the intervening period to his death he was actively associated with progress and improvement in that section and contributed much to its business development. He was born in Licking county, Ohio, December 24, 1833, a son of William and Ruth Raney. The father was a farmer throughout his entire life, following agricultural pursuits in Licking county, Ohio, for a time but mostly in Iowa.
David F. Raney was reared and educated in Ohio and then went to Iowa with his parents, carrying on farming interests there until 1861, when, attracted by the opportuni- ties of the new but growing west, he made his way to Weld county, Colorado, and took up land three miles south of the present site of Platteville although it was some years before the town was started. His nephew is still living upon the old home place which he improved and developed, transforming it from a tract of wild land into one of rich fertility. He continued to carry on the farm work there for many years and brought the place under a high state of cultivation, but ultimately his health failed and he removed to Platteville, where his remaining days were passed. He also at one time owned a mine at Idaho Springs, which he operated for a year and then sold.
On the 24th of January, 1861, Mr. Raney was married to Miss Lucinda Drake, a daughter of David and Mary (Brewer) Drake, who were natives of Ohio and of New York respectively. Mrs. Raney was born in Ohio on April 13, 1839. Her father was a farmer who in 1842 removed to Van Buren county, Iowa, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1849, when he was attacked by the gold fever and made his way to California, in which state he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in October, 1851. His widow survived him for more than sixty years, passing away April 13, 1914.
The death of Mr. Raney occurred in Platteville, September 19, 1892, when he was fifty-nine years of age. His religious faith was that of the Methodist church and he was also a loyal advocate of the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows and the Independent Order of Good Templars, in all of which he held membership. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he served as a member of Colorado's first legislature. He thus aided in laying the foundation for the present statutory system of the state as well as for the development and progress of the com- monwealth along many other lines. He dared the dangers and hardships of the frontier in order to establish a home in this section of the country and his contribution to its development and progress was a most valuable one.
NATHANIEL S. WHITE.
Nathaniel S. White, a rancher living at Boone, was born in St. Louis county, Mis- souri, on the 5th of December, 1865, a son of Moses F. and Margaret (Walker) White. The father died when his son, Nathaniel S., was quite young. The three children of the family came first to Colorado in the year 1882 and the mother followed, joining them in this state, where her remaining days were passed.
Nathaniel S. White pursued his education in the schools of Missouri and of Pueblo, Colorado, and went to work as a cowboy on the range, remaining with Mr. Lankford for eighteen years or more. He became familiar with every phase and experience of
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range life and when the Lankford interests were sold to the Thatcher Company he re- mained in the employ of the latter in the same vicinity' for a number of years. At length, however, he embarked in business on his own account and is still interested in ranching and cattle raising. He has good property and a large herd and his long experi- ence enables him to carefully direct his interests in a way that wins substantial success.
In September, 1902, Mr. White was united in marriage to Miss Grace R. Johns, of Denver, and to them have been born two sons, Nathaniel Walker and Robert Johns. Mr. and Mrs. White give their political allegiance to the democratic party and the latter was appointed after civil service examination to the position of postmistress by President Wilson. Mr. White has been a delegate to the county conventions of his party. He is a home man, preferring the interests and companionship of his family rather than out- side affairs. He belongs, however, to the State Grange and he is deeply interested in the welfare and progress of his community and of the state at large. His entire life has been given to ranching and his experiences cover every phase of life on the range in Colorado.
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