USA > Colorado > History of Colorado; Volume III > Part 2
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For forty years the partnership between the brothers, J. Sidney and Junius F. Brown. existed most harmoniously. In 1900 the latter withdrew from the firm to organize the J. F. Brown Investment Company and admitted his son. H. K. Brown, and his son-in- law, F. S. Titsworth, to a partnership. He came into control of mammoth enterprises, yet there were no spectacular phases in his career, which was marked by a steady pro-
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gression. each forward step bringing him a broader outlook and wider opportunities. Business was to him not merely a source for the attainment of wealth. He enjoyed the game. He found pleasure in solving its intricate problems, in shaping its possibilities and in achieving its triumphs. Moreover, the methods which he followed were ever of a constructive nature and his path was never strewn with the wreck of other men's failures.
Mr. Brown was married twice. In 1859, at Conneaut. Ohio, he wedded Miss Jane B. Kilborn, a native of Canada and a daughter of John B. Kilborn, of Conneaut. She passed away iu 1877, leaving three children: Helen, who became the wife of James W. Douglas; Jane M., the wife of F. S. Titsworth; and Harry K., a Yale graduate of 1892 and now president of the J. F. Brown Investment Company. On the 28th of November, 1878, at Denver, Mr. Brown wedded Mary L. Brundage, a daughter of Marcus B. Brundage, a native of Poughkeepsie, New York, who removed westward with his family to Colorado and afterward to California, where he passed away in 1883. His wife bore the maiden name of Harriet Parmelee, a daughter of Theodore Hudson Parmelee, a descendant of one of the Revolutionary war patriots, while the ancestral line is traced back in England to 1639, when a representative of the name founded the family in the new world. Of the second marriage of Mr. Brown was born a daughter, June Louise, who in 1912 was mar- ried to J. J. B. Benedict, a well known architect. Marcus B. Brundage was the youngest of twelve children and was left an orphan when but fourteen years of age. After com- pleting his education he went to New Haven, Connecticut, where he engaged in carriage manufacturing and subsequently removed to Tallmadge, Ohio, where he conducted busi- ness along the same line. Failing health brought him to Colorado and subsequently led to his removal to the Pacific coast, where his death occurred. His wife died in Ohio at the age of seventy-five years, leaving four children, including Mrs. Brown.
Mr. Brown was the organizer of the Gentlemen's Driving Club of Denver, which indicated his love of a good horse, and he found much pleasure in driving. His love of the beautiful was manifest in his establishment of a fine art gallery. When seventy years of age he began to collect valuable paintings and at his demise his gallery was one of the best in the country among the smaller collections and ranked the first of Colorado. This collection of paintings is preserved just as he left it and the heirs have agreed to present it in its entirety to the city of Denver when a suitable building is erected for the purpose within a specified time. Mr. Brown's selection of paintings was the result of his love of the subject and of the art. He particularly enjoyed the pastoral type and he gathered many beautiful specimens. At length he built his beautiful art gallery to his own satisfaction and shortly before his death he announced that the canvases were hung as best befitted them and in a manner most pleasing to the eye, bringing out as well the special qualities of the individual pictures. Among his paintings is to be found an original Millet, also a Corot and a Diaz, of the Barbazon school; while others include the best examples of the American, Dutch and French schools of art. He was a great admirer of the works of American artists especially that of Homer Martin, while that of Innes as well as that of Wyant were highly regarded by him. He was versatile in his selection but cared not for the impressionistic or other ultra-modern schools of art, the canvases that presented simplicity, beauty and peacefulness having strongest appeal for him. It is well that so successful a life should also have found time for the finer things our self- made men are so prone to overlook-aid in money and personal attention to schools and churches, collection of rare objects of beauty from all over the world and the artistic adornment of his city and of his home.
DE WITT P. GAYMON.
De Witt P. Gaymon, filling the position of city engineer at Pueblo, was born in John- son county, Iowa, on the 15th of February, 1860, and is a son of Charles and Rosanna (Kimball) Gaymon. The father devoted his life to the occupation of farming in order to provide for the support of his family. Both he and his wife have now passed away.
Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, De Witt P. Gaymon became a pupil in the public schools of Johnson county, Iowa, and in time pursued a course in an academy at Iowa City. He afterward received professional training in a course of study in the State University of Iowa and his first professional position was with the Burling- ton, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railroad Company at Cedar Rapids. He was afterward con- nected with various other railroad corporations in the middle west until 1886, when he removed to Colorado and in 1887 took up his abode in Pueblo, where he has since made his home. Here he practiced his profession and in 1909 he hecame city engineer, which
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position he has continuously filled to the present time. The greater part of the public improvements in Pueblo, including sewerage. paving and other public work, has been done during his term of office. He is thoroughly familiar with the scientific principles which underlie his work, together with every practical phase of engineering, and his pronounced capability has made him a most worthy and efficient incumbent in the office which he now fills.
On the 23d of April, 1891, Mr. Gaymon was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Roberts and to them have heen born two daughters: Mary, who is the wife of Robert Fulton, a resident of Boise, Idaho. and now in the United States army; and Elsie, the wife of William Gleyre, also of the United States army.
Mr. Gaymon votes with the republican party. of which he has been a faithful ad- herent since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. In Masonry he has attained the third degree and he is also identified with the Knights of Pythias. His has been an active and useful life, fraught with much good in the exercise of his professional activities, while at all times he has manifested public spirit and devotion to those interests which underlie good citizenship.
CHARLES HALLACK.
In the death of Charles Hallack on March 3, 1906, Denver lost one of Its foremost citizens and one of its most prominent bankers, manufacturers and merchants. Not only was he one of the promoters of the old State National Bank, but he was largely engaged in the lumber business and along other lines. His high standing among the business men of the state was unquestioned and his qualities of character made for him many friends in whose hearts his memory is enshrined. He was born in Bethany, Genesee county, New York, March 22, 1828, and was a son of John D. and Sarah Hallack. The family traces its ancestry back to colonial days. His father, who was a farmer, miller and manufacturer and was successful along all those lines, was born November 6, 1790, and died August 3, 1865, in Bethany, New York, while the mother was born December 12, 1792, and passed away September 1, 1872, at the age of eighty years, the former having reached the age of nearly seventy-five years.
Charles Hallack was educated in the common schools and spent the first twenty- eight years of his life on a farm in his native county, becoming thoroughly acquainted with agricultural pursuits and operations. In 1857 he removed to Mendon, St. Joseph county, Michigan, where he established himself in the mercantile business, forming a partnership with a Mr. Lyman, and there he continued along that line for eight years. In 1864 he removed to Highland, Doniphan county, Kansas, and there was engaged for about two years in the stock business. With his brother, Erastus F. Hallack, he became interested in the lumber business in 1866 and also shipped freight to Denver. The next year he crossed the plains in a wagon, accompanied by his wife, and they settled in the city of Denver on May 4, 1867, this community becoming their permanent residence. The Hallack Brothers continued in the lumber business and built a planing mill, being very successful in its operation. Denver was already then a center of activity. rapidly building up and expanding, and they prospered in business and soon were compelled to enlarge their plant. Mr. Hallack's natural ability and his high principles of business intercourse had much to do with the growth of the enterprise and theirs became known as one of the most reliable firms in the west, their trade grow- ing and flourishing. Mr. Hallack soon established a reputation as a man of integrity, thrift, energy and enterprise and became known and was recognized as one of the foremost business men of Denver. The firm name was changed to Hallack & Howard when Charles and J. H. Howard became interested with them in the business in 1877. The brother, E. F. Hallack, retired from the firm in 1879 to engage in a separate enterprise, but Charles Hallack continued in active business until 1895. when he sold out his interest in the Hallack & Howard Lumber Company and retired.
Mr. Hallack was one of the promoters and organizers of the old State National Bank in 1882 and was a member of its first board of directors. The bank opened business in a small apartment on Sixteenth street, in the rear portion of the McClin- tock block, the original capital stock subscribed being one hundred and twenty thousand dollars. The First National Bank, which then occupied the corner of the same build- ing, was then transferred to the Tabor block across Larimer street, the State National Bank taking up the vacant quarters. Mr. Hallack was president of the latter in 1884, ably directing the policy of this institution. He always stood for safe banking, yet he was ready to extend credit when sound enterprises needed capital for extending their
CHARLES HALLACK
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HISTORY OF COLORADO
business. In that way he helped to build up many business concerns, at the same time conserving the resources of the bank and putting foremost the interests of stock- holders and depositors. In many other enterprises Mr. Hallack made investment, not only becoming one of the wealthiest men of the state but assisting in promoting industries which have been of the greatest value in the growth of the commonwealth. After retiring from active business he spent practically all of his time at his home, attending to his large property interests. He was ever ready to extend a helping hand where assistance was needed and was very charitable, but his gifts were be- stowed in a quiet and unostentatious way. He was so averse to publicity that many of his good deeds will never be known. Not only did he relieve cases of distress to which his attention was called, but he sought out such cases, giving liberally to the needy, the source of benefaction being mostly known only to him and the recipients.
Mr. Hallack was profoundly interested in arboriculture and personally cared for and tended the three generations of big trees which adorn the lawn of the old family home. He himself had set out these trees and he had sown the grass for the first lawn in Denver, love of nature being deeply seated in his soul. This also led him to serve for a time as one of the park commissioners of his city and it was during his administration of the office that the large lake in the City Park was constructed. He personally supervised this work and in large measure credit for the beautification of Denver's park system is due to his indefatigable efforts, excellent taste and loving care. There was nothing so dear to his heart as the out-of-doors and by his labors he endeavored to adorn the city with a park system which would be a source of joy and health to coming generations. His innate love and appreciation of God's wonder work in the open revealed his finely attuned soul and his nobility of character.
Mr. Hallack was united in marriage to Miss Rachel L. Fletcher, a daughter of John Wilkinson and Sarah (Knox) Fletcher. Her father was born in Genesee county, New York, in 1806, while his wife was born in 1811, their wedding taking place in 1831. Mrs. Hallack's grandfather, William Fletcher, was a son of Captain William Fletcher, distinguished for Revolutionary war service. He enlisted as a private in a detachment of Captain Jonathan Thayer's Company, Colonel Barnes' Regiment, serv- ing throughout the revolution and being promoted to a captaincy in Colonel Simon's Regiment. He retired with that commission.
Mr. Hallack is survived by his widow, who is numbered among the foremost women of the state. They had two children, born in Denver, Gertrude Fletcher and Charles Hallack, Jr. The former was married September 1, 1908, to Dr. Arnold Stephen Taussig, by whom she has two children, Blanche and Josephine. The son was formerly engaged in the lumber manufacturing business at Spokane, Washington, being counted among the foremost business men of that city, and passed away September 10, 1916. On December 10, 1910, he married Lucile Kettelle.
The death of Charles Hallack occurred at St. Joseph's Hospital, March 3, 1906, and with his passing there stepped from the stage of life one of the most noble citizens of Colorado. He had submitted to a serious operation in order to relieve a complicated trouble of long standing, but the effort was of no avail. The deepest sorrow entered the family home and many were the tributes which were paid to his memory by his friends of years standing and all who had come in contact with him either in a private or business way. Many were the prayers which went up for him by those whom he had benefited in his quiet but efficacious way and whom he had assisted in fighting life's battles. The state of Colorado lost in him not only one of its builders but a man who stood for the highest ideals of manhood, a man whose career could be held up as an example to all those who appreciate the highest qualities of character combined with sincere qualities of heart .- irreproachable principles guiding him to the position which he held in the esteem of the people among whom he lived.
GUS BLOMQUIST.
Among the manufacturers of Denver is numbered Gus Blomquist. who has been quite successful in his particular line. He is one of those American citizens whom Sweden has furnished to this country and he has made wise use of the opportunities presented on this side of the Atlantic. He was born in Lulea, Sweden, November 1, 1857, a son of Carl and Marguerite (Anderson) Blomquist, the latter of whom passed away when her son Gus was but a year old. The father was a cabinet maker and an expert at his trade.
Gus Blomquist received his education in the schools of Sweden and at the age of twenty years began to make his own living, learning the painter's trade, which he followed
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HISTORY OF COLORADO
for four years. Having heard favorable reports in regard to the greater opportunities offered in the United States, he decided to cross the Atlantic and in 1882 came to this country, making his way at once to Denver, where he arrived on the 2d of July. For one year he continued at his trade as a painter but in 1883 began saddle tree manufacturing, working for the Denver Manufacturing Company. He thus continued for nineteen years, his long retention proving his reliability, his steadfastness and his experience and ability as a workman. He then decided to launch upon an independent business career and started a manufactory for saddle trees, his small place being located at No. 1324 Lawrence street, between Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets. His business, however, grew quickly and at the end of a year he removed to No. 1320 Blake street, where he was located until he sold out in August, 1918. It is interesting in this connection to note that the Rocky Mountain News, the first Denver newspaper, began its life at this location. He was successfully engaged in saddle tree manufacturing at this place for many years and as the years passed by he earned high encomiums in regard to the quality of his goods, which were very dependable. He shipped his products not only to various points in Colorado, Wyoming and all western states but also to Texas and Mexico. The work turned out was of the very highest grade and as his reputation for reliability spread his trade increased from year to year. He employed according to season from seven to twelve men. Not only is he an expert in his line but he developed his business ability and con- ducted his manufacturing establishment along the most modern lines. In this country he found the opportunities which he sought and he made good use of all chances that presented themselves to him.
Mr. Blomquist was married in March, 1887, to Miss Anna Lundin, a daughter of C. G. and Sofie Lundin. She was born in Råneå, Sweden, where her father filled the position of postmaster. Her mother is still living at the venerable age of eighty-seven years, making her home in Sweden. To this union were born three children, of whom one died in infancy. The others are: Abe, a mechanic in the United States army. who ably assisted his father in the upbuilding of the business enterprise; and Ina, at home.
Politically Mr. Blomquist is independent, giving his support to candidates whom he deems best fitted for the office they aspire to, irrespective of party affiliation. He leans toward government control in public utilities, believing that the people should be the direct masters of all those interests which now are largely operated by privately owned corporations. His religious faith is that of the Divine Science church. Mr. Blomquist has made a trip to his native country since locating in Denver, looking up old acquaintances and friends and visiting the places of his birth and childhood. In manufacturing circles he occupies a position which must be gratifying to him as he is highly esteemed by all who know him. Interested in all measures undertaken for the general improvement he is ever ready to render aid and support to movements which are started for the welfare of the people, and is a public-spirited citizen, who has become thoroughly American, patriotically giving his support to all measures the government may see fit to employ in order to win the world struggle for democratic ideals.
DAVID McCALL.
David McCall comes of English and Irish ancestry and is one of those sturdy pioneers who came to Colorado in 1875 and from that date until his retirement was engaged suc- cessfully in mercantile pursuits. He was born January 14, 1829, in Belfast, Ireland, and is a son of David and Lady Sophie (Scarlett) McCall, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of England. The father was a lieutenant in the Queen's Guards under George III and lost an arm while defending Queen Caroline's body in the streets of London when rival factions quarreled over the place in which the queen was to he buried. He was pensioned and was subsequently sent to Ontario, Canada, as an Indian agent, taking with him his wife, who was Lady Sophie Scarlett, and two children, David and Sophie. The other children in his family, Margaret, Alexander, George and Frederick, were born in Canada.
David McCall received his early education in Canada and upon laying aside his text- books learned the trade of tinsmith. For many years he remained in Canada but in 1875 came to the United States with his family, establishing his home at Denver, Colorado. For a time he was connected with the Daniels & Fisher store and subsequently conducted a hardware store at Creede for ten years, at the end of which period he returned to Denver, where he continued as a merchant and where he yet lives.
In the middle '50s Mr. McCall was united in marriage to Julia Matilda Hopkins, of Port Huron, Michigan, and to them were born the following children: David, a ma-
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HISTORY OF COLORADO
chinist residing in Toronto, Canada; Jennie E., the wife of Edward Whitley, of Denver; Marie J .. the widow of F. W. Boehmer; and Charlotte, who is making her home with Mrs. Whitley. The marriage of Marie J. McCall and F. W. Boehmer took place on November 17, 1880. He was born December 9, 1857, and his demise occurred January 2, 1899, at the comparatively early age of forty-two years. Mr. Boehmer came to the United States about 1875, when eighteen years of age, and became a bookkeeper in the Denver Dry Goods Store. He was well liked by his fellows and associates and his death brought deep sorrow to his family. To Mr. and Mrs. Boehmer was born a daughter, Anna J., whose birth occurred November 6, 1881.
David McCall is entitled to be numbered among the pioneers of the state, for he came here forty-three years ago and in his quiet and modest way has contributed toward the upbuilding of the community and commonwealth.
MAHLON D. THATCHER.
There is always something inspiring in the struggle for ascendancy it the effort is based upon honorable principles and laudable purpose. The story of the life record of Mahlon D. Thatcher is one which is of intense interest to those who are thrilled by masterful achievement in the utilization of natural resources and opportunities. Conquer- ing mountain and plain, he aided in planting civilization upon the western frontier and in marked measure contributed to the development and upbuilding of Colorado.
A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Thatcher was born in Perry county on the 6th of December, 1839, and his life record covered the intervening years to the 22d of February, 1916, when he passed away at his home, "Hillcrest," in Pueblo. His parents were Henry and Lydia Ann Thatcher, who after residing for a time near Buffalo, Pennsylvania, removed to Martinsburg, that state, and there Mahlon D. Thatcher acquired his early edu- cation. His elder brother, John A. Thatcher, removing to the west, settled first in Mis- souri and in 1863 made his way to the Rocky mountains, taking up his abode at Denver. After a brief period, however, he journeyed from that city with ox team and wagon, taking with him a small stock of merchandise, with which he established a pioneer store at Pueblo. In 1865 he was joined by Mahlon D. Thatcher, who entered into business relations with his brother under the firm style of Thatcher Brothers. From that point forward both continued prominent factors in the business development and substantial upbuilding of the state. Though the capital of Mahlon D. Thatcher backed scores of successful enterprises, his investments were never speculative. He was primarily a merchant and banker. The commercial interests of the firm were successfully conducted, the business steadily growing until it reached gratifying proportions. With the growth of their trade in that direction they turned their attention to the banking business and as the years passed became most prominent factors in the promotion of financial interests throughout the state. They made their initial step as bankers in 1869 and in January. 1871, organized Thatcher Brothers' Bank, which in June of the same year was reorganized as a national bank under the name of the First National Bank of Pueblo with a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars, of which Mahlon D. Thatcher became first cashier and later president; and he and his brother were active in directing the interests of the insti- tution for many years, making it one of the strong financial concerns of the state. From time to time Mahlon D. Thatcher, with his brother, extended his efforts and business connections and he became chairman of the board of directors of the First National Bank of Denver, president of the International Trust Company, vice president of the Pueblo Savings & Trust Company, president of the First National Bank of Trinidad, president of the Minnequa Bank and an officer and stockholder of the Bent County Bank of Las Animas, the First National Bank of Lamar, the First National Bank of Rocky. Ford, the First National Bank of Florence, the First National Bank of Silverton, the American National Bank of Alamosa. the Miners & Merchants Bank of Ouray and the Montrose National Bank. all of Colorado. Forceful and resourceful, he constantly broadened his activities and became secretary and treasurer as well as one of the organizers of the Pueblo Union Depot & Railroad Company. He was likewise a director of the American Smelting & Refining Company, treasurer of the Great Western Sugar Company, vice presi- dent of the Standard Fire Brick Company, a director of the Cement Securities Company and a director of the Nevada-California Electric Corporation. His faith in the beet sugar industry was great and he was a stockholder in several heet sugar companies. He also had heavy holdings in hydro electric power projects in Nevada and California, also in coal mines and metal mines, and was also president of The Bloom Cattle Company and the Diamond A Cattle Company. He was a most active business man, found early and late at
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