History of Colorado; Volume III, Part 27

Author: Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed
Publication date: 1918-19
Publisher: Chicago, S. J. Clarke
Number of Pages: 844

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GEORGE DANA HORNE.

Any chronicle that deals with Greeley's development must make mention of George D. Horne, who was the promoter and owner of the G. D. Horne book store and who not only figured prominently in commercial circles of the city for many years, but was equally widely and prominently known as a factor in the musical life of the city.

George Dana Horne was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on the 15th of December, 1851, and was hut three months old at the time of his mother's demise, after which he was taken to the home of his grandmother at Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. At the usual age he became a pupil in the public schools there and ultimately was graduated from the Wolfeboro Academy, or Brewster Academy, as it was then called. In his student days he specialized in music and thus laid the foundation for his future work in connection with the development of the musical tastes and interests of Greeley.

It was in July, 1879, that Mr. Horne arrived in Greeley and at once became active in connection with the musical interests of the pioneer colony here, which was largely composed of New England people like himself. For years he was a member of the excellent Fisk orchestra, which was directed by the well known violinist, George W. Fisk. He remained with that organization throughout the period of its existence and he was also a member of the Greeley band for more than three decades and acted as instructor and leader of the band during the greater part of that time. He served for two enlisted terms as handmaster at the time this was a state military band. His love of music was an inherent trait of his character and it was said: "His gentle and kindly manner contributed in no small way to keeping harmony of feeling and good fellowship between the band members, thus making this work a genuine pleasure for all engaged." In March, 1885, Mr. Horne hecame identified with the commercial interests of Greeley in the establishment of a book store which he opened with a small stock. By close application to business he soon developed a growing trade and at his death he left one of the largest retail business enterprises of this kind in the state, his store being second to none in equipment and appointment of any in Colorado. His name in commercial circles was ever an unassailable one and the integrity of his methods was never called into question.

Mr. Horne was most happily married and found his greatest enjoyment at his own fireside. It was in November, 1872, that he wedded Miss Lydia F. Stackpole, who had been a playmate and school companion of his and who from the time of their marriage was his constant companion and helpmate. They became the parents of a son, George E.,

lseo. D. Harne

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who succeeded to the management of his father's business and who is mentioned else- where in this work.

Mr. Horne was a charter member of Greeley Camp, No. 6, W. O. W., and also had membership in Greeley Lodge, No. 809, B. P. O. E. A local paper said of him: "Mr. Horne was of a quiet, retiring disposition and loved his home above all other places. Because of bis diffident disposition he made but few intimate friends abroad; nevertheless he was widely known for bis kindly temperament, inflexible honesty and generous business traits." His life exemplified the truth of the words of Abraham Lincoln: "There is something better than making a living, making a life."

GEORGE BOLT, JR.

George Bolt. Jr .. a florist of Pueblo, who is developing a business of extensive and gratifying proportions, was born October 11. 1884, in the city in which he still resides, his parents being George and Minnie ( Botoner) Bolt. The parents came to Colorado in 1871 and for many years the father was engaged in the restaurant and confectionery business in Pueblo, being among the old-timers of the city. He has owned and conducted some of the old historic business places of Pueblo and he still remains an active factor in the business interests of the town as assistant to his son in the greenhouses.

George Bolt, Jr., was educated in the public and high schools of Pueblo and early became active in business as the assistant of his father, who was also engaged in ranching, in addition to his other interests. He likewise invested his money in a greenhouse and George Bolt, Jr., became interested with his father in the business, thoroughly learn- ing every phase thereof and becoming very proficient in the production of beautiful flowers and plants. For the past five years he has been at the head of the business, which is an extensive and profitable one. The greenhouse has ten thousand square feet under glass. They raise all their own flowers and make extensive shipments, at the same time conducting a large city trade on Main street. They make a specialty of fur- nishing the most beautiful floral designs for all occasions. Their work is thoroughly artistic and the finest plants and blossoms are produced in their greenhouse. Mr. Bolt has closely studied the practical and scientific phases of the business and is thoroughly familiar with the best methods of propagating, cultivating and improving flowers and plants.

Mr. Bolt belongs to the Knights of Pythias, Knights and Ladies of Security, and also has membership with the Brotherhood of American Yeomen. His entire life has been passed in Pueblo and industry and enterprise have characterized his career, bringing him to a substantial position among the business men of his native city.

SAMUEL JEROME DEAL.

Samuel Jerome Deal, a shoe merchant of Colorado Springs, was born in Paris, Texas, in 1880. His father, Avery Jerome Deal, was born in Lenoir, North Carolina, and at the time of the Civil war responded to the call of the Confederacy for aid and went to the front with the Twenty-second North Carolina Regiment of Pender's Brigade and A. P. Hill's Corps. He surrendered with General Lee at Appomattox Courthouse, Virginia. At Hickory. North Carolina, he married Miss Rebecca Moore, who is also a native of that state, and in 1870 they removed to Texas, where they resided for a number of years. In 1889 they went to Guthrie, Oklahoma, accompanied by their four sons and a daughter, and in 1897 they removed to Colorado, settling at Colorado Springs, where they have since made their home.

In the schools of his native city Samuel Jerome Deal began his education and after- ward continued his studies in the high school at Guthrie, Oklahoma. He was a youth of seventeen years when in 1897 he came with his parents to Colorado Springs and in the following year he secured a clerkship in Herring's shoe store. He applied himself earnestly to the mastery of the business and from a very humble position worked his way steadily upward, enjoying the confidence and trust of his employers in the highest degree. In 1908. in connection with his brother. he used his savings in purchasing the business, which is now conducted under the name of the Deal Shoe Company. His advance entirely through his own efforts and capability shows the nature of the man. He now has a large and well appointed store, carrying an extensive line of men's, women's

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and children's shoes. He is ever courteous and ohliging, putting forth every effort to please his customers, recognizing that satisfied customers are the best advertisement.

On the 27th of August, 1902, in Colorado Springs, Mr. Deal was married to Miss Gwendoline Moyer, a daughter of R. J. Moyer, and in the social circles of the city they occupy an enviable position. the hospitality of many of Colorado Springs' best homes being freely accorded them. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and Mr. Deal also has membership with the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Junior Order of American Mechanics. He is also a member of the Rotary Club. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party but he has never sought or desired office. His standing in business circles is indicated in the fact that he has been chosen to the vice presidency of the Mountain State Shoe Retailers Association. Gradually he has worked his way upward in commercial connections and now occupies a prominent and enviable place among the merchants of Colorado Springs.

HENRY C. VAN NORMAN, M. D.

Dr. Henry C. Van Norman is one of the few surviving pioneer physicians and sur- geons of the west who came to this country during the initial stage in its development, when there were many lawless men, so that accidents and shooting affrays were almost daily occurrences in the mining towns and border settlements, and a physician's service was of direst necessity and greatest possible value. Dr. Van Norman in his professional capacity was called to attend a great number of the most noted characters of the west in that period, including men whose names have gone down in history as the trail blazers for a future generation, as the promoters of civilization on the western frontier and others whose records were as black as sin but who in their hour of medical or surgical need turned to the only true friend-the physician who by reason of his profession must respond to the call of humanity at all times. The work of Dr. Van Norman during this period was of the greatest possible benefit to the public and through the intervening period to the present he has continued an honored and able member of the profession.

Dr. Van Norman was born in Brantford, Canada, June 1, 1857, a son of George R. and Margaret Ann (Berry) Van Norman-"parents of whom any son might well be proud." His father was born in Onondaga, New York, of English parentage, and was a man of broad learning who held a high position in the government service in Canada, being a queen's council and crown attorney for forty years. His wife was born in that country, received liberal educational advantages and she, too, after a long and useful life passed away in Canada. They became parents of nine children, several of whom have at- tained more than local fame. One daughter is the wife of Julius Waterous, president of the Waterous Fire Equipment Company, manufacturers of fire apparatus, owning a vast plant in Canada. She is particularly well known as president of the Woman's Organized Charities of Canada, in which connection she has done splendid work for mankind.

Dr. Van Norman is the youngest of the sons and began his education in private schools and later attended Upper Canada College. He next entered the Toronto University Medical College, from which he was graduated with the professional degree in 1879. He then went to New York city to enter upon the practice of his chosen profession and there attained distinction as an ambitious and rising young physician. Possessing much native talent, he soon became widely known and was appointed chief surgeon for the New York, Woodhaven & Rockaway Railroad, with offices on Thirty-ninth street in New York city. He continued in that position and in general practice in New York for five years and during that period became friend and adviser of many of the best known ath- letes of the world. He was the physician and medical adviser of Paddy Ryan, then the champion pugilist of the world, who later lost his title to John L. Sullivan. Many times during his residence in New York city Dr. Van Norman was called upon to pass upon the physical condition of athletes who were about to enter contests of endurance and skill. He also became well known as physician to many prominent representatives of the theatrical profession and not a few of these, upon their visits to Denver, still continue to call upon him either for professional aid or as a matter of friendship.

In 1884, on account of the failing health of his wife, Dr. Van Norman removed to Colo- rado and entered upon professional activity in this state. Before his removal he had received the appointment of under surgeon for the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Com- pany, through Hon. Albert E. Patterson, general counsel, with offices at Villagrove. Very often in those early times the accommodations were extremely poor for a woman who was as ill as his wife and in those days he moved many times. He was at different periods

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located in the boom mining towns, where he built up a lucrative practice. He was at Creede, Colorado, just after the discovery of gold there in paying quantities. This was one of the wildest towns of the frontier settlements and many bad characters flocked there. In a short space of time there were twenty-five shooting affrays that proved fatal, Dr. Van Norman attending twenty-three of these before death claimed the victim. One of these was Bob Ford, the slayer of Jesse James, the noted outlaw, and Dr. Van Norman held the autopsy on Ford's body and extracted the bullets from his neck, giving them as a souvenir to a well known business man of Denver. He was present at the opening

of the Cripple Creek district and was the physician and surgeon for the Golden Cycle, Anaconda and Vindicator mines. He remained at Cripple Creek from 1896 until 1903. During all these years Mrs. Van Norman, who had entirely regained her health in Colo- rado's splendid climate, was his constant companion and also his active assistant. One seeing Mrs. Van Norman could scarcely realize that their removal to the west was made for the benefit of her health. While at Cripple Creek, Dr. Van Norman not only engaged in general practice but was also surgeon for the New York, the Last Chance and other noted gold mines in that section.

Since his removal to Denver, Dr. Van Norman has acquired a very extensive practice and is most prominently known in the city, while his acquaintance, especially among the- atrical people and noted athletes, extends from coast to coast. From such people he has many kind reminders of close friendship, and not long before his death Colonel William Cody, better known as Buffalo Bill, expressed his warm friendship for Dr. Van Norman. During his residence in Saguache county, Colorado, the Doctor served as justice of the peace and county coroner. His early experiences were varied, interesting and at times exciting. He was the only physician in a radius of ninety miles and he was often called to remote parts of the territory, to which he made trips on horseback, thus becoming an expert horseman, a skill that stood him in good stead when he became a member of Cavalry Troop A of the Colorado National Guard in 1916, and he is now a lieutenant of the Medical Reserve Corps. He has likewise become identified with business interests outside of his profession and is now one of the directors of the Heaton Oil & Refining Company, operating in Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas and Oklahoma.

A happy marriage was that celebrated on the 21st of December, 1882, when Dr. Van Norman wedded Miss Minnie E. McBurney. They have become the parents of four chil- dren: Mrs. Margaret Noble, the wife of Paul Noble, now a resident of Schenectady, New York; Bertha, the wife of Arthur Lucas Jones, of Denver, who is district engineer for the General Electric Company; Kathleen, the wife of George S. Whitford, of Denver, general agent of the Niagara Fire Insurance Company; and Clinton, who is a member of the medical department of the United States regular army and has been stationed in Manila but is now on his way home to Denver, having been called for active service in France.

Dr. Van Norman and his wife occupy a beautiful home at No. 1960 Logan street in Denver. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias. Aside from his ex- tensive private practice he has for fourteen years been a member of the medical staff of St. Anthony's Hospital and is also on the staff of the Sunlight Sanitarium of Denver. His career has been one of great activity and usefulness and there are few members of the profession now practicing in Colorado whose experience connects them so closely with the development of the early mining camps of the state. Colorado's history is largely an open book to him and in fact his name finds place on many important pages of the record.

DAVID WILLIAM JONES.

David W. Jones, now at the head of the Jones Coal Company of Pueblo, was born at Craig Cefu Parc, near Swansea, Wales, England, October 14, 1864. He is the sixth in order of birth in a family of nine children, his parents being William and Anna (James) Jones, both now deceased. By occupation his father was an iron refiner.

David W. Jones spent his boyhood and youth in his native land and was educated in the common schools of Wales. At the early age of twelve years he began work in the mines of that country and was thus employed until he had attained the age of seventeen. Coming to the new world, he then worked in the mines of Pennsylvania for one year and the following year was similarly employed at Streator, Illinois. It was in 1886 that he removed to Colorado and located at Coalcreek, where he was married three years later to Miss Elizabeth M. Jones, who although hearing the same name was not a relative. They have become the parents of two children: Gwilym D., now

DAVID W. JONES

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mine foreman for the Thompson & Mitchell mine; and Hannah. They also have one grandson, David G. Jones.

On leaving Coalcreek Mr. Jones removed to Montana, where he engaged in ranching for a time, and later was employed in a smelter at Butte, that state. On his return to Colorado he settled in Custer county and was a resident of Rockvale for three years. He next made his home in Victor until 1902, being employed as a shift boss at Stratton's Independence Limited, and in that year came to Pueblo, where he again turned his attention to coal mining as superintendent of mines, which occupation he followed in Gunnison, Fremont and Huerfano counties. In 1912 he established the Jones Coal Com- pany, which has since done a profitable and successful business.

In religious faith Mr. Jones is a Baptist, and fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. By his ballot he sup- ports the men and measures of the republican party and his fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, have called upon him to serve in public positions. For some time he filled the office of superintendent of the district school board and he has been a delegate to county and state conventions of his party. At the present time he is a candidate for representative from his district to the state legislature and he does all within his power to promote the public welfare. He is a man of good business and executive ability and the success that has come to him is due entirely to his own unaided efforts.

ARTHUR JAY KISER, D. D. S.

Dr. Arthur J. Kiser, engaged in the practice of dentistry in Colorado Springs, where he has maintained an office since 1915, was born in Bryan, Ohio, in 1871. The family comes of Holland ancestry. The paternal grandfather was Jacob Kiser, who was one of the old Pennsylvania Dutch families and was born in the Keystone state. He devoted his life to the occupation of farming and on leaving Pennsylvania became a resident of Ohio. His son, Henry Kiser, was born in Fostoria, Ohio, in 1837, was there reared to farm life and, like his father, always engaged in agricultural pursuits. During the period of the Civil war, however, he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting for one hundred days' service. He was married in his native city to Miss Matilda Bucher, also a native of Ohio, and during the period of the early hoyhood of Arthur Jay Kiser they removed with their family to Michigan. The father died in Burr Oak, that state. in 1915, while the mother is now living in Bronson, Michigan.

Dr. Kiser of this review acquired his education in the schools of Burr Oak, Michigan, until he had completed the public school course. In preparation for his profession he attended the College of Dental Surgery at Baltimore, Maryland, and was graduated there- from with the class of 1894. He later spent a year in Fostoria, Ohio, where he engaged in practice, and for fifteen years he was located at Colon, Michigan. Attracted by the opportunities and the lure of the west, he came to Colorado, establishing in 1915 an office in Colorado Springs, where he has since remained. He is regarded as one of the able dentists of the city and has built up a business indicative of his capability in the field of his chosen profession.

On the 5th of June, 1901, in Lansing, Michigan, Dr. Kiser was married to Miss Mary A. Talmadge and they have two children, Helen Dolores and Agnes Genevieve. The doctor is a member of the First Spiritualist church of which he is a trustee, while Mrs. Kiser and the children are members of the Catholic church. His political endorsement is given to the democratic party but he is without desire for office as reward for party fealty: Fraternally he is well known as a York and Scottish Rite Mason and member of the Mystic Shrine and in his life he exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft.

LAWRENCE M. PURCELL.

Prominent among the self-made men of Denver is Lawrence M. Purcell, owner of the L. M. Purcell Company, wholesale dealers in shoes and shoe store supplies, carrying on business at Nos. 1733 and 1735 Arapahoe street. A most substantial enterprise has heen built up in this connection, largely due to the efforts and energy of Mr. Purcell, who is alert, energetic and progressive. He is yet a man in the prime of life but already has accomplished success that many an older man might well envy. His first experience in mercantile lines was gained with Park & Tilford of New York city. He next was

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connected with the wholesale shoe and leather business for about fourteen years. After giving up that line he became heavily interested in lands and in the cattle business in Weld and Morgan counties of Colorado. The town of Purcell on the Union Pacific Rail- road was located on his property and named in his honor. He continued to handle lands for about six years and then returned to the shoe trade, establishing his present business under the style of the L. M. Purcell Company. The beginning was comparatively small but the trade has steadily developed and expanded owing to the efficient management of Mr. Purcell, and today the company controls one of the principal wholesale shoe jobbing houses in the state. The business of the house extends over the entire west and it is now represented upon the road by eight traveling salesmen, together with a large force of office employes and others who assist in handling the business in Denver. Mr. Purcell also has large landed interests in Weld and Morgan counties and is extensively engaged in farming in those counties.

On the 12th of September, 1894. Mr. Purcell was united in marriage to Miss Agnes Emily Dunn, a representative of an old and prominent Denver family. To them has been born a daughter, Davina, who is with her parents in an attractive home at No. 2379 Dahlia street in the Park Hill district. Mr. Purcell turns to fishing for rest and recreation but usually prefers to spend his leisure hours at his own fireside. He is a democrat in his political views and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Immaculate Conception cathedral of the Roman Catholic church. He belongs to the Knights of Columbus. He is a man of even temper and kindly disposition and obliging manner-one who makes friends wherever he goes and whose sterling personal qualities enable him to hold the friendship and regard of all with whom he comes in contact. He has forged steadily forward on the highroad to success and obstacles and difficulties in his path have seemed to serve but as a foundation for renewed effort on his part. It is bis persistency of purpose, his way of accomplishing his object without friction, his initia- tive spirit and his powers of organization that have led to his attainment of his present enviable position in the commercial circles of his adopted city.

OWEN J. CLARK.

Owen J. Clark, one of the representative, popular and highly honored citizens of Denver, occupying an enviable position in banking circles, is vice president of the Interstate Trust Company. He was born in Lincoln, Minnesota, July 1, 1876, and is a son of D. K. J. and Mary E. (Moon) Clark, the former a native of Indiana, while the latter was born in Ohio. They removed to Minnesota and for a considerable period the father was engaged in the hardware business in Ortonville, that state, but has now departed this life. His widow, however, still continues a resident of Minnesota.

Owen J. Clark is one of a family of nine children, all of whom are yet living. He pursued his early education in the public schools of Ortonville, Minnesota, and was gradu- ated from the high school of that place with the class of 1893. Anxious to still further advance his knowledge in preparation for life's practical and responsible duties, he then entered Hamline University of St. Paul and won the Bachelor of Philosophy degree upon graduation with the class of 1897. He started upon his business career in connection with banking and throughout the intervening period has been closely associated with financial affairs. His original position was that of messenger in the St. Paul National Bank. with which he remained for seven years, and during that period various advance- ments brought him to the position of paying teller. He afterward removed to Sber- wood, North Dakota, where he became identified with the Farmers & Merchants Bank. a state bank, which elected him to its presidency and thus he directed its interests and shaped its policy until 1915. In the meanwhile he served five years as mayor of Sherwood and was also elected to the state senate, serving from 1911 to 1915. In that year he severed his business connection with North Dakota and removed to Denver, where he became teller of the Interstate Trust Company, and later assistant cashier, and in 1917, he was elected to a vice presidency of the company, which controls one of the strong and reliable banks of the state. Its liabilities consist of capital stock of two hundred thousand dollars, surplus and undivided profits of more than forty thousand dollars and deposits amounting to two million, four hundred and eighty thousand dollars. In the year 1917 its business showed an increase in deposits of four hundred and twenty-three thousand dollars. The present officers of the bank are: Frank N. Briggs, president; Lewis C. Greenlee and O. J. Clark, vice presidents; and W. L. Bush, cashier. These gentlemen, together with Dr. I. B. Perkins, A. W. Clark, J. Foster Symes, O. D. Cass. L. F. Spratter and H. W. Wilson, constitute the board of directors. The bank has built

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History of Colorado; Volume III, Part 27

Author: Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed Publication date: 1918-19 Publisher: Chicago, S. J. Clarke Number of Pages: 844

Author: Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed
Publication date: 1918-19
Publisher: Chicago, S. J. Clarke
Number of Pages: 844