History of Colorado; Volume III, Part 29

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

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On the 14th of July, 1909, Dr. Irwin was united in marriage in Denver, Colorado, to Miss Nora E. Hawver, a native of Illinois and a daughter of Charles and Henrietta Staley Hawver. Mrs. Irwin is a representative of old Dutch families, among them being the Van Vacten family. Dr. and Mrs. Irwin occupy a pleasant home at No. 1250 Cook street and are owners of the residence, while their summer home is at Evergreen. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party, and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Capitol Heights Presbyterian church, in which he is president of the board of deacons. His family were among the early founders of Presbyterianism in America. An uncle of his grandmother White, the Rev. Welwood Scott, published and edited the first religious paper and the first Presbyterian paper of America and he was a most prolific writer on religious subjects. Dr. Irwin is also an auxiliary member of the Spanish War Veterans. He stands for all that is progressive and of benefit to the community but his time and attention are mostly concentrated upon the study of tuberculosis and in this connection his life work has been of the greatest benefit to mankind.

HERBERT C. FAIRALL.

Herbert C. Fairall is well known as the publisher of the Daily Journal of Denver. but is becoming even more widely known because of his activity in civic matters and in advancement of the Red Cross interests. He was born in Chicago. February 9, 1879, and is a son of the late Charles Fairall. a native of England, who came to America about 1870, settling in Chicago, where he resided until 1883. He then removed to Denver and con- tinned a resident of this city until his life's labors were ended in death in the winter of 1883, when he had reached the age of thirty-three years. He was a statistician by profession and for several years was connected with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company. He married Theresa Goebel, who was a native of Germany and came to the new world in young girlhood with her parents, after the close of the Civil war. They settled in Chicago, where she became the wife of Charles Fairall. Surviving her husband for many years, she passed away in Denver in 1910 at the age of fifty-nine years.

Herbert C. Fairall. their only child, was educated in the public schools and the Manual Training high school of Denver and was a youth of nineteen years when he started out to provide for his own support. He was first employed as a newspaper carrier and afterward took up the printer's trade, which he followed in various capacities in the employ of others for three years. In 1901 he purchased the Daily Journal, which he has since continuously and successfully edited and published. This paper was originally established by Warren Wilson, of Los Angeles, California, in 1897 and was the first court and real estate paper published in Denver. It has been accorded a liberal patron- age and Mr. Fairall is most successfully conducting the business at the present time.

On the 18th of July, 1906, occurred the marriage of Mr. Fairall and Miss Tusella Lakas, a native of Denver and a daughter of M. P. and Emma (Labuwi) Lakas, who were early residents of Denver, where they lived for a quarter of a century. To Mr. and Mrs. Fairall were born three children: Eleanor T., who was born in Denver, May 18, 1907: Dorothy M., born in Denver, March 8, 1911; and Herbert Charles, born in Denver, Feb- ruary 22, 1917.

In his political views Mr. Fairall is a democrat and has been an active worker in party ranks. He served as secretary of the state board of equalization from 1909 until 1913 and was secretary of the Colorado Tax Commission, being the first incumbent in this office. Responding to a call for public service, in August, 1918, he accepted the position of chief deputy assessor of the city and county of Denver, assuming the duties and re- sponsibilities of that important position in a spirit of sacrifice and at no small cost to himself. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Columbus, serving two ternis as state deputy, to which office he was elected in 1916, his second term expiring June, 1918. He is a member of the Denver Press Club, of the Denver Civic and Commercial Associ- ation and the Democratic Club, and he is also a communicant of the Immaculate Con- ception church, associations which indicate much of the nature of his interests and the

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rules which govern his conduct. He is likewise a director of the American Red Cross as a member of the Denver Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Division. He is working most earnestly, faithfully and effectively in this connection and was in charge of one of the divisions of the 1918 drive for the Red Cross. His labors have been of great benefit to this organization and also to the liberty loan and war stamp organizations, his activities being felt in all patriotic drives of such character. He attacks his work in a most systematic manner and bases his activities upon business principles. He is thus accomplishing splendid results and he displays equal thoroughness and earnestness in everything that he undertakes for the benefit and support of city, state or national government.

ALVA L. KOONTZ.

Alva L. Koontz is well known in business circles of Pueblo as manager of the Sinclair Refining. Company, the duties of which responsible and important position he assumed on the 15th of May, 1917. His birth occurred in Gallipolis, Ohio, on the 22d of February, 1867, his parents being Julius and Adeline (Curry) Koontz. The father served as a soldier of the Union army at the time of the Civil war. The year 1892 witnessed his arrival in Colorado and in this state he remained to the time of his demise. both he and his wife passing away in Pueblo. Julius Koontz devoted his attention to farming in the early days and subsequently he was engaged in buying and selling both stock and grain, meeting with well merited success in his undertakings.

Alva L. Koontz was reared and educated in the state of his nativity and on leaving the parental roof made his way to St. Joseph. Missouri. In 1890 he came west to Colorado. taking up his abode in Pueblo, where he embarked in the butchering business and was thus engaged until he disposed of his establishment to Andy Schafer. He then went to Florence, this state, and there turned his attention to the ice and cold storage busi- ness, successfully conducting his interests in that connection until 1911, when fire destroyed his plant. Returning to Pueblo, he devoted his efforts to the real estate business for two years and on the expiration of that period became connected with the Sinclair Refining Company as a salesman. His recognized ability and sound judgment led to his selection for the position of manager of the company on the 15th of May, 1917. and in that capacity he has since served. The business of the concern during the past year has increased fifty per cent, owing to the wise direction. keen sagacity and executive power of Mr. Koontz. The company now employs thirteen people.

On the 6th of December. 1899, Mr. Koontz was united in marriage to Miss Minnie J. Walsh, by whom he has a daughter, Evelyn. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, while fraternally he is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Knights and Ladies of Security. He is also a member of the Commerce Club and is interested in all matters pertaining to community development, being widely known as a public-spirited and progressive citizen. Domestic in taste and tempera- ment, he finds his greatest happiness at his own fireside and is most devoted to home and tamily.

DENNIS B. AUSTIN.

Dennis B. Austin is a highly respected resident of Weld county. He was born October 5. 1855, in Oakland county, Michigan, a son of Henry and Calista Austin. The mother died during his early childhood. The father devoted his life to the occupation of farm- ing and thus provided for the support of his family.

Dennis B. Austin acquired his early education in the schools of Michigan but his opportunities were somewhat limited, owing to the fact that he found it necessary to provide for his own support when about fourteen or fifteen years of age. At that time he left his native state and went to Ringgold, Iowa, where he was employed as a farm hand, there remaining until he removed westward to Weld county, Colorado. For a short time after his arrrival at Greeley he rented land and in 1890 he removed to Windsor, settling on section 27, township 7. range 67. in Weld county. He then purchased his present home farm, acquiring title to one hundred and sixty acres of land on which he has since carried on general agricultural pursuits, being today regarded as one of the progressive agriculturists of his community.

Mr. Austin was married in Fort Collins, Colorado, in 1887 to Miss Catharine Lee, who

DENNIS B. AUSTIN

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was born in northern Iowa, a daughter of Laughlin and Catherine (Dennis) Lee. She was a school teacher for a few years in Iowa and also followed that profession in Larimer county, Colorado. By her marriage she became the mother of two children. Florence L., born in 1888, hecame the wife of Guy Law, of Windsor, and has two chil- dren. William Henry, born in 1891, died at the age of fifteen years meeting with an accident in Fort Collins while engaged in some youthful sport. His remains were in- terred in the cemetery there. Mrs. Austin, who was born in the year 1863, passed away in 1900. She was a member of the Catholic church and was a devoted wife and mother, giving her time, her thought and her energies to her children. She was ill only for a few days when death called her and she was laid to rest in the Fort Collins cemetery.

Mr. Austin is a loyal follower of Masonic teachings and for one year served as master of his lodge and for two years as high priest in the chapter. He is also connected with the Woodmen of the World. In politics he is an independent voter, supporting men and measures rather than party, and he has never sought the rewards of office in recognition of party fealty. He is a lover of good horses and very fond of handling stock, keeping on his place from fourteen to sixteen head of horses. He has made a success of his business, starting upon his present farm practically without capital. He is very conservative in the management of his interests and his sound judgment and energy have constituted the foundation upon which he has built his present prosperity. Everywhere he is spoken of in terms of high regard and his substantial qualities have gained him warm friendship throughout the community in which he lives.

JAMES M. LUQUEER.

James M. Luqueer, proprietor of the Pueblo Transfer. was born in Montrose, New York, on the 30th of October, 1865, a son of Francis T. and Charlotte (Suydam) Luqueer. The family comes of French Huguenot ancestry. The grandfather was prominent in New York and a street of Brooklyn was named in his honor. The family has long been represented in the Empire state. The father of James M. Luqueer was a member of the Seventh Regiment of New York Volunteers during the Civil war. Both he and his wife have now passed away.

James M. Luqueer was the third in order of birth in a family of three sons and a daughter. He was educated in private schools of the Empire state and in young man- hood he entered the wholesale house of Calhoun. Robins & Company, there remaining for a year. He next became connected with the firm of Willett & Hamlin, sugar and hemp brokers, with whom he continued until he attained his majority. He was then sent to the Philippines as agent for that company and spent four years on the islands. Upon his return to America he made his way to Colorado, settling in Pueblo in 1890, taking over the business of the Pueblo Transfer & Storage Company, which he has greatly in- creased, developing it to extensive proportions. He now utilizes eight wagons, has a large storage house and employs ten men. Through individual effort and ability he has become one of the substantial citizens of Pueblo, closely applying himself to his busi- ness and utilizing every means for its legitimate advancement.

On the 19th of June, 1895, Mr. Luqueer was united in marriage to Miss Louise Tryner. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and also has membership in the Commerce Club of Pueblo. His political allegiance is given to the republican party but he never seeks nor desires office as a reward for his loyal support of political principles. He turns to golf for recreation but is devoted to his work and the major part of his time and attention are concentrated upon his interests in that connection. He is ever loyal to the terms of a contract and has built up a transfer busi- ness which is most gratifying, his success being the direct result of his reliability, his thoroughness and his straightforward dealing.

WILLIAM PLANT LARRABEE.

William Plant Larrabee, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, who is successfully engaged in the cattle business and also gives considerable attention to real estate, has been a resident of this city for over thirty five years and is therefore numbered among those who have done much toward promoting its growth and development. He was born in Greenville, Illinois, in 1862 and comes of an old eastern family, his father being La Fayette Larrabee, who was born in Vermont in 1828. Leaving the Green Mountain

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state, he took up his residence in Illinois in the early days and that state remained his home until he died in 1898. In Greenville, Illinois, he was united in marriage to Amanda Plant, who survived her husband about eight years, passing away in 1906.

Their son, William Plant Larrahee, was reared under the parental roof in Greenville, Illinois, the schools of which city he attended until prepared for life's active and prac- tical duties. He remained in his native state until he attained his majority. The greater opportunities of the undeveloped west attracted him, however, and he decided to seek his fortune in the western country. In 1883 he came to Colorado Springs and this city has remained the field of his business activities ever since. As the years have passed he has become very successful in the cattle business and is today one of the largest dealers in this line in his section, while he also gives considerable time to the real estate husiness. He is thoroughly informed as to local conditions and values of lands and a number of important real estate deals have been negotiated by him. He always follows the principles of the strictest integrity and has therefore gained the con- fidence of the public. Moreover, he is a wide-awake and progressive man, thoroughly informed as to land values, and his judgment is often sought in regard to properties and investments. His clientage is large and he therefore derives a substantial benefit from his land business as well as from the cattle business.

In, Cheyenne, Wyoming, in 1901, was solemnized the marriage of William P. Larrabee and Mary Step and to this union has been born a daughter, Helen May. Mr. Larrabee is a republican in his political affiliations and has always faithfully supported the candidates and measures of the party. He is interested in public development and gives his steadfast support to all measures undertaken to further the welfare of the people. Naturally he is mostly interested in the expansion and growth of his home city and by his own business transactions has contributed thereto. Moral and intellectual advancement is equally close to his heart and his name bas been connected with various movements of that kind for the uplift of humanity. He affiliates with the Methodist Episcopal church, in which organization he takes a helpful interest. As a business man, as a citizen and as a friend Mr. Larrabee stands high in the estimation of his com- munity and his qualities of heart and mind well entitle him to the position which he occupies in the regard and esteem of his fellow citizens.

EDWARD F. LARSEN.

Edward F. Larsen is the secretary and treasurer of the Loomis-Larsen Investment Company and his activities in this direction have placed him in the front rank among the younger generation of prominent real estate and investment men of Denver. A native of Chicago, Mr. Larsen was born February 15, 1884, his parents heing Martin S. and Anna (Petersen) Larsen. The father was born in Norway, and the mother in Denmark, and at the age of twelve years came to America. Their marriage was cele- brated in Chicago, where they continued to reside for some time. It was in 1885 that the parents arrived in Denver and Mr. Larsen became an employe of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Company as foreman of the tank shop. He has remained with that company for many years, being still one of its trusted employes. His wife is also living and they have many friends in Denver. They became parents of two children, the daughter being Mrs. William H. Farley, also living in Denver.

The elder of the children is Edward F. Larsen of this review, who attended the public schools of Denver, passing through consecutive grades to the high school. After putting aside his textbooks there he entered the University of Colorado at Boulder as a student in the academic department, remaining for a year. At the end of that time he became an employe of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Company. He devoted three years to rail- road work but on the expiration of that period saw an opportunity to engage in a more lucrative business and secured a position in the clerical department of the Craft, Cable & Hymer Investment Company. He applied himself earnestly to his work, gained a thorough knowledge of the business and eventually purchased an interest therein. In 1918, when the business was reorganized, becoming the Loomis-Larsen Investment Com- pany, Mr. Larsen was elected secretary and office manager and has since retained that position, contributing in substantial measure to the successful operation of the busi- ness, while he also acts as treasurer. Theirs has become one of the leading real estate firms of Denver, handling all sorts of real estate, besides doing a large loan and insurance business.

Mr. Larsen still makes his home with his parents. He belongs to the Masonic fra- ternity. He has membership in the Civic and Commercial Association of Denver, in the

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Real Estate Exchange and in the Realty Associates Company. The major part of his time and attention is concentrated upon his business interests and he is constantly seeking new methods to improve his operations along that line. He is thoroughly familiar with the real estate field in Denver and has negotiated many important property transfers.

EDWIN M. THOMASSON.

Edwin M. Thomasson, president of the Consolidated Salt Creek Petroleum Company. of the Douglas. Wyoming Oil Company, the Salt Fields Oil Company and the Five Fields Oil Company, of Denver. was born in Cairo, Illinois, December 28, 1876. His father. Theodore S. Thomasson, is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and at the time of the Civil war responded to the country's call for troops joining the Union army, with which he won promotion until he was brevetted major. He had been connected with the United States army prior to the war. Since that time he has largely given his attention to salesmanship but is now living retired. In early manhood he wedded Amanda Leassor, of Sonora, Kentucky, who has passed away. They became the parents of five children but only two sons are now living.

Edwin M. Thomasson to the age of seventeen years was a resident of Villa Ridge. Illinois, where he pursued a district school education, which he supplemented by study in the Park College Academy, and later entered Knox College at Galesburg, Illinois, from which he was graduated in 1902 with the Bachelor of Arts degree. His entire college career was financed through his own earnings. During the college year and vacation periods he was employed in varions capacities, thus defraying his expenses at college. He afterward entered Young Men's Christian Association work as a traveling secretary and so continned for eight years in the United States and Canada, being active in promoting the financial interests of the institution. In November, 1915, he came to Denver, where he entered into operations as a promoter of oil interests. In fact. he had been interested in oil for many years previous to his arrival in Denver and he is now at the head of the Consolidated Salt Creek Petroleum Company as its presi- dent. This company owns and controls important oil holdings in some of the best producing fields of the west and in directing the interests of the company Mr. Thomasson is building for most substantial success. He is likewise president of the Donglas- Wyoming Oil Company, the Five Fields Oil Company and the Salt Fields Oil Company. In 1903 Mr. Thomasson was united in marriage to Miss Jessie A. Cline, of Gales- burg, Illinois, a daughter of Peter and Miranda Cline. They now have one daughter, Mary Louise, thirteen years of age, who is attending school.

Mr. Thomasson is a member of the Denver Motor Club and finds his chier recreation in motoring, while his hobby can be said to be "Home Crest Orchards." at Brewster. Oregon, in the development of which he has taken a great deal of pride and interest. This property has been transformed by Mr. Thomasson from its primi- tive sage brush condition into one of the highly developed apple orchards in that section of Oregon, and the twenty acres it comprises are planted with Jonathan, Winesap. Delicions and Spitzenberg varieties. He is a republican in his political views and is a member of the Park Hill Presbyterian church and president of Montview Monitors, the men's organization in connection with this church. He has never allowed business interests so to monopolize his time and attention that he has had no opportunity to cooperate in outside interests that lead to the development of higher standards of man- hood and citizenship.

FREDERICK T. HENRY.

Frederick T. Henry, occupying an eminent position among the representatives of the Denver bar, with an extensive and important practice, has so directed his activities that his work has ever been a credit to the profession which has always been considered as the stern conservator of justice and to which life, property and liberty must look for pro- tection. Mr. Henry was born in Sligo, Ireland, on the 8th of July, 1871. His father, Smith Henry, was also a native of that place and was a farmer by occupation in early life. He afterward became connected with the commissary department of the British army in New Zealand and in 1885 he came to the United States, where his remaining

EDWIN M. THOMASSON

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days were passed. In early manhood he married Frances Rowlette, also a native of the Emerald isle, and she, too, has passed away. In the family were two sons, of whom Edward W. Henry is now superintendent of the Montezuma irrigation district.

Spending his youthful days in his native country, Frederick T. Henry is indebted to the public school system of Ireland for the early educational advantages which he en- joyed. He was a youth of fourteen when the family came to America and later he had the benefit of instruction in the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. In 1894, he completed a law course in Denver University and the LL. B. degree was conferred upon him. The previous year he had been admitted to the Colorado bar in Denver and he entered upon the active practice of his chosen profession. Later on the firm of Mc- Knight & Henry was founded, an association that was maintained for seven years. He has since practiced alone, giving his attention largely to corporation law, yet continu- ing in the field of general practice. Today he ranks with the foremost representatives of the Denver bar. His clientage is extensive and of a notable character. Aside from his practice he is interested in a stock ranch, to which he turns for rest and recreation, finding great pleasure in the raising of fine stock.

On the 7th of September, 1898. Mr. Henry was united in marriage to Miss Alice Gentlee Meldran, of Boston, and they have become the parents of five children: Robert Meldran, who is eighteen years of age; Smith Arthur, a youth of sixteen; Frederick Edward, who is eight years old; Helen Elizabeth, a maiden of ten summers; and Mary Alice, who is five years of age. Mr. Henry and his wife are active members of Christ Methodist Episcopal church and he also holds membership in Temple Lodge, No. 84, A. F. & A. M., of Denver, exemplifying in his life the spirit of the craft which is based upon a recognition of the brotherhood of mankind and the obligations thereby imposed. He is a member of the Lakewood Country Club and also belongs to the Denver Athletic Club. He is most affable in manner, always courteous and kindly, and his high char- acter and genuine worth have won for him a host of friends. His professional con- nection is with the Denver Bar Association, of which he is an honored representative.

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History of Colorado; Volume III, Part 29

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