USA > Colorado > History of Colorado; Volume III > Part 35
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BERTRAM G. ROBBINS
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Dr. Evans, the second in order of birth, was educated in the public schools of Denver and in North Denver high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1908. He next entered the University of Denver and in 1912 was graduated from the University of Colorado on the completion of a course in medicine and sur- gery, at which time the M. D. degree was conferred upon him. He afterward spent two years as interne in the County Hospital, gaining that broad and valuable expe- rience which can never be secured as quickly in any other way as through hospital practice. He next entered upon the private practice of medicine and in the years which have followed he has specialized largely in surgery, in which he displays marked skill. He is thoroughly conversant with anatomy and the component parts of the human body, is cool and collected in emergencies, and with steady nerve supplementing his broad scientific knowledge, he has done splendid work in his profession. He is now a member of the surgical staff of St. Anthony's Hospital and he belongs to the Twentieth Century Medical Society.
On the 29th of January, 1916. in Loveland, Colorado. Dr. Evans was married to Miss Mildred Ashbaugh, a native of Denver and a daughter of the late Andrew D. Ashbaugh, who was a pioneer and prominent citizen of Denver, and of Jennie ( Morgan) Ashbaugh. Dr. and Mrs. Evans have a daughter. Jeanne, who was born in Denver, May 11, 1917.
The family residence, owned by the Doctor, is at No. 146 West First avenue. Dr. Evans turns to hunting and fishing for diversion from heavy professional cares. He worked his way through the university and thus displayed the elemental strength of his character, a strength that is being constantly manifest in the thoroughness with which he keeps in touch with modern scientific research and study, thus continually promoting his proficiency in his chosen calling.
HENRY E. NIEDERHUT.
Henry E. Niederliut is the secretary and treasurer of the Niederhut Carriage Com- pany, the oldest wagon and carriage manufacturing business of Denver, and his patron- age has grown steadily throughout all the years since 1883 until his enterprise is the largest of the kind in the state. His associate in the business is his brother, William G. Niederhut.
Henry E. Niederhut was born in Hanover, Germany, April 5, 1863. a son of Henry Johann and Marie Theresa Niederhut, who were born and spent their entire lives in Ger- many. For some years in the latter part of his life the father was engaged in the transportation business there. The family numbered seven sons, one of whom has passed away, the others being: William G., a large ranch and cattle man of Gunnison county, Colorado; Henry E., of this review; Theodore; George: Carl; and Adolph.
Henry E. Niederhut attended the public schools of his native country and after- ward became a student in a technical institute, where he continued for two years. being graduated with the class of 1879. Immediately afterward he came to the new world, settling first in St. Louis, Missouri, where he resided for two years, being employed during that period by others. In 1883 he arrived in Denver and established himself in the wagon manufacturing business in association with his brother, William G. Niederhut. With one exception he is the oldest wagon and carriage builder and manufacturer of Denver today and his business has grown steadily throughout the years until it is second to none in the state. William G. Niederhut remains the president of the company, while Henry E. Niederhut as its secretary and treasurer has contributed in marked measure to the development, growth and success of the business, which was incorporated in 1894. The firm employs from eighteen to twenty experienced workmen in the various departments and utilizes the best materials and latest equipment in the conduct of the business. The brothers are also owners of an extensive cattle ranch in Gunnison county, Colorado.
On the 20th of October. 1888. in Denver, Mr. Niederhut was married to Miss Louise Frueh. a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gotlieb Frueh, and they have become parents of three sons. Ernest H., who was born in Denver in 1893 and is a graduate of the Denver high school and a business college, is now in business with his father. Edward L., born in Denver in 1896, is a graduate of the Denver high school and is serving with the national army in France. Albert, born in Denver in 1910, is yet in school.
Mr. Niederhut has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking but served as a trustee of Elyria for three years after the incorporation of the town, which is a suburb of Denver. Fraternally he is identified with the Woodmen of the World. He is
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truly a self-made man who has worked his way upward entirely through his own efforts. He started in business with a cash capital of one hundred dollars and as the years have gone by has steadily increased his resources and his interests until he is now one of the foremost wagon makers of this section of the country and is at the head of a business of gratifying proportions, from which he annually receives a most substantial income.
DAVID G. MILLER.
David G. Miller, a mining engineer of Denver, with offices in the Equitable building, was born on a farm in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, April 25, 1857, a son of Samuel Miller, who was likewise a native of the Keystone state. In fact he was born upon the same farm as his son David and it was likewise the birthplace of his father. Samuel Miller died in March, 1861, when his son David G. was but four years of age. The family is of Irish lineage and was founded in America by the great-grandfather, who came from the north of Ireland to the new world. The mother of David G. Miller bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Cunningham and was born in Pennsylvania, where her death occurred in July, 1913,
In the district schools of his home county David G. Miller pursued his education until he reached the age of seventeen years, working in the fields through the summer months and attending school in the winter seasons. By farm work in the summer he earned enough money to enable him to resume his studies throughout the entire year and later for a time he engaged in teaching in Pennsylvania. He came to Denver in 1879 and for one year was associated with the engineering firm of Nyce & Milburn. He was afterward with Charles J. Moore, a prominent mining man, for many years, but now practices his profession independently and ranks with the leading mining engineers of the west, being accorded a most liberal patronage.
In 1885 Mr. Miller was married to Miss Eva Baker, a daughter of Professor Thomas H. Baker, a Colorado pioneer and the principal of the East Denver high school. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have three sons: Walter Baker, a well known advertising man of Chicago and the editor of the Farm Journal, there published; Hugh Baker, who is with the sales department of the Colorado Fuel & Iron Company, located at Spokane, Washington; and David Baker, who is now serving his country with the rank of first lieutenant of Company C of the Three Hundred and Fifty-third Infantry in France.
Mr. Miller is a life member of the Denver Athletic Club and belongs also to the Denver Club, of which he was president in 1917. He likewise has membership in the Denver Country Club and he is appreciative of the social amenities of life, greatly en- joying the interests and the opportunities of those organizations. He belongs to the American Institute of Mining Engineers and also to its local chapter in Denver. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and his religious faith is indi- cated by his membership in St. Mark's Episcopal church, of which for fifteen years he served as vestryman. He is deeply interested and very active in war service work and has been particularly helpful in the Red Cross campaigns, also giving valuable aid to the other war drives, doing all in his power to uphold the government and the nation in their efforts to make American ideals of liberty and equality the standard of all the peoples of the earth. He turns for recreation to golf and motoring but never allows outside interests to interfere with the faithful performance of his professional duties and as mining engineer he has been associated with many of the most prominent mining men and mining interests of the country.
JAMES S. RALSTON.
While the live stock commission firm operating under the name of the Ralston Brothers Live Stock Company is one of the younger firms operating at the Denver stock yards, it has nevertheless shown a development that will make the career of its promoter well worth the watching. Broad experience and commendable ambition have enabled James S. Ralston to make rapid strides since organizing the Ralston Brothers Live Stock Company and he is today controlling interests that may well be envied by many a firm that has been in existence for a longer period.
Mr. Ralston was born in County Down, Ireland, January 10, 1879, a son of John and Mary (Askin) Ralston, who were natives of Scotland. Coming to America in 1884, they
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settled in Gothenburg, Nebraska, where the father engaged in stock raising and in the grain business. He died in the year 1899. having for about five years survived his wife, who passed away in 1894. Their family numbered seven sons and six daughters, of whom James S. Ralston was the tenth in order of birth. The eldest, John Ralston, is well known on the Live Stock Exchange of Omaha. William is a resident farmer of Willow Island, Nebraska. Frank is engaged in stock raising in Gothenburg, Nebraska. Hugh is a banker of Farnam, Nebraska. Robert W. is connected with the Ralston Commission Company of Omaha. Samuel D. is a banker of Cozad, Nebraska. Mrs. John Caughey is living in Chicago, Illinois. Mrs. John Miller makes her home at Wellfleet, Nebraska. Mrs. J. H. Kelley is living in Gothenburg, Nebraska, where her husband carries on bank- ing. Mrs. J. W. Sheridan is also living in Gothenburg. Mattie E. is a resident of Well- fleet, Nebraska. Mrs. George Taylor is the wife of a banker of Wellfleet.
James S. Ralston spent his youthful days as a pupil in the public schools of Nebraska, after which he worked upon the home ranch with his father, whom he continued to assist in that way and in the grain business until 1909, when he came to Denver and secured a position as a salesman. He was employed by several commission firms at the Denver stock yards and became recognized as one of the successful salesmen on the Denver Exchange. Ultimately he decided to engage in business on his own account and on the 1st of August, 1917, organized the Ralston Brothers Live Stock Company and has since developed a satisfactory business which is steadily growing.
In August, 1904, Mr. Ralston was married to Miss Marie Thompson, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, a daughter of O. A. Thompson, of Arapahoe, that state, who was one of the Nebraska pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Ralston have become parents of three children: Mar- cella, who was born in Gothenburg in 1905 and is a student in the south side high school of Denver; James S., who was born in Gothenburg, Nebraska, in 1908 and is attending the graded schools; and Doris, who was born in 1912 and is also in school. Mr. Ralston has his own home and its hospitality is greatly enjoyed by the many friends of the family. His acquaintance is constantly broadening and his genuine worth is recognized by all with whom he comes in contact.
ARTHUR U. MAGNAN.
So important a part has the utilization of the mineral resources of the world played in the work of development and progress that it is impossible to conceive what conditions would be without the use of the rich mineral deposits of coal, iron and precious metal which have so largely contributed not only to the world's wealth but to comfort and convenience. For a considerable period Arthur U. Magnan has oper- ated extensively and successfully in the mining regions of the west and more recently has become an important factor in the development of the oil fields as manager of the Wind River Petroleum Company and the Wind River Refining Company. He was born in Chicago, March 15, 1869, and was the younger of the two children of Peter U. and Elvina (Franchier) Magnan, the former a native of Paris, while the latter was born in Chicago and is of French lineage. The father came to America in early life, while the maternal grandfather arrived in Chicago in 1833, four years before the incorporation of the city. He owned much land that is now included within the city limits. His daughter Elvina was reared, educated and married in Chicago and the family home was maintained in that city until after the death of Peter U. Magnan, who there passed away in 1875, when thirty-three years of age. He had devoted his life to commercial pursuits. His widow still survives and is now a resident of New York city, where also lives their daughter, Mrs. O. St. Aubin.
Arthur U. Magnan, the only son and the younger child, attended the public schools of Chicago and in 1887, when a youth of eighteen, made his way westward to Colorado. He first went to Aspen. where he secured a position in a mine, and since that time he has been closely, actively and prominently associated with the development of the rich mineral resources of the west. Subsequently he went to Cripple Creek while the boom was on there and located mining property on his own account. In that way he acquired a considerable measure of wealth, for he located the famous Jerry Johnson mine, a prominent gold producer of 1891. He also owned other famous mines at Cripple Creek, Colorado, including the Damon mine, the Mountain Boy, the Shreff Bogart and several others, which he afterward sold at a handsome figure. Coming to Denver, he organized tbe Denver Rod Drill Machinery Company, of which he became the prin- cipal stockholder. He carried on business in that connection until 1909, when he again took up the work of locating mines, this time operating in Nevada and Utah.
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ARTHUR U. MAGNAN
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He operated some famous copper and gold mines at Ely, Nevada, and in Esmeralda county, Nevada, and located some famous properties in the Uinta basin of Utah, in- cluding the Castle Peak Asphaltum mine in Wasatch county, of which he is still the owner and which is now being operated. In addition he owns other valuable mining properties which have come into his possession since 1900. He became interested in the Wind River petroleum property in February, 1917, and in the Wind River Refining Company, of which he is now an officer and the manager. The property owned by that company promises to become a famous oil producer. It is located in the Wind River district of Wyoming, near Lander. Mr. Magnan has displayed notable sagacity in placing his investments. Many people regard mining merely as a lucky specula- tion, but scientific study and keen insight constitute important forces in the attain- ment of success through the utilization of the mineral resources which have been implanted by nature within the earth. Mr. Magnan has continually broadened his knowledge through actual experience and through study and what he has accomplished represents the fit utilization of sound judgment combined with earnest effort and un- remitting industry.
On the 20th of July, 1893, Mr. Magnan was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Bruce, of Aspen. Colorado, while her parents came from Nova Scotia, Canada. To Mr. and Mrs. Magnan were born three children. Their son, Bruce A. Magnan, was born in Aspen, in 1894 and was graduated with honors from Culver Military Academy of Indiana. In May, 1917, he became ill and a few days later passed away, although every effort that medical care and skill could devise and that loving attention could give was put forth to save the life of this beloved sou, who was the ideal of his parents and was a social favorite wherever he was known. The daughters are June G. and Martha. The former was born in Aspen, Colorado, in June, 1896, and was graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder. The latter was born in Denver in December, 1902, and is attending the East Denver high school. The salient char- acteristics of Mr. Magnan are such as everywhere win admiration and regard. He is held in high esteem not only by reason of what he has accomplished in a business way but also owing to his genuine personal worth. He possesses a social, genial nature and an appreciation for companionship that draws to him many friends, and he ever holds true friendship as inviolable.
WINTHROP WARREN BUTMAN, M. D.
Dr. Winthrop Warren Butman, a most painstaking physician who thoroughly studies every case that is entrusted to his care and who has made for himself a creditable place in professional circles in Denver, was born in Unionville, Missouri. July 3, 1871. The Butman family is of English origin and was founded in America soon after the arrival of the Mayflower. With colonial history the family was closely associated and representatives of the name have participated in all of the wars in which the country has been engaged, including the Revolutionary war, the War of 1812, the Civil war and the present great world war. Dr. W. C. P. Butman, father of Dr. Winthrop Warren Butman, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and became a physician and surgeon, being graduated from the Albany (N. Y.) Medical College. He located for practice in Boston hut afterward removed to Ohio and after the close of the Civil war settled in Putnam county, Missouri. Later he established an office in Macon, Missouri, where he continued to reside to the time of his death, which occurred ou the 12th of November, 1910, when he was eighty-four years of age. He was also a Civil war veteran. having served in the Third Missouri State Militia, and was wounded in an engagement. He was on active military duty throughout the entire period of hostilities, but he never took an active part in political matters. He was a Mason and in religions faith an Episcopalian and he was recognized as one of the prominent and well known physicians of his part of the state. He married Miss E. Ethel Prickett, a native of Ohio, who belonged to one of the old families of that state of Scotch and English descent. Her ancestors also came to the new world soon after the arrival of the Pilgrim fathers at Plymouth Rock and participated in all the wars of the country. Mrs. Butman passed away in Macon, Missouri, in 1915, at the age of seventy-one years. The family numbered seven children, four sons and three daughters.
Dr. Winthrop W. Butman, who was the third in order of birth, mastered the branches of learning taught in the graded and high schools of Macon, Missouri, and afterward entered the State University of Missouri, from which he was graduated with the class of 1897. winning the Bachelor of Science degree. He also early took
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up the study of medicine in the Missouri University and later continued his prepara- tion for the profession as a student in Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago, from which he was graduated with the class of 1899. After winning his M. D. degree he opened an office in Macon, Missouri, where he remained until 1904, when he came to Denver and since then has been in active and continuous practice in this city. He is very thorough and painstaking in his work, studying broadly, thinking deeply and most earnestly investigating his cases in order that his work shall be of the greatest possible benefit. His professional colleagues and contemporaries speak of him in the warmest terms. He is a member of the Colorado State Homeopathic Society.
On the 17th of October, 1917, in Denver, Dr. Butman was married to Miss Laura Beatrice Lambuth, a native of Colorado, and they reside at No. 1048 Downing street. Dr. Butman enjoys hunting and fishing when leisure permits. He is a member of Berkeley Lodge, No. 134, A. F. & A. M., having been made a Mason in 1915. He also has membership in the Baptist church and its teachings govern him in all of his life's relations. He is a man of genuine personal worth and Denver regards him as a valuable accession to her professional circles.
WILLIAM S. THOMPSON.
William S. Thompson, engaged in the real estate, insurance and investment busi- ness in Denver, came to this city from Kansas, whither he had removed from Canada, for he is a native of the province of Quebec. He was born February 22, 1844, and is a son of Richard Adams and Lydia (Smith) Thompson. The father was also born in Canada, where the family had been represented through many generations. His maternal grandfather, Richard Adams, was a native of Ireland and at an early day came to America. He served as a captain in the British army in the Revolutionary war and was a prisoner with six others at Charleston, South Carolina, but escaped and worked his way to Canada. There he resided throughout his remaining days and devoted his life to the profession of teaching. He had graduated from one of the leading colleges of Ireland and was a man of very broad and liberal education. His grandson, Richard Adams Thompson, was a successful farmer and spent his entire life in Canada, where he passed away in 1862 at the age of fifty-one years, his birth having occurred in 1811. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Lydia Smith, was born on Grand Island, in Lake Champlain, of American parentage, and was of English descent. Her father was the Rev. Asher Smith, a noted Methodist divine. Mrs. Thompson passed away in 1872 at the age of sixty-five years. The family numbered five children. three sons and two daughters.
William S. Thompson, the youngest son, was educated in Canadian schools and his early life to the age of nineteen years was spent upon the home farm, although he taught school at the early age of seventeen years. After leaving the parental roof he was first employed as clerk in a store in North Troy, Vermont, and in 1865 or 1866 removed to West Union, Iowa, where he again engaged in clerking for a year. He then returned to Canada, where he conducted a store of his own for three years, at the end of which time he engaged in clerking at Rock Island, Canada, until 1870. In that year, in April, he removed to Arkansas City, Kansas, where he assisted in building the third house in the place. He was associated in the building business with Richard Adams Thompson, an elder brother. and Edwin R. Thompson, the latter now a resident of San Diego. Cali- fornia. He remained in Kansas until January, 1888. He served as assistant postmaster in Vermont, also in Canada and in Kansas. During a part of the time which he spent in Kansas he was also engaged in the jewelry business.
In January, 1888. Mr. Thompson arrived in Denver and was first employed by George A. Hamilton and Henry Apple in the real estate business. He was acting sec- retary of the Silver State Loan & Building Association until about 1900 when this firm was discontinued, having served for about seven years in that capacity. In 1903 he entered the real estate, insurance and investment business on his own account and has since been active in that field. He now has a large clientage and most carefully safe- guards the interests of those who entrust their business to him.
It was in 1885, in Arkansas City, Kansas, that Mr. Thompson was united in marriage to Miss Linnie A. Peed, a native of Indiana, horn upon a farm near Crawfordsville.
To Mr. and Mrs. Thompson has heen born a son, Virgil A., whose birth occurred in Arkansas City, Kansas, and who is now a resident of San Diego, California. He was graduated from the University of Denver and has devoted his life to the profession of
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teaching. He was for seven years a successful teacher of Denver and for one year acted as assistant principal of the Ebert school.
Fraternally Mr. Thompson is connected with Highlands Lodge, No. 86, A. F. & A. M., and he also belongs to Capitol Lodge, No. 44. K. P. He resides at No. 3744 Eliot street, where he owns a pleasant home, and his interests center there. His political allegi- ance is given to the republican party and in early life he was an active worker in party ranks. While living in Arkansas City he served as United States deputy marshal on special trips for the United States commissioner. He was a corporal in the state militia of Kansas in the fall of 1874. at the time of the Indian trouble, and he assisted in driving the Osage Indians back to their reservation. On March 18. 1908, Mr. Thompson was the victim of an attack by a Chinaman, who was unreasonably angered because of being asked for his rent. He shot Mr. Thompson in the face, inflicting a serious wound, which would have proved fatal had it veered only one half inch. The assailant was duly tried, convicted and sent to prison.
Mr. Thompson concentrates his efforts and attention largely upon his business affairs, and for rest and recreation turns toward his home. He has no club or extensive outside interests, preferring the companionship of his wife and son. What he has accomplished in a business way represents the fit utilization of his innate powers and talents and he is still active in the business world, although he has passed the seventy-fourth milestone on life's journey.
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