USA > Colorado > History of Colorado; Volume III > Part 61
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109
In 1881, in Manitou, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Aldina E. Bonwell, a daughter of the late Littleton Bonwell, who was a veteran of the Civil war, serving with an Indiana regiment. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have become the parents of the following named: Annette L., the wife of Thomas C. Turner, of Fort Collins, Colorado; Carlos Louis Smith, born in 1885; and Franklin Whittemore Smith, born May 16, 1889. The last named married Beatrice Lindsay and resides in Colorado Springs.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith attend the Unitarian church, and his political allegiance is given to the republican party, but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him as he has preferred to concentrate his efforts and energies upon his business affairs, and notwithstanding obstacles and difficulties, he has steadily worked his way upward. He is a forceful and resourceful business man, energetic, thoroughly reliable and progressive, and he ranks among the prominent representatives of com- mercial activity at Colorado Springs.
ANDREW DAVIS.
Andrew Davis is now living retired from active business but for many years was associated with the cigar trade in Denver. He was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, April 29, 1835, a son of John and Ellen ( Barnard) Davis. He pursued a district school education until he reached the age of fifteen years and then went to work in an edge tool factory, thus starting out in business life. He devoted three years to learning the trade, which he readily mastered. possessing much natural mechanical ability, which was displayed throughout his entire business life. After learning the trade he went to New Orleans and worked on river boats on the Mississippi as assistant engineer. When the Civil war was inaugurated he returned north, making his way to Cincinnati and to Cleveland, Ohio, after which he worked on lake boats as engineer until 1878, receiving his license in Cleveland.
In January, 1879, Mr. Davis arrived in Colorado, at which time he took up his ahode in Leadville, where he engaged in prospecting for about two months. He then removed to Denver and purchased the cigar stand of Robert Lesh, located in the store where the Mining Exchange is now found. He afterward removed to the Mendota block, now the Central Savings Bank building, and there continued business for an extended period but eventually sold out most of his stock. He then gave his remaining unsold stock to his son Burt, who was also engaged in the cigar business, at which time the father became the assistant of his son, with whom he continued for a tew years, or until his sight partially failed, when he retired altogether from business. For a considerable period he had enjoyed an extensive and profitable trade and was one of the well known cigar dealers of the city.
Mr. Davis was married in Detroit, Michigan, on the 5th of April, 1869, to Miss Mary J. McGill, a daughter of Francis and Douglas Jane (Burton) McGill. She was born in London, Ontario, but acquired her education in Detroit, Michigan, her parents having removed to that city in her early girlhood, and there she remained until her marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. Davis have been born the following named: Burt, who married Julia Tyler, by whom he has three children, Tyler, Margery and Louise: Charles, who married Mollie Fryburg; Tess E .; Clara E., the wife of John B. Parker, by whom she has a son, Davis; and Helen.
435
HISTORY OF COLORADO
Mr. Davis greatly enjoyed fishing and hunting in his younger days and turned to those sports for recreation. He was an Odd Fellow before coming to Denver but is now identified with no fraternal organizations. His political allegiance has always been given to the democratic party and he has been an earnest champion of its principles. He has now passed the eighty-third milestone on life's journey and is one of the respected as well as one of the venerable residents of Denver, where for many years he has made his home and where he has an extensive circle of friends.
GEORGE L. MONSON, M. D.
Dr. George L. Monson is engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Denver, with offices in the Metropolitan building. He was born at Fort Lupton, Colorado, on the 15th of September, 1882, and is a son of Theodore L. Monson, a native of Missouri and a descendant of one of the old Kentucky families of English and French origin. Theodore Monson became a pioneer of Colorado, removing to this state from Linn county, Missouri, in the year 1859. He has since become actively identified with farming and stock raising and is still busy along those lines. His political allegiance has long been given to the democratic party and he has exerted considerable influence over political thought and activity in the community in which he lives. He has filled practically all of the county offices, has twice been called upon to represent his district in the state senate and also served as state dairy commissioner for two terms. In every public position that he has been called upon to fill he has made a most capable official, standing loyally for the best interests of the community and doing everything in his power to promote political and civic interests which are based upon an honest effort to promote public progress and uphold public standards. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church and he has ever been a loyal adherent of its teachings. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons and the Benevo- lent Protective Order of Elks and also with the Knights of Pythias.
In young manhood Theodore L. Monson was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Dolan, a native of Sullivan county, Missouri, and a descendant of one of the old families of Virginia, of Irish origin. They were married in Winigan, Missouri, in 1878 and Mrs. Monson accompanied her husband to Colorado, where she still makes her home. They have become the parents of four children, two sons and two daughters. The eldest, Eleanor V., is the widow of Alfred R. Fisher and resides in Denver. Andrew Talbott is an attorney at law, living in Denver and is mentioned elsewhere in this work. George L. is the next of the family, and the youngest is Anna Belle.
Dr. Monson spent his youthful days iu the family home at Fort Lupton and after mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools continued his education in East Denver high school subsequent to the establishment of the family home in this city. He was graduated with the class of 1900 and in preparation for a medical career he entered the Gross Medical College and won his M. D. degree as a member of the class of 1904. He was admitted to practice on the 1st of April of that year and after his graduation he put his theoretical knowledge to the practical test by serving as interne in Mercy Hospital and also in the City & County Hospital, covering a period of two years. He then entered upon the private practice of medicine and surgery, in which he has since continued actively. He has always been known as a general practitioner, yet has also specialized largely in obstetrics, gynecology and abdominal surgery and in these branches has developed superior skill and ability, so that his opinions have largely become accepted as authority in these lines. His fellow members of the profession speak in high terms of his knowledge and his power in cases of that character and it is well known that in diagnosis he is always most careful and that his judgment is seldom if ever at fault. He is not only an able practioner but also an educator of ability and is now instructor in the medical school of the University of Colorado, his subject being obstetrics. He has been a frequent and valued con- tributor to various society meetings and medical journals and he holds membership in the Deuver Obstetrical Society, the Denver City & County Medical Society, the Colorado State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. In early man- hood he took up the profession of teaching, giving instruction in anatomy and chemistry for his tuition in the Gross Medical College, through which he thus made his way. In all of his professional career he has been actuated by a laudable ambition that has prompted him to put forth every possible effort to broaden his knowledge and advance his efficiency. In addition to the other professional societies to which he belongs he is connected with the American Association for Clinical Research and served as its vice
436
HISTORY OF COLORADO
president in the year 1917. He is continually studying broadly and thinking deeply along the line of professional activity and is interested in everything that tends to bring to man the key to the complex mystery which we call life.
On the 15th of June, 1910, in Denver, Dr. Monson was united in marriage to Miss Margaret F. Fisher, a native of Kansas and a daughter of Joseph and Anna Fisher. Her father has passed away but her mother is still living and is now a resident of Denver. She belongs to one of the old pioneer families of Kansas.
Dr. Monson has given his political allegiance to the democratic party since attain- ing adult age but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him. He belongs to Rob Morris Lodge, No. 92, A. F. & A. M., and has taken all of the degrees of the Scottish Rite up to and including the thirty-second. He likewise has member- ship with Denver Lodge, No. 17, B. P. O. E., and with the Knights of Pythias lodge and has been a representative of the local organization in the grand lodge of the Knights of Pythias. He belongs to the Denver Athletic Club, and that his life is governed by high and honorable principles is indicated in the fact that he is a consistent member of the First Congregational church of Denver. His life has been one of activity and usefulness and his well defined plans and purposes have resulted in sub- stantial advancement in his profession, the duties of which he never lightly regards. He has accomplished much in the field of his chosen life work and his colleagues speak of him in most commendable terms.
WILLIAM H. WADLEY.
William H. Wadley, who for twenty-seven years has been actively engaged in the practice of law in Denver, was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, January 17, 1864. His father, George A. Wadley, was a native of New Hampshire and belonged to a family that was early represented in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The known ancestral line in America dates back to 1727 and direct ancestors of William H. Wadley participated in the early Indian wars, while ancestors in collateral branches of the family participated in the Revolutionary war. Various members of the family have figured prominently in political and civic affairs in New Hampshire. George A. Wadley, the father, was a successful wholesale grocer of Boston, Massachusetts, where he resided to the time of his death, which occurred in 1884, when he had reached the age of sixty years. He wedded Mary T. Lovejoy, a native of Maine and a representative of one of the old families of that state. She became a resident of Cambridge, Massa- chusetts, where she was reared and educated. The Lovejoy family, also, is of American lineage, the ancestry being traceable to John Lovejoy of Andover, Massachusetts, about the middle of the seventeenth century. Francis Lovejoy, one of the direct ancestors, participated in the Revolutionary war. The maternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch was Joseph C. Lovejoy, a well known minister of the Congre- gational faith of Cambridge, Massachusetts, who with his two brothers, E. Parish Lovejoy and Owen Lovejoy were active opponents of slavery. The former brother was shot at Alton, Illinois. on November 7, 1837, while addressing a mob collected for the purpose of destroying his newspaper because of the abolitionist doctrines which he vigorously supported therein; the latter was likewise a pronounced apostle of free- dom and a contemporary of Abraham Lincoln in the house of representatives. The death of Mrs. George A. Wadley occurred in Park county, Colorado, in 1896, when she had attained the age of sixty-two years. The family numbered six children, four sons and two daughters.
William H. Wadley was the fourth child and fourth son. He acquired his early education in the grammar schools of Boston and spent several years as a student in the Boston Latin School. After putting aside his textbooks he made his initial step in the business world as an employe In the office of a Boston broker. while later he did clerical work in the office of the Union Pacific Railroad Company at Boston, being thus engaged for about five years. Learning of the opportunities of the west and particularly of Colorado, where he had three brothers living, he concluded to join these brothers, who were then engaged in ranching in Park county, and for two years he, too, remained upon the ranch. He then removed to Denver and became connected with the subscription book business as a local agent for the Barrie Publishing Company of Philadelphia. In the fall of 1889 he entered the law school of the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor and after one year spent in study there returned to Colorado and completed his law course in the office of John H. Denison, now judge of the district court. He was admitted to the bar in April, 1891, and has
WILLIAM H. WADLEY
438
HISTORY OF COLORADO
since been in active practice. He does not specialize in any particular branch of jurisprudence but continues in the general practice of law and displays ability in the handling of his cases. His treatment of a case is always full and comprehensive, covering every point bearing thereon, and yet he does not fail to give due emphasis to the important point upon which the decision of every case finally turns. He is prominently known among his brethren of the legal profession. He holds membership in the American Bar Association and in the Colorado State Bar Association he was honored with the position of secretary from 1908 until 1917. He is at the present writing vice president of the state association and he also belongs to the Denver City and County Bar Association.
On the 6th of November, 1895, Mr. Wadley was married in Denver to Miss Frederika Hinsdale, a native of Iowa and a daughter of Augustus M. and Martissa (Kinley) Hinsdale. They have become parents of one son, Frederick Hinsdale Wad- ley, who was born November 13, 1899.
Politically Mr. Wadley is a republican where national questions and issues are involved, but at local elections he casts an independent ballot. He is a prominent member and has served as supreme representative of the Knights of Pythias He also belongs to the Denver Civic and Commercial Association and his religious faith is that of the Christian Science church. He is a trustee of the Woodbury branch of the public library aud he is interested in all those forces and agencies which make for better citizenship, for the uplift of the individual and the advancement of com- munity welfare.
ALVARADO BROWN COLE.
The career of Alvarado Brown Cole, whose death occurred November 20, 1915, was a most interesting one, for he was not only successful as a rancher, which was his principal occupation, but he also was active in law practice for a short period and was deeply interested in political matters and also in educational progress. He was a native son of Colorado and although a young man at the time of his death he must yet be counted among the pioneers of the state. His labors resulted in much good to his community and to Arvada, where he resided for many years.
Alvarado B. Cole was born in Denver, November 16, 1867, a son of Lyman H. and Mary (Brown) Cole, the former a native of New York state. The father was born in Niagara county and later removed to Indiana, where he engaged in railroad work and in the cattle business. On account of his health he came to Colorado, October 12, 1863. In the bracing climate of this state he soon recovered his health and in 1880 settled upon a farm in Arvada, which he successfully cultivated until his death. in 1895.
Alvarado B. Cole received his education in the schools of Denver and in the University of Colorado at Boulder. After receiving his literary training he entered Cornell University, from which he was graduated in 1891, and then for a short time engaged in the legal profession, being connected with Benedict & Phelps. However, upon the death of his father a few years later, he took up ranch work on a farm in Arvada and this was his principal occupation until his death, November 20, 1915. He was very successful as an agriculturist, improved his property in every way possible and in the twenty years in which he was the owner he made it one of the finest farms of the neighborhood. He installed the latest machinery and facilities and the buildings upon the place are evidence of his progressive spirit. He was an expert on soil and in crop production and always followed scientific standards which led to rich harvests, resulting in satisfactory financial returns. He therefore left a substantial competence at the time of his comparatively early demise.
On June 18, 1896, Mr. Cole was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Cheatley. a native of Idaho and a daughter of John F. and Catherine (Habig) Cheatley, of Central City, Colorado. Two children were born to this union: Lyman H., who has passed away; and Kathryn.
Mr. Cole was prominent in state councils of the democratic party, having served as a member of the state central committee. He unfalteringly gave his support to the candidates and measures of his party and stood high in its councils. He was deeply interested in the cause of education and his natural ability and thorough learning led to his election to the office of president of the school board of his community, which he filled with distinction and good results. He was a member of the Denver Athletic Club and also belonged to Phi Delta Phi, a college fraternity. Mr. Cole was a man of the most disinterested public spirit. His personal aid and financial help were
439
HISTORY OF COLORADO
behind practically every public movement undertaken in his community and many good results came from his labors. Personally he was a cordial, pleasant man who had many friends throughout the state and all appreciated his kind and genial nature. Often he was consulted upon legal questions although he had long since retired from practice, but he was always ready to give advice to any friends or neighbors who might come to him, without ever thinking of remuneration. He was a man of clear, logical mind and his judgment upon many questions was generally deferred to. Mr. Cole found his recreation in trap shooting, fishing and horses, but he was also a great reader, almost any subject being of interest to his trained mind. His demise, which occurred November 20, 1915, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret and many were the tributes of condolence extended to his family. In him Arvada lost one of its foremost citizens, a man who had not only wrought for himself but who had done much to build up community interests and who was ever ready to lend a helping hand to anyone who might have need of assistance. His memory is enshrined in the hearts of his friends and will live for many years to come, enduring as the good that he has wrought will endure.
JAMES E. HOLTZ.
James E. Holtz, president of the Stratton State Bank at Stratton, Kit Carson county, was born in Bartholomew county, Indiana, February 18, 1869, a son of George R. and Frances E. (Ellis) Holtz, who were farming people. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, while the mother was born in Ohio. She died in the year 1890 and was laid to rest at Cortland, Indiana.
After acquiring a public school education James E. Holtz attended a business college at Maryville, Missouri, and thus qualified for life's active and responsible duties. When twenty years of age he entered the employ of the H. F. Cady Lumber Company of Omaha, Nebraska, remaining with that firm for two years in a clerical capacity. He next went to Rock Rapids, Iowa, and was with H. B. Pierce in the abstract and farm loan business for seven years, doing abstract and general office work. Later he removed to South Dakota, where he established business on his own account by opening an abstract, real estate and loan office. Later he purchased a set of abstract books and consolidated the two businesses, having the only set of abstract books in his county. His clientage was large and his business grew to gratifying proportions.
The year 1909 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Holtz in Stratton, at which time he organized the Stratton State Bank. He first served as its cashier, afterward became its vice president, and for the past five years has occupied the presidency. He holds the controlling interest in the bank, which has been very successful from the outset, and its deposits are the largest in the county. A general hanking business is conducted and the methods followed are of the most reliable character, so that public confidence has been won in a high degree. Mr. Holtz is also interested in land to some extent, hut devotes the greater part of his time and attention to the banking business. The bank is capitalized for ten thousand dollars, has a surplus of five thousand dollars, undivided profits of eight thousand, three hundred and fifty-three dollars, while its deposits amount to three hundred and seven thousand, five hundred and ninety dollars.
In June, 1912, Mr. Holtz was married in Omaha, Nebraska, to Miss Ethelyn King, a daughter of Mrs. Lillian King. Her father, Herbert B. King, who is deceased, was a musical director in churches and schools. Mrs. Holtz was born in Ohio and became a teacher of music, inheriting her father's talent in that direction. Both Mr. and Mrs. Holtz are consistent and faithful members of the Congregational church and he has been superintendent of the Sunday school since 1909, while his wife also takes an active interest in the work of the school. She is also very active in Red Cross and other branches of war work and is doing everything in her power in this way to pro- mote the interests of the country.
Mr. Holtz gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is a stalwart champion of its principles. Since 1894 he has been identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and since 1911 with the Knights of Pythias. He is a man of genial disposition and of sterling worth, greatly respected in the neighborhood iu which he makes his home. His business affairs have ever prospered hy reason of his indefatigable energy, close application and progressiveness. His fellow townsmen often call upon him for advice in regard to business affairs, while his cooperation is always sought and freely given in connection with any movement calculated to benefit the
440
HISTORY OF COLORADO
community at large. Those who know him, and he has a wide acquaintance, speak of him in terms of high regard and Stratton recognizes in him one of her foremost citizens.
WILSON TURNER.
Wilson Turner is one of the highly respected residents of Weld county, living not far from Greeley. He was born in Ohio county, Indiana, November 2, 1852, and is a son of Robert Turner, whose father and mother came from Ireland, Robert Turner was a native of Indiana and his wife was a representative of an old Kentucky family. The mother of Wilson Turner bore the maiden name of Martha Oxley and died when he was but eight years of age. He was the third of five sons: William E., Robert M., Wilson, Eli H. and Prior; and there were also two sisters, Martha J. and Sarah, all born in Ohio county, Indiana. By the second marriage of the father there were four half brothers, Frank, Joseph, Charles and Edgar, and two half sisters, O'Cala and one, who died in in fancy.
Spending his youthful days in his father's home, he attended the public schools to the age of eighteen years and later went to Moores Hill College of Indiana, in which he remained a student for five terms. He afterward took up the profession of teaching, which he followed for five years, one year in Indiana and four years in Missouri. During the summer months he engaged in farming and in the spring of 1880 he went to Wyoming, where he worked on a ranch for two and a half years, the place being located north of Cheyenne, on the Chugwater. For eighteen years he was engaged in raising stock and hay on the Sweetwater, his meadows being well irrigated. He came to Colorado in 1900 and for a year was a resident of Greeley. He was forty-nine years of age when he first arrived in this state. Here he started out with five acres of land and he has been very successful in his farming operations since that time. His present home place comprises nine acres of land and he also has a twenty-acre tract three miles east of the sugar factory in Greeley. His activities have been carefully directed and his energies have brought to him a substantial measure of success.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.