USA > Colorado > History of Colorado; Volume III > Part 81
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Mr. Richards is a member of the Congregational church and his political allegiance
MRS. WILLIAM A. RICHARDS
WILLIAM A. RICHARDS
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is given to the republican party. He is also a blue lodge Mason and at one time was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He lived in Elbert county before the division and took active part in the first election. He was one of the clerks of the election and took the ballot box to Kiowa. This was in the year 1888. During the first year of the existence of the county no election was held and in the second year a precinct was organized. Mr. Richards has been an interested witness of much of the progress of this section of the state. When he arrived in the west the work of development seemed scarcely begun and the country bore little resemblance to the condition at the present time, for sod houses were then the rule, much of the land was still unclaimed and the most far-sighted could scarcely have dreamed of the changes which were to occur and transform a dry, arid and unproductive district into one of rich fertility. Mr. Richards has borne his full share in what has been accomplished and as a business man is still contributing to the further upbuilding of his section of the state.
REV. THOMAS JOSEPH CONDON, C. S. S. R.
Rev. Thomas Joseph Condon, pastor of St. Joseph's church of Denver, was born in Clinton county, Iowa, February 17, 1872, a son of Edmund and Mary ( Mahony) Condon. He spent his youthful days as a pupil in district and parochial schools of Lyons, Iowa, and on the 9th of September, 1892, he entered St. Joseph's Preparatory College at Kirkwood, Missouri, where for five years he pursued his studies. A year's novitiate was spent in De Soto, Missouri, in Mount St. Clement's College and he took his religious vows on the 15th of August, 1898. He afterward pursued a course in philosophy at the Redemptorist College of Kansas City, Missouri, and later returned to Mount St. Clement's for a four years' course in theology. He was ordained to the priesthood on the 19th of June, 1903. at the college, by the Rt. Rev. J. J. Glennon, archbishop of St. Louis. Then followed another year devoted to the study of theology at Mount St. Clement's, after which he was assigned to the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer at Detroit, Michigan, as assistant rector. He remained there for eight years as assistant and as rector for three years.
In July, 1915, he came to Denver as rector of St. Joseph's parish. The Redemptor- ist term is three years. In 1918 he was reappointed for a second term of three years. Since coming to St. Joseph's Rev. Condon has fitted up a new Sister House, which property was purchased from the Mormons. In the school all branches of grammar and high school work are taught, there being twelve grades in all. During the past year a business conrse has been added to the twelfth grade. The work of the church and of the school has been further systematized by Rev. Condon, whose zealous efforts are producing splendid results. That he is honored and beloved by his people is indicated by the fact that he has been retained for a second term of three years.
CHARLES A. FERRIS, M. D.
Dr. Charles A. Ferris, actively engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Denver, was born in Saginaw, Michigan, November 27, 1870, a son of Heman and Mary Esther (Goodwin) Ferris, the former a native of Michigan, while the latter was horn in Portland, Maine, and was a descendant of well known colonial ancestry. The father remained a resident of Michigan until within the last five years of his life and was well known in clerical lines in connection with real estate and as a certified public accountant. He died in Denver in October, 1917, at the age of seventy-nine years, his birth having occurred January 25, 1838, while his wife passed away in Saginaw, Michigan, in 1890, at the age of forty-six years. They had a family of four children: Julia D., who.is engaged in teaching in the schools of Denver; Mrs. A. W. Chez, now at Odessa, Russia, in connection with the Young Men's Christian Association camps; Charles A., of this review; and Harriet, who is a trained nurse of Denver.
In his youthful days Dr. Ferris was a pupil in the public and high schools of Saginaw, Michigan, paying his own way by selling and carrying newspapers, and on starting out in the business world on his own account was employed in a clerical capacity in the Second National Bank of Saginaw, where he remained for five years. gaining valuable experience during that period. In 1891 he arrived in Denver and
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during the ensuing five years decided to take up some outside vocation and became a cowboy, riding the range both in Wyoming and Colorado. He was fond of outdoor life and greatly enjoyed the experience. He returned to Denver in 1897 and pur- sued a medical course in the Gross Medical College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1901. He then gained that hroad and valuable experience which hospital work brings and after devoting two years to practice in that connection opened an office on his own account in 1903, at Georgetown, Colorado, successfully following his profession there until 1909. In 1910 he went to Chicago, where he took post-graduate work in Chicago clinics, and since that time he has practiced his profession in Denver, where a liberal patronage has been accorded him. He limits his practice to obstetrics and gynecology. He is serving on the staff of Mercy Hospital, also of the City and County Hospital of Denver and is acting professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the University of Colorado. He belongs to the American Medical Association, the Colorado State Medical Society and the Denver City and County Medical Society, and through the proceedings of these hodies he keeps in close touch with the advanced thought, purposes and discoveries of the profession.
On the 12th of June, 1902, Dr. Ferris was married to Miss Lela Thirsk, at Salida, Colorado, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas T. Thirsk, of Chicago, Illinois. The father is a Civil war veteran. Dr. and Mrs. Ferris have become parents of two children: Alice, born in Georgetown in 1904; and Lela, born in Georgetown in 1906. Both are now in school.
In politics Dr. Ferris has maintained a somewhat independent course, although he usually votes with the republican party. He helongs to the Congregational church and his life is actuated by high and honorable principles. He is a past- master Mason and a Knight Templar. He is ever most conscientious in the per- formance of his duties and is very careful in the diagnosis of his cases. Anything which tends to bring to man the key to the complex mystery which we call life is of interest to him and his ability in the profession is acknowledged hy his colleagues and contemporaries in medical practice, as well as hy the general public.
HON. F. E. TORBIT.
Hon. F. E. Torbit, who represents important mercantile interests in Fountain, is a native son of Illinois, born May 8, 1862, his parents heing James and Isabella (Davison) Torbit, both of whom have passed away. The son was reared under the parental roof, receiving his first lessons in life through the teachings of his parents and attending the public schools of his neighborhood in order to obtain a primary education. Having done considerable preparatory work, he then entered McKendree College at Lebanon, Illinois, from which he was graduated with the class of 1887. The allurements of the west had a strong fascination for him and he therefore decided to take fate in his own hands and removed to Colorado in order to partake of the opportunities offered in this rapidly developing section of the country. He was about twenty-six years of age when he came to the west and he at first located at Eads, which city he made his residence for about ten years, at the end of which period, in 1898, he came to Fountain, where in a small way he established the business which he has since developed to such profitable proportions. He now has one of the`hest stores in the neighborhood and by following strictly honorable methods and carrying up-to-date and reliable goods he has built up a patronage which returns to him gratifying profits. He is progressive in all of his business methods and is ever ready to follow a new lead if convinced of the worth thereof. His success is largely attributable to his "stick-to-it-iveness," for the first years which he spent as a merchant in Fountain were not as encouraging as they might have heen. However, he decided to hold on and his tenacity and good judgment have been rewarded in the growth of a prosperous business of which he is now the head and owner.
On the 10th of April, 1894, Mr. Torhit was united in marriage to Miss Rose G. Gallavan, of Colorado, and to them have been born three children, Pauline M., James G. and Rose Helen. The parents are popular in the social circles of their set and the hospitality of the best homes is extended them, while they themselves often entertain their many friends at their own fireside.
In politics Mr. Torbit is a republican and has taken an active part in party affairs, and is now serving his second term as state representative from El Paso county. He is taking care, in a most able manner, of the interests of his con- stituents and also gives considerable consideration to the larger projects which
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affect the welfare of the state. Applying business principles to politics, his decisions upon any public question are logical and to the point. Mr. Torbit has ever been a booster and there have been no enterprises or projects promoted in Fountain in which he has not participated. He is proud of the developement which has been wrought in his state and moreover has reason to be proud, for he has been one of the factors which have made possible the rapid development which Colorado has made in the last twenty years. Not interested in clubs and without connection with fraternal associations, Mr. Torbit is a home man who finds his greatest happiness with his family, surrounding them with all of the loving care of a devoted husband and father. Outside of his mercantile interests Mr. Torbit has made valuable investments in farm property, from which he receives a gratifying addition to his income.
REV. WILLIAM LONERGAN, S. J.
The Rev. William Lonergan, rector of the Sacred Heart church of Denver, is one of the prominent representatives of Catholicism in the west. His work has been a vital force in the upbuilding of the church and the extension of its influence in this section of the country. Father Lonergan is a native of Ireland and in early youth he determined to devote his life to priestly offices. He received his college training at Mungret College in Limerick, where he followed the course of studies prescribed by the Royal University of Ireland. His novitiate was passed at Floris- sant, Missouri, where he remained for two years and was then called to Denver by the Jesuits, being placed on the first teaching staff of the Sacred Heart College. He received holy orders at Woodstock, Maryland, in 1900, and at the completion of the Jesuit course he was appointed vice president of the Sacred Heart College.
In August, 1909, Father Lonergan was sent to Holy Trinity parish at Trinidad, Colorado, where he did splendid work, greatly building up the church organization and extending its membership, for his labors brought in all of the Catholics of that parish. He was transferred to Denver and placed in charge of the Sacred Heart parish, becoming successor of the Rt. Rev. A. J. Schuler, S. J., who had been appointed to the bishopric of El Paso, Texas. This was in August, 1915. He has since labored in Denver and his work is being productive of excellent results here, as it has in his former connection. A man of scholarly attainments and broad vision and of marked zeal, the interests of the Sacred Heart church are well placed in his keeping.
ALEXANDER McCALLUM.
Alexander McCallum is regarded as one of the most progressive ranchmeu of Lincoln county, his home being on section 30, township 10, range 52. He first visited Lincoln county in 1888 but did not permanently take up his abode here until 1896 and through the intervening period he has developed his property to its present splendid condition. Throughout the greater part of his life he has been closely identified with agricultural interests and stock raising. He was born upon a farm near Ottawa, Canada, in the year 1867, a son of John and Helen McCallum, and while spending his youthful days under the parental roof he pursued a public school education. He was nine years of age when his parents removed with their family to Michigan, where they lived for four years and then went to Kansas. Alexander McCallum remained in the Sunflower state for eight years and during that period was working on his father's farm, assisting in the arduous task of developing new land and bringing the fields under a high state of cultivation. He visited Lincoln county, Colorado, in 1888 and the succeeding eight years were spent in various parts of this state, where he was interested in stock raising. 'In 1896 he returned to Lincoln county to locate upon his present farm and throughout the intervening period of twenty two years he has engaged largely in raising cattle and other live stock. A few years ago he decided to build a reservoir for irrigation purposes and thus secured water for his land. This proved to be one of the best things he ever did. It took him five years to build the reservoir, but the results have proven the wisdom of his course. The dam is fourteen hundred feet in length and its capacity is forty acres of water. Mr. McCallum is deeply interested in irrigation problems and stands for advancement and improvement
MR. AND MRS. ALEXANDER McCALLUM
THE ALEXANDER McCALLUM RANCH
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along that line. He is the owner of a section and a half of land which he has brought under a high state of cultivation and everything about his place is indicative of his progressive spirit and practical methods. He has added many substantial improve- ments to his ranch in the way of good buildings.
In 1909, Mr. McCallum was married to Miss Helen E. Norburn, a daughter of George Norburn, a pioneer of Douglas county, Colorado. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he is now filling the office of county commissioner, to which he was elected in 1916. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons and both he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star. They are highly esteemed people of the community in which they make their home and where they have an extensive circle of warm friends.
CHARLES SUMNER LAMBIE.
Charles Sumner Lambie, a civil engineer and contracting builder, prominently known as the president of the C. S. Lambie Company, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on the 3d of February, 1880, a son of John S. and Annie (Robertson) Lambie, who were also natives of Pittsburgh. The father was an attorney at law and practiced in the east for many years, there passing away in 1903. His widow survives and is yet a resident of Pittsburgh. They reared a family of nine children, of whom seven are living.
Charles S. Lambie pursued his education in the public schools of Pittsburgh, passing through consecutive grades to his graduation from the high school, while later he entered Pittsburgh University and won the degree of Civil Engineer upon graduation with the class of 1900. He has ever concentrated his efforts and attention upon the field of labor for which he prepared and his success is undoubtedly due in a measure to the fact that he has always continued in one line. Following his graduation he was connected with the Wabash Railroad Company as assistant chief engineer for six years. He then engaged in general construction work in Pittsburgh for five years, from 1906 until 1911, when he came to Denver as engineer of construction and building. He is devoting his time and attention to general building, being engaged on the construction of bridges, buildings, etc., operations that involve many important engineering problems, for which he finds ready and correct solution. His ability has constantly broadened through study and experience and the exercise of effort is keeping him alert.
In 1904 Mr. Lambie was united in marriage to Miss Margaret McCandless, of Pitts- burgh, a daughter of Alexander McCandless. Mr. Lambie is a Mason, belonging to Palestine Lodge, No. 151, A. F. & A. M., of Denver; to Denver Commandery, No. 25, Knights Templar; and Colorado Consistory, S. P. R. S. He has also crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, belonging to EI Jebel Temple, A. A. O N. M. S. He is identified with the Denver Athletic Club and is appreciative of the social amenities of life. He belongs to the Denver Civic and Commercial Association, which indicates his interest in those things which have to do with the material uphuild- ing of the city and its improvement along those lines which make for ideal city building. Nor are the moral obligations of life neglected by him. He is a very active member of the Capitol Hill Presbyterian church, in which he is serving as elder, and he is also superintendent of the Sunday school. He has never allowed business affairs-although his interests in that connection have been most important-to interfere with the faithful performance of his duties in other connections and has ever recognized his obligations to his fellowmen, commanding by an upright life the honor and respect of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
ALBERT E. MAUFF.
Albert E. Mauff, at the head of the oldest florist's establishment in the state of Colorado, and one of the oldest in the west, is well known among the earlier residents of Denver. The business, under the name of the Mauff Floral Company, is still con- ducted at 1225 Logan street, the site of the original homestead purchased in 1872, and the firm name is a familiar one throughout this section of the country, for through many years the business has received the patronage of the best families throughout Colorado. Albert E. Mauff, now the president and manager of the company, is the son of the founder of the business. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, January 6. 1870, his
CHARLES S. LAMBIE
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parents being Edward T. and Rosalie (Ramstein) Mauff. At the outbreak of the Civil war Edward T. Mauff, at that time a resident of Springfield, Illinois, responded to the call of the country to preserve the Union and joined the Seventy-second Illinois Infantry, with which he remained until the close of the war. He served gallantly in action at Vicksburg, Mobile, and through many trying engagements and was honorably dis- charged after a most creditable and valorous military service covering three and a half years. In order to enter the army he left his wife and two children at home and when the country no longer needed his services he gladly rejoined them in Springfield. After receiving his discharge he removed with his family to Chicago, where he estab- lished a boot and shoe store, which he successfully conducted until the great Chicago fire of October, 1871, wiped out his entire business, He then removed to Kansas, where he remained for, a short time, and in May, 1872, came to Denver, where he again fol- lowed the shoe business. He also endeavored to engage in ranching and stock raising and acquired a ranch property near Greeley, Colorado, but after earnest efforts to gain a start was obliged to give it up, for his stock was driven off by cattle rustlers and the young calves were stolen time after time. Having no protection against such a course, Mr. Mauff at length decided to try no longer to engage in stock raising. He continued to conduct his shoe business in Denver, however, until 1880, when he turned his attention to the establishment of greenhouses and the florist's business. The out- come of his efforts in this connection is the present magnificent system of greenhouses at No. 1225 Logan street, constituting the oldest florist's establishment of the state, if not in the west. Mrs. Rosalie Mauff, mother of Albert E. Mauff, was active in the business for many years and is still living, now making her home in Los Angeles, California. In the family were eight children, among whom the living are: Mrs. Josephine C. Brown, a resident of Denver; Augusta L. Pickens, also of Denver; Mrs. Gertrude A. Briggs, of Caldwell, Idaho; Mrs. Clara R. Heartz, of Los Angeles; and Albert E., who was the second in order of birth.
In his early boyhood Albert E. Mauff attended the Arapahoe Street public school and later was a pupil in the Antelope Street school and then the Broadway school. Ultimately he became connected with the florist's business. In fact, he began working in that line when but thirteen years of age and grew up with the business, becoming one of its incorporators,
Mr. Mauff has taken considerable interest in political life and served as alderman from the fourteenth ward for two terms and as election commissioner for five years. He was also a member of the state board of horticulture for six years and is interested in everything that pertains to the welfare of the community. He has membership with the Sons of Colorado and with the B. P. O. E. and as a business man and citizen is recognized as one of the representative residents of Denver.
JOSEPH WILSON.
Joseph Wilson, widely known as an architect of Denver, his highly developed skill and ability having gained him prominence, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, May 6, 1856, and is a son of Joseph Wilson and Mary (Greenlee) Wilson, both of whom were natives of the laud of hills and heather, where they resided all their lives. The father was engaged in farming as a life work and owned a splendidly developed farm ten miles out of the city of Glasgow, but both he and his wife have passed away. They were the parents of six children, of whom Joseph Wilson was the fourth in order of birth.
In early life he attended the country schools and was also a high school pupil. Going to Glasgow, he was there graduated, after which he entered an architect's office in the city of Glasgow, believing that he would find the pursuit of that pro- fession congenial. He there received his preliminary training and in 1879 he crossed the Atlantic to America, settling in the city of Detroit, Michigan, where he con- tinued to follow his profession until his removal to Chicago. He was in Detroit and In Chicago for about six months each and then came to Denver in 1880. Here he took up professional work and in the meantime he purchased property, on which he erected public buildings and residences. These he sold and as a speculative builder gained a substantial start in Denver. In 1893 he began the independent practice of his profession and has since erected some of the principal buildings in the city and in various parts of the state. These are monuments to his professional skill and the firm of Wilson & Wilson, for he is now associated with his son, ranks very
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high. Comfort, utility and beauty combine in the structures which they put up and some of the most attractive buildings in Denver are their handiwork.
In 1881 Mr. Wilson was united in marriage at Bunker Hill, Kansas, to Miss Isabella Menzies, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Menzies, both of whom were born in Scotland. They have become the parents of five children. Joseph Winfield Wilson, born in Denver in 1884, is a graduate of the Denver city schools and now resides in Boise, Idaho, where he is a prominent jeweler. Arthur S., born in Denver in 1888, is a graduate of the high school of this city and also of the University of Architecture at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is associated with his father in the practice of his profession under the firm style of Wilson & Wilson. Both of the sons are married. The latter has one child, Alice Menzies Wilson, born in Denver. Harry R. Wilson, born in Denver in 1890, is a high school graduate and also a grad- uate of the School of Mines at Golden, Colorado, and occupied a position under the British government in Burma, India, for two years. Elizabeth Harriet, born in Denver in 1892 and a graduate of the Denver high school, is the wife of P. Rose, of this city, and they have one child, Phyllis May Rose. Isabella, born in Denver in 1894, is a graduate of the Denver Manual Training high school.
Mr. Wilson maintains an independent position politically. Fraternally he is connected with the Woodmen of the World and with the Royal Arcanum. He was a young man of twenty-three years when he crossed the Atlantic to the new world and during the intervening period he has made rapid progress in his profession, advancing step by step to the place which he now occupies. His activities have always been well defined and he has ever pressed forward toward the highest profes- sional ideals, so that his labors have been crowned with successful achievement.
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