USA > Colorado > History of Colorado; Volume III > Part 82
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SAMUEL MCMURTRIE.
Samuel McMurtrie was an engineer of exceptional ability to whom was entrusted work of importance by large corporations. His life record illustrates the adage . that power grows through the exercise of effort. His ability developed with the passing years as the scope of his activities broadened and his labors proved a potent force in the upbuilding of the state.
Mr. McMurtrie was born at Summit Hill, Carbon county, Pennsylvania, Novem- ber 8, 1857, and his life record covered the intervening years to the 16th of Septem- ber, 1914, when he passed away in Denver. He was the son of Josiah and Rachael Frances (Bush) McMurtrie, the former a civil engineer of Pennsylvania, and a man who won leadership and substantial success in his profession.
Samuel McMurtrie acquired his education in the Lehigh University of Pennsyl- vania, chosing as a life work the profession to which his father had given his energies. Following his graduation from the engineering department he came directly to Colorado. He had been one of the youngest members of his class at Lehigh, but his youth seemed no bar to his ability and his progress. He made his way to Colorado, where his brother, John A. McMurtrie, had preceded him and was residing in Pueblo. He then was in the employ of Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. Later they formed the firm of McMurtrie Brothers & Stone, which became one of the leading engineering and contracting firms in the west. Their work was the expression of the highest scientific skill and practical methods. They constructed a large part of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, also the Southern Pacific in California and transformed the Denver & Rio Grande from a narrow to a broad- gauged road. They also contracted for work on the Colorado Midland and the loop at Georgetown. They found ready solutions for the most difficult, intricate and involved engineering problems, becoming recognized as authority upou everything connected with civil engineering, especially in relation to railroad building through the mountains of the west. In 1892 Samuel McMurtrie went to California and remained in that state for ten years and there, in addition to his engineering work, he contracted for large cement holdings at Suisun, California. After spending a decade on the Pacific coast he returned to Denver.
On the 22d of September, 1887, in Chicago, Mr. McMurtrie was married to Miss Era Easley, who was born in Linneus, Linn county, Missouri, a daughter of George W. and Logan ( Waters) Easley. Mr. and Mrs. McMurtrie had a family of three daughters and a son: Eleanor Waters, now living at home with her mother; Persis, the wife of W. R. Owen, Jr., of Denver, by whom she has two children. Persis McMurtrie and Billy Owen; and Era Frances and Samuel, Jr., both at home.
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The family reside in a new home at No. 170 Downing street. This home was planned by Mrs. McMurtrie and her children and is of the New England style of architecture, Mrs. McMurtrie superintending the work of construction from start to finish.
Mr. McMurtrie was devoted to the welfare of his wife and children, counting no personal effort or sacrifice on his part too great if it would promote their happi- ness. He was loyal in friendship and in citizenship and while a man of most important business interests he never neglected any duty of life. Opportunity was to him a call to action-a call to which he made ready response. Holding to the highest professional standards, he continually advanced along that line until he ranked with the most prominent civil engineers of the west and his name is asso- ciated with the prosecution of some of the most important engineering projects which have led to the upbuilding of this great western empire.
HON. WESLEY STALEY.
Those things which are obstacles in the path of the weak often become stepping stones to the strong, a fact which finds demonstration in the career of the Hon. Wesley Staley, who, a native of Illinois, has found in Colorado the opportunities which have led him to success. He stands not only prominent as a banker in his community but also as one who has left the impress of his individuality upon the legislative history of the state, having been chosen by his fellow townsmen to represent them in the upper house of the general assembly.
He was born in Mason county, Illinois, August 16, 1865, a son of Erastus G. and Eliza (Conklin) Staley. In early life the father removed to Illinois from his native state of Pennsylvania and Wesley Staley attended the common schools of Mason county. He was the eldest of a large family and when a youth of fifteen he left home to make his own way in the world and drifted to Colorado in 1889, when twenty-four years of age. He homesteaded in the San Luis valley and there assisted in developing the irrigation system and also traded in lands until 1893, when he and his brother organized the Costilla County Bank at Hooper. Extending their efforts in the field of banking, they also established the First National Bank of Monte Vista, the Alamosa National Bank, the Salida State Bank and the Weld County Bank at Windsor, later consolidating the latter with the First National Bank at Windsor. There has been a total of seventeen banks which have been organized by Mr. Staley and his associates, thus placing him in the front rank among the prominent financiers of Colorado. The various institutions he has been instrumental in promoting have all enjoyed a suc- cessful existence. Intuition, training and foresight have made Mr. Staley a most successful banker and his large experience has been of great benefit to the state in this connection. He is most careful to safeguard the rights of depositors as well as stockholders and at the same time he follows progressive methods, readily extending credit to those who come to him when money is needed for business expansion or promotion. He is fortunate in that he has been able to follow the happy medium so that while assisting those who need financial aid he has never jeopardized the interests of the institutions in so doing. In a word he is regarded as a safe, sound banker, one whose course has been worthy of the highest confidence and respect. His word is as good as his bond and the trust reposed in him by his many patrons in the various banks is well merited and richly deserved. At one time Mr. Staley also owned the Cheyenne County State Bank, the Eastlake State Bank, the Littleton State Bank, and the Commerce State & Savings Bank of Denver. He organized the First National Bank of Arvada, where he now resides, and serves as its president.
In November, 1896, at Lincoln, Nebraska, Mr. Staley was united in marriage to Miss Clara Jastrow and to them has been born a son, Wesley B., a graduate of the Wentworth Military Academy and the University of Colorado at Boulder. He formerly was a member of the Colorado National Guard, in which he worked his way up to the rank of second lieutenant. As he was not twenty-one years of age when the Guard was federated, the law would not permit him to hold his rank as lieutenant and he resigned. Eager, however, to get into active service at the earliest possible moment, he joined the Royal British Flying Corps and had gone as far as New York, ready to embark for the battle front, when he was turned back by issuance of a gov- ernmental order of January 12, 1918, stipulating that no more American aviators could enlist in any other than the United States service. He then made application for entry into the United States Aviation Corps, was accepted and sent to the Aerial Training School at Berkeley, California, where he was made squad commander and
HON. WESLEY STALEY
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instructor, and in October, 1918, was commissioned second lieutenant and assigned to regular service. Although a young man of but twenty-one years, he seems a natural leader of men and his indomitable spirit has been shown in the way in which he joined the army. Actuated by the most patriotic motives, he has followed the course which his country deemed best and there has come to him recognition of his ability in his commission. His record is indeed one of which his parents may be proud and one feels no hesitancy in predicting that his future career will be well worth the watching.
In his political views Mr. Staley is a democrat, stanchly supporting the men and measures of his party. Under Governors Adams and Thomas he served as engineer of Division No. 3. In 1914 he was elected to the house of representatives, doing able work in committee rooms and on the floor, and in 1916 his constituency elected him to the state senate, where he has since served with rare ability. Many of the important measures introduced for the benefit of the state have received his support and others which he has considered detrimental to public interest have found in him an equally vigorous opponent. His views always command attention and his opinions are often sought and readily heeded as those of a level-headed business man, the wisdom of whose course is demonstrated in his success. Moreover, his constituents and his col- leagues value his services at the capitol very highly. Mr. Staley also served as a delegate to the democratic national convention, at St. Louis, in 1916.
Personally he is popular and has many friends throughout the state, while in his home community he is highly regarded by all who know him by reason of what he has achieved in life and the underlying qualities which have made possible his achievements. Fraternally he belongs to Elks Lodge, No. 506, of Creede, Colorado, and also to the Woodmen of the World. Wesley Staley is one of those men to whom great credit is due for the station they have reached in life, for he has not only worked his way upward individually, but while promoting his interests has done much toward upbuilding the state. He has made ready and wise use of his time and oppor- tunities and his ahility has led him into prominent financial and official relations. His career may well serve as an example to those who wish to succeed in life and should stand as a lesson to the young, demonstrating what can be accomplished if there is the will to dare and to do.
T. H. McCALLUM.
T. H. McCallum, owner of one of the largest ranches in Lincoln county, has about three thousand acres of land on which he is pasturing large herds of cattle and also large numbers of Percheron horses. In fact, he is one of the most prominent stock raisers of his section of the state. Of Canadian birth, his natal day was February 7, 1872, his parents being John and Ellen McCallum, who were also farming people. Both were natives of Scotland and in early childhood became residents of Canada, where they were married. They became the parents of three sons and four daughters, of whom T. H. McCallum was the third in order of birth, there being an older brother and sister.
With the removal of the family to Michigan when he was a lad of but seven years, T. H. MeCallum pursued his education in the public schools of that state. continuing his studies until he reached the age of sixteen, when he began to provide for his own support. About the same time he removed to Flagler, or rather to Colorado, for at that time the town had not yet sprung into existence. The Rock Island Railroad was just being built through this section of the state and Mr. McCallum began work on the line, driving a team of mules through the summer. During the succeeding eight years he was employed on different ranches in the state, thus working until the year 1896, when he was married and settled upon a homestead fourteen miles southwest of Flagler.
Mr. McCallum was united in marriage to Miss Carrie A. Nye, a native of Iowa and a daughter of W. H. and Addie (Lash) Nye. Her father was a farmer and mer- chant and won substantial success in business. Mr. and Mrs. McCallum began their domestic life upon the homestead farm, living in a one-room sod house. twelve by sixteen feet. Later he built a better sod house, which he occupied for sixteen years. During that time he continued to make improvements upon the property, adding to the comfort of his family, and as his financial resources increased as the result of his industry and business capability, he bought more land, stocking his ranch with cattle and horses. He has also engaged in the raising of wild hay. alfalfa and other
THAM Callum and Family
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products. His life during the early years was that of the typical pioneer settler. There were terrific blizzards in winter and there were many hardships and privations to be endured that are incident to the settlement of the frontier. It was an uphill fight, for Mr. McCallum started out in business life without any of this world's goods. He had to depend upon his labors and resources and during these trying times he was also rearing a family, but with persistent purpose he continued his labors and his unfaltering industry and perseverance at length won their just reward. A few years ago he erected a modern residence on the homestead and has been able to pro- vide for his family many of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. Mrs. McCallum lived to enjoy much of this prosperity, but in July, 1916, was called to the home beyond. She had been a faithful helpmate and assistant to her husband, most carefully managing the household affairs while he was carrying on the farm work.
As the years have passed Mr. McCallum has added to his landed possessions from time to time until his ranch today is one of the largest in Lincoln county, comprising about three thousand acres of land. On this he has about seven hundred head of cattle and one hundred and twenty-five head of good Percheron horses. In fact, he raises none but high grade stock and in the conduct of the ranch he employs eight men during much of the year. He is also a stockholder in the Flagler State Bank and during the past six years has been on its board of directors.
To Mr. and Mrs. McCallum were born the following named: Cressy, the wife of Fred Rhule, a farmer of Lincoln county; Addie and Maggie, who are managing the household for their father; John and William, who assist in the work of the farm; and Elsie, Ray, Russell and Thomas H., all of whom are yet in school. Mr. McCallum has reason to be proud of his family, for they are self-respecting and highly respected people of the community. His daughters have taken the mother's place in the house- hold and Mr. McCallum makes his home and his children his first interest and his first duty.
Fraternally Mr. McCallum is a Mason and is also connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church and in political belief he is a republican. He stands for all those things which tend to pro- mote the material, intellectual, social, political and moral progress of the community. The county was wild and new when he came. It was more like a desert with its wild horses and antelopes roaming over the prairies and there was no settlement between Flagler and Kit Carson, a distance of forty-four miles. He has lived to witness remarkable changes as the years have gone on and the land has been taken up for settlement and at all times he has borne his part in the work of general improve- ment and development.
CHARLES WESLEY BOWLES.
One of the most beautiful homes of Littleton is that owned and occupied by Charles Wesley Bowles, who spends the summer months in Colorado and the winter seasons in California. For many years he was actively, prominently and successfully identified with ranching interests in Arapahoe county and the success he achieved now enables him to rest from further labor.
He was born in Denver, November 10, 1868, a representative of one of the oldest and most honored pioneer families of the state, his parents being Joseph Wesley and Cynthia R. Miller ( Blackburn) Bowles. The father was a native of Rockford, North Carolina, born July 17, 1836, and in early boyhood he accompanied his parents to Johnson county, Indiana. In the fall of 1847 he removed to Keokuk county, Iowa, and in 1848 became a resident of Marshall county, that state. At the time he established his home there it was an undeveloped region with a population of not more than twelve families. He took up a tract of wild land upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made, but with characteristic energy he began the work of transforming it into a productive farm. He cleared it, placed it under the plow and in course of time was gathering therefrom golden harvests. In March, 1858, he went still farther west, settling in Riley county, Kansas, and there he cast his first vote in support of a "free state" constitution. Following the discovery of gold at Pike's Peak, Joseph W. Bowles determined to try his fortune in Colorado and in the spring of 1859 crossed the plains, arriving at the Cherry Creek settlement on the 25th of May. He at once began prospecting, making his way to the mountains, where he endured many hardships and privations. In the fall of that year he settled on Quartz hill in the Nevada district and for three years
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engaged in mining on the Burroughs lode. While there residing he was twice elected sheriff of the district under the miner's organization and in the fall of 1862 he turned his attention to agricultural interests, purchasing a homestead claim near the present town of Littleton, after which he added to his original tract from time to time until his ranch became one of the largest in Arapahoe county. Its improve- ments, too, were equally excellent, and the fame of this and also the Bowles ranch on the Republican river in Yuma county became widespread. For years Mr. Bowles extensively engaged in cattle raising, his labors being most wisely and profitably directed. Aside from his farming interests he figured in banking circles as a director of the City National Bank and was associated therewith after it was merged into the American National Bank.
Joseph W. Bowles also figured very prominently in public affairs of his com- munity. In September, 1869, he was elected a member of the board of county commissioners and in 1874 was reelected to the office which he most capably filled. It was during his service as a member of the board of commissioners that the site now occupied by the courthouse in the city of Denver was selected and acquired, a selection that called forth much criticism at the time, the complaint being that the location chosen was "too far out in the country," but the subsequent growth and expansion of the city has amply confirmed the judgment and the foresight of the commissioners. In the fall of 1880 his fellow townsmen called upon him to repre- sent them in the state legislature and again his record reflected credit and honor upon those who had honored him.
To Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wesley Bowles were born five children: Charles W., whose name introduces this review; Edward V., for many years a prominent cattle raiser of Wray, Colorado, but now a resident of Denver; Josie C. and Harry, both deceased; and Walter A. In the later years of his life Mr. Bowles lived retired, enjoying the fruits of his former toil. His wise investments and his carefully directed business affairs brought to him substantial wealth and after more than thirty years of active and honorable connection with the business development of the community he retired to enjoy his remaining days in well earned ease. His death occurred at his home at Littleton, September 11, 1906, his wife having pre- ceeded him, August 11, 1901.
Charles W. Bowles of this review supplemented his public school education at Littleton with a commercial course at Notre Dame, Indiana, and he also spent a year as a student in the University of Colorado at Boulder. He next went to Wray, Colorado, where for four years he occupied the position of manager on his father's ranch and at the end of that time he took up his abode upon the home ranch, where he lived for many years. He became the owner of a large ranch of five thousand acres in Elbert county, which he successfully operated until 1910 and then sold it. He later purchased seventy-seven hundred acres in Arapahoe and Elbert counties, which he continued to further develop and improve until 1917, when he disposed of that property and retired, but he still owns three hundred acres at Littleton, whereon he passes the summer months, while the winter seasons are spent in Cali- fornia. His farm property is one of the most ideal places of the county, splendidly improved, and all kinds of fine shade trees surround the buildings.
On the 20th of March, 1892, Mr. Bowles was united in marriage to Miss Addie N. Lee, a daughter of T. J. and Susan E. (Randolph) Lee, the father a prominent farmer of Fort Logan. Mr. and Mrs. Bowles have become the parents of two sons and two daughters. Nellie C., born October 13, 1893, married George Lloyd McKee of Denver, in November, 1917, and they reside on the home place at Little- ton. Albert and Edward are both deceased. Charla A. was born January 27, 1907.
Politically Mr. Bowles has always given his support to the republican party and for eight years he filled the office of county commissioner for Arapahoe county, having been elected to that position by the largest majority ever given to any candi- date in the county. He was chosen president of the board, and during his incum- hency as such the site for the location of the splendid courthouse in Littleton was selected and acquired and the building erected thereon, thus furnishing a striking parallel to the experience of his honored father. The building was erected and paid for during his term of office without any previous levy and without any bond issue being made. Mr. Bowles also served as school director for seven years and has done much to advance the educational interests and activities of his section of the state. He is very prominent and popular, being held in high esteem by all who know him. The greater part of his life has been passed in this section of Colorado and he has contributed in no small measure to its agri- cultura! development. While he has prospered in his undertakings. he has never
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made the attainment of wealth the sole end and aim of his life and his judgment of men is founded upon their personal worth and not upon their material acquire- ments. Every day in his career has marked off a full-faithed attempt to know more and to grow more, and the exercise of effort has ever kept him alert. He is in close touch with community interests and national problems and is justly accounted one of the progressive and enterprising men of the west.
RICHARD ROBERTS.
Richard Roberts, a well known ranchman living near Monument, was born October 14, 1853, a son of Marcus S. and Nancy ( Reed) Roberts. The father was a native of Kentucky, while the mother was born in Marion county, Missouri. The parents came to Colorado in 1863, when their son Richard was a lad of ten years, first making their way to Denver and afterward to Coal Creek, where they lived for a year. They then removed to a place north of Denver situated on the Platte river, where they resided for four years, and in 1867 they took up their abode near Monument, where Mr. Roberts homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land, upon which the son Richard now resides. He at once began to develop and improve the tract, upon which hitherto not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made. His labors soon brought about marked changes in the appearance of the place and with the assistance of his sons he carried on the farm with excellent results.
To Mr. and Mrs. Marcus S. Roberts were born a large family numbering thirteen children, namely: James K. P., born March 9, 1850, and John Samuel, born Sep- tember 9, 1851, are both deceased; Richard, born October 14, 1853, is the subject of this sketch; Benjamin, born December 22, 1855, resides in Denver; Francis M., horn April 23, 1857, and Sarah M., born May 26, 1858, are both deceased; Rebecca J., residing in Colorado Springs, and George Thomas, deceased, were twins, who were born on the 17th of January, 1861; Mary Ann, whose birth occurred January 27, 1862, is deceased; Fanny Esty, born October 10, 1865, is also deceased; Emma Etta, born April 12, 1868, resides in Oregon; William Henry, born June 6, 1871, is living in Montana; and Nancy Katharine, born on the 12th of September, 1875, is deceased. Of this number only five are now living.
The death of the father occurred July 6, 1900, and the mother passed away on the 29th of January, 1915. They were worthy pioneer people of their district and their loss was deeply regretted by many friends.
Richard Roberts and his sister Nancy still reside upon the home ranch, which is situated about a half mile off the main road. The buildings are located on a side hill, all surrounded with fine trees. They occupy the old home which was built by their father when he first took up the ranch. Mr. Roberts concentrates his efforts and energies upon the cultivation and development of the land and to the original tract of one hundred and sixty acres he has added by purchase a tract of forty acres, so that his farm today comprises two hundred acres of rich and pro- ductive land, which annually yields to him substantial harvests. His sister Nancy is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres which adjoins the homestead, giving them three hundred and sixty acres in one body.
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