USA > Colorado > History of Colorado; Volume IV > Part 20
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Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, Joseph Wilkinson acquired a public school education, continuing his studies until he reached the age of nineteen. He afterward worked in the coal mines of his native state and also on the farm. At length, however, he determined to see something of the country and made his way to California. He was pleased with the district and decided to remain. Afterward he obtained a position in a mill and for five years he continued upon the Pacific coast, but on the expiration of that period retraced his steps eastward as far as Colorado, where he arrived in 1874. He had very little money at that time and began logging on the river. He afterward went upon a ranch, where he remained for three years, and during that period he carefully saved his earnings until his industry and economy had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to start in business independently. He then purchased a farm of eighty acres and began the cultivation of wheat, potatoes and oats. It was not long before the place showed the result of his earnest labors and sound business judgment. After a time he purchased another farm, comprising one hundred and sixty acres, situated three miles northeast of Greeley, and through the intervening years to his death he carried on his farming interests successfully. He studied the soil, knew the crops best adapted to climatic conditions here and so intelligently directed his labors that success came to him.
In March, 1871, Mr. Wilkinson was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Sutliff and to them were born three children: Brice, who is in Arizona in the employ of a copper company and is engaged in building a smelter; Mabel, who was born in Colo- rado in 1886 and was a librarian in Wyoming, but at this writing is attending the State Teachers' College of Colorado for her M. A. degree. She is the wife of Ellis Ethridge. Blanche died at the age of three and one-half years in 1880.
In his political views Mr. Wilkinson was a republican, voting for the men and measures of the party since reaching man's estate. He never sought or desired office, however, for he concentrated his efforts, his thoughts and his attention upon his business affairs, Mr. Wilkinson was a man of genuine worth and deserved much credit for what he had accomplished. He started out in life empty-handed and had to struggle for each penny that he gained. As the architect of his own fortunes he builded wisely and well and his developing powers grew through the exercise of effort. He lived to see remarkable changes in Weld county during the period of his residence here and
JOSEPH WILKINSON
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was familiar with every phase of pioneer life. Moreover, he contributed in marked measure to agricultural progress in this section and was numbered among those who have aided in laying broad and deep the foundation upon which has been built the present progress and prosperity of the county.
JOHN NORMAN.
Rapidly coming to the front as a monument builder and stone engraver of the highest ability, John Norman certainly deserves mention among the representatives of active industrial life in the Queen City of the Plains. He was born in Norway, Sep- tember 24, 1875, a son of Otto and Sarah (Johnson) Norman. The father was for a long period a well known blacksmith of Manti, Utah. He came to this country in 1878, settling at Manti, where he still resides, but his wife passed away in Norway in 1918, while on a visit to her childhood home. They had a family of four children, two of whom are living, the younger being Carl Wilhelm Norman, now residing in Norway.
The elder son, John Norman of this review. attended the public schools of his native country in his boyhood days, having remained there with his mother. After leaving school he began work as an apprentice at the stone and marble cutter's trade, learning all kinds of monument work, including artistic designing. After thoroughly mastering the business he left the land of the midnight sun and came to America, settling first at Rockport, Massachusetts, where he continued to work at his trade until July 20, 1916. At that date he came to Denver and bought out the established business and property of Hans Anderson at No. 4989 Vine street. He has since con- ducted a successful monument and marble business. His place of business is close to the Riverside cemetery, in which are found many evidences of his artistic and high- class work.
On the 18th of October, 1907, Mr. Norman was married to Miss Clara Gustaveson, a daughter of Gus Gustaveson of New York city, and they have one child, John Robert, who was born in New York city, September 10, 1911, and who is now a pupil in the public schools of Denver. The family has resided in this city for only a brief period but has already become widely and favorably known and Mr. Norman has made for himself a most creditable place in business circles, for his long apprenticeship and previous experience in the line of his chosen vocation well qualify him for the excellent work that he is now doing as a marble cutter and monument manufacturer.
CHARLES N. YEAMANS.
One of the foremost merchants of Akron, Colorado, is Charles N. Yeamans. who there conducts an establishment carrying hardware, furniture and harness goods besides other articles, which business was founded in 1885. On account of his strictly fair methods he enjoys a large patronage not only from his city but the surrounding dis- tricts. He is also engaged in the undertaking business. Born in Marshalltown, Iowa, August 7, 1858, Mr. Yeamans is a son of N. F. and Lydia E. (Hoffman) Yeamans, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Pennsylvania. The father was a miller by trade and removed to Iowa, locating in Marshall county at an early day. There he acquired land which he improved and cultivated for many years to good advantage. He finally retired, taking up his residence in Marshalltown, where he remained for a few years, at the end of which period he came to Akron, Colorado, which remained his home until his death on November 17, 1898. His widow survived him only a short time, passing away in 1899.
Charles N. Yeamans was reared under the parental roof and received his education in the public schools of Marshall county, Iowa. He then learned the trade of carriage painting and continued in this work for several years. In 1880 he went to Frontier county, Nebraska, where he took up a homestead claim, improving his land and operat- ing it for some time. From there he made his way to Cambridge, Furnas county. Nebraska, where he and his brother were engaged in business for several years, or until 1885, which year marked their arrival in Akron. Our subject and his brother upon coming to this city engaged in the hardware and implement business and successfully continued along this line for about seventeen years, when Charles N. Yeamans acquired the interest of his brother and he has since conducted the business on his own account. Under his able management it has grown by leaps and bounds and his strict business
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integrity has secured to him a patronage that is valuable and extensive. He has greatly added to the lines which were originally carried by the firm and today he not only deals in hardware, furniture and harness goods but he also carries agricultural im- plements, as well as vehicles and wagons, also having on hand sheet iron and doing galvanized iron work. Moreover, he has added an undertaking branch and has installed all modern facilities necessary to conduct funeral services in a dignified way. By bis untiring energy and managerial ability he has built up a business which is considered one of the most important in his section of the state and its continuous existence of over thirty-three years indicates the reputation which the house enjoys with the public. His customers are treated with courtesy and politeness and the goods sold are what they are represented to be. Mr. Yeamans' method is to give satisfaction and it may be said of his patrons that the phrase, "once a customer, always a customer." holds good. He carries complete assortments in his establishment and all who come to him for their purchases have the benefit of being enabled to select from the best goods made by the most highly reputed manufacturers in their respective lines, in the United States. By careful buying and taking opportune advantages of market and conditions Mr. Yeamans is often enabled to offer his wares at more than reasonable prices and these opportunities to thus buy quality goods are appreciated by the public.
On September 28, 1888, Mr. Yeamans was united in marriage to Miss Sadie Walters and to them have been born two children. Glenn O., who is a fine musician and plays the baritone horn, is now a corporal with the Three Hundred and Eighth Arizona Cavalry Band and is stationed at Douglas, Arizona. Max, the younger son, is yet at home.
Although Mr. Yeamans' mercantile interests are large and demand most of his time and attention, he has participated in the public life of his community and served as the first town clerk of Akron and was also a member of the council for many years. From his commercial pursuits he derived the means which enabled him to develop twelve hundred acres of land, bringing the same to a high state of cultivation. These twelve hundred acres are comprised in two farms which he owns and both of which are located close to the town of Akron. They are well improved and all modern machinery and facilities may be found upon his holdings. He always follows the latest methods in his farm work and it may be mentioned in this connection that only recently he sold, from two hundred and forty acres, fall wheat to the value of five thousand, five hundred dollars. However, at present he leases his farms, receiving a very gratifying rental. Politically Mr. Yeamans is a republican and his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which he has belonged all his life and in the work of which he takes the deepest interest. He is helpful in maintaining the organization and has assisted many charities and institutions which have for their purpose moral and intellectual develop- ment. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of The Maccabees. He is ever ready to lend a helping hand where aid is needed in pro- moting the public welfare and has proven himself a public-spirited citizen. Such success as has come to him is due entirely to his own labors and none can grudge him the prosperity which has attended his efforts. His many friends in Akron and vicinity speak of him in the highest terms of appreciation and acknowledge his high qualities of character. His business principles place bim with the most reliable merchants of the county and in these cireles his word is considered as good as his bond.
THOMAS P. REHDER.
Commercial and financial interests of Otis and Washington county, Colorado, are prominently represented by Thomas P. Rehder, whose activities have not only resulted in individual prosperity but have been a valuable factor in the general development of his section. Mr. Rehder is not only successfully engaged in the hardware and implement business in Otis but he has also taken an important part in the organization of the Farmers State Bank, of which he serves as president. Although the active routine work of the bank naturally falls largely to the cashier, Mr. Rehder as president of the organl- zation has a paramount part in laying down the policy to be followed, and the success which this financial institution has thus far enjoyed-it has been in existence for two years-is largely to be ascribed to the wise direction and sound business principles of Mr. Rehder.
Thomas P. Relider was born in Tama county, Iowa, March 5, 1879, a son of Peter and Annie (Kammer) Rehder, natives of Germany. The former came to America when seventeen years of age and for a short time was located in Davenport, Iowa, whence he Vol. IV-11
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went to Tama county, that state, where for a few years he worked out as a farm hand. Carefully saving his earnings, he accumulated the means which permitted him to buy land and he improved and operated his farm until 1885, when he went to O'Brien county, Iowa, where he again bought a farm, which he cultivated until 1901. He always employed the latest methods in his farming operations and placed many modern improvements upon his land, making it a valuable property. He now resides in Calumet, O'Brien county, Iowa, having retired from active work. His wife passed away in 1881.
Thomas P. Rehder was reared under the parental roof and received his education in the schools of O'Brien county, Iowa, being five years of age when his father removed to that district. Having completed his education, he hired out as a farm hand for two years but at the end of that period took up clerking, so continuing for a year. He and his father then established a general store in Calumet and for nine years they con- ducted the same, deriving a gratifying income from the enterprise. He then determined to seek the opportunities of the farther west and in 1910 came to Otis, Washington county, Colorado, deciding upon this place as a favorable location for the establishment of a new mercantile business. He opened a hardware and implement store and this he has successfully conducted ever since. He carries a complete line of heavy and shelf hardware and his well selected assortment entirely meets the demands of his customers. His implement department is well stocked and he carries the latest lines in farm machinery. His goods are of the best quality and everything Mr. Rehder sells is as he represents it to be. His honorable principles have insured him a reputation for fair dealing which extends far over the boundaries of his city and he today enjoys a trade from a large section of Washington county. In 1911 he erected a modern store building, which he has since occupied, and the growth of his business may be inferred from the fact that after a few years even this store did not prove large enough and in 1917 he had to build an addition in order to accommodate his large stock. In the same year he became an active factor in the organization of the Farmers State Bank of Otis and upon its incorporation was elected president of the institution. The bank is founded upon solid and conservative principles and its deposits today exceed one hundred and twenty- five thousand dollars.
In October, 1903, Mr. Rehder was united in marriage to Miss Louise Boldenow and to them have been born five children: Burnell J. P., Orval H., Bernice H., Elda L. and Florine M.
Mr. Rehder is a republican and unswervingly supports the measures and candidates of that party. He has taken a helpful part in the public life of his community, in the growth of which he is deeply interested and to which he has contributed by his business activities, and since the incorporation of the town he has served as a member of the town council, having now held that office for one and a half years. He is thoroughly convinced of the value of education and warmly champions the improvement of educa- tional facilities for the benefit of the young. As a member of the local school board and also of the county high school board he finds ample scope to follow out his ideas In regard to educational improvements and has done valuable work in raising school stand- ards in his town and county. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church, in the work of which he is actively interested. In coming to Colorado, Mr. Rehder has found the opportunities for business development which he sought and he has made good use of these opportunities, his ability, energy and determination winning for him substan- tial material prosperity.
DAVID C. GUIRE.
David C. Guire, who died July 23, 1902, was one of the honored pioneer settlers of Colorado who bravely faced the hardships and privations as well as the dangers of frontier life and aided in reclaiming the region for the purpose of civilization. A native of Indiana, he was born on the 22d of March, 1833. Early in life he went to Decatur county, Iowa, with his parents and there pursued his education. During vacation periods he worked upon the home farm and after his textbooks were put aside took up the occupation of farming as a life work. He engaged in tilling the soil in Iowa until 1862, when he removed westward to Colorado, making his way to Monu- ment, where he took up a homestead and a preemption claim consisting of three hundred and twenty acres of land. During the Indian troubles at Monument in 1868 he was active in fighting and subduing the red men, who went upon the warpath, murdering and pillaging, and burning the homes of many of the settlers. Property was unprotected, all life was unsafe, but men of courageous spirit such as Mr. Guire came
MR. AND MRS. DAVID C. GUIRE
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valiantly to the front and aided in bringing into subjection the savages who resented what they considered inroads upon their rights to the country. As a pioneer Mr. Guire contributed in large measure to the development and upbuilding of the district. When these hard conditions of pioneer life were somewhat allayed his efforts and attention were concentrated on the further development and cultivation of his land and in time he came to be the owner of a highly improved ranch property consisting of two hundred and fifty-nine acres, he having sold twenty-one acres for a reservoir and later disposed of forty acres.
Mr. Guire first married Nancy Thorn, who died in 1865, leaving the following children: Robert, who passed away in 1902; Delilah, who married Thomas Graney and died ahout 1899, leaving seven children; Selina; Almira; Annie; and Mackey, who died when five years of age. For his second wife Mr. Guire chose Mrs. Elizabeth Wise, the widow of Dr. C. H. Wise, a Civil war veteran, who following the close of hostilities came to Colorado for the benefit of his health hut passed away four years later. Dr. and Mrs. Wise had two children: Edgar Wise, who passed away June 17, 1904; and Zorah, who became the wife of Albert Bassett, of Colorado Springs. The latter had seven children, as follows: Crawford, who is a member of the United States army with the rank of corporal of Company C, Eighth Division, Ammunition Train; Frances; Harry, who died when fifteen years of age; Clyde; Wilbur; Alice; and Glen. Mr. and Mrs. Guire had two children: Walter, who died in infancy; and Ida Pauline Guire, who was born January 3, 1881. She is a high school graduate of Castle Rock, Colorado, and is the wife of Charles Garrett, a rancher living near Monument. They have become the parents of six sons and a daughter: Frances, Harold, Paul, Howard, David, Raymond and Ralph. The last named died in infancy.
In his political views Mr. Guire was a democrat. His religious faith was that of the Dunkard church and fraternally he was connected with the Masons, belonging to the lodge at Colorado Springs. His worth as a man and citizen was widely acknowledged. He had many sterling traits of character, among which was his loyalty in friendship and his devotion to the welfare and happiness of his family. In business affairs he was always thoroughly reliable as well as progressive and his enterprise carried him into important relations with the agricultural development of his section of the state. As one of the pioneers he contributed much to advancement and improvement here and aided in laying broad and deep the foundation upon which has been built the present prosperity of the district.
ARTHUR SCOTT MILLER.
Arthur Scott Miller enjoys peculiar distinction as a prime factor in the mam- moth building operations of the past forty years in Denver-a period marked by an entire revolution, the principal feature of which in recent years is the modern apart- ment house, at once a real utility and an ornament to the city. He is credited with the erection of so many buildings of this character in Denver that he has become known in Colorado as "Apartment House Miller." Many buildings which he has erected are the principal ornaments of their respective neighborhoods, pleasing to the eye and constructed with conscientious regard for real utility and the comfort and health of their inmates. In all these large concerns he has not only been a contributor to the wealth of the city through the creation of much valuable property but has brought great henefit to the community in providing homes for a multitude of worthy families of the middle class and in furnishing employment to hundreds of workmen. Real estate in all parts of the city where he has operated has rapidly advanced in value and unsightly vacancies have, through his efforts, become occupied by attractive edifices. He is indeed widely known as the builder and owner of the largest num- ber of modern apartment houses of the capital and, moreover, is the originator of what is known as the buffet apartment. The story of his life work is an interesting one, as it is marked hy many a forward step, showing his adaptability to the oppor- tunity that has been presented.
Arthur Scott Miller was born on a farm in Kent county, Michigan, November 13, 1848, a son of Jerad and Jeannette (McPherson) Miller. He is a representative in the seventh generation of the family in America, the progenitors of whom were William and Patience Miller, who came to the new world from England in 1630 and were among the founders of Farmington, Connecticut, and afterward among the founders of the city of Northampton, Massachusetts. In the latter place they reared their family. Stephen Miller, the great-grandfather of Arthur S. Miller, was a soldier of
ARTHUR S. MILLER
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the Revolutionary war, was with Colonel Ethan Allen at Ticonderoga and was present at the surrender of General Burgoyne. Mr. Miller of this review is therefore eligible to membership in the Sons of the American Revolution. His father was born in Wyoming county, New York, and in 1846 removed to Kent county, Michigan, where he settled on virgin soil, becoming one of the pioneer agriculturists of that locality. As the years passed he became wealthy through his carefully conducted business interests and in his later years lived retired, passing away on the old homestead. His wife was born in Monroe county, New York, and they were married in the Empire state but soon afterward removed to Michigan, where their ten children were born and reared. Mrs. Miller passed away, as did her husband, upon the old home farm in Kent county.
When a youth of fifteen years Arthur Scott Miller enlisted for service in the United States navy in the war of the rebellion and was on active duty for a year or until the close of hostilities. He lost his eldest brother, George W. Miller, in the war, the latter meeting death at the battle of Fair Oaks, Virginia. After having re- ceived an honorable discharge from the navy, Arthur Scott Miller devoted a part of his time to work upon the old home farm and also attended the district and later the city schools, and college until he reached his twenty-first year. His academic work was done at Kalamazoo College in Michigan and later in Cornell University. He left the latter institution to take up the profession of teaching, in the schools of Michigan, and while thus engaged in educational work he devoted his leisure time to preparation for a position as court stenographer and also to preparation for newspaper work. In the latter field he found much satisfaction. He became a reporter on papers published at Grand Rapids, Michigan, and at Buffalo, New York, and while thus employed he assisted in reporting the Beecher-Tilden trial for the New York Tribune, which created wide interest and a deep sensation at that time. Having qualified for court reporting, he afterward devoted his time and attention to such work as well as to newspaper reporting for a number of years. He was at different periods identified with newspapers of Buffalo. New York, Cleveland, Ohio, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Denver, Colorado. He established his home in the Queen City of the Plains in March, 1880, and was made official stenographer of the district court of the second judicial district under Judge Victor A. Elliott, serving from 1881 until Judge Elliott left the district bench to take his place upon the supreme bench in 1889. During his incumbency as stenographer to the district court Mr. Sparnick, the clerk, died, and, at Judge Elliott's request, Mr. Miller filled the position of clerk as well as that of stenographer, until a new appointment for clerk could he made. While in newspaper work Mr. Miller reported speeches of many notahle men, including Senator Roscoe Conkling, Carl Schurz, Chauncey Depew, Emory Storrs and many others. He also reported many law cases in which distinguished men appeared as counsel. While engaged in professional court stenographic work he also took up the study of law and was regularly admitted to the hars of Indiana and of Colorado, but he never entered actively upon practice. He still retains his mem- bership, however, in the law bodies of the state and has found his knowledge of law an invaluable aid to him in the transaction of his business. While employed in stenographic work he gained intimate knowledge of technical matters of practice. particularly relating to appeals and writs of error, and his advice was often sought by lawyers while he was connected with the courts.
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