History of Colorado; Volume IV, Part 21

Author: Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed
Publication date: 1918
Publisher: Chicago, S. J. Clarke
Number of Pages: 836

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While following his professional duties Mr. Miller became interested in real estate investments for the conservation of his earnings and incidentally learned that in architectural work and building operations he had found a most congenial field of labor. So successfully did he operate along those lines that he was induced to abandon both the law and stenographic work and devote his entire time and attention to the productive building industry. He has been the builder of many fine resi- dences, business blocks, family hotels and apartment houses. He has acted as his own architect, has supervised the construction of buildings and his work in this connec- tion has contributed nearly one hundred structures to Denver. He has made a study of the apartment house and he has the distinction of having been the first to build the buffet apartment. Many there were who predicted the failure of this, but results have proven otherwise. Among the more recent apartment buildings put up by Mr. Miller are the Toltec, Magnolia, Mayfair, Darlington and Doris, all of which and others he still owns. He has ever studied to combine utility, sanitation, convenience, comfort and beauty and the results achieved have been most satisfactory.

In 1877, at Fort Wayne, Indiana, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Louise Lytle, a daughter of William and Nancy (Bird) Lytle, the latter being a member of the James Bird family, especially mentioned in connection with the history of the War

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of 1812. Mrs. Miller died while on a visit in Fargo, North Dakota, in July, 1885. There were two children of this marriage. Irene, born at Fort Wayne, Indiana, is the wife of Frank Goodman, of San Diego, California, and they have two children: Frank Goodman, Jr., who served in the Coast Artillery until the close of the war, when he received his honorable discharge from the army and returned to his position as artist and cartoonist on the San Diego Union; and Jolin Goodman, of San Diego. Roland Miller, the son, was born in Fargo, North Dakota, and is prominent as an architect of Denver, in business with his father. In 1893 Mr. Miller was married at DeKalb, Illinois, to Mrs. Emma Elwood, who had two daughters by a former marriage, namely: Mrs. Raymond Sargent, of Denver; and Mrs. W. E. D. Stokes, of New York city. To Mr. and Mrs. Miller have been born two children. Victor Arthur, who was born in Denver, was graduated from the high school of this city with honors as a mem- ber of the class of 1915, numbering two hundred and sixty-six students. The same year, at the age of sixteen, he entered Yale University and continued there until the completion of the work of the junior year in 1918, when he joined the United States army and received a commission as second lieutenant while but nineteen, having trained for nearly two years in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps at Yale University. In addition to military work in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps, which was strenuous and is akin to the work exacted of West Point cadets, he carried all of bis academic studies with "A" markings, receiving at the end of the junior year the much coveted gold key of the Phi Beta Kappa society, there having been only fifteen so honored out of a class of twenty-five hundred. He served for one month in the training camp at New Haven, Connecticut, in 1918 and also two months at Camp Jackson, South Carolina, where he received his commission. He was then ordered to Camp Zachary Taylor in Kentucky, where his training in the field artillery was completed, and he served for a time as an instructor at that camp. Having received his honorable discharge from the army after the close of the war, Victor A. Miller returned to Yale to complete his interrupted academic course, and to graduate and receive the degree of Bachelor of Arts, in June 1919. Marcella Miller, the younger of the two children, is now fifteen years of age and is a member of the junior class in the Wolcott School. She is a devotee of athletics, standing high as a tennis player, and is also a golf enthusiast. She drives a gas car like a professional, is a fine horseback rider. skater and all 'round athlete and is very popular with the younger society set in Denver.

Such in brief is the history of Arthur Scott Miller who, ever actuated by a laudable ambition, has carefully and wisely utilized his opportunities and as the years have gone on has reached a most creditable place not only in the business circles of his adopted city but also in the high regard of its leading men.

ARTHUR E. GAINES.

There are many who have attempted to define success and to establish rules for its attainment. Careful analyzation into the cause of business advancement always brings the individual to the conclusion that one of its indispensable concomitants is unfaltering industry, a fact which Arthur E. Gaines grasped at the outset of his career, and the fact has influenced his entire connection with business life. He realized, too, that in com- mercial activities one must give value received and that there is no better advertisement than satisfied patrons. His business methods, therefore, have ever measured up to the highest commercial standards and he is now senior partner in The Gaines & Erb Manu- facturing Company in Denver, manufacturers of artificial limbs, also dies, tools and mechanical work.

Mr. Gaines was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, January 25, 1876, and is descended from one of three hrothers who came to the new world on the Mayflower at the time of the colonization of New England. His father, the late Makee C. Gaines, was a native of Vermont, his birth having occurred at Castleton, that state, where his ancestors had lived through several generations. He, however, left New England to try his fortune in the new but rapidly developing west and settled in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he took up his abode in the latter '70s. For a quarter of a century, covering the last period of his life, he was with the Grand Union Tea Company of Council Bluffs, where he con- tinued to make his home until called to his final rest. He passed away March 31, 1918, at the age of sixty-eight years, bis birth having occurred September 11, 1849. He was a man of domestic tastes who took no active part in clubs or politics but outside of busi- ness hours spent his time with his family. In matters of citizenship, he was a loyal and

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devoted American, giving his earnest support and effort at all times to the furtherance of the interests of state and nation. He married Minta Englesperger, who was born in Ohio and is of German lineage. She is still living and occupies, the old home at Council Bluffs. They became the parents of five children.

Arthur E. Gaines whose name introduces this review was the second in order of birth of his father's family and in the public schools of his native city he pursued his education to the age of thirteen years, when necessity prompted him to start out in the business world on his own account. He was first employed in the sales department of the Standard Oil Company at Council Bluffs and continued with that corporation for five years. He afterward became a street car conductor for the Omaha & Council Bluffs Street Railway Company and was engaged in that work for three and a half years. Later he was with the Union Pacific Railroad Company as a brakeman, making the run between Grand Island and North Platte, Nebraska. He continued in the railroad service for four years, or until January, 1902, when he met with an accident which occasioned the loss of his right leg. After recovering from his injuries he went to Chicago to be fitted with an artificial leg and his interest in the matter resulted in his taking employ- ment with a dealer in artificial limbs. He there thoroughly learned the business in all its departments and it was while there that he made the acquaintance of Arthur A. Erb, his present partner. At length they determined to engage in business on their own account and sought a profitable field of labor in the west. In 1904 they came to Denver and established their business at its present location. The beginning was small but with the passing of time the firm has built up a very extensive trade, their patronage exceed- ing that of any other establishment in the same line of manufacture in the west. They make shipments to all parts of the world and have a branch establishment in Pueblo. With the passing years their business has further increased and they employ twenty- eight skilled workmen and yet, the efforts of these men can by no means supply the demand.

On the 14th of October, 1903 Mr. Gaines was married in Council Bluffs to Miss Rose Shearon, a native of Indiana and a daughter of L. and Minnie (Kirby) Shearon, the former now living, while the latter has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Gaines have a daugh- ter, Minta Le Rea, who was born in Denver, February 8, 1907. The family reside at No. 1736 Franklin street, where Mr. Gaines owns his home.

His military experience covers service with the old Third Regiment of the Iowa National Guard, in which he served as a noncommissioned officer. His political alle- giance has always been given to the republican party and fraternally he is an Odd Fellow of high degree. He is also the present czar of the Muscovites and is chief patriarch of the encampment branch. In fact, he is very active in the order and is treasurer of the cantons of the military branch of the Odd Fellows. During one of its military drills his team won the grand prize, a silver cup as well as money. Mr. Gaines is also a past president of the general relief department of the Odd Fellows Society of Denver and is a member of the Grand Lodge of Colorado. He likewise belongs to the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen, to Denver Lodge, No. 21, Loyal Order of Moose, to the Lions Club and to the Kiwanis Club of Denver. He belongs to St. Stephen's Episcopal church. An active member of the Denver Civic and Commercial Association he is also a member of the board of directors of the Denver Manufacturers Association. His activities are thus broad and varied and touch the general interests of society in many ways, his aid and influence being always given on the side of progress and improvement. His wife is active in the Red Cross and in other public matters affecting the general welfare. Both are highly esteemed and Mr. Gaines is recognized as a close student of the many prob- lems which affect general progress and which have bearing upon the business develop- ment of Denver. He is highly esteemed as a man, respected as a citizen and his personal qualities are such as have won for him warm friendships.

DENNIS SHEEDY.

Dennis Sheedy, conducting a profitable business at Brush as proprietor of the Sheedy Mercantile Company, was born in Canton, Illinois, on the 3d of March, 1868, a son of Michael and Johanna (Callahan) Sheedy, who were natives of Ireland and who came to America at an early day, establishing their home in Illinois. The father was a railroad contractor, which business he followed until 1871, when he removed to Nebraska, where he took up land and began the development and improvement of a farm, continuing its further cultivation until his life's labors were ended in death. He passed away in the year 1900 and his widow survived him until 1907. He was a

DENNIS SHEEDY

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brother of Dennis Sheedy of Denver, a prominent banker and the president of the Denver Dry Goods Company.

Dennis Sheedy of this review, who was named for his uncle, was reared and educated in Nebraska and also at St. Marys, Kansas. When his course was completed he made his initial step in the business world by securing a clerkship in a store. He followed clerking for several years and in 1904 removed to Yuma, Colorado, where he worked for three years. On the expiration of that period he came to Brush, Morgan county, and purchased the general merchandise stock of Ole Nelson. He afterward sold an interest in the business to Mr. Nelson's daughter and the store was conducted under the name of the Nelson-Sheedy Mercantile Company for five years, when Mr. Sheedy disposed of his interest to the Nelsons and bought out the general merchandise establishment of O. C. Jensen. He has since conducted business alone and has built up a trade of large and gratifying proportions. He carefully manages his business affairs and his progressive spirit is bringing excellent results. He puts forth every possible effort to please his patrons and has ever realized that satisfied customers are the best advertisement. He is also a stockholder and one of the directors of the Stockmen's National Bank of Brush.

In June, 1906, occurred the marriage of Mr. Sheedy and Miss Hattie Giddings. Their religious faith is that of the Catholic church and fraternally Mr. Sheedy is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and for four years he has served as a member of the town board of Brush.

G. BRINTON HEPP, M. D.

Training in Cornell College, in the Chicago Medical College, experience in St. Luke's Hospital in Chicago and active practice in Buffalo, New York, have qualified Dr. G. Brinton Hepp for the important professional work that he has done as a physician and surgeon since coming to Denver in 1910. He was born in Armor, New York, January 22, 1866, and is a son of Louis Hepp, a native of Sipperfeldt, Germany, whence he came to America in 1850. He settled at Armor, New York, and now resides in Hamburg, that state. He was for many years engaged in mercantile pursuits at Armor and was active in support of educational movements and of civic interests. For years he served as a trustee of the Armor school board and did everything in his power to promote the cause of public education. He married Caroline Ackerman, who was of German descent but was born in the Empire state. She also is living. They became the parents of four children, three of whom survive: Edward, who is now an agriculturist living at Hamburg, New York; Perry, a practicing dentist of Denver; and G. Brinton of this review, who was the second in order of birth.

G. Brinton Hepp was reared on his father's farm and early in life acquired a prac- tical knowledge of farm labor. During his college years he passed his vacations at home on this farm which he really considered his home until the age of twenty-five years. After mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools of Armor, Dr. Hepp continued his education in Hamburg Academy, now the Hamburg high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1886. He next entered Cornell University, where he pursued a scientific course, being graduated from the Ithaca institution with the Bachelor of Science degree. He next entered the Chicago Medical College, in which he completed his course in 1891, and after his graduation he took further work in the Post Graduate Hospital, where he acted as interne for a year. He was also connected with St. Luke's Hospital of Chicago in a similar capacity and began the private prac- tice of his profession in Buffalo, New York. He located there in 1893 and continued an active member of the profession in that city for seventeen years, or until 1910, when he removed to Denver. He has since been in active and continuous practice in Colorado and his recognized ability has won him professional prominence and success. He belongs to the Denver City and County Medical Society, the Colorado State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.

Dr. Hepp was married in 1902 to Miss Frances French, a native of Rochester, New York, and a daughter of Orra Clark and Anna French. They have become parents of two children: Clark Louis, who was born in Buffalo, New York, December 6, 1902; and Florence Frances, born in Buffalo, December 31, 1904.

While a student at Cornell. Dr. Hepp had two years' military training, which covers his military experience. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he always keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but has never

DR. G. BRINTON HEPP

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sought or desired office. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to Liberty Lodge, of which he served as treasurer, and his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church, which has guided him in all of his life's relations. Dr. Hepp is today one of the respected citizens and valued representatives of professional life in Denver. Thoroughly satisfied with the west, he expects to make this city his home throughout his remaining days and in Denver he has built up a very large practice, which has come to him in recognition of his professional skill and ability. He is most conscientious in the dis- charge of all of his professional duties, is careful in diagnosis and his analysis of a case is seldom if ever at fault. He is keenly interested in everything that has bearing upon his profession and his broad reading keeps him in touch with the latest research work and scientific development that has to do with the practice of medicine and surgery. He does not hastily discard old and time-tried methods, yet he keeps in touch with the trend of modern thought and utilizes every available means that will assist him in the pursuit of professional activity.

HARRY J. ENGLISH.

Harry J. English, connected with the wholesale lumber business of Denver as presi- dent of the R. W. English Lumber Company, was born in Ludlow, Illinois, September 25, 1870, a son of Robert Wallace and Ella (Crawford) English, the former a native of Erie, Pennsylvania, while the latter was born in Greenupsberg, Kentucky. In early life they removed to Illinois, where the father engaged in the lumber business. He became a resident of Chicago in 1875 and there continued until 1888, when he came to Denver and organized the R. W. English Lumber Company, making this city the headquarters for the business, which in its varied trade relations covers a wide territory. He con- tinued as president of the company until his death, which occurred in 1916, when he had reached the age of seventy-one years. He was thus long an active factor in the trade circles of city and state and his enterprise and progressiveness carried him into impor- tant connections. . At the time of the Civil war he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting in the Sixty-eighth Illinois Infantry, with which he served for some time. His salient traits of character were of a most commendable nature and his enter- prise and ability brought him to a prominent position during his residence in Colorado. His widow survives and is yet residing in Denver. They had two children.

Harry J. English was a pupil in private schools of Chicago and afterward attended the Phillips Exeter Academy, of Exeter. New Hampshire. He later entered Yale Uni- versity and after finishing his education came to Denver, the family having in the mean- time removed to this city. Here he became associated with his father in the lumber business and after the father's death was elected to the presidency of the R. W. English Lumber Company and has since directed its interests. He is thoroughly familiar with every phase of the lumber trade and his executive force and wise direction have been strong elements in the further development of the business.

In 1896 Mr. English was married to Miss Mary K. Jackson, of Schenectady, New York, a daughter of Colonel Jackson of the United States army. They have one son, Allan Jackson, who was born in Denver, November 15, 1898. He attended Pomfret School of Pomfret, Connecticut, preparing there for Yale University which he entered in the class of 1919 S. He is now serving as second lieutenant of field artillery in the United States army.

Mr. English is a member of the Denver Club and Denver Country Club. He is promi- nent in social and club life and enjoys a personal popularity among a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

ROADY KENEHAN.

Roady Kenehan, prominent in labor circles of Colorado for many years, has devoted much of his life to public service. He was born in Rathdowny, Queens county, Ireland, May 1, 1856, a son of Thomas and Bridget (Bacon) Kenehan. The father engaged in blacksmithing and horseshoeing, a pursuit which the ancestors had followed through generations.

Roady Kenehan acquired a common school education in Rathdowny and when nine years of age began learning the trade of horseshoeing and became an expert work-

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man along that line. For many years he continued active in blacksmithing. He came to the United States in 1873 making Philadelphia his home.

He received military training as a member of the Fencibles of Pennsylvania, and Gallo Glasses, an Irish regiment, which had its origin in 1564, when Shawn O'Neill went to England to make terms of peace with Queen Elizabeth. The Gallo Glasses carried a battle axe, and wore a wolf dog skin over their left shoulder. They were O'Neill's bodyguard on this momentous occasion. This regiment is in existence in many parts of the world where Irish, and men of Irish descent, are located.

Leaving Philadelphia in the spring of 1879, Mr. Kenehan traveled west to North Dakota. He came to Denver, April 7, 1880. He was for twenty years secretary-treasurer of the Journeymen's Horseshoers International Union of the United States and Canada and during that period worked continuously at horseshoeing.

In Denver, Mr. Kenehan was married to Miss Julia Casey, a daughter of Martin Casey and their children are: Thomas, Ella, Katherine, Grace, Roady, Jr., and Martin.

Mr. Kenehan has always given his political allegiance to the democratic party and has been a most earnest worker in behalf of labor in the ranks of the democratic party. In April, 1897, he was appointed a member of the newly created board of arbitration by Governor Adams. At the expiration of his first term, he was reappointed by Governor Thomas, and for a third term in 1901 by Governor Orman. In May, 1904, he was elected supervisor for the first district of Denver. He closed his term in this office in May, 1908, and the following November was elected state auditor of Colorado. Two years later he was elected state treasurer, and in 1912 was again elected state auditor. On July 22, 1917, Mr. Kenehan was appointed by Secretary of War Baker, a member of District Draft Board No. 2 for the state of Colorado. He was elected secretary of the draft board and held that position during its existence. He was a member of the Colorado state labor advisory board and filled the office of secretary during the existence of the board. On April 18, 1918, he received the appointment of federal director of labor for Colorado from Secretary of Labor Wilson.

Mr. Kenehan's study of labor conditions has been most thorough and comprehensive. He is a broad-minded man of wide vision and with a spirit responsive to equity and fair- ness in all regards. He has sought just solution for many problems with which he has had to deal and his work in connection with Colorado and the war is of great value to commonwealth and country.

JAMES BENJAMIN WALKER.

James Benjamin Walker is the owner of a splendid farm property improved with all modern equipment, in the vicinity of Husted, and in his business career has ever displayed the spirit of typical western enterprise and progress. He is a native son of Colorado, his birth having occurred near Monument, August 12, 1864, his parents being Henry B. and Mary Walker, the former a native of Illinois, while the latter was born in Germany. The father became one of the pioneer settlers of Colorado, having crossed the plains in 1860, and during the Indian troubles of 1868 his home and buildings were destroyed by the red men, at which time he was residing on a claim near Monument. Subsequent to the Indian troubles he bought a relinquishment of a Mr. Cousins and thus came into possession of a ranch, six miles south of Monument, whereon he resided until 1907, when he sold that prop- erty and took up his abode in Colorado Springs. A year later he removed to Den- ver, where he passed away in 1914 and where his widow still resides.

James Benjamin Walker was reared under the parental roof and early be- came an active assistant of his father in the work of developing and improving the ranch. He continued to assist his father until he felt able to start out in business on his own account, at which time he purchased his present ranch property, com- prising nine hundred acres, lying in a beautiful green valley about three miles off the main highway, leading toward Colorado Springs from Monument. He has greatly improved his property, bringing the fields under a high state of cultiva- tion and pasturing two hundred head of cattle on his rich meadow lands. He has attractive modern buildings and all the substantial improvements found upon a model farm of the twentieth century, including a large silo. He is recognized as one of the leading and most progressive farmers of the community.

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History of Colorado; Volume IV, Part 21

Author: Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed Publication date: 1918 Publisher: Chicago, S. J. Clarke Number of Pages: 836

Author: Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed
Publication date: 1918
Publisher: Chicago, S. J. Clarke
Number of Pages: 836