History of Colorado; Volume IV, Part 28

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

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LEWIS E. EWAN.

The story of the development of Colorado, like that of every new state, is the gradual unfolding of a drama of hardship and danger and the realization of the dream of those sturdy men and women who endured the privations of frontier days, and carved an empire from the wilderness. Among those who had part in Colorado's transformation are Lewis E. Ewan, and his worthy wife, who for many years were residents of Jefferson county, but are now residing in Littleton. Mr. Ewan came to Colorado in 1880, making the trip overland, driving a mule team from Independence, Kansas,-a trip that was five weeks in the making. Arriving in Morrison, on the 26th day of May, of the year above mentioned, he located there, but after a brief stay, located on Turkey creek, where he entered into a contract for hauling stone from the quarry to the rail shipping point, near Morrison. It is of interest to note that in the carrying out of this contract, he hauled the red sandstone which was utilized in the construction and adornment of many of the important buildings in Denver, among them being the old Union Station; the building formerly occupied by the Colorado National Bank at Seventeenth and Larimer streets; the original Daniels & Fisher store building, and many others.

In 1882, he began ranching on eighty acres which he purchased and located upon. This holding was subsequently increased as years went by and he prospered, until he had acquired a total of five hundred and forty-five acres, making one of the finest ranches in that section, while in the meantime, he had won for himself recognition as one of the representative and best known ranchers and stockmen of the state. During these years of residence upon his ranch, and in conjunction with his activities in stock raising, he was also engaged in the butchering and meat supply business at Morrison. He formed a partnership with M. M. Nay for the conducting of this latter business and the firm soon became widely known. They did not only an extensive local business but also furnished a large portion of the meat supply for the surround- ing towns and villages, including places as far distant as Golden, Idaho Springs, Denver, and others.

During the latter years of their residence in Jefferson county, Mr. and Mrs. Ewan had made their home in Morrison, where they continued to reside until 1903, when they removed to Oregon, and for the ensuing two years, engaged in agricultural pursuits in the fruitful and picturesque Willamette valley. Disposing of their property there, in 1905, they returned to Colorado, and in 1917, located in Littleton where they now reside.

Mr. Ewan is a native of Virginia, and was born in Fort Republic, in the famous Shenandoah valley, February 17, 1847. His parents, Robert M. and Caroline (Lewis) Ewan, were born natives of Virginia, and each was descended from a long line of distinguished colonial ancestry. In 1859, the parents moved to Michigan, locating in Berrien county, whence, soon afterward, they removed to Illinois, locating on a farm but a few miles from Lewiston, in Fulton county. There they were numbered among Vol. IV-15

LEWIS E. EWAN

MRS. LEWIS E. EWAN

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the early pioneers of the section, and made their home during the remainder of their lives, the father passing away at the age of seventy-six years, the mother being called to final rest five years later, and in her seventy-seventh year.

Lewis E. Ewan is the eldest of a family of five sons and three daughters. He was but a lad of twelve years, when he accompanied his parents to Michigan, later going with the family to Illinois. His boyhood days were spent in Fulton county, where he attended the public schools of the neighborhood, and shared in the limited advan- tages which fell to the lot of the average boy of that place and period. In 1870, re- sponding to the lure of the west, he went to Kansas, locating in Independence, where he established himself in the real estate and also the meat business, coming from there to Colorado, as previously noted.

On December 23, 1872, Mr. Ewan was united in marriage with Miss Hattie B. Wright, who was born in Indiana, July 20, 1854, a daughter of Stanbury B. and Mary Flagg (Potter) Wright. The parents were natives of Vermont and New York respec- tively, the progenitors on both the paternal and maternal side being direct lineal descendants from Puritan ancestors who took active part in the Colonial and the Revolutionary wars. Mr. and Mrs. Wright came to the west at a time when settlers were few, locating first in Indiana, then in Iowa, then in Kansas, and finally in 1879, in Colorado, making their home at Morrison where they continued to reside until the final summons called them to their eternal rest. The father died September 13, 1885, and the mother September 16, 1889, each having attained the age of eighty years.

To Mr. and Mrs. Ewan have been born nine children, of whom seven attained maturity, as follows: Mary L., now Mrs. Edwin Sanger; Bessie E., who is Mrs. F. J. Frink, and resides in Montana; Anna L., who wedded J. D. Tracy, and resides at Morrison; Hariet Irene, who became the wife of Charles W. Tuttle, of Denver; Carl W., of Livingston, Montana; Lewis E., now in the government service as a forest ranger at Big Timber, Montana; and June V., now Mrs. N. K. Groesbeck.

In political faith Mr. Ewan has always been a democrat, and an active sup- porter of the party principles. He has taken prominent part in political affairs having served as delegate to both state and congressional conventions. He was appointed by Governor Shafroth water commissioner for the ninth district, filling the position so acceptably that, upon the expiration of his term, he was reappointed his own suc- cessor.

In fraternal circles, Mr. Ewan is well known as a member of Golden Lodge, No. 13, I. O. O. F., also holding membership in the Encampment. He has received all of the official honors, conferred in the subordinate lodge, and has served as a mem- ber of the Grand Lodge of the order. Both he, and his worthy wife, are members of the Rebekahs, in which Mrs. Ewan has served as a delegate and three terms as noble grand of the order. The religious faith of the family is that of the Christian Science church, in which both are respected members. While they have been blessed with a goodly measure of material prosperity, the record of their lives has been such that, in looking back over the past, there can be found no reason for regret, and they will leave to their posterity the priceless heritage of a good name, which is more to be desired than great riches.

NEWTON LOREN GLEASON.

Newton Loren Gleason, one of Elbert county's famous pioneers, was born at Hart- ford, Cortland county, New York, August 1, 1844. His ancestry can be traced back to the period of the Mayflower, for John and Priscilla Alden are the Pilgrims to whom his blood relationship extended. In 1856 his parents removed to Iowa and there he was educated. He entered the army at the first call for troops by President Lincoln to preserve the Union and served throughout -the conflict under General Thomas as a member of the Fifth Iowa Cavalry, participating in a number of hotly contested engage- ments. In 1868 he arrived in Elbert county, Colorado, and became a notable factor in the development of "the Divide." Not only did he contribute to the material progress of the community but also left the impress of his individuality upon its political history. He served for two terms as county treasurer and for one term as clerk of the district court and he was a member of the fifteenth general assembly of Colorado.

On the 9th of November, 1870, Mr. Gleason was married to Miss Jennie Fisher and they became the parents of three children: Carl, who is county assessor of Elbert county, now living in Denver; Bernard; and Alice, who married George Blazer, they making their home in Elizabeth, Colorado.

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Mr. Gleason passed away October 11, 1908, and at the time of his death was a member of Elbert County Post, No. 103, G. A. R., and also a member of Fowler Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Elizabeth. He was one of the directors and the assistant cashier of the Farmers Bank of Elizabeth and a member of the board of trustees of the Elizabeth Presbyterian church. His funeral was one of the largest ever held in Elbert county, practically the entire population attending to pay its tribute of respect to this man, who was regarded as one of Elbert county's most prominent promoters and builders.

His son, Bernard Horace Gleason, who now manages the large Gleason ranch, was born in the loghouse on the old homestead July 24, 1876. In the conduct of his busi- ness affairs he displays marked enterprise and indefatigable energy, having made the Gleason property one of the finest ranch interests of this section. He is now treasurer of the Kiowa school board and is prominent in all the civic affairs of the county.

On the 30th of June, 1903, Bernard H. Gleason was married to Miss Lola Cable at Elizabeth, Colorado, and they have become the parents of two children, Bernard Loren and Mangie Alice. Like his father, Bernard H. Gleason is exerting a widely felt influence over public thought and action in his community and over the development of the material resources of the district. He displays sound judgment in all of his · business affairs and his activities, while promoting individual success, are also advanc- ing public prosperity.

THEODORE NOTT.

A valuable farm of two hundred and forty-two acres in Adams county is the prop- erty of Theodore Nott, who for many years has ranked with the most progressive agri- culturists of his section of the state. He is now living retired in Denver but still holds farming interests that return to him a substantial annual income. He was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, on the Sth of August, 1842, a son of Reuben and Olive (Bailey) Nott. His youthful days were passed in his native county and after master- ing the branches of learning taught in the district schools he attended an academy, thus becoming well qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. He started out in life independently when a youth of nineteen and for four years conducted a stage line which carried the mail between Antwerp, Jefferson and Ogdensburg, New York. The succeeding year was devoted to the conduct of a livery business in Carthage, New York, and for four years he was proprietor of a livery stable at Antwerp. The west, however, attracted him and, leaving the Empire state, he started across the country for Denver, Colorado, traveling by rail to Cheyenne, Wyoming, and thence by stage to his destination. This was in the spring of 1869. He turned his attention to the dairy business as a partner of his brother, conducting business in the vicinity of Blackhawk and Central City for about four years. In the fall of 1869 his family joined him in Colorado, for on the 11th of October, 1865, Mr. Nott had married Miss Carrie P. Proctor, of Antwerp, New York.

On removing from his ranch in Jefferson county Mr. Nott took up his abode in Denver, where he conducted a dairy business for three years, and then established his home in Arapahoe county, thirty-two miles east of Denver, where he began raising sheep. For seventeen or eighteen years he was extensively identified with the sheep industry and realized a handsome profit from his investments and labors. With the money thus gained he purchased Denver real estate but suffered heavy losses because of the collapse of the boom. In 1892 he traded property for one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 6, township 2, range 67, and was there actively engaged in farming for many years, converting his place into one of the valuable farm properties of the state. His land is splendidly irrigated and everything about the place is kept in excellent condition. Neatness and order prevail and the buildings are large and substantial, furnishing adequate shelter for the grain and stock. Mr. Nott continued to reside upon his farm for an extended period and then, retiring from active business life in 1914, took up his abode in Denver, where he has since lived retired, enjoying the fruits of his former toil.

To Mr. and Mrs. Nott were born six children. Edward, living at Kiowa, Colorado, married Della Wood and has one daughter, Helen. Maud is the wife of Edward Clay, a railroad man, and has two daughters, Dorothy and Sophia. Ernest married Bertha Eberly and their children are Anna and Elizabeth. Reuben married Mamie Trout and has a daughter, Genevieve. Fred married Anna Shaw and their children are Evelyn and Edward Proctor. Stella is deceased. On the 11th of October, 1915, the children

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and grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. Nott planned a wonderful surprise for them as a celebration of their golden wedding and the occasion was one never to he forgotten by those who participated therein. For a half century this worthy couple had traveled life's journey together, sharing with each other the joys and sorrows, the adversity and prosperity that checker the careers of all. To them has been accorded the privilege of passing down the hill of life together in their sunset days, a privilege that is accorded comparatively few.

In politics Mr. Nott was a supporter of democratic principles in early manhood, but after his removal to Colorado joined the ranks of the republican party, with which he has since affiliated. He has ever been a stalwart champion of the cause of educa- tion and for many years served as school director, thus giving the weight of his official aid and influence to measures for the upbuilding and improvement of the school system of the state. He has ever stood for advancement in all lines having to do with the welfare of community and country, and has taken an advanced stand upon many questions relating to public progress.

ROBERT S. COX.

The life record of Robert S. Cox covered a period of almost sixty-five years. Through much of this time he was identified with ranching interests in Colorado and was a most respected citizen of Loveland and of Weld county. He was born in New Jersey, September 3, 1837, a son of Stewart and Julia A. (Ivens) Cox, who were also natives of that state. The father followed farming in New Jersey and afterward in Indiana, devoting his entire life to agricultural pursuits. He put aside the cares and labors of the farm, however, after the death of his second wife. His first wife passed away in 1840 and following the death of his second wife Stewart Cox made his home with his son Robert until his demise, which occurred in 1888.

Robert S. Cox spent his youthful days in Indiana, where his experiences were those of the farmbred boy who divides his time between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields. He remained with his father until he had attained his majority and in 1861, when a young man of twenty- four years, he responded to the country's call for troops to aid in the preservation of the Union, enlisting as a member of Company I, Forty-seventh Indiana Infantry, with which he served for four years. He then returned home with a most creditable mili- tary record, having valiantly defended the Union cause on many a southern battlefield. He afterward engaged in clerking in Indiana until 1883, when he determined to try his fortune in the west and made his way to Colorado, where he purchased a ranch in Weld county. This he cultivated and improved for six years, after which he re- moved to Greeley, where he made his home for a year and a half. He then took up his abode in Loveland and purchased forty-eight acres adjoining the city, in fact the tract is now a part of the city. His attention and energies were further given to the development and cultivation of the place until his death, which occurred in August, 1902. Since that time his widow has sold off most of the land in acre tracts, still occupying the old home.

It was in January, 1861, that Mr. Cox was united in marriage to Miss Martha Jane Ogden, a daughter of Elihu and Sarah A. (Parish) Ogden, who were natives of Mary- land and of Ohio respectively. Mrs. Cox was born in Indiana in March, 1843, her parents having removed to that state at an early day. Her father was a farmer and stock raiser and bought and improved land in the Hoosier state, devoting his remaining days to farming in Indiana. He died in 1860, while his wife was called to her final rest in February, 1874. To Mr. and Mrs. Cox were born six children: Homer D., now residing at Loveland; Nellie, the wife of Willis Sheets, whose home is in Montana; Burchard M., a resident farmer of Larimer county; and Lulu M., Florence A. and George S., all deceased.

Mr. Cox served as a justice of the peace in Weld county and was faihtful in office, his decisions at all times being strictly fair and impartial, based upon the law and the equity in the case. His political endorsement was given to the republican party and his religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal church, to the teachings of which he loyally adhered. He was also a consistent member of the Masonic fraternity and he proudly wore the little bronze button that proclaimed him a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. In all matters of citizenship he was as true and loyal to his country as when he followed the nation's starry banner on southern battlefields. In fact his entire life was marked by integrity and faithfulness to duty and his sterling

ROBERT S. COX

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worth won for him warm friendships, so that his death was deeply regretted not only by his immediate family but throughout the entire community when he was called to the home beyond.

JOHN M. HOPPER.

John M. Hopper is now largely living retired upon his valuable farm property in the vicinity of Matheson. His has been an active and useful life and his identification with Elbert county covers an extended period, while his residence in Colorado dates from about 1888. He was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, February 17, 1849. His father, John Hopper, was a native of Virginia, while his mother, who bore the maiden name of Eliza McGregor, was of Scotch birth. The family removed from Ohio to Illinois when John M. Hopper was a youth of seventeen years and at a subsequent date the family home was established in Iowa. He was reared to the occupation of farming, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. Thirty years ago he came to Colorado and for a time was a resident of Pueblo but subsequently removed to Elbert county and homesteaded. The property which he secured at that early day and which was then a tract of wild, undeveloped land that has now been transformed into a valuable farm is being operated by his only son, Bert B. Hopper. As the years passed John M. Hopper added to his original holdings by purchase from time to time until he now has nine hundred and sixty acres.

On the 5th of September, 1878, Mr. Hopper was united in marriage to Miss Lettie O. Scovel, of Sheridan, Iowa, a daughter of Eli H. and Daphne (Boss) Scovel of Cat- taraugus county, New York, who later became residents of Colorado. Her father's people were of Scotch lineage and the family was established in America in colonial days. The Boss family came from Massachusetts, and thus in both lines Mrs. Hopper is a representative of old families of New England. She is a lady of marked intel- lectual force, exceptionally well informed, keeping in touch with all the vital questions and issues of the day. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hopper are widely and favorably known, their social as well as their financial position being an enviable one, while the sterling traits of their character have gained for them the high respect and unfaltering friend- ship of those with whom they have been brought in contact.

Bert B. Hopper was born in Derby, Iowa, October 13, 1879, and removed with his parents to Colorado when about nine years of age. He received his education largely in the schools of Pueblo and after discarding his textbooks turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and is now operating the extensive farm of his father. On Decem- ber 2, 1908, he married Fern Turner, a daughter of Judge Turner of Kiowa and to them have been born two children: Dwight, whose birth occurred on March 28, 1910, in Colorado Springs; and Donald, born in Kiowa. January 10, 1913. Mr. and Mrs. Bert B. Hopper are popular in the younger social set of Elbert county where they have many friends, and he has ever given his wholehearted support to worthy movements undertaken on behalf of the general public, along lines of material as well as mental and moral advancement, thus proving himself a valuable citizen. Moreover, he con- tributes to general prosperity by the further improvement of his ranch, thus pro- moting agricultural progress along modern ideas.

W. H. NEVEU.

W. H. Neveu, one of the best known representatives of iron manufacturing interests in Denver as well as the pioneer manufacturer of radiators not only in this city but in this section of the entire west, has acquired his high position as a representative of that industry through superior workmanship and a thorough technical knowledge of the business.

Mr. Neveu was born in Stamford, Connecticut, September 7, 1876, a son of Moses and Josephine (Cadron) Neveu, the former a native of Montreal, Canada, and the latter of North Adams, Massachusetts. The father came across the border into the United States when a youth, and afterward learned the carpenter's trade, which he later followed in Stamford, Connecticut, and subsequently in St. Paul, Minnesota, re- moving with his family to the latter city in the early '80s, where he continued to reside until he came to Denver in 1889. When he located here he took up contracting, which business he followed for some time. He afterward engaged in the bakery

MR. AND MRS. JOHN M. HOPPER

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business in North Denver and is now at the head of a profitable trade in that line. His father, also named Moses, was a well known contractor of Denver in the early days and lived to a ripe old age, passing away in this city in 1915. The grandmother, Mrs. Mary Neveu, was called to her final rest in Denver in 1911. There were three children born to Moses and Josephine Neveu: W. H., of this review; Frank, who is living in Houston, Texas; and Mrs. Sophie Parkin, a resident of Salt Lake City, Utah.

W. H. Neveu attended the public schools of St. Paul, Minnesota, and later of Denver. Entering upon his business career, he was for some time connected with the grocery trade, while later he gave his attention to the meat business, remaining active along those lines for about eight years. Following this he served an apprentice- ship as a sheet metal worker and in going into business for himself, in 1903, he bought out the interests of Elias Mathews, who was proprietor of one of the oldest sheet metal concerns in Denver, having established business in 1878. Soon after taking over these interests Mr. Neveu included in the business that of radiator repairing, so that his connection with that branch of the industry dates back to the earliest days. Later, as the business grew and expanded, it was devoted solely to radiator manufac- turing and repairing and its equipment was increased until it now includes a complete outfit such as is necessary for the most intricate repair job or the construction of any kind of new work in the line of radiators. By close attention to his business and personal supervision of all work turned out, Mr. Neveu has built up the leading enter- prise of its kind in the Rocky Mountain country. Holding to the adage that a sat- isfied customer is the most effective form of advertising, his work has come to be a standard and his commercial integrity is unquestioned. Mr. Neveu has made a decided success of his business and in so doing deserves great credit, for this has resulted entirely from his unaided efforts, determined purpose and laudable ambition.

On the 10th of February, 1898, Mr. Neveu was married to Miss Mabel Morgan, of Denver. a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Morgan, who were pioneer people of this city, arriving in 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Neveu have three children. Walter F., born in Denver in January, 1899, is now in school. Irene and Leona are also in school.

Mr. Neveu is a member of the Royal Arcanum and also of the Kiwanis Club. He belongs likewise to the Denver Civic and Commercial Association and to the Man- ufacturers Association and he is regarded as one of the reliable business men of the city.

J. H. McKEE.

J. H. McKee is senior partner in the firm of McKee & Slack. who occupy a foremost position among the manufacturers of calendars and advertising novelties in the west. They have built up a business of substantial and gratifying proportions along lines which will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny.

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History of Colorado; Volume IV, Part 28

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