History of Colorado; Volume IV, Part 34

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

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Dr. Fynn has also written the words and composed the music for a number of popular songs, including "The Mohawk," which is said to reproduce in music the ento- tions produced by the fascinating landscape of the Mohawk valley. He is also the writer of the song, "Where the Columbines Grow," which has been adopted by the Colorado Legislature as the official state song, the spirit of the great romantic West being suggested in its every line of verse and every strain of music. His latest production is entitled, "Brother Jonathan Leaves Home," a patriotic song, voicing the spirit of the recent war.

Dr. Fynn was married in August, 1902, to Miss Mary McDonald, of Woodville. New York, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John McDonald.

Fraternally, he is a prominent Knight Templar Mason; in politics is a republi- can; and in religious faith a Universalist. He has held the presidency of the Denver Teachers' Club and of the Philosophical Society, and has been for years chairman of the educational committee of the Denver Civic and Commercial Association. He is a member of the Colorado Schoolmasters' Club, a director and the treasurer of the State Historical and Natural History Society, and a life member of the Archeological Institute of America. He has made valuable contributions to the sum total of human knowledge and with definite purpose his labors and investigations are carried forward to the accomplishment of a given end.

MRS. MYRTLE CRAWFORD.

Mrs. Myrtle Crawford is the superintendent of the schools of Washington county and makes her home in Otis, where her husband John H. Crawford, is engaged in business as a druggist. They are well known and highly esteemed people of the town. Mrs. Crawford was born in Maryville, Missouri, a daughter of Alvin S. Charles, a native of Illinois, who removed to Missouri and was for many years engaged in merchandising at Maryville. His last days were spent in St. Joseph, that state, where he passed away in 1911. He was a veteran of the Civil war, having served throughout the entire period of hostilities between the north and the south as a defender of the Union cause. His religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which he always loyally adhered. In early manhood he wedded Fannie E. Davis, a native of Kentucky, who survives and is now living with her daughter. Mrs. Crawford. In the family were three sons and four daughters, but two of the sons have now passed away. The surviving son, Virgil N. Charles, is a first lieutenant at Camp Bowie, Fort Worth, Texas.

Mrs. Crawford was educated in the public schools of Maryville, passing through consecutive grades to her graduation from the high school; and in the Maryville Seminary, in which she pursued a classical course, She afterward entered the Colorado State Teachers College at Greeley, where she won the degree of Bachelor of Pedagogy. Taking up the profession of teaching, she soon proved her ability to impart clearly and readily to others the knowledge which she had acquired and for five years she successfully engaged in teaching school in Otis, becoming principal of the school. In November, 1918, she was elected superintendent of the public schools of Washing- ton county and is now occupying that position. She is carefully studying the con-

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ditions of the school system of the county and is doing everything in her power to inaugurate new and improved methods which shall be for the benefit of the school system.

In 1903 Myrtle Charles became the wife of John H. Crawford, of Graham, Missouri, who is now engaged in the drug business in Otis, having a well appointed store. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons and the Odd Fellows and is a faithful follower of the teachings of these organizations. To Mr. and Mrs. Crawford have been born two children: Marceline, fourteen years of age; and William Edward, a youth of eleven years. The religious faith of the family is that of the Presbyterian church and in its work they take an active and helpful interest, Mrs. Crawford now serving as superintendent of the Sunday school. They have a nice home in Otis which is the abode of warm-hearted hospitality and is the center of a cultured society circle.

GEORGE W. FOOTE.

George W. Foote, who is now living largely retired in Loveland, Larimer county, Colorado, although he yet serves as president of the Larimer County Bank & Trust Company, has in many ways made valuable contributions toward development and up- building in his part of the state. Foremost among the lines of activity with which he was connected were cattle interests, in which business he was a leader, and later he also was for a number of years very successful in the livery business, maintaining stage lines while so engaged. Through his efforts high standards of cattle breeding were introduced into his county and he thereby built up not only a most prosperous individual business but set a valuable example for others to follow. For over forty years he has now been a resident of Larimer county, having come here in 1874, so that he is numbered among the honored pioneers of his section.

Born in Mill Creek Hundred (New Castle county), Delaware, November 23, 1842. Mr. Foote is a son of William and Susan (Faulk) Foote, natives of New Castle county, that state. The father was an agriculturist by occupation and passed his entire life upon the farm on which he was born but he died at his summer home at New Garden, Pennsylvania, at the venerable age of eighty-five years. The paternal grandfather of our subject was William Foote. Sr., who was a prosperous cooper and also gave some attention to agriculture in Delaware, while the maternal grandfather, John Faulk, a lifelong resident of that state, was a miller. William Foote was recognized as one of the most enterprising agriculturists of his county, introducing many efficient methods and new ideas along that line, and was also highly regarded as a citizen, for he was always progressive and public-spirited, readily giving his aid and support to measures which he recognized as of value to his community. Politically he was an adherent of the whig party. His wife also attained a ripe old age, passing away after having com- pleted her eighty-seventh year.

George W. Foote was reared upon his father's farm, acquiring such education as the earlier schools of Newcastle county, Delaware, afforded, and after laying aside his textbooks he remained with his parents until he reached the age of twenty years. In the meantime having heard favorable reports in regard to the excellent opportunities presented in the then far west, he decided to follow Horace Greeley's advice and in 1874 came to Colorado, locating at that time in Greeley, where he remained for about six years. During this period he bought and successfully operated a stage line be- tween Greeley and Namaqua continuing thus for five years. He then sold out and in 1881 came to Loveland, Colorado, where he became associated with a Mr. Stoddard in the livery and sales stable business. This partnership was maintained for twenty-two years to the mutual benefit of both of the parties concerned 'and at the end of that period Mr. Foote disposed of his interests. In 1878, or forty years ago, Mr. Foote ac- quired title to land near Loveland and in 1887 he thereon erected a handsome residence. Following in the footsteps of his progressive father, he soon derived a gratifying income from his original tract, which enabled him to acquire more land as the years passed until he now owns twenty-seven hundred and twenty acres, three hundred and twenty of which are located in Weld county, while the remainder is in Larimer county. Mr. Foote engaged in the raising of pure bred cattle, acquiring a fine herd of Galloways. He built up an excellent and profitable business along this line, being recognized as one of the foremost cattle breeders within the state. Moreover, he also turned to feeding cattle and derived a gratifying addition to his income from this source. Among his holdings were one hundred and sixty acres, located where the sugar factory now stands and which he sold to that concern at a considerable advance. A great deal of

GEORGE W. FOOTE

RESIDENCE OF GEORGE W. FOOTE, LOVELAND

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his land he rents but he is still engaged in the cattle business although he has largely retired from the active work, now giving his attention chiefly to the managing and financial end of his affairs. In 1894 Mr. Foote became interested in banking, being elected vice president of the Larimer County Bank & Trust Company, while seven years later, or in 1901, he was elected to the chief executive position, that of president. As such he has since served to the great advantage of the institution over which he pre- sides, which is conducted along proven and conservative methods, having attained a reputation as one of the best banks of this part of the state. At the same time pro- gressive ideas are followed in its management, for the officers of the bank are ever ready to extend credit where financial aid is needed in order to promote new enter- prises or make possible important business deals which result in the upbuilding and development of the region. The policy of the bank is largely laid down by Mr. Foote, who has not only an intimate knowledge of local conditions hut has also acquired a business insight which has made him a most trustworthy as well as experienced banker. While engaged in the livery business Mr. Foote operated a stage line from Loveland to Estes Park, continuing in that business for seven years, and being very successful in that enterprise.

Before his migration to the west George W. Foote was united in marriage to Sarah A. Woodward, the ceremony being performed in the east in 1869. To this union were born two children: James Lindsey, a resident of Los Angeles, California; and Anna J., deceased. Mrs. Foote passed away in 1893 and in 1894 Mr. Foote wedded Della E. Weaver, of Muscotah, Atchison county. Kansas, a daughter of Conrad and Sarah (Hershman) Weaver, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Ohio. The father was a successful farmer and in the early days of the history of the state went to Kansas, locating near Muscotah, where he purchased land. This tract he improved, making it a valuable property, and has operated the same to the present time, his wife also surviving. The father was but seven years of age when he was brought to America and during the conflict between the north and south took up the banner of the Union, fighting during the last year of that struggle in order to preserve the Union under one flag. To the second marriage of Mr. Foote were born three children: Lester G., a successful agriculturist, who resides north of Loveland; Edna D., who is attend- ing school; and Albert W., who passed away in May, 1908, at the age of six years.

The family stand high in their community. being numbered among the most prominent people of the neighborhood, both Mr. and Mrs. Foote often entertaining their many friends in their beautiful and hospitable home. They have ever been deeply in- terested in uplift and progress along intellectual as well as moral lines and have ever given their help to worthy public enterprises. Their beautiful and modern home is located at No. 343 East Fifth Street, in Loveland. The Foote family is distinctively American and is very prominently connected in the east and middle west, being blood kin to some of the famous men and women of the past century, among them Harriet Beecher Stowe, of Uncle Tom's Cabin fame, and the famous Brooklyn preacher, Henry Ward Beecher. Mr. Foote of this review is fully upholding the traditions connected with the family name, being now numbered among the most successful as well as pros- perous men of his district and also being a representative of the highest type of American citizenship. His political affiliation is with the republican party but he has never desired office. Fraternally he belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Mrs. Foote is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which she is helpfully interested. Both enjoy the highest regard and respect of all who know them. having throughout their lives contributed toward the elevation of standards that affect living conditions here, by furthering those ideals which perfect human conduct and action.

LEONARD A. SWEET.

With the ever increasing demand for automobile housing in the city of Denver new garages for this purpose have been established from time to time and many of these in recent years liave built up a business of extensive proportions not only in housing cars but in making repairs and furnishing supplies. The Denver Garage, owned by Leonard A. Sweet, is perhaps one of the best managed and most conveniently located in the city and is patronized by many of the downtown business men and bankers of Denver. It has grown in popularity ever since the day that it was opened and its patron- age is now extensive.

Mr. Sweet, the proprietor, was born in Independence, Iowa, May 1, 1876, a son' of

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Anson C. and Ida (Blood) Sweet, the former born in the state of New York and the latter in the state of Wisconsin. The father removed to Iowa in early life and on leav- ing that state established his home in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he engaged in the dry goods business for a considerable period. In later years, however, he has lived a retired life and is now making his home in Independence, Iowa, at the age of seventy-nine years. He has, however, retained all of his interest in Colorado, where the mother of Leonard A. Sweet, still makes her home. They had a family of three children, of whom one died in infancy. A brother, H. B. Sweet, is a resident of Sidney, Nebraska, and is proprietor of the Sidney Motor Company.

The eldest of the family is Leonard A. Sweet of this review, who after completing a high school education at Independence, Iowa, came to Denver in the latter part of the last decade of the nineteenth century. Here he entered the internal revenue depart- ment as cashier and remained a trusted government employe for twenty years. At the end of that period he started to engage in business on his own account and in 1917 established the Denver Garage at Nos. 1437-39 California street. This is in the very heart of the downtown shopping district of Denver and since the day the garage was opened it has proven a profitable business venture and is today one of the most popular establishments of the kind in the city. Mr. Sweet also maintains a repair department and carries a full line of accessories. He is now negotiating to handle a new car that will be on the market in a short time.

For a few months while holding his government position in connection with the internal revenue department Mr. Sweet acted as assessor, by appointment, of Arapahoe county, but aside from this has never held public office and has always voted independ- ently.

On the 6th of June, 1916, Mr. Sweet was married to Mrs. Helen Thomas, the widow of Harry Thomas, of Denver, who by her former marriage had a daughter, Charlotte Thomas, born in Denver. While a native of Iowa, Mr. Sweet has spent almost his entire life in Denver and while he has never sought to figure prominently in public connections he has become well known in the city and his fidelity to duty while in the government service as well as his enterprise in business circles have gained for him a creditable position in the regard of his fellow townsmen.

LAFAYETTE MILLER.

Lafayette Miller, who departed this life in 1888, was one of the pioneer settlers of Colorado who contributed in substantial measure to the early development of the state and aided in laying broad and deep the foundation upon which has been built the present progress and prosperity of the commonwealth. The town of Lafayette was named in his honor, as he was once the owner of the land upon which it stands, having secured the tract as a homestead from the government.

Mr. Miller was born in Toulon. Illinois, March 18, 1840, a son of John and Mary Ann (Ahle) Miller, who were natives of New Jersey and after living for some time in Illinois removed to Linn county, Iowa, where they settled upon a farm, which they made their abiding place throughout their remaining days.

Lafayette Miller was reared and educated in Iowa, and having arrived at years of maturity, was married there in 1862 to Miss Mary E. Foot, a native of the state of New York and a daughter of John B. and Sallie (Cole) Foot, the former a native of Massachusetts, while the latter was born in the Empire state. They removed to Michigan in 1852 and in 1858 became residents of Iowa, settling upon a farm. where they made their home until 1868, when they came to Colorado and established their residence in Boulder county. Again the father secured a tract of land, which he con- verted into a productive farm, he and his wife living upon that place until they were called to the home beyond. They had a family of ten children, but only two of the number now survive.

Following his marriage in 1862, Lafayette Miller, accompanied by his bride, started across the plains with ox team and wagon and after traveling for about three months they reached their destination. They located on a farm in Boulder county, where he built a log cabin, the roof covering being hay and dirt. He secured a homestead of eighty acres and later he purchased an improved farm. while subsequently he took up his abode on Rock creek. There he conducted a stage tavern and resided at that place until 1870, when he purchased the land on which the village of Lafayette now stands. The town was founded by his widow, who named it in honor of her husband. Mr. Miller led an active, busy and useful life and his labors contributed in marked measure to

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the substantial development and upbuilding of the district in which he made his home.

To Mr. and Mrs. Miller were born six children: Thomas J. and Charles L., both deceased; George I., who resides upon the home farm; Frank S., also deceased; James P., who is now an attorney, successfully engaged in the practice of law at Houston, Texas; and Amelia A., who has departed this life. There are six grandchildren.

The family circle was again broken by the hand of death when in 1888 Mr. Miller was called to his final rest. He left behind him many friends, as well as his imme- diate family, who mourned the loss of a devoted huband and father, one who was always anxious to put forth every possible effort if it would advance the welfare and happiness of the members of his household. Mr. Miller always took an active part in politics and was a stanch supporter of democracy. Fraternally he was connected with the Masons and the Odd Fellows and was a loyal adherent of the teachings of those organizations.

Mrs. Miller has been very active in temperance work and has been an equally effective worker in behalf of the schools, serving for eight years on the school board. She is a member of the Episcopal church and is most earnest in the work thereof. In fact her aid and influence are always given on the side of right, progress, truth, reform and improvement and her efforts have been productive of splendid results along those lines. She now owns and occupies a fine residence in the village of Lafayette and she is one of Colorado's honored pioneer women, having for fifty-six years resided within the borders of the state.

EDWARD W. ROBINSON.

Edward W. Robinson, lumber and coal merchant of Denver and one of the repre- sentative business men and manufacturers of the city, was born in Waterloo, Lower Canada, now the province of Quebec, August 4, 1858, a son of Rev. George C. and Harriet J. (Whitten) Robinson. The mother was a native of Ireland, whence she made her way to Canada in early life. The father was born in Waterloo, Lower Canada, his parents having removed there from Vermont. He was a very faithful and highly esteemed clergyman of the Church of England in Canada. He died in Aylmer, Quebec, Canada in 1882, since which time Mrs. Robinson has come to Denver, where she makes her home. They were the parents of nine children, of whom three are still living: Harriet S., Harold F. and Edward W., all residents of Denver.

Edward W. Robinson attended public school in different places in Canada and high school at Montreal. He was then employed in various ways, working some time in a general store. In 1884 he went to Florida, settling at Orlando, where he was em- ployed in a hardware store for a short time. He then went to Davenport, Thayer county, Nebraska, where he started in the lumber and coal business on his own ac- count, which business he successfully conducted for eight years, also having branch yards at Shickley and Oak. Nebraska, a part of this time.

Mr. Robinson settled in Denver in 1892 buying out the Cone Lumber and Coal Company. He has since established a large woodworking mill which is thoroughly equipped with the latest improved machinery for doing all kinds of wood work. His motto is "Good Service."

On the 1st of March, 1892, Mr. Robinson was married to Miss Emma J. Bishop, of Ottawa, Canada, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bishop, of that city. They have become the parents of three children. The eldest, Norah L., now Mrs. A. E. Moody, born in Denver in 1893, graduated from Miss Wolcott's School of Denver and Wellesley College of Massachusetts and is the wife of Lieutenant A. E. Moody, of Golden, Colorado, who is a graduate of the Massachusetts School of Technology and is now in France, a first lieutenant in the Coast Artillery and an aerial observer. Se- leucia, born in Denver in 1895, is also a graduate of Miss Wolcott's School and of Dana Hall, Wellesley. George Sidney, born in Denver in 1897, is a graduate of Colorado College. He enlisted as a flyer in aviation and has completed the ground school work at Berkeley, California, and the flying at Southern Field, Americus, Georgia.

In politics Mr. Robinson is an independent democrat. He served on the park board of Denver, from 1912 until 1914, and assisted in starting Denver's beautiful system of mountain parks. Fraternally he is a member of the Masons, the Royal Arcanum and the Woodmen of the World. He also belongs to the Civic and Commercial Association of Den- ver, with which he has been identified for many years. He is likewise treasurer of the South Denver Community Young Men's Christian Association and is a director of the

EDWARD W. ROBINSON

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Mountain Club and a member of the State Historical and Natural History Society. His interests and activities, as thus indicated, are broad and varied, touching the general interests and welfare of society, while as a business man he has contributed to the commercial development of the city as well as he has promoted his individual fortunes.

WALTER EUDEAN HOLT.

Walter Eudean Holt is one of the extensive landowners of Elbert county, where he has made his home since 1886, or for a period of almost a third of a century. He was born in Hardin county, Iowa. July 14, 1868, a son of John H. and Mary Jane Holt, both of whom were natives of Ohio and of English descent, while in the maternal line the ancestry in America is traced back to one of the early colonial families of Virginia.

Walter E. Holt pursued his education in the schools of his native state and was a young man of eighteen years when he left the Mississippi valley and came to Colo- rado, where he has since resided. He located in Elbert county and as the years have passed has made for himself a most creditable position in its agricultural circles. He is now the owner of nine hundred and sixty acres of rich and valuable land, which he has brought to a high state of productivity. The methods which he employs in the cultivation of his farm are most progressive and resultant and his labors have been attended with excellent success.

In 1895 Mr. Holt was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Housh, a daughter of Mrs. Mary Jane Housh Danneman and her first husband, Sydney Housh. The death of Mrs. Holt on October 7, 1917, was greatly mourned by a host of friends who had been cheered and assisted by her attentions in illness and who always looked to her as the leader in all of the women's farm movements of this section. She had exerted marked influence for progress in the community and her genuine worth was acknowl- edged by all.

To Mr. and Mrs. Holt were born a daughter, Bertha, who is the wife of Norman H. McIlhenney, a son of one of Elbert county's most noted public men and who is in the service of his country abroad; and a son, Jack, on July 20, 1899, who is there- fore nineteen years of age. He remains upon the farm with his father, whom he greatly assists by relieving him of much of the active work. Jack Holt is a likeable, pleasant mannered young chap, who takes up life's duties with a serious mind and stead- fast purpose and is full of youthful energy.

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History of Colorado; Volume IV, Part 34

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