USA > Colorado > History of Colorado; Volume IV > Part 47
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104
"It was during his connection with the Denver & Rio Grande that the memorable struggle began between General Palmer and the management of the Santa Fe road to secure control of the Grand Canon of the Arkansas. It amounted to practically a small
389
HISTORY OF COLORADO
war and the result of the victory for the Rio Grande was due in large measure to J. R. De Remer. It was an important highway to the mining camps and has become a high- way across the continent. It is related that at one time De Remer and a party of engineers swam the Arkansas river at a time when it was filled with floating ice in order to defeat the forces of the opposition. The manager of the Santa Fe offered a reward of ten thousand dollars for his taking, dead or alive. He put to flight by a shower of stones and rocks a deputy sheriff and twenty men who had come to serve him with a process."
The year 1885 witnessed the severance of Mr. De Remer's connection with the Denver & Rio Grande and following his resignation he traveled for a time owing to ill health. In March of that year President Cleveland appointed him register of the land office at Leadville, but he resigned the following June, although his resignation was not accepted until a year later. He resumed his active connection with railroad building in the fall of 1885, when he took a contract in connection with the construction of the Colorado Midland road. Before completing the line, however, he had obtained a more important contract with the Denver & Rio Grande and subsequently he contracted to build the Denver, Texas & Fort Worth road, now a part of the Colorado & Southern system. He succeeded in constructing the road from Trinidad to the New Mexico line and built various side-lines into the timber and coal camps in Huerfano and Las Animas counties. The company of which Mr. De Remer was the head did a large contracting business in various parts of the country for a number of years. He was also the builder of the first opera house of any size in Pueblo. As his financial resources increased he made extensive investments in real estate in various sections of Colo- rado and his property holdings were large at the time of his demise.
Mr. De Remer was united in marriage in 1886 at Washington, D. C., to Miss Anna M. Roche, and they hecame the parents of two sons and a daughter, Leslie L., Allen T. and Lonnetta, who, with the mother, survive the death of the hushand and father, which occurred in July, 1905. He had for sixteen years heen a resident of Denver, occupying a beautiful home at No. 1435 Pearl street. He was devoted to the welfare of his family, finding his greatest happiness in promoting the interests of his wife and children. He was also a man of most charitable spirit and was continually ex- tending a helping hand to assist other travelers on life's journey. He knew from experience that there are many obstacles and difficulties to overcome on the highroad to success. Having started out empty-handed, he early came to realize the value of indus- try and determination as factors in the attainment of prosperity. He worked on, achieving wealth through individual worth and ability, and the most envious could not grudge him his prosperity, so honorably was it gained and so worthily used.
PHILIP ROACH.
Philip Roach, who is engaged in ranching in Douglas county, was born at Taunton, Massachusetts, May 24, 1850, a son of James and Ann (Mulligan) Roach, both of whom were natives of Ireland. Coming to the new world, they settled first in New England and in 1857 removed with their family to Whitewater, Wisconsin, Philip Roach being at that time a lad of seven summers. He attended the common schools near his father's home in Wisconsin and was a young man of twenty-five years when in 1875 he made his way to the west. For ahout a year he resided in southern Colorado and in 1876 came to Douglas county, where he entered the employ of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. He continued to serve that corporation and also the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad Company as section foreman for seventeen years. Since then he has been living upon the ranch, part of the time leasing the place to others and part of the time operating it himself.
Mr. Roach was married first in Wisconsin to Miss Mary Kelly and to them were born two sons. Philip F., the elder, has for a number of years been in the United States revenue service and has patrolled both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. He was captain on a yacht somewhere in the submarine zone off the English coast, having been thus engaged in the war from its declaration until its end. His duties in this connection have now drawn to a close since Germany has turned over her submarines to her conquerors. William J. is an expert electrician and is with the Western Electric Company, his duties alternating between New York city and Washington, D. C.
Having lost his first wife, Mr. Roach was married to Louise Cook, a daughter of David and Sophie (Bowman) Cook. Her father was a pioneer of Douglas county, having homesteaded the ranch whereon Mr. and Mrs. Roach now reside, securing this
-
390
HISTORY OF COLORADO
property about 1864. From her father Mrs. Roach inherited the land. Her mother, who is still living, is now past seventy years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Roach have been born two children. David J., who married Katharine Higgins, of Kansas City, and has one child, Mary Louise, is now assistant to the general manager of the Great Western Sugar Company of Denver. Anna R. is the wife of A. F. Gillis, of Arlington, New Jersey, who is with the Du Pont Powder Company. They have two children, Mary L. and Philip H.
In his political views Mr. Roach is a democrat, having supported the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, but he has never been an office seeker. Fraternally he is connected with Sedalia Lodge, No. 142, I. O. O. F. He has led a busy life in which there have been few idle hours. Working steadily and persistently, he has advanced step by step and is today actively and successfully engaged in the cultivation of the home ranch.
THOMAS HARRIS.
Thomas Harris, a retired farmer living in Boulder county, was born in the southern part of Wales on the 12th of January, 1849, a son of James and Lettisa (Phillips) Harris, who were also natives of the little rock-ribbed country in which their son's birth occurred. They came to America in 1855 and settled in Pennsylvania, where both passed away. They had a family of eleven children, of whom Thomas is the eldest, while the others are: Enoch; James; Elizabeth, the wife of Samuel Aley; Jennie, who gave her hand in marriage to M. L. Metheny; Sadie, who is the widow of Samuel Whan Sharp, of Beaver county, Pennsylvania; George; John B., residing in Beaver county, Pennsylvania; Rachel, who is the wife of Richard Calhoun; Mary L., the wife of W. M. Harmon; and Ella, who is the wife of Frank Main Mann, of Beaver county, Pennsylvania.
Thomas Harris was but six years of age when his parents crossed the Atlantic with their family, and was reared and educated in Pennsylvania, where he attended the common schools. In 1878 he came to Colorado, settling in Boulder county, where he engaged in coal mining for several years. In 1885 he purchased the farm whereon he still resides, securing eighty acres of land, all of which is under irrigation. He has since improved the property with fine buildings, and all modern equipment and acces- sories of the model farm of the twentieth century. He continued personally to develop and cultivate his fields until recent years, when he retired to enjoy a well earned rest. His farm is underlaid with rich veins of coal and he is now receiving a nice royalty from the mines.
In 1883 Mr. Harris was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Yarian, a native of Mercer county. Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Benjamin and Saloma (Miller) Yarian, who were natives of Ohio. In that state they were married but afterward removed to Pennsylvania, where they spent their remaining days. On the 22d of December, 1918, Mr. Harris was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died as the result of a stroke of paralysis.
Mr. Harris is well known in Boulder county, where he has an extensive circle of warm friends. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party but he has never been an office seeker, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his busi- ness affairs. In the early days of his connection with farming in Boulder county he handled a large herd of cattle, keeping from one hundred to one hundred and twenty- five head yearly, and his unfaltering industry and enterprise have been the salient features in winning for him the substantial success which is today his. He is a con- sistent member of the Congregational church of Lafayette.
STANLEY M. WALKER.
Stanley M. Walker, prominently identified with mining throughout Colorado and an expert mining engineer whose ability is known throughout the country, is now president of the Cadiz Mining Company and the Colorado Consolidated Metals Mining Company of Denver and is identified with several other mining corporations of equal importance. Denver numbers him among her native sons. He was born on the 1st of October, 1887, a son of Dr. James M. and Caroline (Moses) Walker. The father was born in Virginia, while the mother's birth occurred in Winchester, Illinois, to which
THOMAS HARRIS
392
HISTORY OF COLORADO
state he had removed in early manhood. He there enlisted for volunteer service in the Civil war and continued an active participant in the federal army until the close of hostilities. After his return to private life he married and later he took up the study of medicine in the St. Louis Medical College of St. Louis, Missouri, from which he was graduated with honors. In the early '80s he came to Denver, where he opened an office and established himself in practice. He soon became a leading and successful physician and surgeon of the city and after many faithful years of service as a rep- resentative of the practice of medicine and surgery he retired from active life and is now enjoying well earned rest, honored and respected by colleagues, contemporaries and all who have known him. During his active professional career he was chief medical examiner and adviser for many of the large insurance companies and promi- nent business concerns of Colorado. His wife passed away in 1912, at the age of fifty-six years. There were but two children in the family, the elder being Colonel James Frederick Walker, who was born in Denver, is a graduate of Yale University and of the West Point Military Academy and is now a member of the regular army.
Stanley M. Walker, the younger son, attended public schools of Denver and also the Tome Institute, a preparatory school of Maryland. After leaving the latter he decided to take up mining and to obtain practical experience rather than college training along that line. With that end in view he became connected with various mining companies of old Mexico, remaining there for three years, after which he returned to Denver and entered the School of Mines at Golden. He was graduated therefrom in 1911, after which he again entered the practical field, being identified with mining in various parts of the state and locating a number of properties which have since developed into valuable mines. He was appointed superintendent of mines for the Monarch Madonna Mining Company, remaining in that position in 1912 and 1913. He was next made superintendent of the Frisco Tunnel Company and manager of the Monte Cristo Mining Company, so continuing through 1914, when he resigned to take charge and act as consulting engineer of the Monarch Madonna mines and other properties, with which he was connected through the years 1915 and 1916. While thus engaged he also devoted some time to the private practice of his profession as a con- sulting and mining engineer, carrying on the examination of properties and acting as consulting engineer in regard to many important mining problems. In January, 1916, he was given the management of the Cadiz Mining Company of Rico, Colorado, continuing in that connection through 1917, when he was elected to the presidency of the company, which owns a lead, zinc and silver property. Efficiency in the various departments brought him to the position of president and he is also the president of the Colorado Consolidated Metals Mining Company and of the Western Colorado Exploration Company.
On the 11th of June, 1912, in Denver, Mr. Walker was married to Miss Emma Thayer Ohl, a daughter of the Rev. John Wallace Ohl, and they have become parents of three children: Caroline Amy, who was born in Salida, Colorado, in 1913; Emma Josephine, who was born in Denver, January 1, 1915; and Stanley Moses, born in Denver on August 7, 1918.
Mr. Walker is a member of several Greek letter fraternities, including the Beta Theta Pi and the Theta Tau, an honorary engineering fraternity. He is also a mem- ber of the Lakewood Country Club and along strictly scientific lines has connection with and is a member of the American Institute of Mining Engineers and the American Mining Congress. His interest and activity have always centered in his profession and the passing years have marked his growing ability as the result of his broadening experience and practical training. He has today attained a place of prominence and his name is widely known in mining circles throughout the country.
HENRY HARPER MCINROY.
Henry Harper Melnroy is now the owner of what is known as the Twin Spring ranch, situated on Plum creek in Douglas county, and, moreover, he is one of the native sons of that county, his birth having occurred near Castle Rock on the 23d of May, 1877. He is a son of Patrick and Amelia (Curtis) McInroy, the former a native of Scotland, while the latter was born in Australia. She was a daughter of Captain Curtis.
Henry Harper McInroy was born and reared on his father's homestead near Castle Rock and the common school system of the county afforded him his early educational opportunities, while later he spent a year as a student in the State Agricultural Col-
393
HISTORY OF COLORADO
lege at Fort Collins. The training there received has been of great benefit to him in the conduct of his ranching interests, as he has put his theoretical knowledge to the practical test. For three years he was engaged in ranching in Douglas and El Paso counties and then went to Cripple Creek, where he remained for two years, devoting his time during that period to heavy teaming. He afterward engaged in teaming for two years in Jefferson county and subsequently removed to northern Colorado, where he devoted a year to similar work. He also spent one year on a ranch in Arapahoe county and next went to Elbert county. Colorado, where he devoted three years to ranching. Since that date he has again lived in Douglas county and has given his attention to ranching in this part of the state. In 1917 he purchased his present place and thus became owner of six hundred acres of rich and valuable land, known as the Twin Spring ranch. This place is devoted to dairying and stock raising and is well adapted for both. It is well watered, the valleys are extremely fertile and large crops of corn, wheat and oats can be easily raised, while the mountain sides afford excellent pasturage for his stock. The ranch is pleasantly situated on West Plum creek and the business is wisely and carefully conducted.
On the 12th of October, 1912, Mr. McInroy was united in marriage to Miss Maude Curtis, a daughter of Henry Curtis, a jeweler of Littleton and a son of Captain Curtis, who was Mr. McInroy's grandfather in the maternal line. Mrs. McInroy is a high school graduate. They are widely known in Douglas county and enjoy the warm regard of all with whom they have been associated.
Mr. McInroy belongs to the Grange, P. O. H., at Sedalia. His political endorsement is given to the democratic party and he has filled the office of deputy sheriff of Douglas county for six years. He is always loyal in matters of citizenship and stands for those interests and activities which constitute elements of the greatest progress in the life of community, commonwealth or country.
J. G. EVANS.
For thirty-three years J. G. Evans has been connected with agricultural interests near Table Rock, Colorado, where he now owns a valuable property comprising seventeen hundred and fifty acres. His well improved ranch and good buildings stand as a monument to his industry and progressive methods, which have led to the substantial success that is now bis. A native of Iowa, Mr. Evans was born in Allamakee county in 1856, a son of L. W. and Elizabeth (Shober) Evans. The father was born in Kentucky and the mother in Pennsylvania, but early in life the young couple removed to a place near Rochester, Minnesota, where they made their home for twelve years. Thence they migrated to Wyandotte county, Kansas, where they remained for ten years, and for the following five years were located in northwestern Missouri and there both the father and mother spent their remaining days.
J. G. Evans was reared under the parental roof and was brought up amid farm sur- roundings, assisting bis father in the work of the fields until he was twenty-eight years of age. when, in 1884, he came to Colorado. Having heard many favorable reports in regard to the opportunities of the west, he decided upon this state, and in the fol- lowing year homesteaded at Table Rock, where he has since devoted his attention to the successful operation of his land. As his means increased he added to his holdings until he now owns seventeen hundred and fifty acres. Much of the land is highly im- proved and he also has added suitable buildings and instituted modern equipment, so that his property is today considered one of the most valuable in his section of the state. This gratifying success has heen brought about entirely through his own labors, his modern methods and his close application, and as his prosperity has been so honorably won it is well merited, his career standing as an example of what can be accomplished hy an indomitable spirit, judiciously guided into practical channels.
In 1884 J. G. Evans was united in marriage to Elvina C. Evans, his first cousin, who was born in Missouri and was there reared. In 1913, after twenty-nine years of happy married life, Mrs. Evans was called to her final rest, being deeply mourned by her sorrowing husband who in her lost a true helpmate; and by the many friends whom she had made while a resident of Tahle Rock. Her endearing womanly qualities won to her the hearts of all who came in contact with her and in her community she left a place which it has not been easy to fill.
Mr. Evans is numbered among the leading citizens of his community and in war service work has taken a laudable and helpful part, giving much of his time to his duties as chairman of the committee for Tahle Rock and vicinity in putting his town
.
J. G. EVANS
MRS. J. G. EVANS From photo taken in 1885
.
THE J. G. EVANS RANCH
397
HISTORY OF COLORADO
over the top in Liberty Loan, Red Cross and Young Men's Christian Association cam- paigns. Fraternally Mr. Evans is a Knight of Pythias, belonging to the lodge at Colo- rado Springs. He has always enjoyed traveling and has made a number of trips to the northwest and to the Pacific coast, being well acquainted with the points of interest in this part of the country. He stands as a high type of a successful western ranchman and loyal American citizen.
HENRY L. LOWELL.
Henry L. Lowell, well known and well liked in Douglas county, where he is engaged in ranching, was born near Sedalia, February 9, 1876, and has been a lifelong resident of Douglas county. In connection with the sketch of his brother, C. H. Lowell, on another page of this work, reterence is made to his parents. He acquired a common school education and after his textbooks were put aside was in business at Littleton for twelve years, having charge of the Littleton Creamery during that period. He after- ward spent a year on a ranch near Parker, Colorado, and then removed to his present place of residence, which is known as the O. V. ranch. For a number of years he conducted this place in connection with John C. Murray, Jr., of Denver, but two years ago bought out his partner's interest and now owns the property in his own name. The ranch embraces five thousand acres of land and is one of the largest, if not the largest. of privately owned ranches in Douglas county. It is a valuable property, splendidly equipped and improved, and upon it he has five hundred head of full-blooded Hereford cattle. His business interests are very extensive and most carefully and wisely con- ducted and he is actuated by a spirit of enterprise and progress in all that he under- takes. The ranch is situated on Plum creek and Mr. Lowell has his own irrigation plant, irrigating several hundred acres. He has also planned to build an irrigation project on the ranch that will include a reservoir to cover two hundred acres and hold sufficient water to irrigate the valley for miles.
On the 7th of August, 1901, Mr. Lowell was married to Miss Maude Everett, who pursued her education in a Denver convent and in the high school, from which she was graduated. Mr. and Mrs. Lowell are members of the Episcopal church at Castle Rock. Fraternally he is a Royal Arch Mason, belonging to the blue lodge at Sedalia and to Colorado Chapter, No. 29, R. A. M., of Denver. He is also connected with Sedalia Lodge, No. 142, I. O. O. F .; and with the Woodmen of the World at Castle Rock. His political endorsement is given to the republican party but he has never been desirous of holding office. He and his wife have traveled extensively in the United States. making several trips to the Pacific coast as well as to the Atlantic seaboard. His success has enabled them to have periods of leisure in which to enjoy such trips and, moreover, his prosperity should serve to encourage and inspire others, for like the great majority he had to start out in life without capital. However, he early recog- nized the eternal principle that industry wins and industry became the beacon light of his life. Centuries ago a Greek sage, Epicharmus, said: "Earn thy reward: the gods give nought to sloth." The truth of this admonition Henry L. Lowell thoroughly understood and his business career has been characterized by close application, well defined plans promptly executed and indefatigable energy displayed in the accomplish- ment of every purpose which he has undertaken. Douglas county indeed has reason to number him among her most prominent citizens.
WILLIAM D. NASH.
William D. Nash is one of the early settlers of Colorado, well known in Denver, where for many years he has made his home and conducted an undertaking and em- balming business. He was born in Hudson Falls, New York, April 19, 1862, a son of Harvey Bennett and Mary June (Dunham) Nash. The father was born at Dorset. Ver- mont, while the mother's birth occurred at Hudson Falls, New York, where for many years they resided, their last days being there passed. The father was engaged in the furniture business and was one of the most highly respected citizens and substantial merchants of that section. The early ancestors of the Nash family came from England, the line being traced back to the year 1632.
William D. Nash was the youngest of a family of four children and in early life was a pupil in the public schools of Hudson Falls, New York, while later he attended
398
HISTORY OF COLORADO
the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy, New York. He was graduated on the completion of an academic course when twenty-one years of age, after which he took up the business of undertaking and embalming. He thoroughly learned the work and became the active associate of his father in that business. He continued to reside in the east until 1889, when he came to Denver and for a time was employed as an embalmer by the firm of Farmer & Hale, then well known undertakers of the city. He remained in their employ until 1892, when he established business on his own account and has since continued active in that field, being long recognized as one of Denver's leading undertakers. He maintains a fine home mortuary known as the Nash and he is today the third oldest in point of connection with the undertaking business in the city. Ever carrying a carefully selected line of undertaking goods and supplies and conducting the business along the most scientific lines, with the utmost care and tact in funeral directing, he has built up his business to extensive proportions. He is also one of the directors of the Capitol Hill State Bank.
In 1884 Mr. Nash was united in marriage to Miss Susie De Maugh, of Hudson Falls, New York, a daughter of Charles and Emma De Maugh. They have two children: Chauncey Harvey, who was born in Denver and died in 1898; and William D., who was born in Denver in February, 1897, and is a graduate of the East Denver high school. He is now in active service, being connected with the quartermaster's depart- ment of the United States army at Fort Logan.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.