History of Colorado; Volume IV, Part 48

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

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Mr. Nash is a Knight Templar and Shriner. He also belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and to the Knights of Pythias and has membership in the Denver Athletic Club and the Denver Motor Club, having served as president of the latter for three years. He is also identified with the Sons of the American Revolution. One of the representatives of the Nash family was Captain Moses Nash, who served as a lieutenant and captain in the Revolutionary war. It was Thomas Nash who came from England and settled at Hadley, Massachusetts, where he became a man of promi- nence. In the maternal line William D. Nash is also descended from Revolutionary war ancestry, for his mother's people came from England during the early colonization of the new world.

The religious faith of Mr. Nash is that of the Episcopal church. His associations indicate much of the nature of his interests and the rules which govern his conduct. He stands at all times for progress and improvement for the individual and for the community, and his aid and influence have ever been counted upon to further public progress along all beneficial lines.

JOHN R. CAMPBELL.

For forty-six years John R. Campbell has resided upon the farm which he owns and operates in Douglas county. His labors have resulted in the development of an excellent property and although he has now reached the seventieth milestone on life's journey he is still active in the work of the fields. He was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, November 13, 1848, a son of Isaac and Nancy J. Campbell, the former a native of Maryland, while the latter was born in Virginia. The ancestors of both came over during early colonial days. The father was of Scotch lineage, while the mother came of Scotch and Irish ancestry.

John R. Campbell pursued his education in the schools of Pennsylvania and the year 1872 witnessed his arrival in Colorado, at which time he was a young man of twenty-four years. He at once homesteaded in Douglas county and still owns the property which he then acquired. The family holdings, including land owned by his son and son-in-law, approximate six thousand acres. This is the largest family holding in this part of Colorado. Corporations own as large tracts but no single family has as large land ownership. Throughout all the intervening years Mr. Campbell has con- tinued active in the work of the farm, which displays his skill and care in its excellent appearance, its fine buildings and in its splendid improvements. He is thoroughly posted on everything that pertains to agriculture and is an authority upon the care and methods used in the breeding of horses and cattle. He has had extensive experience in stock raising and the results achieved have been most gratifying. The Campbell farm is a model in every respect and John R. Campbell has long been regarded as one of the foremost agriculturists in his part of the state.

In 1886 Mr. Campbell was united in marriage to Miss Rosa B. Schultz, a cultured and refined woman, who takes a deep interest in all that pertains to the betterment of the conditions of women on the farm. The children of this marriage are as follows.

JOHN R. CAMPBELL

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Emma is now the wife of John Smith, who was born in Colorado City, Colorado, a son of Charles E. Smith, who surveyed the original town of Colorado City when it was the capital of the state. John Smith is a partner of his father-in-law in the ownership of twelve hundred and fifty acres of land. Isaac Campbell, now on the farm, also has large land holdings. Edith is the wife of Earl Routon. Carl and Clyde are fourteen and nine years of age respectively.

One cannot carry his investigations far into the history of Douglas county without learning of the close connection of the Campbell family with all that has pertained to the upbuilding and development of this region, for from pioneer times John R. Campbell has here made his home, covering a period of forty-six years. Feeling the lure of the west, he came to Colorado and its opportunities have ever been to him a call to action. His well defined plans have been promptly executed and his energy has enabled him to overcome all difficulties and obstacles and steadily proceed along the path of prosperity.

MICHAEL F. O'DAY.

Michael F. O'Day,. postmaster of Lafayette, Colorado, was born in Keokuk, Iowa, January 9, 1876, a son of John and Catherine (Newell) O'Day, who were natives of Ireland, whence they came to the new world in 1868, first settling in Hancock county. Illinois, while subsequently they removed to Iowa and took up their abode upon a farm. In 1884 they became residents of Nebraska, where they lived for a year, and then came to Colorado, where they still make their home. The father is now retired from active business affairs. In their family were eleven children, nine of whom survive.

Michael F. O'Day was a lad of ten years when brought to Colorado and his education was largely acquired in the schools of this state. He remained at home until he reached the age of twenty-four years, when he was married to Miss Anna F. Schweiger, who was born in Colorado and is a daughter of John and Margaret (Mayhoffer) Schweiger, the former a native of Austria and the latter of Germany. Her parents came to the United States in the '60s and settled first in Pennsylvania but afterward removed to Colorado, where both passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. O'Day have been born two children: David W., who is a graduate of the Lafayette high school; and Catherine M.

Following his marriage Mr. O'Day devoted his attention to coal mining and was engaged in that business for a number of years. or until 1913, when President Wilson appointed him to the position of postmaster of Lafayette, in which connection he has made an excellent record, reappointment continuing him in the office for a second term. He is very prompt, systematic and capable in the discharge of his duties and has proven a popular official. His political allegiance has always been given to the democratic party and he is a firm believer in its principles. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and his religious faith is that of the Catholic church, of which his wife and children are also communicants.

JAMES W. KAYLOR. M. D.

Dr. James W. Kaylor, who has been engaged in the practice of medicine in Akron, Colorado, for a number of years, is classed with the younger physicians and surgeons of the state and has already built up au enviable reputation because of his success in a number of complicated cases in which he has applied modern ideas and the latest discoveries to good purpose. As his reputation has spread his practice has increased and today his clientele is important and his income is a gratifying one. He was born in Graham, Alabama, January 2, 1877, a son of John T. and Millie (Cosper) Kaylor, natives of that state. The father is engaged along agricultural lines and has also con- ducted a mercantile establishment throughout his life, which has been passed entirely within the state of his birth. He has always taken a laudable interest in affairs of a public nature and the confidence and trust his fellow citizens have in him is expressed in the fact that for six years he has served as probate judge of his district. Both he and his wife are still living.

James W. Kaylor was reared under the parental roof and in the acquirement of his education attended the schools iu the neighborhood of his home until he was thoroughly prepared to take up his professional course, which he pursued in the Southern Medical College at Atlanta, Georgia, which is now the State University. He is a grad- uate of the class of 1897, receiving his M. D. degree when he was only twenty years

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of age. He then practiced medicine for six years in his native state but in 1903 decided to locate farther west, believing that the future of a physician would be of greater promise in a newer country. He arrived in Durango. Colorado, in 1903 and there maintained offices until 1905, when he came to Akron. Here he has since practiced and as the years have passed the number of his patients has increased, so that he now receives a gratifying income from his professional labors. Dr. Kaylor is a careful diagnostician, employing the latest methods and discoveries in order to define the nature of any case which may come under his care, and he seldom, if ever, fails to reach the correct solution as to his cases. Having once decided upon a course of remedy, however, he follows out his conclusions unswervingly and rarely fails to bring about the. desired recovery. His standing in the profession is well established and in difficult cases he is often consulted by his fellow practitioners. Dr. Kaylor has not only achieved success in medicinal cases hut his reputation as a surgeon is equally high.

In January, 1902, James W. Kaylor was united in marriage to Elizabeth White, who is also a physician, being a graduate of the Birmingham (Ala.) Medical College. She ably assists her husband, with whom she practices. To Dr. and Mrs. Kaylor were born three children: John W., attending school; Elizabeth; and Margaret, who died at the age of seven months.

Dr. Kaylor keeps in contact with the latest discoveries and the newest methods in the field of medical science through his connection with the Northeast Colorado Medical Society, the Colorado State Medical Society and the American Medical Association and is prominent in these organizations, in the proceedings of which he actively partici- pates. Studious by nature, he continually improves his knowledge in his particular line and therefore ranks with the most efficient medical men of his section. He is at present serving as county physician and that he has discharged his duties faithfully and to the satisfaction of the public is evident from the fact that he has now hield that office for eight years. Politically he is a democrat, unfailingly giving his support to that party, but he has no political aspirations as far as he himself is concerned. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church and fraternally he belongs to the Elks. As Dr. Kaylor has prospered he has invested in property and today owns valuable farm lands in the county. At the present writing he is building a handsome family residence which he expects to make a home of hospitality for the many friends whom both he and his wife have made since they have taken up their abode in Akron. All matters of public welfare and public advancement receive his serious consideration and he is ever ready to lend a helping hand in order to promote measures which he con- siders of value to his community.

BENJAMIN G. NORVELL.

Agricultural interests of Monument and that section of the state find a foremost representative in Benjamin G. Norvell, who has participated in the progress Colorado has made for forty-five years, having arrived in this state in 1873. Although seventy- four years of age Mr. Norvell is still active in his farming pursuits and is now numbered among the prosperous agriculturists of El Paso county, owning four hundred and twenty-one acres of land near Table Rock. A native of Virginia, he was born August 4, 1844, a son of Hugh and Mary J. (Foster) Norvell, also natives of the Old Dominion, born in Adams county. While Benjamin G. Norvell was yet a boy his parents removed to Pike county, Missouri, in which state they resided during the time when the Civil war broke out. Hugh J. Norvell. the father, was greatly affected by the conflict, as he was a large slave-holder at that time, and Benjamin G. Norvell enlisted in the sharpshooters cavalry, serving for nearly two years with the Con- federate army, during which period he was wounded twice.

Mulheim, a native of Missouri, and to this union seven children were born, five sons

In 1871 Mr. Norvell of this review was united in marriage to Miss Mary Elizabeth and two daughters: Tullie, a resident of Denver; Martha, who married W. W. Kirk and resides at Colorado Springs; Tony, who makes his home in Idaho; Cleave, at home; William, who served with the United States army in France and who returned in January, 1919; Marvin, at home; and Sallie, who died in August, 1917.

The year 1873 marked the arrival of Mr. Norvell in Colorado, the family coming in that year to El Paso county, where our subject homesteaded near Table Rock. He has since devoted his entire attention to the development of his farm and as his means have increased he has added to his acreage until today he owns four hundred Vol. IV-26

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and twenty-one acres, much of which is in a good state of cultivation. He has added commodious buildings and installed modern equipment and by following progressive and modern methods has made his property one of the valuable ones of the neighbor- hood. In his political affiliations he is a democrat, readily supporting that party, but has never been an aspirant for office. However, he is interested in the general welfare and ever ready to give his support to worthy measures which have for their purpose the benefit of the public and since coming to El Paso county, of which he is one of the pioneers, has made many friends, all of whom speak of him in the highest terms.

JOHN L. WILLIS.

John L. Willis, living six miles southeast of Fort Collins, on section 22, town- ship 7, range 68, west, in Larimer county, was born in Rockville, Connecticut, Sep- tember 5, 1850, a son of Jesse and Nancy R. (Martin) Willis, who were also natives of that state. The father was a farmer by occupation and followed that pursuit in Connec- ticut throughout his entire life, there passing away August 21, 1887. He had long survived his wife, whose death occurred November 19, 1861.

Their son, John L. Willis, was reared and educated in Connecticut, remaining under the parental roof until he had attained his majority, after which he was employed at farm labor for several years or until 1875, when he left Connecticut and came to Colorado, settling in Larimer county. There he was employed as a ranchman and took a band of sheep on shares for the first year. He put all the money he had in the sheep, but ill luck attended the venture, the sheep dying, so that he lost heavily. In 1877, however, he purchased his present place of one hundred and sixty acres, at which time there was nothing upon it but a shanty. With characteristic energy he began its improvement and developed it into a fine place. He has continuously operated his farm through the Intervening years, and although he has sold half of the place, he still farms eighty acres. He makes a business of feeding sheep, which pursuit he has followed for a considerable period, and he is today recognized as one of the suc- cessful sheep raisers of Larimer county. He also fed cattle for some years but does not give his attention to cattle any longer. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Bank of Timnath and he was president of the Lake Canal Ditch Company for a number of years. He is still connected therewith as one of the stockholders and is likewise a stockholder in the Lake Canal Reservoir Company.

On the 22d of November, 1877, Mr. Willis was married to Miss Luella A. Cobb, a daughter of Royal and Eliza A. Cobb, who were natives of Connecticut. The father followed farming and about 1873 came to Colorado, where he took up a homestead in Larimer county, giving his attention to its further development and improvement throughout the remainder of his days, his death occurring about 1893. His widow survived him until 1898. To Mr. and Mrs. Willis were born seven children, four of whom are living: Edith, the wife of S. R. Giddings, an automobile dealer of Timnath; Dora, the wife of Robert Strang, residing at Fort Collins; Arthur J., at home; Howard, living at Timnath; Frank, who died August 18, 1897; Leila, who passed away June 29, 1904; and Laura, whose death occurred July 12, 1898. The family circle was again broken by the hand of death when on the 27th of March, 1908, the wife and mother passed away after a short illness.

Mr. Willis has served on the school board for a number of years and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart friend and supporter. He belongs to the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows at Fort Collins and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church. Politically he is an earnest republican and at all times he stands for those interests which are of most value in connection with the public life of his community.

WILLIAM GILPIN NEWLIN.

A representative of agricultural interests in Douglas county, William Gilpin New- lin, of Parker, now owns a valuable property in the vicinity which has been brought to a high state of cultivation, it being at the present time in charge of his son, Harry A., who has proven himself well fitted for his position as manager. William G. Newlin is a native of the west. his birth having occurred at Albert Lea, Minnesota, in 1856, his parents being William Gilpin and Elizabeth (Martin) Newlin, who had migrated to

MR. AND MRS. JOHN L. WILLIS

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Minnesota from Pennsylvania. They removed to Colorado in 1865, when Mr. Newlin of this review was but nine years of age, so that he received his education partly in the former and partly in the latter state. Removal from Minnesota was made by bull team, and thirty head of cattle were taken along on the trip, which was fraught with hardships and difficulties, in fact it took about three months, from May 20th until August 20th, to complete the journey. William H. Newlin, Sr., however, proved by subsequent events that he had made no mistake in seeking the opportunities of the greater west, for in Colorado he found those chances which permitted him to care for his family in an adequate manner. For a number of years he ran cattle on the range and did an extensive cattle business, but in 1870 he homesteaded near Parker, this homestead being now part of the seven hundred and twenty acre ranch which our subject owns and which is situated slightly east of the town. During the rest of his life Mr. Newlin, Sr., devoted his attention to his homestead, while now his son and the latter's son, Harry A., carry on the work of improvement and development and have made this property one of the most valuable in the vicinity. The farm is to a large extent devoted to dairying and they keep from thirty to forty cows, while about one hundred and twenty-five acres of the land are under cultivation. Through indus- try and foresight they have made the property very valuable and the land is now bear- ing rich harvests, making Mr. Newlin independent. He has always followed progressive ideas and methods and he and his family enjoy the reputation of being successful farmers.

William G. Newlin was united in marriage to Miss Nannie E. Adams, who was a native of Missouri, and they had two children, a son and a daughter. Pearl M., the daughter, married Charles Cummings and they reside on a ranch near Brookvale, Colorado. They had five children, Charles, Hazel, Forest, George and one who died in infancy. Harry Adams, the son, was reared under the parental roof and received his first lessons for life's responsible duties under the guidance of his good parents. Having attended neighboring schools in order to obtain a primary education, he later was a student in the East Denver high school and rounded out his education by taking a business course in the Wallace Business College. Thus he laid the foundation for a successful career and has since proven his ability as manager of his father's ranch, of which he now has charge and upon which he has instituted a number of improve- ments which have proven of great value. Moreover, Harry A. Newlin has talent in another direction, as he is an accomplished piano player, having performed in some of Denver's best theatres and at numerous other places of entertainment, his reputation being of the highest. He is very popular among the younger people of Parker and vicinity, where he has many friends. While he displays agreeable social characteristics and makes a good and cheerful companion, he does not lose site of the serious side of life, well taking care of the business interests in his charge. Mrs. Newlin, who for many years administered this ideal household, whose welfare and comfort were always her greatest care, has now passed away.

Mr. Newlin is a democrat, but while interested in public affairs and thoroughly posted thereon has never shown any desire for public office. Since coming to Douglas county he has made many friends, all of whom are agreed as to his high qualities of heart and character, and in business life he stands high, as all of his transactions have ever been above the slightest suspicion. Industry. perseverance and good judg- ment have been the qualities which have led him to success.

SAMUEL GRIMES.

Samuel Grimes is the president of the Denver Metal & Machinery Company, with offices at Thirteenth and Larimer streets, and warehouses and yards at from First to Third and Larimer streets. The business was begun in a small way in 1898 and, grow- ing apace with the city of Denver, has become the largest in the state, with yards covering two city blocks, in addition to which there are mammoth machinery ware- houses, conveniently located with railroad connections for easier handling the heavy machinery for out-of-town delivery. Through the efforts of Mr. Grimes, who has ever been the guiding spirit of the undertaking, it has developed into one of the leading industrial interests of the city.

Mr. Grimes was born in Russia in 1871, a son of Israel and Rosa Grimes, who were also natives of that country but came to America in 1890. They made their way direct to Denver. where the father engaged in the iron business to the time of his death, which occurred in 1894. His widow survives and is still a resident of Denver. In

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their family were six children: Edward, Benjamin, Samuel, Joseph, Mrs. Tillie Mill- stadt and Mrs. Sadie Sachter, all residents of Denver.

Samuel Grimes attended the public schools of Denver and afterward started out in the business world in connection with the iron industry. His entire training and experience have been along this line and. as stated, in 1898 he organized the Denver Metal Company, which he subsequently reorganized into the Denver Metal & Machinery Company. Its growth has been steady and continuous, although phenomenal when one thinks of the small start and the proportions to which the business has attained. Samuel Grimes is the president of the company, with Joseph Grimes as vice president · and Benjamin Grimes as secretary. This is a close corporation, the stock all being held by the three brothers.

On the 26th of June, 1892, Samuel Grimes was married to Miss Anna Karsh, of Denver, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Karsh, and they have six children. Max, the eldest, born October 11, 1894, in Salt Lake City, is a graduate of the Denver high school and of the Colorado School of Mines and is now in business with his father. He married Miss Fannie Shapiro and they have two children: Louise Harriett, who was born in Denver in 1917; and Charles A., born in Denver in October, 1918. Isador Grimes, born in Denver, June 20, 1896, is a graduate of the Denver high school and was in the officers' training camp at Camp Pike. David Grimes, born April 25, 1900, is attending the University of Denver. Dorothy, born December 25, 1901, is a high school pupil. Pauline, born December 19, 1903, is also a high school student. Joseph, born May 18, 1907, is attending the junior high school.

In politics Mr. Grimes maintains an independent course. Fraternally he is con- nected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and his religious faith is indicated in bis membership in Temple Emanuel. His has been an active and useful life. He has never dissipated his energies over a broad field but has concentrated his efforts along a single line, and the thoroughness with which he has undertaken his work and his earnest purpose have been dominant elements in the attainment of the success which has brought him to the head of one of the leading industries of the kind in Colorado.

GEORGE W. HEFFNER.

George W. Heffner, president and general manager of the Heffner Lumber & Manu- facturing Company of Denver, is one of the best known men in the lumber trade in the western country and his interests along this line constitute one of Denver's most rapidly growing business concerns. He was born in Watsontown, Pennsylvania, September 4, 1861, a son of John S. and Mary E. (Watts) Heffner. The father was born near Reading, Pennsylvania, and the mother near Turbotville, that state. They removed to Elwood, Indiana, in 1876 and there the father engaged in contracting and in the lumber business. At the time of the Civil war he responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting as a private for four years' service in a Pennsylvania company. He was ever loyal to the interests of his country and was a progressive and substantial citizen of Indiana, where both he and his wife passed away. They had a family of four children: George W., of this review; Thomas W .; Mrs. Lillie Lee, of Elwood, Indiana; and John, who resides at Hamilton, Ohio.

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History of Colorado; Volume IV, Part 48

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