USA > Colorado > History of Colorado; Volume IV > Part 52
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On the 8th of September, 1890, Mr. McElravy was united in marriage to Miss Tilla Heath, who passed away on the 2d of February, 1892. In 1895 Mr. McElravy was again married, his second union being with Nina Lee, by whom he has had five children, namely: Pearl, who is the wife of Roland West, a farmer of Larimer county; Millard, who died in 1897, at the age of eighteen months; Mildred, twenty-one years of age; Della, aged sixteen; and Roy, a lad of ten, who completes the family.
Mr. McElravy is a member of the school board and the cause of education finds in him an earnest supporter. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the Woodmen of the World and in his political views is a stanch republican. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church and in its teachings are found the rules which govern him in all of his relations with his fellowmen.
EDWIN L. PITCHER.
Edwin L. Pitcher, living on section 22, township 7, range 68 west, in Larimer county, his ranch being pleasantly situated about five miles southeast of Fort Collins, was born in Boonville, New York, December 5, 1864, a son of Ephraim and Jane (Franklin) Pitcher, who were also natives of Boonville, New York. The father, a farmer by occupation, removed westward to Larimer county, Colorado, in 1886 and here cultivated rented land for many years. He afterward took up his abode in Fort Collins and was in charge of the dormitory at the State Agricultural College for three years. There he continued to make his home until his life's labors were ended in death in September, 1908. He had long survived his wife, who died in July, 1867.
Edwin L. Pitcher spent his youthful days in New York and Ohio, his father hav- ing removed to the latter state when he was a youth of thirteen. When a lad of fifteen he started work on the railroad as a brakeman in the employ of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern and was also for a time employed on the lines of the Pennsylvania system. He continued in that connection until 1883, when he came west to Denver, where he was employed until the fall of 1884. He then worked as a cowboy until 1887, when he rented land and began ranching, cultivating that place until 1900, when he bought land, which he further developed and improved through a period of five years. In 1906 he made investment in his present place, comprising one hundred and sixty acres. and with characteristic energy began its further cultivation and development. His is a splendid ranch property, forming one of the attractive features of the land- scape by reason of the excellent buildings, the well kept fences, the highly cultivated fields and the air of neatness and thrift which pervades the entire place. Mr. Pitcher has made a business of feeding sheep since 1902 and in former days he herded cattle on the government range for a period of almost two decades, or from 1888 until 1906. He also ranged horses and he now makes a specialty of raising Percheron horses. In addition to his home property he owns a well improved farm to the northwest, which his son operates. He has served as president of the Lake Canal Ditch and as superin- tendent of the Lake Canal Reservoir Systems and is much interested in the subject
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of irrigation and in all of the problems connected therewith. His aid and influence have ever been on the side of practical progress and improvement and his work has been productive of excellent results.
On the 10th of June, 1890, Mr. Pitcher was married to Miss Belle Hulbert, who was born in Wisconsin, December 24. 1872, a daughter of Joseph and Samantha (Deberry) Hulbert, who were likewise natives of Wisconsin. The father was a millwright and worked at the trade until he came to Colorado in 1889, when he rented land in Larimer county, which he continued to cultivate for about four years. He then retired and removed to Fort Collins, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in November, 1910. His wife passed away in July, 1908. To Mr. and Mrs. Pitcher have been born seven children: Edwin, whose birthi occurred in March, 1892; Raymond J., who was born in May, 1893, and is now operating one of his father's farms; Harry F., who was born in December, 1895, and is a member of a balloon squad at West Point, Kentucky; Arthur B., whose birth occurred in April, 1896; Dorothy J., who was born in July, 1898, and is attending business college; William H., who was born in April, 1900, and is a high school student; and Lynn E., who was born in February, 1904, and is also attending high school.
Mr. Pitcher exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party but has never been an office seeker. He belongs to the Bene- volent Protective Order of Elks and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. They are well known residents of Larimer county and the intelligently directed efforts of Mr. Pitcher have gained him position among the representative ranchmen of this section of the state.
THOMAS J. CHANCELLOR.
Thomas J. Chancellor has since February, 1916, ably filled the position of post- master at Brighton and for about two decades prior to that time was actively identi- fied with agricultural interests in Adams county. His birth occurred in Howard county, Missouri, in 1864, his parents being John R. and Catherine (Blankenbaker) Chancellor. The mother's people removed from Virginia to Missouri during the pio- neer period in the development of the latter state.
Thomas J. Chancellor acquired his early education in the public schools of his native state and subsequently spent three years as a college student at Fayette, Missouri. He was but a lad of twelve years when his father died, and when but sixteen years old, the management of the homestead fell upon him, he being the eldest son in a family of four sons and three daughters. He took full charge of the farm of three hundred and twenty acres, and so ably did he conduct its affairs that within a few years, the property was cleared of all incumbrance, the younger members of the family were given splendid educational advantages, while he. himself, was enrolled for a course of study in the college at Fayette. Following his college course, he returned again to the home farm and continued there in charge until 1895. In the meantime, he had purchased, an additional tract of one hundred and thirty-seven acres which he managed and cultivated, in conjunction with the homestead. All of these changes were consummated as the direct result of his successful management, and though he was but a boy when first faced with the stern realities of existence, both for himself and also for those dependent upon him, he soon won recognition as one of the most successful and progressive agriculturists in his native state. He made careful study of soil and conditions, and applied with a marked degree of success, modern methods and advanced practices which resulted in bringing, not alone, satis- factory financial returns to him, but also constituted a factor in the development of his district. Mr. Chancellor's mother continued to make her home on the old home- stead until her death, in 1918, at the ripe age of eighty-eight years.
In 1895, Mr. Chancellor came to Colorado, since which time he has taken active part in the development of his adopted state. He took up his abode near Brighton, and for ten years devoted his efforts and attention to the management of an irrigated farm of eight hundred acres. At the end of the decade he removed to Brighton and began farming the M. J. Lawrence ranch, which he successfully conducted until appointed postmaster of the town in February, 1916. In this connection he has since discharged his duties with capability and promptness and is making a most excellent record as a public official.
On the 26th of June, 1894, in Helena, Montana, Mr. Chancellor was united in marriage to Miss Stella Smith, a daughter of Wilson R. and Mary D. (Miller) Smith,
THOMAS J. CHANCELLOR
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who removed from Glasgow, Missouri, to Helena, Montana, in the early '70s. Mr. and Mrs. Chancellor have a daughter, Mary Porter Chancellor. In the work of the Preshy- terian church Mr. Chancellor takes a very active and helpful part, being one of its leading members. He also belongs to the Woodmen of the World. His life has been upright and honorable in every relation and he well merits the respect and esteem accorded him in his home community.
ADAM BAXTER.
Adam Baxter, postmaster of Wellington, was born in Ireland, February 25, 1850, 1 a son of George and Eliza (Birch) Baxter, who were natives of the Emerald isle, where the father engaged in business as a linen manufacturer and also followed farm- ing. He died in that country in 1878, while his widow survived until 1885.
Adam Baxter spent his youthful days under the parental roof and pursued his education in the schools of his native country. He continued to assist his father after his textbooks were put aside, becoming actively identified with the linen manufacturing business there, to which he succeeded upon the father's death. He continued in that business for ten years and then sold his interests to his brother, for he had become imbued with an irresistible desire to try his fortune in America. Crossing the Atlantic, he made his way westward to Fremont, Nebraska, where he arrived about 1888. He there worked in a hardware store for eighteen years and on the expiration of that period came to Colorado, settling at Wellington, where for two years he was . manager of a hardware store. He was next appointed postmaster and has since con- tinuously served in that position, being the incumbent in the office at the present time.
In June, 1876, Mr. Baxter was married to Miss Letitia Carson and to them were born five children: Elizabeth, the wife of George Coddington, living at San Diego, California; Helen, the wife of W. F. Howard, of Douglass, Kansas; Charlotte, the wife of L. J. Andrews, of Los Angeles, California; Margaret, the wife of Dr. D. C. Brown, of Bisbee, Arizona; and May, the wife of G. R. Miller, who is in the refining office at Casper, Wyoming. The wife and mother passed away in December, 1916, after a lingering illness, her death being deeply regretted by many friends as well as her immediate family and relatives. She was a member of the Presbyterian church, to which Mr. Baxter also belongs. In politics he has maintained an independent course. He has never regretted his determination to come to the new world, for he here found pleasant surroundings and favorable opportunities and he is today numbered among the substantial and highly respected citizens of Wellington.
PETER TURNER.
Peter Turner, now deceased, was numbered among the honored pioneer settlers of Colorado, coming to this state more than a half century ago. He was born in Franklin county, Virginia, in 1838 and spent the days of his boyhood in the Old Dominion. He afterward removed to Iowa, where he took up his abode in 1857, re- maining for four years in that state, during which time he gave his attention to farming. When it was discovered that the mountains of the west were rich in min- erals he resolved to seek his fortune in Colorado and made his way toward this state. In 1861 he crossed the plains, arriving at Central City, after which he embarked in gulch mining. He continued in that work for a number of years, after which he returned to Iowa in 1864 and was there married to Elizabeth Searcy. They began their domestic life upon a farm in that state and for a time he continued in the work of tilling the soil and also followed the stone mason's trade. He continued to make his home in Iowa until 1873, when he again crossed the plains, this time accompanied by his family. He made the long journey with team and wagon, camping at night along the wayside. The Indians were troublesome at that time and the family suffered no little anxiety, fearing an attack from the red men. However, they succeeded in reaching their destination in safety and for four years thereafter Mr. Turner followed mining in the new camp of Sunshine in Boulder county, which afterward became a noted mining camp.
It was in 1876 that Mr. Turner removed to a homestead near Berthoud in Larimer county. It was a tract of barren land upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an
MR. AND MRS. PETER TURNER
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improvement made. He began the work of development, however, and built thereon the first house between the Big Thompson and Little Thompson creeks. In 1884 he laid off a part of his land in town lots, which he sold for building purposes and thus became the founder of the town of Berthoud, which now stands upon a part of his original homestead. It was Mr. Turner who discovered the Emancipation mine and also the Hawkeye mine, which he developed, and he continued to engage in mining at Sunshine after he took up the homestead, making his home, however, at Berthoud, where he spent his remaining days. To Mr. and Mrs. Turner were born six children: Beverly B .; William H., who is mentioned on another page of this work; Susan Sun- shine, who was the first white child born in the Sunshine camp and who for several years was a successful teacher in the public schools; Mattie, the wife of Fenton Mathews; Gustavus A .; and James A.
Mr. Turner was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also of the Rebekahs, as was his wife. The family attended the United Brethren church, in which Mrs. Turner was a great worker, doing everything in her power to promote the growth of the church and extend its influence. Mr. Turner also guided his life accord- ing to its teachings and his career ever measured up to the highest standards of man- hood and citizenship. He was thoroughly reliable, broad-minded, trustworthy in every particular, and when he passed away on the 28th of July, 1912, his death was deeply deplored by all who knew him. For a decade he had survived his wife, who died on the 2d of January, 1902. He was among the oldest of the pioneer settlers of the state, having come first to Colorado more than a half century before, and through the intervening period he had been a most interested witness of all of its changes and growth.
FREDERICK EARLE ROBINSON.
Frederick Earle Robinson. deceased, whose connection with the commercial interests of Colorado Springs was of vital value to the city, was born in Holliston, Massachusetts, March 25, 1853, a son of the Rev. William and Jane (Wynn) Robinson. The father, who was of Irish Protestant descent, being from the north of Ireland, was a Congre- gational minister. The mother was born in Connecticut and both parents died in the east. They had two sons, the brother of Frederick E. Robinson being William Frank- lin Robinson, now a manufacturer of rubber goods in the east.
Frederick E. Robinson attended the public schools of Holliston and of Boston, Massachusetts, and was afterward graduated from the Massachusetts Pharmaceutical College at Boston, having determined to engage in the drug business as a life work. His first position as head prescription clerk was with the Atkinson Drug Company, then, as now, located at the corner of Boylston and Tremont streets in Boston. In this connection Mr. Robinson was regarded as one of the very ablest men in his pro- fession in that city.
In the autumn of 1875, however, Mr. Robinson sought the health-giving air of Colorado, making his way to Colorado Springs. He was the first patient to whom Dr. Knight, the celebrated physician of Boston, recommended the climate of Colorado Springs to recuperate following an attack of pneumonia, and it proved highly efficacious for Mr. Robinson, who decided to remain here. He accepted a position as a prescription clerk in the leading drug store of the town. His advance in a business way was rapid, attended by proportionate financial success. In 1877 he established a drug store of his own at the corner of Pike's Peak avenue aud Tejon street, now known as the "busy corner," and within a short time he had built up a business of large and gratifying proportions. During his active life Mr. Robinson acquired other business properties and at his death was rated as one of the well-to-do men of Colorado. He remained an active factor in the drug trade for a number of years, but the business was sold in 1903 to the Druehl interests of Salt Lake City, although the building occupied by Mr. Robinson is yet a part of the estate.
On the 11th of September, 1877, Frederick E. Robinson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Scotland Mackenzie, who resided in Evanston, Illinois, and in New York city. She came to Colorado in 1875 on account of her grandmother's health. To Mr. and Mrs. Robinson were born the following named: Thomas Mackenzie, now living in Colorado Springs; Jane, the wife of Major Etienne Bujac, now located at Carlsbad, New Mexico, and the mother of a daughter, Adele; Paul, who died in infancy; Fred- erick E., Jr., who is with the Ingersoll Manufacturing Company of Rockford, Illinois; Beatrice, who died at the age of eight years; Lucy, who passed away at the age of
FREDERICK E. ROBINSON
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eleven; and Winifred Margaret, the wife of Harold Ingersoll, of Broadmoor, by whom she has one son, Winthrop II.
The family circle was again broken by the hand of death when Frederick E. Robinson passed away November 3, 1903, at the Menger Hotel in San Antonio, Texas, being one of the last victims of the yellow fever scourge which swept the southern; part of the United States at that time. He was a Mason who exemplified in his life' the beneficent spirit of the craft and he was a member of all the leading clubs of Colorado Springs. He was universally esteemed and loved. He had the faculty of making friends wherever he went as well as winning success.
GEORGE ELVIN BROWN.
George Elvin Brown, living near Henderson, Colorado, was born near Greensburg, Decatur county, Indiana, on the 19th of September, 1856, his parents being James M. and Rhoda Emily (Stout) Brown, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work in con- nection with the sketch of another son, Merritt M. Brown.
In the schools of Indiana, George E. Brown pursued his education, having the advantages offered by the district schools. The vacation periods were spent at farm work and he early hecame familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. After his textbooks were put aside he devoted several years to farming, at the end of which time he learned the carpenter's trade.
In 1887 Mr. Brown arrived In Colorado, locating in Denver, and took up general contract work, being thus actively connected with bullding operations for a number of years. While thus engaged he built the Kuner pickle factory and also a number of residences in Denver. Eleven years ago, however, he removed to Barr Lake in connection with his brother, Merritt M. Brown, with whom he had previously been in partnership, and three years ago he bought four acres of land and a home near Henderson. He has a fine residence which is one of the attractive places of the community and in the intervening period he has again given his attention to contract- ing and building. He has developed high efficiency along this line, and his skill and ability are recognized in a liberal patronage.
In Shelbyville, Indiana, on the 28th of May, 1884, Mr. Brown was united in marrlage to Miss Agnes Greer, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (McGuire) Greer. Mrs. Brown was born and reared in Indiana and there attended school, but her parents were from Virginia. Mr. Brown's first marrlage was with Miss Mary C. Holmes, on November 3, 1880. She died May 5, 1883, and by the marriage Mr. Brown had one son, Claude E., who married Jessie Louise Howell and has a daughter, Evelyn H. Having lost his first wife on August 7, 1905, Claude E. Brown wedded Mrs. Ethel Blakesley and by this union there is one son, Claude Eugene, Jr.
Politically George E. Brown is a repubican and his religious faith is that of the Baptist church. He stands stanchly in support of every cause in which he believes and is a man fearless in the expression of his honest convictions. In a business way he has made steady progress and as the architect of his own fortunes has builded wisely and well.
JOSEPH A. COOPER.
Joseph A. Cooper, deceased, was born in Madison county, Kentucky, in 1844 and died in Kansas City, Missouri, November 29, 1883. His early life was passed upon the home farm of his father in Kentucky and in 1869 he removed to Chillicothe, Missourl, being at that time a young man of twenty-five years. He there became cashier of the Peoples Savings Bank and occupied that position until 1876, when he became a resi- dent of Kansas City, where he entered the wholesale boot and shoe business in con- nection with Dr. J. B. Bell and Victor B. Buck, the firm style of J. A. Cooper & Company being adopted. In this business he remained until January, 1881, when he resumed activity in the field of banking, assisting in the organization of the Citizens National Bank of Kansas City, of which he became the first president, remaining at the head of the institution until death terminated his labors. Honored and respected by all, no man occupied a more enviable position in the business and financial circles of Kansas City than did Joseph A. Cooper, not alone by reason of the success which he achieved
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but also owing to the straightforward business policy which he ever followed, his career at all times measuring up to the highest ethical standards of business life.
It was on the 14th of September, 1871, that Mr. Cooper was united in marriage to Miss Pocahontas Bell, a daughter of Dr. J. B. and Harriett (Ballou) Bell. Her father studied medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, and spent the greater part of his life in Kansas City and in Chillicothe. He was very successful as a practitioner of surgery, his efficiency constantly increasing as the result of broad study and experience. He was one of the early settlers of Missouri and at the time of his death had resided within its borders for a half century. He became interested in commercial affairs and the partner of Mr. Cooper in the wholesale boot and shoe business, and his com- mercial and professional activities made him a most valued resident of his state.
To Mr. and Mrs. Cooper was born a son, Virgil, who married Nellie Campbell and resides near his mother's home in Colorado Springs. Mrs. Cooper also has a sister living, Mrs. Rebecca B. Lapsley, of Kansas City.
For ten years after her husband's demise Mrs. Cooper remained in Kansas City and learned the principles of business in order to successfully manage the property left to her. She then came to Colorado Springs on account of the health of her son and purchased her present home. She now divides her time between Colorado Springs and Kansas City, and her mother, during her life, spent the summer months with Mrs. Cooper. The latter is a life member of the Red Cross and has done a very important share of the war work accomplished by the women of Colorado Springs.
PHILO D. GROMMON.
Philo D. Grommon, a farmer and stockman living about five miles northeast of Berthoud, in Weld county, was born in Denver, Colorado, April 22, 1886, a son of Philo and Lutie J. (Pierce) Grommon, the former a native of Illinois, while the latter was born in Michigan. They arrived in Colorado in 1885 and took up their abode in Denver, where the father spent his remaining days but the mother is still living. They were the parents of three children, all of whom survive.
Philo D. Grommon was reared in Denver and at the usual age became a pupil in its public schools. After mastering the common branches of learning he entered the Colorado School of Mines at Golden, of which he is a graduate, and for three years he followed that line of work. He then came to his present home near Berthoud, leas- ing one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he has since developed, adding to his place many modern improvements. He has continuously cultivated his fields with good results and has been very successful in all of his undertakings.
Mr. Grommon was united in marriage to Miss Vera De France, who was born in Golden, Colorado, a daughter of A. H. and Lucretia C. (Howell) De France, who were natives of Pennsylvania and of Illinois respectively. In their family were five children, four of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Grommon have but one child, Philo, Jr., who was born July 15, 1911.
Fraternally Mr. Grommon is a Mason and has filled all of the chairs in the local lodge. He has proved a worthy exemplar of the craft, ever loyal to the teachings con- cerning the brotherhood of man. His religious faith is that of the Baptist church, while his political belief is that of the republican party. He possesses many sterling traits of character, including reliability and progressiveness in business, loyalty in friendship and devotion to all those interests which make for uplift in the individual and for advancement in the community at large.
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