History of Colorado; Volume IV, Part 78

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

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In his political affiliations, Mr. Young is a republican though he has never sought office. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having been initiated into the mysteries of the order while still a resident of New York state. For forty-two years he has lived in Colorado, witnessing its growth and development and as one of the pioneer settlers a record of his achievements finds a fitting place in this work. He passed through the period of frontier hardships and privations and aided in laying deep and firm the foundation upon which has been built the present progress and prosperity of the state. Both Mr. and Mrs. Young can look back and trace their progress in tokens which bring naught but satisfaction and which bespeak years well spent. Such records stand out upon life's pathway as beacon lights to those who follow after and show what can be accomplished when there is the will to dare and to do.

ELMER E. SCHOFIELD.

Elmer E. Schofield, who is actively connected with farming and stock raising in Boulder county, also is secretary and treasurer of the new Lafayette Farmers Union Elevator Company. Moreover, he is a successful real estate dealer and also has been prominently connected with war work. He was born in Nova Scotia, November 6, 1868, a son of Lewis and Mary (Pickles) Schofield, who were natives of that province. In 1879 they removed westward with their family to Kansas and settled upon a farm, which they occupied for six years. They afterward became residents of Colorado and took up their abode upon a farm in Boulder county. The father, who was a blacksmith by trade, then devoted his time and attention to the development and improvement of that place until his demise and he is still survived by his widow, who is living in Colorado at the age of seventy-five years. Their family numbered nine children and eight of the number survive.

Elmer E. Schofield was reared in the Sunflower state and acquired his education in its public schools. He afterward learned the blacksmith's trade under his father and continued to follow that pursuit until he reached the age of twenty-four years, when he took up farming on his own account in Boulder county. He afterward pur- chased the farm on which he now resides, comprising one hundred and sixty acres of excellent land, all of which is well irrigated, and by reason of its careful cultivation he now gathers good crops and is winning substantial success as the years pass. He not only cultivates the fields but is also raising stock and this branch of his business is likewise proving profitable. Moreover, he has become known in financial circles as one of the directors of the First National Bank of Lafayette. He also is secretary and treasurer of the new Lafayette Farmers Union Elevator Company, an organization which is proving of the greatest benefit to its stockholders. Mr. Schofield also has two places in the mountains as "forest lease," about twenty miles from his home place, where he raises cattle. On his home place he has been particularly suc-

cessful in the raising of sugar beets, having become well known as an expert grower of this crop, and in 1919 will have thirty acres planted to beets. Furthermore, he has a considerable area of his place devoted to hay as well as grain and corn. His home ranch lies in one of the best farming districts in the state. Besides his farming and other activities Mr. Schofield is also successfully engaged in real estate dealing and has built up a considerable business in his home neighborhood but also has concluded many deals in Loveland, Berthoud and the Lone Tree district. Formerly he owned a tract of valuable land northeast of Greeley, Colorado.

In 1892 Mr. Schofield was married to Miss Emma L. Prince, who for several years was vice president of the First National Bank of Lafayette. They have become parents of two children. Ruth V., the daughter, attended high school and the musical depart-

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ment of the University of Denver and is now the wife of William R. Thomas, a pros- perous farmer and a horseman of note, living in Boulder county. The son, Hiram E., is a graduate of the high school and is associated with his father in the operation and further development of the farms. He also is married. Both of the children are talented musicians who have not only acquired a thorough technique and shown more than ordinary ability but have that true understanding and conception of compositions that their authors intended to convey. It is therefore but natural that their interpreta- tions inspired by an inborn musicianship are acclaimed by all those who have had the pleasure of listening to them.

Mr. Schofield votes with the republican party and is conversant with the leading questions and issues of the day but has never sought public office, preferring to give his sole attention to private activities. At one time, however, he was persuaded, several years ago, to become a candidate for county commissioner on the progressive ticket. Throughout the war he efficiently served at a personal sacrifice as chairman of bis district, No. 5, known as the Davidson district, and did valuable work for his country in this connection. Mrs. Schofield is chairman and president of the Red Cross organi- zation of the same district and both she and her husband have done earnest work along Red Cross lines and in fact have liberally contributed to all war organizations, thus assisting in winning the conflict. Giving the first place in their hearts to their coun- try. they have displayed an unquestioned and ardent patriotism and in every sense have "done their bit."

FRED KNAUS.

Fred Knaus, a farmer and stockraiser of Boulder county, is numbered among the native sons of Colorado. He was born February 19, 1886, his parents being Clemens and Eliza Knaus. His youthful days were passed in Boulder county, where he pursued his education, and after completing a course in the public schools he pursued the study of pharmacy and devoted eight years to the drug business. He then became actively connected with agricultural interests, purchasing the farm whereon he now resides. He is the owner of two hundred and thirty acres of excellent land and derives a substantial income as the result of the care and labor which he bestows. upon the fields. He is systematic and thorough in the cultivation of the land and follows progres- sive methods in the production of his crops.

In 1914 Mr. Knaus was united in marriage to Miss Mildred Dodd, a daughter of Harvey and Mary (Dawson) Dodd, who are natives of Colorado and are still living in Boulder county. To Mr. and Mrs. Knaus has been born a daughter, Dorothy Dawn. The parents attend the United Brethren church and in politics Mr. Knaus is a demo- crat, but the honors and emoluments of office have never had attraction for him. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Longmont and in his life exemplifies the benefi- cent spirit of the craft. In fact his career is guided by high and honorable principles at all times and his sterling worth of character is recognized by all with whom he comes in contact.

MRS. MATTIE M. HOWELL.

Mrs. Mattie M. Howell is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Colo- rado. She was born in Boulder county, her parents being Peter A, and Maria A. (Duck) Leyner, mentioned at greater length elsewhere in this work.

It was amid pioneer surroundings that the family were reared, sharing in the hardships and privations of pioneer life and in the subsequent progress and pros- perity which came to many of the settlers of the county. In December, 1881, Mattie M. Leyner became the wife of M. L. Howell. She has three children: Nora S., the wife of J. A. Huber, now living in Denver; Leyner, also of Denver; and Harry E., who is upon the farm with his mother.

Mrs. Howell is the owner of two hundred and eighty acres of rich and productive land, all of which is irrigated. She personally directs the management and operation of the farm and in addition to cultivating the fields is engaged in stock raising. In 1918 she had one hundred and five acres of land planted to sugar beets, which yielded about twenty tons to the acre. She also had twelve acres planted to cabbage in 1918 which netted her forty-eight hundred dollars. She has broad alfalfa fields upon the

MRS. MATTIE M. HOWELL

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ranch and cuts a large amount of hay annually, and has raised both cattle and reg- istered Percheron horses. Mrs. Howell is one of the directors of the Leyner Cotton- wood Consolidated Ditch Company. She possesses splendid business judgment and executive ability and has made her property one of the valuable farms of Boulder county. Everything about the place is indicative of careful supervision and progres- siveness, and neatness and thrift characterize the farm in every particular. Mrs. Howell has lived to see remarkable changes in the county during the long years of her residence here. During her girlhood days there was still much land that was unclaimed and undeveloped, but all this has been taken up and the greater part of the acreage has been transformed into productive fields, while along all lines the work of progress and improvement has been carried steadily forward, making this one of the prosperous and populous counties of the state.

Mrs. Howell is a valued member of the Eastern Star, the Royal Neighbors and the Farmers Union. and has served as committee woman of Precinct No. 6 for several years, thus giving evidence of the helpful interest which she takes in the growth and upbuilding of her community along various lines.

OTTO MEARS.

While the state of Colorado has existence the name of Otto Mears will be an honored one within its borders because of the important part which he has played in its development. He has penetrated into its mountain fastnesses and broken ·paths across its plains. As a builder of toll roads and railroads he has contributed in marked measure to the task of opening up the state for settlement and he is most appropriately called the pathfinder of the San Juan. Now, in the evening of his days. he is making his home in Denver, having passed the seventy-eighth milestone ou life's journey. The worth of his work can scarcely be overestimated and as time gives the perspective which places each individual in his true position, the passing years will serve to heighten his fame and intrench him more firmly as one of the empire builders of Colorado and the west. It will be a surprise to many, knowing what he has accomplished for Colorado, to learn that he is or foreign birth. A native of Russia, his natal day was May 3, 1840, but he was a lad of only twelve years when he accom- panied his parents to the new world, spending his youthful days in San Francisco. In 1861, when twenty-one years of age, he responded to the country's call for three years' troops to serve in the Civil war and became a member of Company H of the First California Volunteers. During a part of his service he was with Kit Carson in the Navajo war and was honorably discharged in, the Messilla valley at the close of his term of enlistment in 1864.

It was then that Mr. Mears accepted a clerkship with the firm of Elsbert & Amberg at Santa Fe and later he obtained a position in the retail store of Staab Brothers. He was constantly alert to the opportunities of the west and after making extended explorations through New Mexico and Arizona he came to Colorado in 1865 and estab- lished a general merchandise business in the old town of Conejos, at which time the county embraced what are now the counties of Conejos. Rio Grande, Mineral, Saguache, Hinsdale, Ouray, San Miguel, Dolores, Montezuma and Archuleta. Aside from conduct- ing his store Mr. Mears formed a partnership with Major Head in the establishment and conduct of a sawmill and a grist mill. No nails were to be obtained in that locality at the time, so that the timbers were mortised and held together by wooden pins. He had to pay eighty dollars a thousand for his lumber and his grist brought twenty dollars a hundred for flour. Mr. Mears proved the pioneer in introducing many improvements into his section of the state. It was he who in 1867 took the first mower, reaper and threshing machine into the San Luis valley, and in order that he faciliate the work of reaching the market with his wheat and other products he built a road from Poncha Pass to the Arkansas valley, this constituting the initial step in the Mears system of toll roads in the San Juan.

As a road builder Mr. Mears became a most active factor in the development and upbuilding of the state. He opened up many highways which have been of the greatest benefit. In 1871, associated with Enos Hotchkiss, he organized a company to build a wagon road from Saguache to Howardsville, in San Juan county, across Cochetopa pass to Cebolla valley and thence to the Lake Fork of the Gunnison. Realiz- ing the fertility of the district and the possibilities for profitable development here, he established the Saguache Chronicle to advertise the resources of the valley and in the following year he incorporated the town of Lake City and founded the Weekly

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Silver World. The first issue of that paper gave an account of the mineral resources of the San Juan region and miners and prospectors rushed to that section of Colorado.

It seems that no phase of Mr. Mears' intensely active business life was without its attendant public benefit. In 1873 he was visited by Mr. Bruner, of Pittsburgh, who had been appointed commissioner to treat with the Ute Indians for a part of the land of San Juan, Ouray, San Miguel and Dolores counties. Mr. Bruner failed in his efforts to secure a removal of the Utes, whereupon Mr. Mears acted as interpreter at a meeting that was held with the Indians and brought about the signing of the treaty by which the Utes were to receive the interest on five hundred thousand dollars. When this was accomplished Mr. Mears began the building of roads through the mountains, his labors resulting in the building of about three hundred miles of what became known as the Mears system of toll roads. It was natural that a man of his prominence and activity should be called upon for public service and in 1876 he was made presi- dential elector from Colorado. While in Washington he induced the postoffice depart- ment to establish a mail route through Uncompahgre agency and Ouray county and the contract therefor was awarded him. There were times when, braving the fierce weather of the San Juan region, he broke the trails for the mail service himself. He was also one of those who assisted in the rescue of Mrs. Meeker, Mrs. Price and Josephine Meeker, following the Meeker massacre, and he took eleven Indians to Washington, acting as their interpreter, and while en route he conveyed Chief Douglas to Fort Leavenworth. Following his arrival in the national capital he was appointed one of five commissioners to make a new treaty with the Utes for eleven million acres of land, covering Montrose, Delta and Mesa counties. The red men claimed that the government did not keep its promises and demanded cash. Mr. Mears, knowing the mental attitude of the Indians, paid them two dollars each and they signed the treaty, after which Commissioners Mannypenny of Ohio and Meachem of Washington filed charges against him, alleging that he had bribed the red men. Secretary Schurz of the interior department took up the matter, which was afterward dismissed by his successor, Secretary Kirkwood, to whom Mr. Mears explained that the Utes would rather have two dollars in cash than the promised interest on one million, eight hun- dred thousand dollars, and under Mr. Kirkwood's orders Mr. Mears was refunded the twenty-eight hundred dollars which he had paid to the Indians.

Never throughout the period of pioneer development in Colorado did he cease his efforts to aid in the upbuilding of the state. He built toll roads in San Juan county and over Marshall pass and was the builder of the railroad through the beautiful mountain district from Silverton to Red Mountain and Ironton. He was likewise the builder of the Silverton Northern Road from Silverton to Eureka and Animas Forks, with a branch up Cunningham gulch. He was the builder of the Rio Grande Southern from Ridgway to Durango, connecting at both ends with the Denver & Rio Grande. No other man has done so much for the development of the San Juan/ region and the influence and effect of his labors cannot be overestimated.

For many years, covering more than two decades, Mr. Mears has served on the board of capitol managers, and he was one of those who selected the granite quarries in Gunnison county to furnish building stone for the capitol, which is regarded as one of the most beautiful public buildings in the world. A recognition of the value of his public service is found in the senate chamber of the state house, where his portrait appears in one of the stained glass windows. He has never sought to fill political positions, content to do his public service as a private citizen. His keen sagacity enabled him to readily recognize opportunities and pass upon the value of the natural resources of the state. The chance for development touched a respon- sive chord in him, as progress has ever been his watchword. He has builded not alone for the present but for the future and as long as Colorado stands she must ac- knowledge her indebtedness to him as one of her promoters.

WILLIAM A. WOOD.

More than a third of a century has passed since William A. Wood came to Col- orado, for the year 1884 witnessed his arrival in this state. He has made his home since 1892 in Boulder county, where he is now engaged in general farming and stock raising. He was born in Virginia. January 6, 1866, a son of Stephen and Mary (Burke) Wood, who were natives of Ireland and came to America in early life, continuing resident of this country until called to the home beyond. They had a family of eight children, six of whom are living.

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William A. Wood was reared and educated in Virginia, where he resided until 1884, when he came to Colorado, after which he worked for a number of years as a common laborer. He carefully saved his earnings, however, and made every effort to advance in a business way. With his removal to Boulder county in 1892 he en- gaged in the feed business, continuing as a factor in commercial circles at Ward for a number of years.

In 1900 Mr. Wood was united in marriage to Mrs. Ellen (Dailey) McCorry, a native of Massachusetts and a daughter of Patrick and Honora (Sullivan) Dailey. Her father was a native of Ireland and came to America in 1848, first settling in Massachusetts, while subsequently he removed to Nebraska, there living until 1863, when he came to Colorado, making the trip with ox teams. Arriving in Denver, he cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers of this state and for some time followed' mining but afterward returned to Jackson, Dakota county, Nebraska, where hoth he and his wife passed away. In 1866 at Central City, Colorado, their daughter, Ellen Dailey, became the wife of Vandaver W. McCorry, who secured a homestead claim of one hundred and sixty acres, constituting a part of the farm upon which Mr. and Mrs. Wood now reside. They have added to their holdings until their pos- sessions aggregate four hundred and forty acres, of which one hundred and sixty acres is irrigated, and the entire place is splendidly improved. Mr. Wood is actively and successfully engaged in tilling the soil and raising stock and his labors are attended with excellent results. He works untiringly for the further development and improvement of his farm and carries forward to successful completion what- ever he undertakes.

By her first marriage Mrs. Wood had a family of seven children: Mary Mea, the wife of M. L. McIntosh, residing near Nunn, Colorado; Daisy D., the wife of A. A. Turner, of Boulder county; Ernest E .; Robert E .; and three who have passed away. Upon the death of her first husband Mrs. Wood was not only left with the care of her seven children but also had the development and cultivation of her farm on her hands and operated the same for twelve years or until her marriage to Mr. Wood. Many and diverse were the duties which fell to her during this period, but she rose to the occasion in every respect. Mrs. Wood has lived upon the farm where she still resides since 1870 and she and Mr. McCorry were the first settlers on the bluffs where the home now is. When they came here the entire country was yet undeveloped and even such undesirables as coyotes and rattlesnakes were abundant. Mrs. Wood was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, and was but a child when she was brought to Colorado.

In his political views Mr. Wood is largely independent, although he inclines more or less toward the republican party, with which he has mostly voted. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, exemplifying in his conduct toward his fellow beings the beneficent spirit of the craft. He is a loyal supporter of any cause in which he believes, and his aid and cooperation are always given to those plans and projects which he deems of essential value and worth to community welfare.

WALTER C. LONGWORTH.

The farming and stock raising interests of Adams county find a substantial repre- sentative in Walter C. Longworth, an enterprising young man, who was born in Kansas on the 20th of June, 1886, a son of Henderson F. and C. Alice (Todhunter.) Longworth, hoth of whom are natives of the Sunflower state. They removed to Denver, Colorado, in 1905 and are still living in that city, the father being there engaged in the real estate business. The family circle, which numbered seven children, still remains un- broken by the hand of death.

Walter C. Longworth was largely reared in Kansas, being a youth of nineteen years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Colorado in 1905. Not long after- ward he took up a homestead claim in Weld county and resided thereon for five years. He afterward removed to Adams county, where he has since engaged in farming, and he is today one of the progressive agriculturists and stockraisers of the district. His land is carefully and systematically cultivated and everything about the place indicates his determination to make his farm count for the utmost. He has secured the most improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields and he utilizes systematic methods in all that he undertakes, being guided by high agricultural standards.

In 1910 Mr. Longworth was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Tressler McKee, who was born in Pennsylvania and is a daughter of Abner C. and Mary S. (Stambaugh)

WALTER C. LONGWORTH

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McKee, who were likewise born in Pennsylvania. The mother passed away in that state but the father is living and now makes his home in Harrisburg. Mrs. Longworth is a graduate of the schools of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, aud a lady of liberal edu- cation and broad culture. She was a teacher of domestic science for some years prior to her marriage, winning high encomiums for her excellent work in that connection. To Mr. and Mrs. Longworth have been born three children: Henderson McKee, who was born June 19, 1911: Helen, born on the 1st of April, 1915; and Jameson, born Feb- ruary 21, 1917.

Mr. Longworth votes with the republican party, to which he has given his earnest endorsement since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has never sought or desired office, however, but has concentrated his efforts and attention upon his business affairs and is meeting with creditable and well deserved success, owing to his close application, his laudable ambition and his unwearied industry.

H. JOHANSEN.

H. Johansen, who is engaged in farming and stock feeding in Boulder county, is a native of Denmark, although he has lived in the United States since his teens. He was born in the former country August 3, 1867, a son of Peter and Marie (Schmidt) Johansen, who were also natives of Denmark. The father was born in Hucksted, Schleswig, on the 12th of April, 1832, and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Nels Jensen, in Gilman, Illinois, on the 20th of October, 1918, when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-six years, six months and eight days. In 1853 and 1854 he served his country as a cavalryman in the Danish army, carrying messages to the king with notable rapidity. He was married in 1862 to Miss Marie Schmidt and they became the parents of five children, three sons and two daughters, of whom two sons and a daughter are yet living. One son died in infancy in Schleswig and the eldest daughter became the wife of Peter Anderson, of Gilman, Illinois, and passed away in 1903. In 1882, when the eldest son had reached military age, Mr. Johansen brought his family to the United States in order that his sons need not serve as soldiers in the German army, for Germany had annexed Schleswig and Holstein in 1864. On landing on the shores of the new world Peter Johansen made his way westward and took up his abode at Ashkum, Illinois, living in that vicinity and at Danforth, where he engaged in farming until he retired from business in 1909 and took up his abode in Gilman. He was long identified with farming interests in Iroquois county, Illinois, and was highly esteemed as a representative agriculturist. His widow is still living and yet makes her home in Illinois. The three surviving children of the family are: Mrs. Nels Jensen; Paul, who is a business man of Crescent City, Illinois; and our subject.

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History of Colorado; Volume IV, Part 78

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