History of Larimer County, Colorado, Part 69

Author: Watrous, Ansel, 1835-1927
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Fort Collins, Colo. : The Courier Printing & Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 678

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JAMES M. MC CREERY

ability. Since then he has served the county four years as sheriff and two years as district court bailiff. He was an able, conscientious, and faithful public official, not a blot or blemish remaining to stain his private or public record. Mr. McCreery died in January, 1911, sincerely mourned by all that knew him. He was a devoted husband, a fond and indulgent parent, and a true and trusty friend.

ANSEL WATROUS, eldest son of Orrin J. and Jane E. (Smith) Watrous, was born November 1st, 1835, in Conklin, Broome county, New York. His father, the eldest son of Ansel and Demis (Luce) Watrous, was born June 18th, 1815, in Schoharie county, New York. At the age of five years his

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father moved his family to Bridgewater, Susque- hanna county, Pennsylvania, where he first attended the common schools of the period, completing his school work at Montrose academy. When 17 years of age he was apprenticed to the printer's trade in a Wilkesbarre, Pa., printing office, and on July 16th, 1834, married Jane E. Smith, who was born September 15th, 1814, in the town of Franklin, Susquehanna county, Pa., daughter of Roswell Smith, who was a native of Hartford, Conn., and a descendant of a colonial family. Six children were born of this union: Ansel, Henry O., Jerome A., Demis L., Eliza J., and Kate M. Watrous, In 1844 he moved his family from the state of New York to Wisconsin, arriving at Sheboygan Falls on September 16th, moving in the spring of 1848 to Brothertown, Calumet county, Wis., where he conducted a hotel and stage station for one year and then moved, in May, 1849, to Charlestown, in that county. Here he began the erection of a saw- mill on the Manitowoc river. While on a trip to Sheboygan, thirty miles away, after a load of mill machinery, he was stricken with cholera and died September 10th, 1850. The family then returned to Broome county, New York, where the subject of this sketch was apprenticed to a cousin of his father in Brooklyn, Pa., to learn the carpenter and joiner's trade. In September, 1855, he returned to his former home in Wisconsin, and on December 25th, 1856, was joined in marriage with Florelle Thomp- son, who was born June 27th, in Stockton, N. Y., the daughter of Rufus and Susan (Schofield) Thompson. In November, 1860, he was elected sheriff of Calumet county on the ticket with Abra- ham Lincoln, the martyred Civil war President, and served two years. In the fall of 1863 he was elected county clerk to fill a vacancy, and re-elected in 1864 for a full term, serving three years in that office. On retiring from office he followed con- tracting and building until December 26th, 1877, when he started for Colorado, arriving in Fort Collins on December 30th. Here he was employed as a salesman in W. C. Stover's store until June, 1878, when, in company with Elmer E. Pelton, he founded the Fort Collins Courier with which he is still connected as editor. In March, 1885, President Cleveland appointed him postmaster of Fort Collins, which office he held until June, 1889. He was an unsuccessful candidate on the democratic ticket for auditor of state in 1882 and again in 1884, going down to defeat with his ticket. Mr. and Mrs. Watrous have no children.

STEPHEN H. SECKNER, one of the best known and most highly esteemed citizens of Fort Collins, was born January 27th, 1847, in Lewis county, New York, where and at the Commercial College of Watertown, New York, he was educated. In 1873 he married Ida Ayers, and they have one daughter, now Mrs. Mildred Smith, of Knoxville, Tennessee. He came to Fort Collins with his fam-

STEPHEN H. SECKNER

ily in 1880, and opened a grocery store in the Yount Bank block, afterward building for himself a store and dwelling rooms on Linden street. Pos- sessed of a fine artistic temperament, he gave up the grocery business and opened a photographer's studio, which he has since chiefly conducted with marked success. He has served his home city one term of two years as alderman, also two years as police magistrate. Was a member of the first city council of Fort Collins, and is now Secretary and Recorder of the Masonic orders of Fort Collins, being a Master Mason, a Royal Arch Mason and a Knight Templar. He is also a Civil war veteran and a member of the Geo. H. Thomas Post No. 7, G. A. R., of which he is a past commander. He is one of the foremost in actively promoting all move-

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ments designed to advance the material prosperity of Fort Collins and to elevate the educational, moral and religious standard of the community.

HERBERT A. EDMONDS .- One of the stirring and successful business men of Fort Collins is Herbert A. Edmonds, the well known dealer in dry goods and women's furnishings. He first opened his eyes

HERBERT A. EDMONDS

upon the things of this world on August 19th, 1860, at Three Rivers, Michigan, but he has no distinct recollection of what attracted his attention at that time. As time passed he was sent to school at Syracuse, New York, where he obtained his educa- tion. At the age of 23, Mr. Edmonds was joined in marriage with Frances Barnes and they have two children, Jessie B., and Millie E. Miss Jessie is a teacher of marked ability and has been employed in the Longmont schools for the coming year. Miss Millie is at home and is a valued assistant in her father's store. Mr. Edmonds came to Denver in 1883 and engaged in the dry goods business, moving thence in 1886 to Greeley and to Fort Collins in 1903. Here he has continuously followed the dry goods business with marked success. He is one of the most

genial and enterprising of men whose splendid social qualities have drawn to him a host of friends. He is a man who, when he takes hold.of a project makes it win. In 1905 he promoted the Northern Colo- rado Electric company which was the beginning of the agitation which resulted in a street railway for Fort Collins, and was one of the originators of the Stork System of Savings which has been success- fully introduced into nearly every state in the Union. He was chairman of the committee which arranged for and successfully carried out the widely heralded Lamb Day celebration which brought 20,- 000 people to Fort Collins. Mr. Edmonds is an enthusiastic member of the B. P. O. Elks and was elected Exalted Ruler of lodge No. 804, Fort Collins, in April, 1911. He is also an influential member of the chamber of commerce and has served that organization on several important committees.

REZIN E. DOTTS was born near New Philadel- phia, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, February 18th, 1852; educated in the public schools; went with his parents in 1869 to Wayne county, Iowa; taught school winters and worked on a farm summers; took a course at Kirksville, Missouri, Normal school; came to Fort Collins in 1877; married Esther B. Black, August 26th, 1877, Rev. C. A. Brooks performing the ceremony; three daughters were born of the union; taught Laporte school winter of 1877-8, pupils half-breeds and whites, the latter predominating; manager of Colorado elevator five years; moved to a farm in Boxelder valley in 1885; sold out in 1904 and moved to Denver. Mr. Dotts is now President of the Brooks Tent & Awning company, and lives at 920 Ogden street, Denver.

J. F. FARRAR .- As a member of the legal fra- ternity of Fort Collins and of the Colorado and Larimer County Bar associations, Mr. Farrar, though still a young man, has established an envi- able reputation among the people and has won recognition from his seniors in the practice of the law. He is a close student and by diligent appli- cation, has become well grounded in the principles of the law and is so conversant with the code of practice that he very seldom fails to win a case in court. He takes an active part in public affairs and in politics, keeping thoroughly posted concerning topics of state and national importance as well as regarding matters that have to do with the welfare. of Fort Collins and Larimer county. In politics, Mr. Farrar is a democrat and has served his party as Chairman of its County Central committee. In

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1909, Governor Shafroth appointed him a member of the State Board of Pardons, a position he still holds. He is a native Coloradoan, his birthday occurring on November 15th, 1877, and Evans, Weld county, was his birthplace. He was educated in the East Denver High school and at the Denver University where he took the law course. He was admitted to the bar in 1900 and located in Fort Collins in 1901 and began the practice of his pro- fession. On February 12th, 1907, he married Mary McMenemy in Omaha, Nebraska.

THOMAS GARNICK, one of the leading con- tractors and builders of Fort Collins, was born April 6th, 1844, at Quincy, Illinois; received his education in the public schools of Nauvoo, Illi- nois; married Fannie Congrove, September 12th, 1869, and their children's names are Fred, Charles E. and Frank; came from Illinois to Fort Collins, arriving July 16th, 1878, and that city has since for the most part, been his home.

EDWARD HAYDEN HALL was born at Wolfe- borough, New Hampshire, on August 30, 1857. Lived at Meredith and Portsmouth in the same state and was employed for six years in the banks of the latter city. Removed to Fort Collins, Colo- rado, in May, 1882. In that year built and oper- ated the Loveland Elevator at Loveland, in part- nership with S. B. Harter and the late John J. Ryan. Returned to Fort Collins in 1883 and en- gaged in the loan and investment security business. Organized the Colorado Loan Association with E. T. Dunning, W. G. Bixby and F. C. Avery as associates. In the same year embarked in the range cattle business with W. G. Bixby under the firm name of Bixby & Hall. This business was merged in the Poudre Live Stock company, followed in later years by the Akin Live Stock company and the Live Stock company. Was for over twenty years, associated with F. C. Avery in extensive land, farming and live stock operations. Was married on August 22, 1885, to Violette Fortune of Kit- tery Point, Maine. Made their home at 627 South College avenue where they still reside. Have a family of three sons; Roland R., Hayden H., and Phillips P. Hall. Of the twenty-eight years of his residence in Fort Collins, Mr. Hall has de- voted one-half of that time to public service with- Out compensation; four years as alderman in the early '90's, and ten years as member and Presi- dent of the Board of Education (1900-1910). Dur- ing his administration the High school, Laurel street, LaPorte avenue and Rockwood Place school

buildings were constructed and equipped. "The pathway of a good school director is more often strewn with thorns than with roses and when a school district finds a person able to tread the thorns without pricking his feet or exciting the pity, envy or jealousy of others, it is indeed fortu- nate. Mr. Hall as President demonstrated his ability to do this without sacrificing a modicum of

EDWARD HAYDEN HALL

his own self respect, giving at the same time, the best and most universally approved service to the schools and public. Good school directors are born, not made and a nature endowed school officer is of far greater value to the district than the best hand made product ever turned out." (Fort Col- lins Courier.) Mr. Hall was active in the cam- paign for a Y. M. C. A. building for Fort Collins and was chairman of the building committee which had charge of its erection. He is a member in good standing of the Masonic, Odd Fellows and K. of P. fraternities.

DAVID M. FEE, D. D. S., born in Washington county, Pennsylvania; educated at Monmouth col- lege, Ill., and Chicago college of Dental Surgery ; married Elizabeth R. Caldwell, June 18th, 1903;

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two children, Elizabeth A., aged seven, and David Caldwell Fee, aged three; came to Fort Collins in May, 1907, and is engaged in the coal, hay and grain business.

CAPTAIN JOSIAH W. MCINTYRE .- The subject of this sketch was born March 15th, 1839, at Vil- lanova, New York. His school days were spent

CAPT. JOSIAH W. MCINTYRE

in the public schools, the High school at Erie, Penn- sylvania, from which he graduated, subsequently taking a thorough business training at a commercial college in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. On August 30th, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company C of the 16th Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry and served until 1864, when he was discharged on ac- count of disability. He was wounded under the left eye at the battle of Shepardstown, Virginia, and taken prisoner, but was exchanged shortly after- wards and sent home. On recovering from his wound he rejoined his regiment and did valiant service for the Union. The wound under the eye gave him a great deal of trouble and, owing to un- skillful treatment while he was a prisoner, resulted in producing total blindness in 1885. In 1866,

Captain McIntyre moved to Missouri, where he studied law and was admitted to the bar and elected County Judge of Caldwell county in 1870, in which office he served two full terms. He came to Fort Collins in April, 1878, and that city has since been the family home. After losing his sight, Captain McIntyre resumed his study of law in the law de- partment of the University of Michigan, graduat- ing therefrom in June, 1889 with the highest honors conferred by that institution. He was the first blind man to graduate in the United States with the degree of LL. D. He was married to Lucy N. Richards, September 13th, 1862, who with one son, Clyde, of Michigan, survives him. He died on the 6th of October, 1892. Lucy N. Richards was born November 11th, 1844, in Erie county, Pennsylvania. Her parents were of Puritan blood and revolutionary stock. She was educated in the public and academic schools of that day and began teaching school at the age of 17 years. She mar-

MRS. LUCY N. MCINTYRE

ried Josiah W. McIntyre in September, 1862, just before he left for the front as a volunteer in the Civil war, parting with her young husband with smiles instead of tears, not because her heart

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HISTORY OF LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO

was not breaking, but because of the great cause in which he had enlisted. Seven children were born to Captain and Mrs. McIntyre, only one of whom Clyde, survives. Mrs. McIntyre was a charter member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Fort Collins, organized in 1879, and still retains her membership. In 1910 she received the State W. C. T. U. banner for the best local evan- · gelistic work. Her whole life has been devoted to the work of uplifting humanity and she has long been a recognized leader in church and mission work and reform movements. She became a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church when ten years of age, and has since led a consistent Christian life. She is a bible student an ardent lover of books and her home at 137 Matthews street contains an excellent library.

ARTHUR H. PATTERSON .- This is a sketch of a pioneer and commonwealth builder. All the years of his matured manhood were sedulously de- voted to the development and nurture of the re- sources and industries of his chosen western home and his death, at the age of forty-eight years, was a distinct loss to Fort Collins, Larimer county and to Colorado. He was closely identified with the early history and subsequent growth of Fort Col- lins, contributing liberally of his time and means to its upbuilding and material advancement. He was one of the donees to the state of the 240-acre tract, since utilized as the Agricultural college farm, the main college building, the chemical laboratory, the old and new domestic science building, the hor- ticultural hall, the college library building, the me- chanic shops, the old engineering building and the group of buildings in use by the department of veterinary science all standing on the eighty-acre tract once owned by him and given free to the people. He was an energetic business man and erected two large and substantial business blocks, one of which stood on the northeast corner of Jef- ferson and Pine streets and was destroyed by fire in 1889. The other, a part of what is known as the Jefferson block, is still standing at the north- west corner of Jefferson and Pine streets. Arthur H. Patterson was born May 31st, 1844, at Trough, Huntington county, Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish parents. Later his father's family moved to Cin- cinnati, Ohio, where Arthur received the benefit of a good common school education. In 1856, when but twelve years of age, his father emigrated with his family to Leavenworth, Kansas, where, shortly afterwards, the father died. It was while

living at Leavenworth that young Patterson made the acquaintance of William F. Cody, since be- come famous as scout, guide, Indian fighter and showman, who is known the world over as "Buf- falo Bill". Their acquaintance ripened into a friendship that cemented them together in ties of enduring strength, which the changes of time and circumstances of later years never affected. In 1860,

ARTHUR H. PATTERSON

Mr. Patterson, in company with Mr. Cody, came to Denver. They were both mere boys, only six- teen years old, but they were full of courage and ripe for adventure. In January, 1862, both left for New Mexico in charge of government trains carrying supplies for Col. Chivington's command which fought the decisive battle at Apache Canon, resulting in the defeat of the Confederates under Gen. Sibley. In 1863, Mr. Cody returned to his home in Kansas, but Mr. Patterson remained in the West, serving in the various capacities of wagon master in charge of freight trains for government contractors, superintendent of stage lines, mule trains, bull trains, etc., until he came to the Caché la Poudre valley in 1866. Notwithstanding his youth, Mr. Patterson was entrusted with the man-

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agement and control of immense freighting outfits, requiring from forty to fifty teamsters all of whom looked to him for orders, and this trust was never abused. On coming to Fort Collins in 1866, he at once established himself in business and was noted for his push and enterprise. In December, 1873, Mr. Patterson married Alice M. Watrous, eldest daughter of Hon. W. F. Watrous. Six children, five girls and one son, were born of the union, all of whom are living. He had held many offices of public trust and great responsibility in Larimer county and Fort Collins, always discharg- ing the duties thereof to the satisfaction of the peo- ple. He was twice elected county clerk, served as clerk of the district court, and as alderman from his ward in the city council. In 1884 he was the candidate of his party for representative in the Colorado General assembly, and, though his party was largely in the minority, succeeded by his strong personal following in greatly reducing his opponent's majority. He died from dropsy on December 27th, 1892.

JOHN LETFORD SMITH .- Here is a man who during a residence of more than three decades in Fort Collins, has done as much if not more than anyone else to beautify and adorn the homes and business houses of his neighbors, thus cultivating the artistic and adding to the charm of life, simply by the skillful use of his brushes and the mingling of colors for the best effects. Mr. Smith was born May 5th, 1845, at Kingston, England, where he received his education and lived until 1853, when his father's family moved to Sutton-Surrey, Eng- land. Here he perfected himself in the art of paint- ing and decorating, and in 1874, emigrated to the United States. Just before sailing for America, he married Susan Clark at Cambridge, England, and he and his bride crossed the broad Atlantic together on the wedding trip. They located first at Dunkirk, New York, where, and at Fredonia, he plied his trade until 1879. His wife died May 11th, 1877, leaving him one daughter, now Mrs. Ada Drohen, whose home is in Fredonia. Mr. Smith arrived in Fort Collins, October 3rd, 1879, and that city has since been his home. Soon after establishing himself in his new home, he went into partnership with Frank Soult, and they worked together at painting, decorating and sign writing for a period of twenty years. In November, 1880, Mr. Smith went back to Fredonia, New York, and married Emma Letford and two children, Dudley Smith and Mrs. Nellie Rainbolt, of Fort Collins,

were the fruits of the union. In the early '80's, Mr. Smith preempted a quarter section of land in the Boxelder valley, adjoining the present town of Wellington, which he proved up on and owned, improved and cultivated until 1904, when he sold the place to F. C. Grable, having in the meantime purchased another 160-acre tract adjoining his pre- emption claim. He built ditches and a reservoir

JOHN LETFORD SMITH

from which to irrigate his land, selling them with his farm, for which he received a good round price. He then purchased another improved 160-acre farm situated five miles northwest of Fort Collins, which he cultivated and where he feeds and fattens stock. He also owns considerable valuable city property and has a good supply of this world's goods. He has retired from active work and devotes his time to looking after his property interests. He has been successful in all of his undertakings and no man enjoys the confidence and respect of those who know him best, more than John Letford Smith.

JOHN B. EVERHARD was born in Holt county, Missouri, on the 24th day of December, 1861; is still unmarried. He came with his father's family

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to Colorado in the fall of 1863, and settled at Fremont's Orchard. In February, 1864, the family moved to Denver where they remained until the latter part of 1866, then returning to Missouri. In 1875, he came again with his family to Colorado, settling on the Little Thompson, where he still resides. He has been chiefly engaged in farming, stock raising and feeding.

LEWIS CLARK MOORE, President of the Com- mercial bank and Trust company; President of the North Poudre Irrigation company and President of the Buckeye Land and Development company, all institutions of high standing and great moment, was born January 24th, 1866, at Findlay, Ohio. He received his education in the public schools of his native state and at Eastman business college in Poughkeepsie, New York. He came to Colorado in 1885, in the 20th year of his age and after liv- ing at Idaho Springs for a short time, moved to Fort Collins in June, 1887. Soon after locating in the last named city, he was appointed clerk of the county court by Judge Jefferson McAnelly, who was then County Judge. He served in that capacity for about 18 months and on January 1st, 1899, went to work as bookkeeper in the First Na- tional bank, being promoted shortly afterwards to the post of assistant cashier and later to that of cashier of the bank, a position he held for several years. He early evinced a keen insight of business matters and by judicious investment of his savings he began to accumulate considerable property and to be recognized as an important factor in financial circles. He is a careful, alert and methodical business man, a good judge of val- ues and his progress upward on the ladder of fortune has been rapid and safe. Today he is rated as one of the most conservative men in Fort Collins. Mr. Moore is a quiet, unassum- ing gentleman, and though wedded to his business, is a genial companion and is strongly attached to his home and friends. On July 6th, 1893, he was united in marriage with Agnes Ferrier at Liberty, Nebraska. Mrs. Moore came from Neb- raska in 1890 and was assistant to the principal of the High school for three years prior to her mar- riage. She is a highly educated lady, cultured and refined, and a leader in educational, club and church work. Mr. Moore is a Master Mason, a Royal Arch Mason, a Knight Templar and a member of the Mystic Shrine; an Odd Fellow and an Elk, and a member of the First Presbyterian church of Fort Collins. About six years ago he became in-

terested in irrigation matters, the storage and con- servation of water and its proper distribution for beneficial purposes and has promoted and aided in the construction of several large reservoirs in the northern part of the county, including the Halli- gan and No. 15 reservoirs and has taken an active part in improving and perfecting the North Poudre Irrigation system, of which he is now the efficient head.

BOLIVAR S. TEDMON .- The subject of this sketch, better known as "Bob Tedmon," was born

BOLIVAR S. TEDMON

September 19th, 1848, in Martinsburgh, Lewis county, N. Y. His parents were of Scotch and English descent. His early life was spent on a farm with his parents, Levi and Rachael Tedmon, two brothers, Ferdinand L. and Herbert E., and two sisters, Almira, and Edith Tedmon. He ob- tained his education in the district school and at the Lowville, N. Y., academy, and then followed teaching in rural and village schools during the winter terms for several years. At the age of 25 he married Alice C. Allyn, daughter of Ira Allyn, who was a direct descendant of Ethan Allen, the hero of Ticonderoga. Mr. Tedmon's mother was

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History of Larimer County, Colorado, Part 69

Author: Watrous, Ansel, 1835-1927 Publication date: 1911 Publisher: Fort Collins, Colo. : The Courier Printing & Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 678

Author: Watrous, Ansel, 1835-1927
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Fort Collins, Colo. : The Courier Printing & Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 678