USA > Colorado > History of the State of Colorado, Volume III > Part 19
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John A. Clough was born in Carolina County, Maryland, No- vember 26th, 1826; educated in the common schools of that region, not highly scholastic institutes perhaps, but sufficient for their day, and afterward taught school with, it is assumed, the orthodox birchen rod to enforce the golden rules, for a period of three years, then gave his
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undivided attention to the more congenial pursuit of farming and stock- growing, until 1872, when he turned his face toward the land of the setting sun, locating in Denver May 19th of that year.
Although not crowned with the imperishable laurels of those who came earlier, the elect of the pioneers, he may nevertheless properly be classed with that other less aristocratic but more numerous tribe of "barnacles," so called from their pertinacity in clinging to well directed enterprises. Here as one possessed of knowledge, through years of experience in stockgrowing, though acquired in a region that furnishes few parallels or precedents for like pursuits in this altitude, he resumed the business of dealing in live stock, and in a short time founded the Union stockyards; the first of the regular slaughtering and packing houses that endured, and demonstrated the practicability of both; the importance also of making this city the Colorado headquarters for such transactions. The first papers on the subject read before the Chamber of Commerce, when in 1884, that body put forth strenuous efforts for the permanent establishment of large stockyards and packing houses, were from his pen. His was one of the beginnings, if not the original attempt, whence has developed all the prestige the city enjoys in the way of a cattle market on an extensive scale. He was a zealous worker in the cause, acquiring a large and valuable property, just at the northern boundary of the city where the greater part of such traffic is now concentrated under the management of an opulent corporation, to which these possessions were sold in December, 1885. Having a com- fortable fortune, and his occupation being gone, Mr. Clough concluded to go back to the old homestead in Maryland, and spend the remainder of his days among the scenes of his boyhood, but found that the mu- tations of time had so changed all things he was almost a stranger in a strange land. He had become so inured to active life in the Far West, its widely differing ways and manners and methods, the old time idyls all destroyed, his days there became intolerable, and so after a year he came back to the more inviting and more familiar shadows of the Rocky Mountains. In 1887 he seconded the efforts being made to establish
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the Colorado Savings Bank, purchased stock, and was made its pres- ident. A lifelong Methodist, he has taken earnest part in the upbuilding and progress of its fine educational institutions, notably in reorganizing the Colorado Seminary (now University), the Manual , Training and Medical School that has since been munificently endowed, and a large and complete structure erected by Mr. Haish of DeKalb, Illinois ; in the beautiful suburb known as University Park, where the permanent University is to be erected, and in that incomparably superb church edifice (Trinity M. E. church), on Broadway. Thus it will be seen that this respected veteran has borne a somewhat distinguished part in the development of the city of his adoption, and in that of some of its more useful public institutions.
C. O. Atkins, the cashier of the Colorado Savings Bank, born in Guernsey County, Ohio, July 29th, 1846; was educated in the public schools, and afterward engaged in mercantile pursuits from 1868 to 1872, in the State of Iowa. From 1872 to 1888 was in the grain busi- ness in both Iowa and Nebraska. He came to Denver August 1st, 1888, and from that time forward was connected as above with the Savings Bank.
McIntosh & Mygatt established their banking house at 1615 Curtis street, July Ist, 1887, capital $100,000; it was converted into the Na- tional Bank of Commerce and opened July 15th, 1890; capital $500,000. Directors : J. A. Cooper, William R. Mygatt, L. L. Higgins, Charles Boettcher, P. L. Bockfinger, J. W. Graham, Philip Feldhauser, C. L. McIntosh, D. D. Streeter, Benn Brewer, F. C. Goudy, Frank B. Hill, L. Anfenger, J. F. Hopkins, W. L. Graham. Officers: J. A. Cooper, president; W. R. Mygatt, vice-president ; C. L. McIntosh, cashier ; W. B. Morrison, assistant cashier.
Job A. Cooper. Born on his father's farm, Bond County, Illinois, November 6th, 1843 ; attended school at Knoxville, Illinois, remaining there five years; thence to Knox College, Galesburg, until 1864, when he enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry. When his regiment was mustered out of the service at the close of
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the war, he returned to Knox College, completed his studies and was graduated in 1865. He then began the study of law in Greenville, Illinois, and was admitted to practice in 1867. In 1868 was elected clerk of the Circuit Court of Bond County, retaining the office four years. In May, 1872, came to Denver and formed a law partnership with A. C. Phelps which endured for only one year when he gave up the practice of law to engage in the fire insurance business with Peter Winne, the firm being Winne & Cooper. In April, 1876, was elected vice-president of the German National Bank and in December of that year, chosen cashier, in which position he remained most of the time until elected Governor of the State in the fall of 1888.
Was elected to the city council in 1876, re-elected the following year and served as president of the council. He was for some time president of the Colorado Cattle Growers' Association.
Charles L. McIntosh was born in Columbia, Connecticut, No- vember 21st, 1850; educated in one of the select schools of that place ; worked on a farm for a time and then entered a country store as clerk ; next took a like position in Hartford, where he remained five years, after which he was appointed private secretary to Governor Jewell, then at the head of the Jewell Belting Company. When his employer pur- chased a controlling interest in the Denver Circle Railway and its large landed estate, Mr. Mcintosh, having manifested superior abilities for the management of business affairs, came to Denver and assumed the direction of that interest; remained with it until finally disposed of after the death of his patron. Shortly afterward the bank of McIntosh & Mygatt was established. When converted into the National Bank of Commerce, he was elected cashier. Mr. McIntosh is just at the begin- ning of what promises to be an active and useful career, having passed the period when a desperate struggle for maintenance sharpens the faculties and calls for the expenditure of all the vital forces in reaching and securing a foothold, and with a comfortable competence assured, with experience as a guide, it may be anticipated that he will one day be ranked among the very wealthy of this city and State.
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Collins, Snider & Co. A banking partnership, composed of Jacob Snider, Samuel G. Collins, Frederick J. Ebert, Jacob F. L. Schirmer, Hiram Witter and J. Harvey Jones ; established in June, 1873, with a capital of $90,000. S. G. Collins was the managing partner or cashier. Opened temporarily on Larimer between Fourteenth and Fifteenth streets, pending the completion of the Fink building at the corner of Fifteenth and Holladay, to which when finished in the winter of 1873-'74 the bank was removed.
Public interest in this organization was intensified by the frightful tragedy that befell its actual head. Jacob Snider was also one of the principal owners of the then famous Pelican silver mine near Georgetown, Clear Creek County. He was assassinated May 20th, 1875, as one of the deplorable results-of which we have had too many examples,-of fierce personal and legal contests between the company he represented, and the claimants of the Dives adjoining, and alleged to be on the same vein. Both were extremely valuable, and each party resolutely deter- mined to dislodge and overcome its adversary, whatever the cost of blood and treasure. Therefore, each employed armed and fighting mercenaries in and about the mines to keep out intruders. Numerous suits were instituted, the ablest legal talent retained. J. H. McMurdy, a brave but rash and reckless man, led the Dives clans. The war became general, affecting the entire community, at that time the largest and most active mining town in Colorado. Conflicts of one kind and another were of frequent occurrence. On the morning of the day mentioned, Mr. Snider, who was a man of medium stature and rather slight physique, left George- town on horseback, intending to visit the mines in dispute. While en route he met a desperado named Jack Bishop, a large and powerful man who had espoused McMurdy's cause,-given to wild indulgence in force, whisky and lurid profanity, coming down from the mines. Both halted, but what passed between them will never be known, although the conse- quences made it but too apparent that a fearful quarrel ensued. Snider suddenly wheeled and rushed madly back, Bishop hotly pursuing. The latter drew his revolver and fired, but in the excitement missed his aim.
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He soon came up with Snider, however, struck him a tremendous blow on the head with the butt of the revolver, and immediately reversing the weapon fired, killing him instantly .. Having accomplished his pur- pose, the assassin fled back over the road toward Silver Plume, and thence across the mountains into Middle Park, none daring to inter- cept him. Though large rewards for his apprehension were offered, he was never captured, and what became of him is not definitely known.
In January, 1876, the house of Collins, Snider & Co. was sold, reorganized and incorporated under the name of the Exchange Bank, A. J. Williams, president ; F. J. Ebert, vice-president ; S. G. Collins, cashier, and removed to the quarters at the corner of Fifteenth and Blake, then lately vacated by the First National. The directors were the three persons named above, J. F. L. Schirmer, J. H. Jones, C. A. Brooks and Rufus H. Snider. The capital stock was increased to $200,000, of which $125,000 was paid. It continued under the same management until January 30th, 1879, when J. M. Strickler was made cashier. The bank failed in 1883, and went into liquidation.
The Bank of Denver, a private institution, founded by Henry C. Brown and C. D. Gurley ; opened January Ist, 1873. A year later it was merged into the private bank of Hager, Sons & Co., which continued until January Ist, 1876, when its affairs were adjusted, and the Hagers left the city.
The original Colorado Savings Bank opened July 20th, 1872, John WV. Smith president and manager, W. U. Johnston cashier, Charles H. Smith assistant cashier. There is no data at hand to indicate its capital. John W. Smith's name, however, was sufficient. Its affairs were finally wound up in January, 1880, for the reason that it was not adequately profitable. All depositors and claims of every kind were paid in full.
During his long residence in Denver, Mr. Smith was one of the strongest men in public and private enterprises. He built many of the important fixed institutions that have survived the changes of the years. His arrival as an immigrant bears date of June 3d, 1860. Possessed of
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ample means, he loaded a train of wagons with merchandise for a general store, adding the machinery for a planing mill, a small flouring mill and quartz mill. The planer was sold to Henry Allen after its arrival, and set up in West Denver. The grist mill was of the French portable class, with burr stones twenty inches diameter, in which sugar, coffee, salt, etc., were ground. The first wheat was brought to it by Morton C. Fisher, from a ranch on Clear Creek. The quartz mill was planted on Left Hand Creek in Boulder County.
When established, the savings bank was considered a public blessing. April 9th, 1882, Smith's chapel, a small but very fine edifice of stone, was completed in Smith's Addition, West Denver, at a cost of $10,000, and by him presented to the United Brethren, though he was not a member of that church, nor any other. Prior to this he had built and also presented another fine chapel to one of the religious sects. He was the first to introduce the process of steam heating from a common center. He built several fine flouring mills, a woolen mill, two large and well appointed hotels; was prominently associated with the con- struction of the Denver Pacific and South Park Railways, and several large irrigating canals ; originated and built the Denver, Utah & Pacific narrow gauge railway now owned by the Burlington & Missouri River Company ; in short, was connected with nearly every great enterprise of a public and private nature. He was a man of great force of character, marvelous energy, public spirited, an incomparable financier, and accu- mulated large wealth. Something of the part he took in the affairs of the city and State has been set forth in preceding volumes. For the past seven years he has been a resident of California.
His son, Charles H. Smith, was born in Newton-Hamilton, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, September 4th, 1857, brought to Denver in 1861, and educated in the public schools, graduating at the high school in 1875. He then went East with the intention of entering Cornell University, but this purpose being changed he went to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and there took a complete course of instruction in a com- mercial college, where he graduated. His evenings were given to
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clerical work in the office of the Recorder's court, where he wrote up the dockets, drew legal papers, made out fee bills, etc., for a small com- pensation. After leaving the high school in Denver, he acted as cashier, bookkeeper and general utility man in his father's savings' bank; had charge of the accounts in the flouring mills, and assisted his progenitor in building the mill ditch. Mr. Smith, Sr., allowed no idlers about him, and kept the son incessantly employed, hence he had no leisure for play or foolishness. Completing his commercial course at Williamsport, Charles returned to Denver early in 1876, remained with his father for a time and then entered the office of D. C. Dodge, man- ager of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, as clerk and telegraph operator. In 1878 he became chief ticket clerk ; acted as city ticket agent of that road and of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe until October, 1879, when he resigned, then returned to his father's office, assisting him in the conduct of his large business affairs, and when the former became manager of construction of the Denver & South Park Railroad, performed the clerical work. In April, 1880, he took charge of the American House, conducting both that and the Inter-Ocean hotels until March, 1889, when the latter was sold, but continued to manage the American until January, 1890, when it was leased to other parties.
When in February, 1883, his father left Denver to reside in Cal- ifornia, he was possessed of real and personal property then valued at about $500,000. This has advanced with the constant growth of the city to an approximate value of $1,000,000. He gave the members of his family about $250,000, and the remainder of his real estate not included in these gifts, was transferred to his son Charles, who executed trust deeds upon the same, amounting to nearly $300,000. The son has so managed affairs as to clear off this indebtedness, and is now sole owner of this valuable property, the final payment of $55,000 having been made in July, 1889, wherefrom, it appears that he has inherited very much of his sire's superb financiering skill, and is now one of the wealthiest young men in the metropolis.
HISTORY OF COLORADO.
While managing the American House, Mr. Smith, Jr. was elected president of the Colorado Humane Society, an office which he held two years, and during that time prosecuted many cases of cruelty to animals. He was succeeded by Mr. W. S. Cheesman. In February, 1889, at the request of the large stockholders in the Colorado Electric Company, he was made president and general manager of that corpo- ration, and when afterward this concern was merged into the Denver Consolidated Electric Company with a capital of $1,000,000, he was elected to the same position. He is also a director in the Denver Savings Bank, in the Denver National Bank, and in several building and loan associations; likewise largely interested with Henry M. Porter and others in the Panama Cattle Company, of which he is secretary and treasurer. A creditable record for a Denver high school graduate, now but thirty-three years of age.
The Commercial National opened for business September 12th, 1889 ; paid in capital $250,000; C. H. Dow president; Charles D. Cobb vice-president ; Frank H. Dunlevy assistant cashier ; directors, Jacob Scherrer, C. D. Cobb, E. F. Bishop, W. F. Callaway, C. L. Burpee, Alfred Wolff, A B. Sullivan, E. W. Merritt, Frank Latcham, H. W. Hobson, C. M. Kittredge, G. W. Sheldon, T. D. Wayne, S. H. Hastings, C. H. Dow.
C. H. Dow was born in Concord, New Hampshire, December 18th, 1850; educated in the public schools, and subsequently entered the Douglas University at Chicago. While there the war of the Rebellion occurred, when Mr. Dow left his studies to enlist in the One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Infantry; returned to Chicago in 1863, and engaged in the wholesale grain and commission business. In 1867 removed to Davenport, lowa, and became a bookkeeper in the First National Bank of that city, but remained only a few months, then established the banking, grain and stock business at Wilton Junction, same State, which continued four years. Next he went into the grain trade at Bedford, Iowa, adding branches in Burr Oak and Mankato, Kansas. In 1885 closed out and opened two banking houses, one at
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Hoxie, the other at Grainfield, Kansas. In March, 1889, he came to Denver, organized the Commercial National, and was elected its president.
Frank H. Dunlevy, born in Granville, Ohio, May 17th, 1859. After attending the public schools, passed his junior year in Denison University of that place. Came to Colorado in April, 1879, and entered the City National Bank as collection clerk. Two years later was pro- moted to receiving teller, and then to paying teller. He served eight years in this bank, and when the Commercial National was organized was elected assistant cashier.
The Denver Savings Bank, opened February 9th, 1890. Capital $250,000, fully paid; authorized capital $1,000,000. Comprises among its stockholders a majority of the presidents and cashiers of the National and State Banks of the city, with representatives of many large cor- porations and business houses. Officers; H. B. Chamberlin, president ; D. H. Ferguson, vice-president and manager; Isaac E. Blake, second vice-president ; Charles Y. McClure, cashier. Directors : S. N. Wood, John L. McNeil, I. B. Porter, Joseph W. Gilluly, Dr. F. J. Bancroft, Charles H. Smith, S. H. Hastings, J. A. Ferguson, A. W. Chamberlin, C. Y. McClure. The deposit of savings for the first three months amounted to $165,000, representing 469 open accounts.
H. B. Chamberlin. The biography of this gentleman will appear in connection with the history of the Chamber of Commerce and real estate enterprises in Denver.
D. H. Ferguson, born in Scotland in the year 1836; parents emi- grated to America and settled in Rockford, Illinois, in 1839; educated in the public schools, after which, until 1860, was engaged in loaning money. In 1861 entered the Union Army as assistant commissary of subsistence, serving three years. In 1865 was appointed assessor of Internal Revenue for Rockford District, serving two years, then organ- ized the Rockford National Bank, of which he was elected cashier. Retaining the position a number of years, he at the same time had a private loan office, which business increased to so large an extent as to
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demand his exclusive attention, therefore he resigned as cashier and gave his entire time to that department. In this connection he, in 1875, organized and conducted the People's Savings Bank of that city, both being still in existence and prosperous. Mr. Ferguson came to Denver in October, 1885, for the recuperation of his failing health, and while here was appointed local manager of the Equitable Loan & Trust Company. When the Denver Savings Bank was organized, he became its manager.
Charles Y. McClure was born in Havana, Schuyler County, New York, July 20th, 1849; educated in the common schools; came to Den- ver in October, 1862. In March, 1863, returned East and entered the Delaware Literary Institute at Franklin, New York, and there took a preparatory course particularly relating to commercial business, mathe- matics and engineering. In July, 1866, he returned to Denver, whither his father had come in 1860. In the fall of that year entered the United States Branch mint as assistant assayer, remaining one year, when he resigned for the purpose of engaging in the book and stationery business with his brother Frank, under the firm name of McClure Brothers. which was conducted until 1870. In March of that year failing health caused by overwork, induced him to adopt out door employment, there- fore he purchased a herd of cattle and "rode the range" until fully recovered, when, in September, 1870, he again took up his residence in Denver. November 7th following, he was appointed teller in the bank of Warren Hussey & Co. In 1872 Hussey sold to the organizers of the City National and McClure continued as teller. He has in his possession the first note issued by this bank, denomination "one dollar" stamped "Letter A No. 1," dated April 15th, 1872, signed Henry Crow, president, John R. Hanna, cashier ; also the first coin struck by Clark, Gruber & Co. in 1860. He resigned from the bank December 3d, 1881, to engage with Messrs. Knight & Waterbury in the music business- -
afterward the Knight, McClure Music Company; remained until July 9th, 1888, when he was elected cashier of the People's Deposit and Savings Bank, retaining this position until January, 1890, when he became cashier of the Denver Savings Bank.
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The Rollins Investment Company. Although not a banking institution, it is no less legitimate. Its importance rests in its exceptional character and the magnitude of its transactions, together with the facilities it affords the various municipal corporations of this State, and neighboring States from the Gulf Coast through to Puget Sound, to negotiate their public securities upon advantageous terms, and to Eastern investors for placing their surplus cash in such paper at more profitable rates than may there be obtained. These facts entitle it to a place among the prominent financial institutions of the city. This house was originally established by Edward W. Rollins, in the autumn of 1876. He occupied a small office on Lawrence street between Sixteenth and Seventeenth, proceeding cautiously, limiting his purchases to his own means, that were not large. On the 9th of March, 1881, the firm of Rollins and Young was announced. In the meantime the business had demonstrated its value to the projector and to the public, forcing enlargement. When Mr. Young entered with some thousands of fresh capital, and his superior faculties for systematizing its details, the collection and orderly compilation of statistical data, it took a much broader range, extending over the State to every school district, city, county and town. In 1882 the office was removed to Union Bank building on Arapahoe street; in 1885, to the Barclay Block on Eighteenth ; January Ist, 1888, to the Patterson and Thomas Block, and January Ist, 1891, to its present quarters in the Ernest and Cranmer Block on Curtis street. During these years the growth was large, and came in due course to embrace all the territory west of Kansas and Nebraska, from the Gulf Coast to the Pacific.
By January Ist, 1888, it had become so extensive as to require corporate direction, further means and influence, therefore the Rollins Investment Company was formed, with E. W. Rollins president ; N. P. Seeley vice-president; F. C. Young treasurer; and J. H. Morris secretary. In November following Mr. Seeley died, when Mr. Thomas P. Dunbar was made treasurer and Mr. Young vice-president. Its principal business is the purchase of the warrants and bonds of
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cities, towns, counties and school districts, and other lawful securities issued by such corporate bodies. A vast amount of statistical infor- mation relating to every community issuing securities of that nature, has been gathered and carefully arranged in volumes. In addition, all laws, State, Territorial and municipal have been studied and annotated for ready reference. By this method they have made their office a central bureau of information, that is at once complete and author- itative, and a concentrating point for that class of negotiations and investments. At this time they employ a cash capital of more than $400,000, and in 1889, the volume of their business exceeded three millions of dollars. They are connected with a similar house in Boston, and another in Concord, New Hampshire, both conducted in the name of E. H. Rollins & Son, employing a large capital, and through which its Eastern investments are negotiated.
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