History of the State of Colorado, Volume IV, Part 52

Author: Hall, Frank, 1836-1917. cn; Rocky Mountain Historical Company
Publication date: 1889-95
Publisher: Chicago, Blakely print. Co.
Number of Pages: 791

USA > Colorado > History of the State of Colorado, Volume IV > Part 52

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Fort Lupton, June 5th, 1882, by W. G. Winbourne, surveyed by L. P. Drake, November 18th, 1881, filed June 16th, 1882.

Windsor, November 20th, 1882, platted by Edward Hollister and the Lake Supply Ditch company.

Hudson, November 2nd, 1887, by John M. Lapp.

Eaton, July 25th, 1888, by the Eaton Milling and Elevator company, by Benj. H. Eaton, president, and Aaron J. Eaton; the Colorado Mortgage and Investment company of London (Limited), by John F. Bell, attorney in fact, and school dis- trict No. 37, of Weld county, by J. D. Bunn, president.

Keota, October 29th, 1888, laid off by the Lincoln Land company, H. B. Scott, president, and R. O. Phillips, secretary ; surveyed June 12th, 1888, by A. B. Smith. Grover, October 29th. 1888, laid off by the Lincoln Land company; surveyed June 11th, 1888, by A. B. Smith.

Raymer, December 31st, 1888, by the Lincoln Land company; surveyed October 15th, 1888, by A. B. Smith.

Stoneham, July 19th, 1889, same as above, surveyed October 18th, 1888.

Greeley, the capital, is picturesquely situated on the Cache-la-Poudre river some four miles above its junction with the Platte. In 1800 its population was 2.395. It is the metropolis of the agricultural region round about, favored by two railways, the Omaha Short Line of the Union Pacific, and a branch called the Greeley, Salt Lake and Pacific, which connects it with Fort Collins, the stone quarries near that town and the splendid farming region of Larimer county. Twenty years ago all the country where Greeley now stands was a primitive desert, a barren wilderness, bleak, and to all appearance fitted only for the abode of prairie dogs and wolves, with no inviting feature save its beautiful streams, which the locators of the colony measured

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with an eye single to the amount of water they would furnish for the irrigation of crops. Within two decades it has been converted into blooming fields and gardens, wonderfully productive, the home of thousands of industrious, temperate and happy people, adorned with costly homes, the center of churches and schools, a community where all began with equal chances, and where each individual has been prospered according to the measure of his energy and business capacity; a community where a larger majority have accumulated moderate fortunes than in any other on the west- ern frontier, and where all who have taken advantage of opportunities are well to do. During the preparation of this volume, a bronze statue of Horace Greeley, founder of the New York "Tribune," was unveiled in front of the Tribune building in that city, but the grandest monument to his memory that has been or can be erected is the well nigh incomparable town which bears his name in Colorado, and to the founding of which he lent some of the better efforts of his declining years.

It became an incorporated town by order of the board of county commissioners May 29th, 1871. This order, which also defined its boundaries, was signed by Benja- min H. Eaton, chairman, and W. J. Kram, clerk. General R. A. Cameron, N. D. Wright, E. S. Nettleton, L. Hanna and H. T. West were appointed trustees, to serve until their successors should be elected and qualified. W. E. Pabor was made clerk and treasurer; Samuel B. Wright, constable, and B. S. La Grange, street supervisor. General Cameron was president until June 26th, 1871, when he resigned and was succeeded by H. T. West, who held that office until April, 1872. During the first year James B. Flower and Dixon Stanbury became trustees. Mr. Pabor resigned June 26th, 1871, and was succeeded by J. G. Cooper, as elerk and treasurer. Evan Rea was president of the board after April, 1872, and again in 1873. He died May 23rd of the year last named, and was succeeded by Ira Canfield, who continued until 1874. Joseph Moore became president in 1875, W. F. Thompson in 1876, James C. Scott in 1877 and Eli Annis in 1878.

In 1879 W. C. Sanders became first mayor of Greeley, with the following officers: Trustees, James F. Benedict, L. B. Willard, A. Z. Salomon, H. B. Jackson and L. Von Gohren; clerk and treasurer, L. Von Gohren; marshal, Calvin Randolph; street supervisor, James J. Armstrong. The office of mayor was filled by the follow- ing in the order named: James M. Freeman, in 1880: Daniel Hawks, 1881-82; S. K. Thompson, 1883; Samuel D. Hunter, 1884, and George H. West, 1885.

A meeting of the board of trustees was held March Ist, 1886, when the ques- tion of assuming the larger responsibilities of a city government was considered. Omitting details, it is sufficient to state that a city of the second elass was decided upon. April 6th, 1886, officers were elected as follows: Mayor, E. H. Abbott; alderman First ward, F. L. Childs and Patrick Bready; Second ward, Robert Steele and Joseph A. Woodbury; Third ward, B. L. Harper and Nathaniel F. Cheeseman ; city clerk, F. H. MeDonald; treasurer, George W. Currier; attorney, C. A. Bennett; police magistrate, L. B. Willard: marshal, S. G. Fuller; street supervisor, James E. Williams; chief fire department, E. M. Nusbaum; engineer, J. D. Buckley. George H. West became mayor in 1887, C. A. White in 1888, A. T. Bacon in 1889 and J. A. Woodbury in 1890.

The county court house was erected at Greeley in 1883. Its dimensions are 58x78 feet, built of brick, with stone trimmings, and faced with fine pressed brick. Its cost was $40,559. The Opera House block, finished in 1885, by S. D. Hunter, cost about $85,000, the ground floor being occupied by business houses. It has a seating capacity of 800. It is 100X115 feet, of pressed brick, trimmed with sand- stone. The Union Bank block was erected in 1885 at a cost of $40,000, and the First National Bank block $43,000, including site. Park Place, opposite the bank, built by Mr. Hunter at a cost of $35,000, is partly occupied by the U. S. post office. The Oasis hotel, 150X125, and three stories in height, was started by a stock company in 188t, but later became the property of James M. Freeman, Bruce F. Johnson,

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Dr. Charles Emerson, and later of Mr. S. D. Hunter. Its cost was $85,000 furnished. These few buildings are mentioned to illustrate the substantial character of the business center, as well as the wealth and solidity of the leaders in public enterprises. Greeley, however, is eminently a city of beautiful homes, not palaces, yet there are many residences of tasteful architecture, that cost $5,000 to $15,000 each. Ex-Gov- ernor Eaton's mansion cost $20,000. Among the numerous elegant houses are those of Dr. Jesse Hawes, J. M. Wallace, J. M. Freeman, Robert Hale, B. D. Sanborn, James C. Scott, L. R. Mansfield, C. Randolph, Mrs. J. D. Buckley, George W. Courier, Mrs. N. C. Meeker, 11. N. Haynes, Mrs. C. M. Marshall and George H. West. Note the contrast from a settlement of shanties and tents planted there twenty years since; the wealth, thrift, comfort and immeasurable blessings that have been evolved by the perseverance of this people in that short period, from the basis of orig- inal rules, paramount above all others the sternly enforced proclamation: "Thou shalt not sell liquid damnation within the lines of Union Colony."

The Greeley Electric Light company, organized in 1885, obtained a charter from the city, perfected its plant and February 15th, 1886, illuminated the place. Im- portant additions have since been made. The excellent system of Ilolly water works cost $65,000, bonds for which were voted in November, 1888, and in the spring of 1889 work commenced under the supervision of C. E. Allen of the Denver Water company and J. D. Buckley of Greeley, and was completed in July following. There are a number of artesian wells in the town. The fire department is composed of the Greeley Steamer company, Poudre Valley Hook and Ladder company, George H. West Hose No. 1 and J. L. Brush Hose No. 2.

Some important manufactories have been established, for example, the Kuner Pickle factory, Irrigating Pump works, flouring mills, brick and tile works, and others. The pump factory was erected in 1889, at a cost of $35,000. These furnish employment to about forty men. The pickle factory affords a market for some of the surplus garden products. The Greeley creamery has a capacity for producing about 1,000 pounds per day.

Banks .- The first bank in Greeley was founded by H. T. West & Co., May 14th, 1870. A month later Dr. Charles Emerson and Chas. C. Buckingham united with . West under the firm name of Emerson. West & Buckingham. In 1874 Mr. Buck- ingham withdrew. In 1875 West sold his interest to his son, George H. West, and then engaged in coal mining with the Canfields, at Canfield, in Boulder county. Finally Dr. Emerson sold to Samuel D. Itunter, when the firm became Hunter & West. This bank suspended in December, 1890. Dr. Emerson was treasurer of the colony the first season, and held that office six years. For the past five years he has resided in Denver. Mr. Buckingham was also connected with a bank in Boulder. Mr. Hunter erected some of the finest buildings in Greeley, has been mayor of the town and, in the more prosperous epoch of the live stock trade, accumulated a large part of his fortune in that traffic. Mlr. West, like his father, is a prominent citizen.

The Union Bank was organized in 1887 by J. L. Brush, Bruce F. Johnson, J. C. Scott, W. F. Thompson, Daniel Hawks and others; Mr. Johnson has been the presi- dent since the opening. J. F. Benedict was the first cashier, and was succeeded by George S. Adamis in 1888. The capital is $100,000, with $25,000 surplus. Its officers and stockholders have long been among the leading men of the town. John- son and Brush were extensively engaged in the cattle trade. Each has also borne a part in shaping the politics of the state. Mr. Benedict resigned the cashiership of the bank to accept the appointment of Collector of Internal Revenue, tendered him by President Cleveland, Mr. Scott has served three terms as county judge.

The First National Bank commenced business June 23rd, 1884. with J. M. Wallace, president, D. B. Wyatt, vice-president, B. D. Harper, cashier, and A. J. Park, assistant. The capital is $100,000, with a surplus of $20,000. Mr. Wallace, a na- tive of Ohio, was for twenty years in business in Chicago. He was the first president

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of the Greeley Board of Trade, and was elected president of the board of trustees of the state normal school immediately after his location in Greeley. He has been one of the chief supporters of the public library, was made chief of the Law and Order League, and has been identified with every movement for the general welfare since his residence there. B. D. Harper was a soldier in our civil war, has been county commissioner and treasurer, and commander of the G. A. R. post. Albert Igo, Wm. Mayher, George K. Peasley, H. M. DeVatie, James W. McCreery and Asa Sterling have been associated with the directorate of this bank.

The Weld County Savings Bank was organized November 20th, 1889. by J. M. Wallace, president, D. H. Gale, vice-president, A. J. Park, treasurer, and J. B. Phil- lips, cashier. W. C. Baker succeeded as cashier January 6th, 1891. The Greeley National Bank was opened November 3rd, 1890, with a capital of $50,000; G. W. Clawson, president, Robert Hale, vice-president and C. H. Wheeler, cashier; J. L. Brush, John A. Rankin, H. C. Watson. F. P. Frost, with the officers named, form the directory.

There are three excellent weekly newspapers, the "Tribune," "Sun" and Weld County "Democrat." The "Tribune" was founded November 16, 1870, by N. C. Meeker. In 1875 E. J. Carver was admitted to partnership, and after the tragic death of Mr. Meeker, as related in Chapter XXIV, Volume II, became its editor. W. C. Packard and H. L. Dunning have also owned interests in this journal. In June, 1890, Mr. Dunning sold to Mr. Carver, when a stock company was organized with J. J. Stevens, president; E. J. Carver, secretary and business manager, and J. Max Clark, editor. Both Meeker and Carver came from the New York "Tribune." Mr. Max Clark is noted over the state and throughout the West as a standard authority on farming by irrigation.

The "Sun" was established in 1872 by William B. Vickers and Mr. Painter, who sold to H. A. French. After several other changes it was purchased by the Sun Publishing company with T. T. Wilson, business manager, and George B. Graham, editor. The present owners are Ed. D. Donnell, manager, and W. G. Nicholson, editor. The "Democrat" was founded by Ward D. Harrington in January, 1887. In April, 1890, he sold to A. M. Hubert, present editor, and H. A. Wells, manager. Three other papers have been established there, but all suspended.

Here, as in all progressive quarters of the state, the cause of education has received early and marked attention. Peter Winne, for many years a resident of Denver, was the first county superintendent of schools (1863), when Weld was but sparsely populated, and at a time when the work of organizing schools was attended with many difficulties. However, he succeeded in founding nine districts during his official term and in laying the basis for the present superior structure. He was succeeded by Bruce F. Johnson, who carried on the project without compen- sation for his services. His successor, in 1868, was Daniel J. Fulton, who in that year reported to the territorial superintendent that ten school districts had been formed, that there were sixty-one persons of school age in the county, and that the sum of $2,000 had been appropriated to the same. Not much of a start, to be sure, but still the beginning of a glorious fruition. F. E. Moyer became superintendent in 1870 and O. P. Bassett in 1872, followed by A. J. Wilber in 1873. In 1875 this office was held by O. Howard, a soldier during the war, and subsequently connected with the Freedman's Bureau. In 1872, the second year of Union Colony, Weld county had 268 males of school age and 359 females. a total of 627, which was increased to 911 in 1873. In 1872 there were nineteen school districts, with twelve schools and an enrollment of 461; in 1873. twenty-four districts, twenty-two schools and 583 enrolled. In 1873 twenty teachers were employed, the highest salary being $105 and the lowest $63 per month. The

CHETUTTIIMO

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gross valuation of school property was $30,160. In 1880 David Boyd became county superintendent.

Passing over the intervening years, it is sufficient, to illustrate the growth of education in Weld county, to say that, in 1890, the school population was 3,305. There were 79 pupils enrolled in the high school, 1,194 in the graded and 1,295 in the ungraded schools. The total enrollment was 2,568, with an average daily attendance of 1,580. There were sixty-five districts, seventy school houses, with 3,266 sittings; value of the property, $82,795.48. In 1889 the value was $1 30,863. Fort Lupton, Evans, Eaton, Platteville, Erie, New Windsor and other points also have excellent schools.

The first election for school directors was held at Greeley May Ist, 1871. J. L. Brush became president, W. Teller, treasurer, and W. H. Post, secretary. Two schools were opened, with J. C. Shattuck, principal; Alice Washburn (now Mrs. C. W. Sanborn, of Denver), assistant, and Miss Helen Davis in the primary department. Prior to that time the first of 54 pupils had been taught by Mrs. Guinney, a sister-in-law of Dr. Scott, and her salary was paid by subscription. In the winter of 1870 E. W. Gurley was the principal. He had two assistants, one of whom was Alice Washburn, who taught in the Tabernacle. M. B. Knowles and Oliver Howard were also among the carly teachers in the colony. But in 1871 a new impulse was given to educational matters by the material increase of population. J. C. Shattuck (subsequently state superintendent of public instruc- tion) succeeded Mr. Gurley. Mr. Shattuck served two years in okl Colony Hall, but meanwhile work had commenced on the new school building, which was finished in 1873, at a cost of $30,000, a handsome brick structure, of modern Gothic design. The spacious lawn surrounded by fine shade trees gives it a beau- tiful appearance. In the passing years, as the demand for accommodations accrued, seven other buildings have been erected. In 1880 the first class was graduated from the high school, consisting of Will H. Patton, Jessie Dresser, Josie L. Person, Ida O. Kennedy and Fannie Shattuck. During the past six years Prof. D. W. Elliott has built up a fine commercial college.

The State Normal School was established at Greeley, by an act of the Gen- eral Assembly, approved April Ist, 1889. The bill provided that a site consisting of not less than forty acres should be donated, and that the building shoukl be erected according to plans and specifications to be furnished by the State Board of Education, and cost not less than $25,000, $10,000 to be paid by the state. The further sum of $10,000 was appropriated for furnishing the building and carrying on the school during 1890. The following trustees were appointed by Governor Job A. Cooper: J. M. Wallace and Dr. Jesse Hawes, of Greeley: Peter W. Breene, of Leadville: John C. Davidson, of Golden; E. E. Nichols, of Manitou, and Isaac Gotthelf, of Saguache. Prof. Fred Dick, state superintendent of public instruction, was a member by virtue of his office. The sum pledged by Greeley was speedily raised from public spirited citizens and paid into the treasury. The board of trustees organized by electing J. M. Wallace, president, and S. F. McCreery, secretary. Several sites were proposed, but Arlington Heights was selected, a gift from the Colorado Mortgage and Investment company, J. P. Craw- ford, of Brooklyn, and Messrs. Thayer & West, of Greeley. The plans and speci- fications drawn by Prof. R. S. Roeschlaub, of Denver, were approved October 14th, 1889. The corner-stone was laid June 13th, 1800, in presence of Governor Cooper and the state officials. Addresses pertinent to the occasion were made by the governor, President Hale, of the state university, President Slocum, of the Colorado college, Superintendent Dick, Aaron Gove and others. It is built of Colorado pressed brick, with red sandstone trimmings, and when fully com- pleted will cost about $125,000. One wing has been finished and occupied. The first session of the normal school opened in the Unitarian church, October 6th.

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1890, with sixty students, but in December following was moved to the court house building. The following comprised the faculty: Thomas J. Gray, presi- dent, science and history of education; Paul H. Hanus, professor of pedagogy and superintendent of the training schools; Margaret Morris, department of English and history; Mary D. Ried, mathematics and geography; John R. Whiteman, vocal music; teachers in charge of the model schools, Carrie J. German, Jessie Dresser, Maud C. Clark, Ella Russell, Mrs. Edna E. Craig. The opening day was celebrated by appropriate ceremonies, the teachers, clergy and prominent mien of the city and county participating. The board has expended $3,500 for appa- ratus, laboratory and books. There are 700 volumes in the general library and 800 in the text book division. In addition to that of the normal school, Greeley has a public library, the outgrowth of a movement originated by the lower class. At a meeting held June 13th, 1885, J. M. Wallace was appointed chairman of a committee on organization. By July 27th $2,000 had been subscribed, and August 20th the Greeley Library association was incorporated. The library was opened to the public February 3rd, 1886, with Miss Florence Haynes as libra- rian, who was succeeded in June, 1890, by Miss Jessie Dresser. In June, 1888, it was given to the city. It now has about 2,000 volumes. The old school library was added, but that part valuable for reference was later on transferred to the high school building. The city council appropriates $400 a year to the public library.

Churches .- The Baptists, Congregationalists, Methodists, Presbyterians, United Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Catholics and Unitarians have erected church build- ings. The primary effort in early colony times to conduct all religious exercises in a single Union church broad enough to embrace all creeds was not, nor has it ever been, successful here or elsewhere. The sects soon divided and each took its separate way. The Baptists organized in July, 1870, completed the first building, and thereby won the donation of $500 offered by the Denver Pacific Railway com- pany to the denomination which should put up the first building for religious worship. The preliminary meeting in July resulted in a permanent organization January 8th, 1871, at the residence of J. F. Sanborn, with a membership of twenty. Their church, costing $6,000, was dedicated in the fall of 1871 by the Rev. Dr. W. W. Everts of Chicago.

The Rev. Alfred Baxter, a Presbyterian, preached the first sermon to the colony in the open air. The Rev. W. Y. Brown, from Denver, preached to the Greeley Presbyterians August 7th, 1870, and the following Sunday they were addressed by the Rev. Sheldon Jackson, when the first Presbyterian church was organized in the public hall with ten members. The Rev. John F. Stewart was the first regular pastor. January 21st, 1872, a church building costing $2,000 was dedicated.

The Methodist Episcopal church society was organized in 1870 and filed articles of incorporation March 21st, 1871. Greeley and Cheyenne were combined in the work, with Rev. G. H. Adams, pastor, and Rev. E. Brooks, assistant. In the summer of 1871 the building was commenced and completed soon after. The First Congregational church was organized in the summer of 1870 with twenty- six members. Rev. Thomas Cooper was the first regular pastor. Their church was commenced in 1880 and the first services thercin held June 3rd, 1881. It was dedicated September 17th, 1885, and cost $900. Trinity Episcopal church was started in Masonic Hall by Rt. Rev. George M. Randall, bishop of Colorado. in December. 1870, with fifteen members. This hall was used for some time, with Rev. D. M. Allen as rector. Their church was commenced in 1875 and completed at a cost of $4,000, since which time Mr. S. D. Hunter has presented Trinity parish with a handsome rectory as a memorial to his daughter.

The United Presbyterian church was organized in February, 1884, with about

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twenty-five members, by the Rev. W. II. McCreery. Rev. H. F. Wallace, who held the first services for that denomination in the Jackson opera house, December 2nd, 1883, was the first pastor. Down to April 3rd, 1885, the Rev. Mr. Wallace labored under the Board of Home Missions, but on that date was installed as pastor by the home church. The church was commenced in 1884 and the first service held therein October 5th, that year. The lecture room was used until July 7th, 1889, when the church was dedicated by the Rev. W. T. Meloy, of Chicago.

The Unitarians have been prominent from the founding of the colony. The orthodox element, opposing the institution of a Union church, caused the liberals to organize a Free church. They had no preacher, but held meetings at private houses of the members. The Free church failing, the Eclectic society, a fusion of the liberal elements, was founded, and later was followed by the organization of the Unitarian church, July 21st, 1880. It was subsequently incorporated as the First Unitarian society of Greeley. Joseph E. Gibbs, the first preacher, remained in charge some five years, and was succeeded by N. S. Hogeland. A church costing something over $5,000 was erected in 1887. Occasional services were held by the Catholics until 1885, when a small building, designed to be made part of a large structure, was erected and services held therein, generally by a priest from Fort Collins.

Secret Orders .- The Free Masons are represented by Grecley commandery Knights Templar, a chapter of Royal Arch Masons and Occidental lodge No. 20. The Odd Fellows have three lodges, Poudre Valley No. 12, Weld encampment and Canton Greeley No. 6, Patriarchs Militant. The Knights of Pythias, Grand Order of the Orient, Modern Woodmen, A. O. U. W. and Eastern Star also have lodges. The G. A. R. is represented by U. S. Grant Post No. 13. A post was also organized by Capt. M. V. B. Gifford, who was the first commander. U. S. Grant Post, a new one, was organized in 1882 as Poudre Valley Post No. 22, whose charter was changed to the present name in 1885.

Evans, named for ex-Governor John Evans, was for a year or two the terminus of the Cheyenne division of the Denver Pacific railway, the first iron thorough- fare built in Colorado. It was largely a railway town from the beginning. Mr. James Pinkerton, who withdrew from the Union colonists, organized the St. Louis Colony, mainly composed of people from southern Illinois, with some malcontents from Greeley, and made Evans his headquarters. Pinkerton and Meeker were not in accord upon certain matters relating to Union Colony, therefore he intended this to be a strong rival to Greeley. But the situation and many other causes were unfavorable to that result. Evans, though well-established, lacked the ele- ments which gave its contemporary its wonderful growth and prestige. It was a long and bitter controversy, hinging mainly upon the county seat question. The old county seat, first located at Fort St. Vrain, and later given a temporary abode at the houses of John Paul and A. Lumry, next went to Latham. This primitive town was situated on the south bank of the Platte, about three miles east of Evans. It was one of the old stage stations, where mails and freight were sep- arated for Denver and California. From Latham the capital went to Evans. In 1872 Evans and Greeley had their first contest for the possession of this prize, when the former won by a majority of 132 votes. The battle was renewed in 1874. when Greeley won by a majority of 14. Evans contested the election on the ground that a majority of all the votes cast was required. Greeley employed Hon. Henry M1. Teller to argue the case before the county commissioners, and proceeded to move the books and records. Blake, Miller and Markham, in behalf of Evans, brought a mandamus suit against the commissioners, which was opposed by County At- torney S. B. A. Haynes and H. M. Teller. It was argued before District Judge E. T. Wells, who held that the form of the writ was defective. Another election was held to settle the matter, which was carried by Evans by a majority of 40.

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History of the State of Colorado, Volume IV, Part 52

Author: Hall, Frank, 1836-1917. cn; Rocky Mountain Historical Company Publication date: 1889-95 Publisher: Chicago, Blakely print. Co. Number of Pages: 791

Author: Hall, Frank, 1836-1917. cn; Rocky Mountain Historical Company
Publication date: 1889-95
Publisher: Chicago, Blakely print. Co.
Number of Pages: 791