USA > Colorado > History of the State of Colorado, Volume IV > Part 61
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BAKER, Jim. See Vol. I, page 150.
BEGOLE, Augustus W., miner and busi- less man, was born on a farru in Washtenaw county, Mich .. Sept. 22, 1837. and resided there until IS5S. Ile was educated in the public schools. From Michigan he went to Emporia, Kan., whence, after six months, he went to Santa Fe, N. M., remaining there until 1859, when he came to Colo- rado and settled in Denver. After some months spent in unprofitable prospeet- ing, he journeyed to San Antonio, Tex., remaining one year; thenee to Mason county in that state, where he engaged in the stock business. continuing until 1865. Ilis next move was to Old Mexico, where he traveled for six or eight months, then returned to Michigan. After a short visit there, he wan- dered off to Arizona and engaged in mining near Prescott. In 1870 he came to Colorado, passed into the San Juan mountains and began prospecting about the present town of Rico. In 1875 he was one of the first to explore and locate mineral veins in the present county of Ouray, and was the discoverer and owner of the famous "Begole Mineral Farm," which he subsequently sold. In ISSO he en- gaged in the grocery business at Ouray, in which as well as in mining he was very suc- cessful. Some account of his early prospect- ing there may be found in the history of Ouray county. Mr. Begole was universally esteemed for his integrity and good citizen- ship.
BALL, J. J. T., railway agent, was born in Mendon, Monroe county, N. Y., March 15. 1827. In every community, however large or small, there are certain noted characters, dis- tinguished from their fellows by uncommon traits, whom everyone knows, and who are liked or disliked according to the trend of their striking characteristics and their in- fluence for good or evil. For twenty years Mr. Ball was a conspicuous figure in Denver, a person to be looked at more than once when met on the street or elsewhere, by reason of his daring in dress, his stout frame, peculiar carriage, but, above all, the large, strong head set squarely upon broad shoulders, and a face BROWN, J. J., miner, was born in Wayne county, Pa., Sept. 27. 1855 from whence he removed to Luzerne county, in the same state, where he attended the public schools. When nineteen years of age, he located in Nebraska. Soon afterward be went to the Black hills of Dakota, where he engaged in mining until April, 1880, then came to Colorado, and in June of the same year went to Aspen, where years; then removed to Leadville, where he was connected with Messrs Moffat and Smith until May, 1894. He is interested in the now which instantly told the observer "here is a man with a history." He was a royal host. fond of genial companions, an incomparable story teller, one to "set the table in a roar." After the usual probation in school he en- tered the railway service, and in 1850 was appointed manager of the western freight transfer of the New York & Erie railroad. at Dunkirk, then its western terminus. Af- he continued in the mining business for three ter five years in that position he moved West and was appointed clerk of the Dubuque & Minnesota packet line on the upper Missis- sippi. Early in 1859 he went into the packet celebrated Little Johnnie gold mine at Lead-
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ville as well as others of the Ibex group. eral manager for the Detroit Copper Mining Through his business tact and energy, Mr. company at Morenso. Arizona, remaining Brown has accumulated a handsome fortune.
BISHOP, F. L., business man, was born at Lecompton, Kan., June 25, 1563, and came with his parents to Denver, Colo,, one year later. Ile is a graduate of the high school of our city, where he finished his course in ISS2. For three years preceding that time, and one year after that date. he was employed in the "Tribune" office in Denver. Subse- quently he became deputy clerk of the criminal court, where he remained until that tribunal was abolished, then engaged in the real estate and insurance business with Bartels Bros. In April, 1891. he was elected alderman from the 5th ward for two years, and was re- elected in 1893. He was the nominee of the democratic party, in 1891, for the office of county clerk and recorder, but was unsue- cessful.
BENSON, Horace G., lawyer, was born in Atchison. Kan .. Sept. 18, 1863, the youngest son of Harrison T. and Eletha E. Benson. In 1866 his parents moved to Springfield, Mo., where his mother and brother died. From that place he moved to a farm situate mid- way between Lawrence and Topeka, Kan. He came to Colorado in 1871. settled in Gol- den for a time, and in 1873 came to Denver. Ilis next change was to Del Norte, going thence to Lake City, where he remained two years; thence to the San Miguel country, ro- siding there until Sept., 1870. During a part of this time he had attended the public schools and also learned the carpenter's trade. In 1879 he came to Denver and attended the schools up to ISSI, when he entered the law office of E. B. Sleeth and began his studies. He remained with Mr. Sleeth and his part- ner. O. B. Liddell, until 1884: passed a credit- able examination before he attained his majority and received his license as an at- torney. Oct. 21. ISSI. Ile then began practic- ing, and in the meantime has achieved very gratifying success. Oct. 7. 1885, he married Miss Mary E. Schlink of Denver. Mr. Ben- son is a member of the Knights of Pythias, P. O. S. of A,, and also of the Rocky Moun- tain Camp of Modern Woodmen; was elected one of the managers for a long term, and chosen delegate to the meeting of the head camp, held in Chicago. After many trying ex- periences for one so young, he seems well calculated to hew out a satisfactory career in the great profession he has adopted,
with that company until 1885, when he re- turned to Denver. He then became con- nected with the Colorado Soap company, which was succeeded by the Union Soap and Box Manufacturing company. In 1891 he or- ganized the freight bureau of the manufac- turers, and in 1893 established the P. A. Bal- com Soap company. He was also the founder of the Home Patronage association. In March. 1594, he organized the P. A. Balcom Manufacturers' ageney, and in September fol- lowing the P. A. Balcom Agency company. with office and warerooms on Blake street. Mr. Baleom possesses great energy and busi- ness taet and brings to his efforts fine prae- tical judgment.
BORDEN, Timothy, ranchman, was born in Sullivan county, N. Y., in Sept., 1826. He attended the common schools and worked on a farm until 1858, when he moved to the West, and locating in Clinton county, Iowa, again worked on a farm until 1861. He then came to Colorado and entered the gold mines of Summit county, where he was engaged in mining and prospecting during the next six years. He then decided to abandon mining for a time and located a ranch in South Park. The next season, however, he returned to the Summit county mines, but remained only during that season, returning at its close to his rauch. Having become possessed of about 2,000 aeres of fine hay and grazing land, he stocked it with cattle and horses, and out from the grass lands large quanti- ties of fine hay. Mr. Borden is a member of both the Masonic and odd Fellows orders. In ISSO he was elected one of the commis- simmers of Park county and held the office many years, being chairman of the board for three years, In is19 he married Miss Adelia AA. Williams of New York City. The town of Bordenville, where he now resides, was named for himself and brother. Mr. Olney A. Borden. Both families are widely known and as widely respected throughont Park county. Since the foregoing was written Mrs. Borden has passed to her eternal rest. She was born in the city of New York in IS27, the daughter of Purdy and Maria Vredenburg, descended from the old Knickerbocker family, who were among the earliest settlers of Manhattan Island. Mrs. Borden died Feb. 4, 1892, mourned by a very large circle of admiring friends.
BORDEN, Olney A., ranchman, was born in Sullivan county, N. Y., March 11, 1831, and BALCOM, Pelimon A., manufacturer, was was educated in the common schools. born in Halifax, N. S., June 22. 1850. He the age of 21 he began life on his own ar- lived there until he was twenty-seven years count by working on a farm. He also learned of age and graduated from the high school the carpenter's trade and followed those pur- of that city. He engaged in the import- suits for many years. In 1865 he came to ing and jobbing of china and queensware, Colorado and engaged in mining near Golden and in 1877 came to Colorado and em- City that summer. after which he went to l'ark county, purchased a ranch near Jeffer-
barked in the same business of the cor- ner of l5th and Market streets. Two years son and has since resided there. Ho now later he accepted a position as assistant gen- owns 2,000 acres of land, 300 of which are
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under irrigation, and from which he gathers each summer large crops of hay. Other por- tions of the land are occupied by his ex- tensive herds of cattle and horses. In 1867, and for some years thereafter, he was en- gaged in the manufacture and sale of pine lumber, having saw mills in the forests near Jefferson. Taking an interest in educational matters, he aided in organizing the school district and was made a director of the board. In 18SO he married the young and accom- plished widow of Dr. II. A. Barlow of St. Louis. She had four very bright children, William, Edward, May and Grace. Mr. Bor- den. as an industrious, thrifty, temperate and prosperous citizen of the county, has ac- cumulated a valuable property.
BORDEN, Mrs. O. A., was born Sept. 1, 1874, in Mason county, Ky., and was the eldest of a family of five. She is the daughter of Cant. Il. R. Miller of Pennsylvania. His mother was a member of the old and aris- tocratie family of MacDowell. Jane Smither, her mother, came from one of the first fam- ilies of Virginia and moved to Kentucky in an early day. Mrs. Borden attended the best select schools of Kentucky until the civil war broke out, when the family removed to Vevay, Ind., at which place she attended school until married to Dr. H. A. Barlow of Cincinnati. Ohio, who was a Union soldier. They resided at Cincinnati for a short time, then moved to St. Louis, Mo. From St. Louis, they moved to Vevay, Ind., where Dr. Barlow died, July 14. 1876, leaving his widow with four children while yet in her twenties. In March, 1880. the family removed to Jefferson, Colo., where her three brothers were then residing. They settled on the Willow Springs ranch near Bordenville and started in the stock business. July 22, 1880, Mrs. Barlow was married to Olney A. Borden. The children being very bright, they gave them first-class advantages. They were mainly educated in Colorado Springs and Denver. Mrs. Borden was raised a Baptist, and was an ardent and un- selfish worker among the needy, never re- fusing to lend a helping hand.
BAKER, David, stock grower, was born in Reedsburg, Wayne county, Ohio, Aug. 16. 1844, and received his early education in the common schools. When he was nine years of age, the family moved to Mahaska county, Ia., and there he worked on his father's farm until old enough to enlist in the Union army. April 16, 1864, he joined company E, 7th Iowa cavalry. He served on the frontier in Nebraska, Kansas and eastern Colorado until May 17, 1866. After returning to lowa, he attended Oskaloosa college and Normal school for more than a year, and then began teaching in the public schools. In Nov., 1868, inspired by glowing reports from the Rocky Moun- tains, he came to Colorado, engaged in ranch- ing in Clear Creek county for two years, then moved to Clear Creek valley, near Denver,
where he spent two more years. In 1873 he located in Park county and acquired a tract of fine land which now embraces 1,200 acres. Much of it is under irrigation and all under fence. Extensive stock sheds and barns that will store 270 tons of hay have been built. The greater portion of the land is in meadow. from which large quantities of hay are cut each season, and sold at a good profit in the neighboring markets. He owns quite a num- ber of horses and cattle, which thrive upon the grass which grows in luxuriant abund- ance upon his land. There are also a num- ber of good springs upon the tract, which sup- ply ample water for the stock. Mr. Baker has served on the school board eleven years, and also as a justice of the peace in 1879-80. In 1867 he married Miss Emily F. Vance of Iowa, and to them have been born six children, five of whom are now living.
BREEN, Michael, merchant, was born in Kilkenny, Ireland, Nov. 30. 1835. In Sept., 1856, he emigrated to America, landing in the city of New York without money, friends or even acquaintances. At Albany he enlisted in company F. 10th U. S. infantry; was sent from there to Leavenworth, Kan., and thence to Salt Lake City, Utah, with the army of .11- bert Sidney Johnson. Afterward, in 1859, he marched with General Canby's command across the mountains to old Fort Garland in the San Luis valley, where he remained about six months, when the troops were ordered to Santa Fe, N. M., and finally to Fort Craig. HIe was engaged in the battle of Valverde against Gen. Sibley's Texan force in 1861 that had come up from the south for the conquest of New Mexico and Colorado, and in the ac- tions at Peralta and Albuquerque. In March, 1862. he was honorably discharged, and then went to ranching in the San Luis valley, near Fort Garland. In Jan., 1866, he married the eldest daughter of Thomas Toben, the famous scout, guide and mountaineer. Ile occupied his ranch about five years, and then entered the employ of Ferd. Meyer & Co., as a clerk in their mercantile house, continuing with this firm some twelve years. In 1872, he went to Del Norte, at the time that town was founded in the midst of the mining excite. ment incident to the discovery of valuable mines at Summitville and in the San Juan region, which brought hundreds of prospectors to that point. Ilere he engaged in the mer- cantile business, remaining until 1878, when he took a stock of general merchandise to Sil- verton, opened a store and remained there to the time of his death. Being a careful busi- ness man, just, honorable and prompt in meeting all engagements, and enjoying the es- teem of the entire community, he was very successful. Indeed, he was the leading supply merchant of that section. This position com- pelled him to carry a large stock of goods, for the reason that the base of supplies was very distant, and in the severe winters the railway was blocked, which created extraordinary de-
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mands. It became necessary to provide in the gate to the first free state convention that fall for the needs of the people in winter, was called in Kansas. In 1856 he, with others of the free state mon, were driven from Leavenworth by the border ruffians headed by Fred Emory, and after taking his wife and children to their old home, he returned to Kansas and assisted his friends in making it a free state. Ile suffered the privations and hardships of pioneer life in Kansas, and in 1859 came to Colorado, but after a brief so- journ returned to Leavenworth, where he re- mained until 1872, when he took up his per- manent abode in Colorado. He settled on the site of his well improved home in 1877, and has devoted himself principally since that time to gardening and fruit growing. In therefore be bad large warehouses that were kept well stocked with provisions for such emergencies. Mr. Breen left five chil- dren, all born in Colorado, the eldest a daughter 24 years of age, now married and living in Silverton. When Hon. B. H. Eaton was elected governor of the state, Mr. Breen was appointed on his statt with the rank of colonel. Ile was as widely known, respected and admired as any citizen of the south- western country, High minded and generous. kind hearted and helpful in time of need, one of the jolliest of comrades, he attained an en- viable popularity. His portrait appears in Volume 1H, page 248 of our general history.
BROMLEY, Emmet A., farmer and stock grower, was born in Clinton county, N. Y., Feb. 14, 1858, and remained at the place of his nativity until sixteen years of age. When nine years old he lost his parents. Upon reaching his eighteenth year, he removed to Vermont, where the ensuing two years were passed. In 1877 he came to Denver and very soon thereafter engaged in farming near Sand Creek, about six miles north of that city. In 1884 he removed to Brighton, where he now resides on his valuable farm consist- ing of 200 acres, all of which is under a high state of cultivation. A portion of his land is devoted to the growing of small fruits. In addition to his farming interests, Mr. Bromley has devoted much time to the raising of stock and the constant improvement of some of the best breeds of cattle and horses. At the present time he is giving special atten- tion to the raising of some fine Cleveland bays, and now owns an interest in a twenty-five hundred dollar stallion of the same breed, which he and two other gentlemen have re- cently purchased. Mr. Bromley is a Masou and master of the Brighton lodge as well as a K. of P. and master of the grange which was recently organized in his district. He has been deputy sheriff and deputy assessor of Arapahoe county, and was elected to the Itouse of Representatives of the Eighth Gen- eral Assembly and was re-elected to the ninth legislature, being the only democrat ever re-elected in the county of Arapahoe.
BIRD, F. E., was born in Boston, Mass., in 1831, and there received a good, practical education, which laid the foundation for the life of usefulness which he has since led. New England has given much of her best blood and brains to Colorado. Mr. Bird went to Iowa in 1852, thenee to Ilinois, and settled in Leavenworth, Kan., in 1854, where he on- gaged in contraeting and bulldling. Ho erected the first two-story frame house that was eon- structed in that city, and many of the best and most substantial bulldings of that place were put up after his designs and under his supervision. Ile had the honor of placing Judge Brewer (now one of the judges of the U. S. supreme court) in nomination as a dele-
both of these industries he has been emi- nently successful, and in a number of in- stances, at fruit exhibits by the state, he has carried off the chief prizes. Ile was one of the organizers of the Horticultural society and one of its officers during the first few years of its existence, and has, perhaps, donc as much to promote the interest of fruit grow- ing as any man in the state.
BASSETT, Mrs. E. J., was born in West- chester county, N. Y., and is the daughter of John and Margaret Travis. She received her education at the place of her nativity, and at a very early age married Joseph Travis, of her native town. To thom was born one son. George Clinton Travis, who is now a promi- nent business man in the city of New York. In 1869 Joseph Travis came to Colorado and located in the San Luis valley. In ISTO. his wife followed him, when they engaged in farming and raising stock. Mr. Travis died in 1877, and in ISSO his widow married W. H. Bassett, of Del Norte. Mr. Bassett was thrown from his carriage in 1890, and mnet with such a serious injury that he lived only four days after the occurrence of the acci- dent. Mrs. Bassett still resides on the same farm she has occupied since coming to Colo- rado.
BREECE, H. H. C., was born in New Ier- sey and came to Colorado In 1861. Ile fol- lowed mining and prospecting in Summit county, and also in Central City, Georgetown and Buffalo Flats, and purchased a half in- terest in the lead mines at Galena Guleh. where he remained five years. Ile then went to New Mexico and embarked in the eattle trade, and finally settled at llardscrabble Park in 1870, on a ranch containing 240 acres. In Dee., IST1, he married Miss Emma Lester. lle is a successful farmer, and is a Royal Arch Mason.
BABCOCK, A. S., was born in Connecti- out In 1838, and when twenty-one years of age came to this stato, going tirst to Boulder county, where he remained until the following spring, when he located on his present place. Ile has reshled there ever since. excepting one season which was spent In mining. Ile enjoys the confidence of a wide circle of
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friends, not only in his own county, but gaged in the paint business for twelve years, throughout the commonwealth. Ile has wit- nessed the growth of the state from a feeble beginning, and has been a participant in many of its efforts at advancement. As one of the pioneers, he is justly proud of his adopted state and the achievements of its people.
BREWER, John I., farmer, was born in Frederick county, Va., Feb. 25, 1819, and was raised on a farm. At the outbreak of the Revolutionary war his grandparents lived in New Jersey, and after its close settled in Pennsylvania. Four sons and two daughters were born to them. His father was a minis- ter and moved to Virginia, where he re- mained all the balance of his life. There were four brothers, including his grandfather, who served under Generat Washington in several battles. In 1844 the subject of our sketeb took a trip through Virginia and afterward through Pennsylvania, and at length went to Kentucky, where he married and settled in Carrollton, remaining there ten years, All his children. three sons and two daughters. wore born there. In Nov., 1860. he removed to St. Joseph, Mo .. and May 10, 1861, he pro- cured an outfit and started for Denver, where in due time he arrived, and went to the moun- tains, but remained only a few weeks, then returned to Denver. Deciding to engage in farming, he went down the Platte river eight miles and began working on a ranch owned by James M. Broadwell at $30 a month, con- tinning until 1863, then rented a ranch from Broadwell and cultivated it. Soon afterward he went back to St. Joseph and brought out his family. In 1865 he moved over to the west side of the river, where he has resided ever since. It is one of the most extensively improved farms on the Platte.
BRIGHT, O. L., farmer, was born in Ten- nessee, in 1841, in which state he grew to manhood, receiving his education in the pub- lie schools, after which he engaged in farm- ing, continuing until 1865, then came to Colo- rado. Ile first went to Black llawk and thence to Turkey creek, remaining until 1869. then went to Elk creek for one year. and from there to Tarryatl, where he remained two years. In 1872 he took up a ranch near Denver, on which he has resided to the pres- ont time.
BROWN, H. R., farmer, was born in Bed- ford, Ind., in 1836, and when seven years of age went with his family to Jowa, where he remained until 1862, during which time he attended school, finishing with a college course. lle came to Colorado in 1862 and went to Park county, where he engaged in mining for about a year, then moved to Colorado City and acted as deputy county clerk for the same length of time. In 1864 he enlisted in com- pany G. 3rd Colorado cavalry, and served 115 days against the Indians, when he returned to Colorado City and followed farming for a short time, then located in Denver and en-
and finally moved to his farm where he has since lived, This valuable tract of land con- sists of 253 acres, all under a high state of cultivation, mostly devoted to the growth of small fruits. He is a republican in politics, and as an evidence of the esteem in which he is held by his friends and neighbors, may be mentioned the fact that in 1890 he was elected to the legislature from Jefferson county, and in 1892 to the state Senate. Although he has passed the meridian of life he is still active and vigorous.
BROWN, S. W., farmer, was born in Bal- timore in 1829, and was educated in the pub- lic schools of that city. When sixteen years of age he shipped as assistant ship carpenter, serving about four years, during which he visited a good portion of the civilized world; most of that time, however, was spent in South American and West Indian waters. Upon the breaking out of the Mexican war he enlisted in the 2nd regiment, New York volun- teers, under Col. Burnett, and immediately went to the front, where he served two years, participating in a number of battles, among them the siege of Vera Cruz and the capture of the City of Mexico. After receiving his discharge he went to California, where he remained until 1854, and then to Chicago, but soon thereafter spent a year in Central Amer- ica, where he was engaged in mercantile pur- suits. Returning to the United States he joined his brother on a farm in lowa, but the winters there being too severe for him he removed to Kansas, where he followed the same occupation two years. Ile finally drifted to Colorado in 1859 and went to the moun- tains, but after a short stay there located at Golden, and during the same year settled on his farm near Denver. This farm consists of 480 acres and is well adapted to agricultural and stock raising pursuits, in which he has since been engaged. Ile married the daughter of John Perry and to them have been born four children, three of whom are now living.
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