History of the State of Colorado, Volume IV, Part 62

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 62

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).

BANNING, John A., contractor, was born in Wheeling, W. Va., in 1836. In 1840 he went to Burlington, Iowa, where he remained until 1856. He spent four years on the fron- tier in Nebraska, and carried the mail across the plains between Nebraska City and Salt Lake City. Ile moved to Breckenridge, Colo .. and followed placer mining for four years, and in 1864, came to Jefferson and Arapahoe counties. In 1868 he built the first railroad into Colorado, and was one of the original corporators of the Rio Grande railroad com- pany. Ile assisted in building the Rio Grande from Denver to Pueblo and to other points in the state, and also took part in constructing the Union Pacific railroad in 1878 to Long- mont and the old Julesburg route to Ft. Morgan. lle built some of the largest ditches in the state, and is still engaged in the same line of work; has also dealt considerably in horses and cattle. Hle made investments in

393

HISTORY OF COLORADO.

Boulder, Jefferson and Arapahoe counties, and realized handsome profits in each in- stance. He is a democrat and takes a lively interest in the success of that party.

BARBER, J. M., was born in Washington county, N. Y., Oct. 13, 1809. He remained there until he was fifteen years of age and then moved to Genesee county, same state. Coming West, he located in Michigan near Detroit, engaged in farming, and continued there until 1869, when, on account of im- paired health, he went to California and re- sided there until 1879, when he became a citizen of Arapahoe county, Colo. He has acquired large property interests, to which at the present time he is devoting his atten- tion.

BARKER, Edmund S., contractor, was horn in Firth, Yorkshire, England, Oct. 13, 1842, and educated in the common sehools. lle is a stoneentter, and began to learn his trade at the age of thirteen years, He came to America in 1859, landed at New York, and came on to St. Louis, where he lived about twenty years, following his trade and the business of a contractor. Dec. 20, 1861, he enlisted in company 1, 1st Mo, state militia. infantry (Union army), as a private soldier, and was honorably discharged from service May 15. 1865. Ile came to Colorado May 17. 1579, and located in Denver, where he took contracts in all branches of stone work, es pecially flagging. June 17, 1872, he married Sophia Cramer in St. Louis. He is a member of the G. A. R. Financially successful he owns a fine residence at the corner of First and Grant avemes, which he built, and is the possessor of other property accumulated in Denver.

BARNARD, W. H., stock grower, was born in Ulster county, N. Y., in 1852, and ed- ueated in the public schools of that state. When eighteen years of age he moved to Pax- ton, Ford county, IN., where he spent two years in the hotel business. He then located in Sedalia. Mo., and engaged in farming for six or eight years. In the spring of 1879 he eame to Colorado and settled in Leadville, where he opened a furniture store and com- menced mining operations. Remaining įn

Leadville until 1885, he came to Denver. He began business in the furniture line on Curtis street, but five years later erected a large business block at the corner of Eighth avenue and south Eleventh street. He is the owner also of four ranches and is interested in rais- ing stock. In April. 1SS9, he was elected alderman from the 7th ward for the term of two years. He is an Odd Fellow, K. of P., one of the Red Men, a Woodman, a P. O. S. of A. and an A. O. U. W. His rapid accumu- lation of property has given him a substantial and influential position as one of the wealthy property holders of southwest Denver.

In 1862 he lived in Marion county, Iowa, where he followed stock raising and agricul- tural pursuits. While there he married Re- beeca Il. Jarp. lle came to Colorado in 1873 and is engaged in the live stock commission business in Denver, to which he came in 1873, and has resided here since that time. He is a Mason and an Odd Fellow, and was Noble Grand of the latter when he left Penu- sylvania,

BARRIGER, G. G., was born in Shelby county, Ky., May 23. 1834. He moved from that portion of the state to Paducah when twelve years of age, remaining there until Jan., 1879, when he came to Denver, and for four years conducted a foundry and machine shop on Fifteenth street. Since disposing of that establishment he has been chiefly en- gaged in managing his large property. Ile owns a large amount of real estate, both im- proved and unimproved.

BARRON, J. W., pioneer, was born in Howard county, Mo., in 1820. Ile left Hanni- bal, Mo., in March, 1850, crossing the plains in those perilons days of Indian warfare, and arrived at Fort Lupton June 10 follow- ing. Ile participated in nearly all the Indian battles that have occurred within the borders of Colorado, besides numerous others as far cast as the Missouri river, and recites many thrilling adventures of fierce encounters with and hairbreadth escapes from the redskins, with other interesting reminiscences of bor- der life. He owned a one-half interest in the Overland stage line running to Denver, and operated the same from 1867 to 1869. On re- tiring from that, he embarked in the cattle business at Ilugo, Colo., where he remained until 1852. at which time he removed to Den- ver, where he has since resided. Ilis fearless bravery gained him the esteem of all good men, as well as the wholesome respect of the lawless. He served the people of this western country with fidelity for twenty years in the capacities of deputy sheriff and sheriff. As shown by the dates given above he is one of the oklest settlers of the state.

BECKWOURTH, Jim. See Vol. 1, page 118.

BEGLEY, T. F., was born in Newfound- land in 1855. The first nine years of his life were passed in that country, when his par- onis moved to Portland, Me. Here ho re- mained three years and then went to Solo- mon City, Kan., where he took a collegiate course. In ist he came to Denver, and after living here about five years went to Idaho, and a year later to Montana. Twelve months afterward he returned to Colorado, and engaged with the Denver & Rto Grande Railroad Co., continuing until 1888. In April, 1591, he was elected alderman from the 9th ward.

BARNES, Henry Lee, was born in 1835 BOURNE, John, was born in Sussex and reared on a farm in Green county, Pa. county, Eugland, Oct. 26, 18H. and came to

394

BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT.

America in 1866. lle lived a short time in president and general manager, the title was New York, and then moved to Kansas, where changed to The Union Brewing company. Under his supervision its business developed rapidly, and it became a large and prosperous concern. The capacity of the plant has been more than doubled. he remained three years. Ile settled per- manently in Denver in 1872, and resided here until the time of his death, which occurred April 25, 1891. He was a carpenter and builder, employing a large force of men for many years. Besides improving his own property, he filled many contraets in the erection of public and private buildings in all parts of the city, which stand as monu- ments to his skill as an architect and builder. He was married Sopt. 24, 1867, to Miss Mary Mesler. Ten children of this union survive. His investments were mostly in inside prop- erty in Denver, which, with the assistance of his wife, he improved and made sufficiently valuable to provide a competency for his family. ITe was prominently identified with various benevolent orders, by which he was held in high esteem.

BLISS, Mary C., was born in Denmark in 1818, and for some years resided in Copen- hagen. Her first.husband was a seafaring man, and their first financial distress resulted from a shipwreck. Both came to America and settled in Chicago. Her second marriage was to Mr. Thomas Bliss. who served in the quartermaster's department during the late civil war. Ile was mustered out of service in 1863, when he came to Colorado. He and his wife resided a number of years at Black Hawk, where they were in hotel keeping. Mr. Bliss died in 1872, and his widow con- tinued the business. She is now the owner and proprietor of the Revere house on Blake street, Denver. A woman of great courage and fortitude, she has won a comfortable fortune to comfort her declining years.

BOWN, George F., was born in England in 1840, and crossed the Atlantic in 1872 to try his fortune in the "Centennial state." ar- riving in Denver during that year. In 1888 he purchased 130 acres of land near Fort Lo- gan. He also preimpted a ranch on Clear Creek, which he still owns. In 18SS he was appointed superintendent of the county farm, held it for three years, when he was super- seded. His successor not giving satisfaction. he was removed after a six months' trial, and Mr. Bown reappointed. He still retains the position.

BROWN, Aunt Clara. See Vol. I, page 483.

BURGHARDT, William, brewer, was born in Hessen, Germany, in 1850. At the age of seventeen he came to America, located in Texas, and for two years was employed in a dry goods store. 1Io then removed to New Orleans, remaining in the South until 1878, then came to Denver and was engaged in various pursuits until 1886, at which time he was appointed agent for the sale of Lemp's St. Louis beer for Colorado, continuing six years. Hlo next became interested with the City Brewing company, and being made its

BERTOLETTE, John C., farmer, was born in Berks county, Pa., Dec. 18, 1831, received his education and grew to manhood there. Ile emigrated to Colorado in 1850 and the fol- lowing year began mining operations in Gil- pin county. In April, 1862, he enlisted in the 2nd Colorado cavalry, and after faithfully serving his time out in the war he was dis- charged at Ft. Riley in 1865. During a riot that occurred at Black Hawk, Mr. Bertolette was present, commanding a company of men. Subsequently he purchased his present farm, consi, ting of 1,000 aeres of land, where he resides and which he has placed under a high state of cultivation.

BAILEY, Ralph W., was born in Apple- ton, Wis., Dec. 5, 1866, and left there at the age of twenty-two. He graduated at the high school of his native town and took a business course at the Spencerian Business college of Milwaukee. He came to Denver in 18SS, where he followed various pursuits until 1891, when he became permanently settled. He is in the artistic wire, iron and brass business. Nov. 20, 1889, he married Minnie G. Diehl of La Crosse. Wis. He was for three years a member of the Colorado National Guard.

BAKER, A. J., manufacturer, was born in Fulton, Ill., in 1842, educated in the common schools, and in 1860 came to Colorado in com- pany with his father. He did not permanently settle here, however, until three years later, sinee which time he has been a continuous resi- dent of the state, with the exception of a brief period spent in Deadwood, Dak. He was engaged in mining in Gilpin county about six years, and has since been more or less interested in mining. He located in Den- ver in 1870, and began making briek, in which employment he has been eminently successful. Ile married Miss Kate Barnes, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and they have two children living. He is a generous contributor to churches and charitable organizations, as well as to the order of the A. F. and A. M., wherein he has risen to the degree of Knight Templar.

BURCH, Thomas R., miner, was born in Buffalo, N.Y., Jan. 13, 1848. He was reared on a farm, and, after acquiring his education, was thrown upon his own resources. Coming to Colorado in 1870 he has devoted the greater portion of his life to railroad pursuits, in the employ of the K. P. and D. & R. G. roads. Ife has also passed some time in ranching and in the dairy business. Ile is now super- intending his mining interests in Ouray, and his real estate investments in Arapahoe and Jefferson counties. He is the secretary of the Silver Grey and San Juan Mining company ;

395

HISTORY OF COLORADO.

is a democrat in politics, and takes a lively interest in the progress of the schools and the welfare of the community.

BROCKER, Alphonze G., son of F. A. and Amelie L. (Gehrung) Brocker, was among the first white children born in Colorado. Ile began his education in the public schools of Denver, and subsequently was graduated from the Denver University, and from lowa college, which, with a special course at Vale,

pursued in the office of Shafroth & Rogers. He was admitted to the bar in ISSS. During his school days he "proved up" on a hun- dred and sixty acres of land, being the first Denver boy to receive credit for such a trans- action. He has steadily increased his pos- sessions until he now owns 2,000 acres of land, much of which is well improved. The "Thehmna Mineral Water Springs" are located upon his property. He has become so thor- oughly absorbed with his interest in matters outside of his profession that he has tem- porarily abandoned the practice of law. and seems well advanced on the highway of ma- terial prosperity.

BROCKER, Mrs. Amelie L. 1Ier ancestors were natives of France, where she also was born. When thirteen years of age, she came to America with her mother, her father hay- ing died on the ship on which they embarked. The first few years after their arrival were spent in traveling with the view only of making a visit. Such a favorable impression, however, of America, was made upon their minds that they decided to make their per- manent home here, and in 1862 they settled in Denver. In 1863 Miss Amelie was mar- ried to Mr. F. A. Brocker. The death of Mr. Brocker occurred in 1870, and as she met with pecuniary reverses about that time, she was left with small means and two children to raise and educate. She proved herself equal to the emergency, however, and through her business taet became interested in real estate transactions, out of which she real- ized handsome profits, and further added to her income by purchasing a half interest in the patents and inventions of Dr. A. Welling- ton Adams of Washington, D. C., for the general use of electric appliances for transit and lighting, and she still holds her half In- terest In them.

BROCKER, F. A., was born in France. When sixteen years of age, he came to Amor- ica and located in St. Louis, Mo., where he followed the business of an importer for sev- eral years. Hle subsequently removed to Leavenworth, Kan., where he continued the same line of employment until 1858, when he emigrated to Denver. Ile at once established himself in the same business and conducted it with great success, until the time of his death, which occurred in St. Louis, Aug. 28, 1870. Ile was one of the first persons to use mule trains in the transportation of goods

from the Missouri river to Denver. He built one of the first brick buildings that was erected in the state, and was one of the orig- inal movers in the first building and loan association organized in Colorado.

BURNS, J. P., dairyman, was born in Clinton county, N. Y., in 1863, and in 1881 came to Colorado and engaged in gardening in the vicinity of Rocky Mountain lake near Denver. He was subsequently employed in prepared him for the study of law, which he the milling business by Mullen Bros. In March, 18SS, he began dairying in a small way. Ilis premises are handsomely improved with all modern equipments to facilitate his business, and were constructed with special reference to this object. In 1891 he married Miss Agnes Wallace. They have one chikl, Leonard, who was born Sept. 5, 1892.

BOWMAN, C. L., dairyman, was born in the state of New York, June 17, 1862, and remained at the place of his nativity until twenty years of age, during which time he attended the public schools. He removed to Clyde. Kan., and there dealt in livestock, mainly horses, for five years, He then located in Denver and embarked in the produce trade, continuing about fifteen months, when he en- tered the dairy business with Mr. J. F. Bow- man. A short time thereafter he opened an establishment of his own, which he still con- trols.

BALL, J. H., dairyman, was born in Corn- wall. England, in 1864. He came to America in 1850 and settled in Denver the same year. thereafter following various pursuits, but most of the time in the employ of the Denver & Rio Grande railway company. He has made one trip to his native land, returning to Colo- rado in 1888, when he engaged in the dairy business. He resides at Harmon, a suburb of Denver, where he has a pleasant home, surrounded with many comforts. He mar- ried Miss Elizabeth MeElroy of Denver. They have two children Louise and Anthony William.

BARNARD, I. E., dairyman, was born in Michigan, Nov. 16, 1865, where his early boy- hood was passed. He lived ten years in Iowa. and came to Denver in March. ISSI. For some years afterward he was engaged in the com- mission business, and in 1890 purchased an interest in a dairy with C. L. Bowman, who a year later sold to Mr. Barnard. This enter- prise, under the judicious management of its present owner, has grown to be the second largest in the state.

BAUSINGER, T. U., dairyman, was born in Syracuse, N. Y., April 19, 18GS. He there attended the public schools and when nine- teen years of age came to Colorado. Soon after his arrival he entered the large clothing establishment of Garson. Kerngood & Co .. remaining until June, 1892, when he began the dalry business, in which he has been more than ordinarily successful.

396

BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT.

BANGERT, Charles, dairyman, was born in Germany in 1864 and remained there until 1882. in the meantime attending a high school and university, where his education was ac- quired. He came to America and then to Colo- rado when he was but eighteen years of age. Soon after arriving in Denver he engaged in the dairy business at Swansea, a suburb of Denver, remaining there two years, then located on his present place, consisting of 40 acres of land, where he has a pleasant home, and has acquired a large trade.

BORCHERDING, Edward, farmer, was born in Quincy, Ill., in. 1860. He remained there until he was nineteen years of age, in the meantime attending the public schools. In 1879 he came to Denver, following the trade of a blacksmith, and was also engaged in the milling business for about six years, when he started a dairy. In 1893 he moved to a farm on Wheat Ridge and has since been very suc- cessful, gardening and raising fruit.

BROMLEY, M. R., dairyman, was born in the state of New York, Feb. 5, 1857; came to Colorado in 1877, and in 1879 began the dairy business, which he has followed ever since, each year increasing the area of his trade. until at the present time the product thereof is very large and lucrative.

BULLIS, George, dairyman, was born in Canada; lived six years in Ohio; came to Den- ver in 1883 and located near Sloan's lake, where he began the dairy business. Seven years ago he purchased twenty acres of land near the town of Harmon. llere he has built a residence, a large barn, dug an artesian well, and made other improvements neces- sary to the comforts of a good home, as well as to supply himself with the facilities for carrying on his business.

BURKS, William T., dairyman, was born in Wilson county, Tenn., and was educated in the public schools. Ile came to Colorado in 1886 and settled upon his ranch in the east- ern portion of the state, but subsequently re- moved to Denver and engaged in the dairy business, in which he has been highly suc- cessful.

CASS, Dr. O. D. See Vol. III, page 165.

Curtis was appointed to fill his place. In 1869 he was promoted to chief clerk, and Jan. 7, 1876, was commissioned by President Grant melter and refiner at the mint. He remained thus employed until 1883, when he resigned to look after his business affairs. In 1867 he and Clarence J. Clark laid out an addition to Denver, known as Curtis & Clark's addition, and in 1873 they built one of the best business blocks on Larimer street, sub- sequently occupied by the governor and other state officers. In 1SS5 he assisted in the or- ganization of the Denver Tramway company, and was made its president. Since then he has devoted his attention to the promotion of that company's interests, and under his able management, about one hundred miles of road have been constructed and success- fully operated. To his efforts is largely due the prompt and admirable street car service which the company has given the city. Being a shrewd, careful and enterprising business man, Mr. Curtis has amassed a comfortable fortune. le is a man of pleasant address, and possessing a social, generous and just disposition, he has many good and true friends.

CHANUTE, Arthur, metallurgist, was born in Peoria, Ill., Feb. 6, 1858. When seven years of age, his parents removed to Chicago, remained there two years, then settled in Kansas City, Mo., where his father built the first railway bridge over the Missouri river, which still remains in, use. From Kansas City Mr. Chanute went to Lawrence, Kan., and thence to New York. Arthur's earlier education was received in the public and grammar schools, supplemented by a course at Yale college, from whence he was graduated in 1880. Upon finishing his scho- lastic carcer, he soon thereafter came to Colorado, and in a short time located at Lead- ville as a chemist and assayer, and within a year added mining. Realizing that mining would necessarily occupy the greater portion of his time, he received Mr. E. R. Holden as a partner in the assay department, and sub- segmently admitted him into the mining busi- ness; this partnership continued until 1885, when Mr. Chanute sold out. Ile then hegan operating the London mine near Alma, but not meeting with encouraging results, he closed it that fall, returned to Leadville, and in conjunction with Mr. Ilolden concluded to build a smelter. After visiting various sections of the state for the selection of a site, they finally decided upon Globeville, near Denver, and in March, 1886, the ground was purchased and the erection of the works be- gun under the name of the Holden Smelting company. Subsequently, those interested in the project deemed it advisable to enlarge the plant and increase the capital, when it was reincorporated as the Ilolden Smelting and Refining company, whereupou Mr. Cha-

CURTIS, Rodney, president of the Denver Consolidated Tramway company, was born in Broome county, N. Y., Jan. 17, 1839. He received a good public school and seminary education, supplemented by a course in Bry- ant & Stratton's commercial college, in Chi- cago. In 1859 he went to Cedar Rapids, lowa. and for about a year was engaged in the grain trade. In the spring of 1860, in com- pany with his brother. O. M. Curtis, he came to Colorado. Soon after his arrival he pur- chased a ranch near Denver, which he and his brother cultivated up to the spring of 1864. At this time James D. Clark, pay clerk of the United States mint at Denver. nute was elected secretary and treasurer. In absconded with about $37,000, and Rodney a few months he was chosen vice president.

397

HISTORY OF COLORADO.

In 1889 the name was changed to the Globe through the years, until now what is known Smelting and Refining company, Mr. Chanute as the "Charles law library," located in his remaining as vice-president. The plant has been very materially enlarged since then, un- til it is now the largest concern of its kind in the country, giving employment to several hundred mon. In 1883 Mr. Chanute mar- ried Miss Matie Lockwood, of Tarrytown, N. Y. Two children are living, one son and a daughter. On Feb. 20, 1595, after a short illness, Mr. Chanute died of scarlet fever. cut down in the prime of life, in the midst of a successful business career, beloved by his associates, admired by all who knew him, and deeply mourned by his family. great building at the corner of Fifteenth and Curtis streets, has become one of the most extensive and valnable in the state. Although deeply interested in politics, he has never been a voluntary candidate for any public office. In 1866, however, the republican party of Arapahoe county nominated and elected him a member of the territorial council, where he served with marked ability. The same year he was made attorney for Arap- ahoe county, and was signally successful in proseenting and convicting many noted of- fenders. During the territorial regime and since. but more particularly during the ear- lier years of settlement, he was a marked figure among the men of his time. Indus- irions, painstaking and profond, he pene- frates to the root of every enuse that comes to him for investigation, and, being thorough. is always a strong antagonist. Though not of high rank as an orator, he is a strong pleader, and being familiar with the authori- ties bearing upon his cases, is accurate and convincing. In the course of more than thirty years' residence in Denver he has ae- quired much valuable property. In 1859-90 he rebuilt the great block which bears his name upon the site whereon, for many years, his residence stood. In Oct., 1852, he married Miss Fannie Strode, at Beloit, Wis., she having been a resident of Galena, III.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of the State of Colorado, Volume IV, Part 62

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