History of the State of Colorado, Volume IV, Part 63

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

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CHARLES, John Q., lawyer, one of the pioneers of the legal fraternity in Colorado, was born in Belleville, III., Oct. 5, 1822. His father's family, including grandparents, sev- eral brothers and sisters, with their families, emigrated from North Carolina in 1818, a por- tion of it settling in Missouri and a part in southern Illinois. Mr. Charles resided at Belleville with the family until 1827, when his father moved to Jo Daviess county and located at Galena. llere he became some- what noted as a politician and was elected as a whig to the legislature, and thereafter oc- cupied the office of probate judge, which he continued to hold until his death, which oc- eurred in 1×16. John Q. had no advantages of a collegiate education, not even the bene- fit of a university nor an academic course, simply the very moderate instruction at- forded by a few terms in the public schools. He was, however, always fond of books, al- ways studions, and the rank to which he has risen has been attained by applying himself with a determination to make an honored place in the world. Soon after the year 1836, his father meeting with reverses, made it necessary for him to take employ- ment as a clerk and bookkeeper in a eom- mercial house at Galena. While thus en- gaged, and about the year 1844, he began to devote his leisure time to the study of law. borrowing from his friends of the legal pro- fession such books as would qualify him for practice. In the spring of 1850 he and his only brother crossed the plains to Cali- fornia, reaching Nevada City in the month of July, where they engaged in mining with good success. lle returned to Galena in April, 1552, and entered the office of the clerk of the circuit court as a deputy, and where he read law. Soon thereafter he commenced the practice of his profession in Galena and remained there until 1862, when he came to Denver, arriving here on the morning of March 22 of that year. He immediately re- samed the practice of law and has resided lere ever since, being noted as one of the ablest counselors in the profession. In 1864 his law library was swept away and do- stroyed by the memorable flood in Cherry Creek. He, however, began the collection of another library, which he has continued

CHAFFEE, Jerome B. See Vol. 11, page 359.

CHEVER, Charles G., capitalist, was born in Salem, Mass., Sept. 17. 1827. and educated in the schools of that city. In 1819 he went to California, remaining until 159, most of the time engaged in mining. When the dis- covery of gold in the Rocky Mountains was heralled broadcast over the Union, Mr. Chever left the town of Oroville. Cal .. June 13. 1859, and came to Denver. In 1861, when the county of Arapahoe was organized under the art of Congress creating the territory of Colorado, ho was elected first clerk and re- corder, an office which he continuously hold for six years. Soon after his retirement from this position he entered upon the business of real estate investmoms, and acquired much valuable property in the city. He also acted as agent for other parties, here and elsewhere, and by the subsequent growth of the young and vigorons metropolis, his hold- ings brought him a comfortable fortune. In Isso he erected the beautiful Essex building on Lawrence between Sixteenth and Seven- trenth streets, one of the finest business and office buildings in the city, and when that was completed and occupied erected an- other, equally ornate and handsome, but of different design and material. on Arapahoe between the same parallels first mentioned. known as the "Arapahoe building." He has witnessed every phase of development from the original encampment of tents and the

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BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT.

bivouae of emigrant wagons on Cherry friends, though it was repeatedly tendered. creek, through all stages of progression, to In 1865, shortly after the discovery of silver the present magnificent achievement. The first county records are in his handwriting, and stowed away in the vaults of our court house are many historie papers that bear his filings. He was one of the men whom every- body knew, and with whom every property owner in the county had to deal. All ab- stracts of title to city lots and suburban lands begin with him, and of all that we have of legal record he was the original custodian. During the past few years he has divided his time between Massachusetts and Colo- rado, paying frequent visits to the city he has helped to build and the valuable inter- ests he has therein.

CLARK, Frederick A., pioneer, was born in Southington, Conn., Jan. 3, 1838. Although the name of this gentleman was long since inscribed upon the numberless roll of those who have fathomed something of the mys- teries of eternity, it is still a precious mem- ory with the pioneers who knew and loved him for the many excellencies of his char- aeter. In the early years of Denver. George- town and Fairplay, he was known as one of the most admirable of men, a delightful com- rade, spotlessly honorable, the incarnation of manliness, generous, self-sacrificing, and a deeply loving husband and father. As we invoke the shadowy idyls of the past, the days in which he lived and was a welcome presence among the generation that reclaimed the western desert, a thousand recollections of his amiable manners arise. His home was filled with treasures of literature and art, gath- ered in his extensive tour of Europe after his long struggle with adversity had been crowned with affluence. In repose his feat- ures were plain, but when lighted up in con- versation they became almost handsome. It was then that the graces of the soul shone through, and magnetically drew all men to him. He received a liberal but not a com- plete education in the schools, As he ap- proached maturity bis inclinations turned to the far West, a tendency quite common with the sturdy young men of New England even to this day. When seventeen years of age he emigrated to Wisconsin, and subsequently to Kansas. Locating in Topeka, he took up the lumber trade, continuing therein until 1860, when he came to Denver, and shortly after opened a grocery and supply store. The business prospered until the conflagra- tion of 1863 overwhelmed his property and left him almost penniless. Friends came to his aid, and he was soon re-established in the same line. A year later all his possessions were swept away by the historic flood in leaving hin completely Cherry Creek,

mines in the vicinity of Georgetown, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Crow settled in that place, and in due course the latter became possessed of the Terrible mine, then merely a promising "prospeet." He came to Denver, interested Mr. Clark in the venture, and together they developed it into one of the most valuable mines of that section. For some time, how- ever, until the paying stage was reached, both families were very poor, though not altogether without hope of reward. The ladies bore their part in the home, while their husbands toiled upon the mountain side. After the great value of the vein had been fully demonstrated, in Feb., 1870, it was sold to a company of British capitalists in London for a large sum. Mr. Clark, accompanied by his wife, went to London, perfected the ne- gotiation, and their fortune being assured, they made a tour of Europe, returning in July, 1870. Almost immediately thereafter both families were settled in Denver, and the partners erected the Clark & Crow building on Holladay (now Market) street, which still bears their names. Each also purchased a home, Mr. Clark on Curtis street next north of the present Cass & Graham block, now the center of business, and Mr. Crow the homestead now owned and occupied by Mr. Joseph Standley at the corner of Curtis aud Fourteenth streets, which they enlarged and beautified. The success attending his first undertaking created the usual fascination for that pursuit, and now possessed of ample means, Mr. Clark was easily persuaded to examine the advantages of bar mining, on the Platte river, near Fairplay, Park county. Favorably impressed, but instantly recogniz- ing the importance of applying the better methods used in California, he went to that state, investigated the management of placers there, purchased the requisite apparatus for hydraulic shieing on an extensive seale, and prepared himself for the large enterprise in- volved. He had already planned for the pur- chase and consolidation of numerous claims along the scene of his contemplated opera- tions. Returning from the golden coast he pro- ceeded to the execution of his plans; dug ditches, built fhimes, erected huge derricks for handling the heaviest boulders, and per- sonally superintended his large force of work- men. On the 21st of July, 1874, while his men were adjusting one of these derricks, he observed that it had lost its balance and was about to fall. Rushing to their rescue, he had just succeeded in getting them out of danger, when the ponderous machine fell and erushed him. He was taken to a house in Fairplay, and medieal attendance sum- moned, but without avail, and he soon ex- pired. The remains were brought to Denver, and, followed by an immense concourse of

stranded. In Aug., 1863, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary M., daughter of John W. Smith. Until 1865 it was a constant hard struggle to maintain himself, for he would friends, interred at Riverside. Thus perished not accept further assistance from his in the bloom of his manhood one of the no-

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blest men in Colorado, just at the outset of he drew his revolver, and, in the struggle his fortune and the prime of his usefulness. which ensned, shot and severely wounded his Three daughters had been born to him. Mand, assailant. Holding him prisoner until relief Mary and Pearl. To his family he be- arrived, the desperado was surrendered and queathed a large landed estate, and life insur- ance policies amounting to some $25,000. This estate, by the wise administration of his executor, Mr. W. X. Cheesman, subso-

lodged in the city calaboose. This event be- ing published and universally discussed, brought the hero of the adventure into marked prominence. The shooting of out- quently became immensely valuable. The laws who lay in wait for honest citizens was children were educated at Wolfe Hall and an act to be applauded, and in this instance in the select schools of New York City. From the only regret was that Mr. Cobb failed to ISSI to 1889 much of their time was spent in Europe. In the year last named they re- turned to Denver, remaining until the sum- mer of 1590, when. after planning a beautiful home on Logan avenue. Capitol Hill. to be completed during their absence, they de- parted for a tour of Japan. China and India. In the summer of 1891, having familiarized themselves with all countries of the old world, they established a permanent resi- dence in Denver. In the untimely death of Mr. Clark, the writer lost one of his most valued friends, the community one of its most estimable citizens. kill. In due course. the footpad recovered from his wound, and, as the old primitive jail was insecure, managed to effect bis os- cape. In 1867 Mr. Cobb became associated with Col. Robert Wilson in the post-trader- ship and in government contracting at Fort Fetterman, enterprises that proved quite profitable. He returned to Denver possessed of considerable means, and in ISTO. in com- pany with Geo. E. Crater, established the business of fire insmance, which, with vari- ons associates, has been his principal vora- tion to the present date. He is now senior member of the firm of Cobb. Wilson & Co .. which has from the first held a leading posi- tion in that line. doing. in addition to their large local business, a general agency busi- ness throughout Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, Utah and Montana. For five years Mr. Cobb was president of the Denver board of nuderwriters. From ISSO to ISS4 he was a member of the board of education for schod district No. 1. East Denver; has been one of the leaders in the I. O. O. P. elected to all the higher positions, including that of grand master of the state, and also representative of the sovereign grand lodge. He was elected to the city board of supervisors in 18Sa served two years and declined a re-election. Te has been secretary of Riverside Cemetery association for many years. A member of the Denver Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade, he has served it as director and Vice- president.

CLARK. George T. See Vol. 1, page 398. COBB, Charles D., manager of insurance. was born in Columbus, Johnson county, Mo .. Inne 15. 1844. His early education was lim- ited to the advantages afforded by the bor- der schools of that period, that were not of the highest order. At the age of eleven years he was sent to the Irving institute, at Tarry- town, N. Y., with the intention on the part of his parents of preparing him for Yale col- lege, but this hope was frustrated by the young man himself, who early imbibed some- what positive desires to work out an indo- perlent career, and had a sharp disinelina- tion to entering college. Therefore, after two years at Irving, he returned to his home, and subsequently entered the Benton grammar school in St. Louis, remaining only a single derm. In 1861, when his native state began to take up arms, he was appointed a reeruit- ing officer of the Missouri state guard, with

COOPER, Job Adams, sixth governor of the rank of captain, but when, later on, the the state of Colorado (1880-91), was born Noy. state identified itself with the Confederate cause, he resigned and took up his residence in Lexington, then a Federal military post. In ING3. he came to Denver, and, as a begin- ning. took a clerkship in the commission house of Il. Burton, and. a short time after- ward, entered the wholesale grocery, house of Mr. Jomm Il. Martin. At that time the city was but sparsely populated. It was a pie- riod, too, when thugs and footpads plied their calling upon the unlighted streets between dark dawn. It happened to be Mr. Cobb's unfortunate experience to fall in with one of these gentry, one dark night on re. 6. 1813, of English and Dutch doscent. His grandfather, Thomas Cooper, was a mann- facturer of paper, and his father, Charles Cooper, a mechanic, and subsequently a farmer, He came to the United States in 1820, settled first in New Jersey, later on in Ohio, and finally in Bord county. IL .. where Job A. was born. When ten years of age he attended school at Knoxville, Ill., and after- ward entered Knox college, from which he Was graduated in 1865. His studies in col lege were interrupted, however, by Mr. Lin- colis call for troops, He enlisted as second sergeant of company 6. 137th Ilinois in turning to the store after an evening caff up fintry; was in the city of Memphis when the Confederate general. Forrest, raided it in 154. and remained in service until his regi ment was mustered out, then returned to col

town, at the corner of 17th and Champa streets, he was attacked by a muscular garroter with the sharp demand "your money or your life?" Instead of retreating lege. After graduating he took up the study or attempting to avoid the issue, being amed, of law, was admitted to the bar of Illinois,

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and, establishing himself at Greenville, in where he received his diploma. He then at- 1SGS was elected clerk of the circuit court tended the St. Louis medical college and after his graduation there returned to his native tive practice. In June. 1882, on account of his mother's health, he moved with her to Denver, the German National Bank, but before the where he has since resided. In Jan., 1891. desiring to attain a greater proficiency in some branches of his profession, he went to Europe to study. and rerorder of Bond county, serving four years. In May, 1872, he removed to Denver, city, where he soon acquired a large and lucra- Colo., and began the practice of law. April, 1876, he was made vice-president of close of the year was elected cashier. Its subsequent growth and prosperity was di- rectly due to his skill as a tinancier. Nov. o. 18SS, on the 45th anniversary of his birth, he was elected governor of the state by the re- publican party (see chapter I of this volume). Soon after the close of his official term he was made president of the National Bank of Commerce, which position he still retains. In 1893 hr built at the corner of Seventeenth and Curtis streets one of the finest business blocks in the city, known as the "Cooper building." His residence on Capitol Hill is one of the handsomest in that aristocratie quarter. He is identified with many impor- tant enterprises, including mining, at Cripple Creek and elsewhere. As an executive he was safe, conservative and faithful to the public interest, as a banker he bears an ex- cellent reputation, and as a broad-minded, publie-spirited citizen he exerts wide intlu- ence. Sept. 17. 1867. he married Miss Jen- nie O., daughter of Rev. Rommms E. Barnes, of Galesburg, Ill. Four children have been born to them, one son and three daughters. The son. Charles J., is a student at Knox college. Ill.

COOPER, W. A. L., merchant, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in June, 1849, descended from Quaker ancestry. He received a very thorough education in the public schools, and sixteen years later went to California and Novada. On returning from the Pacific coast he settled in Mississippi, remaining there un- til 1570, then he came to Colorado, located in Denver, and found employment as a book- kooper. In 1879 he went to Leadville and was instrumental in establishing the forni- inre house of Pryor. Hagus & Cooper, which he condueted with marked success until 1853, when the firm removed to the city of Pueblo, he continuing therewith until 1884. During his residence there he was elected president of the Chamber of Commerce. In 1885 he came to Denver and established the Cooper- Hagus Furniture company, taking charge as manager. During the next seven years they built up an enormous trade, the city grow- ing more mpidly during that period than in any preceding epoch of its history. Mr. Cooper possesses a natural aptitude for this line of trade, being magnetic, forcible and aggressively enterprising. Ile is a superior salesman and managing director, and as a citizen enjoys general confidence and esteem.

CRANSTON, Earl M., lawyer, was born in Michlleport, Ohio, Dee. 3, 1863. Hle is the son of the Rev. Earl Cranston, who was for some years pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church (now Trinity) and afterward presid- ing elder of the Colorado conference; a man of great ability and usefulness in that denom- ination. In 1884 he was appointed manager of the Methodist Book Concern in Cincinnati. Earl, Jr., was first educated in the Denver high school and Denver university, and after- ward attended the Cincinnati law school, where he was graduated in May, 1886. He first came to Colorado in 18SS, and here began the regular practice of his profession. Warm- ly attached to the republican party, young, enthusiastic and sanguine, he soon made many friends, and in common with other young men took an earnest interest in local polities. As a result he was elected to the Ilonse of Representatives in 18SS, and took a prominent part in the proceedings of that body. In 1889 the board of county com- missioners appointed him county attorney. which office he filled for two years. In 18SS he formed a law partnership with Robert J. Pitkin, only son of the late Governor Fred- erick W. Pitkin. April 16, 1801, he married Miss Florence Pitkin, sister of his law part- ner. The law firm of Cranston & Pitkin, though young, is now firmly established in a fine practice. Mr. Cranston is well edu- cated, an industrious student, and, with the prestige of a generous publie recognition of his fine capabilities, has won more than ordi- nary distinction at the bar.

CRESWELL, Joseph, manufacturer. was born in Kingston, Canada, March 13, 1841. The ancient estates of his ancestors wore iu Northumberlandshire. Engkind. His father. omigrating to Canada, remained there for a time, but when Chicago began to assume a position of great commercial importance, he went there and opened one of the first pork peking establishments in that city. From these beginnings sprang its marvelous pres- lige in that line. Ilis son Joseph acquired his education in the public schools, graduat- ing from the high school in 1862. Misfor- tune overtaking his father, the family was left without means, therefore Joseph de- frayed his expenses, for tuition and other- wise, by taking such employment as would enable him to earn the requisite funds. At

CRAIG, W. B., physician, was born in Si. Joseph. Mo .. Sept. 17. 1855, and received his education in the public schools of that city. length, soon after the attainment of his eigh- At the age of eighteen years he entered the teenth year, he found a fair situation in the Bellevue Hospital medical college, New York, office of the American Express company,

L. H. COLE:

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HISTORY OF COLORADO.

and eventually a warm friend in its treas- it has ranked first of its class in the region urer, Mr. D. W. Whittle. When President betwen Chicago and the Pacific coast. Un-

Lincoln issued his call for volunteers in 1561

fortunately, after, a somewhat brilliant and tens of thousands of strong, vigorous, patri- extremely useful career of nearly eleven otic young men in Illinois promptly respond- ed. Mr. Whittle enlisted a company for the Tend Ills. infantry, locally known as the

years, this great establishment was de- stroyed by fire on the night of April 22. 1991. But with the insurance covering a

Board of Trade regiment, taking many em- large part of its intrinsic value, Mr. Creswell ployes of the Express Co .. Mr. Creswell immediately rebuilt on the same site, and

among them. They went to the hottest part added a large iron foundry on Wewatta of the western field, where Grant held com- street. While quite young he married Miss mand, and took part in its fiereest battles, in- Clara L. Hayes, whose acquaintance was eluding the assault upon and final siege of made at Camp Douglas. Fixing his perma- nent home in Denver, as one of the results Vicksburg. llere

Jir. Creswell se- verely wounded. Ile relates this memorable of his increasing prosperity, he built a beau- incident attending his injury: "Major tiful residence of red sandstone in the aris- Whittle led a gallant charge upon the tocratie quarter of Capitol hill. A member of Confederate works, which was, however, the Chamber of Commerce, and an earnest stubbornly resisted and finally checked. Or- supporter of the efforts of that institution to dering his men to lie fat upon the ground, a storm of shot and shell rained over and about them. A shell struck and frightfully mangled a comrade at his side, scattering blood and ghastly fragments of human flesh over him; next it struck Mr. Creswell in the thigh, inflicting an ugly wound; next struck the color bearer, who fell dead. Mr. Cres- well, when sufficiently recovered, was placed in charge of a section of Confederate prison-

encourage the development of manufactures, he has borne honorable part in the growth of the city. In Jan., 1801, he was elected president of the Manufacturers' Exchange. Ile is also president of the Colorado Marble and Mining company, organized April 22, 1.501, chiefly to work the extensive marble deposits found in Gunnison county and con- vert the products into merchantable forms for building and ornamental finishings, a ers at Camp Douglas, Chicago, where he re- new and extremely important industry.

mained until his honorable discharge, at the

CROKE, Thomas B., merchant, was born close of the war. Returning to civil life, he on a farm in Rock county, Wis., March 4, 1552, and educated at Broadhead high school, that state, whence he was graduated in Inne, 1871. Well fitted for the post of in- structor, he taught school at Newark Center, Wis., the sneceeding two years, and one voar at Valparaiso, Ind. At the close of his term at the latter place (June, 1874) he decided to locate in Colorado, and acting upon that suggestion he arrived in Denver Aug. 13 following. With the intention of resuming his profession here, he passed an examination and received a certificate from Mr. Frank Church, then superintendent of public instruction, but being unassigned. with no immediate prospect of assignment. he kept books for Mr. M. D. Clifford until April. 1575, and then took a clerkship with Daniels & Fisher, at a salary of $50.00 per month. When that tirm purchased the Morrison stock of carpets, that department was conducted in Mr. Croke's name. year later he was allowed a small interest in the profits of the carpet and curtain depart- mont. and, five years after, a two-fifths in- torest, which, as the business was very pros- perous, gave him a fine income. This arrangement continued until Jan. 1. 1859. when he withdrew from the firm, taking his share of the goods on hand, and opening a new and independent house. Meanwhile, as early as 1875, he began buying railroad lands

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History of the State of Colorado, Volume IV, Part 63

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