History of the State of Colorado, Volume IV, Part 65

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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CORNFORTH, Birks, merchant and stock grower, was born in Macclesfield, Cheshire, England, Dec. 12, 1837. At the age of twelve years he was a clerk in the dry-goods house of Geo. A. Duncan at Manchester, where he served five years; then took a like position in the same trade with Wm. Binns at Salford, Manchester, where he remained until twenty- one. He then came to the United States and located in Sumner, Kan., where, with his brother Joseph T., who had preceded him to this country, he established a grocery house which they conducted about five years. Meantime, however, Birks had twice visited Denver with cattle trains laden with merchan- dise, that was quickly disposed of at considera- ble profit. In the spring of 1863 the brothers removed the greater part of their stock to Denver and there established themselves in trade. The partnership continued until 1865, when the goods were equally divided, Birks withdrew and took his share to Salt Lake ('ity, lle was seventy days on the way, and frequently harassed by Indians. The market there being controlled by the Mormon hier- archy which brooked no interference by Gen- tiles with its absolute monopoly, the goods were finally disposed of at a loss. He then returned to Denver and in the fall of 1865 purchased the grocery of Holton & Grill, and went into business in his own name. Being CLOUGH, John A. See Vol. III, page 216. a careful and economical manager his trade grew to large proportions, increasing with COLEMAN, Alexander, physician, was born in Macoupin county, Ill., on July 30, 1850, and remained at the place of his na- tivity until five years of age, when the fam- ily moved to Graham county in the same state, where their residence continued until 1866, at which time Dr. Coleman went to Greene county, Ill., remaining there until 1868. lle then went to lowa and began the study of medicine, and after receiving his diploma, engaged in the practice of his pro- fession in that state until 1877. Removing the years. In 1870 a wholesale department was added, and this, too, prospered. Thence- forward he was continuously fortunate; bought a large ranel near the city and en- gaged in breeding fine live stock, horses, cattle and sheep. Until 1889 his store, known as the "Bee Hive" from its incessant ac- tivity, was situated on lower Fifteenth street, between Blake and Wazee. In 1887 he decided to move up-town, and in the Clayton building, on Lawrence street, fitted up one of the finest retail stores in America to Stromsburg. Neb., in the year last named. and filled it with the choicest goods to be had he at once established himself among the for money, all displayed in the most attrac- more progressive men. Ile was elected to the tive manner. This house was the admiration of all beholders for the beauty of its exhibits and the variety of the goods. Constant ap- plication to business early and late, for be supervised every detail during so many years without rest or healthful recreation, under- mined his health, therefore in 1890 he sold out to a company which, after a year or so of trial, failed. Ile has devoted the better years of his life to building up a reputation for honesty, fair dealing and tireless en- ergy. The aim of his aspiration has been well accomplished. Nebraska legislature on the nion labor ticket, and served during the years of 1889- 90 in a manner creditable to himself and sat- isfactory to his constituents. Dr. Coleman has always taken an earnest part in matters that tend to the improvement of the masses, and when he located in Colorado in Jan., 1891. he at once took measures for the up- building of the people's party. His sound advice and keen perception have assisted in guiding it steadily forward. In 1892. as an evidence of the confidence and esteem with

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HISTORY OF COLORADO.

CORNFORTH, Joseph T., merchant, was drew and opened another house in the same born in Macclesfield, Cheshire, England, July trade under the firm name of J. T. Cornforth 4. 1839. Ile received a fair common school and company, which was largely successful education, which has been extensively to 1893. When the Merchants' Board of broadened by self-culture, for he is a Trade was organized in 187S. Mr. Cornforth voracious reader and student of history and became a member. Indeed. he was one of the better class of ancient and modern litera- the foremost in its formation and was elected president. This institution, after some years of usefulness to the trade and to the city at large, was consolidated with the Denver Chamber of Commerce in March, 1884. He was chosen one of the board of directors of the new Chamber and 2nd vice-president. A ture, with a decided taste for science and political economy. In early life, indeed until long after maturity was reached and passed, he had few advantages of schooling, only occasional access to libraries or valuable books of any kind, and his days being filled

with toil, from the necessity of earning a year later he was advanced to ist vice-presi- livelihood, the desire for self-cultivation was not gratified until after the basis of his fortune had been laid in Colorado less than twenty

years ago. It was then his acquaintance with literature began, and thenceforward made rapid progress. When a mere boy he was placed in a dry-goods shop in his native town and subsequently went to another in the same line at Manchester. Ilere were ac- quired his initiatory lessons in trade and commerce that became very useful to him in after life. In 1855 he came to the United States, moved West, and for a year was lo- cated in the town of Peru, IN. In INSS he met his brother, Birks, in New York on his arrival from across the sea, and together they ein- barked in a general grocery business at Leavenworth, Kan. When in 1859-60 Denver came to be a considerable trade center they freighted supplies from the Missouri river to that place. In 1863 they removed to Denver and were in business together until 1865 when the partnership was dissolved. JJoseph con- tinned freighting between the points just named and the various military posts during the next four years, when he sold out, went to the then newly established town of Chey- enne, Wyo., to which the Union Pacific rail- road had been completed, and there opened a grocery house. In 1865 he, with others, ob- tained a contract for supplying with beef cattle a number of military stations that were to be located in Dakota, but this enterprise proved disastrous, owing to the hostility of the Indians. In 1870 his store in Cheyenne and all its more valuable contents were de- stroyed by fire, which left him impoverished.

dent. For three successive terms he was elected to the directorate and proved one of the most intelligent and efficient members of that body in the formative period when great skill and thorough knowledge of the lines of trade and the operations of railway trans- portation were required. These were among the subjects of highest importance with which the Chamber had to deal in the public behalf. It was the time when the railways were combined in an association or pool whose governing principle was to exact every dollar of tribute that could be gained, by practicing the most outrageous extortions upon the commerce of Colorado, regardless of the effect upon the country. By per- sistent hammering they finally succeeded in creating a decided diversion for the better. In these conferences Mr. Cornforth was one of the wisest counselors. It is entirely just to say, that in the useful works it performed this board was the most eminent that has ever been chosen. In public affairs Mr. Cornforth has borne an important part. Known to be public spirited, he is frequently called upon to unite with or to lead im- portant movements for the reformation of morals and government, for charitable work and for the reception and entertainment of distinguished guests. He is a man of force. rapid in despatch of business and generally successful in his undertakings. Though of foreign birth he is one of the most loyal and patriotic of American citizens.

CORNFORTH, Thomas T., merchant, was born in Macclesfield, England, June 26, 1843. In ISAS he emigrated to the United States and settled in Kansas, remaining four years. From 1862 to the fall of 1866 he freighted from the Missouri river to different points in Colorado. Realizing considerable profits therefrom. he opened a wholesale grocery store in Cheyenne, Wyo., in Ang .. 1867, with branch honses at Bryan. Wasatch, Echo and Green river. He sold out in isto and went into the Sweetwater country, becoming in- terested in the "Miner's Delight" a noted mine. Returning to Colorado in 1874 he en- tered the mercantile business at George- town. remaining two years, when he went to Deadwood, Pak .. and embarked in the

But naturally energetie, clear-headed, san- guine and progressive, he was not prostrated by these cumulative misfortunes. lle re- turned to the Missourt river, and in Kansas City began anew as a general commission merchant, where he remained until 1874. when he came back to Denver and in com- pany with Mr. John 11. Martin, under the firm name of Martin & Cornforth, engaged in the wholesale trade of foreign and do- mestie fruits, mainly purchasing in California which had beenopened by the Pacific railroad. This was the beginning on an extensive scale of our fruit trade, which has rendered the Denver market one of the greatest in that line. In the fall of 1575 Mr. Cornforth with- grocery business; was burned out in Sept.,

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BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT.

1878. when he returned to Colorado for the of its class ever instituted here. It was de- third time. It being the height of the mining signed not only for the entertainment of excitement at Leadville he opened a wholesale ladies and gentlemen in this city, but for grocery house in that camp, where he re- mained until 1882, then came to Denver and engaged in the wholesale fish and trade, which he has continued until the pres- ent time.

CLAYTON, Thomas S., merchant, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., Dec. 16, 1838, son of Curtis and Margaret Clayton. Ile was edu- cated in the public schools and afterward took a clerkship in the mercantile house owned by his elder brothers, William M. and George W., where he remained until Sept., 1863. when he came to Denver and again en- gaged with them in their general merchan- dise store in this place. In 1866 he estab- lished a hat store in his own name, and from that time to the present his place of business has been as familiar as household words to every resident of the city. In the earlier years of his residence he manifested a deep interest in church matters, and was largely instrumental in organizing two Episcopal Sunday-schools, from which Trinity Memorial and Emanuel churches of the current epoch were the natural ontgrowth. For many years he was superintendent and an earnest worker in St. John's Sunday-school, and in all the primary work of that society, under the famous Bishop George M. Randall. Young, enthusiastic, thoroughly sincere, tireless in his devotion to that church in the days of its trials, much of its progress was due to his energetie and self-sacrificing assistance. The next important phase of his career is found in gallant service with the Denver volunteer fire department. In 1873 he was elected foreman of Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1, and proved so efficient in that capacity he was re-elected in 1874-75-76. In the latter year also he was made chief of the entire depart- ment. June 20, 1879, he resigned. During all this time he served without pay, saving many lives and much property from destrue- tion. He was vigorous, generous and kind to the last degree, and brave almost to rash- ness in the performance of duty. Nov. 15. 1SS1. having organized the paid fire depart- ment. although not a candidate he was ap- pointed its chief and served out his term of two years with characteristic ability. On retiring he was presented with an elegant token of esteem by both volunteer and paid firemen. On this occasion, as repeatedly be- ot fore, the city press pronounced him the most capable chief ever elected to that position.

worthy visitors from other towns, and ad- mirably served the purpose of its creation oyster through many years. He is eminently benev- olent and charitable. It it be true that the Lord loves a cheerful giver, Tom Clayton's name must be well toward the head of the celestial ledger. There have been many times, as all the old residents know, when he risked his life to save others from danger without a thought of the personal peril involved. To the sick and afflicted hie filled our highest ideal of a good Samaritan. There is many a sleeper in the old cemetery back of Capitol hill, as also in beautiful Riverside, whose last hours on earth he comforted, and for whom he performed tender ministrations that should blot out every failing, every weak- ness, all mistakes and follies, and make the pages of his life shine with resplendent luster.

CLINTON, Charles M. See Vol. III, page 205.

COSTIGAN, George P., lawyer and jurist, was born in Perry county, Ohio. Dec. 1, 1848, and remained at his birthplace until eighteen years of age. After receiving his education in the common schools he entered the law office of Major 6. 11. Blackburn of Cincin- nati, and after attending the law school of that city, he was admitted to the bar in 1875. He practiced two years in Cincinnati and then came to Lake City, Colo., but moved from that place to Ouray during the same year. In 1883 he was appointed judge of the county court of San Miguel county by Gov- ernor Grant, and was subsequently elected to the same position for two terms. IIe en- gaged in mining and was largely interested in mines near Telluride, the most important of which was the Belmont which was dis- posed of to an English syndicate of Chinese merchants for $200,000. The judge is still in the mining business and at the present time makes Denver bis headquarters. In 1868 he married Miss Emily Sigure in Cincinnati. They have two grown sons who are graduates of the Denver high school and also of Har- vard college. Indge Costigan's record is that of an efficient, faithful and conscientious of- ficer. an enterprising, publie spirited citizen, and an honest man.

COOPER, Cy E., cashier, was born in 1861, Huntsville. Ohio. Later, his family moved to Saline county. Neh., where he was educated in the public schools. He began coupled with many enthusiastic expressions his newspaper career at the age of fourteen voicing the public appreciation of his fidelity. years, on the "Opposition," a democratic

In 1865 when Denver was scarcely more than weekly, published at Wilbur, Neb., and worked on weekly papers until 1881, when he came to Denver and took a cleri- cal position in the business department a well founded village, in connection with other young and sprightly citizens, he as- sisted in starting and maintaining the social dancing club, which under judicious manage- of the Denver "Republican." In Oct., 1889, ment, became the most popular organization he was appointed cashier, which he still re-

Komuhan.

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HISTORY OF COLORADO.

tains. In Jan., 1885, he married Miss Sarah clerk and teacher, as above set forth. In the Stahlberg of St. Louis, Mo.

CORNWALL, W. T., manufacturer, was born in Mansfield, Ohio, in 1842, and began his education in the public schools. When he was thirteen years of age the family re- moved to Iowa, where his education was completed in the high schools of that state. In 1862 he enlisted in company B, 18th Iowa infantry, and served three years, at the end of which he was mustered out of service. Ile then went to Cleveland, Ohio, where, after taking a further course in school he returned to lowa, and soon thereafter was elected treasurer of Union county, serving two terms. He then farmed until ISSo when he went to Montana, engaged in business at Butte City for a short time, then closed out and went to California with the intention of locating, but having received an advantageous offer from the Denver Fire Clay company he accepted, aud arrived in Denver in the early spring of 1882. Shortly thereafter he was elected ser- retary and treasurer of the company, which positions he still occupies. Mr. Cornwall is au active and prominent member of the Ma- sonic order and of the Mystic Shrine.

latter part of 1876 he went to Europe, mak- ing a general tour of the continent. While in London he was offered and accepted the secretaryship of the Maxwell Land Grant company of New Mexico, organized in that city. Returning to the United States he moved to Cimarron, N. M., the headquarters of the company, and assuned the duties of his position, continuing nutil 1880, when he moved to Santa Fe, opened an office and en- tered upon the regular practice of law. Hay- ing a decided predilection for criminal prac- tice and the opportunities being numerous. he soon was engaged as counsel for the de- fense in some of the more celebrated cases to be found in the annals of that city and country. It was a time when society was most seriously disturbed, when all manuer of lawlessness ran riot and startling tragedies were of almost daily occurrence; the days when Billy the Kid and other noted outlaws of the border and of the cattle ranges suc- cessfully defied the constituted authorities and kept the communities they infested in constant terror by their wild and bloody deeds. The reader will find in Volume III, page 254. a condensed account of two of the more famous cases in which he appeared for the defendants. In Jan., 1854, he settled in Den- ver. His fame having preceded him, he was almost immediately favored with a large and

CAYPLESS, Edgar, criminal lawyer, was born in Anburn, N. Y., June 8, 1855, and ed- ucated in the public schools of that city. The family subsequently removed to Albany, the state capital, where he resumed his ac- lucrative practice, both civil and criminal. quaintance with the public schools, and dir- lle is a methodical and untiring worker, a subtle and effective manager. As a pleader ing the sessions of the legislature from 1867 to 1870 was employed as a page in that body. at the bar he is earnest and often eloquent.

At length the family settled in New York City, whence he was immediately sent to CURTIS, Henry H., farmer, was born in Wales in 1930. He learned the trade of jew- eler and watchmaker, and soon thereafter went to Australia. Here he pursued his em- ployment a short time and then exchanged it for the more ardnous and precarions one of digging gold. After trying his fortune in the gold fields of that country, he returned to the land of his nativity, and finally in 1871, he concluded to make another venture in a for- eign field. This time, however, his eyes were turned toward the New World and to the young state of Colorado, to which he emi- grated during that year. He went to Dong- las county, but after a short stay continued his journey to California, where he remained long enough to plant and cultivate an or- chard and then returned to Colorado, which he has since made his permanent home and is engaged in farming. Glenwood collegiate institute at Matawan, N. J., where he remained three years. 1871 he traveled over the western states with a theatrical company. In the spring of 1872, having acquired a knowledge of stenography, a friend to whom his qualifications were known, procured for him the position of court stenographer at Columbia, S. C. At the close of the term he was matrienlated in the South Carolina college and in 1874 grad- nated with the degree of L. L. B., after which he taught classes in the preparatory depart- ment from 9 to 11 each morning, and from that time until 4 p. m. performed clerleal work in the engrossing rooms of the legislature. During the earlier hours of each alternate evening he gave instructions in shorthand reporting, and in the intervals taught negro legislators to read and write. lle was offered by ex-Governor Fenton the CRANDALL, Louis D., was born in Ver- mont and came to Colorado in 1859, going first to Central City. He made a prospecting tour of the Rocky Mountains, located soy- eral claims, and finally invested in the cole- brated "Bobtail" mine, from which he de- quired some profit, but just at the thresh- old of greater snecess disease, and finally appointment of 2nd lieutenant in the reg- alar army, but having adopted the profes- sion of law, declined it. He practiced law under license and also acted as United States commissioner until 1876, when having at- tained his majority he was admitted to the bar in Columbla. All personal and educa- tional expenses while in that city were paid death, overtook him in 1861. lle left much from his earnings in the several capacities of valuable property.

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BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT.

CRANDALL, Lucy A. (Crook), wife of the Colorado Telephone company. For Louis D. Crandall. followed her husband to some years he taught the sciences named, Colorado in 1860, and for many years there practiced and imparted to others the great after endured numerous trials and hard- science of magnetic healing, Jand achieved ships, such as those who, with limited fair success. means, dwelt here in pioneer days. Left a widow in 1861, litigation deprived her of much of the property that her husband had acquired, and, being still young and inex- perienced, she was compelled to struggle for a livelihood, but did this so successfully that she is now one of the wealthy residents of Denver, owning the Crandall block and the Witter block in Denver, and a half in- terest in the Pioneer mine of Nevada.

CROSS, Jacob Cline, merchant, was born in Phillipsburg, N. J., Feb. 4, 1850, and re- moved with his parents when quite young to Pennsylvania, and not long thereafter again moved with the family to the state of New York, locating in Aurora, Cayuga county, where he attended school, while fol- ished his education at the Cayuga academy, and then began life on his own resources. Moving westward, he stopped first at Still-

CARUTHERS, William P., ex-assistant postmaster of the city of Denver, is a native of Texas. He remained in that state until eighteen years of age, when he left for the purpose of completing his education at the University of Kentucky and at Ann Arbor, Mich., supplemented by a graduation from the law school of the latter university. Returning to Texas, he engaged in the United States coast survey for one year, and after- ward held a responsible position with the Mexican National railroad during its con- struction into Mexico. He resigned to en- gage in newspaper enterprises; established and published for six years the leading paper at Corpus Christi, and was one of the strong- est advocates of deep-water harbors, being before the river and harbor committee at Washington. He was largely instrumental in securing the deep harbor convention

lowing the occupation of a farmer. He fin- selected by his section of the state to appear

water, Minn., where he was employed in the which was held in Denver in 1887, and con- lumber trade. May 15, 1878, he married trimmted in no small degree to its success. Miss Henrietta Downs, and came to Colo- In 1887 he made Denver his permanent rado, settling in Boulder, where he engaged home and at once became interested in real in gardening, and a year later located in estate, which business he followed until Denver, taking a position with Kilpatrick & 1894, when he discontinued it to accept the Brown, furniture dealers, who gave him position of assistant postmaster. lle is an charge of their wholesale department. Here active democrat in politics and assisted in starting a democratie paper in Denver. the "Evening Post," in 1892, and was manager

he remained eight years, and subsequently served one year with the lax-Gartner Furniture Co., when he established in the and treasurer of the company.

same line on his own account on Larimer street, Denver, until 1890, when he removed to larger and more elegant quarters on Welton street, and reopened under the firm name of Cross & Sauntry.

CROW, Henry. See Vol. III, page 189.

CAMPION, Andrew J., packer, was born near Springfield, in the town of Rutland, Mass., July 4, 1860. His parents left there when he was six years old, and moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where they lived three years; then went to Lafayette, Ind., where Andrew remained until he was twenty-two years of age, being educated in the district

CUNDEY, C. R., physician, was born Oct. 7, 1841, in Stockport, England, and was edu- cated at Brown's academy in that place, schools. He came to Colorado in 1882, lo- whence he graduated in 1853. Immediately cated at Canon City, and engaged with Her- afterward he obtained a position as assistant man & Hirsch, continuing eight months, book-keeper with the Manchester, Sheffield when the firm failed, and he went to Chi- and Lincolnshire railway, where he re cago. lle returned to Colorado in the fall mained until his sixteenth year, when he of 1882, and in the following spring engaged decided to emigrate to America. After an with Henry Grimm of Denver. The suc-

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History of the State of Colorado, Volume IV, Part 65

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