History of the State of Colorado, Volume IV, Part 87

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 87


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the spring of 1883, when he was appointed fire of justice of the peace on the republican a special agent of the general land office, by ticket, serving out his term in a very cred- llon. Henry M. Teller, then secretary of the itable manner, turning into the county treas- interior, and was in this service for about ury in excess of all expenses the sum of $4,- 136.94. In the fall of 1893 he was elected county clerk by a large majority. five years, with a corps of men under him, acting in the capacity of examiner of pub- lie surveys in Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona LAWRENCE, M. J. See Vol. III, page 213. and other states. He is a member of the pioneer association, and also a charter mem- ber of Central City commandery No. 2, having been made a Sir Knight thirty-six years ago, in Molay commandery No. 9, of Reading, Pa.


LEACH, Hiram S., manufacturer, was born in Addison county, Vt., in 1833, and was ed- urated in the public schools. Twenty years afterward he settled in Iowa, where he re- mained until 1860, engaged in milling at Pa- cifie City. During that year he removed to one year; then went to Golden, and there was engaged in the same pursuit for five years. Ile lived in the town of Littleton, and also in Evans, and then conducted the Golden Gate mill. He finally located in Littleton and became a stockholder and the manager of the Littleton Milling and Water Power company.


LOGAN, Samuel McKey, soldier, was born Colorado; operated a mill on Bear creek for in Ohio, Nov. 17, 1822, where he acquired his education and early training. His mar- riage occurred in 1849 to Mary E. Maskal, of Indiana. They subsequently resided in Illinois and Iowa, the latter state becoming the home of the family for a number of years, where the children, Azel R., M. Seott and Dora, were born. He came to Colorado in 1859 by the usual means of transportation


LICHTER, John J., manufacturer, was born afforded at that day, and encountered all in Germany, in 1832. In 1857 he came to America, and after spending the first three months in Allegheny, Pa., established a brew-


the difficulties incident to pioneer life. He was engaged in prospecting, mining, etc., for a time, and finally settled down to his trade, ery at Ilenderson, Ky., and after a residence that of blacksmithing, at Black Hawk, Ilis of six months in that place, revisited his na- chivalrous and , patriotic instincts were tive land. Returning, he went to Herman, aroused at the breaking out of the war in Mo., but remained only a short time, going 1861, and with Col. Sam. Tappan organized tlence to St. Louis, where he conducted a the first regiment of Colorado volunteers. He malt house for sixteen years. Ile came to became captain of Company B, and major of Denver in 1876, and has since been engaged in the same business, which has increased to large proportions, the 3rd Colorado cavalry. This service, coupled with his experience in the Mexican war, made him a fit and worthy subject for LEYNER, J. George, manufacturer, was born in Boulder county, Colo., Aug. 26, 1860, where he continued to reside until 1SS9, en- gaged in farming and learning the trade of u machinist. He is now engaged in the gen- eral manufacturing and jobbing machine business, making a specialty of designing and making fine machinery, such as emery grinders, taps, dies, etc. He married Miss Fannie Patterson, of Troy, N. Y., with whom he lives in a pleasant home on Evans street, in Denver. promotion. He distinguished himself for bravery in the famous Sand Creek battle with the Indians, in 1864. After the war he reengaged in the business of blacksmith- ing in the city of Denver, and subsequently took a contract to build a part of the Colo- rado Central railroad. In politics he was a republican, and always interested in enter- prises tending to the development of Colo- rado and its institutions, His death occurred Aug. 6, 1883. He was an excellent citizen, and his memory is cherished by a wide circle of friends.


LE BERT, Richard, county elerk and re- place of his nativity until 1851, during which


corder, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., Oet. 23, 1850, and remained there until 1879. Upon the completion of his education in the public mained until 1854, when he removed to Chi- schools, he became connected with the New York, Lake Erie & Western railway company, continuing until 1879; then came to Den- ver. Very soon thereafter ho engaged in mining in Park and Garfield counties, with satisfactory results, until 1884, when he re- moved to Denver, and has since made this city his home. Hle first became clerk to Judge J. A. Cherry, then justice of the peace, remaining with him during his two terms in that office. Ile then became clerk under Judge Dormer, and subsequently under Judge Palmer, and in 1892 was elected to the of- dening.


LEES, David, farmer, was born in Edin- burg, Scotland, in 1830, and remained at the time he was educated in the public schools. In 1851 he came to New York, where he re- cago, remaining there until 1857, engaged in the stone entting trade. From Chicago he removed to Iowa, where he spent the time in stone entting and building. In 1860 the desire to try his fortune in the west induced him and his wife, with their young family, to eross the plains to Colorado, where he en- gaged in mining in Boulder county, and in which he continued until 1874, when he bought his present place of 160 aeres, in Jef- ferson county, seven miles northwest of Den- ver, which he is devoting to fruits and gar-


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LEWIS, Allen, farmer, was born in Indiana age, emigrated to lowa, where he remained in 1819. Six years afterward his parents five years in the boot and shoe business. During his residence in Colorado, he has for the most part been engaged in dairying. lle is a Mason and takes great interest in the welfare of the order. He was married in 1887 to Miss Guthrie and lives three miles cast of Denver. emigrated to Illinois, where he grew to man- hood and attended school. In 1544 he en- gaged in the cattle and sheep business and followed it about eleven years. He then lo- cated in Iowa and remained there five years. Desiring to come further west, he moved to Colorado in 1860, and settled upon the site of his present farm, one and a half miles east of Golden, in Jefferson county, where he has since devoted his time to gardening and raising small fruit.


LEWIS, Paris E., horticulturist, was born near the city of Golden in 1862, where he received his edueation, and where he spent the first twenty years of his life. He then located in Idaho Springs, and engaged in the grocery business, which he followed for six years, then engaged in horticultural pursuits on his present farm, consisting of 160 deres, and situated about six miles from Denver. His industrious habits, combined with thor- ongh practical knowledge, have brought him success.


LANG, A. S., farmer, was born in Vermont Nov. 21, 1833, and after attending the public schools, finished his education in an academy. three years. At the close of his term he was On reaching his twenty-second year he went to Illinois, where he taught school one win- ter and then moved to Kansas, and three years later located in southwest Missouri. In the spring of 1862 he came to Colorado and engaged in mining at Black Hawk and Central City until 1874, when he returned to New England. He resided there until 1879, when he again located in Colorado, and from 1881 to 1883 he followed mining near Breckenridge, since which time he has lived on his farm but a short distance from Den- ver.


LAMONT, Robert, dairyman, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1845. He emi- grated to America in 1864, and after living many years in the cities of Brooklyn and New York, started west in search of health, and finally located in Colorado in ISSI. The following year he engaged in the dairy busi- ness, and has since carried it on with good success. Ile resides at Harmon, three miles southeast of Denver. He is a member of the Masonic order, and held the position of senior warden of Greenwood lodge, Brooklyn, when he left that city. He married Miss Lizzie Irwin. They have six children living.


LAMB. J. M., was one of the pioneers to Colorado in 1859, and, being fond of sport, ho hunted and trapped game all over the state. As a hunter he was remarkably successful, killing as many as 150 deer and one hear during a single winter. He owns 340 acres of cultivated land, and is a well-to-do farmer.


LEADBETTER, H. A .. dairyman, was born in Maine in Nov .. 1854, educated In the public schools, and in IST, when twenty years of


McINTIRE, Albert Washington, ninth governor of Colorado, was born in Pittsburg, Pa., Jan. 15, 1853. son of Joseph and Isa- bella (Wills) MeIntire. His paternal grand- fathers were officers of volunteers in the war of 1812, and his great-grandfathers were in the revolutionary war. He prepared for col- lege at Newell's institute, in Pittsburg: en- tered Yale college in 1869 and graduated in 1873 from the academic department, and from the law school in 1875, and was admitted to the bar the same year. He began practic- ing in his native city, and in 1876 removed to Denver, Colo. In 1850 he located in the San Luis valley and engaged in stock raising on an extensive scale. In ISS3 he was elected county judge of Conejos county, being named by both the democratic and republican par- ties. He served with admirable ability for


tendered a re-election, but declined, and re- turned to the practice of law. continuing until 1891, when he was appointed judge of the 12th judicial distriet by Governor Routt. In Sept., 1894, he was nominated by acelama- tion by the republican state convention held in Denver, for the office of governor, and Nov. 6, following, was elected by 19,708 plurality over Governor Waite, the populist candidate. July 16. 1573. he married Flor- once, daughter of William Sidney Johnson of New York City. Governor MeIntire is an accomplished linguist, reading or speaking German, Spanish, French, Latin and Greek. llis studies have been in the direction of scientific subjects. His library is well stocked with the latest scientific works. As to his administration of the government, it is too early to predict its result. It is certain, however, that thus far he has in large meas- ure met the sanguine expectations of his friends and the people generally. In social intercourse he is noted as a pleasant and ac- complished gentleman: as a public speaker, though not diffuse nor oratorical, he is always interesting. His state papers evince earnest thought and careful preparation. Ilis exten- sive ranch in Conejos county, near the town of La Jara, covers the historic site of the log fort built by Lieutenant Zebulon MI. Pike, 1. S. A., in 150G, when he was captured by Spanish troops and carried off to Mexico.


MOFFAT, David H. Sre Vol. III. page 162.


McMURRAY, Thomas S., mayor of Den- ver, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1955, attended the public schools, and subsequently was graduated at the Central high school of


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that city. In 1875 he went to Omaha, Neb., of compensation. Before he had reached his and after a short stay there was admitted ninth year young Chester, being a sturdy youth, assisted his father in his farm work. l'p to that time his only schooling had been confined to the merest rudiments acquired during the summer and winter terms of three months each in a very ordinary district school; afterward only in winter. In the spring of 1862 his father mortgaged the home- stead to take stock in a railway enterprise that proved worthless, and he lost it under foreclosure. This overwhelming disaster compelled a change, so the family, with all they possessed loaded in a covered wagon, traveled two hundred miles to the little set- tlement of Modena, Buffalo county, in the same state, where another farm was taken and, more poverty stricken than before, they began anew. But they were not even then at the end of their misfortunes, However, the first crop raised was a bountiful one and, the war being on, it commanded unusual prices, which lifted some of the heavier bur- dens and brought a short interval of compar- ative peace and plenty. Young Morey here attended school two winters, adding little, however, to his mental training. Then came further calamities to these stricken settlers. In Jan., 1864, the little town of Modena was ordered by the military authorities to furnish four volunteers for the army. If to the bar, and entered the law department of the Union Pacitie R. R. company. In 1879 he was also appointed tax commissioner for the company. Having mastered the details of this intricate position, in 1885 he came to Denver as special agent of the law depart- ment, and also had charge of the right of way department, embracing the company's busi- ness from Omaha, Neb., to Portland, Ore. He resigned these important trusts in 1887, and embarked in the real estate business for him- self in Denver, since which time he has han- dled a large amount of valuable prop- erty. In 1888-89 he was elected a member of the school board for district No 2, and rendered very efficient service. In April, 1893, he was elected to the board of supervisors for the city, and when that body organized he was made its president. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and a charter member of the Denver Real Estate Exchange, of which body he waselected president in 1894. In April, 1895, he was elected mayor of the city by a majority of about 5,000. As presid- ing officer of the upper branch of the city council Mr. MeMurray manifested superior executive ability, and as chairman of the auditing board which passed upon all munici- pal accounts, the careful attention given to that duty by him resulted in one of the most excellent financial administrations the city has thus far enjoyed. It is anticipated that his term as chief magistrate will be equally commendable.


MOREY, Chester Stephen, a prominent mer- chant, was born on a farm in Medina town- ship, Dane county, Wis., March 3, 1847. The narrative following is an epitome of forty- eight years in a well-spent life, that had its beginning in almost abject poverty, advanced through a long series of privations. to an ultimate harvest of wealth and commercial prestige. The narrative possesses more than ordinary interest, from the strong bond of friendship existing between its subject and the author, but more especially because some of its early features form a counterpart to my own. There are hundreds of boys in the schools of Denver to-day who may derive in- struction from and find one of the best exem- plifications within my experience of what it means to win such success as is herein set forth, from like unfortunate conditions, by a careful perusal of this sketch. In that carly epoch his birthplace was a part of the wilderness of the far northwest, seantily populated by hardy but destitute people. The family lived in a small log cabin, and was subjected to all the privations incident to the period and the circumstances under which the settlement was made. It was a fight for the bare necessaries of life, a wrestle with extreme penury, often with hunger and want, of wearisome toil, insufficient food and cloth- ing, with but few rays of hope or promise


not supplied within a certain time that num- ber would be drafted. Owing to the scanty population it seemed impossible to comply with this demand without taking heads of families, therefore young Morey and three schoolmates, none of them over eighteen years of age, resolved to settle the matter by enlisting in company 1. 36th Wisconsin vol- unteers, After a few days in barraeks at La Crosse, they were forwarded to regimental headquarters at Madison. Soon afterward Mr. Morey was prostrated by illness and sent to a hospital. Recovering, he rejoined his regiment, then before Petersburg, Va., June 14th, only to find that two of his mates had been killed and the third wounded. On the 16th his regiment charged the enemy, but was repulsed with great loss, he himself nar- rowly escaping death. His knapsack was torn from his shoulder and his waist belt severed by a bullet, which lodged in his bay- onet scabbard. Hle took part in the battles of Strawberry Plains and Jerusalem Plank- road, after which he was again taken down with severe illness, sent to City Point, and thence to Emory hospital, in Washington, where he remained until November. Mean- while his father had been drafted and sent to Sherman's army. As soon as able to march he went to the front and remained with his regiment, which was almost con- It stantly engaged, to the close of the war. was on the fieldl at the surrender of Lee at Appomattox. and marched in the final grand review at Washington. Mr. Morey was pro- moted to corporal, and subsequently to the


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brevet rank of lieutenant, for gallantry in 12, 176. For three years afterward MIr. action. When mustered out at Madison, he Moroy continued as a traveling sales- man. In IS's he realized a consider- able sum from a fortunate investment in Leadville real estate, which, together with his savings, rendered him practically inde- pendent. Jan. 1. 1Ss1. he was admitted as a partner, and opened a branch house in Den- ver of Sprague, Warner & Co., under his di- rection and management. This continued until ISSI, when it was incorporated under the name of the C. S. Morey Mercantile Co., Mr. Morey president, manager and chief stockholder. Thus we tind, that by virtue of his industry, strong native ability, and conscientious devotion to the interests of his employers, the soldier of 1864, the porter of 1866, the boy who failed in his laudable de- sire to obtain an education from the lack of funds to pay his way, has risen in the last twenty-five years to the headship of the largest mercantile house in Colorado, to a partnership in the strongest firm of its class in the American I'nion, to wealth and lofty standing among the leading citizens of the state. The record is respectfully com- mended to the careful attention of the young mon of our day. Mrs. Morey died Feb. 27.


had saved $200 from his meager pay as a soldier, and with this sum he resolved to get as much of an education as it would pay for. Meanwhile his father had died in Savannah, Ga., which sad event devolved upon him the management of the farm and support of the family. Therefore he returned to the home- stead, wrought early and late, raised a large crop, provided for all needs, and added some- thing to his education fund. The winter of 1865-66 he attended school at Waterloo. Wis., and then in the succeeding winter and spring was admitted to the high school at Portage, in the same state, sawing wood nights and mornings to pay for his board at his uncle's hotel. The next winter he en- tered Eastman's business college, in Chicago, and there took a very thorough course of in- struction, which fitted him for his after ca- reer. Having a strong dislike to farming, and a natural inclination to trade, he deter- mined never to leave Chicago until he should have acquired a satisfactory education or found some other and more congenial means of livelihood than he had been pursuing. 1 the spring of 1868, his funds being reduced to less than $50, he sought and found employ- 1890, leaving two children, one sou. John W., ment as a porter in the retail grocery store and a daughter, Mary L. of Cobb & Thorne. Finding him worthy. earnest and useful, they soon promoted him McNAMARA, M. J., merchant, was born in Carrick-on-Shannon, Ireland, May 29, 1843. When but six years old he came to America and located in Philadelphia, where he re- ceived his education. In 1855 he entered the dry-goods business in a linen importing house in that city, remaining six years. 1 1861 he went to St. Louis and was employed by the well-known firm of U'bsdell, Pierson & Co., later William Barr & Co., for five years. In 1867 he began business for him- self in St. Louis, and after two years went to Liberty, Mo., where he remained until IST0, when he came to Denver. In 1886. having been a long time successfully engaged in mercantile pursuits, he organized and in- corporated the MeNamara Dry Goods com- pany, of which, until a recent date. he was president an institution which conducted business great building especially erected for its use. He has been identified with nearly all public enterprises which have contributed to the advancement of the city and state of which he is a citizen. He was one of the organizers of the Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade, being a char- tor member, and acting as vice-president for three years. Much of its success and pros- perity are due to his carnost and effective work. He is also measurably identified with mining interests in the state, being a director of the Colorado Mining Exchange, as well as vice-president of the Colorado Marble & Mining company. Ile is enterprising and sagacious, liberal hearted, frank and cordial to clerical work in the office. In July, after much effort, he secured employment as com- mercial traveler with the young and growing wholesale grocery house of Sprague, Warner & Co. After some years of laborions but suecessful service with that firm, his health failed and compelled him to seek rost and re- cuperation. The winter of ISTI was spent at Clifton Springs, N. Y. In May, 1872, he came to Colorado for the benefit of the eli- mate. Meanwhile he had saved $2,800 from his earnings, and with this as his total cap- ital, he proceeded to the southern part of the territory and formed a partnership with Mr. W. L. Beardsly, in the cattle business; pro- cured a broncho and rode the range; pur- chased about 1.000 head of young stock and branded them himself. In the summer of 1873, having regained his health, he re- turned to his position with Sprague, Warner & Co., with headquarters in Denver, on a salary of $3,000 per annum and expenses. The new field being a large one, embracing most of the territory west of the Missouri river, he did a large trade. The salary was increased each year until it amounted to $12,000 per annum. In the course of eleven years with the firm he managed to save nearly $20,000. In 1576 he began seriously to consider the important question of mar- riage and a home. During that summer he inet Miss Anna L., the accomplished daugh- for of Mr. John A. Clough, of Chicago, who, in ISTO, established a loan and real estate otlice in Denver. They were married Dee. in manner, and of social disposition, and is


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widely and favorably known to the people of Denver and the citizens of Colorado gen- erally. Let us go further and express the general public estimate of his life and char- acter, a word or two of his broad humanity, boundless charity, genuine sympathy for men in misfortune; his magnetic quality in social intercourse: his rieb fund of wit and humor; his readiness to anticipate wants and perform deeds which bring tears of gratitude to the eyes of the poor and suffering, whose appeals for aid are never denied: his untiring energy in the advancement of good works. A word or two of the blessings that cluster about his name whenever and wherever it is mentioned. There is scarcely a man of woman among the almost endless multitude of his acquaintances who is not in some de- gree indebted to him for acts of kindness, great or small: not a man or woman who can be brought to speak or think ill of him. This man's fortune, could it have been meted out to him according to the manner of his desery- ing, should be counted by millions. As i stands, after many years of effort, he is rich only in the admiring esteem of all who know him, and in the memories of a well spent life.


McINTOSH, Charles L. See Vol. III, page 219.


McGAFFEY, Albert B., secretary of state, was born in Warsaw, N. Y., in Oct., 1851, educated in the public schools, with a sup- plementary course at a private school. At the age of seventeen, realizing that the West offered greater inducements for young men. in May, 1869, he went to Illinois, and took a position as civil engineer on the Wabash rail- road, then builling into Kansas City, Mo. Later he was appointed general store keeper for the Wabash system, and by his .com- peteney held that position for thirteen years, when he resigned, came to Denver in 1882 and engaged in the real estate and mining business, in which he was very successful. In 1891 he was elected county clerk and re- corder of Arapahoe county, on the repub- lican ticket, giving entire satisfaction during his incumbeney. Nov. 6, 1894, he was elected secretary of state by the same party, and inducted into office Jan. 8, 1895. He has tine executive and business capabilities, as manifested in the public and private posi- tions he has occupied. He is also an en- thusiastie Mason, and has received the highest degree in that order that is conferred in the United States; is past grand com- mander of Knights Templar, for the state of Colorado, and holds the third highest office in the United States, in the imperial council of the Mystie Shrine. ITe is president of the board of associated charities and correc- tions; member of the Loyal legion, also of the Veteran legion. In ISSO he married Miss Anna K. Miller, of Moberly, Mo., and has been blessed with one child, a son.




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