History of the State of Colorado, Volume IV, Part 99

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 99

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Mr. Rhodes takes an active interest in all labor matters, and in recognition of his integ- rity and fairness, in March, 1891, he was ap- pointed by the governor a member of the board of public works, in which position he served until March, 1805.

RAYMOND, Edward. See Vol. III. page 211.

RICKARDS BROS. These gentlemen are natives of Manchester, England. W. B. Rick- ards came to Park county, Colo., in 1883, and S. B. in 1884. They bought a half inter- est in a large ranch containing 845 acres, situ- ated in Hartsel precinct, and are now the sole proprietors. This ranch is well culti- vated, and the Messrs. Rickards are constantly adding improvements and otherwise making their ranch valuable and attractive. They are thoroughgoing, practical men, and as a result of their labors, and wise management they are scoring a signal success as ranch- men.

REID, Herbert Isaiah, engineer, was born near Salem, Washington county, Ind., June 5. 1859. Ilis parents were of Scotch-Irish de- scent. His boyhood was spent on a farm un- til the age of sixteen years, when he went to California for his health, and remained there three years, lle attended the public schools, and later the Indiana Central normal college and the National normal university, at Leb- anon. Ohio. Ile made a special study of mathematics, and qualified himself as a civil engineer. Ile came to Colorado in 1882, and. after teaching in the public schools of El Paso county one year, devoted his time to the pur- suit of his profession. He was employed in the winter of 1883-81 by the Pike's Peak railway company as locating engineer. In 18Si he was appointed city engineer of Colo- rado Springs, which position he has continu- ously held to the present time. lle also served as county surveyor from 1885 to 1891. and was chief engineer of the Catlin Land and Canal company, the Fairmount Canat company and the Colorado Canal company from ISS5 to ISS9, where he located about 200 miles of canal lines, and constructed about 40 miles of canal. In 1887 he was locating engineer for the Colorado Midland railway company from Manitou through the Ute Pass and Twin Creek Cañon to Platte Cañon. Since 1889 he has planned and constructed nine reservoir dams. Among these are Prospect Lake reservoir, which covers 70 acres, Lako Moraine reservoir, which is 10.230 feet above sea level, and reservoir No. S, which is at an elevation of 11.800 feet. He has built 25 miles of reservoir for Colorado City, and util- Ized the sewage for irrigation purposes, which is probably the first attempt to use sewage

RUSSELL, Pierre B., was born and reared in New York City, the family spending the summers in New Jersey. His father being for many years one of the police commis- sioners, gave Pierre an opportunity in carly life to mingle much in public affairs. He re- ceived his education in the public schools, supplemented by a course at a college in his native city. Mr. Russell commenced his busi- ness career with Brown Brothers & Co., prom- inent bankers on Wall street, with whom he remained several years, and became a mem- ber of the famous 7th regiment of New York. Taking a fancy to western life he went to Arkansas, but not being particularly pleased with that section, he returned to New York in about a year. Soon after his return to the city he was stricken down with pulmonary trouble and was ordered to the Adirondack mountains, but not securing suthcient benefit after a two years' residence there. he was forced to come to Colorado, where his health was fully restored. He was connected with the Colorado Telephone company for several years. Mr. Russell served three terms as a member of the board of supervisors the up- per house of the city council. During his residence in Colorado he has also served on the military staff's of Governors Eaton, Routt. Cooper, Waite and MeIntire.

RANDALL, Charles Wesley, express agent, was born at Rushville, Ill .. Nov. 25. 1863. Later the family moved to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where he attended the public schools. The family then moved to Lincoln, Neb .. where Charles took a scientific course in the state university of Nebraska, finishing in 1879, at the age of seventeen years. His father being a practical railroad man, his son naturally took to the same line of business, entering the office of Superintendent Touzlin of the B. & M. R. R. as messenger boy, serv- ing in that capacity for six months. He then accepred a position with the American ex- press company, and, in 1882, resigned and en- tered the employ of the Wells, Fargo & Co.'s Express as messenger. afterward filling the different positions from messenger to general superintendent. After ten years' service with the latter company, he withdrew and accepted the position of route agent with the Denver & Rio Grande Express. Although an inferior position to the one he had resigned with the Wells Fargo, he could see that the future would be brighter with the new than with the old company. The Denver & Rio Grande company, showing their appreciation of his

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merits, soon advanced him to the position of vice Mr. Robb returned to Colorado, to general agent for the Denver & Rio Grande find his agent, in whose care he had placed and Adams Express companies, which had been consolidated, and which position he still retains. his interests, missing, and his property. amounting to $38,000, sold (regardless of the act of Congress giving a soldier one year to RANKIN, D. A., farmer, was born in li- diana county. Pa., Sept. 23, 1840, and was brought upasa farmer. When twenty years of age he became a soldier in the civil war, enlist- ing in the 78th Pa. infantry. He was made lieu- tenant of his company. and afterward pro- moted captain. Ile served until Sept .. 1865, when he was umstered ont. Three years return to his mines), and was obliged to begin life anew. He was soon stricken down with the mountain fever, which caused his re- moval to the valley. Locating four miles west of Denver, on the south Golden road mow Lakewood. in Jefferson county, he pur- chased 160 acres of land and has been en- gaged in agriculture and fruit raising to the present time. lle is married and has one daughter, now grown. Mr. Robb is a repub- lican in politics, a member of the society of Colorado Pioneers, of A. Lincoln post No. 4. G. A. R., and is one of six brothers who served in the I'nion army, four of whom ale now living.

were spent in traveling through lowa, Illinois and Missouri. and in May. ISGS, he came to Denver, and at once engaged in farming about eight miles north of the city on the Platte river, and two years later purchased his present place. where he now lives. lle takes much interest in the schools of his neighborhood, and. is at present the vice- president of the Farmers' High Line and Reservoir company. Ile is a member of Lin- roln post, G. A. R., No. 4.

ROBB, John W., farmer, was born July 15, 1838, at Vernon, Jennings county, Ind., of Scottish parentage. lle was educated in the public schools, and worked in his father's woolen factory until seventeen years of age. In 1885 the family moved to Walshville. Montgomery county. Ill. At the age of twen- ty-one he traveled through Missouri and Kansas, and on arriving at Kansas City se- enred work in Bullard's machine shops, mak- ing quartz mills for the mines. In April. 1860. in company with two of his brothers, he started for Pike's Peak, arriving in Den- ver May 15: then went to Nevada City and assisted in setting up quartz mills he had helped to build; also engaged in prospecting and mining. Later he assisted in building a ditch from Fall river to Nevada City, and was one of the promoters in organizing the Empire and Union mining districts. RENO, L. A., farmer, was born in Penn- sylvania. Feb. 2. 1833. Ile remained at home until he was twenty-two years of age. when he moved to Ilinois and later to Iowa, where he engaged in farming. In 1861 he enlisted in company C. 4th lowa infantry for one year. After the expiration of his term of service he came to Colorado and lo- rated on the present town site of Arvada. near Denver. In connection with B. F. Wardsworth he laid off that town and has since resided there. In Sept .. 1861. he enlisted in company K. Ist Colo .. cavalry; served four months and then enlisted in company II, Curtis' horse regiment, at Pern, Neb .. being assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, when the name was changed to the 5th Towa cavalry. going directly into active service. At the battle of Franklin, on Duck river, in 1862. and while on picket duty at night, Mr. Robb was captured. stripped of his uniform and marched to Fort Columbia stockade, Tenn .: from there to Montgomery. Ala., then he ROBERTS, William E., ex-chief of the fire department, was born in Wales. Jan. 12. 1858, and attended the common schools until he was twelve years of age. Ile then began to learn the stoneentter's trade, and continued to apply himself thereto until 1871, when he came to America. lle first stopped at Chicago and resumed his trade. finishing his apprenticeship in 1873. Owing to ill health he came to Colorado, and settled in Thomasville. Ga., from thence to Selma, Ala., then to Meridian, Miss., and finally to Andersonville, Ga .. having marched seven hundred miles, barefooted. and suffering all the miseries and tortures of a prison life. Ile made his escape from his captors once. but after a chase of nine days was recaptured. On the approach of Union forces he was pa- roled and returned to his command at Nash- ville. Ten. On being mustered out of ser- Denver in the winter of 1873 and soon there-

REED, D. J., coal mine inspector. was born March 28, 1549, in Missouri, where he was educated in the public schools. Ipon the completion of his education he engaged in coal mining, following the same until he left the state. Ile was for two terms ap- pointed inspector of coal mines for the state of Missouri. In ISSo he came to Colorado and for two years made it his home. after which he spent a like period in Kansas, one year in lowa and then returned to Missouri. where he remained until 1891. during this time being engaged in, mining. Returning again to Colorado, he first spent three months in Cripple Creek and then engaged in coal mining until Jan., 1893, when. for the third time in his life, he was appointed state in- spector of coal mines, a position which he filled until the spring of 1895. During his long career as a miner of coal and as in- spector, both in Missouri and Colorado. Mr. Reed is said to have been in more coal mines than any other one man in the United States.

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after engaged in his trade. lle worked on In 1590 he began his labors for the Colorado some of the most prominent buildings in the Fuel company and has succeeded in building employing on an average forty men and eighty-seven horses. city. such as the Meclintock block, Daniels up the largest transfer business in Colorado. & Fisher's store building and numerous others. In 142 he became sexton of St. John's cathedral and remained at that ROY, P. S., miner, was born in Shullsburg, Lafayette county, Wis., Nov. 5, 1854. Hle emi- grated to Colorado in April, 1879, and en- gaged extensively in mining in Gilpin and Clear Creek counties. lle was also largely interested in the live stock and real estate business. At Roy station, on the Den- ver and Rio Grande railroad, he prospected for oil, gas and coal, and during his work at that point he found two bodies of coal meas- uring thirty feet in thickness at the depth of 550 feet. At the depth of 1,350 feet oil, gas hot soda and salt water were discovered in large quantities. le incorporated a com- pany with a capital stock of $1,500,000 at Brownwood, Texas, and bored for oil and gas. He also managed a similar large enterprise and operated at Ogden, Utah, with great suc- coss. At the present time he is extensively en- gaged in mining, both in Colorado and Idaho. and is regarded as one of the best and most expert mining men in the West. post for more than two years, In isti he joined hook and ladder company No. 2, volunteer fire department, which was consid- Pred the best company in the state, having. during the period of a few years, won the belt three times. lle began his career as a fireman as third assistant foreman, and re- mained as such for two terms, when the com- pany was disbanded. In Isst he was elected assistant chief. Sept. 4. 1885 he became a member of the paid fire department, and was enrolled with hook and ladder company No. 1. Five years later he was promoted captain of steamer No. 1. on Broadway. Two years later he was transferred to hook and lad- der company No. 2, on Curtis street, as cap- tain. Subsequently he was again trans- ferred as captain to steamer No. 2. and served until his discharge, which ocentred in Feb., 1894. March 28, 1894, he was ap- pointed chief of the fire department and held that position until May, 1895. He is a mem- ber of the Order of Red Men. At present he is assistant chief of the fire department un- der Julius Pearse.

ROBERTS, George T .. contractor, was born Feb. 18. 1836. in Kent, England. He went to sea in 1851, joined the British navy in 1852 and continued in the service until 1856, when he served in the Russian war. He then em- igrated to America and located in New York, where he was employed until 1870 as a rig- ger longshoreman, in the meantime occa- sionally going to sea. He married Susan Gallinger in 1862, moved to Colorado in May, 1870, and engaged in the contracting heavy- raising and moving business. The first der- rick constructed in Denver was made under his supervision, and since then he has owned the derricks and done or controlled the heavy- weight and moving of Denver.

ROBERTS, Sidney E., transfer manager. was born in Dansville, N. Y., in 1844, and re- ceived his education at Dansville seminary. located in his native town. In Ang., 1862. he enlisted in company 1. 136th .N. Y. volunteers, and served to the close of the civil war. lle was in a number of the more im- portant battles and accompanied Sherman's forces on their march to the sea. After the dale Dairy."

on account of impaired health, he came to Colorado. He followed sheep raising for a short time and then engaged in mining for twelve years. He was for eight years ofli- cially connected with the city government of Denver. Ile established the sprinkling department and designed the wagons which have since been used for sprinkling purposes.

RICHARDSON, Robert, farmer, was born in Cumberland county, England. and re- ceived his education in the common schools. He chose the occupation of a farmer, and early engaged in agricultural pursuits and in raising stock, which he continued until 1880, when he emigrated to America and settled in Colorado. For several years after his arrival he was engaged in different em- ployments, and finally, in ISSs, started a small dairy near Denver. Soon afterward he moved to the farm he now occupies, eight miles north of the city, where he has ever since successfully conducted his business.

RIDDLE, J. M., dairyman, was born in Pittsburg. Pa., in 1850, where he resided until he was eighteen years of age. Removing to Springdale, in the same state, he became a farmer and devoted ten years of his life to tilling the soil. In 1878 he embarked in the insurance business, and after continuing twelve months went to Kansas, and thence to Colorado in ISSO. In IS 3 he formed a part- nership with Mr. Beaman in the dairy busi- ness, which existed only for a short time. I'pon its dissolution Mr. Riddle set up for himself. in the town of Harmon, near Deu- ver, and runs what is known as the "Glen-

RIDER, C. A., dairyman, was born in

war ended he engaged in mercantile pur- suits for eight years at Niles, Mich., when, Woodstock. I., Dee. 27. 1863, where he spent the first eight years of his life. He then went to Chicago, and after a residence of two years removed to Colorado. He was educated at the university of Denver, and soon after en- gaged in the dairy business. He made a small beginning and has gradually increased hls trade until he has now one of the largest and best equipped dairies in the county. He is

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also interested in raising small fruits, and a tion in the community of being always will- good portion of his land is planted in fruit ing and ready to help those who are less trees, which are now yielding him a steadily increasing income. fortunate, and every enterprise of a moral or benevolent nature. His church (Presby- terian) and his neighbors know that he is ever ready and willing to aid with his means.

RAYNOLDS, Frederic A., president and Sole owner of the Fremont County Bank, was born in Canton, Stark county, Ohio, Sept. 26, 1850. His father was at that time a mer- chant in that city; and Frederic was one of his many sons who are now engaged in busi- ness at various points in the West. lle was educated in the common schools of his native city, until he was about fifteen years of age, when he was employed in the dry-goods house of David Zollars & Co., at Canton, where he remained about three years. About the end of this period he indulged in speculation on his own account, and, like many other young speculators, lost his entire savings, He next became a traveling salesman for the Eagle Woolen mills of Canton, and, after an ex- perience of two years, was made secretary and treasurer of the corporation before reaching his majority. In this position he proved a very efficient officer, and evinced the talent for business management which has sinee made him a successful manager of other business enterprises. But a few years later he decided to engage in business on his own account, and, in Aug., 1874, he was in Canon City starting a bank, which was then, and is stillknown asthe Fremont County Bank. At first he was only the managing partner, the firm consisting of his brother, Jefferson Raynolds, Col. C. B. Lamborn and

STEELE, R. W., first provisional governor of Jefferson (afterward Colorado) Territory, was born near Chillicothe, Ohio, Jan. 14, 1820. llis earlier years were passed upon a farm. In the fall of 1846 he went to Fairfield, Iowa, studied law there and subsequently attended the Cincinnati law school, graduating in 1852. lle then settled in Indianola, lowa, but in the fall of 1855 located in Omaha, Neb., engag- ing in the real estate business in that very thinly settled and unpromising frontier sec- tion. He was elected to the territorial legis- lature of 1858-59. On the 25th of March, 1859, he started for the Pike's Peak gold region, reaching Denver May 4, which at that time contained only a few log cabins, most of the immigrants living in tents or sheeted wagons, or camping out in the open air. On or about the 20th of June he went to the Gregory diggings, just after their discovery, and there engaged in mining. He was the first presi- dent, and for a time superintendent, of the Consolidated Ditch company. Oct. I, 1859, a convention of the people was held in Denver to establish a provisional government. As one of the results, R. W. Steele was nominated and duly elected governor of the Territory of Jefferson. Ile was inaugurated in November following, and remained in office until after himself, the firm name being Raynolds, Lam- the organization of the Territory of Colorado born & Co. But his partners were engaged in by act of Congress. He surrendered theexecu- other business elsewhere, so that the pres- tive authority to Governor Gilpin in June, 1861. Ilis first message was delivered to the

tige of the bank is entirely due to the man-

agement of Mr. F. A. Raynolds, from the be- provisional legislature Nov. 7, 1859, an ex- ginning. Mr. Lamborn was bought out by

ceedingly interesting public document which the Raynolds brothers about two years after appears in the appendix to Vol. Il. In the bank was organized, and Mr. F. A. Ray- the spring of ISGO Governor Steele returned to Omaha, brought out his family, and settled nolds became the sole owner in less than four years after the beginning, in 1878, since which them near Golden City, after which he went time he has had no partner therein, During to Empire, near the head of south Clear the years from 1878 to 1882 he became in- creek, and began prospecting. As related in terested in several banks in various parts of the history of Clear Creek county, Vol. IH. Colorado, in Rosita, Silver Cliff, Leadville, he was one of the party which found and de- Alpine, Saguache and Buena Vista, which veloped the first great silver mines in Argen- were quite successful during the time of his tine district. In Oct., 1865, he returned to connection with them, but he found that the lowa with his family for the purpose of edu- policy of giving his attention to one was cating his children; spent some time in New preferable, therefore disposed of all his in- York City, and returned to Colorado in the terests except the Fremont County Bank, spring of IS67, when he located in George- making Canon City his permanent residence. town, and in March, 1895, removed to Colo- About the year 1880, with a few associates, rado Springs, where he now resides, a vener- he organized the Raynolds Cattle company, able and universally venerated pioneer. lle is the first of the great historie figures in the history of Colorado, chief of the first local government established in the Rocky Moun- tain region, years before the United States claimed jurisdiction over it; at a time when Indian titles covered the land; when Kansas of which he has been president ever since its inception. By his skillful management this company has been able to dispose of its cattle to reasonable advantage, when other owners were unable to realize anything from their investments. In 1880 Mr. Raynolds married Miss Maggie Sheetz of Canon City, proclaimed her right to control and govern He now enjoys a comfortable income from his our meager population: when society was in various enterprises and enjoys the reputa- a state of chaos, needing the influence of a

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strong centralized power: when pistol and knife, brute force and mob law ruled in the absence of statutes. The better citizens re- alizing the necessity of providing for the ex- ercise of lawful order instituted a pro- visional state and placed R. W. Stecle at its head. Though crude, and not extensively recognized outside of Denver, it was, never- theless, a power for good. Its legislature met and adopted a code of laws which, while not perfect, served the purpose until super- seded by better. Though Mr. Steele was the discoverer of great wealth for others, he has not himself been drenched with the showers of fortune. But he will always have a place in the historic annals of that period. All lines of government began with his adminis- tration. His name is atfixed to the first statutes, his hand guided the incipient ship of state. It is almost amazing to look back over the past thirty-six years and see the mighty consequences that sprang from this rude he- ginning. Governor Steele's portrait should have first place in the portrait room of the Governor's office at the state capitol, for with him our governmental history begins.

ments with greater clearness. He wastes no time in mere rhetorical display, but goes straight to the business before him with a well digested analysis of the factsthe law and the testimony. In 1887 he was elected city attor- ney of Denver, and in this office the same characteristics of indefatigable industry and admirable effectiveness were shown from the beginning to the close of his torm. In 1989 he was again elected city attorney, leading his ticket and getting athousand votes more than the candidate for mayor on the same ticket. This service concluded, he formed a partner- ship with Hon. Platt Rogers in the practice of law. Mr. Shafroth was married at Fayette, Mo .. Oct. 26, 1881, and three sons have been born to him. In the fall of 1894 Mr. Shaf- roth was nominated for Congress by the re- publieans, and was elected by a handsome majority.

SHEEDY, Dennis, banker and an eminent financial manager, was born in Ireland, Sept. 26. 1846, son of John Sheedy. a farmer in com- fortable circumstances, and of fine literary at- tainments. While he was a mere infant his parents came to the United States, settled in

SHAFROTH, John F., lawyer and member of Congress, was born in Fayette, Mo., June 9, Massachusetts for a time and finally removed 1854. Ile received his education at the uni- to lowa. Dennis was then twelve years old. Soon afterward his father died, and being thus early compelled to assume the active duties of life, he quickly developed unusual capability for the management of affairs. Pursuing his studies at school during the winter months, the summers were passed in a store, where he earned a salary and acquired a general knowl- edge of business. In the spring of 1863 he re- moved to Denver, then a mere village, and took Versity of Ann Arbor, Mich., whence he was graduated in the literary department June 26, 1875. lle then returned to his birthplace and began the study of law. In ist6, after the usual examination, he was admitted to the bar of that state. In 1879 he came to Colorado, settled in Denver and formed a law partner- ship with the late llon. A. W. Brazee, with whom he remained two years, when the firm

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History of the State of Colorado, Volume IV, Part 99

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