USA > Wyoming > History of Wyoming, Volume II > Part 58
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In a business way his record is equally commendable, for he has worked upward by reason of his individual ability, yet his path has never been strewn with the wreck of other men's fortunes. As the years have gone on he has made judicious investment and is today the owner of considerable real estate in Rawlins, from which he derives a substantial annual rental. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for here he found the opportunities which he sought and in return for the advantages which have been his he renders to his adopted country unqualified allegiance.
WILLIAM ROGERS.
William Rogers, who is occupying the position of deputy assessor in Sweet- water county, was born in South Wales, December 4. 1862. His father came to America with his family in 1869 and located at Bevier, Missouri. There he engaged in coal mining to the time of his death, which was the result of an accident in the mines, he being but thirty-nine years of age when, on the 16th of August, 1878, his life's labors were ended. In early manhood he had wedded Mary Jones, a native of Wales, who came to America in the fall of 1871 to join her husband, who had previously made preparations for a home for his family. She, too, passed away in Bevier, having reached the age of sixty-seven years when death called her on the 28th of March, 1908.
William Rogers was the second in order of birth in a family of eight chil- dren, six of whom are yet living. two having died in infancy. He pursued his education in the public schools of Bevier, Missouri, and in St. James Military Academy, where he studied under Bishop Tolbert, of the Episcopal denomina- tion. He started out to earn his own livelihood when a youth of thirteen years by working in the mines, his first employment being that of a trapper, his duties being the opening and shutting of doors in the main lines, and for his work he received a wage of seventy-five cents per day. Previous to this time, how- ever, he had earned the munificent sum of a dollar per month by lighting the fires in the schoolhouse and sweeping out the schoolroom. After the death of his father he became the head and sole support of the family and continued to follow mining in Missouri until 1890. In that year he removed to Wyoming, first settling at Rock Springs, where he was employed in the old No. I mine by the Union Pacific Coal Company. He there remained for eleven years, during which time he also followed other pursuits. He became one of the prominent and influential residents of the community and was called upon to serve as a member of the school board, while for five years he was clerk of the board. In January, 1902, he removed with his family to Green River to accept the position of county treasurer under appointment, and later he was elected to the position for two consecutive terms. His fellow townsmen, appreciative of his worth and ability, afterward endorsed him for the position of postmaster of Green River and he served during the administrations of Presidents Roosevelt and Taft and for two years under the administration of President Wilson. On the Ist of February, 1907, he assumed the duties of the position and continued to act in that capacity until the Ist of February, 1915, covering exactly eight years. He is now acting as deputy assessor of the county and has made a most cred- itable record as a public official. Aside from his duties in this connection he is known in business circles as one of the directors of the First National Bank of Green River and as a member of the Green River Mercantile Company, of which he is the secretary.
At Bevier, Missouri, December 7. 1887, Mr. Rogers was married to Miss Isabella Pierce, a native of North Wales and a daughter of Samuel C. and Sarah Pierce. The father is deceased, but the mother makes her home in Brookfield. Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Rogers have been born three children: Eve, the
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wife of Frank J. Viox, a representative of an old pioneer family of Green River; Thomas E., who is cashier of the State Bank of Green River ; and Sarah.
Fraternally Mr. Rogers is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, of which he has been a representative for twenty-eight years. He is most loyal to its purposes and its teachings and has many friends among his brethren of that organization. Mr. Rogers is truly a self-made man and deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. He was early thrown upon his own resources and had to provide not only for his support but also for the support of the family. He was present at the time his father was killed in the mine, being within ten feet of him when the cave-in occurred. It is a recognized fact that under the pressure of adversity and the stimulus of necessity the best and strongest in man is brought out and developed. This was evidenced in the case of Mr. Rogers, who resolutely set himself to the task which confronted him and as the years went on made for himself a most creditable position in business circles. He has eagerly grasped the opportunities which have come to him and yet his path has never been strewn with the wreck of other men's fortunes. He has been thoroughly just in all of his dealings and as a public official has made an excellent record by the prompt and faithful manner in which he has dis- charged his duties.
THOMAS E. ROGERS.
Thomas E. Rogers, cashier of the State Bank of Green River and one of the progressive young business men of the city, was born in Rock Springs, Wyoming, October 3, 1894. a son of William Rogers, whose sketch is given above. With the removal of the family to Green River Thomas E. Rogers became a pupil in the public schools of this city and following his graduation from high school started out in the business world as an employe of the Union Pacific Railway Company, working along clerical lines for eighteen months. He afterward obtained a position in the Green River State Bank, which is the First National Bank, and prior to leaving that institution had worked his way upward to the position of assistant cashier. He continued with the bank for eighteen months and for the past year and a half he has filled the position of cashier in the State Bank of Green River, now acting in that capacity. He is a courteous and obliging official, doing everything in his power to further the welfare of the institution which he represents and at the same time doing everything possible to safeguard the interests of depositors. He is alert and energetic and as the years have gone by has made for himself a most creditable place in financial circles. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise he has voted with the republican party. His religious faith is that of the Congregational church. His life is actuated by high and honorable principles and those who know him esteem him highly. His circle of friends is constantly growing as the circle of his acquaintance widens.
FRANK THEODORE CUMMINGS.
Frank Theodore Cummings, of Douglas, is filling the position of deputy county engineer of Converse county and is also engaged in the private practice of his profession. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on the 24th of May, 1878, and is a son of Thomas Jefferson and Lulu (Switzler) Cummings. The latter was a daughter of a Civil war colonel. Both Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Cummings have passed away and the five daughters of the family have also departed this life, leaving Frank T. Cummings as the only survivor of the family.
In the public schools Mr. Cummings began his education, pursuing his studies
FRANK T. CUMMINGS
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through the elementary grades in Sedalia, Missouri, while later he became a high school pupil in St. Louis, Missouri. It was his grandfather who laid out the city of Sedalia. After leaving school he entered upon his business career, mak- ing his initial step in commercial circles as an employe of the firm of Butler Brothers in St. Louis. He was also connected with the postoffice in that city for a time and the year 1898 witnessed his arrival in Wyoming. He made his way to Laramie, where he took up his abode in September, and later he visited various parts of the state. In April, 1899, he entered the employ of the Union Pacific Railroad Company in connection with the bridge and building department and was employed in bridge building between North Platte and Ogden, Utah, until May, 1904. He then became a rodman in the office of the division engineer at Cheyenne under W. H. Peterson and gradually worked his way upward in that branch of the service to the position of assistant engineer, in which capacity he continued until he resigned in December, 1910. He then went to Rock River as engineer for the Rock Creek Conservation Company, being engaged in that connection on a big irrigation project for about six years, or until September, 1916, when he established his home at Douglas and formed a partnership with L. C. Bishop for the private practice of civil engineering. He had mastered his profession through private study and through experience and he is now well qualified to undertake most important civil engineering projects, finding ready solution for involved and intricate problems.
In May, 1905, Mr. Cummings was united in marriage to Miss Genevieve M. Pawson, a native of Michigan. In his political views Mr. Cummings is a democrat, giving to the party stalwart and consistent support. He served while at Rock River as a member of the city council and as mayor. In Masonic circles he is widely known as an exemplary representative of the craft. He has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and is also a member of the Mystic Shrine. His wife is an active worker in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and is superintendent of the anti-narcotic department. They are both highly esteemed in the community where they reside and have won an extensive circle of friends in eastern Wyoming. Mr. Cummings has developed high pro- fessional skill and power and ranks with the leading civil engineers in his section of the state.
LEVOY A. WOODWARD.
Levoy A. Woodward is senior partner in the firm of Woodward & Hinkey, proprietors of the Cokeville Opera House. He is also engaged in the wholesale and retail liquor business, having the oldest establishment of the kind in his city and enjoying the largest patronage.
He was born in Omaha, Nebraska, December 13. 1885, a son of the late Frank Woodward, a native of that state and a representative of one of its old families. The father was for years a locomotive engineer, following that business to the time of his death, which resulted from an accident. He married Jennie Annis, a native of Iowa, who is living in Cokeville.
Levoy A. Woodward was their only child. He and his mother came to Coke- ville in 1889, when he was a little lad of but four summers, and in the public schools he pursued his early education, while later he attended the Salt Lake Collegiate Institute. in which he spent three years as a student, and for one year he continued his studies in Logan. Utah. When twenty years of age he started out to provide for his own support and has since been dependent entirely upon his own efforts. He was first employed at clerking with the Cokeville Mercantile Company and later was with the firm of Cosgriff Brothers. He then entered business on his own account, after the death of his stepfather. W. H. Wyman, conducting the wholesale and retail liquor business which had been established and carried on by Mr. Wyman. This is today the oldest enterprise
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of the kind in Cokeville, having been founded in 1897, and the trade is bringing to the owner a substantial annual income. In addition to his other interests Mr. Woodward is conducting the Cokeville Opera House, which is the leading place of amusement in the city. It has a seating capacity of two hundred and fifty, there is an elevated floor and the equipment is thoroughly modern and attractive. Opera chairs have been provided and the place is lighted by electricity and equipped with steam heat. Here are shown high class pictures, the best artists on the screen being here introduced.
On the 17th of May, 1910, Mr. Woodward was united in marriage at Paris, Idaho, to Miss Jennie Bourne, a daughter of John and Mary Jane ( Stewart ) Bourne, who were pioneer settlers of Idaho. The mother has passed away but the father is still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Woodward has been born a son. Harold Levoy, whose birth occurred in Cokeville, February 4. 1913.
In politics Mr. Woodward is a republican and is one of the active sup- porters of the party in this locality, doing all in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence. He has filled the office of town clerk and is now serving as a member of the town council. He is interested in all civic matters and does everything in his power to advance the welfare and growth of his city. Fraternally he is connected with the Loyal Order of Moose at Kemmerer and with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks at Rock Springs. His military record covers one year's training at Logan. He is an alert and energetic busi- ness man, giving close attention to his interests, and his success is due to his close application, persistency of purpose and capable management.
HON. ARTHUR W. SIMS.
Hon. Arthur W. Sims, police justice and district court commissioner residing at Evanston, was born May 20, 1852, in Devonport, England, a son of the late Samuel Sims, who was a native of Bath, England and who devoted his life to the business of merchant tailoring. He always remained a resident of his native country and there passed away in 1876, while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Clara I. Luke, died in Devonport, England, in 1887. They had a family of thirteen children, eight sons and five daughters, of whom Arthur W. was the eldest.
Educated in the commercial schools of England, Arthur W. Sims started out to provide for his own support when a youth of seventeen years and en- tered upon an apprenticeship to the merchant tailor's trade. In 1870, at the age of eighteen years he bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for the United States, believing that he might have better business opportunities on this side of the Atlantic. He located in New York but on account of unsatisfactory trade conditions in that city was obliged to secure employment other than in the line of his trade. He worked in a barber shop, learning the business, and continued in New York for eight years. In 1878, however, he removed to the west and on the 10th of September, 1878, became a resident of the little city of Evanston, having friends and relatives here. He immediately opened a bar- ber shop and conducted the business successfully for eighteen years, building up a trade of substantial proportions. While thus engaged he also became inter- ested in the cattle business and later took up sheep raising. In both of these lines he developed fairly large interests and in later years his business of that character has been conducted by his sons. His ranch is located in Uinta county and the business has been carried steadily forward, bringing to him a substantial measure of prosperity.
In New York, in 1871, Mr. Sims was united in marriage to Miss Annie Blight, a native of England, and they became the parents of four children : Arthur Sidney ; Walter R. : Elsie B., the wife of John Hunt, of Jerome, Idaho; and Clara, the wife of William E. McClellan, residing in Jerome, Idaho. The
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wife and mother passed away in Evanston, at the age of thirty-eight years, and in 1886 Mr. Sims was married in Evanston to Miss Charlotte Young, a native of England. There has been one child of the second marriage, Charlotte M., the wife of James Sim, living in Evanston.
Politically Mr. Sims is a republican and has always taken an active interest in the work of the party and in civic matters. He has served as justice of the peace for twelve years, from 1905 until 1916 inclusive, and has been police judge for the past thirteen years. Fraternally Mr. Sims is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has served as treasurer of the local lodge. He is identified with the Church of the Latter-Day Saints and is inter- ested in all those forces which work for the upbuilding and development of the community and for the advancement of its best interests. He is a self-made man who on landing in New York had in his possession but twenty dollars. He was an entire stranger in this country and depended upon his own resources for advancement. Industry, determination, perseverance and fidelity to every duty have been strong elements in his advancement and today he is one of the valued and respected citizens of western Wyoming.
THEODORE B. TORJUSON, M. D.
Dr. Theodore B. Torjuson, a physician and surgeon successfully practicing at Lovell, was born in St. Joseph, Missouri, on the 18th of November, 1882, a son of Bert and Theresa (Lund) Torjuson. The father was a native of Nor- way and came to the United States in young manhood, making his way to Illinois, where he married Theresa Lund, who was born in that state. For . many years the father engaged in merchandising and in 1875 removed westward to Denver, Colorado, where he conducted business until 1878. He then became a resident of St. Joseph, Missouri, where he remained until 1893, and then went to Chicago. In 1895 he became a resident of Omaha, Nebraska, and in 1912 took up his abode in Lovell, where he is now living retired, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly merits, having led a most active, busy and useful life.
Dr. Torjuson was educated in the public schools of St. Joseph, Missouri, and of Chicago and later attended the high school at Omaha, Nebraska, from which he was graduated with the class of 1902. He afterward spent three years as an employe in the Omaha National Bank and on the expiration of that period entered upon the fulfillment of what had been to him a lifelong hope, that of studying medicine. In the fall of 1905 he matriculated in the Creighton Medical College of Omaha, from which he received his professional degree as a member of the class of 1909. He afterward served as interne in St. Joseph's Hospital of Omaha in 1909 and 1910, thus gaining broad and valuable practical experience. During the latter year he was appointed house surgeon to the Douglas County Hospital at Omaha and thus in both connections gained that broad training which can never be as quickly secured in any other way as through hospital practice. In September, 1911, he came to Wyoming, settling in Lovell, and during the intervening period of six years he has built up an extensive practice, covering a wide range of country. In the spring of 1916 he established the Lovell Hospita! in order to better handle the surgical cases which come to him. The institution is splendidly equipped according to modern ideas and the work being done is attended with excellent results.
Dr. Torjuson belongs to Absarokee Lodge, No. 30, A. F. & A. M .: Powell Chapter. No. 27, R. A. M .; and Lovell Lodge, No. 10, I. O. O. F., and enjoys the warm regard and friendship of his brethren of these fraternities. He also belongs to the Northwestern Wyoming Medical Society, of which he was one of the founders, and he is a member of the American Medical Association. He is recognized as one of the skilled practitioners of northwestern Wyoming, both
DR. THEODORE B. TORJUSON
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in internal medicine and in major surgery. He was for years the only surgeon doing major surgery in this section of the state, covering that period when a physician must be a most resourceful and all round man. Many times there would come a hurry call from a distance and he would find a patient suffering from an aggravated case of appendicitis or other serious trouble which required the immediate use of the surgeon's knife, and being many miles from any town and frequently from any habitation, there was no chance of obtaining assistance, and all responsibility therefore rested upon him. Such a frontier home would have no equipment to aid him at all and with what means he could summon he would have to depend upon his surgical skill to save the patient. The hardships which the pioneer physician and surgeon is called upon to endure are many, but Dr. Torjuson has never faltered in the faithful performance of his duties, being most conscientious at all times, a steady hand, a cool nerve and a thorough understanding of the component parts of anatomy constituting the basic elements of his splendid surgical work.
EDWIN F. BENNETT.
Edwin F. Bennett is the proprietor of the J. A. Bennett Hardware Com- pany at Rawlins and throughout his entire life has been identified with Wyo- ming's interests, his birth having occurred in Laramie on the Toth of February, 1877. His father, J. A. Bennett, was a native of Kentucky and a representa- tive of one of the pioneer families of that state. The great-grandfather of Edwin F. Bennett was an extensive planter and slaveholder of Kentucky. settling within the borders of that state when the work of development and progress seemed scarcely begun there. J. A. Bennett was reared and educated in Kentucky and in early life learned the tinner's trade. Removing to the west, he cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Laramie, where he took up his abode in 1876. There he conducted one of the early hardware and tin- ware establishments of the city, remaining in the business for eight years. In 1884 he removed to Rawlins, where he organized the J. A. Bennett Hard- ware Company, continuing active in the business until his life's labors were ended in death in January, 1906, when he was in the seventieth year of his age. In politics he had always been a stanch republican, doing everything in his power to secure the success of his party. That his fellow townsmen had confidence in his ability and in his public spirit is indicated in the fact that he was called by popular suffrage to the offices of county coroner and of justice of the peace, serving in the latter position for a number of years. He made an excellent justice, being fair and impartial in his decisions, so that his course won high commendation. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Alice Fowler, was a native of Ireland and came to America with her father in young girlhood, the family home being established in Ohio. She was married in Havana. Illinois, to J. A. Bennett and they became the parents of seven chil- dren, six of whom are yet living, while five of the number are residents of Rawlins.
Edwin F. Bennett was the third in point of age. He was educated in the public schools of Rawlins and following his graduation from the high school he entered his father's employ and was associated with him in business until his father's death. He has since purchased and conducted the business on his own account and is today the pioneer merchant of Rawlins. He has a large and well appointed establishment, carrying an extensive .line of shelf and heavy hardware. and his reasonable prices, his honorable dealing and his efforts to please his patrons are the salient features in his growing success.
On the 3d of August. 1905. Mr. Bennett was united in marriage to Miss Kathryn Roberts, a native of Iowa and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Roberts, who were early settlers of Rawlins, the father conducting the
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Rawlins Stock Yards. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have become the parents of two daughters: Winifred Kathryn, who was born in Rawlins, August 15, 1909; and Cecil Alice, born March 12, 1912.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are members of the Presbyterian church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful interest. He is serving as one of its trustees and he is also the president and manager of the Rawlins Gen- eral Hospital. He is interested in all those forces which work for the benefit of the community and the uplift of the individual and in his life he exem- plifies the spirit of the Masonic fraternity, of which he is a representative. He likewise holds membership with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His political endorsement is given to the republican party but he has never sought nor desired office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon business affairs, which he is wisely and carefully conducting. It is true that he entered upon a business already established but many a man of less resolute spirit would have failed to carry it forward to successful completion. He has met competition by honorable methods and has put forth every possible effort to please his patrons, recognizing the fact that satisfied customers are the best advertisement. Public opinion classes him with the representative citizens and valued merchants of his community, his influence always being on the side of progress along material, intellectual, social, political and moral lines.
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