Biographies C-D | Adams County, COGenWeb

BIOGRAPHIES C - D

Campbell, Robert W.

Robert W. Campbell passed away at Longbeach, California, on the 18th of January, 1919. He had many substantial traits of character which endeared him to friends and neighbors and, moreover, he was numbered among the pioneer settlers of Brighton and of that section of the state. In his later years he lived practically retired in Brighton but was still the owner of valuable farm property from which he derived a substantial annual income. He was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on the 25th of March, 1860, and was of Scotch descent. His parents, John B. and Maria (Allen) Campbell, were both
natives of the land of hills and heather, in which they were reared and married. In the early '50s they determined to try their fortune in the new world and crossed the Atlantic to the United States. They established their home at Nashville, Tennessee, but after living there for several years removed to Indiana, where they took up their abode on a farm about 1866. Their remaining days were passed in that state and they were among the highly respected residents of the community in which they made their home. They had a family of seven children, four of whom are yet living.

Robert W. Campbell was but three years of age when he went with his parents to Indiana, where he was reared and educated, mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools. In 1884 he came to Colorado, settling at Brighton, and for eleven years was employed in the Brighton creamery, first as a helper, later as engineer and then general manager in full charge of the business, his fidelity as well as his keen executive ability having been quickly recognized by those with whom he had business relations. He was then appointed postmaster and occupied that position for three terms under republican administrations. As time passed he made investments in property and became the owner of five hundred acres of fine farm land. In 1918 he raised six thousand bushels of wheat and six hundred bushels of beans. He gave general supervision to his farming and ranching interests, but the actual work of the place was done by those whom he employed. His sound judgment and keen discrimination, however, were important elements in the successful conduct of his place.

In April, 1884, the year in which he came to Colorado, Mr. Campbell was married to Miss Ella Whitehead, a native of Indiana, and they became parents of two daughters, but the first born, Carrie, is deceased. The other daughter. Bessie, has become the wife of Harry Bates and is now living in Denver. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell owned and occupied a fine residence in the village of Brighton and enjoyed all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.

In his political aflSliations. Mr. Campbell was a stalwart republican, and he always endorsed and ardently supported the principles of the party. He served as road overseer for eight years, when John Twombly was county commissioner from the Brighton district and when Adams and Denver counties were a part of old Arapahoe county, and to his initiative and personal efforts may be attributed, in large measure, the excellent roads of the district. When Adams county was formed he took an especially active part in the contest for the location of the county seat, and the leading members of both political parties willingly gave him much credit for his work in winning the contest for Brighton. He also participated in the early politics of Denver and was recognized as one of those men who fought the battles fairly ind aboveboard. He would never countenance, nor desire, a questionable victory, nor would he deign to employ those petty tricks so often the subterfuge of the professional politician. He could accept an honorable defeat, if the voters of his district so willed, rather than be returned the victor in a contest won through dishonest methods. After discontinuing his work as road overseer, he purchased the farm where he resided four years, after which he was appointed postmaster for Brighton, and served in ihat capacity for twelve consecutive years.

There were no spectacular phases in the life of Mr. Campbell. He pursued the even tenor of his way in the conduct of his business, and his diligence and determination were the salient points in winning him the success that numbered him with the substantial residents of Adajns county. Moreover, the methods which he employed won for him an honored name and he was among the valued and respected citizens of Brighton. Some time prior to his death Mr. Campbell suffered from an automobile accident, from which he never fully recovered. Thinlcing that he might be benefitted by a western trip, he went to Longbeach, California. The trip, however, was too much for him and there he passed away. When the news of his death was received in Brighton it caused deep sorrow throughout the town, tor his many substantial traits of character had endeared him to those with whom he was associated and everywhere he was spoken of in terms of high regard. He possessed the qualities of good citizenship, of fidelity in friendship, and one who knew him well said he was "always identified with all public movements, liberal to a fault, a typical big-hearted westerner."

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 255-256

Capoperro, Tito

Tito Capoperro, who is engaged in the raising of vegetables on the Globeville road, near Westminster, was born in southern Italy on the 13th of February, 1852, a son of Richard and Angelina Capoperro. He attended school in his native country and remained under the sunny skies ot that land until about twenty-six years of age, when he crossed the Atlantic to the new world, seeking better business opportunities.

For a time he engaged in farm work in the east and in 1881 made his way westward to Denver, where ho was employed for three years, working in a hothouse at Thirty-first and California streets. He then rented ten acres ot land in Adams county and began farming on his own account. There he remained for eight years, during which time he carefully saved his earnings until his economy and industry had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to purchase ten acres. He thus acquired his present place and has since followed gardening. He raises fine vegetables which find a ready sale on the market and by reason of its extent his business makes continuous demands upon his time and energies and brings to him a gratifying reward for his
labors.

In 1894 Mr. Capoperro was married to Miss Rose Arciere, the wedding being celebrated in Denver on the 16th ot July of that year. They have two children: Jerry, at home; and Angelina, the wife of Vito Albanese, by whom she has one daughter, Dominca. Their religious faith is that of the Catholic church. Mr. Capoperro has prospered since coming to the new world and has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek his fortune on this side of the Atlantic. He found that in America labor is king and that diligence and determination will win success.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, p. 579

Carson, John W.

John W. Carson, a farmer and stock raiser of Adams county, was born at Beaver Creek, Maryland, on the 19th of May, 1862, a son of George T. and Lena (Bishop) Carson. The father was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and the mother was also a native of the Keystone state. They afterward removed to Maryland and both have now passed away. They had a family of six children, four of whom are living.

John W. Carson, spending his boyhood and youth in his native state, pursued his education in its public schools and on his removal westward established his home in Benton county, Iowa, where he lived for seven years. In 1883 he came to Colorado, where he took up mining, and followed that pursuit for a number of years, after which he turned his attention to farming in Adams county. He now operates one hundred and forty-five acres of excellent land, which is a part of the home ranch. He makes a specialty of farming and stock raising and both branches of his business are proving
profitable. He works persistently and indefatigably and his fields produce large and abundant crops. He also exercises great care in his stock raising interests and has upon his place a high grade of cattle and hogs.

In 1896 Mr. Carson was united in marriage to Miss Edith Mitchell, a native of Colorado and a daughter of William and Fannie (Rosencrans) Mitchell, who were natives of the Empire state and came to Colorado at an early period in its development. The father passed away here but the mother is living at the age of seventy-three years. William Mitchell was a native of St. Johns Parish, Cornwall, England, and came to America when a youth of twenty-one years. Shortly afterwards he became a student in Oberlin College, at Oberlin, Ohio, and there he first met Fannie Rosencrans. whom he later married, and who also was a student there. She is directly descended from illustrious families closely connected with our nation's military history, and numbering among their representatives, both General Herkimer of Revolutionary fame, and General Rosecrans of the Civil war.

Mr. and Mrs. Carson have become the parents of six children. George Edgar, who sustained the military traditions of his progenitors by enlisting in the United States navy, in October, 1917, was among the first to volunteer from Colorado. He was sent to the Naval Training Station at Brooklyn, New York, and in July, 1918, was assigned to active duty, with the grade of third petty officer. He was later promoted to second officer and is now on the staff of Admiral Dunn, on active service in the Azores. The other children are: Florence K., now a student at Fort Collins; J. Earl; Gladys M.; Iris N. ; and Theodore Lederer.

Mr. Carson votes with the democratic party, which he has supported since reaching adult age, but he has never been an office seeker as he finds that his business affairs make constant demand upon his time and attention. He had no special advantages at the outset of his career but has worked steadily and persistently as the years have gone by and whatever prosperity has come to him has been the direct outcome of his labors and enterprise.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 597-598

Chancellor, Thomas J.

Thomas J. Chancellor has since February, 1916. ably filled the position of post-Brighton and for about two decades prior to that time was actively identified with agricultural interests in Adams county. His birth occurred in Howard county, Missouri, in 1S64, his parents being John R. and Catherine (Blankenbaker) Chancellor. The mother's people removed from Virginia to Missouri during the pioneer period in the development of the latter state.

Thomas J. Chancellor acquired his early education in the public schools of his native state and subsequently spent three years as a college student at Fayette, Missouri. He was but a lad of twelve years when his father died, and when but sixteen years old, the management of the homestead fell upon him, he being the eldest son in a family of four sons and three daughters. He took full charge of the farm of three hundred and twenty acres, and so ably did he conduct its affairs that within a few years, the property was cleared of all incumbrance, the younger members of the family were given splendid educational advantages, while he. himself, was enrolled for a course of study in the college at Fayette. Following his college course, he returned again to the home farm and continued there in charge until 1895. In the meantime, he had purchased, an additional tract of one hundred and thirty-seven acres
which he managed and cultivated, in conjunction with the homestead. All of these changes were consummated as the direct result of his successful management, and though he was but a boy when first faced with the stern realities of existence, both for himself and also for those dependent upon him. he soon won recognition as one of the most successful and progressive agriculturists in his native state. He made careful study of soil and conditions, and applied with a marked degree of success, modern methods and advanced practices which resulted in bringing, not alone, satisfactory financial returns to him, but also constituted a factor in the development of his district. Mr. Chancellor's mother continued to make her home on the old home-
stead until her death, in 1918, at the ripe age of eighty-eight years.

In 1895, Mr. Chancellor came to Colorado, since which time he has taken active part in the development of his adopted state. He took up his abode near Brighton, and for ten years devoted his efforts and attention to the management of an irrigated farm of eight hundred acres. At the end of the decade he removed to Brighton and began farming the M. J. Lawrence ranch, which he successfully conducted until appointed postmaster of the town in February, 1916. In this connection he has since discharged his duties with capability and promptness and is making a most excellent record as a public official.

On the 26th of June, 1894, in Helena, Montana, Mr. Chancellor was united in marriage to Miss Stella Smith, a daughter of Wilson R. and Mary D, (Miller) Smith, who removed from Glasgow, Missouri, to Helena, Montana, in the early '70s. Mr. and Mrs. Chancellor have a daughter, Mary Porter Chancellor. In the work of the Presbyterian church Mr. Chancellor takes a very active and helpful part, being one of its leading members. He also belongs to the Woodmen of the World. His life has been upright and honorable in every relation and he well merits the respect and esteem
accorded him in his home community.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 431-432

Clark, William H.

A splendidly improved farm property is that ovimed by William H. Clark, whose possessions comprise one hundred and sixty acres of well irrigated and carefully cultivated land in Adams county. He is devoting his time and energies to general farming and stock raising and his persistency of purpose and indefatigable efforts are bringing excellent results. Mr. Clark is a native of Kansas. He was born on the 2d of April, 1879, a son of J. M. and Anna (Good) Clark, who were natives of Indiana but were married in Kansas, to which state they removed in the year 1867. They began their domestic life upon a farm in Kansas and are still living there. They became the parents of five children and the family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of
death.

William H. Clark was reared and educated in his native state, mastering the branches of learning taught in the district schools and afterward attending high school, so that he thus became well qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. The year 1904 witnessed his arrival in Colorado and for eight years he was a resident of Denver, being there engaged in the grocery business with good success. In 1912, however, he disposed of his store and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, removing to a farm in Adams county whereon he has since resided. He now cultivates one hundred and sixty acres of land, all under ditch, and has an excellent farm property. He has added many Improvements to the place and uses the most modern machinery to facilitate the work of the fields and care for the crops. He raises the various cereals best adapted to climatic conditions here and he is also successfully engaged in stock raising.

In 1901 Mr. Clark was married to Miss Nettie Wasson, a native of Kansas and a daughter of William and Maggie (Ransom) Wasson. Two children have been born to this marriage: Charles C, who is now a high school pupil: and Margaret L. Mr. Clark and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, to the support of which they contribute liberally and in the work of which they take an active and helpful part. Mr. Clark is a republican in his political views, having ever been a stalwart champion of the principles of that party. He is now serving as president of the school board and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 530-531

Cline, John W.

John W. Cllne, deceased, was born in Canada on the 23d of September, 1825, and passed away in the year 1S93. For some time prior to his demise he had been a resident of Colorado, connected with the agricultural interests of Adams county. He was reared and educated in his native country and in 1859 he came to Colorado, settling in Adams county, where he took up a homestead and remained to the time of his demise. Throughout his life he carried on farm work and his energy and persistency of purpose were strong elements in the development of his land, which he converted into a rich and productive farm, while the sale of his crops brought to him a substantial annual income.

Mr. Cline was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, a native of Clinton county. New York, and a daughter of Edward and Elizabeth McGovern, both of whom were natives of Ireland. They came to America when young people and after living tor some time in the Empire state removed to Wisconsin, where their remaining days were passed. Their family numbered fourteen children, three of whom survive. Mr. and Mrs. Cline became the parents of five children, but John E. and Bessie J., the first two, have passed away. C. Henry is living on the old homestead farm, Lucy M. is also at home and Alice E. is the wife of A. P. Ertz. The family circle was again broken by the hand of death when in 1893 Mr. Cline was called to his final rest, his
remains being interred in the Riverside cemetery at Denver. He had led an active and useful life which was quietly passed, but the sterling worth of his character was recognized by his associates and gained for him the respect and goodwill of all. His widow still occupies the old homestead, of which she has sold a part, but she still owns sixty-seven acres from which she derives a good income. Excellent improvements and fine buildings have been placed upon the farm and it is one of the attractive properties of Adams county.

Mrs. Cline is one of the few remaining pioneer women of Colorado. She was born in New York, May 3, 1845, and was but three years of age when her parents removed to Iowa county, Wisconsin, where they were pioneers. Her father participated in the early Indian fighting, and was also one of the first to engage in lead mining in that region.

On February 9, 1865, Elizabeth McGovern, now Mrs. Cline, married Patrick Smith, a native of Ireland, who had come to America when a boy of sixteen years. The young couple went to New York, and thence, by boat, to Panama. They sailed on the ship. Ocean Queen, which afterwards became a training ship for the United States navy. The trip being made during war times, the vessel was convoyed by gunboats and guarded by a detachment of marines, since much mail and important government papers were aboard the boat. Having crossed the isthmus they embarked on the famous old ship. Constitution, and after a voyage of four weeks and tour days landed at San Francisco, whence they proceeded, by boat up the river to Sacramento. There purchasing a team and supplies, they went to Virginia City, and still later, on into Montana. During the trip, the driver mutinied and Mrs.
Smith taking the reins herself drove the four mule team through the mountain passes of the Sierras. In Montana a party was organized to make the journey to Colorado, Mrs. Smith being one of three women in the party. They arrived in Denver on the 2d of October, 1865. and within a few weeks located on a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, in what is now Adams county, where the home is still maintained. Mr. Smith died in 1870. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith were bom two children: James, who resides upon a part of the original homestead; and Mary Isabel, now Mrs. George F. Decatur, and they also occupy a part of the old homestead.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 648-649

Cline, Moses

Moses Cline, one of Colorado's pioneer agriculturists, having lived since 1869 upon the farm upon which he now resides in Adams county, has been prominently associated with the development of its irrigation interests as well as with the cultivation of the land. He was born in Boston, Ontario, September 19, 1847, a son of John and Miriam (Barber) Cline. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, while the mother's birth occurred in Boston, Ontario. John Cline served as a soldier in the War of 1812. He afterward went to Ontario and both he and his wife died in that province. They
had a family of seven children, six of whom are yet living.

Moses Cline was reared in the place of his nativity and continued his residence there to the time of his removal to Colorado, which was in the year 1867. He made his way first to Denver, where he arrived on the 22d of May. There he remained until 1869, when he purchased the farm which is now his home. With characteristic energy he began its development and has added many improvements as the years have passed by. There are now fine buildings upon the place and all the accessories and conveniences of the model farm of the twentieth century. Well kept fences divide the place into fields of convenient size and he annually harvests good crops from his tract of one hundred and twenty acres. Interested in the question of irrigation, he
has for years served as president of the Colorado Agriculture Ditch Company and he is thoroughly familiar with all of the problems of irrigation and has done much to promote progress along that line.

Mr. Cline has been married twice. In 1877 he wedded Miss Katherine Baldwin and to them was born a son, Edwin B., who died in 1881. The wife and mother survived until 1890, when she, too, passed away. In 1893 Mr. Cline was again married, his second union being with Miss Anna F. Hotchkiss, who was called to her final rest in 1917.

Mr. Cline votes with the republican party, and while not a politician in the sense of office seeking, is Interested in all that has to do with the welfare and progress of his community. He has served on the school board for fifteen years and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. He is a self-made man — one who owes his prosperity entirely to his own eiforts. He started out in life empty-handed and early recognized the eternal principle that industry wins. Industry therefore became the beacon of his life and his well directed energies have been the means of bringing him substantial success.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, p. 809

Coffey, John J.

John J. Coffey, a resident farmer of Adams county, was born in Mason county, Illinois, on the 28th of August, 1864, his parents being Daniel and Anna (Burkett) Coffey, who were natives of Ireland but came to America in 1857 and 1860 respectively. They crossed tlie country to Mason county, Illinois, and there were married August 15, 1863, and established their home upon a farm The father devoted the succeeding thirty years to agricultural pursuits and was then called to his final rest in 1887. The mother is still living and now makes her home in Pocatello, Idaho, at the age of seventy-seven years. They had a family of seven children, five of whom still survive.

John J. Coffey was reared and educated in Illinois, passing through consecutive grades in the common schools until he became a high school pupil. He arrived in Colorado in 1898 and after a brief stay in Jefferson county, settled in Adams county, since which time he has improved the farm whereon he now resides and, adding to his possessions as his financial resources have increased, he has become the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of land, all of which is under a high state of cultivation and is well irrigated. His ditch system furnishes an adequate water supply and the land is kept highly productive through the rotation of crops and through the cultivation of such cereals as are best adapted to soil and climate.

Mr. Coffey has been married twice. In 1893 he wedded Miss Georgia Milleson, a native of Illinois, and they became the parents of two children: Leo, who follows farming on part of his father's land; and one who died in infancy. The wife and mother passed away in Illinois in February, 1897, and was laid to rest in the New Lebanon cemetery in Mason county. In 1899 Mr. Coffey was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Louisa (Spinner) Foster, the widow of Sherman T. Foster, by whom she had four children: Charles D. ; Ora M.; Dora, who is a twin of Ora and is the wife of William Fuller; and Effie, the deceased wife of H. M. Peterson.

Mrs. Coffey is a member of the Congregational church, while the religious faith of Mr. Coffey is that of the Catholic church. In politics he is a democrat and has served as county commissioner, while for thirty years he has been a member of the school board. His interest in the welfare of the community is manifest in many tangible ways and his efforts have brought good results. At the same time he has carefully and wisely conducted his business affairs and his unfaltering labor has been the broad foundation upon which he has builded his present-day success.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, p. 518

Counter, James N.

James N. Counter, one of the progressive, alert and energetic business men of Brighton, was born in the province of Ontario, Canada. January 10, 1858, a son of Charles and Adelaide (Watts) Counter. He obtained his education in Ontario and in Kansas, the family having removed during his boyhood days to the latter state. He learned the printer's trade in Belleville, Kansas, where he worked until he reached his majority. He then went to Oberlin, Kansas, where he conducted a newspaper for a time, and in 1887 he arrived in Wray, Colorado, where he purchased the Wray Rattler, which
he owned and published for ten years. He made it a very attractive journal, the name indicating the enterprising spirit manifest in the paper and its endorsement of all those interests of benefit to the public. Prospering in his undertaking, he extended the scope of his business activity by the purchase of a lumber yard there. This he conducted until 1902, when he disposed of his interests in Wray and removed to Brighton, where he became owner of a lumber yard, in which he carries an extensive line of all kinds of lumber and building supplies. He has built up a business of large and gratifying
proportions.

In Belleville, Kansas, on the 29th of July, 1883, Mr. Counter was united in marriage to Miss May Tucker, a daughter of H. Tucker. Their children are four in number. James C. is now in the service of the government as irrigation manager of the Belle Fouche (So. Dak.) irrigation project. He is a graduate of the state college, at Fort Collins, where he pursued a thorough course in civil and irrigation engineering, being later elected to the office of county surveyor for Adams county, which position he filled most creditably. Benjamin T. Is associated in business with his father in Brighton. Clara J. is the wife of William A. Gaddis. Mildred, the youngest, is yet at home.

Mr. Counter belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In the former he has connections with Brighton Lodge, No. 7S, A. F. & A. M., of which he is a past master; Denver Chapter. No. 2, R. A. M.; Colorado Commandery, No. 1, K. T.; and El Jebel Temple of the Mystic Shrine. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he is recognized as one of its leaders in his section of the state. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, called him to the office of mayor and continued him in that position for four years, during which he gave the city a most businesslike and progressive administration. He studied its needs and its possibilities, seeking to obviate the former and develop the latter to the benefit of the entire community. Adams county chose him to be its representative in the state legislature from 1914 until 1916 and while a member of the house he gave the most thoughtful, earnest and careful attention to all vital questions which came up for settlement. He stands for progressiveness in public affairs just as he does in business life and his entire career has been characterized by steady advancement, while each forward step has brought him a broader outlook and wider opportunities.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 317-318

Crooks, Jesse

In the sudden death of Jesse Crooks, on December 9, 1918, Adams county lost one of its best known and highly respected citizens, his demise causing sincere sorrow among his many friends. He owned and occupied the farm upon which he resided from 1907 to the end but dated his residence in Colorado from 1874 and was therefore numbered among its pioneer settlers. He lived for a long period in Jefferson county before removing to Adams county, where he was successfully engaged in carrying on general agricultural pursuits. He was l)orn in Buchanan county, Iowa, June 4, 1855, a son of James and Rebecca Crooks, who were natives of Ireland. Coming to America in early life, the father settled in Ohio and afterward removed to Iowa, where his remaining days were passed. To him and his wife were born ten children, of whom three daughters and one son are living.

Jesse Crooks was reared in Iowa upon the old home farm and early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the farm-bred boy. He remained at home until he reached the age of nineteen years and then sought the opportunities of the west, coming to Colorado. He took upi his abode upon a farm in Jefferson county, there residing until 1907. when he purchased his late place in Adams county, comprising one hundred and fifteen acres, the greater part of which is well irrigated, thus greatly enhancing its productiveness. He annually raised good crops and his enterprise and unwearied industry were the salient features in his growing success.

In 1882 Mr. Crooks was united in marriage to Miss Anna Evans, a native of Pennsylvania, and to them were born six children: James; Henry; Marian, who is the wife of P. E. Graves; Viola, at home; Jessie, deceased; and William O.

In politics Mr. Crooks was a republican, having always supported the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, but he never sought or held office. He always concentrated his efforts and attention upon his business affairs and it was by reason of his close application that he won a place among the substantial farmers of Adams county. His untimely end on December 9, 1918, caused by neuralgia of the heart, was a great shock to his family to whom he ever was a loving and sacrificing husband and father. A man of sterling character and endearing qualities he also left many friends to mourn his loss, and with his wife and children, as well as his friends the memory of him will ever remain a blessed benediction.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 692-693

Cullings, George B.

George B. Cullings. devoting his attention to farming and stock raising in Adams county, was born in Green Lake county, Wisconsin, on the 9th of December, 1863, a son of George and Juliet (Appleton) Cullings. The father was a native of the state of New York, while the mother's birth occurred in the state of New Jersey. They became early residents of Wisconsin and were married in that state, after which the father devoted his attention to the occupation of farming. He later removed with his family to Dade county, Missouri, where they lived for three years, and in 1881 became residents of Taylor county, Iowa, where they resided until 1892. In that year they started westward for Colorado and established their home upon a farm in Pueblo
county. In 1898, however, Mr. and Mrs. Cullings returned to Iowa and their remaining days were passed in that state. They had a family of ten children, two of whom have departed this life, while eight are yet living.

George B. Cullings is indebted to the public school systems of Missouri and Iowa for the education opportunities which he enjoyed and which qualified him for life's practical and responsible duties. In 1884 he went to Nebraska and took up a homestead in Frontier county, residing upon that property for eleven years. In 1895 he removed to Taylor county, Iowa, where he again settled upon a farm, continuing its cultivation for about fourteen years, or until 1909, when he established his home in Morgan county, Colorado, where he purchased land. He was for two years proprietor of a feed store at Fort Morgan, after which he sold his interests in that locality and made investment in the farm upon which he now resides in Adams county. He has here on hundred and sixty acres of good land, most of which is under ditch, and nearly the entire farm is planted to alfalfa. He is also engaged quite extensively in raising hogs and horses, making a specialty of Duroc Jersey hogs. This branch of his business is proving very profitable and he has made for himself a most creditable position among the energetic and prosperous farmers and stock raisers of his section of the state.

Mr. Cullings was married in 1886 to Miss Maggie Bennett, a native of Illinois, and they became the parents of five daughters: Gertrude, who is now the wife of Walter Lowrie, of Taylor county, Iowa; Grace, the wife of Thomas P. McCormick, of Denver. Colorado; Eleanor, the wife of William Waters, of Denver; Margaret, now a student in high school; and Eloise, also attending high school. The wife and mother passed away in 1907 and was laid to rest in a cemetery in Iowa, leaving husband and five children to mourn her loss.

Mr. Cullings is a member of the Modern Woodmen camp at Rose Hill and is also identified with the Grange. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and he is now serving as a member of the school board in his district but has never been a politician in the sense of ofBce seeking. With him persistent energy has brought its due reward. He started out in life empty-handed and has worked strenuously, his earnest efforts bringing to him substantial success. He made work the rule of his life and his indefatigable energy has placed him among the well-to-do citizens and representative farmers of Adams county.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 652-653

Dahlinger, Edward P.

Edward P. Dahlinger, who is engaged in general farming and dairying having six hundred and forty acres of valuable land in Adams county, has won for himself high regard and many friends. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, March 12, 1876, a son of Frederick and Johanna (Goetz) Dahlinger, who are referred to at greater length elsewhere in this work in connection with the sketch of another son.

Edward P. Dahlinger being about four years of age when the family came to Colorado, was reared and educated in Adams county and is indebted to its public school system for his opportunities. Through vacation periods he worked in the fields and continued to assist in the cultivation of the home farm until he was thirty years of age. In the meantime he had saved his earnings and was then able to purchase two hundred and forty acres of land situated on section 33, township 1, range 66 west. Later he invested in six hundred and forty acres in Adams county and is today one of the progressive farmers of the district, mailing a specialty of dairying. This he successfully carries on in connection with the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate. The place is well improved, being neat and thrifty in appearance, and the farm is divided into fields of convenient size by well kept fences,
while modern farm machinery greatly facilitates the work.

In 1906 Mr. Dahlinger was married to Miss Stella M. Tyler, who was born in Colorado, a. daughter of Samuel and Eva (Stenger) Tyler, the former a native of England, while the latter was born in Pennsylvania. They came to Colorado at an early period in the development of the state and the father's death here occurred, while the mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Dahlinger have become parents of two children. Everett J. and Esther M.

In his political views Mr. Dahlinger is a democrat and has served on the school board but does not seek nor desire political office. He stands for all that is progressive and benlficial in community affairs, and is classed with the substantial and representative citizens of Adams county.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 680-681

Dahlinger, L. Herman

L. Herman Dahlinger, devoting his attention to farming and dairying in Adams county, comes to Colorado from the state of Michigan, his birth having occurred in Detroit on the 11th of October, 1867. His parents. Frederick and Johanna (Goetz) Dahlinger, are natives of Germany but were brought to America during their childhood days. They lived for a considerable period in Michigan and in February, 1880, removed to Colorado, where they took up their abode and they still make their home in Denver. They had a family of nine children, five of whom survive.

L. H. Dahlinger was a lad of thirteen years at the time of the removal of the family from Michigan to Colorado and in those states he pursued his public school education, remaining with his father until he attained his majority. In 1907, he began farming on his own account, purchasing the land upon which he now resides in Adams county, situated a mile south of Barr Lake. His possessions aggregate four hundred and fifty acres, all of which is improved, and he has one hundred and fifty acres planted to alfalfa, corn and wheat. He has closely studied the best methods of crop production in this region and his labors are at once practical and progressive. His business affairs are carefully and wisely conducted and success is attending him,
so that he is now numbered among the representative agriculturists of his community. He is a member of the Grange and is deeply interested in the work of that order to disseminate knowledge of the greatest value to farmers.

In 1907 Mr. Dahlinger was united in marriage to Miss Adalaide Jorgenson, who was born in the state of Missouri, and they have become the parents of a daughter, Ellen A., now ten years of age. Mr. Dahlinger maintains an independent course in politics, voting for men and measures rather than party. He has served as school director and he is a firm believer in the public school system but he has never been an office seeker. He may truly be called a self-made man, for it has been through persistent labor that he has won the success which is his. Year after year he has worked on, undismayed by difficulties and obstacles, and he is today numbered among the prosperous farmers and dairymen of Adams county.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, p. 670

De Spain, Pleasant

Pleasant De Spain has spent almost his entire life in Colorado, having been but a little lad of five years when brought to this state. His birth occurred in Monmouth, Illinois, on the 15th of December, 1858, his parents being Pleasant and Sarah De Spain. The father was born in Kentucky, while the mother was a native of Illinois. Mr. De Spain followed farming in the Mississippi Valley and remained in Illinois until 1863, when he brought his family to Colorado. He afterward engaged in freighting between Denver and the mines for three years, at the end of which time he began getting out timber in Cold Creek canyon. In 1870 he filed on one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 32, now known as Westminster, and there he devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits throughout his remaining days, his death occurring in 1891. His widow survived him for a considerable period and died in 1904.

Pleasant De Spain of this review, a lad of but five years when brought to Colorado, pursued his education in the schools of Wheatridge and also the Wolff school in District No. 9, near his father's home. At an early age he began to assist his father in the work of the fields and continued farming with him until he reached the age of twenty-six years, at which time he started out independently, leasing one hundred and sixty acres of land which he cultivated for two years. He next turned his attention to the contracting business in Denver, doing excavating work for four years. He afterward
resumed farming, however, and has specialized in fruit growing on a ten-acre tract, farming at Westminster throughout the intervening period. He has
subject of fruit culture, the condition of the soil, the needs of the trees and the best methods for their care. His orchards have been large producers, indicating that his methods are at once practical and progressive.

On the 15th of May, 1883, in Westminster, Colorado, Mr. De Spain was married to Miss Myrtie V. Davis, a native of Virginia and a daughter of Henry Davis. They have become parents of four children: Maude M., the wife of Burt Flanders, by whom she has one son, Delton; Stanley, living at Westminster, who married Gertrude Riggs and has three children — Shirley, Louise and Olive; A. Lynn, of Denver, who married Laura Sheldon and has one. son, Sheldon; and Allan, of Westminister, who married Anna Nichols.

Mr. De Spain votes with the democratic party and for two years served as constable in Adams county but has never been an office seeker, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs, which have been wisely directed and have brought to him a substantial measure of success. As a pioneer citizen of Colorado he has witnessed the growth and development of the state for fifty-five years and is familiar with its history and the events which have marked its progress. He can relate many interesting incidents of the early days and stories of the conditions which then existed, and he rejoices in what has been accomplished as the years have gone on and as the progressive settlers have carried their work steadily forward.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 803-804

Dixon, Judge N. Walter

In the field of education, in the practice of law and as a member of the judiciary of his state Judge N. Walter Dixon has won distinction and success by reason of his capability, achieved through his careful preparation and earnest study. In his chosen profession he is guided by the highest ethical standards and in full measure maintains its dignity. Those who know Ijim more intimately esteem him for his personal worth as much as on account of his professional acquirements. He came to Colorado in early manhood and since his arrival has been identified with the law. having made for himself a position which ranks him high both as a lawyer and judge.

N. Walter Dixon was born in the town of Princess Anne. Somerset county. Maryland, September 22. 1858. His ancestors, coming from England, established their home in Maryland in early colonial days and were among the first settlers of Somerset county. The first of the name in the American colonies was Ambrose Dixon, who after crossing the Atlantic located in Virginia, and in the latter part of the seventeenth century the family was planted on the soil of Maryland. The ancient records of Somerset county disclose that Ambrose Dixon was an attorney at law and practiced about a century before the Revolution. He often appeared in the court over which Colonel William Stevens, another ancestor of our subject who is mentioned more extensively below, presided as commissioner. The Judge's father was George C. Dixon, M. D., and the maiden name of the mother was Virginia W. White. Mr. Dixon was a native of Maryland and after acquiring his education in the schools of that state turned to the medical profession as a life work, being actively engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Somerset county and becoming well known in his district, although he died
in 1858 at the comparatively early age of thirty-three years. In young manhood he had married Virginia W. White, who was born in Somerset county and was descended from one of the old families of Virginia of English blood, her ancestors being among the first English colonists of the Old Dominion. Through her Judge Dixon of this review is descended from Colonel William Stevens, who in the early part of the seventeenth century took up his abode in Maryland. He was one of Lord Baltimore's council and deputy governor of the province of Maryland, and his tomb is yet to be seen at Rehoboth, Somerset county. He was the great-great-great-greatgrandfather of the Judge. The maternal great-grandfather of Judge Dixon in the White family was Captain William White, who during the Revolutionary war, at the age of eighteen, raised, equipped and maintained a company of the Virginia Line, which he commanded during the war. He was a man of considerable wealth and belonged to one of the leading Virginia families of his day. After losing her first husband Mrs. George C. Dixon became the wife of Edward P. Duer and by the two marriages had eleven children. She passed her entire life in Maryland and was a resident of Baltimore at the time of her death.

N. Walter Dixon received his early education in Washington Academy, in the town of Princess Anne, an old school that was established prior to the Revolutionary war. In 1872 he entered St. John's College of Annapolis, Maryland, and there he was graduated with the class of 1877. taking his degree of Bachelor of Arts. In 1889 he received the degree of Master of Arts. For several years after his graduation he engaged in educational work, teaching school in Maryland and Virginia until 1886 and reading law at the same time. During the latter part of that period he was principal of the high school at Crisfield, Maryland, occupying that position at the age of twenty-one years and being the youngest principal in the state at that time. In 18S1 Judge Dixon was admitted to the bar. yet he remained active in the field of education until 18S6. In 1887 he was elected state's attorney of his native county
and held that office until March, 1891. In 1890 he had paid a visit to his brother, the Hon. John R. Dixon, who was located in Colorado. He was so favorably impressed with the conditions in the growing western state that in March, 1891, he resigned his position and moved to Pueblo, Colorado, and on the 17th of that month formed a partnership with his brother, John R. Dixon, under the firm style of Dixon & Dixon. That association was maintained until the fall of 1894, when N. Walter Dixon was elected judge of the court of the tenth judicial district, comprising the counties of Pueblo. Otero and Kiowa. In the fall of 1900 he was reelected and upon the close of the second term, in January, 1907. he removed to Denver, where he has since resided and practiced. His course upon the bench was chacarterized by marked devotion to duty and a masterful grasp of every problem presented for solution. His decisions were noted for fairness and impartiality and his rulings based upon correct application of legal principles. He tempered justice with an understanding of the frailties of human nature and his chief aim was to educate those who came before him to higher standards of manhood and citizenship. In 1914 Thomas J. Dixon son of the Judge was admitted to the bar and he has since been associated with his father, their practice being extensive and of an important character. The firm has been connected with many of the leading cases which have been tried in the courts of the state.

On the 22d of June 1881, in Crisfield, Somerset county, Maryland, Judge Dixon married Mary Josephine Simonson, a native of that state and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Simonson. On the maternal side she is of English ancestry, the family having long been represented in Maryland. She is of Dutch descent on the paternal side and her ancestors were among the early settlers of Hoboken Point. To Judge and Mrs. Dixon have been born three children, all natives of Maryland: Ella May, who is the wife of Herbert B. Copeland. of Adams county, Colorado, by whom she has three children — Walter Dixon. Herbert B. and William Homer Copeland; Virginia Margaret, who is the wife of Guy L. Rockwell, of Brawley, California; and Thomas J. Dixon, who is his father's law partner and who married Ruth Collins, a daughter of Dr. D. W. Collins, of Pueblo, Colorado. They have three children: Eleanor and David, both born in Pueblo; and Deborah, born in Denver.

Judge and Mrs. Dixon hold membership in the Episcopal church and they occupy a very enviable position in the social circles of the city. He was made an Elk in Pueblo, Colorado, and still retains connection with the order. , His political endorsement is given to the republican party and he has always kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day but has never been an aspirant for office outside the strict path of his profession. He belongs to the Denver Bar Association, also to the Colorado State Bar Association, and he enjoys the warm friendship and high regard of many of his professional colleagues and contemporaries. In the trial of his cases he throws himself easily and naturally into the argument, displaying a self- possession and a deliberation which indicate no straining after effect; but there is a precision and clearness in his statements which, combined with acuteness and strength in his arguments, bespeak a mind trained in the severest school of Investigation and to which the closest reasoning has become habitual.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 583-585