Biographies E-G | Adams County, COGenWeb

BIOGRAPHIES E - G

Eidson, Carl M.

Carl M. Eidson, living on section 2, township 4, range 69, his place being a half mile east of the railroad at Campion, was born in Weld county, Colorado, August 26, 1884, a son of Samuel H. and Carrie (Ackerman) Eidson, the former a native of Adams county, Illinois, and the latter of Michigan. The father was a farmer in Illinois until about 1875, when he came to Colorado, where he was employed as a farm hand for three years.
He then took up a homestead, which he improved and cultivated until 1906, winning substantial success in the careful conduct of his farm. In the year indicated, however, he retired from active business life and removed to southern California, where he and his wife have since resided. The maternal grandparents of Carl M. Eidson were among the first settlers of Longmont, Boulder county, Colorado. The younger sister of Mrs. Carrie Ackerman was the first white child born in the colony of Longmont and in recognition of this distinction was later awarded a city lot by the municipality of Longmont. She disposed of this in 1905 and now makes her home in southern California. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel H. Eidson became the parents of ten children, as follows: Otto, who is engaged in farming in Oregon; Elmo W., a resident of Oakland, California; Carl M., of this review; Lester, who is a member of the United States army; Jean, who passed away in February, 1915; Gladys, the wife of Lewis Strickler, of Fruitvale, California; Josephine, also living in California; Theodore, a resident of Longbeach, California; Irwin, who was accidentally drowned; and one who died in infancy.

Carl M. Eidson was reared and educated in Weld county. He attended the rural schools and also the high school at Loveland, Larimer county, and he remained with his parents until he had attained his majority, assisting in the work of the farm. He afterward rented the home place and also purchased his present ranch of one hundred and sixty acres but later sold some of his property, now owning one hundred and thirty acres. He and his brother continued to cultivate the old homestead in addition to the farm of Carl M. Eidson and resided upon the old home place until 1909, when he removed
to his present farm, which he has since improved in fine shape. This place was also homesteaded by his uncle, who operated it for a number of years. Carl M. Eidson now has a nicely improved farm, which he has cultivated according to progressive methods, productive of excellent results. He is specializing In the raising of pure bred shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs and the stock raising feature of his business is adding materially to his annual income.

On the 1st of January, 1908, Mr. Eidson was married to Miss Janie L. Drage, a daughter of Charles H. and Belle (Bransom) Drage. who were natives of Illinois. The father was a farmer of that state and there carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1888, when he came to Colorado and settled in Larimer county, where he bought and improved land, which he has since owned and cultivated. His wife passed away in March. 1904. Their family numbered four children, as follows: Vivian, a farmer residing in Weld county: Mrs. Eidson: Alma, the wife of R. S. Foster, who took up a
homestead claim in Weld county and is engaged in agricultural pursuits there; and C. Leonard, a farmer living in Larimer county. To Mr. and Mrs. Eidson have been born three children: Carrie Belle, whose birth occurred in' September, 1908; Roland L., born May 2, 1913; and Donald Roy, in October, 1915.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Baptist church and Mr. Eidson belongs to the Fraternal Aid Union. In politics he is a democrat, and while never an aspirant for political office, he has served as school director. He is interested in all that has to do with public progress and improvement and he cooperates heartily in all movements tor the general good. He is a representative of old pioneer families of the state and the work which was instituted by his father along the lines of agricultural development has been carried forward by him and he ranks today with the representative farmers of this district.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 453-454

Ebert, William

William Ebert, engaged in the raising of alfalfa and also in the live stock business, handling cattle quite extensively, is the owner of twelve hundred and eighty acres of valuable farm land in Adams county. He is a native of Colorado, his birth having occurred on the 20th of August, 1871, in what was then Arapahoe county but is now Adams county, his parents being Ferdinand F. and Kate (Roeder) Ebert. His father, now deceased, was born in Brunswick, Germany, October 20, 1823, and in 1851 crossed the Atlantic, reaching an American port after forty-eight days spent upon the water. He did not tarry in the east but made his way at once to the Mississippi valley, settling in Iowa, where he engaged in farming for seventeen years. He arrived in Colorado in the spring of 1868 and thereafter made his home in what later became Adams county, to the time of his demise, acquiring a valuable ranch property, on which he engaged extensively in the raising of cattle and horses. The place is conveniently and pleasantly located about fourteen miles east of Denver on the north side of the Kansas Pacific Railroad. In all of his business affairs Mr. Ebert was energetic and enterprising and carried forward to successful completion whatever he undertook. His political allegiance was given to the republican party in the early years of his residence in America but later he became a stanch advocate of the principles of the democratic party. He never sought or desired office and served only as a member of the school board.

On the 27th of June, 1858, Ferdinand Ebert was married to Miss Kate Roeder, also a native of Germany, whence she came to the United States with her mother in her girlhood days. Their marriage was celebrated in Iowa and to them were born three sons and three daughters: Ferdinand F.; George W., living in Salt Lake City; William, of this review; Mary, the wife of Herman C. Behrens; Annie, the wife of B. Speier. of Denver; and Helena.

William Ebert pursued a public school education, continuing his studies until he reached the age of fifteen years. During vacation periods he worked with his father upon the home farm and was thus engaged until the father's death in 190ft, when he took over the old home place of twelve hundred and eighty acres and has since cultivated it on his own account. He is now engaged quite extensively in the raising of cattle and also in the production of alfalfa. What he undertakes he accomplishes. He is alert, wide-awake, energetic and his persistency of purpose has also been one of the strong and salient features in the attainment of success. Everything about his place is kept in good condition. An air of neatness and thrift pervades the farm and
the Ebert ranch is regarded as one of the attractive features of the landscape.

In politics Mr. Ebert maintains an independent course, nor has he ever been an aspirant for public office. He has served however, as a member of the school board and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. He stands for progressiveness in public affairs but prefers to concentrate his time and attention upon his individual business interests, which, carefully directed, have brought to him substantial success.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 247-248

Egan, John

With both mining and farming interests in Colorado John Egan has been closely identified and at the present time is concentrating his attention upon ranching and cattle raising. He was born in County Mayo. Ireland, on the 24th of June, 1859, a son of Bryan and Catherine (Harrington) Egan, the former a farmer by occupation.

John Egan acquired his education in the national schools of Ireland, which he attended until tie reached the age of twelve years, and then put aside his textbooks in order to concentrate his efforts and attention upon farm work. He assisted his father until he reached the age of seventeen, when he bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for the United States, with Philadelphia as his destination. He remained in that city for three years, employed as a coachman, after which he went to work in the mines of Pennsylvania, where he was employed for three years. About 1880 he arrived in Colorado and took up mining at Leadville during the period of excitement there. After a brief time, however, he went to Como, in Park county, and for
three years was employed by the Union Pacific Railroad. He next went to Gunnison, where he worked in the Baldwin mine for six months, and afterward removed to Arapahoe county, now Adams county, where he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land situated on section 32, township 1, range 65. Throughout the intervening period he has carried on general farming, producing the crops best adapted to soil and climate. His farm is well fenced and divided into fields of convenient size. There are substantial buildings upon the place and all modern equipment and he follows
the most progressive methods in the care of his land and the production of his crops. He has about one hundred head of cattle upon his place and his stock raising is also proving an important source of revenue to him.

In Denver, on the 1st of May, 1886, Mr. Egan was married to Miss Catherine Keefe, a daughter of Michael J. and Mary (Dwyer) Keefe. She was born in Waterford, New York, and came to Colorado in the early '80s with her parents. Her father is still living. The children of this family are: Mary Ellen, a teacher at Eastlake; Margaret, the wife of J. L. Hunt, by whom she has two daughters, Alice and Grace; Michael; William; Catherine; and John. The sons are also engaged in farming, leasing land and raising cattle in connection with their father. They lease grazing land and the
business interests of the family are being capably and wisely conducted, bringing intial results.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 767-768

Ewing, William M.

William M. Ewlng, whose ninety-acre farm in the vicinity of Eastlake is highly productive, large crops being raised annually upon the place, has made his home in Colorado since 1888. He was born in Allegan county, Michigan, April 20, 1862. a son of William H. and Mary (Lilly) Ewing, the former a farmer by occupation. His early education was acquired in the district school, which he attended until he reached the age of sixteen years. He then left Michigan and went to Madison county, Nebraska, where he engaged in farming for seven years and afterward spent two years in railroad work at Ewing, Nebraska. In 1888 he arrived in Colorado and was employed at different points in the state for seven years. He worked for three years on the Bancroft ranch and for a year engaged in farming about ten miles north of Plattevllle. Subsequently he spent five years in Loveland and was then engaged in the dairy business in Denver for twelve years. Removing to Standley Lake he spent three years at that place, after which he took up his abode near Eastlake upon the farm of ninety acres which he now owns and cultivates. This is devoted to the raising of hay, grain, cabbage and beets, of which he has a fine crop. His is a well developed ranch property, improved according to modern agricultural ideas, and his success is well merited.

Mr. Ewing was married in Denver on the 15th of June, 1892, to Miss Eva J. Robinson, who was born in Nebraska. In 1912 he wedded Eva M. White and they are widely and favorably known in Eastlake and their section of Adams county. Mr. Ewing votes with the republican party and strongly endorses its principles but does not seek nor desire office. He has served as school director but never in political positions. He finds his recreation in baseball, being an enthusiast in regard to the national game. Fra^ternally he is connected with the Woodmen of the World.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, p. 477

Faden, Karl

Karl Faden, who is devoting his attention to the business of commercially raising trout in Adams county, was born in Germany, December 5, 1879, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kreszenzia (Mattes) Faden, who were also natives of that country, where they have always resided. They had a family of eleven children, three of whom are now living.

Karl Faden spent his youthful days in his native country and pursued his education there. He was a young man of twenty-three years when he left Germany and came to America in 1902. He crossed the continent to Denver and for five years was employed at the cabinetmaker's trade in that city, during which period he carefully saved his earnings until the sum was sufficient to enable him to embark in business on his own account. Later he piirchased a brewery at Silverton, Colorado, and conducted the business there for about nine years. On the expiration of that period he removed to his present place of twenty-five acres, whereon he has given his attention to the business of trout raising and now has about two hundred thousand trout on hand. He has recently purchased eighteen acres additional, and will devote this to trout raising in connection with the Colorado State Fish Hatchery No. 1. This has become an important commercial enterprise. He has thoroughly studied the business and his capable direction of his interests is bringing to him deserved success.

In 1907 Mr. Faden was married to Miss Katie Gruidl, a native of Hungary. They are members of the Catholic church and Mr. Faden gives his political support to the democratic party.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, p. 805

Farmer, John Henry

A spirit of undaunted enterprise has constituted the foundation upon which John Henry Farmer has built his success. As the years have passed he has forged steadily forward along the line of his chosen occupation and is today one of the prominent and successful ranchmen living in the vicinity of East Lake. He was born in Greene county. Missouri, November 7, 1879. a son of James and Helen (Thorne) Farmer. The father devoted his life to the occupation of tilling the soil and reared his family in Missouri. There John H. Farmer pursued his education in the public schools and in his youthful days did a man's work. He has been an active factor in the world's work since reaching the age of ten years. He remained with his father for a few years and afterward worked by the month as a farm hand until twenty-two years of age. He then went to Oklahoma, where he remained for two years, after which he came to Colorado In 1905, settling in Adams county. He remained for three years on the Walley ranch as foreman, after which he took up teaming and threshing, which he followed for two years. He next purchased one hundred and sixty acres of irrigated land and he also has six hundred and forty acres of dry land. He is now conducting his farming interests on an extensive scale and is meeting with excellent success in his efforts. He allows no difficulty or obstacle to deter him if it can be overcome by persistent and honorable effort. He works diligently, studies the best
methods and is watchful of results that are worth while. He has made for himself a creditable place among the representative agriculturists of the community and as such deserves representation in this volume.

Mr. Farmer was married in April, 1903, to Miss Elizabeth M. Martin, a daughter of John and Susan R. Martin and a native of Missouri. They have become parents of four children: Faye Ellen. Farrell Susan, John Russell, and Velma Elizabeth.

Mr. Farmer is a republican in his political views but has never been an office seeker. He has, however, served as school director and is interested in the cause of progressive education. He is a director in the East Lake Water Company and a stockholder in the Bast Lake State Bank. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and to the Grange and is interested in every project of the latter organization for the development of the farming interests of the community. He is constantly studying how to improve conditions affecting agriculture, and his initiative and enterprise have been productive of excellent results.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 505-506

Foley, Oran A.

Oran A. Foley, a ranchman living in the vicinity of Brighton, dates his residence in Colorado from 1894 and after spending a few weeks in Denver took up his abode in Brighton and has since lived in Adams county. He was born in Union county, Illinois, on the 5th of October, 1868, a son of Virgil M. and Emily (Anderson) Foley. The father was a Civil war veteran, havmg gone to the front with the Eighty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he participated in a number of hotly contested engagements, including the siege of Vicksburg, in which he was wounded. He participated altogether in eleven open field fights. His father had to leave Kentucky and removed to southern Illinois on account of his sympathy with the Union cause. He was a man strong in support of his honest convictions and did not hesitate to face death in defense of the Union.

Oran A. Foley pursued his early education in district schools and later enjoyed the benefit of a term's instruction in the Southern Illinois State Normal University at Carbondale. He afterward returned to the farm, where he worlied with his father for two years and then secured work on the Cotton Belt Railroad, spending about two years in that connection. It was in 1894 that he made his way westward to Colorado and after remaining in the capital for a few weeks he removed to Brighton, where he entered the employ of E. A. Bromley, with whom he continued for sixteen years. He next leased one hundred and sixty acres of land near the town and engaged in the cultivation of that place until May, 1918. when he purchased eighty acres of land,
which he has since owned and cultivated. He now has a good farm and his possessions are the visible evidence of his life of well directed energy and thrift.

Mr. Foley was married in Carbondale, Illinois, on the 6th of July, 1891, to Miss Rosa Ella Smith, a daughter of W. B. Smith. Mrs. Foley was born in Kansas and by her marriage has become the mother of the following named: LeRoy M., who married Helen Sheets and has one sou. Raymond; H. Raymond and Emmett A., who are serving with the colors in France; Elmer; Blanche; Caroline; and Anna May. Mr. and Mrs. Foley have also reared a nephew. Harvey E. Schwartz, whom they regard as a son and who is likewise in France with the American army, fighting to oppose the military spirit which would enslave the world and make the race subject to German despotism. Mr. Foley may indeed be proud of the record of these three sons, who are rendering splendid service to their country with the khaki clad boys "over there."

Fraternally Mr. Foley is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Woodmen of the World and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party but has never been an aspirant for office. His thought and attention have been concentrated upon his farming interests for the purpose of providing a comfortable living for his family and he is now the owner of a good property in Adams county.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 526-527

Frey Jr., John

John Frey, Jr., is a representative ranchman living in the vicinity of Eastlake, where he. owns and cultivates seventy acres of good land. He was born in Zurich, Switzerland, August 31, 1865, a son of John and Elizabeth (Meier) Frey. His education was acquired in his native country and when he was sixteen years of age, or in 1881, he came to America with his parents who, crossing the continent established their home in Denver. The father was employed for many years at the Colorado Iron Works but is now living retired, making his home with a daughter in Brighton.

John Frey. Jr.. after his school days were over, spent a year at gardening and then entered the employ of the Colorado Iron Works. In 1SS3 his father purchased a relinquishment in Arapahoe county and the son farmed with him until 1890. Subsequently he secured employment in Denver, where he remained for two years, after which he resumed agricultural pursuits by renting a farm in Adams county, upon which he lived for three years. He next purchased seventy acres of land between Eastlake and Broomfield and has since devoted his time and attention to its further development and cultivation. He has added many improvements to the property and made it one of the attractive places of that section of the state. It is equipped with all modern accessories of the model farm of the twentieth century and in the further operation of his land Mr. Frey follows the most progressive methods.

In Denver, on the 1st of December. 1890, Mr. Frey was married to Miss Emma Burkhardt, who was born in Switzerland, and they have become the parents of four children, but John, Emma and Walter have all passed away, the surviving son being Warner.

Mr. Frey has the distinction of having shot the first bear in Adams county, it having evidently strayed from the mountains. For thirty-seven years he has been a resident of Colorado, witnessing much of its development and improvement and taking active part in work that has led to the further upbuilding of the section in which he makes his home. Whatever success he has achieved is the direct reward of his earnest and persistent labor, for from his youthful days he has been dependent entirely upon his own resources. His political allegiance Is given to the democratic party.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, p. 565

Fuller, William E.

William E. Fuller, mail carrier and farmer of Adams county, is widely known in the section of the state in which he resides. He has become the owner of forty acres of fine, irrigated land which he has brought to a high state of development and improvement. He comes to Colorado troni the east, his birth having occurred in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, on the 13th of June, 1883, his parents being William and Katherine (Carson) Fuller. The father was also a native of the Keystone state and there passed away in the year 1886, while the mother, who was born in Maryland, is still living. Their family numbered two children, the daughter being Florence I., now the wife of Charles Kelley. After the death of the husband and father the mother
removed with her children to Linn county, Iowa, where they lived for two years, and then in 1887 came to Colorado, where Mrs. Fuller still makes her home.

William E. Fuller, an only son, was but four years of age when the family home was established in this state, so that practically his entire life has here been passed. He spent his youthful days with his mother and attended the public schools near their home. When his textbooks were put aside he took up farm work and in 1909 began farming on his own account. In 1906 he was appointed a mail carrier on Rural Route No. 1. out of Henderson and through the intervening period he has continued to carry the mail. Those along the route find him always courteous, obliging and genial, and he has won many friends. Desirous of developing important farming interests, he has invested in land and has become the owner of a forty acre tract, splendidly cultivated, which is today worth two hundred dollars per acre. This he devotes to the raising of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, and annually he gathers good crops. He is systematic in carrying on his work and everything about his place is indicative of his progressive spirit.

In June. 1911, Mr. Fuller was united in marriage to Miss Dora L. Foster, a daughter of Sherman and Louise Foster. To Mr. and Mrs. Fuller have been born three children, John S., Ora Katherine and Raymond. Mr. and Mrs. Fuller are consistent members of the Congregational church and in his political views Mr. Fuller is a democrat. He has led a busy life, actuated by a spirit of undaunted enterprise, and his property possessions are the visible evidence of his life of well directed thrift.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, p. 473

Funk, John

John Funk, a successful ranchman living in the vicinity of Eastlake, raised the first crop in his district and throughout the intervening period has been closely identified with the development of ranching interests in that section. Thirty-seven years have been added to the cycle of the centuries since he took up his abode in Colorado and during this period he has lived in several localities but at all times has been a contributing factor to the progress of the community in which he has resided. He was born in Funkstown, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, June 26, 1845, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Shank) Funk, the former a miller by trade. The grandfather was the first settler in that part of Pennsylvania and the town was named Funkstown in his honor.

John Funk of this review was reared and educated in Franklin county, where he remained to the age of twenty years, and during that period was engaged in flour milling. In 1871, however, he determined to try his fortune in the west and made his way to Colorado. He resumed the milling business in Jefferson county, where he remained for two years. He next preempted one hundred and sixty acres of land on the St. Vrain river and afterward homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres in Arapahoe county but did not prove up on that property. After leaving that place he settled upon
his present farm, purchasing three hundred and twenty acres near Eastlake. He has hereon engaged in farming and raised the first crops in this section. His labors have demonstrated the possibilities for successful farming in the district and his work has brought to him very gratifying and substantial success.

On a farm on the Clear Creek road, in Jefferson county, Mr. Funk was married to Miss Sarah Ellen Fielden and to them were born the following named: Mrs. Norah Ellen Starr, William T., Beatrice Bertha, John B. and James. The two sons, John B. and James, each cultivate one hundred and sixty acres of their father's land, while he is practically living retired, although giving to each son some assistance in the farm work during the busy season. Mrs. Funk passed away on October 10, 1887.

Mr. Funk is a warm friend of the cause of education and for twenty-two years served as school director in District No. 71, Adams county, and when he retired from the office was succeeded by his son. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and he has served as road overseer. He stands for those things which are most worth while in the life of the individual and the community and in his business career he has demonstrated the possibility for successful accomplishment through individual effort.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 622-623

Ginther, Adam

Adam Ginther, who is engaged in farming and stock raising in Adams county, was born near Odessa, Russia, February 20, 1862, a son of Adam and Katie (Coppenstine) Ginther. In 1888 the parents came to America, settling in Weld county, Colorado, where they took up their abode upon a farm. The father died January 5, 1892. and the mother is still living at the ripe age of eighty years. In their family were eleven children, nine of whom survive.

Adam Ginther was reared and educated in Russia and in 1889 crossed the Atlantic to the new world, at which time he, too, became a resident of this state. For four years he worked in Denver, but ambitious to engage in business on his own account, he then rented a farm, upon which he lived for eight years. During that period he carefully saved his earnings until his industry and economy had brought him a sufficient sum to enable him to purchase the farm upon which he now resides, comprising the east half of section 30, town 1, range 67 west, in Adams county. He now has one of the finest improved farms of this section of the state. It is equipped with splendid buildings and the best farm macliinery and everything about the place is indicative of the careful supervision and progressive methods of the owner. To his original purchase he has added from time to time until he now owns six hundred and forty acres of valuable land, of which one-half is under ditch. He carries on general farming, raising good crops of various kinds, and his labors are indicative of what can be accomplished through individual effort and perseverance.

On the 7th of August, 1893, Mr. Ginther was married to Hiss Fannie Bell, who was born in England, a daughter of William and Mary (Gibson) Bell, who were also natives of that country. They came to America in 1880, first settling at Des Moines, Iowa, where they lived for six years. They then removed to Colorado and the mother is still living in this state, but the father has passed away. Their family numbered ten children, five of whom survive. Mr. and Mrs. Ginther became the parents of seven children; Eva, who is the wife of Edwin Satt; Louise, who is pursuing a course in nursing at the State University in Boulder; Sarah, who is pursuing a medical course in the State University at Boulder; Benjamin, attending the high school;
also a student in the Denver high school; Ruth, at home; and Adam, who was away.

Before coming to America, Mr. Ginther served for five years in the Russian army as a member of the Forty-sixth Regiment of Marines. By diligent application to his duties, and fidelity to the service, he won successive promotions until he had attained the rank of lieutenant, winning these promotions by creditably passing three severe government examinations. During his service he sailed the Black Sea, and also visited most of the important ports in European waters.

The religious faith of Mr. Ginther is that of the Lutheran church, while his wife is a member of the Seventh Day Adventist church. His political endorsement is given to the republican party. He has never been an office seeker but has been a member of the school board for five years. For fifteen years he has served as president of the Lelatta Ditch & Reservoir Company, and is thoroughly familiar with all phases of irrigation, having taken an active and prominent part in its development in Colorado. His has been an active life and his determination to win success has resulted in the close application and energy which have made him the owner of an excellent farm property in Adams county.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 711, 716

Gormley, Edward A.

Edward A. Gormley is the efficient sheriff of Adams county, to which position he was elected in 1918 as the candidate of the republican party, of which he has long been a stalwart and aggressive champion. Mr. Gormley is one of Colorado's native sons and was born and reared in the county in which he is now capably serving as an official. His birth occurred upon the home farm near Eastlake, Adams county, October 26, 1883, his parents being Edward L. and Margaret (Chamley) Gormley, who were early residents of that section.

In the acquirement of his education Edward A. Gormley attended the public schools, after which he entered the University of Denver. He started out in the business world when about nineteen years of age. buying and selling horses, buying, feeding and selling cattle and qualified as an expert judge of live stock. He conducted an extensive business along that line until 1903, when he went to California and became connected with the Baker Iron Works of Los Angeles.

The following year, however, Mr. Gormley returned to Denver and accepted a position with the Weicker Transfer Company, with which he remained for several years. He then removed to Beloit, Kansas, and through the succeeding two years was manager of the Alfalfa Stock Farm in that locality. Again returning to Denver, he established a transfer business, organizing the Independent Transfer Company, of which he remained the president and general manager until he sold out the business in 1910. The following year he spent in the employ ot the Pullman Company as a relief conductor,
serving their interests in various parts of the country. He then resumed agricultural pursuits, locating upon and conducting the old Oliver ranch in Adams county, doing an extensive business in buying, feeding and selling horses and cattle. He has justly been accounted one of the foremost stockmen of his section of the state and few are better qualified to pass judgment upon the value of farm animals.

In 1913 Mr. Gormley was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Oliver, a daughter of George W. and Lucelia (Taggart) Oliver, who were early settlers of Adams county. Her father was a native of North Carolina and came to Colorado in 1871. The mother was born in Massachusetts and removed to Colorado in 1S69. They were married in this state on the 14th of October, 1877, and soon thereafter located upon the ranch in Adams, then Arapahoe county, at which time the district was practically a wilderness. They had live children, of whom three are living: Elsie, now the wife of Eli Sager, of
Cresco, Iowa; Ruth, now Mrs. Gormley; and Bertha Alice, who married Harry Coursey and resides near Denver. Mr. Oliver died in 1903 at the age of fifty-three years, but Mrs. Oliver is still active, with vivid memory of the early days and the pioneer times of Colorado. To Mr. and Mrs. Gormley have been born two children, Margaret and Edward Oliver.

Mr. Gormley has long held membership with the Grange and is also identified with the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Foresters. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise he has given stalwart allegiance to the republican party and has been active in political affairs though never an office seeker. In the campaign of 1918, however, he was made the choice of his party and induced to accept the nomination for sheriff, to which position he was elected with a substantial majority, and is now filling the office with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He
has qualities which make for popularity and for friendship among those who know him and the circle of his friends is constantly growing as the circle of his acquaintance broadens.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 591-592

Gormley, Edward L.

Forty-four years ago Edward L. Gormley took up a homestead claim of one hundred and sixty acres on section 14, township 2, range 68 west, in Adams county, and here he has successfully carried on general agricultural pursuits continuously since, still owning eighty acres of the original tract. His birth occurred in Windsor, Nova Scotia, on the 21st of July. 1S57, his parents being John and Eunice A. (Pelton) Gormley, who there spent their entire lives. They had a family of ten children, five of whom survive.

Edward L. Gormley acquired his education in the schools of Nova Scotia and there remained to the age of seventeen. The year 1874 witnessed his arrival in Colorado and, making his way to Adams county, he took up the homestead claim previously mentioned and it is a most valuable and productive tract of land, being under the ditch. As the years have passed he has energetically carried on the work of the fields and by practical and progressive methods has won a measure of success that has gained him recognition among the prosperous and representative agriculturists of the community.

In 1884 Mr. Gormley was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Chamley, a native of England and a daughter of Christopher Chamley, who is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Gormley became the parents of two sons, Edward A. and Frank W., but the latter has passed away. The wife and mother was called to her final rest in 1913, her remains being interred in the Riverside cemetery.

In his political views Mr. Gormley is a stalwart republican, exercising his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of that party. He belongs to the local organization of the Grange and is a public-spirited citizen whose aid and Influence are ever given on the side of progress, reform and improvement. The period of his residence in Adams county covers more than four decades and he has therefore been a witness of its growth and development from pioneer times to the present, his efforts contributing to advancement along agricultural lines in the section. He has worked
persistently and earnestly as the years have passed by and the prosperity which he now enjoys is attributable entirely to his own labors.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 557-558

Griffin, George M.

George M. Griffin, of Brighton, who is filling the office of clerk of the district court, is numbered among Colorado's native sons, for his birth occurred three miles south of the city in which he still resides. His natal day was September 27, 1868, and his parents were George C. and Lucelia (Rust) Griffin, who in the year 1859 had crossed the plains to Colorado, casting in their lot with the pioneer settlers of this section of the state. In 1860 the father took up a homestead, which he developed and improved, continuing active in farm work until two years prior to his death, which occurred in
1910. He bore a helpful part in promoting the agricultural development of the district and he also left the impress of his individuality upon the political history of the state, having been a member of the first state legislature.

George M. Griffin was educated in School District No. 10 and afterward spent two years as a student in the Agricultural College at Fort Collins. He then took up farming on the old home ranch, having previously had much experience in farm work during the periods of vacation. He continued to devote his time to the cultivation of the land until 1903, when he was called to public office by appointment of Governor J. B. Orman to the position of county treasurer of Adams county. He continued to serve in that position for six years, having been twice elected. He next became connected with the Brighton Ice, Light & Power Company as its secretary and treasurer and is still active in that line of business, which constitutes an important commercial element in Brighton. Six years ago, however, he was again called to public office by appointment as clerk of the district court of the first judicial district, his appointment coming from Judge Harry S. Class. He is still serving in that capacity and his record is one which has gained for him high commendation from the court and from the bar.

Mr. Griffin was married on the 14th of March, 1891, in Hazeltine, Colorado, to Miss Minnie Clay, a daughter of W. K. and Sophie Clay. Mrs. Griflin was born in Missouri and by her marriage has become the mother of three children: Marvin C., who is now with the national army in France; George C., who is an automobile mechanic; and Howard H., who is in school.

Mr. Griffin is identified with the Woodmen of the World and his political allegiance is given to the democratic party, which he has supported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. His worth is acknowledged by all who know him and as the years have passed he has won for himself a most creditable name and place in Brighton. His life record, for he has always lived in this locality, is as an open book which all may read and that his entire career has been worthy of regard is indicated in the fact that his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood days to the present.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 493-494