Biographies L-M | Adams County, COGenWeb

BIOGRAPHIES L - M

Lambertson, K. G.

K. G. Lambertson, who is engaged in farming near Eastlake, Adams county, was born in Denmark on the 2d of March, 1868, and remained in that country until fifteen years of age. It was in 1884 that he bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for the new world, for the reports which he had heard concerning the opportunities in America led him to the determination to try his fortune on this side of the Atlantic. He did not tarry in the east but crossed the continent, arriving in Golden, Colorado, in March, 1884. There he secured employment as a farm hand, working in that way for a number of years. He was ambitious, however, to engage in business on his own account and at length rented a farm, which he continued to cultivate for
several years. During that period he carefully saved his earnings until his industry and economy had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to purchase land and he now owns two hundred and forty-eight acres of fine farm land which Is highly improved. He has also been a successful business man in other connections. He became one of the organizers of the Eastlake State Bank and for some time was its president, contributing in substantial measure to its success.

In 1894 Mr. Lambertson was united in marriage to Miss Frances Crawford, who was born in Ohio, a daughter of King and Elizabeth (Leeper) Crawford, both of whom were natives of Ireland, whence they came to America in thp '60s. establishing their home in Marion county of the Buckeye state. After some years they removed to Missouri, where they remained until 1892 and then came to Colorado, settling in Adams county, where they continued to reside until called to their final rest. They were the parents of five children, all of whom are yet living. Prior to her marriage Mrs. Lambertson, having been liberally educated, was for one year a successful school teacher. To Mr. and Mrs. Lambertson have been born three children: Harry Arthur, Lester and K. G., Jr. In the year 1910 Mr. and Mrs. Lambertson took a trip to Denmark, where he renewed the acquaintances of his boyhood and also visited many interesting points in that land and in other European countries. Mr. Lambertson has made three European trips. He has two brothers and one sister now residing in America: Christian Lambertson, of California; Nels M., of Rawlins, Wyoming; and Mrs. Robert Nellson, of Denver.

Mr. Lambertson is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party but has never sougbt or desired office. He has concentrated bis time and attention upon his business affairs with good results and as the years have passed he has made for himself a creditable position in the ranks of representative agriculturists of Adams county.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 537-538

Lauridson, John

John Lauridson, a prosperous agriculturist of Adams county, is actively engaged in the operation of a farm of eighty-one acres on section 31, township 2, range 67. He was born in Denmark on the 9th of September, 1883, a son of Diedrich and Karen (Jorenson) Lauridson, who spent their entire lives in that country. They became the parents of three children, all of whom are living and reside in Denmark with the exception of the subject of this review.

John Lauridson spent the period of his minority in the land of his nativity, there acquiring his education. In 1904, when a young man of twenty-one years, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and made his way across the country to Colorado, here securing employment as a farm hand. Two years later he began the operation of a rented farm and when six years had been thus passed he found himself in possession of sufficient capital to enable him to purchase property. It was then that he secured his present place of eighty-one acres on section 31, township 2, range 67, in Adams
county, all of the land being under the ditch, and as the years have passed he has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and improvement. Industrious, energetic and enterprising, success has attended his efforts in the work of general farming, the excelleht crops which he gathers bringing him a gratifying annual income.

In 1912 Mr. Lauridson was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Lauridson, who though of the same name was not a relative. She is also a native of Denmark and a daughter of Graves and Bodil Lauridson, who never left that country. Mr. and Mrs. John Lauridson are now the parents of four children, namely: Clarence R., Carl R., Donald G. and Mary E.

In his political views Mr. Lauridson is a democrat, while his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church, of which both he and his wife are devoted and consistent members. He also belongs to the Grange and takes an active and helpful interest in all matters pertaining to the advancement and upbuilding of the community. He has never regretted the fact that in young manhood he determined to take advantage of the opportunities offered in the new world. His present success is self-acquired, being the merited reward of his well directed industry, indefatigable energy and sound judgment.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 460-461

Longworth, Walter C.

The farming and stock raising interests of Adams county find a substantial representative in Walter C. Longworth, an enterprising young man, who was born in Kansas on the 20th of June, 1886, a son of Henderson F. and C. Alice (Todhunter.) Longworth, both of whom are natives of the Sunflower state. They removed to Denver, Colorado, in 1905 and are still living in that city, the father being there engaged in the real estate business. The family circle, which numl)ered seven children, still remains unbroken by the hand of death.

Walter C. Longworth was largely reared in Kansas, being a youth of nineteen years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Colorado in 1905. Not long afterward he took up a homestead claim in Weld county and resided thereon for five years. He afterward removed to Adams county, where he has since engaged in farming, and he is today one of the progressive agriculturists and stockraisers of the district. His land is carefully and systematically cultivated and everything about the place indicates his determination to make his farm count for the utmost. He has secured the most
improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields and he utilizes systematic methods in all that he undertakes, being guided by high agricultural standards.

In 1910 Mr. Longworth was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Tressler McKee, who was born in Pennsylvania and is a daughter of Abner C. and Mary S. (Stambaugh) McKee, who were likewise born in Pennsylvania. The mother passed away in that state but the father is living and now makes his home in Harrisburg. Mrs. Longworth is a graduate of the schools of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and a lady of liberal education and broad culture. She was a teacher of domestic science for some years prior to her marriage, winning high encomiums for her excellent work in that connection.
To Mr. and Mrs. Longworth have been born three children: Henderson McKee, who was born June 19, 1911; Helen, born on the 1st of April, 1915; and Jameson, born February 21, 1917.

Mr. Longworth votes with the republican party, to which he has given his earnest endorsement since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has never sought or desired office, however, but has concentrated his efforts and attention upon his business affairs and is meeting with creditable and well deserved success, owing to his close application, his laudable ambition and his unwearied industry.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 643-644

Luke, William

William Luke, who owns and cultivates a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Adams county, devoted to the production of crops and also to the raising of stock, was born in England on the 2d of December, 1864, a son of William and Sarah (William) Luke, both of whom were natives of England, where they spent their entire lives. There they reared their family of nine children, of whom six are living.

William Luke spent the days of his boyhood and youth in England and acquired such educational advantages as the schools of the country afforded. He came to America in 1888 and first took up his abode in Pennsylvania, where he worked in a coal mine for a year. On the expiration of that period he sought the opportunities of the west, making his way to Colorado, where he again followed coal mining. In 1906 he purchased the farm whereon he now resides, an excellent property in Adams county, comprising one hundred and sixty acres, which he carefully tilled and developed. He has added many modern improvements to his place and has rendered it attractive in every way. The buildings are substantial, the fields are divided by well kept fences and he has modern machinery to facilitate the plowing, planting and harvesting. He also makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock and is winning a substantial financial return in that way.

In 1906 Mr. Luke was married to Mrs. Retta Rehtus, a native of Germany, who came to America when fourteen years of age. By her first marriage she had four children, namely: Prank, who is now serving in the United States army in France; Clara, at home; Catherine, the wife of Jesse Walker; and William, who is in Denver.

Mr. Luke votes with the democratic party, which he has supported since becoming a naturalized American citizen, but he has never sought or desired office. Fraternally he is connected with the Eagles. Crossing the Atlantic when a young man of twenty-three years, he has never had occasion to regret his determination to sever home ties and seek his fortune on this side of the water. Here he has found opportunities, which he has improved, and as the years have passed he has advanced step by step, achieving his purposes and ever reaching forward to a higher goal.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, p. 665

McCool, Ambrose R.

Ambrose R. McCool is a retired farmer of Adams county to whom success in substantial measure has come as the reward of his persistent, earnest and energetic efforts. He was born in Galesburg, Illinois. June 13, 1855, a son of John S. and Lucy (Rucker) McCool. The father was a native of Ohio and the mother of Indiana. They removed to Illinois at an early day and in that state the mother passed away in 1858. The father afterward left the Mississippi valley for Colorado, where he arrived in 1860, and his death occurred in this state in 1892. In the family were four children, two
of whom are yet living.

It was in 1869 that Ambrose R. McCool came to Colorado, where he completed his education as a pupil in the Denver schools. In 1872 he removed to a farm that is now the county poor farm and resided thereon for twenty-seven years, at the end of which time he sold it to the county tor the purpose for which it is now used. For a number of years he and his father were engaged in merchandising in Wyoming and afterward Ambrose R. McCool again took up the occupation of farming and stock raising, which he followed in Adams county, Colorado. For a considerable period he directed his efforts along that line with excellent results but has now sold his farms and is living retired, for his energy and perseverance in former years brought to him
a very substantial competence that now enables him to rest from further labor.

In 1904 Mr. McCool was married to Miss Edith Foster, who was born in Ohio, a daughter of William B. and Emma (Koch) Foster, who were also natives of that state. The father has passed away but the mother is still living, making her home at the present time in Los Angeles, California. Mr. and Mrs. McCool have become parents of two children: John A. who was born March 24. 1907; and Ardanelle A., born January 25, 1911. Mrs. McCool is a graduate of the Cincinnati schools and for several years successfully engaged in teaching. She is a lady of liberal education and culture and both Mr. and Mrs. McCool occupy an enviable position in social circles. Mr. McCool belongs to Elks Lodge No. 17 and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. He is now serving as president of the school board and the cause of education has ever found in him a stalwart champion. His has been a busy and useful life and he is truly a self-made man. As the architect of his own fortunes he has builded wisely and well and his life record should serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what can be accomplished through individual effort guided by sound judgment.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, p. 511

Meillan, Joseph D.

Joseph D. Meillan is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and' sixty acres near Derby and the persistent effort which he displays in its development has been the basic element of his success. He was born in France, February 26, 1859, a a son of Casimir and Mary Meillan. He pursued his education in the schools of his native country and served for four years in the French army with the rank of corporal.

Mr. Meillan was a young man of twenty-six years when he came to America. Making his way to Illinois, he spent two years as a farmer in that state in connection with his brother and in 1887 he came to Colorado, making his way to Leadville, where he was employed for fifteen years, devoting that period to teaming and hauling. Carefully saving his earnings because he was ambitious to invest in property, he then purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land near Derby and remained thereon for two years. He afterward rented his property and went to Greeley, where he cultivated a tract of leased land for nine years but on the expiration of that period returned to his own place, on which he is now living. He has since given his attention to farming here and has added many modern improvements to his land and has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation. His work is systematically done and the results achieved are therefore certain.

Mr. Meillan was married in Denver, on the 20th of June, 1897, to Miss Mary Fitzgerald, a native of Ireland. They are communicants of the Catholic church and Mr. Meillan gives his political endorsement to the democratic party, which he has supported since becoming a naturalized American citizen. There is no regret connected with the thought that thirty-three years ago he determined to leave his native country and seek a home in the new world. Here he found the business opportunities which he sought and in their utilization has won a place among the substantial agriculturists
of Adams county.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, p. 616

Michael, William

William Michael is the owner of an excellent ranch of one hundred acres near Barr Lake in Adams county, which he has developed, converting it into a very productive tract of land. He was reared to farm life, having been born on the old family homestead in Decatur county, Indiana, December 1, 1866. He is a son of Henry and Luvisa (Toothman) Michael, both of whom were natives of Indiana, where the father followed the occupation of farming.

At the usual age William Michael became a pupil In the district school near his father's home in Decatur county, Indiana, and pursued his education in that way until he reached the age of eighteen. He continued to work at farm labor in his native state until he reached the age of twenty-five years and was then married, after which he continued his residence ih the state for six years longer. In 1897 he came to Colorado and during the first summer was employed by others. He next homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres but after living upon the place for four months gave it up. He afterward purchased sixty acres of unimproved land near Barr Lake, to which he has since added a forty-acre tract in 1915. This land is very productive now and he has developed his present excellent ranch property from practically nothing. Unwearied industry and indefatigable energy, combined with sound business judgment, have been the potent forces in winning for him the position which he now occupies in the agricultural circles of Adams county.

Mr. Michael was married in Decatur county, Indiana, on the 1st of March, 1892, to Miss Loretta Elliott, a daughter of Michael and Hulda Elliott. Mrs. Michael is a native of Virginia but was reared in Indiana. By her marriage she has become the mother of one child, Mary, who is attending school.

Mr. Michael belongs to the Grange and is interested in all that has to do with ranching interests in the state. He has membership in the Non-Partisan League and his religious faith is indicated by his connection with the Baptist church. His life has been governed by high and honorable principles and the sterling worth of his character is attested by all who know him.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, p. 800

Milheim, Frederick

The name of Frederick Milheim, who passed away on the 1st of January, 1916, was synonymous with enterprise, determination and progressiveness in business and with loyalty in citizenship. He never felt that he was too busy to give aid to his community or his country when such was needed and during the Civil war he did active service for his adopted land. A native of Switzerland, he was born on his father's farm near the city of Berne, November 17, 1846, his parents being John and Mary Milheim. who passed away during the early boyhood of their son. He was a youth of sixteen years when, accompanied by his younger brother, Alexander Milheim, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States. They made their way to New Jersey, where for a few months they were employed on farms. Frederick Milheim then proceeded to Niagara Falls and afterward to Allegan county, Michigan, where he was living at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war. Not long afterward he entered the employ of the United States government as a teamster, being regularly enlisted, and was on duty in Tennessee. Georgia and Alabama. When he and his detachment of comrades were on the Tennessee river about sixty-five miles above Chattanooga they were captured by the Confederate forces and sent to a southern prison, but not long afterward Mr. Milheim was released and was mustered out on the 28th of February, 1865, at Chattanooga. Tennessee.

With his return to Michigan, Mr. Milheim became interested in a western project, joining a company of men who were preparing to cross the plains and who in April left St. Louis, Missouri. After two weeks' travel they reached Omaha, Nebraska, where Mr. Milheim hired out to drive an ox team across the plains, for which service he was to receive thirty-five dollars per month. The Indians were on the warpath and there were many hardships, trials and privations to be endured which were incident to travel over the western plains in those days. At length the long and arduous trip was completed and on the 6th of August they reached Denver.

The wagon train drew into the city and Mr. Milheim, his contract with his employer completed, then sought and obtained a position in a bakery, while later he engaged in farming upon a ranch near the city. Other work at times claimed his attention, for he assisted in the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad, hewing ties, working on tunnels and doing other labor in connection with the construction of the road. He was thus engaged for two or three years and subsequently he was employed at Omaha. Nebraska, by the Union Pacific Railroad. From that point he went back to Allegan county, Michigan, where he worked in a shingle mill for a few months, and there he, had the misfortune to lose his arm, which was caught in a machinery
belt and torn off. For four months he suffered almost untold agony but because of his splendid constitution he gradually recovered from the shock and his health came back. Although thus handicapped, his spirit was undaunted and although he was offered numerous opportunities in a business way in Michigan he longed to return to Colorado, believing that the future held much in store for the state.

Accordingly in 1872 Mr. Milheim again arrived in Colorado and for four years was employed by Emile Riethman in herding dairy cows. He afterward worked at various occupations and carefully saved his earnings. Thrift is the basis of all success and "thrift is the power to save." Mr. Milheim learned to save, spending nothing more in those early days than for the necessities of life. In 1879 his capital was sufficient to enable him to purchase eighty acres of wild land, constituting his present homestead farm. For two or more years he was able to make but few improvements upon the place and in order to secure the necessary money he engaged in the cattle business in Wyoming for a part of the time. Subsequent to his marriage, however, he took up his abode upon his land and concentrated his efforts and attention upon the cultivation of the fields and upon stock raising. He thoroughly studied his work, made the best use of his time and opportunities and bravely faced life's battles and came out conqueror in the strife. He had but one hundred dollars when he landed in Colorado and although handicapped by the loss of his arm he had not lost his courageous spirit. In the course of time he became the owner of an excellent farm on section 18, township 1 south, range 66 west, in Adams county, near Brighton. He transformed this place from a barren tract into one of the highly cultivated farms of the district. His land was well watered by a splendid system of irrigation ditches and he annually gathered good harvests. He was one of the interested advocates In the plan for the Pulton ditch and became one of the stockholders in the company.

On the 14th of November, 1883, Mr. Milheim was united in marriage to Miss Emma Hagus, a daugliter of Andrew Hagus, and to them were born four children, Fred A., Josephine, Clara and Benita. Mr. Milheim had membership with the Sons of Hermann and filled various offices in Koerner Lodge, No. 4, of Brighton. He also belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows as a member of Fidelity Lodge at Brighton. Politically he maintained an independent course. He always attributed much of his success to the encouragement and assistance of his wife, who since the death of her husband on the 1st of January, 1916, has made her home in Brighton. Mr. Milheim left behind him many warm friends, who esteemed him for his personal worth, his ability and his courageous spirit.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, 631-632

Mitze, George A.

George A. Mitze, a farmer and stock raiser successfully carrying on business in Adams county, Colorado, was born in Kansas on the 29th of November, 1873. His parents, George and Elizabeth Mitze, were natives of Germany, who came to America in the '50s, at which time they located in Peoria, Illinois. They afterward removed to Kansas, where they resided until 1874 and then came to Colorado, settling on a farm in Denver county, where they spent their remaining days. They had a family of five children, three of whom are living.

George A. Mitze was reared and educated in Colorado, pursuing his studies in the public schools. After his textbooks were put aside he took up farming on his own account, having been reared to that occupation, so that he brought practical experience and knowledge to the beginning of his business career. After a time he purchased his present farm, comprising one hundred and ninety-five acres of good land, a part of which is under ditch. He has improved his place with one of the finest homea in the county and upon his land are found large and substantial barns and outbuildings,
furnishing ample shelter to grain and stock. Everything about the place is indicative of his progressive spirit and practical methods and the results which he achieves are most gratifying.

In 1900 Mr. Mitze was united in marriage to Miss Mary Bukoutz, a native of Kansas, and to them have been born six children: Mary E., Albert H., Bertha H., William A., Emma C. and Clara Alice. Mr. and Mrs. Mitze are members of the Lutheran church, and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. They are highly esteemed in the community in which they make their home and enjoy the warm-hearted hospitality which is cordially extended to them by their many friends. Mr. Mitze has devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits and is numbered among those who have made this district a most productive and prosperous one.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, p. 142

Morris, Mark M.

Mark M. Morris, postmaster of Henderson, where he is also engaged in merchandising, was born on the 30th of October, 1S71, in the vicinity of the town in which he now makes his home, his parents being Richard and Rebecca (Truax) Morris. The father was born in Missouri, while the mother was a native of Ohio. They crossed the plains from Missouri to California in 1866 and returned eastward as far as Colorado in 1868, at which time Mr. Morris preempted eighty acres of land and also purchased a tract of forty acres. Upon that farm he resided to the time of his death and gave his attention and energies to its development and improvement, converting It into a rich and productive tract of land. He passed away April 6, 1882, and his wife died in November, 1888.

Mark M. Morris was educated in District School No. 8 of Adams county and also attended the Central Business College of Denver in 1893. When fifteen years of age he went to Dakota and lived with his brother, working there until 1891, after which he pursued his business college course. During the years 1894 and 1895 he farmed upon the home place and on the 6th of March. 1896, he purchased a general merchandise store at Henderson, which he conducted for thirteen years. In 1909, however, he was elected county commissioner for a term of four years and sold his store, concentrating his efforts and attention upon the faithful performance of his official duties. With his retirement from office in March, 1913, he purchased the store
of which he had formerly been proprietor and has since successfully conducted it. On the 24th of December, 1914, he was appointed postmaster of Henderson and has since occupied that position: He also has fifteen acres of land which he farms. His time is thus busily occupied and his well directed energies are bringing to him a substantial competence.

On the 2d of June, 1898, in Denver, Mr. Morris was united in marriage to Miss Pruda Gilpin, a daughter of Samuel and Esther Ann (Yarrington) Gilpin. Mrs. Morris was born in Kansas and is a relative of the Gilpin family that figured prominently in connection with the early history of Colorado. Her father was a veteran of the Civil war. To Mr. and Mrs. Morris have been born five children: Mark Loren, Beulah Marguerite, Eula Esther, Lester Alfred and one who died in infancy.

Mr. Morris is a democrat in his political views and has served as school director and as treasurer of his school district. Fraternally he is connected with the Woodmen of the World. He turns to the hunting of big game for rest and .recreation and greatly enjoys the sport but never neglects business or official duties for enjoyment.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, 513-514

Muller, Fritz

Fritz MuUer is a well known and representative agriculturist of Adams county, where for the past five years he has owned and cultivated a farm of seventy-three acres in the vicinity of East Lake. His birth occurred in Brooklyn, New York, on the 9th of September, 1862, his parents being John F. and Anna (Roih) Muller, both of whom were natives of Germany. They emigrated to the United States in the '50s but subsequently returned to the fatherland and there spent the remainder of their lives. Their family numbered three children, two of whom are still living.

Fritz Muller was reared and educated in Germany, accompanying his parents when they returned to that country. In 1888, however, when a young man of twenty-six years, he decided to establish his home on this side of the Atlantic and made the voyage to the new world, settling first near Fort Madison in Iowa, where he spent two years. On the expiration of that period. In 1890, he came to Colorado and in this state has resided continuously throughout the intervening period of nearly three decades. It was in 1913 that he purchased his present farm of seventy-three acres in Adams county,
to the further cultivation and improvement of which he has since devoted his time and energies. He has erected excellent buildings upon the property and the neat and thrifty appearance of the place Indicates the bupervision of a practical and progressive owner. The well tilled fields respond readily to the care and labor which he bestows upon them, annually yielding good crops which find a ready sale on the market.

In 1890, in Denver. Mr. Muller was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Brunz. He is a republican in politics and. since becoming an American citizen, has supported the men and measures of that party at the polls. Mr. Muller has won an extensive circle of warm friends during th'j years of his residence in Adams county and is widely recognized as a successful agriculturist and esteemed citizen of his community.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 437-438

Munson, Fred

The carefully cultivated fields of a farm of one hundred acres pay tribute to the care and labor bestowed upon them by Fred Munson, who is recognized as one of the progressive farmers in Adams county. He was born in Sweden on October 16, 1872, a son of Mons and Johanna Munson. His education was acquired in his native country, after which he took up the occupation of farming in connection with his father and was thus employed until 1892. He then came to America and crossed the continent to Denver, where he worked for a brother for four months. He next went to Fort Lupton,
where he engaged in farming for a number of years and subsequently he removed to Byers, where he took up a homestead and began farming and running cattle upon that place, but he did not prove up on the property. Removing to Henderson, he there engaged in farming for six or seven years and afterward leased one hundred and sixty acres of land near Derby and now farms about one hundred acres of this, raising alfalfa. His work is systematically carried on and the results achieved are highly satisfactory.

On the 7th of November, 1900, Mr. Munson was married to Miss Elizabeth Meerstien, who was born in Philadelphia on November 3, 1882, but was reared in Colorado. They have three children: Anna, Minnie and William. The religious faith of the family is that of the Lutheran church and in politics Mr. Munson maintains an independent course. From an early age he has been dependent upon his own resources and his unfaltering industry and perseverance have been the dominant elements in winning the prosperity which he now enjoys.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, p. 586

Murphy, William J.

William J. Murphy, who is engaged in general farming in Adams county, is one of Colorado's native sons, his birth having occurred in Denver on the 14th of April, 1874. His parents were Cornelius and Margaret Murphy, both of whom have been called to their final rest, and two of their seven children have also passed away. It was in the year 1860 that the parents came to Colorado, casting in their lot with the pioneer settlers of Denver when that city was little more than a western mining village. They lived to witness much of its growth and development and to note the many marvelous changes which occurred in the state as the years passed.

William J. Murphy spent his youthful days under the parental roof and the public school system of Denver afforded him his chance for obtaining an education. After his textbooks were put aside he turned his attention to farming and stock raising and has since carried on general agricultural pursuits. He is now the owner of the old homestead of his father, who filed on the place in 1865. It was the first farm taken up on First creek. Mr. Murphy owns one hundred and sixty acres, all under ditch, and is extensively engaged in raising beets and alfalfa. He has studied the most modern processes of developing these crops and annually gathers a large yield. He has added substantial improvements to his farm in the way of modern machinery and
good buildings for the shelter of grain and stock, and everything about the place indicates his progressive spirit and determination.

In 1899 Mr. Murphy was married to Miss Agnes Kam, a native of Nebraska, and they have become the parents of three children, Cornelius L., William J. and Catherine. Mr Murphy and his family are communicants of the Catholic church, being identified with the church at Brighton. In his political views Mr. Murphy is a democrat. While he has never been an office seeker, he has served on the school board and is interested in all that has to do with the development of the schools of the neighborhood. He belongs to the Grange and eagerly avails himself of the opportunities offered by the order
to advance in knowledge concerning the best methods of developing farm property. His entire life has been passed in Colorado and his career is typical of the spirit ot western enterprise and progress. He has never had any false ideas of life but has ever recognized the fact that industry is the basic element of success and by reason of strenuous effort in carrying on his farm work he has met with a substantial measure of prosperity which places him with the affluent farmers of Adams county.

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

Myers, William

William Myers is one of the venerable citizens of Adams county, having passed the eighty-fifth milestone on life's journey. Moreover, he is numbered among the pioneer settlers of Colorado who have been active in planting the seeds of civilization and development in this section of the country. He was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, on the 18th of March, 1834, representing one of the old families of that state. His parents. Henry and Hannah (Koller) Myers, were also natives of Pennsylvania, where they spent their entire lives. To them were bom fourteen children, two of whom are yet living.

William Myers was reared in the state of his nativity and at the usual age began his education in the public schools. He remained at home with his parents until he reached the age of twenty, when he started out to try his fortune independently. Leaving Pennsylvania, he removed to Ohio, where he learned the blacksmith's trade, remaining in that state for a year. He afterward ugain started westward and this time made Shelbyville, Illinois, his destination. He lived there for four years and on the expiration of that period took up his abode in Iowa City, Iowa, where he remained for a year.

Colorado was a most sparsely settled territory when he arrived within its borders and Denver nothing more than a western mining camp when he took up his abode in that city June 9, 1860. He continued to live in Denver for sixteen years and through that period worked at the blacksmith trade. In 1876 he removed to the farm whereon he now resides and which he owns. It is a tract of one hundred and eighty acres of rich and productive land situated on section 10, township 2, of Adams county. He then concentrated his efforts and attention upon its cultivation and development and as the years passed added many substantial improvements in keeping with the progressive spirit of the present time. He turned the first furrows in many of his fields and brought the land under a high state of cultivation, so that substantial crops were annually produced. The farm is still one of the attractive and valuable places of Adams county, but Mr. Myers by reason of his advanced age has put aside the active work of the fields, leaving the cultivation of the property to his son Robert A. On this place was put down the first artesian well in Adams county.

On September 9, 1869, in Denver. Mr. Myers was united in marriage to Miss Hannah E. Kinsey, who was born in Mercer county. Illinois, August 10, 1844, and they became the parents of five children: Elsie, at home; Herbert W., who has passed away; Robert A., living on the old homestead; and Harry and Orville, both of whom are deceased. The wife and mother was called to her final rest on the 2d of February, 1918, and her grave was made in the Riverside cemetery at Denver. Mrs. Myers came to Colorado in 1S6S and for a number of years was a teacher in the public schools of the state.

Mr. Myers has made thirteen trips across the plains with team and wagon, and he recalls many interesting incidents in connection therewith. The first trip, from Iowa City to Denver in 1860, was made in thirty-five days. Of the four men who made up the party, Mr. Myers is the only one to remain. The others, becoming discouraged by the privations and hardships of the frontier, returned to the east after a short stay.

Mr. Myers gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and although never an office seeker he has served as school director of Henderson for many years and he is a charter member' of the Henderson Grange. His long residence in the state has made him widely known and this, combined with. the sterling traits of his character, places him in the ranks of Colorado's honored pioneers.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 499-500