Biographies R - T | Adams County, COGenWeb

BIOGRAPHIES R - T

Riedy, Henry Clement

An excellent farm property of one hundred and forty-two acres pays tribute to the care and labor bestowed upon it by the owner, Henry Clement Riedy, who is one of the substantial citizens that Ohio has furnished to Adams county, for his home is near Eastlake. He was born in Erie county, Ohio, November 23, 1865, and is a son of John and Catherine (Goodman) Riedy. The father was a stone mason by trade and was married in Sandusky, Ohio, where he reared his family of nine children, of whom Henry C. was the fifth in ordar of birth.

The public school system of Sandusky and of Erie county afforded Henry C. Riedy his educational opportunities. He pursued his studies to the age of fourteen years, after which he worked on farms to the age of tweniy-four. Thinking that he might have better opportunities in the west, he then made his way to Colorado, where he has resided since December 1, 1889. For a brief period he was employed by the Denver Union Water Company and then purchased the northwest quarter of section 6, township 2, range 67, Adams county, since which time he has engaged in farming thereon. That he is actuated by a progressive spirit is indicated in the attractive appearance of his place, which is improved with fine buildings, with well kept fences and every accessory of the model farm of the twentieth century. He worked persistently and energetically in developing his place and his success is well merited. He is also vice president of the New Union Ditch Company.

On the 17th of November, 1896, Mr. Riedy was married to Miss Mary Moller, a daughter of Detlef Moller. Mrs. Riedy was born in Arapahoe county, her people having crossed the plains and cast in their lot with the early pioneer settlers of Colorado. To Mr. and Mrs. Riedy have been bom three sons: Ralph H., Howard J. and Chauncey R.

In his political views Mr. Riedy is a democrat and, while not an office seeker, he has served as secretary of the school board. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church. He and his wife are widely and favorably known in the locality in which they make their home, their circle of friends being almost co-extensive with the circle of their acquaintance.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 529-530

Roop, Levi Ralph

One of the splendidly improved farm properties of Adams county is that owned by Levi Ralph Roop and the place with its excellent buildings and equipment is in marked contrast to the conditions which he here found when he took possession of the property, then a wild and undeveloped tract of land. Every improvement upon the farm stands as a monument to his progressiveness and enterprising spirit.

Mr. Roop is a native of Iowa. His birth occurred in Dallas county, September 30, 1877, his parents being William T. and Martha (Peters) Roop. He pursued a public school education in Perry. Iowa, and for two years was a high school student. During vacation periods he worked upon his father's farm and after his textbooks were put aside continued to assist in its further cultivation and development until he reached the age of nineteen years, when he started out in business independently by renting land, which he continued to cultivate for four years. He next went to northwestern Iowa and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in Worth County, proving up on that property and making it his home for nine years. In 1910 he arrived at Eastlake, Colorado, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made. With characteristic energy he began its development and today has one of the splendid farms of the district. In its midst stands a commodious and beautiful residence, in the rear of which are seen a good garage, a large granary, a water tank, splendid barns and in fact everything that constitutes the complete equipment of a model farm of the twentieth century. He raises alfalfa, wheat, sugar beets, cabbage and onions and annually gathers good crops.

On the 19th of March. 1900, Mr. Roop was married to Miss Winifred Fanning and to them have been born two children, Floyd and Velma. In his political views Jlr. Roop is a republican but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction tor him as he prefers to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs. That he has suceeded is indicated in the very attractive appearance of his farm, which is most carefully and wisely managed. The beautiful home denotes the fact that he finds his greatest happiness in providing for the comfort and welfare of his family. The other buildings upon the place are evidence of his progressive spirit, and the property on the whole gives proof of a most active and well spent life. His fellow townsmen, too, bear testimony to the high regard in which he is uniformly held, for throughout the period of his residence in this part of the state he has become most widely and favorably known.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, p. 792

Rutherford, Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson Rutherford, who is well known as a progressive ranchman in Adams county, his home being near Brighton, was born in Dubuque county, Iowa, July 22, 1862, his parents being Samuel and Mary (Boyle) Rutherford, the former a native of Iowa, while the latter was born in Illinois. The father devoted his life to the occupation of farming and died during the period of the Civil war while serving as a member of the Twenty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry.

Thomas J. Rutherford attended school in Iowa and Nebraska and after his textbooks were put aside turned his attention to agricultural life. In 1898 he came to Colorado, arriving in this state on the 10th of March. He made his way to Adams county, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land and afterward he added to his holdings a tract of eighty acres. Later he gave this to his son and to his daughter he gave one-half of the original farm, so that he has eighty acres remaining. This is an improved farm property, constituting one of the most attractive places of the district. Upon his land he has a beautiful twelve-room residence, supplied with all modern conveniences, and in the rear stands a splendid bam with all necessary sheds and outbuildings for the shelter of grain, stock and farm machinery. He utilizes the most improved agricultural implements in the care of his place. He has also operated a steam threshing machine for fourteen years and has one of the best outfits of Adams county. His place is supplied with water from the Burlington ditch.

In Osceola, Nebraska, on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1883, Mr. Rutherford was married to Miss Eula Brewer, a daughter of Eugene and Maria Brewer. Mrs. Rutherford was born in Triangle, Broome county. New York, but was educated in Nebraska and by her marriage has become the mother of three children: L. Vere, who married Ada Snyder and has three children, Bernice. Vera and Arline; Hazel, the wife of Clarence Lytle, by whom she has two children, Eula and Jeanne; and Duverne, who married Elsie Story, and is now in the automobile garage business in Brighton.

Mr. Rutherford belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and his political allegiance is given to the republican party, but he has never sought or desired office, his time and attention being fully claimed by his business affairs and home interests. He is devoted to the welfare of his family and has found his greatest pleasure In providing for them an attractive residence and those things which add to the comfort and happiness of life.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 615-616

Sanstad, Charles

Simpson, J. H.

The farming interests of Adams county find a worthy representative in J. H. Simpson, who dates his residence in this state from 1879. He has therefore made his home in Colorado for almost forty years and for twelve years of this period has lived in Adams county, where he now owns and cultivates eighty acres of productive land. He was born in Ohio on the 14th of December, 1860, a son of Henry and Loretta (Ganhy) Simpson, both of whom were natives of the Buckeye state. Removing westward to Illinois, they settled in McLean county in 1862 and there remained for about twenty-three years. In 1885 they again started westward, making Lincoln, Nebraska, their destination. The father died in that city but the mother survives and is now
living wih her son, J. H. Simpson, at the notable old age of ninety-seven years. Notwithstanding her extreme age she is yet enjoying good health and has a remarkable memory. By her marriage she became the mother of nine children, four of whom are living.

J. H. Simpson spent his youthful days in Illinois, being but two years of age when the family home was established in that state. There he pursued a public school education and after reaching man's estate he began farming on his own account. In 1879 he came to Colorado, settling on a farm in Yuma county, where he continued to reside for more than a quarter of a century. In 1906 he removed to Adams county, where he has since made his home, and his property holdings now comprise eighty acres of land, all under irrigation. His place is very attractive in appearance owing to his careful cultivation of the fields and also owing to the many improvements which he has put upon his land. He has erected fine buildings, including an attractive
residence, with good barns and outbuildings, furnishing ample shelter to grain and stock. He conducts a dairy business in connection witli general farming and both branclies are proving profitable.

In 1887 Mr. Simpson was married to Miss Anna McQueen, a native of Illinois, and they became the parents of three children, of whom Olin died in 1909 and the youngest in infancy. The second child is Blanche, the wife of C, E. Brachaire, now in the navy yard in the state of Washington.

Mr. Simpson votes with the democratic party and keeps thoroughly informed concerning the questions and issues of the day but has never been an aspirant for public office, preferring to leave office holding to others. His thought, purpose and energy have been concentrated upon his business affairs and his prosperity is the direct result of his own labors. In 1899 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away leaving many friends. Mr. Simpson is widely and favorably known in Adams county, enjoying the warm regard of those with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 525-526

Sherart, Frank William

Frank William Sherart, engaged In ranching near Brighton, .vas born in Phillips county, Kansas, July 23, 1876. a son of William E. and Clara Dale (Stockett) Sherart. The father's birth occurred in Ohio about a mile from Vermilion, and the mother was also a native of that state. They were married, however, in St. Elmo, Illinois.

William E. Sherart was a soldier of the Civil war, serving with Company E of the Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and it was subsequent to his military service that he removed to Illinois, where he remained for a time and then went to Kansas. In 1882 he came to Colorado and for a year resided at Fort Lupton, after which he purchased land near Brighton and engaged in farming thereon up to the time of his death, which occurred in June, 1904. His widow survives and is now living at Brighton.

Frank W. Sherart attended district school No. 10 of Adams county while spending his youthful days in his parents' home, where he had the association of a brother and four sisters, these being: Irwin J., who is living near Hazeltine, Colorado; Mrs. A. L. Scott, whose home is iu Denver; Elizabeth, the wife of Ralph D. Lee; Blanche, the wife of Frank Ackerman; and Hazel, the wife of Edwin Savage. After his schooldays were over Frank W. Sherart engaged in mining in the Cripple Creek and Boulder districts for a year. He afterward settled upon the home farm, which he has since managed, and through the intervening years he has won a place among the representative and successful ranchmen of his section of the state. He has brought the land
under a high state of cultivation, has added various improvements and follows the most progressive methods in the cultivation of the fields and in the production of crops.

On the 14th of February, 1898. Mr. Sherart was married to Miss Nellie A. Lord, a daughter of Isaac and Mary (Williams) Lord. She was born in Canton, Illinois, and was seven years of age when her parents removed with the family to Colorado. By her marriage she has become the mother of six children, Clara A., William Edward, Frank Irwin, Harold Lord, Nellie A. and Doris. All are living with the exception of Frank Irwin.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Presbyterian church, and fraternally Mr. Sherart is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Woodmen of the World. In his political views he is a democrat, earnest in support of the party and at all times loyal to his honest convictions. The greater part of his life has been passed in Colorado and he is imbued by the spirit of western enterprise in all that he undertakes.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 439-440

Smith, Peter N.

Peter N. Smith is concentrating his efforts and attention upon the development and cultivation of one hundred and seventy acres of land near Globeville. He was born in Denmark on the 24th of May, 1864, and is a son of Nels and Mary Smith, the former a mechanic. Peter N. Smith was educated in his native country, where he spent the first twenty-four years of his life and then bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for the new world. Reaching American shores, he made his way to Iowa and for three or four years was there engaged in farming in Audubon county. He afterward removed to Illinois, where he remained for two years, and then again went to Iowa, where he continued for two or three years. In 1896 he arrived in Colorado, settling at Cripple Creek, where he resided for six or seven months. Later he worked in a smelter at Denver for eight years, and on the expiration of that period purchased ten acres of land in Adams county, which he still farms. In addition he cultivates a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of leased land, devoted to the raising of wheat and hay, and his close application and unwearied industry are strong elements in his growing success.

On the 8th of May, 1886, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Mary S. Jensen and their children are: Nels, who is upon the ranch: Lawrence, who is a member of the United States army: Michael, who is connected with the navy; John: Anna, who is the wife of Ralph Westerkamp; Inga, now Mrs. Frank Peterson; and Emma.

The religious faith of the parents is that of the Lutheran church and fraternally Mr. Smith is identified with the Woodmen of the World, having been a member of the order for twenty years. Coming to America when a young man of twenty-four years, he here found his opportunities and in their utilization has steadily advanced along the road to success. His enterprise and energy have been pronounced and whatever he has attempted he has accomplished.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, p. 556

Springer, John Wallace

John Wallace Springer, agriculturist and banker, is preeminently a successful and resourceful business man and yet that presents but one side of his character, for he is affable, genial, public-spirited, patriotic, a political leader in his influence over public thought and a man whose interests compass the universe in all that has to do with the upbuilding of national life. It has been said that the history of a man man be read in the story of his ancestors. This story has been told by a contemporary biographer as follows:

"The Springer family was prominent in the colonial history of this country and the line of descent extends back to Alfred the Great, Henry the Fowler, Otho the Illustrious, the czar and grand duke of Russia. The family tree also extends back to Charlemagne in 742 and to old Pharamond in the year 420 A. D. The origin of the name Springer dates from Landgraf Louis II, Germany, A. D. 1089, who was military officer under the emperor, Henry IV. Having caused some slight offense to his superior officer, Louis was imprisoned in the battlements of the old castle of Giebichenstein, near Halle, one hundred feet above the river Saale, but owing to his popularity and the fact that he was innocent of any serious crime, no effort was made to bring him to trial. He made his escape after two years of imprisonment, by a leap or spring from the castle, and on being taken before the emperor, was pardoned by the latter for his courage and given by him the name of Springer, which he retained. He was born in 1042, built Wartburg castle, and died in 1128. Further down in the ancestral line are reached Charles Christopher Springer (1658-1738) and his half-brother, Lorentz (Lawrence) (1646-1741). The old Swedes church, Wilmington, Delaware, erected by Charles Christopher Springer in 1698, is still standing."

The less remote ancestry of John Wallace Springer is equally interesting. He is a son of John Thomas and Sarah (Henderson) Springer. The mother was a lady of innate culture, of rare charm and graciousness and was a descendant of one of the distinguished families of Kentucky. An uncle was William Springer of Illinois, who for twenty years represented his district in the national halls of legislation and afterward sat upon the United States court of appeals bench in Washington, D. C. The father was a prominent attorney and banker of Illinois who did not seek to figure in public life but made his influence strongly felt in professional and financial circles.

John Wallace Springer is a native of Jacksonville, Illinois. He was born July 16, 1859, and after mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools of that city became a student in Asbury College, now De Pauw University, of Indiana, which conferred upon him the Bachelor of Arts degree at his graduation with the class of 1878. His college work served also to develop his oratorical powers and give him his initial training in public speaking. He proved resourceful in debate and to him was accorded the honor of delivering the graduating address of his class, for which
he chose the subject of "Statesmanship," a subject which he ably handled. Since then he has been heard on many public occasions and on various subjects and his eloquence has been a potent factor in winning for him prominence in the west. When his college course was completed he traveled abroad and upon his return to his native land took up the study of law, in which his father had become prominent. Passing the examination before the supreme court of Illinois in 1880, he located tor practice in his native city, where he remained for about a decade. He was made clerk of the committee on territories in the house of the fiftieth congress and in 1891 he became a representative of his district in the Illinois state legislature. All these years he was studying not only his individual business interests and questions relative thereto but was also studying the questions and issues affecting his commonwealth and the nation at large. He has ever been a man of discriminating judgment and of careful analysis. Banking interests and law practice occupied his attention during five years' residence, from 1891 until 1896. in Dallas, Texas, and in the latter year he came to Denver to take a prominent part in support of McKinley during the presidential campaign of that year.

As Mr. Springer traveled over the state he became impressed with its opportunities and its resources and determined to remain a resident of Colorado. It was not long before his influence was strongly felt in the business, political and social circles of Denver and the state. Possessed of a good income, he carefully looked about him before he entered business circles. He purchased a splendid ranch of ten thousand acres overlooking Denver and took up the work of raising fine stock. Today he cultivates one thousand acres of this land and his farm is equipped with steam plows and all of the most improved implements that modern science has brought to the aid of the farmer. Ditches and reservoirs furnish him with a practically inexhaustible supply of water and his place is one of the model ranch properties of the state. In 1902 he aided in organizing the Continental Trust Company, purchased the Continental building at the corner of Sixteenth and Lawrence streets and assumed the vice presidency of the company, in which capacity he continued to serve until the 19th of April, 1909, when the business was reorganized and Mr. Springer was elected to the presidency. He is also the president of the Continental Building Company and he recently purchased outright the building on the corner of Seventeenth and Larimer streets, which
is now being thoroughly overhauled and remodeled, the upper floors being used for offices, while the first floor will be occupied by the Continental Trust Company in the continuance of the banking business, which under Mr. Springer's guidance has been developed to such large proportions. The bank is now capitalized for two million dollars and has become one of the strongest financial concerns of the west. In addition to his other interests Mr. Springer is secretary and treasurer of the Continental Land & Cattle Company; was president of the National Live Stock Association from 1898 until 1905, and has been president of the Colorado Cattle & Horse Growers Association since 1907. In fact, he is prominently and officially connected with many organizations which have to do with the development of live stock raising and kindred interests in the west. He has been a member of the National Wool Growers Association and of the Cattle Raisers Association of Texas and he is a very prominent member of the Denver Chamber of Commerce, of which he has served as vice president.

Mr. Springer married Eliza Clifton, a daughter of Colonel William E. Hughes, of Dallas, Texas. She passed away in 1904, leaving a daughter, who is with her father in Denver.

Mr. Springer is identified with many of the organizations which have to do with civic progress or public benefit in Denver and is a member of almost all of the leading clubs of the city, including the University, Denver Country, Overland Country, Stockman's, Gentlemen's Driving and Riding, Pan-Hellenic and Denver Motor Clubs. He likewise has membership in the Real Estate Exchange and the Denver Bar Association. It is said that as a presiding officer and public speaker he has no superior in the state, and he figures prominently in all republican gatlierings in Colorado as well as in many meetings and conventions of a nonpolitical nature. He has wielded a wide influence over public thought and action and his efforts have at all times teen directed in the path of individual, local and national progress.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 769-771

Stofft, Henry F.

Henry F, Stofft is the owner of an excellent farm property situated a mile and a half north of Henderson and comprising forty acres of land which he has splendidly improved and brought under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Stofft is a native son of Indiana. His birth occurred in that state September 8, 1874, and his parents, John G. and Christina (Kuhlman) Stofft, were also natives of Indiana and of German descent. They always remained residents of Indiana and there passed away. They had a family of six children, of whom Henry F. Stofft was the fourth in order of birth.

Reared and educated in his native state, Henry F. Stofft mastered the branches of learning taught In the common schools and in 1904 he left that section of the country to come to Colorado, making his way to Denver, where he resided for a number of years. In 1912 he removed to Adams county, establishing his home a mile and a half north of the Henderson depot, where he now owns forty acres of highly cultivated land which he has splendidly improved. Upon his place are substantial buildings and all modern equipments and he makes a specialty of raising garden products as well as alfalfa hay.

In May. 1908. Mr. Stofft was united in marriage to Miss Bertha L. Gray, who passed away the next year. In 1912 he wedded Miss Gertrude Harms. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran church and in social circles they occupy a most enviable position, having many warm friends in the district in which they live. Mr. Stofft is a republican in his political views and keeps well informed upon the questions and issues of the day but is not an office seeker. His attention is concentrated upon his business affairs and his enterprise and energy have been the dominant factors in the attainment of his success.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, p. 80

Strittmatter, O.S.B., Rev. Agatho

Rev. Agatho Strittmatter, pastor of the Sacred Heart church at Boulder, was born in Carrolltown, Pennsylvania, on the 12th of July, 1873. His father, Andrew Strittmatter, was also a native of Carrolltown, born in 1829, and still resides there. He married Catherine Zorn, who was likewise a native of Carrolltown and who passed away in 1911.

In the public schools of his native city Agatho Strittmatter began his education and afterward continued his studies at St. Vincent's archabbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where he was graduated with the class of 1899. For a year he was at St. Benedict's College of Newark, New Jersey, as professor and assistant pastor and subsequently he taught for two years in St. Vincent's college at Latrob«. In September, 1902, he was transferred to Boulder, Colorado, in charge of the missions, and a year later was transferred to Pueblo. Colorado, as founder and pastor of St. Leander's parish and there continued for three years. In August, 1906, he was sent to Boulder as pastor of Sacred Heart church. He was ordained to the priesthood at St. Vincent's archabbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, on the 13th nf July, 1899, and has since devoted his time
and energies to the upbuilding of the Catholic church. He holds membership with the Knights of Columbus.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, p. 524

Talbert, Robert

Robert Talbert, a retired ranchman residing at Brighton, has been actively identified with farming and stock raising interests in Colorado for the past half century and well merits the rest which he now enjoys. His birth occurred in Burlington. Iowa, on the 13th of January, 1849, his parents being James and Ellen Talbert, who later established their home in Jackson county, Missouri, where the son was educated. In 1868, when a young man of twenty years, he made his way to Denver. Colorado, and there secured employment with the firm of John Hughes & Company, who conducted a stage line and for whom he tended stock for five years. On the expiration of that period he embarked in the live stock business on his own account and purchased a tract of eighty acres in Adams county which is still in his possession. He also rode the range and ran cattle for twenty-five years but at the end of that time returned to his farm, which he continued to cultivate successfully until 1918, when he put aside active business cares and has since lived retired at Brighton. His interests were wisely and carefully managed, so that substantial success rewarded his efforts and gained him recognition among the representative ranchmen of his district.

On the 14th of November, 1877, Mr. Talbert was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Noble, a native of Salt Lake City, Utah, and a daughter of Albert and Maria Noble. They have become the parents of five children, as follows: Delroy C; Inez, who is the wife of John McManus and has a daughter, lola; and Robert Blaine, Russell and Ethel, all of whom have passed away.

In his political views Mr. Talbert is a stanch democrat, while fraternally he is identified with the Woodmen of the World and the Knights of Pythias. He is likewise a member of the Grange. He has been an interested witness of the growth and development of his section of the state through the past half century and has ever borne his full share in the work of progress and upbuilding, while his own career has been such as to win and retain the high regard and esteem of all with whom he has been brought in contact in business or social relations.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, p. 456

Talbot, Richard I.

Richard I. Talbot, who is cultivating eighty acres of irrigated land in Adams county and is very successfully carrying on his farm work, was born in Louisiana, December 18, 1852, a son of James and Ellen Talbot, both of whom were natives of London, England. Bidding adieu to friends and country, they sailed for America In the year 1840 and first established their home upon a farm in Louisiana, where the father engaged in the live stock business for a number of years. In 1856, however, he removed to Missouri and was afterward drowned in the Missouri river while out duck hunting. The mother with her family subsequently removed to Colorado, where she took up her abode in 1872, having driven across the country with team and wagon. She settled in Adams county, becoming one of the pioneer women of that district, and for many years she was an interested witness of the growth and progress of that region, in which she made her home until called to her final rest in 1911. In the family were six children, all of whom are yet living.

Richard I. Talbot was reared and educated in Missouri and was twenty years of age when he came to Colorado, where he has since made his home. In 1879 he purchased his present farm and through the intervening period has given his time, thought and energy to its development and cultivation, adding many improvements to it in the way of good buildings which furnish ample shelter for grain and stock. His fields are well fenced and everything about the place is characterized by neatness and order. The land is carefully irrigated, there being eighty acres under the ditch.

In 1887 Mr. Talbot was united in marriage to Miss OIlie Townsend, a native of Kansas and a daughter of C. Perry and Maria Reed (Moore) Townsend. C. Perry Townsend was a native of New York and with his parents removed to Illinois in his boyhood. His wife, Maria Reed Moore, was born in Marion county, Ohio, in 1839, and with her parents removed to Illinois when she was eleven years of age. In that state Mr. and Mrs. Townsend were married and there the former took up farming, going to Kansas about 1857 and arriving in Colorado in June, 1859. After a short stay in Denver he proceeded to Central City, where he engaged in mining, but later located on a ranch on the Platte river, in Arapahoe county, now Adams county,
where Mr. Townsend passed away in 1864. His widow subsequently married Hiram Van Every. Mr. and Mrs. Talbot had four children: Leland S., at home; Mabel, the wife of Clarence Burnett; Ada, the wife of Clifton Duckworth; and Mattie, who died at the age of three years. The mother and children are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Talbot gives his political support to the republican party but has never been an office seeker, preferring to concentrate his time and efforts upon his business affairs, which are wisely and carefully directed. He is a man of energy
and persistency of purpose who from pioneer times has been identified with farming interests in the county, and his splendidly improved ranch property is the visible indication of a life of well directed energy and tlirift.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 519-520

Taylor, N. H.

N. H. Taylor was one of the pioneer farmers of Adams county, where he resided from 1870 to the time of his death. A native son of Ohio, he was born September 8, 1844, his parents being Nicholas and Susan iShillenbarger) Taylor, both of whom passed away in Ohio. Their family numbered thirteen children but none are now living.

N. H. Taylor passed his youthful days in the Buckeye state and was indebted to Its public school system for the educational opportunities which he enjoyed. On leaving Ohio he removed to Illinois, where he resided for two years and then came to Colorado, arriving in 1870. He took up his abode in Adams county and purchased the farm of one hundred and sixty acres upon which his widow now resides. It was an excellent tract of land in its possibilities, although at that time not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made upon the place. With characteristic energy he began its development and his labors soon wrought a marked change in its appearance. Upon the place is still to be seen the old stage log barn which gave shelter to the stage horses in the early days when that was the only means of travel through the district. He worked untiringly to cultivate his land and in the course of years was gathering good crops. He was always energetic and industrious and he never stopped short of the successful fulfillment of his plans and purposes.

Mr. Taylor was married in Ohio to Miss Almeda Sims, a native of that state and a daughter of James and Lucy (Shackelfoot) Sims, who spent their entire lives in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor became the parents of two children but both have passed away. Mrs. Taylor has two grandchildren who are living. Edward Carl Taylor and Mrs. Lillian Drake. Mrs. Taylor still owns and occupies the old homestead of one hundred and sixty acres and from this property derives a substantial annual income which supplies her with all of the necessities and many of the comforts of life. She can relate many an interesting tale of the early days when this section was upon the western frontier and her reminiscences cover the period from early pioneer development down to the days of present-day prosperity and progress.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, p. 428

Townsend, John Franklin

John Franklin Townsend. engaged in ranching near Aurora, was born in Atchison county, Missouri, January 16, 1854, a son of James and Elizabeth (Williams) Townsend. The grandfather was a native of Tennessee and removed to Indiana during the territorial days of that state. In the family were seven brothers who lived near Indianapolis, but all have now passed away. James Townsend was a soldier of the Civil war, enlisting in a company of the Twenty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he served as a private for two years. Later he started from Missouri to meet Price and at the close of the war received an honorable discharge. He devoted his entire life to the occupation of farming.

John F. Townsend pursued a district school education in one of the little log schoolhouses of Atchison county, Missouri, and also studied for a year in Mount Vernon, Missouri. He then took up the occupation of farming, which he followed in his native state, and when twenty-eight years of age he removed to western Kansas. At a later period he returned to his birthplace in northern Missouri and purchased eighty acres of improved land, which he cultivated for a time and then sold. He next took up his abode in western Nebraska, where he homesteaded and proved up on the property. He was married and spent ten years upon his place in western Nebraska, but for three years there was no rain and the drought caused him to seek a home elsewhere. He made his way to Colorado, arriving in Sullivan on the 6th of December, 1894, at which time he began to work as a common laborer at a dollar per day and on that salary maintained his family. He afterward engaged in ranching in connection with the Platte Land Company and eventually he purchased eighty acres of land in Adams county. He has since leased other property and he now has thirty acres planted to beans and fifty-six acres in corn. He produces good crops as the result of his practical and progressive methods and an air of neatness and thrift pervades his place. Everything about the farm is kept in good condition and the work is systematically done, so that substantial results accrue.

On the 1st of January, 1888, near Max, Nebraska, Mr. Townsend was united in marriage to Miss Corabelle Davis, a daughter o5 Elijah G. Davis. Their children are four in number: Charles; Lula, the wife of Frank Lydon, by whom she has three children: Corabelle, the wife of John Willis, by whom she has two children, Ralph and Bessie; and Joy, now in school.

In his political views Mr. Townsend is an earnest democrat and has served as justice of the peace in Aurora township for three terms. In this office he has proven faithful and loyal, his decisions being strictly fair and impartial, being based upon the law and the equity in the case. He has. however, never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, as his business affairs have made steady demand upon his time and energy. Obstacles and difficulties have at various points in his career impeded his progress toward the goal of success, but with persistent effort he has pushed forward and is today one of the substantial ranchmen of his section of the state.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, p. 801

Tuck, Walter E.

Walter E. Tuck, devoting his time and energies to general farming near Eastlake, was born in England on the 23d of November, 1871, a son of Alfred and Maria (Woodingham) Tuck. The father came to Colorado in 1880, making his way to Blackhawk, where he resided for a few months, and in the spring of 1881 he removed to Golden, where he homesteaded. He has one hundred and sixty acres in Arapahoe county and has carried on general farming. He has also engaged in preaching the gospel as a minister of the Methodist church for fifty years, in addition to his farm work, and his pastoral labors have been attended with excellent success. For eleven years he has been the minister at Wesley Chapel. To him and his wife were born
four children: Frances, the wife of John Alderson; Emma, the wife of John Evans; William A.; and Walter E.

The last named is indebted to District School No. 3 in the Arapahoe district for his educational opportunities and when his textbooks were put aside he concentrated his efforts and attention upon farm work, in which he has since engaged. He now has sixty acres of land in the vicinity of Eastlake, which is devoted to the production of beets, alfalfa and grain. His business affairs are wisely and carefully managed. His early experience well qualified him for the conduct of farming interests in later lite, and his practical and progressive methods are bringing him very abundant crops.

Mr. Tuck was married in Adams county on the old homestead farm on the 14th of October, 1S96, to Miss Louise C. Beigel, a daughter of Henry and Augusta Beigel. She was born in Minnesota and passed away in March, 1909. The eight children born of that marriage are Maude, Henry, Eva, Albert, Robert and Ruth, twins, Grace and Amelia. On the 17th of September, 1916, Mr. Tuck was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Dena Evans.

Mr. Tuck is an independent republican, for while he usually supports the men and measures of the republican party he does not hold himself bound by party ties. He has served as school director in his district but is never ambitious to occupy public positions. He belongs ta the Grange and is an active and earnest member of the Congregational church, in which he is serving as trustee, while of the Sunday school he is acting as superintendent. His work in this direction is far-reaching and beneficial. He does everything in his power to promote the growth of the church and extend its influence, and his labors have been a potent element in promoting the moral progress of the community.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 762-763