Biographies U-Z | Adams County, COGenWeb

BIOGRAPHIES U - Z

Van Every, Herbert

Herbert Van Every dates his residence in Adams county from the spring of 1888, at which time he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land which he has since converted into a valuable and productive farm. He was born in Ontario, Norfolk county, Canada, on the 9th of May, 1866, a son of John F. and Lucy (Kew) Van Every, who are likewise natives of Ontario, where the father followed the occupation of farming and where he and his wife still make their home. They have a family of eight children, of whom Herbert is the fourth in order of birth. An uncle, Hiram Van Every, now deceased, crossed the plains in the early '60s, in that period when everything was wild, when Indians were far more numerous than the white settlers
and when travel caused the people to face not only many hardships and privations but also many dangers. He settled in Arapahoe county and continued to follow farming here until his death. His widow is living at the home of Richard Talbot and Herbert Van Every is his only living nephew in Colorado.

In the graded schools of his native county Herbert Van Every pursued his education and after his textbooks , were put aside remained upon the home farm for a few years, but the opportunities of the west attracted him and in the spring of 1888 he came to Colorado, making his way to Arapahoe county, now Adams county, where lie secured a homestead claim of one hundred and sixty acres. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made upon the place at that period, but with characteristic energy he began the development of the farm and has since converted it into a valuable property. He has upon the place a fine residence, a large and substantial barn and all necessary improvements. He irrigated the land and has devoted
his attention to the raising of grain and alfalfa. He now leases eighty acres of his place but owns altogether one hundred and seventy-five acres, having added to the original tract.

On the 21st of June, 1898, Mr. Van Every was married to Miss Edith Cline, a daughter of Solomon and Sarah (Woodley) Cline. Both of her parents were natives of Ontario, Canada, and in 1867 they crossed the plains, settling in Arapahoe county, Colorado, where they passed away. Mrs. Van Every attended District School No. 3 and afterward was graduated from the East Denver high school. For four years she engaged in teaching in Districts Nos. 3 and 53 and is a lady of liberal education and culture who is doing great good in the world. By her marriage she has become the mother of four children: Cline, Ruth, John and Kent.

Mr. Van Every gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He served as school director of District No. 11 for a number of years and was at one time county chairman of the progressive party. Hunting constitutes his favorite sport and from this he gains his relaxation. His wife is a member of the Royal Neighbors, also of the First Baptist church of Denver and of the Red Cross and is thus actively assisting in war work.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 567-568

Washburn, Jonas

Jonas Washburn is now living retired in Aurora, Adams county, but his has been a most active, busy and useful life. He has at different periods been prominently identified with merchandizing, railroading, mining, contracting, farming, stock raising and dairying, and the methods he has employed in the attainment of his success well entitle him to the respect which is uniformly accorded him. He was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, May 17, 1845, a son of Nicholas and Mariah (Smith) Washburn, who were natives of the state of New York. The father removed to Pennsylvania in 1815 and there engaged in the lumber business and also in merchandising. Both he and his wife were for many years residents of Pennsylvania, continuing in that state until called to their final rest. Four sons were born to them, of whom three are living.

Jonas Washburn spent his youthful days in the state of his nativity and is indebted to its public school system for the educational advantages he received. At length he determined to try his fortune in the west and in February, 1879, arrived in Colorado. He first located in Golden where he sought and obtained employment, with the old wholesale grocery house of Chatman & Company, as salesman, both in the store and on the outside as traveling representative, "in which latter capacity, he traveled on horseback to the surrounding mining camps, including Blackhawk, Idaho Springs and Central City. In December of 1879, he came to Denver and there entered the employ of the Union Pacific Railway Company, in the freight department. Later,
he joined the operating forces of the Denver & Rio Grande Railway Company, and was placed in charge of the supply department. The road being then under construction, his work was of a most important and exacting character, and a part of the duties performed by him was the forwarding to the front, of six thousand five hundred men, whose labors went towards the building of this important artery of commerce.

In December, 1880, he became associated with Brick Pomeroy in the mining business, and pursued this line of activity in Central City, Idaho Springs, and other points throughout the state.

In March, 1887, he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He purchased a ranch of three hundred and twenty acres, eleven miles from Denver, and under his careful management, it ultimately became one of the best improved places in the state. He was largely instrumental in obtaining the establishment of a railroad station, and shipping point there, by contributing liberally towards the expense of installing the tracks for switching, and other facilities. The station was first named "Washburn," but is now known as Hazeltine. During his residence upon this ranch, he engaged in the dairy business, specializing in high grade Jersey stock, and he has been instrumental, in no small degree, in improving the standard of stock in general, and Jerseys in particular, throughout Colorado and the west. Disposing of this property, which had in the meantime been brought to a high state of improvement, he purchased another, and established a dairy, at Montclair, and conducted the same successfully during the following years.

In 1900, he removed to Aurora, locating upon the property where he now resides. He organized the Washburn Jersey Dairy Company, which soon acquired distinction as one of the leading dairy companies of Denver and its environs. The company continued in business until 1916, during which time, Mr. Washburn was its president and general manager. In addition to the dairying feature, the company engaged extensively in the stock business, raising highly bred Jersey cattle as well as large numbers of beef stock. The company also became noted for the finely bred horses, raised on its ranch, as well as for general agricultural and irrigation work, which it conducted extensively. The various lines of enterprise, largely reflected the initiative
and far-sightedness of Mr. Washburn, who was responsible for their introduction and development. His intelligently directed efforts and unfaltering enterprise brought to him a measure of success that now enables him to live retired, enjoying rest and comfort as the fruit of his former toil.

In 1868 Mr. Washburn was married to Miss Harriett Frink, a native of New York city and daughter of Orin and Edith (Smith) Frink. Mr. and Mrs. Washburn occupy an attractive home in the town and still own eighty acres of fine farm land. They are consistent members of the Presbyterian church and their religious faith has guided them in all of the relations of life. While they have had no children born to them, they have reared and educated four boys, each of whom is now married, and all have homes of their own. Fraternally Mr. Washburn is connected with the Masons, having become a member of the craft, in his home town of Scranton. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party, and his fellow townsmen, appreciative of his worth and ability, have called him to public office. He has served on the city board and for three terms was mayor of Aurora, giving to the city a businesslike and progressive administration in which he brought about needed reforms and improvements. He has always stood for public progress in civic affairs and has supported many measures for the welfare and benefit of community and country.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 687-688

Webster, Rockwood G.

Rockwood G. Webster followed farming in Adams county for many years but is now living retired, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He was born in Aurora, Illinois, December 10, 1839, a son of Moore R. and Mary (McCrelliss) Webster, both of whom were natives of New Hampshire. They removed to Illinois in 1831 and settled in Kane county, taking up their abode upon a farm which continued to be their place of residence throughout their remaining days. The father was a second cousin of the distinguished American statesman. Daniel Webster, and also a cousin of Noah Webster, the lexicographer. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Moore R. Webster were five children, but Rockwood G. is the only one now living.

Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, Rockwood G. Webster pursued his education in the schools of Aurora. Illinois, after which he remained with his parents until he reached the age of twenty and then went to Chicago, where he engaged in the grocery business for eight years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Sterling. Illinois, where he carried on mercantile interests until 1869. He then sold out and came to Colorado, settling near Denver, where he engaged in the cattle business for eighteen years. In 1871 he purchased the farm whereon he now resides in Adams county, comprising three hundred and twenty acres, all of which is under ditch and is highly improved. He has introduced irrigation and made all of the improvements upon the farm himself and has made his property very valuable. Here he is extensively and successfully engaged in raising horses
and is considered an authority upon anything connected with the business.

In 1860 Mr. Webster was united in marriage to Miss Mary D. Cook and to them were born three children: Charles H., now a resident of California; Edward E., deceased; and Mary D., the widow of Ray Watson and a resident of Greeley, Colorado. The wife and mother passed away in 1893 and in 1897 Mr. Webster was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Mary F. Randall, the widow of W. F. Randall. By her former marriage she had one son, R. J. Randall.

Mr. Webster served on the school board in his home neighborhood for several years. He is a stanch democrat in politics, having given stalwart support to the party since attaining his majority. For eight years he has filled the office of county commissioner, making a most creditable record in that position, as is indicated in his reelection. He has closely studied the welfare of the community and has exercised his official prerogatives in support of all plans and measures whicli he believes will benefit the county in any way. He is widely recognized as a man of genuine personal worth. He has a beautiful farm on which he has planted trees along both, sides of the road and some of these are now two feet in thickness. For an extended period he was one of the leading agriculturists of Adams county and is still identified with farming and stock raising interests, although at the present time he
largely leaves the work of his place to others, while he is enjoying well earned rest.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 653-654

Welch, Lester Bancroft

Lester Bancroft Welch, who for many years has been identified with farming interests near Brighton, where he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land at an early day, was born in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, on the 3d of October, 1833, a son of Josiah and Julia N. (Bancroft) Welch. He pursued his education in the public schools of his native county and afterward worked with his father in the blacksmith shop until twenty-three years of age, during which time he developed mechanical skill and ingenuity which have been of much worth to him in later years. He then left home and removed to a settlement about four miles in the country, there establishing a blacksmith shop and engaging in business on his own account. Not long afterward, however, he removed to Iowa and from that state crossed the plains to Colorado. For a brief period he worked in Denver and then homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in Adams county, Colorado, which he has farmed until recently. He still has one hundred and five acres of land which returns to him a gratifying annual income by reason of the care and labor which is bestowed upon it. As the years passed he
carefully, systematically and persistently cultivated his fields and as the result of his unfaltering industry won a substantial measure of success in his farming operations. He added many modern improvements to his land and converted his place into one of the excellent ranch properties of Adams county. In addition to his homestead he has a beautiful city residence in Denver at No. 579 Elati street.

Mr. Welch was married in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, to Miss L. A. Hammond and they have two children, Minnie and Robert. Mr. Welch is a republican in his political views, having ever given stalwart support to the party since reaching adult age. He has never sought nor desired office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. He has now passed the eighty-fifth milestone on life's journey and is one of the venerable and respected citizens of his section of the state, with which he has been closely, prominently and honorably connected from pioneer times
to the present. His worth as a man is attested by all who know him and as a ranchman he has contributed in marked measure to the development of the section in which he lives.

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

Whytal, Joseph E.

Joseph E. Whytal, engaged in general farming in Adams county, was born in Kansas on the 1st of November, 1860, a son of Joseph and Helen (Miller) Whytal. The father was a native of Nova Scotia, while the mother was born in Illinois. In 1858 they became residents of Kansas, settling on a farm in that state, where for many years the father devoted his attention to the cultivation of the soil. Both he and his wife died in that state.

Joseph E. Whytal, their only child, was reared and educated in Kansas, pursuing his studies in the common schools. Through the periods of vacation he assisted his father in farm work and remained at home until he attained his majority, when he started out in life independently. He removed to western Kansas, where he took up a homestead claim and at once began its development and cultivation. He lived thereon until 1892. when he removed to Colorado, settling in Adams county. Still later, he spent a number of years on the Pacific coast where he engaged in farming and fruit raising, in California and also in Washington. In 1899, he returned to Colorado and again secured farm land and through the intervening period, covering about twenty years, has given his attention to general agricultural pursuits. His farm is carefully cultivated and produces rich crops annually, owing to his practical and progressive methods. The place is neat and thrifty in appearance and upon it are found excellent improvements. In addition to his farming interests Mr. Whytal is connected with banking as one of the directors of the Eastlake State Bank. His property comprises one hundred and fifty-two acres of land.

On January 1, 1901, Mr. Whytal was married to Miss Nellie McCrea and to them have been born three children: Edwin, Elsie and Otis. Mrs. Whytal belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and takes an active part in charitable, and church work. She is a native of Iowa, and a daughter of William O. and Rachel (Starry) McCrea, who removed to Nebraska in 1880, and were numbered among the pioneers of that state. They took up a homestead in Furnas county, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. Whytal has membership with the Knights of The Maccabees and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. He has never been an office seeker or filled political positions but has served as school director and is interested in the welfare and progress of the community to the extent of giving hearty cooperation to all plans and movements for the general good. He is recognized as one of the progressive, successful citizens of Adams county.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 559-560

Williamson, J. A.

J. A. Williamson, the postmaster and one of the merchants of Barr Lake, was born in Portage county, Ohio. December 6, 1845, his parents being Allen and Margaret (Wilson) Williamson. The father was born in Pennsylvania, while the mother was a native of Ohio, in which state they were married. There they resided for some time and the mother passed away in that state, after which the father came to Colorado in 1870 and spent his last days in the west. Their family numbered three children, two of whom survive.

J. A. Williamson spent his boyhood days under the parental roof and in the acquirement of his education attended the public schools. With the outbreak of the Civil war. however, his patriotic spirit was aroused, and although he was yet a youth in his teens, he responded to the country's call for aid, joining the Union army as one of the boys in blue of Company M, Ninth Ohio Cavalry. He served with that command for two years and although he was frequently on active duty in the thickest of the fight, he was never wounded. He was with Sherman on the celebrated marh to the sea and took part in all of the engagements of that campaign. He never faltered in the performance of duty, and his bravery and valor were recognized by all of his comrades.

When the war was over Mr. Williamson returned to his Ohio home and was mustered out at Columbus, that state. He continued to live in Ohio until 1870, when attracted by the opportunities of the west, he made his way to Colorado, settling in Denver, where he resided for about fourteen years. In 1884 he returned to the Mississippi valley, taking up his abode in Chicago, Illinois, where he lived for three years, during which time he was employed at the Union stock yards. In August, 1887, he went to California, settling at Oakland, where he worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad Company as a conductor. He continued upon the western coast until 1896, when he came to Adams county, Colorado, where he engaged in merchandising, opening a store at Barr Lake. Here he has since remained and has steadily conducted his business with good success. He carries an attractive line of goods and is enjoying a gratifying patronage. During the period of his early residence in Colorado he was a conductor and also an engineer, being one of tlie first conductors running on a train into Denver.

In 1876 Mr. Williamson was married to Miss Carrie Lahr, who was born in New York, a daughter of John and Dorothy Lahr. They own the residence which they occupy and Mr. Williamson has forty-three lots in the town and the store building in which he conducts business. In 1897 he was appointed postmaster of Barr Lake and has since served under different administrations, being reappointed under civil service rule in 1914. His political allegiance has been unfalteringly given to the republican party since he cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. He has served as secretary of the school board for eleven years and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. In fact his aid and influence are always given on the side of progress and advancement and his work has been a potent force in the upbuilding of the community in which he makes his home.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 649-650

Wolff, John R.

Liberal educational training well qualified John R. Wolff for professional activity and since 1900 he has been actively and successfully engaged in the practice of law in Boulder. He was born upon a farm in Jefferson county, Colorado, near Denver, in 1877. His grandfather, John B. Wolff, was a native of Martinsburg, Virginia, and was a son of Joseph Wolff, who served America as a soldier in the War of 1812 and again in the Mexican war. He was also keeper of the Long Bridge at Washington, D. C, during the Civil war. His father had been a soldier in the Continental army during the Revolutionary war and thus through many generations the family has manifested the utmost loyalty to American interests. John Wolff, the father of John R. Wolff of this review, was born in Wheeling, Virginia, now West Virginia, in the year 1848 and was a youth of fourteen years when in July, 18fi2, he arrived in Colorado in company with his father. They settled upon a ranch near Denver, where John Wolff remained for six or seven years. He then returned eastward as far as Iowa and spent two years in that state, after which he again became a resident of Colorado, settling in Larimer county. At a later period he removed to Adams county, where he engaged in ranching for a number of years and then took up his abode in Boulder, where he now makes his home.

Between the years 1881 and 1895 John R. Wolft remained upon his father's farm in Adams county, Colorado, having the usual experiences that fall to the lot of the farmbred boy who divides his time between the acquirement of a public school education and the work of the fields. He continued in the district schools until 1888, when he entered the North Denver high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1895. He determined upon a professional career and with that end in view entered the University of Colorado at Boulder, completing his law course as a graduate of the class of 1899 and finishing his academic course as a member of the class of 1900. Thus well qualified by liberal literary and professional training, he entered upon the practice of his profession in Boulder and through the intervening years has specialized in mining law, showing marked ability in handling important cases of this character, while the extent of his clientage indicates much concerning his success.

On the 22d of July, 1903, Mr. Wolff was united in marriage to Miss Maude C. Hague, a daughter of Charles G. Hague, and they now have two children, John R. and Lois Josephine. Mr. Wolff is a member of the First Presbyterian church, is also identified with the Boulder Club and is a Master Mason. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and these associations and membership relations indicate much of the nature of his interests and the rules which govern his conduct. Aside from his activity along those lines and in the path of his profession he is greatly interested in mining and is a director in many mining companies, having made most judicious investment in mining properties in this section of the country. His judgment is sound, his discrimination keen and his investments have brought to him a substantial financial return. There ars few, if any, more thoroughly conversant with mining law in all of its departments and phases, and the soundness of his legal opinions is attested by colleagues and contemporaries at the bar.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 315-316

Wright, William M.

William M. Wright, residing a mile and a half north of Loveland, his home being on section 2, township 5, range 69 west, was born in Adams county, Ohio, October 17, 1838, and has therefore passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey. During this long period he has witnessed many events which have shaped the history of this country and of the world, while in his home locality he has taken an active part in upholding those interests which have contributed to the material, social and moral progress of the community. His parents, Finley S. and Nancy M. (Mclntyre) Wright, were also natives of Ohio, where the father followed the occupation of farming until 1846, when he removed with his family to Iowa, settling in Lee county near
Keokuk. He there purchased land which he cultivated for ten years and then removed to Hancock county, Illinois, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1868. He afterward went to Page county, Iowa, and later moved across the line into Missouri, where he purchased land which he further developed and improved throughout his remaining days. He passed away May 29, 1886, having for a number of years survived his wife, whose death occurred in November, 1867.

William M. Wright was reared and educated in Iowa and Illinois and remained with hi3 parents until he had reached the age of twenty-two years, when he began working as a farm hand for others. He was thus employed until 1862, when he to the country's call for troops, enlisting with the boys in blue of Company C, Seventy-seventh Illinois Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war, or for a period of three years, being mustered out on the 10th of July, 1865, at Mobile, Alabama. Several times his clothing and cap were pierced by bullets but he was uninjured, returning to his home with a most creditable military record.

Mr. Wright then resumed work as a farm hand and later rented land, which he cultivated for a year. He afterward spent two years in eastern Iowa and two years in western Iowa, subsequent to which time he removed to Kansas, where he took up a homestead claim that he cultivated from 1S72 until 1879. In the latter year he came to Colorado for the purpose of looking over the state with a view to locating in the west and in 1880 he bought a relinquishment, which he at once began to develop. He has since concentrated his efforts and attention upon this place, which he has brought under a high state of cultivation until it is today a valuable ranch property of one hundred and sixty acres — the visible testimony of his life of well directed energy and thrift.

In March, 1866, Mr. Wright was married to Miss Arminta D. Puntenney and to them were born six children. Samuel, the eldest, born February 22, 1868, is married and is now farming his father's place. Myrtie J., born August 24, 1869, became the wife of C. E. Puntenney and passed away in Pueblo, Colorado, November 14, 1906, at the age of thirty-seven years, leaving two children: Hattie, who is now a school teacher in Weld county; and John W., a member of the United States army. Elizabeth, born June 18. 1871, died September 28, 1893, at the age of twenty-two years. John, born January 19, 1874, is residing in Loveland. Colorado. Arminta, born February 29, 1876, died November 17, 1893, at the age of seventeen years. Martha M., born May 20, 1878, is the wife of Walter Evett, who is farming in Larimer county. The wife and mother passed away December 29, 1912, after an illness extending over several years.

In his political views Mr. Wright is a prohibitionist, which indicates his attitude concerning the suppression of the liquor traffic, and he has done everything in his power to promote the temperance cause. While in Kansas he served as postmaster for five years but otherwise has not held or desired office. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old military comrades. His religious faith is that of the United Presbyterian church, of which he became a member in 1862 and of which he is now a ruling elder. He has always taken a helpful interest in the work of the church, and his aid and influence have always been given in support of those plans which are looking to the uplift of the individual and to the benefit of the community at large. His has been an honorable and upright life, in which he has little to regret, having held to high ideals, commanding the respect, confidence and goodwill of all with him he has been associated.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 491-492

Wylie, James Norman

A spirit of enterprise and progressiveness has won James Norman Wylie a place among the prominent and successful ranchers in Adams county. He was born in Pennsylvania, about sixteen miles from Pittsburgh, on the 19th of February, 1852, a son of James Patterson and Hannah (Stewart) Wylie and a nephew of the Rev. Samuel O. Wylie, a prominent minister of the Reformed Presbyterian church. His brother, Samuel Oliver Wylie, was a soldier of the Civil war. The old homestead in Pennsylvania of six hundred acres is now the site of the Crucible Steel Company, the plant of which covers altogether three hundred acres of ground and is one of the largest steel plants in the United States today.

James N. Wylie pursued his education in the Jefferson township district schools near his father's home, continuing his studies until he was about sixteen years of age, after which he worked on his father's farm until he came to Colorado in 1893. Here he again Identified himself with agricultural interests, purchasing a ranch of one hundred and twenty acres in Adams county, upon which he lived for three years. He lost three crops, however, two by hail and one by flood. He then went to the Klondike, where he spent a year and a half, after which he returned to Colorado, and for fifteen years was empoyed by the Mountain States Telephone & Telegraph Company. He then removed to the ranch which he had purchased in 1902, comprising forty acres of land near Henderson. He had previously rented the place and has made it his home continuously since. To his farm he has added many modern and attractive improvements, including a substantial residence, built in an attractive modern style of architecture, and large and commodious barns and corrals. He has forty acres of the best land in this section of the state and thereon raises beans, corn, melons and alfalfa. His crops are very large and he is classed with the prominent and representative agriculturists of the community.

On the 24th of November, 1874, in Monongahela City, Pennsylvania, Mr. Wylie was married to Miss Alice Barbara Mellinger, a daughter of Major William and Jane (Black) Mellinger and a granddaughter of one of the wealthiest men of his time in Washington county, Pennsylvania. She had three brothers who were soldiers of the Civil war and one of these had a son who is now serving with the United States army in France. Mrs. Wylie was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and by her marriage has become the mother of two children, Jeanetta B. and Norman Arthur Wylie, who is manager with the Rugby Coal Company of Denver. He married Miss Minette Webb, of Denver, and they have a son, Verne Gray Wylie.

Mr. Wylie is a member of the Royal League. His religious faith is indicated by his connection with the Central Christian church of Denver and his political belief is evidenced in the strong support which he gives to the republican party. He has ever been loyal to high ideals of citizenship, and his aid and support can always be counted upon to further any progressive public measure. At the same time he is a progressive and wideawake business man and one who is carrying forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 473-474

Young, Dewert E.

The growth and development of any commonwealth is but a reflection of the character of those men and women who had part in its building, and indicate the stern determination of purpose, the courage and industry, necessary on the part of those who faced the dangers and privations of a frontier country. Among those who have had part in the winning of the Centennial state, and who have been witness to its transformation from a wilderness, is Dewert E. Young, now a resident of Adams county.

Mr. Young is a native of the Empire state, having been born in Bath, Steuben county. New York, on the 15th of October, 1846. He grew to manhood in his native state, sharing in the excellent educational advantages afforded the youth of that section, and being reared upon the farm he acquired an early knowledge of agriculture as practiced in that older settled community. It was in 1876. that he bade adieu to friends, family and native state, and started for the west to seek health and fortune in the Rocky Mountain country. Arriving in Denver, he sought that opening which best combined opportunity with the out-door life necessary to the restoration of his failing health, and accepted a position as a sheep herder, in Elbert county, at a salary of twenty dollars per month. However, in looking back over the past, Mr. Young clearly recognizes the fact that it is not so much by a monetary standard, that his
greatest reward can be measured, for not only was his health fully restored, but he also acquired first-hand information and knowledge of the sheep industry, which he soon put to practical and valuable use, for not many years had passed until the humble herder had become one of the best known and most extensive sheep growers in the western country. Within a year of his arrival in Colorado, he began acquiring a herd of his own. Beginning in a small way, with a few head, he added thereto until, eventually, he had in his herds as many as eighteen thousand animals, and was supplying to the market as high as one hundred thousand pounds of wool a year. To care for and attend his sheep required the services of from twenty-five to thirty employes, though at no time did he relinquish the direct management of his affairs, the rapid and substantial growth of which, bespoke shrewd business Judgment coupled with that degree of executive ability which revels in the achievement of high ideals.

About the year 1886 in addition to his extensive sheep raising. Mr. Y'oung embarked in the meat supply industry by organizing the house of Y'oung Brothers, his brother, John v., being associated with him in the enterprise. A wholesale business exclusively was conducted by them, limited entirely to the handling and marketing of mutton and lambs, and was continued until 1911, having become, in the meanwhile, one of the largest in the west.

Mr. Young now makes his home upon his splendid ranch of three hundred and twenty acres, near Henderson, and which under his supervision, has been transformed into one of the finest farms in the state, splendidly improved with every modern equipment and device for scientific cultivation, as well as with handsome and commodious buildings.

In 1S95, Mr. Young wedded Miss Carrie E. Swan, who was born in Sturgis, St. Joseph county, Michigan, and has been a resident of Colorado since 1882, at which time she accompanied her parents, when they took up their abode in Denver. Like her husband, Mrs. Young has also had active part in the upbuilding of the state, and will leave upon its records the imprint of her genius and character. After having laid the foundation for her education in the public schools of her native place, she became a student in Kalamazoo College, at the age of eighteen years, and there she pursued a thorough course of general study. Having a marked talent for art. she decided to make this her life work and pursued her studies at Cooper Institute, New York, and also at the Philadelphia Art School in Philadelphia. Soon afterwards came the migration to the west and within a week of her arrival in Denver she had opened an art studio and entered actively into her art work. Her skill soon brought her fame and many pupils and for years she was numbered among the leaders in art circles in the capital city, while in her home today, may be seen splendid and charming specimens of her personal work — studies from nature, comprising both still and animal life, appealing alike to the taste of the layman and the judgment of the connoisseur. Her activities in Colorado also present the unusual combination of the artistic temperament with keen business judgment, for in conjunction with her art work and
while conducting her studio in Denver, Mrs. Voung homesteaded on four hundred and eighty acres of land fourteen miles north of the city, upon which she erected a seven room dwelling, built fences, stocked and generally improved the farm, thus adding in a substantial way to the material as well as to the educational advancement of the state. She has also taken active part in woman's work, and is a member of the Woman's Club and the Baptist church of Denver.

In his political affiliations, Mr. Young is a republican though he has never sought office. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having been initiated into the mysteries of the order while still a resident of New York state. For forty-two years he has lived in Colorado, witnessing its growth and development and as one of the pioneer settlers a record of his achievements finds a fitting place in this work. He passed through the period of frontier hardships and privations and aided in laying deep and firm the foundation upon which has been built the present progress and prosperity of the state. Both Mr. and Mrs. Young can look back and trace their progress in tokens which bring naught but satisfaction and which bespeak years well
spent. Such records stand out upon life's pathway as beacon lights to those who follow after and show what can be accomplished when there is the will to dare and to do.

History of Colorado, Vol. 4, by Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed., (c) 1918, pp. 636-637