return to 1880 Denver  

John J. Maxey, dealer in agricultural implements and a man who has met with much success through his business ability and sterling worth, was born in New Orleans, La. His parents removed to St. Joseph, Mo., when he was seven years of age. At sixteen years of age, he began to learn the wagon and buggy manufacturing business, serving as an apprentice two years in St. Joseph and one in Western Missouri. After working as a journeyman five years longer, four years as foreman in the employ of the Holladay Stage Company, he came, in the fall of 1861, to Denver. He found himself possessed, on his arrival, of a $5 gold piece, with which he paid his first week's board. He was employed by the Overland Stage Company for some little time and in the fall of 1866, formed a partnership with W. J. Kinsey, continuing with him until the fall of 1870, since which time he has continued the business alone in the same locality. He is the owner of a fine farm in Larimer County and a fruit ranch in Los Angeles, Cal. and is, therefore, enabled to test the worth and utility of his stock in trade on his own premises.