May 1871 Golden, Colorado "David Leavitt returned from an eastern visit, bringing his family with him to make their home in Golden. Mr. Leavitt is in charge of the engineering department of the Colorado Central."
June 1871 Golden
August 1871 Golden "David Leavitt, our nominee for County Surveyor, although not an old citizen of the county, is well-known as a civil engineer of more than twenty years exper--lence, and there cannot be any doubt of his ability to fill the position to which he 18 nominated."
May 1, 1872 Golden, Colorado
David Leavitt claimed 160 acres in sections 21 and 28, 8N 52W in 1874.
"By 1874, enough settlers had arrived in Old Sterling that a post office called Sterling was established. Frank Soper was the post master and there were stage travelers between Denver, Julesburg and Cheyenne that passed through the Old Sterling settlement with Rocky Mountain mail, cargo and people that were coming to the area to settle."
September 1875 an article in the Greeley Tribune - no author listed. had one section on Sterling:
"The stage and mail route stop at South Platte, but the people carry the mail down to Sterling , some twenty-five miles at their own cost, but the postmasters are regularly appointed. What is needed is a line from Julesburg to Greeley and back, once a week on the north side and the same on the south side. Mr. Flory has a fine dairy, and he had on hand about 1,000 pounds of butter. It may be said here that almost all the ranchmen make butter, and that Greeley is their market. Some trading is done at Sidney on the Union Pacific, forty miles from Buffalo, but the prices of all farm products are low, and the stocks of goods are not near as extensive as at Greeley. It is likely they can sell considerable hay at Sidney at the military post. Traveling along the verge of meadows in which cattle were feeding and men were running mowing machines, we came to S. W. Hadfield's ranch, consisting of 900 acres, mostly meadow, 600 of which are on an island. He has 700 sheep, and a dairy of cows which are taken this season by Mr Armburst. They had 500 pounds of butter on hand. Mr. Hadifeld had good improvements, and he can irrigate from the Sterling ditch, which runs in front of the door. It seems also that another ditch is to be taken out to run some distance to the north, covering 5,000 acres. The post-office, north of Mr. Hadfield's, is kept by Mr. Troyer, who has raised good crops under the Sterling ditch, and the name of this office is Sardina.
We slept in our blankets on some hay by the side of the corral, the sheep inside, we outside. On the island were some trees, but none were seen below, and above were none, with few exceptions, for about forty miles, in fact trees are scarce below Fremont's Orchard.
Starting the next morning, we soon reached the Sterling fence - for they have established a fence district under the statute. This fence is well constructed, it is about fifteen miles long, and it encloses over 10,000 acres. As yet there are only posts and wires, poles are to be added hereafter. Soon after passing the fence we came to a large and beautiful tract of land, which, strictly speaking, is neither upland nor bottom, but the soil is dark and rich, and the grass was so green and tall, that thousands of acres could be mowed. The view was broad and grand, and justice compels the acknowledgement that this is the finest tract of land yet seen. Certainly there is no such body of land at Greeley, nor anywhere above on the Platte, nor on any of its tributaries, nor on the Arkansas; we were told, however, that there is a tract still better towards Julesburg. Sterling has some dozen houses, each one on 160 acres. The site intended for the town is not yet built upon. The postmaster, Mr. Leavitt, also a surveyor seems to be one of the leading men. D. W. Davis is secretary of the Fence District, and he and Mr. Perkins seem to he taking the lead in pushing things forward. A considerable portion of the settlers are from the Southern States, and the great amount of good land, the establishment of the fence whereby other fencing is avoided, and the building of the ditch ought to furnish inducements for other Southern people to come hither and help form a prosperous community. Sterling should become the county seat of a new county, and a town of several hundred people might soon be built which in time would reach much larger proportions; indeed, here are all the elements for as prosperous a community as can be found anywhere in the world. Thci-e are two great drawbacks, one is the want of fuel, which is found thirty to forty miles distant to the north, mostly of cedar. But they are seeking coal, and the prospect is so good that several feet of slate have been reached, and it still continues. Next is the distance to market, which for some time at least must be Greeley. The Colorado Central has graded a track from Julesburg to Greeley and Golden City, 200 miles, but the laying of the iron has been abandoned, mainly on account of the difficulty of getting money. It may be confidently predicted that the road will be completed within three years, perhaps sooner."
Frank, warrantee of Joseph Marshall for service in Captain Campbell's Company, Georgia Militia, claimed a tract in sections 21 and 28, 8N 52W in 1876.
POSSIBLE
October 1878 Denver "A pleasant little wedding ceremony transpired at the residence of Captain Paddock, on Glenarm street, last evening at 8 o'clock. The contracting parties were Miss M. E. Abbott, a sister of Captain Paddock's wife, and Frank Soper, a young gentleman well and favorably known in this city. The ceremony was performed in the presence of a few intimate friends of the contracting parties, by Rev. F. M. Ellis, pastor of the First Baptist church. After the marriage the bridal party and their guests sat down to a handsome wedding supper prepared by Captain Paddock and his estimable wife. The groom, Mr. Soper, has been a popular attache' of B. H. Bayles' carpet house for some years, and his many friends will join with The News in wishing him and his young bride a long and happy wedded life."
October 20, 1889 Denver "Miss Maggie Mitchell, the actress, who recently obtained a divorce from her husband, Mr. Paddock, has married Charles Abbott, leading man in her company."
Januazry 31, 1892 Denver "Mrs. John Elitch entertained Mr. and Mrs. Charles Abbott ('Maggie Mitchell') and her daughter and son, Aliss and Mr. Paddock, at lunch on Thursday last at the Douglas, California street. In the evening Mr. and Mrs. Abbott entertained a box party of fifteen at the Broadway, and they afterwards enjoyed an elaborate suppsr at the Metropole."
February 24, 1905
January 1, 1908 " Captain Augustus Paddock, father of L. C. Paddock, editor of the Boulder Camera, died at Boulder, December 24th, from pneumonia. He was in his 83d year. Up to 1873 he was one ot the leading lumbermen of Michigan. For the last four years he lived in Boulder. "
Lucius C. Paddock claimed cash-claimed a quarter in section 3, 10N 49W in 1888.
February 1897
October 1937
April 1969
In 1880 Leadville, Frank Soper 30 is a store clerk, Mary Soper 24 Wife.
August 1883 " Pueblo, Aug. 4-The cellar of the large wholesale grocery house cf Smith, McCord Co. was partly filled with water last night, causing a damage of nearly $2,000. Louis Sehman's cellar, stocked with choice tobacco, was also flooded. He loses about $9,000 worth of goods. Frank Soper and Peale & Co. were damaged for severs! hundred dollars by water, which soaked the stock of carpets. A good many minor casualties on account of last night'a storm, including washouts in very direction on the railroads."
July 1884 Pueblo " Frank Soper, very lately of the Coeur d'Alene country, has returned to Pueblo, and never again will he be caught with the gold fever. He thinks a dog is better off in Pueblo than the millionaire is in that land of frauds. The other members of the party who went with him will return in a few days. "
In 1885 Pueblo, Colorado, Frank Soper is a cigar dealer, 36, Mary E. Soper 27 Wife, William L. Soper 5 Son, Henry A. Soper 2 Son, and Nora Soper 1/12 Daughter.
Franklin L. Soper Divorce Date 17 Sep 1887 Divorce Place Denver, Colorado, Spouse Mary E. Soper.
In 1900 Denver, Frank Soper is a jeweler, born July 1850 in New Jersey, Mary Soper born February 1856 in Massachusetts, Wife, Willar?? Soper 19 Son, Frank A. Soper 16 Son, and Sarah A. Soper 13 Daughter.
Frank Soper BIRTH 6 Jul 1849 Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts, DEATH Aug 1907 BURIAL Fairmount Cemetery Denver, Colorado, MEMORIAL ID 22983759.
In 1910 Denver, Mary E. Soper 54 is widowed, Willard L. Soper 29 Son, divorced, an elevator operator.
Mary E. Soper BIRTH 18 Feb 1856 DEATH 22 Aug BURIAL Fairmount Cemetery Denver, Colorado, MEMORIAL ID 22983802.
Willard Lysander Soper Sr. BIRTH 6 Jun 1880 Leadville, Lake County, Colorado, DEATH 1956 BURIAL Crown Hill Cemetery Wheat Ridge, Jefferson County, Colorado, MEMORIAL ID 176708546.
FRANK SOPER IN PUEBLO
March 1895 Pueblo "Pueblo once had a mattress factory, and just as it got a good start Denver shut it up and carried it away. But Denver don’t do that way now. Denver finds that Pueblo is a pretty good place, and instead of trying to kill the goose tries to get some of the golden eggs. Frank Soper & Co. have bought an acre of ground just north of the machine shops of Stearns, Roger & Co., and are going ahead with the construction of their buildings. The main structure is about 100 by 25 feet. With the machinery it will have cost over 810,000, besides the ground. Charles Stinson and Mr. Scott, of Denver, are associated with Mr. Soper in the enterprise."
ANOTHER POSSIBLE
In 1870 Clarion County, Pennsylvania, John Soper is a coal dealer, post office Curtisville, 53, Mary A. Soper 48, Sarah Soper 22, Mary A. Soper William Soper 18, Franklin Soper 14, Westley Soper 12, George W. Soper 10, Emily Soper 8, and Harriett Soper 5.
John M. Soper BIRTH 1815 Vermont, DEATH 25 Jul 1870 BURIAL Snyder Cemetery Perryville, Clarion County, Pennsylvania, MEMORIAL ID 61503192.
Katie Soper BIRTH 1864 DEATH 26 Aug 1903 Littleton, Arapahoe County, Colorado, BURIAL Littleton Cemetery Littleton, Arapahoe County, Colorado, PLOT Block 2, Lot 8, Grave 6 MEMORIAL ID 119683194.
John W. Soper Marriage Date 2 Jun 1893 Marriage Place Denver, Denver, Colorado, Spouse Kate Granstrom.
In 1900 Summit County, Colorado, John W. "Loper" is a telegraph operator, born April 1858 in Pennsylvania, Katie Loper 34 Wife, Essie Loper 4 Daughter, Franklin Loper 2 Son, and Raymond Loper 1 Son.
John Wesley Soper BIRTH 1858 DEATH 25 May 1949 Littleton, Arapahoe County, Colorado, BURIAL Littleton Cemetery , PLOT Block 2, Lot 8, Grave 4 MEMORIAL ID 119157626.
MARGARET'S FAMILY
John G. Lilley was born in Gillsboro, England, June 12, 1833. After his family removed to Cheshire, England, he worked for 6 years in the Burkenhead market. At the age of 20 he came to America and stopped for a few days in Portland, Maine. Then he shipped for Ireland as steward on a vessel. The vessel was anchored at Cork for 6 weeks, from which place he returned home and resumed work at the butcher’s trade.
Again crossing the ocean at the expiration of a year, he went from Boston to La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he remained from 1854 to 1860.
In 1860 he came to Colorado where for 2 years he prospected in the mountains.
In February 1862 he purchased a farm. This place is situated near Littleton and comprises 150 acres.
In 1868 he was one of the builders of the Rough and Ready grist mill, which for years shipped its products as far east as Boston and commanded a higher price on change than almost any other flour in the country.
While living in La Crosse in 1856 he returned to England and on Christmas Day 1856 was there united in marriage with Miss Louise Ann Miller, whose father was a civil engineer. Ten children were born of their union: William H., born in La Crosse, December 12, 1857; Anna (deceased); Maggie, Mrs. Frank Soper of Littleton; Fred; Lucy (deceased); Harry, who is engaged in the livery business in Littleton; Marcia L., wife of Charles Watlington of Madison, Indiana; Josephine, a graduate of the University of Colorado and later a teacher in Littleton; Benjamin E., who married Maggie Monahan and assisted his father in the management of the home farm; and John G., Jr., who is engaged in the dairy business at Cripple Creek.
The wife and mother died May 7, 1895.
In 1872 Mr. Lilley was elected to the legislature in which he served one term. From 1879 to 1882 he served as county commissioner. He was captain of a company organized in 1864 for protection of life and property from Indians and in 1868 the company was called out to suppress the Utes and Cheyennes.
He was connected with the building of the Kansas Pacific R. R., having a contract to deliver ties from the Divide to the territory between Littleton and Sheridan.
William H. Lilley was united in marriage March 4, 1885, with Mrs. Flora (Case) Strickler, a native of Illinois and the daughter of a prominent ranchman of Park County. By her first husband, Charles Strickler, she had two children-- Nora and Harry, both of whom have been adopted by Mr. Lilley and bear his name. By the marriage to Mr. Lilley, two children have been born--Margaret I. and Frank.
William H. Lilley is the owner of a ranch comprising about 800 acres near Jefferson, Park County.
October 1934 Aurora, Colorado "Mrs. Chas. F. Watlington passed away at her home, Wednesday, Octoher 10th, 1934, following a prolonged illness. Mrs. Watlington was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John G. Lilley, who came to Littleton in 1859. This pioneer family remained here throughout their lifetime. Mrs. Watlington was one of a family of ten children. She was born June 8th, 1870. was educated in the public schools of Littleton; was always an active worker in church circles and her life was one of service. She had a very lovable disposition and devoted her life’s work to her family, and in her service to otliers she leaves a host of friends. . In 1898 she married Chas. E. Wallington, who has been identified with farming interests in this community slice1893. Mr. Watlington has for many years been active in public service in Arapahoe County. . Mrs. Watlington leaves to monrii her passing, her husband. Mr. Chas. E. Watlington a daughter, Mrs. Chas. Ringstead, of Denver; a son,Wm. T. Watlington of Littleton; a granddaughter, Miss Kathryn Ringstead of Denver; three sisters, Mrs. J. Sherman Brown, of Littleton; Mrs. Frank Soper, of Denver; and Mrs. Earl Radcliff, of Hill City, Kansas: a brother, John Lilley, of Redondo Beach, California: four sisters-in-law, Mrs. Wm. Lilley, of Jefferson, Colo.; Mrs. Harry Lilley, of Ft. Collins; Mrs. Ben Lilley, of Los Angeles, California and Mrs. Fred Liliey, of Denver, and a number of nieces and nephews. . Mrs. Wallinglon’s death is an irreparable loss and her cheerful service to this community will long be remembered. . Funeral services will be held from the Presbyterian church at Littleton at 2:00 o'clock Saturday, October 13th. Interemnt will be in the Littleton cemetery."
August 1871 Golden, Colorado
Denver "Marriage licenses issued September 2, 1885 - Frank Soper and Maggie I. Lilley."
In 1880 Park County, Colorado, Frank Soper is 24, born in Pennsylvania, a telegraph operator, single, living alone.
Frank C. Soper BIRTH 1856 DEATH 22 Nov 1945 Denver, City and County of Denver, Colorado, BURIAL Littleton Cemetery Littleton, Arapahoe County, Colorado, PLOT 2-15-4 MEMORIAL ID 32770098.
Frank's wife Margaret I. Soper BIRTH 1862 DEATH 5 Apr 1943 Denver, City and County of Denver, Colorado, BURIAL Littleton Cemetery Littleton, Arapahoe County, Colorado, PLOT 2-15-3 MEMORIAL ID 32770299.
December 1885 Como, Colorado " Mrs. Frank Soper, of Platte Canon, is in town on a visit to her brother, Mr. W. H. Lilley."
May 1891 the Littleton Independent wrote "We reached Platte Canon all right,but had some difficulty in finding the town. It is extensively laid out, but as yet it is somewhat thinly populated. The scenery was rugged and romantic, but there seems to be little work going on excepting in the stone business. After attendlag to some business, we obtained some refreshments of Mrs. Lamb, a kindhearted old lady who has lived there a number of years. We then made a short call on Mr. Frank Soper, the agent of the U. P. R. R., who is a son-in-law of Mr. Lilley. We found him a pleasant gentleman and an appreciative reader of the Independent."
January 1895 " Frank Soper, after an absence of 19 years, has returned to Idaho Springs."
January 1896 " Colorado patents were issued today as follows: Charles Carlson, Deer Trail, car couiplings; Perry A. Carlson, Denver, paint brush receptacle; Mortimer D. Gould, Sr.,Salida. tiro shrinker; Charles Root, beer pipe cleaning device; Frank Soper, Denver, ore concentrator. "
In 1900 Littleton, Frank C. Soper is a telegraph operator, born April 1859 in New York, Maggie I. Soper 37 Wife, Mabel F. Soper 12 Daughter, William H. Soper 10 Son, Ruth Soper 7 Daughter, Mary L. Soper 5 Daughter, Frank W. Soper 8/12 Son, Sarah J. Lilly 26 Sister in Law.
August 1904 "Frank Soper has been appointed postmaster at Boreas, Summit county, vice A. M. Dow, resigned."
September 1922 Salida, Colorado "Vince DeVoe is the happiest man in Salida today,—and say, if you want a good smoke, Vince is handing them out promiscuously. Heretofore, Vince had regarded himself (and been regarded by his friends) as immune to the charms of the fairer sex, but it seems he was just waiting for the right girl, and since he found her, some time ago, he has indeed been acting peculiarly. His symptoms were apparent to friends, who were not in the least surprised when they received the announcement of his marriage to the “one girl in the world,” and after paving the way be these announcement, he followed close upon their heels with his bride. The wedding occurred in Denver on Saturday, Aug. 26, and Mr. DeVoe’s bride was formerly Miss Mary Soper, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank, Soper, of that city. She has visited in Salida on several occasions and it was while on one of these visits that Mr. DeVoe made her acquaintance. She holds a high place in the affections of her many friends here, and the community is glad to welcome her. As to the groom,—everyone knows him, and is glad to extend their heartiest congratulations. He will be on the job at the postoffice Monday, after the most enjoyable vacation he has ever spent. Mr. and Mrs. DeVoe will make their home in Mr. DeVoe’s residence on lower E street. The Record voices the wish of the many friends of both bride and groom, in the hope that the future will be happy and prosperous for them."