(Articles 66 - 83)
Transcribed by Lee Zion <mdmonk2@tx.rr.com>, October 2001.
(Photo - Residence of Henry Niebrugge)
[Part of this article, indicated by underlines, was unreadable.]
Among the foreign born citizens of Yuma county, perhaps the gentleman whose name heads this article offers the most gratifying illustration of what industry and perseverance can accomplish in this section of Colorado, when directed by good judgment and a laudable ambition.
Mr. Niebrugge is a native of Hanover, Germany, where he was born in 1856. In 1880, when twenty-four years of age, the gentleman decided to emigrate to America where he hoped to find greater possibilities within his reach. In his native home he had learned the butcher trade, which he found of much benefit when he came to the New World. First he located in Nebraska, where he remained for about eight years. In 1888 he came to Colorado and took up a homestead in that portion of Yuma county which was then Arapahoe, a short distance from the town of Idalia. When the gentleman moved to his homestead his earthly possessions consisted of two mules, one cow, one calf and a dog, with perhaps a few dollars in cash, but he faced the realities of life with a courage and industry which well merited the gratifying results he achieved. He engaged in general farming and stock-raising and his efforts were crowned with success from the beginning. Gradually he amassed property and surrounded himself and family with a more pronounced share of the comforts of life. From time to time, as opportunity presented, he bought additional land and now he owns 800 acres of as fine a ranch land as can be found in Eastern Colorado. He cultivates 340 acres of land, on which he grows fine crops of wheat, corn, rye, cane, millet, etc., and it is conceded that he is one of the most successful farmers in the county. From the cattle business too, he has reaped most generous returns. Of course he sold considerable stock last fall, but he still owns twenty-one horses, 250 cattle and 120 hogs. His stock, too, is well bred and he always obtains the highest market price. The ranch is well supplied with improved farm machinery of all kinds requisite for the profitable cultivation of the soil.
Mr. Niebrugge owns a handsome residence, furnished with every desirable comfort, and surrounded with an attractive growth of shade and ornamental trees, shrubbery and floral beauty. He owns, too, ample barns, sheds, etc., in which to store his grain and care for his stock. In fact, his ranch gives every indication of prosperity, as well as that through knowledge of his business which he possesses to such a marked degree.
In 1876, four years before he came to America, Mr. Niebrugge married Miss Minnie Kicker, an estimable Hanover lady who has been such a prominent factor in aiding him to accomplish the fine results he achieved. They have been blessed with ten children, to all of whom they imparted a good education and in addition trained them to be exemplary members of society. The two eldest daughters are married to prosperous farmers, who were fortunate in _____ _____.
Personally Mr. Niebrugge is a genial gentleman who ______ ______ for the hospitality ______ _____ ______ home is widely known and appreciated. He has taken a deep interest in educational matters and has been elected a member of the school board in his district many terms. He has severed as constable, also, and in every position discharged his duties faithfully and well. He is one of the leading members of the German Evangelical church, which he has represented frequently in the meetings of the synod at Topeka, Kansas. Indeed he is a splendid citizen in every sense of the word, as well as a kind-hearted neighbor, and his interesting family well merit the esteem in which they are held.
One year ago, Mr. Niebrugge bought 320 acres in Kansas, and, as a result, he offers his Yuma county ranch for sale. Its value may well be judged from the results achieved by Mr. Niebrugge in sixteen years, and anyone desiring a profitable home in the West will find it a very desirable property.
J.A. Rolow, one of the prosperous farmers and stockmen of this county, is a native of Kentucky, where he was born at Jamestown in 1861. When yet a small boy, he moved to Iowa with his parents, and in the Hawkeye state he grew to manhood. His first occupation was mining coal on his father's farm, but in 1887 he came to Colorado with a view of making this state his future home. He located in that part of Arapahoe county which is now a portion of Yuma county, and entered homestead and pre-emption claims thirty miles south of Wray. He engaged in general farming and stock raising, in which he has been signally successful. He cultivates 110 acres of his ranch, besides 120 acres of leased land, and grows abundant crops of wheat, corn, cane and broom corn. He owns twelve horses, forty cattle and a large herd of hogs, from which he realizes handsome returns. He has a comfortable residence, good buildings for stock and grain and his ranch is generously supplied with agricultural implements.
In 1891 Mr. Rolow married Miss Ida McLaughlin, the union resulting in nine children, four of whom survive.
Mr. Rolow is a pleasant, affable gentleman who is well and favorably known throughout the county. He is a kind neighbor and a progressive citizen who is ever ready to aid in the development of the resources of the county.
| ___ SHUMAKER'S DRUG STORE ___ J.L. Shumaker, Prop. The Leading Drug Store In Wray, Colorado |
| (Photo of J.L. Shumaker)
|
| Pure Drugs, Patent Medicines, Chemicals, Perfumes, Paints, Oils, Varnishes |
| Best Brands Cigars, Manicuring Articles, Brushes, Stationary, Wall Paper, Novelties |
| In Fact Everything Usually Found in a First-Class Drug
Store. Prescriptions Carefully Compounded. The Most Attractive Drug Store in Eastern Colorado. |
| Customers Receive Courteous and Honorable Treatment.
|
The career of Silas Moore, alone, ought to be sufficient to convince the most skeptical that Yuma county, under natural conditions, presents grand possibilities to those eastern farmers who must seek homes in the West.
Mr. Moore is a native of Ohio, where he was born in 1847. He grew up on a farm, but when he arrived at the age of manhood he worked in an elevator for some time. In 1886, however, he decided to seek a home in the West and came to Colorado. He located in that portion of Arapahoe county which is now a part of Yuma county, and filed on pre-emption, homestead and tree claims - 480 acres in all - about twenty-five miles south of Wray. When Mr. Moore got settled on his homestead his entire possessions consisted of one horse, one cow, a calf and a few chickens, with no money to buy more. Certainly the outlook was gloomy, but he and his courageous wife faced the situation and determined to make the best of it. The first year he farmed with only one horse, but the results of that year's faithful work enabled the gentleman to buy a second horse and other necessary adjuncts to farm life. Inspired with renewed courage Mr. Moore then pursued his farming operations with an energy and persevering industry which constituted the foundation of his success. His land was excellent, he raised profitable crops year after year, and since then he has purchased 320 acres more land, making 800 acres which he owns now. He cultivates 350 acres, on which he grows abundant crops of wheat, corn, barley and rye. An indication of what the gentleman is accomplishing on his farm is found in the fact that he harvested, 1,900 bushels of wheat and 1,500 bushels of corn in 1903, besides other crops and last year's entire products of the farm realized him $2,087. At the present time he owns eight horses, sixty-two cattle and a herd of nearly one hundred hogs. He has a comfortable residence and other good buildings on his ranch, as well as an abundance of farming implements of all kinds.
Mr. Moore does not carry on his farming operations in a hap-hazard manner. He is not only vigorous, but methodical, in his operations, and at the end of each year his books show the entire receipts from the farm, in detail, as well as the itemized expenditures. By this means the gentleman can tell the exact profits on his farming operations each year - such farmers as he never have losses in Yuma county. This year he has eighty-eight acres of winter wheat and rye, from which he expects pleasing returns.
In 1871 Mr. Moore married Miss Carrie E. Jameson, an estimable lady who is exceedingly popular in the community.
Mr. Moore is a honorable, kind-hearted gentleman whose admirable qualities as a good progressive citizen receives general recognition in the county.
A careful investigation of the conditions which govern in Yuma county shows that prosperity has been the reward of diligent endeavor and prudence in, practically, every line of industry. To illustrate, the career of J.Q. Conrad, one of the Idalia merchants, may prove of interest.
Mr. Conrad is a native of Iowa, where he was born on a farm in 1866. When six years of age he moved with his parents to Nebraska, in which state he spent his boyhood days and grew to manhood. He conducted farming operations in Nebraska for some time, but in 1893 he came to Colorado and located at Idalia, where he engaged in the general merchandise business. At first his stock was modest in extent, but owing to his genial personality and his correct business methods, his trade rapidly expanded. He increased his stock to meet the requirements of his growing patronage, from time to time, and he now carries an assortment of dry goods, groceries, shoes, clothing, notions, etc., that would invoice at least $4,000. In waiting on customers he is ably assisted by a younger brother, who is a worthy representative of the affable proprietor.
But, while engaged in the mercantile business, Mr. Conrad found time to devote his surplus energies to the wonderful possibilities to be found in Yuma county soil. He acquired land gradually, year after year, until now he owns three sections - 1,920 acres - of ranch property, besides three valuable lots in the city of Wray. He is a general real estate dealer, also. On the ranch which he operates himself he has twenty-four horses, seventy cattle and twenty hogs. Among his horses he owns a fine thoroughbred stallion, and he is the owner, also, of one of the best bred jacks in Eastern Colorado. The land owned by the gentleman is among the best for either farming or stock operations and its value is increasing very rapidly.
In 1896 Mr. Conrad married Miss Luella G. Flora, a popular Nebraska lady, and three interesting children have blessed the union. They have a comfortable home in Idalia, a short distance from the store. There are few men, if any, in the southern part of the county, better known that the gentleman of whom we write, and he enjoys a wide measure of popularity in the community. He takes a keen interest in public affairs and every measure calculated to advance the interests of the county receives his generous and hearty support. While he has amassed a handsome competence during the eleven years which have elapsed since he came to the county, the indications are that a more brilliant era of prosperity awaits him. He well merits the general esteem in which he is held.
(Photo - Residence of William Langendoerfer)
The above gentleman is another of the many enterprising ranchmen who have made general farming and the stock industry a pleasing success in Yuma county, demonstrating what industry and good management can accomplish in this favored portion of Colorado.
Mr. Langendoerfer is a native of Missouri, where he was born on a farm in 1855. When twenty-one years of age he moved to Nebraska, where he worked on a farm by the month for some time, after which he engaged in farming pursuits for himself. The gentleman became dissatisfied with the conditions and prospects in Nebraska, and in 1887 he moved to Colorado, locating on a homestead four miles south-east of Idalia. Mr. Langendoerfer was in very moderate circumstances at that time, but he proceeded to improve his homestead with that wonderful courage and persevering energy for which he has long since become noted in connection with farming pursuits. He prospered from the beginning and gradually purchased more land as ability permitted and opportunity presented, and now he owns 640 acres of very productive soil, and it would be hard to find a more desirably situated ranch in Eastern Colorado. He pursues general farming and stock raising, having been very successful in each. He cultivates 320 acres, growing fine crops of wheat, corn, cane, etc. To illustrate what the gentleman accomplishes growing crops, in 1902 he harvested 2,300 bushels of wheat, although a hail storm shelled at least 800 bushels a few days before he garnered the crop. He grew 1,500 bushels of corn the same year. In 1903 he harvested 1,000 bushels of wheat and an immense crop of corn. He owns ten horses, seventy cattle and fifty hogs. On an average the gentleman markets fifty-five hogs each year, yielding him very satisfactory returns.
Last year Mr. Langendoerfer erected a handsome new residence on his ranch. It is a two-story frame, the main part being 16x32 feet in size with an "L" 18x24 feet. Externally the new home presents a most attractive appearance, even from afar, and the interior is furnished with a view to comfort and convenience, as well as an eye to the beautiful. It is generously furnished with every comfort to make it a model ranch home. The ranch is well supplied with barns, sheds, stables and agricultural implements of all kinds. Indeed, it is seldom a ranch is so generously supplied with the domestic comforts, as well as the conveniences so necessary for successful operations.
In 1883 Mr. Langendoerfer married Miss Charlotte Dangberg, an estimable Nebraska lady, who has aided him so materially in achieving such fine results in Yuma county. They have three children - two sons and one daughter - who are a credit to the parental training and highly esteemed by all who know them. In every phase of life Mr. Langendoerfer is the soul of honor and he bears an enviable reputation for sterling integrity. He is a good financier, as well as an excellent farmer, which explains his prosperous condition in life. In the community he is very popular because of his admirable qualities as a good neighbor and useful citizen. The gentleman is one of the leading members and chief supporters of the German Evangelical church, which he has represented at the annual meetings of the synod. He has taken a deep interest in the public schools and every movement calculated to promote the welfare of the community.
The above gentleman is a native of Germany, where he was born in 1867. In 1881 he came to America and located in Nebraska. In January, 1891, he came to Yuma county and entered a homestead of 160 acres, buying 320 acres since then. He cultivates 160 acres, growing fine crops of wheat, corn and cane. He owns eight horses, fifty cattle, forty hogs and his ranch is supplied with good buildings. Mr. Harmon is a good citizen, who is prospering in Yuma county.
(Photo - Residence of Gust E. Hiser)
One of the most attractive residences in Yuma county is the beautiful home of Gust E. Hiser, who has made farming a most profitable industry. The career of this gentleman bears strong testimony to the fertility of Yuma county soil and the inducements it presents to those eastern farmers who are looking towards the West for their future home.
Mr. Hiser is a native of Sweden, where he was born in 1858. In 1880, when twenty-two years of age, he came to America to seek a new home. He went to Iowa first, and there he worked on a farm for three years, after which he farmed for himself for two years. He became dissatisfied in the Hawkeye State and came to Colorado to better his condition. He located on a pre-emption claim of 160 acres five and one-half miles south-west of Wray, the land being fine soil and well situated. At that time the gentleman owned only one team of horses and a wagon, with very little money, but he faced his responsibilities with a stout arm and a courageous heart. The gentleman prospered from the beginning, and since then he purchased 480 acres more of land, making 160 acres that he now owns. In addition to this he has the benefit of a large area of free range. Mr. Hiser grows bountiful crops of wheat, corn, cane, etc. He has harvested as high as 3,500 bushels of wheat and 3,000 bushels of corn in one season, the wheat yielding twenty bushels an acre and the corn as high as fifty-five bushels an acre. Last year he harvested 100 tons of cane for his stock, besides large crops of wheat and corn. He owns ten horses, thirty cattle and a large herd of hogs.
Recently Mr. Hiser erected one of the most beautiful homes in the county and it is generously furnished with the luxuries as well as the comforts of life. It is situated on a gentle elevation and commands an attractive view of a wide expanse of fertile prairie dotted with the pretty homes of the early settlers. He has fine barns, sheds, stables, etc., and everything requisite in the line of agricultural implements. He has owned and operated a threshing machine for many years.
In the spring of 1890 Mr. Hiser married Miss Lucy Hiser, an estimable lady who makes her pretty home a charming attraction to her friends.
Mr. Hiser is not only conceded to be one of the most progressive and prosperous farmers in the county, but he is regarded by all who know him as an honorable gentleman and a splendid citizen. Such men as Mr. Hiser would be a credit to any county.
Among the many who have found health and prosperity in Yuma county, perhaps none enjoys more contentment than the gentleman who is the subject of this article.
Mr. Schafer is a native of Nemeha county, Nebraska, where he was born on a farm thirty-five years ago. After he grew to manhood he farmed two years in Nebraska, but he found it discouraging work. He was seriously afflicted with asthma which not only made his farming operations a burden but involved him in heavy bills for medical attendance, as well. Finally he came to Colorado, hoping to obtain relief from his ailment and he located in that portion of Arapahoe county which is now a part of Yuma county, settling on a homestead ten miles southwest of Wray. There he engaged in general farming as well as stock growing, and in a short time he bought 160 acres more making a farm of 320 acres in all. From the beginning Mr. Schafer was successful in growing good crops of wheat, corn, barley and vegetables, and he prospered beyond his most sanguine expectations. Better still, the delightful climate of Yuma county restored his health, and he has not spent a dollar for medical attendance since he came to the county.
In addition to the cultivation of 200 acres of his own ranch, Mr. Schafer generally cultivates 160 acres of rented land, and he does all the work himself. Only at harvest time, does he employ additional help to garner the crops. Soon after coming here the gentleman planted five acres of his land with ash, walnut and maple trees, and now has a beautiful grove which adds to the attractions and value of his productive ranch.
On an average the gentleman keeps 150 cattle, but one year ago, when prices were high, he sold the most of them at good figures. This was a very shrewd move on his part and indicated the good judgment which governs his ranch operations.
In January 1891, Mr. Schafer married Miss Beuchler, an estimable Ohio lady, in Nebraska, and they have six interesting children. Mr. and Mrs. Schafer enjoy the esteem of all who know them, because of their admirable qualities.
(Photo - Residence of R.G. Tippin)
The fertility of Yuma county soil receives another pleasing illustration in the career of R.G. Tippin, one of the many prosperous ranchmen who have amassed a handsome competence in this favored section of Colorado.
Mr. Tippin was born in Indiana sixty-one years ago, but when five years of age he moved with his parents to Iowa, where they located on a farm. Thoroughly imbued with intense patriotism, when only nineteen years of age, Mr. Tippin enlisted in Co. F, First Nebraska infantry, with a rank of corporal. With his regiment he took a gallant part in the battle of Shiloh and the campaign against Donaldsonville and Corinth. Then he was transferred to the Army of the Potomac, where he served with valor until the close of the war. After being mustered out of service, he returned to the peaceful pursuits of farm life in Iowa. In 1887, however, he moved to Colorado and located nine miles south-west of Wray, where he filed on a homestead, a pre-emption and a tree claim, 480 acres in all, on which he engaged in farming and stock growing. Since then he disposed of one of his claims and he now owns 320 acres of very fertile lands. Since locating in this country he almost invariably grew fine crops of wheat, oats, corn, cane, etc., as a reward for his energy and industrious spirit. He cultivates 180 acres of his farm, the rest being devoted to pasture for his horses and cattle. On his farm he erected a handsome residence, a good barn, granary and commodious sheds for his stock. The gentleman's keen judgment and thorough system of farming have yielded him handsome financial returns and every feature of his farm and home surroundings bears the impress of prosperity. He owns eight horses and a herd of fine cattle, his farm being well supplied with an abundance of the latest improved machinery.
In 1881 Mr. Tippin married Mrs. Alexander, a charming Iowa lady, whose brilliant intellect and sunny disposition render he a general favorite in social circles. In addition to his well merited reputation of being one of the most successful farmers in the country, Mr. Tippin has won golden opinions as a kind neighbor and useful citizen. The genial gentleman is ever ready to confer a favor on a neighbor or friend, and every effort to promote the welfare of the county receives his generous support.
Owing to impaired health and his desire to abandon the exacting labors and cares of a farm, Mr. Tippin has decided to sell his ranch and it will prove a most desirable investment and a money-making one, too. Mr. Tippin, who can well afford to spend the rest of his days in ease and comfort, made nearly all his money on that farm.
One of the leading business men, as well as one of the first settlers in the county of Yuma, is the gentleman whose name heads this article.
Mr. Groves is a native of Nodaway county, Missouri, where he spent his early years on a farm. In 1885 he came to Colorado and located in Yuma county, where he engaged in farming and stock-raising a few miles west of Wray. After spending a few very successful years on his ranch, the gentleman moved to Wray and, for a time, was employed in a store and lumber yard. In 1892, however, he established a lumber yard of his own in the city, and success marked his enterprise from the beginning. He devoted his great energy and entire attention to his business, as a result of which it soon grew to large proportions. At present the yard covers one-half block, and the extensive stock of lumber of all kinds, shingles, posts, etc., he carries would be creditable to a town many times the size of Wray. He carries coal, wire, paints, etc., also, and sells large quantities of each. The genial gentleman is widely known, his business integrity is unquestioned and his lumber trade continues to expand in a pleasing manor.
He owns a ranch of 360 acres a few miles from Wray and a herd of 140 fine cattle.
Fraternally Mr. Groves is a Mason, Odd Fellow and a member of the Woodmen of the World.
In 1890 the gentleman married Miss Elva Sisson, one of the accomplished daughters of F.M. Sisson of Wray, and they own a beautiful home situated in the western part of Wray. The admirable qualities of Mr. and Mrs. Groves render the estimable couple very popular in the city. Mr. Groves is indebted to his own energy, industry and prudence for his marked success as a progressive business man and successful ranchman and his career ought to prove an inspiration to young men who are starting out to face the realities of life unaided by wealth or influence.
(Photo - Residence of Simon Rife)
Another indication of the inducements Yuma county presents to those seeking homes in Colorado, is to be found in the career of Simon Rife, one of the early pioneers.
Mr. Rife is a native of Indiana, where he was born in 1848, but when six years of age he moved to Ohio with his parents, and there he spent his boyhood days. In 1864 he went to Iowa, where he followed farming pursuits for twenty years, after which he located in Nebraska. He remained in Nebraska three years and in 1887 came to Colorado and entered a homestead in the northeast part of Yuma county, where he commenced farming and stock-raising.
Like many other settlers, the entire failure of crops in 1893 and 1894 left Mr. Rife practically penniless, and the panic of those years rendered the prospects exceedingly gloomy. The gentleman wanted to leave the county with his family, but he was unable to do so, owing to his reduced circumstances. Fortunately for him, he was compelled to remain and face the stern realities of life which he did with a courageous determination to make the best of his surroundings. Gradually his financial condition improved and he commenced to acquire more property, as a result of his persevering industry. He purchased a section of very fertile land adjoining the village of Laird, which is now his home ranch, and since then he has made frequent additions to his property, until now he and his family own or control twenty-four sections, or 15,360 acres.
Mr. Rife's home ranch is most favorably situated, as the Republican river runs through it and nearly 100 acres are under irrigation. He cultivates 200 acres, his chief crops being corn, cane and potatoes. Last year he had fifteen acres of potatoes from which he garnered 250 bushels an acre or 3,750 bushels in all. As 75 cents per bushel was about the minimum price for potatoes last fall, it may be seen that the fifteen acres of "spuds" yielded the gentleman handsome returns for the labor invested. His corn and cane he feeds to his stock.
Mr. Rife made several shipments of cattle to the eastern markets last fall but he wintered 275 well bred cattle, more than 100 horses and a herd of good hogs, from all of which he will receive generous financial returns during the current year.
On October 8, 1896, Mr. Rife married Miss Elvira Jane Cue, of Benton county, Iowa, and the union was blessed by eight children, six sons and two daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Rife live on their home ranch, adjoining Laird, and their cozy residence is considered a portion of the village.
Mr. Rife is in very easy circumstances now, as a result of good management, energy and industry on Yuma county soil. Mr. Rife is conceded to be one of the most progressive ranchmen of the county and he takes an active, generous part in public movements calculated to enhance the prosperity of the community.
Although not as pretentious as the other Wray hotels, the Shroyer House, situated north of the depot, is making rapid strides into public favor. Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Shroyer took charge of the hotel in December, and their patronage grew from day to day, until now the house is taxed to its utmost capacity in caring for its patrons. Guests are treated with the utmost courtesy, and no other hotel in Wray surpasses it in the excellence of its meals. Mrs. Shroyer is an exceptionally fine cook, and the culinary department receives her personal supervision. The fare is simply delicious and it is served invitingly and characterized by abundance.
Mr. Schroyer is a native of Missouri and he came to Yuma county in 1898, engaging in the cattle business. Five years ago one of his legs was amputated at the knee which resulted from a run-away accident. In 1895 he married, Miss Adah Chamberlain, a charming and accomplished Missouri lady, and they have three children. The estimable couple are highly regarded by all who know them, and their hotel well merits public patronage.
Among the many scores of pioneers who have achieved a generous measure of success in the southern part of Yuma county, perhaps none has met with more pronounced prosperity than the gentleman whose name heads this article. Others who have lived longer in the county may have accomplished more, but for a period of twelve years his record of well-doing would be hard to surpass.
Mr. Hukill is a native of the Hawkeye state, where he was born on a farm in 1862. There he was educated and grew to manhood, after which he engaged in farming operations. After a few years, however, he became dissatisfied with Iowa farm life and he came to Colorado in 1892, locating in that portion of the county of Arapahoe that is now part of Yuma county. He filed on a homestead two miles from Idalia and at once commenced improving his prairie claim. At that time he owned one team of horses and harness, one colt, a few farm implements and $100 in cash - not much with which to commence making a home on a raw prairie in a new country. He commenced general farming, subsequently extending his operation to the stock industry, and he prospered from the beginning. After a time he purchased 480 acres more, making 640 acres of deeded land. In addition to this he controls 640 acres of leased land, both the deeded and leased land being under a good wire fence.
Mr. Hukill cultivates 250 acres, on which he grows bountiful crops of wheat, corn, cane, and millet. In 1902 he harvested 1,680 bushels of wheat, alone, and he grows from twenty-five to thirty bushels of corn per acre. Indeed, there is no farmer in the area who has been more successful in growing profitable crops, because he thoroughly understands farming and gives it his untiring attention.
The gentleman owns twenty horses, which are exceptionally fine animals, forty cattle and fifty hogs.
On his ranch he has an inexhaustible well of pure water, 196 feet deep, and windmill power supplies an abundance of water for domestic purposes. He has a comfortable residence, good barn and sheds and a granary in which 2,000 bushels of wheat can be stored. And all this the gentleman accomplished in twelve years on a Yuma county farm, with a very modest beginning.
Up to the present time, Mr. Hukill has proved impervious to Cupid's arrows, and he appears to be a confirmed bachelor. Whether leap year will change that forlorn condition remains to be seen. One thing is certain, Mr. Hukill is a high-toned honorable gentleman, who is a kind neighbor and a useful citizen, and he well merits the cordial esteem in which he is held by all who know him.
Wherever the soil of Yuma county has been tickled by a farmer possessing the requisite energy, industry and judgment, it has yielded generous returns, as the careers of the above mentioned gentleman and many others illustrate.
Mr. Moellenberg is a native of Germany, where he was born in 1858. After he grew to manhood he served three years in the Germany army, where he made an exemplary record as an intelligent, gallant soldier. Before his term of service had expired he had been promoted to the rank of corporal, purely on his personal merits. During his army service the gentleman became imbued with those methodical qualities which he has found so beneficial in the civil domain of life.
In 1883 Mr. Moellenberg emigrated to the United States, with a view of bettering his condition. After his arrival here he spent eighteen months engaged in farm work, subsequently moving to Nebraska, where he remained eighteen months more. In 1887, however, the gentleman came to Colorado and located in that portion of Arapahoe county which is now a part of Yuma county. He entered a homestead of 160 acres three miles south-east of Idalia and faced the stern realities of life with a spirit of energy and persevering industry. At that time his earthly possessions, money included, amounted to about $200 worth. He prospered from the beginning and soon purchased 160 acres more, adjoining his homestead. He cultivates 160 acres, from which he garners profitable crops of wheat, corn, barley, cane, millet, etc. He is one of the most successful farmers in the county, as an illustration of which, in 1902 he harvested 1,500 bushels of wheat, in addition to other profitable crops. His wheat crop has yielded as high as twenty-six bushels to the acre, of a superior quality, too. The gentleman owns eleven horses, fifty fine cattle and a herd of fifty hogs, from all of which he derives a handsome revenue. He has a very attractive and comfortable home, besides good barns, stables and sheds for his grain and stock. He is well supplied with all kinds of improved agricultural implements and his ranch bears every evidence of genuine prosperity.
In 1892 Mr. Moellenberg married Miss Mary Fisher, an estimable lady who has done much to aid and encourage him in his creditable career. The happy union resulted in six children - five sons and one daughter.
Mr. Moellenberg takes a deep interest in the progress of the county, contributing generously to any movement calculated to enhance the welfare of the community. He and his excellent wife and family well merit the general esteem in which they are held by all who know them.
(Photo - Residence of James H. Slick)
That Yuma county presents exceptional attractions for eastern farmers who are seeking homes in the West, finds strong proofs in the career of J.H. Slick, one of the early settlers of this section of the state.
Mr. Slick is a native of Indiana, where he was born in 1851. After his boyhood days he devoted his attention to farming in the Hoosier state, but in 1886 he came to Colorado and located in what is now Yuma county. He filed on a homestead about two miles southwest of Wray, and although in very moderate circumstances, he proceeded to develop his claim with an energy and persevering industry that were rewarded with generous returns. His thorough system of farming has yielded good crops during all these years, with the exception of two seasons when there was a complete failure in Eastern Colorado. While he endured many hardships during those two years of disappointment, he retained faith in the fertility of Yuma county soil and refused to be influenced by the example of many who became discouraged and removed to other parts of the country.
What he achieved since then pays tribute to the correctness of his judgment. The prospect brightened, the soil yielded rich returns as a regard for earnest toil and Mr. Slick not only continued to make permanent improvements to his farm but added more land to his holdings. Now he owns a farm of 400 acres of excellent land, and he is enjoying the luxuries as well as the comforts of life. He cultivates 310 acres, his principal crops being wheat, corn and oats. He grows ten acres of alfalfa, from which he cuts two crops each season, and the other eighty acres are used as grazing land for his horses and cattle. Mr. Slick has raised as high as 34 and one-half bushels of winter wheat to the acre and the average yield of his spring wheat is about twenty-five bushels an acre. His corn crops have netted him handsome returns, some years going as high as fifty bushels an acre. The gentleman has one of the most prosperous looking farms in the country. It is all under excellent wire fences and is well supplied with modern farming implements of all kinds. The residence is an elegant one and one-half story building which cost $1,400, while one of his barns is 36x50 feet in size and cost $700. He has an ample supply of sheds and other buildings requisite for farm conveniences. He has an orchard of forty apple and sixteen cherry trees, all bearing fruit, besides raspberries and other small fruits. He owns twelve horses and a herd of cows for domestic purposes.
In pointing out how much more profitable it is to farm in Yuma county than in the East, Mr. Slick assured the writer of this that he could make more money in raising one-half a crop here each year than he could in Indiana with full crops. As the gentleman had many years experience in the East, he doubtless knows whereof he speaks.
In 1876 Mr. Slick married Miss Sarah Showalter, an estimable Indiana lady. When she came to Yuma county her lungs were affected, but our health giving climate has greatly restored her health. Mr. and Mrs. Slick enjoy a wide measure of popularity in the county.
The above gentleman is a native of Decatur county, Iowa, where he was born on a farm in 1865. There he received his education and spent his boyhood days, engaging in agricultural pursuits when he attained to manhood. In January, 1893, he came to Colorado and located on a homestead in that portion of Arapahoe county which is now a part of Yuma, seven miles south-west of Vernon. He engaged in farming and raising cattle and his success has been very gratifying. When he came here he owned three old horses, a wagon and $30 in cash, but now he owns 480 acres of fertile land, fifteen horses, fifty cattle and a herd of forty hogs, in addition to which he has a comfortable residence, a good barn 36x52 feet in size and the latest improved farming implements of all kinds. His land is supposed to contain valuable deposits of coal and oil. In Iowa in 1886, he married Miss D.S. Wakefield, and they have three children, all boys.
| Buy Yourself A Home |
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| Improved and
Unimproved Lands and City Property For Sale By A.M. Dorman, Wray Colo. |
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| No. 1 - 208 acres, one-half mile from Wray, Colorado; 90 acres in cultivation; all under good fence; Frame house 16x24; frame barn 22x36x14, with addition 12x22x10; corn-crib 10x32; buggy shed; chicken house, etc. Good well, windmill and tank. | No. 44 - 800 acres deeded land, 9 miles from Idalia, Colo.; 200 acres in cultivation; fenced with 3 wires; open range; Stone house 24x36; kitchen 12x18; porches, etc.; Stone barn 26x32; stone cattle shed 48x56; stone chicken house 12x24; stone smoke house 10x12; good well, windmill, tank and reservoir; furnishes water for 200 head of stock. |
| [The ad lists 60 more properties ranging from a single empty town lot to a 1,920 acre ranch.] |
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