MR. & MRS. ASA H. ALDRICH.
Mardos Collection
MR. & MRS. ASA H. ALDRICH.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 945
an organization of the Democrats of Colorado, this being about the time of the close of the war. In response to his efforts members of the party gathered in convention and established a party organization, which has been continued since. In those days, however, the party was in the minority and while Mr. Wier was sometimes a candidate, the effort to secure a Democratic victory was hopeless. Governor Gilpin appointed him a member of the first board of commissioners of Arapahoe County, at which time the members had to give their individual notes as security for the books and records of the county.
In West Greenville, Pa., December 25, 1857, Mr. Wier married Miss Frances Middaugh, who was born in Tioga County, a daughter of William H. Middaugh. They have had five children, but only two are living: Minnie, who was educated in Livingston Institute at Rochester, N. Y., and is now married and resides in Denver; and Lucy, Mrs. Hartman, of Toledo, Ohio, who was educated in the Denver convent and university. Mr. Wier is a member of the board of trustees of the Colorado Pioneer Association. In New Castle he joined the Odd Fellows forty-seven years ago, and is a charter member of Arapahoe Lodge No. 24, member of the encampment, and chaplain of the canton here. He is also identified with the Muscovites and the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
SA HARRISON ALDRICH, deceased, made his home in Colorado from the fall of 1881 until his death, and owned a stock ranch in Livermore Park, Larimer County. He was born in Lewis County, N. Y., March 21, 1832, a descendant of an old Green Mountain family, and died at his home August 23, 1898. His father, Valentine, was born in Rutland County, Vt., a son of Jonathan, who removed from Vermont to New York and settled in Lewis County, where he carried on a stock business and general farming. Valentine, who was a carpenter by trade, removed to Illinois in 1838, one year later went to Walworth County, Wis., and after farming for a time he moved to the lumber woods, where he ran a sawmill, a blacksmith shop and a store, at the junction of two rivers, fifteen miles from Manitowoc. His death occurred there when he was sixty-eight years of age.
The mother of our subject was Susan (Bedell) Aldrich, a native of York state, and granddaughter of a Revolutionary soldier. Her father, Barney Bedell, who served in the war of 1812, engaged in farming in Schoharie County in his native commonwealth, but from there removed to Walworth County, Wis., later returning to York state, where he died. Mrs. Aldrich died in Wisconsin when eighty-one years of age. Both she and her husband were faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They were the parents of eight children, namely: Amasa, who lived in Marquette County, Wis., and died in September, 1898; A. H., our subject; Harriett A., who is married to James Vanderhoof and lives in Winnebago County, Wis.; Henry A., who took part in the Civil war with the Seventeenth Wisconsin Infantry, and is now living in Manitowoc; Mrs. Ann Smith, of North Lake, Waukesha County, Wis.; Mrs. Helen King, of Cooperstown, Manitowoc County, Wis.; Mrs. Emogene Ording, of Brown County, Wis.; and Mrs. Emerette Demmer, whose home is in Denmark, Brown County, Wis.
At the age of seven years our subject entered the public schools of Walworth County, where he afterward carried on his studies for some years. At the age of twenty he left home and secured employment in the construction of the Illinois Central Railroad at Cairo, Ill., working for four years on two hundred miles of track extending north from Cairo, and during much of that time he was employed as foreman. On account of suffering from the ague, he thought it best to return to Wisconsin. He embarked in the mercantile business in Sauk County, and later was at Westfield, Marquette County, for three years, after which he located on a ranch in Faribault County, Minn., but after one summer he returned to Marquette County, Wis. At Montello, that county, February 4, 1858, he married Miss Frances Tibbits, who was born in Manlius, N. Y. She was a daughter of Thomas Tibbits, a native of the Mohawk Valley, and a blacksmith at Manlius, whence he removed to Richville, Genesee County, N. Y., and learned the milling trade. Later he made his home at Clarence Center, Erie County, N. Y. In 1853 he removed to Omro, Winnebago County, Wis., but soon went from there to Oshkosh, thence to Westfield, and is now living at Packwaukee, Marquette County; he is hale for one of his years, eighty-five. His father,
946
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Job Tibbits, was a farmer in the Mohawk Valley, and a descendant of Holland-Dutch ancestors.
The mother of Mrs. Aldrich, Minerva Drace, was born in Rutland County, Vt., daughter of Elijah L. Drace, who was descended from French and Holland-Dutch ancestry. Her father was born in Vermont, removed thence to Camden, N. Y., where he engaged in milling; later settled near Waupaca, Wis., where he died at the age of seventy-five. His step-father, Mr. Lewis, assisted in constructing the first brass cannon east in the United States; he was a soldier of the Revolution, and died in Camden when one hundred and eighteen years of age. Mrs. Minerva Tibbits died in Packwaukee in 1881, at the age of sixty-three years. Of her ten children the following attained mature years: Mrs. Aldrich; Jason H., who served in the First Wisconsin Heavy Artillery during the Civil war and now lives in Adams County, Wis.; Elmeda L., who is married to Mark Tomlinson, and lives in Adams County, Wis.; Mrs. Sophia White, also of Adams County; Mrs. Carrie Thomas, of Packwaukee, Wis.; Franklin, a miller in Barren County, Wis.; and William, of Livermore Park, Colo. Mrs. Aldrich was fourteen when the family settled in Wisconsin, where she resided from that time until 1881.
After his marriage Mr. Aldrich settled in Green Lake County, and improved a farm near Manchester. He also engaged in steamboating on the Fox River for five years, building the "Verona" and "Yellow," but ill health forced him to abandon that occupation. For four years he lived in Brown County, then settled in Packwaukee, and in 1878 settled on the North Fork of the Solomon, in Decatur County, Kan., where he homesteaded a claim. The Indians were troublesome, especially the Sioux and Cheyennes, and twice he was forced to leave his claim in order to save his life and that of his family. After two years in Kansas and one year in Nebraska, he came to Colorado, and with a partner he constructed three miles of the Burlington Missouri River Railroad, in the sand hills of eastern Colorado. He then took up a ranch near Manhattan, where he embarked in the cattle business. The altitute (sic) did not agree with his wife, and he therefore removed to Livermore Park, where two years later he bought the ranch he owned at his death. For five years he carried on a hotel in Fort Collins. He had two hundred acres in his farm, most of which is under ditch, and on it he raised about one hundred tons of alfalfa every year. He had a large number of graded Shorthorns and a few horses on his place, and was quite successful in the stock business. Politically he was a Democrat. He and his wife had four children: Mary S., who is the wife of A. N. Aldrich, of Livermore Park; Lillie E., wife of William Batterson, living on the Elkhorn, in this county; Minnie, who died at sixteen months; and Millie, Mrs. Keach, who died in 1893, at twenty-one years of age.
EORGE S. REDD came to Denver in 1893 and opened an office in the Equitable building, where he began in the practice of law. He has since become a well-known attorney in the city, where, with his office in the Kittredge building, he carries on an important practice in all of the courts. Active in public affairs, his life in Kansas, where he resided previous to coming to Denver, was of a nature calculated to develop his interest in politics. He was closely connected with the development of the western part of the state, especially with its political history and progress. Until the campaign of 1896 he always supported Republican principles. At the senatorial convention held in Larned, Kan., in 1884, he was a candidate for the office of state senator and the contest was so close that no nomination was made for two days, when he withdrew in favor of another gentleman. In 1887 he was recommended by the bar of his county for the position of district judge and during the campaign that followed he made stirring speeches in behalf of the principles he supported.
Near Moundsville, W. Va., George S. Redd was born March 31, 1854, to Samuel B. and Julia A. (Stidger) Redd. When he was a child of three years his parents removed to Keosauqua, Iowa, where he grew to manhood upon a farm, meantime attending the public schools of the town. At the age of seventeen he taught one term of school, after which he entered the state university at Iowa City, and until 1877 taught and attended school alternately. He worked his way up from teacher in a country school to principal of the schools in Unionville, Mo. On discontinuing his work as instructor he began the study of law with Shelton & Stidger, of Unionville, and in 1879 was admitted to the bar
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 947
of Missouri, after which he began to practice at Ness City, the county seat of Ness County, Kan. While there the Republican party elected him county attorney and this position he filled efficiently for two years, being the first to occupy the office in the newly organized county. For two years he held the office of mayor of Ness City, being the first to hold that position. He continued in practice there until 1893 and made considerable money, but was unfortunate in investing it in Kansas property that depreciated in value in the decay of the boom, so that he left the state almost as poor as when he went there. However, since coming to Denver he has retrieved his fortunes and gained a position at the bar that will without doubt bring him prominence and prosperity.
At West Bay City, Mich., October 12, 1885, Mr. Redd married Miss May Chilson, of that place, with whom he became acquainted during a visit she made in Ness City. They are the parents of four children, namely: Ada, Gertrude and Samuel B., who were born in Ness City; and Cornelia, who was born in Denver. The family are identified with the Methodist Episcopal denomination, holding membership in Asbury Church, in which he is a trustee and Sunday-school worker. While in Ness City he became connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he filled the various chairs. He is also connected with Lodge No. 40, K. Of P., in Denver.
OSHUA STONE is one of the many residents within the bounds of Weld County who started out in life with naught but all abundance of determination and indefatigable industry and a strong and healthy constitution, and who have succeeded through their own diligence, energy and economy. He is now successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock-raising near La Salle, on section 20, township 5, range 64, where he owns one hundred and sixty acres. Mr. Stone was born in Hasley, Oxfordshire, England, July 14, 1848, and is a son of John and Mary (Smith) Stone. As his parents were poor he had to assist in the support of the family from au early age and therefore had to obtain his education in night schools. At the age of twenty-three he came to America with the hope of benefiting his financial condition and first located in Vermilion County, Ill., going there with an Mr. Stone found employment on a farm at $20 per month and remained with one man for three years.
September 25, 1873, Mr. Stone was married to Miss Mary Hendricks, a native of Illinois, and a daughter of John and Mary (Dyke) Hendricks, farming people of Vermilion County, of that state. Her father was a member of the Fourth Illinois Volunteer Cavalry during the Civil war, but being in poor health he was discharged on account of disability before hostilities ceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Stone were born seven children, but only three are now living: Emma, Charles and Gladys Helen. They also have an adopted son, who has made his home with them since the age of seven years, and who is now known as James Stone. Their eldest son, John, was born January 29, 1876, and died January 4, 1897, a few days before attaining his majority; James W., born June 9, 1882, died September 12, 1885; Albert J., born December 31, 1884, died October 8, 1889; and Mary E., born April 14, 1888, died March 25, 1895.
After his marriage, Mr. Stone rented land and engaged in farming on his own account in Vermilion County, Ill., for three years. After two years spent on rented land in Champaign County, the same state, he returned to Vermilion County, where he operated one farm for eight years. In 1887 he concluded to come to Colorado, and located in the "rain belt" of eastern Colorado, near Holyoke, in Phillips County, where he took up three quarter sections of land, one under preemption, another under the tree claim, and the third under the homestead act, and then bought the other quarter, so that he had the entire section. But the climate being unfavorable and drought prevailing, he was compelled to leave that locality after having spent $4,000 of his hard earned savings. In the fall of 1890 he came to Weld County, his property consisting of $5 in money, a fine herd of horses and three cows. He spent the first winter on the Glaziers horse ranch southeast of Evans, and there worked for wages in order to secure another start in life. In the spring he removed to the farm owned by Nathan B. Carr and after renting it for two years he purchased the place, which comprises a quarter section of land mostly under cultivation and
948
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. well watered by the English ditch, of which he is a stockholder. In connection with general farming and stock-raising he gives considerable attention to the dairy business and for this purpose keeps on hand twenty-five cows. For the success that he has achieved he certainly deserves great credit, and his course through life has been such as to win for him the confidence and respect of all who know him. Religiously both Mr. and Mrs. Stone are earnest and faithful members of the Methodist Church of Evans, and Mrs. Stone has served as one of the trustees of the church which meets in the Big Bend school house.
COTT W. BULLARD is the owner and proprietor of the Oasis livery stables in Greeley, Weld County. This business he established here some seven years ago, and from the first has been very successful in the enterprise. By his uniform courtesy and square-dealing he has won the esteem of the public and his fellow-citizens, and commands a good share of their patronage. He has twenty-five or more first-class carriages and vehicles, besides a fine hearse. His horses are all good animals, some used to the saddle.
The birth of S. W. Bullard occurred on a farm near Bennington, N. H., November 21, 1846. He is one of nine children, six of whom were boys, and with the exception of himself, all of the number have made their homes in New Hampshire. The parents were Benjamin and Rosanna (Wilkins) Bullard, both natives of New Hampshire and well-to-do farmers of that state.
When he was about twelve years of age Scott W. Bullard left home to earn his own livelihood. For the following four years he worked on farms, attending school during the winter terms. Then he went to the town of Lowell, Mass., where he learned the barber's trade. He stayed in Lowell about two years, at the end of which time he established a business of his own in Keene, N. H., and for twelve years carried it on with good success.
June 15, 1870, Mr. Bullard married Miss Fannie M. Crossfield, daughter of Kendall G. and Rebecca (Martin) Crossfield, citizens of Keene. The father was a carpenter and contractor and was active in the public affairs of his community. The only child born to Mr. and Mrs. Bullard died at their home in Keene. In 1880 Mr. Bullard removed to Eldon, Wapello County, Iowa, where he carried on a hotel for two years. He next went to Denver and embarked in business as a barber. Coming to Greeley in 1883 he opened a shop which he conducted for six years, then becoming manager of the Oasis Hotel, a position he retained eighteen months. He then went into the livery business under the firm name of Miner & Bullard. They carried on this business until he came to his present location in 1891.
While a resident of Keene, Mr. Bullard served for three years in the state militia, belonging to the Second New Hampshire Regiment. Since coming to Colorado he was for three years connected with the Second Regiment of this state. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow, being identified with Poudre Valley Lodge No. x, of Greeley. He has always given considerable attention to politics, and in 1896 was a candidate for the office of sheriff on the Democratic ticket. Mrs. Bullard is a highly educated lady and was the organizer of the successful and exclusive literary club of Greeley known as the Progress Club. The seven original members met at Mrs. Bullard's residence in January, 1894, and planned a course of study for improvement and self-culture. The membership of the club was then and there restricted to twenty persons. Their work has been very beneficial and has included a very comprehensive review of the history of the development of the human race, as seen in the annals of the ancient nations and the successive governments which have passed along the stage of life, The club has studied modern authors, book reviews and current topics, and keeps well posted on the great events of day which are having influence upon the progress of civilization and history.
OHN R. GILLIES. Canada has furnished to the United States many bright, enterprising young men who have left the Dominion to enter the business circles of this country with its more progressive methods, livelier competition and advancement more quickly secured. Among this number is Mr. Gillies, head miller of the Eaton Milling and Elevator Company, at Eaton, Weld County. He is a native of Huntington, Province of Quebec, Canada, born August 14, 1857, and is of Scotch lineage. His grand-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 949
father, John Gillies, was born in Scotland and on crossing the Atlantic settled in Canada, where he engaged in farming. In his family were two sons: John, the father of our subject; and James, who was engaged in mining in Australia for twenty-three years, but returned to Canada, and there died. The older John Gillies was born in Canada, and for a few years followed farming, but the greater part of his life has been devoted to the manufacture of farm machinery and to mercantile pursuits in Huntington, Huntington County, Canada. He is a strong adherent to the principles of temperance, and is an active and prominent member of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has served as deacon the greater part of his life, superintendent of the Sabbath school many years, and leader of the singing. He has also been a member of the town board. He married Jane Morrison, who was born in Glasgow, Scotland, but removed to Canada when about ten years of age. To them were born nine children, two sons and seven daughters, as follows: Jeannette, wife of W. F. Willis, living north of Eaton, Colo.; Mary, wife of A. S. Lincoln, living a half-mile west of Eaton; John R., of this sketch; Andrew, a farmer living three and a-half miles from Eaton; Margaret, wife of C. W. Clapp, living in Eaton; Jane, wife of F. B. Shattuck, living three miles east of Eaton; Agnes, postmistress at Eaton; Eva Wallace, at home; and Grace, assistant postmistress at Eaton..
John R. Gillies completed his education at the academy in Huntington, Canada, and when young learned the trade of a miller at Fort Covington, N. Y., to which place his father had removed when he was sixteen years of age. Leaving there four years later he came direct to Greeley, Colo., where he worked on the Larimer and Weld canal the first winter, then on a hay ranch, running a hay baler. For two years he was employed on a stock ranch in Wyoming for what is now the Bay State Live Stock Company, and when the mill was started at Eaton he became identified with it, at first running the elevator, but as the business did not agree with his health he again went to the country, and for the following two years conducted a ranch. In 1892, however, he returned to the Eaton Milling and Elevator Company, and has since been with them, his thorough knowledge of the business making him well qualified for the responsible position be holds, having entire charge of the operation of the mill, which turns out two hundred barrels of flour per day. Except when closed for repairs the null keeps running steadily and the product is sold throughout Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming and Arkansas, but the main part is disposed of in Denver.
Mr. Gillies was married June 3, 1885, to Miss Belle Parkhurst, of Ohio. He erected one of the first houses in town, has witnessed its entire development, and as a public-spirited and enterprising citizen he has taken an interest in all matters that will aid in its advancement or promote the general welfare. In his political affiliations he is an ardent Republican, and he has most acceptably served his fellow-citizens as town clerk and a member of the board of trustees. He is a prominent member of Eaton Lodge No. 130, Woodmen of the World, of which he is clerk.
APT. CYRENEUS D. NEFF owns and operates a valuable farm on sections 15 and 16, township 6, range 66, Weld County. The neat and thrifty appearance of his land indicates his careful supervision. Substantial improvements are surrounded by well-tilled fields, and all of the accessories and conveniences of a model farm are there found. In connection with general farming he is also engaged in stock-raising.
The captain was born in the Province of Ontario, Canada, in 1840, and is a son of Samuel F. Neff, a native of the same place, where he continued to reside until 1852, when he removed to Iowa, spending eight years there. His next home was near Buffalo, N. Y., where he engaged in farming and fruit-growing, making a specialty of horticulture, in which he met with excellent success. He is the author of a work on the subject, which became quite popular, and was a man well known in his county. He died at the ripe old age of seventy-nine years. In early life he married Miss Maria Miller, and to them were born four children: Cyreneus D., Oziel H., Louisa M. and Edward N. The mother, who was prominent in church work, died at the age of seventy-two years, at the old home near Buffalo.
The subject of this sketch was twelve years old when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Iowa, where he grew to manhood, his educa-
950
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. tion being obtained in the public schools of that state and Valparaiso, Ind. On leaving school at the age of twenty he began learning the harnessmaker's trade at Waverly, Iowa. At the opening of the Rebellion in 1861 he was at Waterloo, Iowa, and there enlisted for three months in a cavalry company, which drilled for some time, but finally the head officers refused to go to the front.
He then went to Dubuque, Iowa, where he opened a recruiting office and formed a company, which was mustered into the United States service as Company G, Ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee, under General Curtis. He entered the service as corporal, but for meritorious conduct on field of battle he was gradually promoted until commissioned captain of his old company. He remained at the front for nearly four years, was in thirty-three battles under Generals Grant and Sherman, and was in thirty engagements in which the company did not participate, he volunteering to go. He was a brave and daring soldier, but fortunately escaped uninjured.
When the war was over Captain Neff went to New York state, where his parents were then living, and associated with his brother in market gardening for two years. In 1868 he went to the oil regions of Pennsylvania, and after two years spent in the oil business he opened a harness shop at Pit Hole City and a branch shop at a neighboring town, carrying on operations there for two years. On selling out his business he went to Parker City, Pa., where he engaged in the same line of trade for a similar period. He disposed of his stock there in 1873 and came to Greeley, Colo. At the end of thirty days, August 15, 1873, he bought a part of his present farm, a quarter-section in the Cache la Poudre Valley, to which he has since added two hundred acres, making a fine farm of three hundred and sixty acres. He is a stockholder in the Big Ditch No. 2, and is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, having two hundred and fifty head of cattle upon his place. For five years he rented his farm and engaged in mercantile business in Greeley, having a seed and feed store, and after selling out spent one year in California, but since 1896 has lived upon his ranch and devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits.
In 1864 Captain Neff married Miss Agnes E. English, a daughter of Joseph English, a native of Ireland, who was then residing in Iowa. To them have been born six children: Charles, who is on the home farm; Frances B.; Nellie M. and Bessie, both teachers; Grace N. and Edward C. Feeling the need of a better education in his own life, Captain Neff has provided his children with good school privileges, and has taken an active part in educational work, assisting in organizing school district No. 27, and serving as a member of the board of trustees. In politics he is a silver Republican. While a resident of Pennsylvania he affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has met with a well-deserved success in life and is now the possessor of a comfortable competence and pleasant home, erected in 1888. His son Charles first married Maud Near, who died in 1895, leaving one child, William. For his second wife he married Mary Jackson, of Wisconsin. The family is widely and favorably known and has a host of friends in Weld County.
In the spring of 1889 Mr. Helbig came to Denver and opened a law office, since which time he has given his attention to the management of a gradually increasing practice. Since coming to this state he has made a study of the currency question, realizing what a powerful factor it is in national prosperity. The result of his thoughtful investigation of the subject was that he became convinced of the fact that the demnonetization of the white metal worked incalculable injury to the nation, an injury that should be repaired by the restoration of bimetallism and the raising of silver to its proper standard.
The work done by Mr. Helbig in the interests of the silver cause, caused its friends to place him in nomination for the legislature in 1896 and he
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 951
was elected by a fair majority. He at once entered upon his duties as a legislator. He was appointed chairman of the Indian and military committee and the Denver charter committee, besides serving as a member of other committees. Fraternally he is connected with Washington Lodge No. 32, K. of P., and Manulita Tribe No. 10, Improved Order of Red Men.
On Christmas day of 1890, in Wilmington, N. C., occurred the marriage of Mr. Helbig to Miss Carrie Earl Hanby, daughter of John H. Hanby, of that city. They have two children, John and Douglas, both of whom were born in Denver.
ORSE H. COFFIN, one of the most prominent agriculturists of Weld County and one of the early pioneers, resides three miles east of Longmont. A member of an ancient English family, he descends from the Coffeen (as the name was then spelled) family that came from the Netherlands with William the Conqueror in the eleventh century. The head of the family was knighted by the king and was given a grant of land in Alwington County, near Land's End, which was then named Coffeen County. At the present time the eldest member of the family sits in the house of lords. Tristram Coffeen came to America in 1542 and settled near Haverhill, Mass., where he became very influential in local affairs, serving as sheriff and in numerous other positions of trust. Letters written by him are on exhibition in the state house of New York.
One of the sons of Tristram settled on Nantucket Island, where numerous descendants still reside. Another son went up the Hudson River and settled near Albany, founding the branch of which our subject is a member. Edward Coffin (supposed to be our subject's great-grandfather or his brother) was a member of the colonial army during the Revolution, and one of his powder horns is a prized souvenir, now in the possession of our subject. Isaac Coffin, our subject's grandfather, was born at Fishkill, N. Y., in 1773, and was a farmer and hotel keeper throughout his active life; he died February 9, 1839.
Jacob Coffin, father of our subject, was born in Bethlehem, Albany County, N. Y., in 1800, and in youth learned the trade of a blacksmith, which he followed in connection with farming. In 1843, however, he moved west to Illinois and settled near Belvidere, Boone County, where he afterward devoted his entire attention to agriculture. He was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and for many years held the office of class leader, also served as superintendent of the Sunday-school. His death occurred at DeKalb, DeKalb County, in 1876, and he was buried in Boone County.
The subject of this sketch, a son of Jacob and Mary A. (Hull) Coffin, was born in Roxbury, Delaware County, N. Y., September 20, 1836. In 1845 he removed with his parents to Boone County, Ill., where his father was a pioneer agriculturist. There during the summer months our subject assisted his father on the farm, while in the winter he attended the district school, acquiring a limited education. At the age of twenty-one he began for himself as a farmer, being given entire charge of his father's farm. In 1859, with two friends, he started across the plains, with three teams of oxen and a wagon, also with $40 in money and a shotgun, which articles, together with his clothes, constituted his entire worldly possessions. Leaving Illinois May 5, they arrived in Boulder July 18. On their westward journey they met many emigrants returning and all gave a very gloomy picture of Colorado. All these reports had their effect on the men. By the time they had reached the Missouri River, their decision had been made to outfit and continue their journey to Oregon or California. However, on their arrival at Fort Laramie, two days after Horace Greeley had made his famous trip to the state, they heard his version of the country, and it decided them in their course, they stopped in Colorado, where Mr. Coffin secured work with Low, Goss & Pell. He whip-sawed lumber until he had paid an obligation to R. S. Low, a member of the firm. Afterward he continued in the same work during the fall and winter, whip-sawing lumber for the first frame house built (by H. C. Norton) in Boulder County.
Coming to Weld County in the spring of 1860, Mr. Coffin took up one hundred and sixty acres on the St. Vrain, three miles east of Longmont, where he settled and began the improvement of a farm. By subsequent purchase he became the owner of three hundred and sixty acres, constitut-
952
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ing his present farm. During the late war he enlisted in Company D, Third Colorado Volunteer Cavalry, and is now a member of McPherson Post No. 6, G. A. R., of which he is commander.
The marriage of Mr. Coffin united him with Miss Julia A. M. Dunbar, a native of Otsego County, N. Y. She is a daughter of Andrew B. Dunbar, who was born in Massachusetts and from there, in middle life, removed to New York, where he was engaged in business as a merchant, butcher and farmer. Five children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Coffin, and of these four are now living. Geneva, the eldest of the family, is a graduate of the State University at Boulder and has been successful as a teacher in the high school of Deadwood, S. Dak., and Glenwood Springs, Colo. Merton D. has been engaged in the fruit-growing business in De Soto County, Fla. Adelbert B. assists his brother in the management of his father's farm. Morse H. Jr., is deceased. Julia Etta is attending the Longmont high school, preparatory to a course in the State University.
About 1878 Mr. Hetzel migrated to Colorado and settled in Longmont, where, his health being poor, he lived in retirement from active business cares. At that place he resided until his death, in 1897. He was of German parentage, his father having come from Germany ; while his wife's father was a native of Holland. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in the east and acquired in the common schools a limited education. In 1855 he left the parental roof and began life for himself. Going to Rockford, Ill., he entered a jeweler's shop and worked for some three years, learning the trade. Thence he went to Macoupin County, Ill., where he bought land and also for five years engaged in business, being proprietor of one of the best hardware and machine stores in southern Illinois. On disposing of his business interests, he gave his attention to the management of his land. In 1871 he sold out and moved to Colorado, arriving in Denver March 20, and coming from there direct to Longmont.
After having engaged in farming in the vicinity of Longmont for two years, Mr. Hetzel removed to the neighborhood of his present location, five miles north of the town. He began to work with a will and a determination to succeed. In 1882 he bought two hundred and forty acres of land where he now lives. The tract was unimproved, and had neither a building nor a stick of timber, there being but little improvement between this point and Greeley. Everything was in its primeval condition, the wide-stretching plain extending unbroken as far as the eye could discern. Having no money, he obligated himself for the entire amount of the purchase price. At a later date he added one hundred and sixty acres. In 1887 he was in debt to the amount of $10,000, for which he paid nine per cent interest. To-day there is not a dollar of indebtedness standing against him, and his farm of four hundred acres is one of the best improved estates in Boulder County. This speaks volumes for his business sagacity and force of will.
In Pennsylvania, in 1857, Mr. Hetzel married Miss Susan Van Gilder. Eight children were born of their union, three of whom are now living: Edward, the eldest child and only son, is a farmer of Weld County; Emma is the widow of John Elliott, of Boulder; and Etta is at home. September 9, 1889, Mr. Hetzel married Miss Angie Salisbury, a native of New York state, and the daughter of Peter and Emily (Cooper) Salisbury. Her grandmother Salisbury was in maidenhood Nancy Van Buren, and was an own cousin of President Van Buren. The grandfather, Chrisjohn Cooper, was a member of the Coopers of Cooperstown, to which family belonged the
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