There is a grandeur in the triumph of human industry and enterprise over what, to the weak and faint-hearted, seem insurmountable obstacles. No greater example of this triumph exists in the western hemisphere, than the city whose history we now essay to write. Far from a navigable stream or other means to make it easy of access--all material necessary for sustaining life having to be transported over a long, weary road, in wagons drawn by toiling horses or slow-moving oxen, through a country infested with hostile Indians, abounding in waterpools, to drink of which was certain death to the animals, and the cause of much severe illness to pioneers--it is no wonder that only the most desperate and reckless adventurers were in the majority, among the first who essayed and accomplished this undertaking. Built up under such circumstances, and during a time when the whole nation was agonized and agitated with an internal strife that threatened the overthrow of the government and the destruction of the only perfectly formed republic of the world, Denver has just cause to be proud of the advance and improvement it has made.
The history of such a city must necessarily contain a mass of personal reminiscences; and, in collecting these, the author has chosen only from the most reliable sources.
The vacillating nature of the first population, but few of whom now remain in the city, has made much difficulty in collecting the data and statistics for the work, while its limits have not admitted of that copious description that
FIRST DISCOVERY OF GOLD
Since the discovery of the new world by Columbus, under the auspices of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, the romance of the country has located, somewhere in the wilds of America, an eldorado, where the precious metals, and gems of untold beauty and value were believed to exist in a munificent abundance that should reward the hardy adventurer for all his toils and hardships. A fountain of youth was also located in this utopia of romance, whose healing waters should restore palsied and infirm old age to the pristine vigor and beauty of early prime, and thus confer the boon of immortality upon those who should be its fortunate discoverers. These romantic stories, together with a love of adventure, caused the expenditure of vast amounts of blood and treasure by the Spaniard to reach this beautiful land of his fancy's creation. Much of this same wild love of adventure, without its romance, yet animates the western explorer, and this over-weening, restless desire to be where man in his civilized condition has never been, to look upon the new and beautiful, to add to the stores of science, the pages of literature, and develop the hidden wealth of our glorious country, is one of the most powerful leaders in the westward march of empire.
Gold, the god of the avaricious--the necessity of the poor--that by its almost miraculous power transforms the fool, if its possessor, into an oracle of wisdom, or makes futile the teachings of the best, if without it, caused the foundation of this city. The first discovery of the precious metal was made on the Cache la Poudre, where its waters leave the mountains and enter upon the valley, by an adventurous hunting party of Cherokee Indians and Georgians. This was in the month of August, 1849.
The first town projected here was called Montana, and was situated upon a beautiful point of land nearly surrounded by the Platte River, five and one-half miles above the mouth of Cherry Creek. A company from Lawrence, Kansas, with others, were the hardy projectors of this enterprise
About twenty rude log cabins were built and roofed with earth. This was the only style of building then in vogue, as the lumber necessary for frame buildings coul not be procured, there being no saw mills yet introduced into the country. The building of this town was commenced in October, 1858; and it was occupied that winter, but was deserted early in the spring of 1859, and some of the houses removed to the then new town of Auraria, now West Denver. The town of Montana was never surveyed or regularly laid out , and is now held as a ranch, with few existing remains of its rude cabins.
St. Charles was the next town in order, and was projected and principally built by the same parties that built Montana, very soon after the settlement of the latter place.
The town of St. Charles was located on the site where Denver now stands, and the first cabin was built by General Wm. Larimer, in the latter part of October, 1858, and was of the prevailing fashion, consisting of round logs and dirt roof. It stood on the east bank of Cherry creek, between Blake and Wazee streets. The foundation for
Auraria, next in order, was named after an unimportant mining town in Georgia. The company who headed the enterprise of building this place, was composed of a hundred members, among whom were the Georgia Company, the pioneer gold miners of this section.
The record of the boundaries of this town site will give the reader an idea of the extensive views entertained concerning the future greatness these gentlemen expected for their city: "Beginning at a point in the middle of the main channel of the Platte River, opposite the mouth of Cherry Creek; thence up the middle of the main channel of Cherry Creek two miles; thence north sixty degrees west to the middle of the main channel of the Platte River; thence down the same to the place of beginning."
This survey embraced an area of about twelve hundred acres. The first house built after the town was surveyed was by Ross Hutchins, and was located on Ferry Street, between First and Second, in the Indian Row previously mentioned. It was of the prevailing fashion, being constructed of cottonwood logs; in size, 16x18 feet, with a dirt roof, supported by rough timbers. This house was commenced, finished and occupied in four or five days.
S. M. Rooker was the first emigrant with a family that settled here. He arrived at Cherry Creek from Salt lake, on the 30th day of August, 1878, and lived with his family in camp until the 27th of October, when he moved into a
The first trading house in the country was opened by Messrs. Blake & Williams, from Crescent City, Iowa, their first stock of supplies arriving on the 29th of October, 1858. A stock of stoves, tinware and tinners' stock, belong to Messrs. Kinna & Nye, arrived a few days afterwards. The latter firm immediately set about building a shop on St. Louis street, between Second and Third, which they occupied until the following winter, when they moved into a new and better room that they in the meantime built on Ferry street.
R. L. Wootton and family arrived in Auraria from New Mexico on Christmas day, 1858. This was the second family of white emigrants that arrived in the country. Mr. W. brought a large stock of goods and immediately set about building a store house on Ferry street, near Fourth.
This was the most imposing and pretentious edifice in the town being 20x32 feet in size, one and one-half stories high, roofed with clapboards. The upper floor was made
On the 26th of December, 1858, Thomas Pollock arrived from New Mexico, and immediately commenced building a blacksmith shop on Fourth, between Ferry and St. Louis streets, in which he commenced work on the 10th of the following month. Prospering in his business Mr. P. soon left the old shop for a more elegant and commodious one he had built near the old stand. A carpenter shop was built about the same time on the corner of Ferry and Fifth streets, and occupied by Kasserman " Co.
SETTLEMENT AND EVENTS IN FIFTY-NINE.
The first public house was opened on the first of February, 1859, by Murat & Smoke, in a log building on St. Louis street, between Fifth and Sixth. It was called the "Eldorado Hotel," and for a sign had a silken flag floating
During the growth of Auraria, its rival, Denver City, on the east bank of Cherry Creek, had not been idle. Quite a feeling of strife for the ascendency [sic.] in population and importance existed between the inhabitants of the two places. The number of houses built in Denver during the winter of 1858-9 nearly equaled those of Auraria, and were rather neater and better in appearance, being generally constructed of hewn logs.
The first house of pretentious appearance was built by H. P. A. Smith, the then Probate Judge of Arapahoe County, by appointment of the Executive of Kansas. This house stood on Blake stbetweenetwandE anmd F, next door to Laflin & Smith's fire proof brick. It was burned in the great fire of 1863.
A Lodge of F. and A. M. was instituted in January, 1859. Having no charter, they worked under a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Kansas. The first meeting of the Lodge was held in a log cabin on Cherry street, between Second and Third, in Auraria, Henry Allen as W. M., and H. P. A. Smith, Secretary. They met regularly during the summer, and in the fall C. H. Blake succeeded Henry Allen as W. M.
About the 7th of February, Messrs. Branscomb, Nichols, McGaa, Morrow, Hinman and L. W. Smith, received from the Kansas legislature a charter to run a ferry for five years across the South Platte River, at the mouth of Cherry Creek, the landing upon the east side of the river
At the first election held, March 28th, 1859, for county officers for Arapahoe County, Kansas Territory, the following officers were chosen:
Probate Judge, S. W. Wagoner; Sheriff, D. D. Cook; Treasurer, John L. Hiffner; Register of Deeds, J. S. Lowrie; Supervisors, L. J. Winchester, Hickory Rogers and R. L. Wootton; Clerk Board Supervisors, Levi Ferguson; Prosecuting Attorney, Marshall Cook; Auditor, W. W. Hooper; Assessor, Ross Hutchins;Coroner, C. M. Steinberger. The whole number of votes cast in the county was 774. Of this number Denver City precinct cast 144, and Auraria, 231. In Denver City precinct Messrs. Swigart and B. Hieatt were elected Justices of the Peace, and Wm. Wilson and G. S. Abbie, Constables.
An Auraria, John Graves and F. F. Brune were chosen Justices of the Peace, and S. M. Rooker and W. G. Taylor, Constables. There were five other precincts in the county besides the two embryonic cities.
On Thursday, April 21st, the first wagon load of lumber entered the city of Auraria. It was from the saw mill of Messrs. Cooper & Wyatt, situated in the Cherry Creek pineries, about thirty miles from the city. This mill was
TRIAL AND EXECUTION OF STOFEL.
There being no place of security for the confinement of criminals, justice was necessarily dispensed to desperate characters in a rather summary manner. On the 7th of April, 1859, a young man named Stofel, shot and killed his brother-in-law, Thomas Biencroff, on Vasquez Fork, now Clear Creek. The murderer was arrested, tried before Judge H. P. A. Smith, found guilty by his own confession, and was taken by the populace on the 8th and executed by hanging to a cottonwood tree, near the corner of Third and St. Louis streets. Such examples of stern justice served to keep a wholesome terror in the minds of the lawless, and gave greater security to the community.
On the 16th of April, Captain Bassett was shot and mortally wounded by J. W. Scudder. After Bassett's death, the murderer succeeded in effecting his escape from custody, and in company with Carrol Wood, who was implicated in the crime, left the city.
On the 21st of April, the wagon train bearing the office material for the Rocky Mountain News, entered Auraria, and the upper room of Wootton's store, of which previous mention has been made, became its place of publication. Messrs. Wm. N. Byers & Co. were editors and proprietors, and the first number of the paper made its appearance on the 28th of April. It was a very creditable sheet of six columns to the Page, and was deemed almost a god-send to the community, who had so long suffered from literary thirst. Simultaneously with the appearance of the first number of the News in Auraria, Mr. John L. Merrick issued the first and only number of the Cherry
About the middle of April, a convention to form a State government was held in Wootton's Hall, in Auraria. This convention was composed of delegates from the various precincts. Those from Denver were Messrs. Smith, Lowry, Blake, Merrick, Larimer and Clancey. The delegation from Auraria, were Messers. Allen, Slaughter, Russell, Cook, McLain and Pollock.
The convention passed a series of resolutions, setting forth strong reasons why a State government should be adopted, and resolved that the people be requested to elect delegates to attend a constitutional convention, to be held in Denver, on the first Monday in June, 1859, and that the name of the new proposed State should be Jefferson. Messrs. Smith, Winchester, McCoy and Casto, were appointed a committee to prepare an address to the people in favor of the State government. Messrs. Clancey, Davidson, Gilmore, Shaefer and Slaughter, were appointed a central committee.
During the months of April and May, 1859, emigration rolled into the country with almost unexampled rapidity, but most of the new arrivals were dissatisfied with the prospect before them--having come with the wildest and most chimerical ideas of the exhaustless abundance of the precious metals here to be found, as they supposed, without labor. The return of these romantic malcontents, was as speedy as their entrance, and the country, the people and the News were terribly anathematized as being the authors of the fabulous notions that these discontented ones had formed. During these two months, business became dull--no buildings were erected , and the future for the pioneer cities looked dark, gloomy and dispiriting.
About the middle of May, new discoveries of gold were made in the mountains, and things took a more favorable turn. Parties of emigrants instead of becoming completely disgusted and returning to the States, because the sands of Cherry Creek were not pure gold, went on to the mountains, and many becoming satisfied of the richness of the mines, returned to the cities and building and improvements were resumed.
The first coach of the Leavenworth and Pike's Peak Express Company, arrived in Denver on the 7th of May, 1859.
The convention that was called to draft a constitution for the state of Jefferson, met on the 6th day of June, in Blake & Williams' Hall on Blake street, and adjourned until the first of August.
On the same day, Horace Greeley, of the New York Tribune, arrived in Denver, and addressed the citizens in the evening. On the following Sabbath, Mr. Greeley delivered a lecture on temperance.
At this time the two rival cities, Auraria and Denver, had each about one hundred and fifty houses. The different routes to the cities from the east were crowded with emigrants, many of them returning dissatisfied, without ever reaching the eldorado of their hopes.
Messrs. Horace Greeley, A. D. Richardson and Henry Willard, drew up and signed a statement concerning the mines. This was published in an extra issue of the News, and being circulated on the different roads, did much to stop the stampede to the States, and gave renewed hopes to the weary, plodding emigrants.
RE-ASSEMBLING OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION.
The convention to draft a constitution for the State of Jefferson, met August 1st, in Kasserman & Co.'s building,
At this time there was no political organization of parties, and the only question of interest was the purely local one: "Are you a Denver man or an Aurarian?" The rivalry existing between the two cities ran high, and was brought to bear on all public acts and occasions.
Mass conventions were held in Denver and Auraria on the 24th of September, and unanimously resolved to address a circular letter to the voters of the Territory of Jefferson, setting forth the reasons for and necessity of a provisional government, and recommending that the several precincts, appoint delegates, to attend a convention on the first Monday in October, for the purpose of organizing such government. This convention met at the time appointed, and after a session of three days, drafted and adopted a constitution for the provisional government of the Territory of Jefferson. This was the first form of government that was at all recognized by the citizens of the proposed new Territory.
At an election held October 3d, the following officers
DUEL BETWEEN R. E. WHITSITT AND W. P. MC CLURE.
Some misunderstanding occurred between W. P. McClure and R. E. Whitsitt, which resulted in a duel between them on the 19th of October. McClure, who was the challenging party, received a severe wound, from which he subsequently recovered. Both parties were citizens of Denver, and the fight came off in the presence of about two hundred spectators, near Cherry Creek, about one mile above the city.
In the Rocky Mountain News of Thursday, October 20th, 1859, is recorded the first marriage notice ever published in the Territory. The parties were John B. Atkins of Mt. Clemens, Michigan, and Miss Lydia R., eldest daughter of Colonel Henry Allen. These were joined in the silken bonds in Auraria, on the 16th inst., by Rev G. W. Fisher.
The same day that this notice appeared, a fatal affray took place between Oliver Davis and W. J. Paine, both colored citizens of Denver City. The affair resulted in the death of Davis, by a shot from the revolver of Paine, who was afterwards tried before B. Hieatt, Esq., and honorably acquitted, it appearing clearly in evidence that the prisoner had acted only in self defense.
O. J. Goldrick, commonly called the "Professor," was the pioneer school teacher of the country. His first school
In the month of August, 1859, John L. Dailey bought the interest of Thomas Gibson in the News. The name of the publishing firm continued to be Wm. N. Byers & Co., but a great change for the better appeared in the typographical appearance of the paper, most gratifying to its readers.
The pioneer theatre in Denver, was opened in an upper room on Larimer street, known as the "Apollo Hall." This building was erected by the Barney Brothers, and being since enlarged, is re-named the "People's Theatre." The pioneer troupe were under the management of C. R. Thorne, and made their first appearance in the fall of 1859.
The first theatre in Auraria, known as "Reed's Theatre," was opened by the Cibola Minstrels, in the Cibola Hall, on Ferry street, between Third and Fourth. Their first entertainment was given Monday evening, October 24th, 1859.
The election for officers for the Territory of Jefferson, took place on the 24th of October, 1859, and resulted as follows:
About the last of October, two heads of wheat were accidentally discovered by W. P. McClure, in Parkinson's garden in Denver. The grain being large and of very fine appearance, opened the eyes of the settlers to the fact that a very superior quality of this cereal could be grown in the country.
During the fall of 1859, a town company to lay off and build up a new town, called Highland, was organized. The proposed town site was on the high grounds over the Platte River, opposite Denver. This project subsequently fell through, and no great amount of building was done in the new town.
A circulating library was opened by A. E. Pierce, at the Auraria post Office News Depot, early in November. The Collection of volumes was not large, but it served to assist much in giving food for the mind to a community which, then as now, contained more than an ordinary amount of literary taste.
A Sabbath School of all sects and denominations, was inaugurated by Rev. Geo. W. Fisher, Rev. Jacob Adriance and Messrs. Lewis N. Tappan, D. C. Collier, and O. J.
After the departure of Thorne, the pioneer theatre manage, M'lle. Haydee and sisters took the management of the theatre, and announced the debut of in Jefferson, of the celebrated low comedian, Mr. M. J. Dougherty, with whom they had effected an engagement for "six nights only." He made his first appearance at the Apollo on Tuesday evening, November 8th. Mr. Dougherty, afterwards well known to every citizen of this country as the "inimitable Mike," became one of the managers of the Denver Theatre, in connection with Mr. J. S. Langrishe, the present very popular manager of that place of amusement.
At this time Kansas claimed jurisdiction over the Territory, and ordered by an official dispatch, that an election be held for a delegate to Congress and officers for Arapahoe county, under Kansas laws. This order met with approval from some of those who were discontented with the result of the election of officers for the provisional government of Jefferson Territory, but the majority of the citizens remained true to the proposed organization.
On the 7th of November, the first Legislature convened in Denver. Henry Allen was council man from the 2d council district, in which Denver and Auraria were situated–Denver and Auraria being numbered, respectively, the 1st and 2nd representative district, and the former was represented in the House by Messrs. John C. Moore and W. P. McClure, the latter by Messrs. W. M. Slaughter and M. D. Hickman.
At this time the prospects for the new Territory were very promising. The News of the 10th says: "No country in the world, in so short a time, has developed so many
ADJOURNMENT OF THE LEGISLATURE.
The Legislature adjourned sine dle on the 7th day of December, after having given existence to the first laws that were considered binding by the people of Jefferson.
An election was held by those in favor of remaining under the Kansas regime, on the 8th, and Captain R. Sopris was elected to represent Arapahoe county in the Kansas Legislature. On the 10th Governor Steele issued his proclamation, calling for a meeting of the General Assembly to be held in Denver on the 23d of January, 1860.
THOMAS WARREN CHALLENGES WM. N. BYERS.
On Thursday, November 17th, Thomas Warren sent a challenge to mortal combat to Wm. N. Byers. The later very properly, declined, and gave cogent reasons for so doing. The difficulty arose on account of Mr. Byers publishing a delinquent debtor who was a friend of Mr. Warren's.
ORGANIZATION OF A CITY GOVERNMENT.
During the first session of the Legislature, a city charter was granted Denver City by that body. The first election of officers for the city was held December 19th, and John C. Moore, Esq., was elected Mayor. Mayor Moore
The Criterion Saloon, situated on Larimer street, Denver, made its debut in the advertising columns of the News on the 8th of December. This building was erected by Edward Jumps, and deserves especial mention as it became the resort of the sports and most desperate characters, who have infested Denver–more dark and bloody deeds have been planned in it than in all the other houses in the city. It subsequently being enlarged, became a theatre, and is not occupied by E. H. Kellogg & Co. as a grocery store.
The mail at this time was carried by the Leavenworth and Pike's Peak Express Company, as express matter, and the sum of twenty-five cents was charged for each letter. Amos Steck, Esq., was the obliging and efficient post master, or rather expressman, who dispensed these favors to the few fortunate receivers.
During the year 1859, many brick buildings were erected in Auraria and Denver, and enterprising men embarked in almost all branches of business. The first brick were made by Messrs. Warren & Co., in the month of August. D. C. Oakes & Co. brought in the second steam saw-mill, which was located about twenty miles south of Auraria. The firm established a lumber yard in the city, where all kinds of lumber and timber for building purposes were kept for sale.
William Graham, Esq., established a "City Drug Store" in a little log cabin on Larimer street, in Denver, between E and F streets, where Nathan's store now stands. Mr Graham's beginning was small, but he, by good business habits, realized a fortune, and subsequently put up some of the best edifices that adorn the city.
A. E. Pierce inaugurated the news, periodical and book trade, commencing in Auraria, on a rough pine table under the shade of a cottonwood tree–this gentleman soon found himself able to keep two offices, one in Auraria and the other in the cabin drug store with Mr. Graham. From this small beginning sprang up the trade that is now so extensively and successfully carried on by Messrs. Woolworth & Moffat on Larimer street, and Geo. W. Kassler & Co., on Blake street, Denver.
With the increase of population and trade, roads had been constructed to the various mining and agricultural districts.
On the first of January, 1860, Gov. W. S. Beall, formerly of Wisconsin, drew up a memorial to Congress setting forth in a concise manner, the history and wants of the country. This memorial deserves a conspicuous place in the history of Colorado when it shall be written. The document was published in the News on the 4th of January, and many copies were circulated to obtain the signatures of the citizens.
A bridge for teams across the Platte on Ferry Street, between Auraria and Highland, was completed in January. About three weeks were consumed in its construction.
Throughout the winter of 1859-60, Messrs. M. J. Dougherty and Sam D. Hunter, were the lions of the theatrical troupe. The former, of whom previous mention has been made, died in Central City, in the summer of 1865, a victim of intemperance, and in him Colorado lost one of her most ingenuous, generous men.
About the middle of January, the ladies of Denver and Auraria, seeing the necessity of some church organization, held a meeting at the residence of Wm. N. Byers, in Au-
Members and those favoring the establishment of an Episcopal Church in Denver, held a meeting on the evening of the 21st, of which L. Badolet was Chairman, and E. D. Boyd, Secretary. The audience was addressed by Rev. J. H. Kehler, of the Diocese of Virginia, who had arrived in Denver with his family on the 17th inst. At this meeting arrangements were made for holding religious services regularly.
On the same day the city council of Denver held its first session, and received the message of Mayor Moore.
The population of Denver and Auraria at this time, numbered about 1,000, though the arrivals of emigrants, in transit to and from the country, frequently doubled this number.
The 30th of January, found the citizens of both Denver and Auraria in a blaze of excitement. The trouble in Denver was on account of "claim jumping," which in western parlance, means the effort of one party to take possession and keep a plat of ground held, or previously claimed, by another. In this instance, Messrs. Parkinson, Thompson and Mickie, "jumped" a portion of Denver City, on which little improvement had been made, and commenced building houses thereon. The following morning a meeting was held, and peaceful yet conciliatory resolu-
The excitement in Auraria arose from a different cause. For some weeks previous to the 30th of January, 1860, petty thieving had been a thing of almost nightly occurrence. Robbing clothes-lines of their linen, farmer's wagons and market places of game and provisions, etc., were alarmingly, common; and, in many instances, these thefts amounted to hundreds of dollars in value. The order-loving portion of the community were consequently ripe for a descent upon their tormentors whenever circumstances should point them out. A squad of hard characters, rejoicing under the title of the "Bummers," were strongly suspected of being guilty of these depredations. On the afternoon of the day mentioned, a countryman's wagon was robbed of a large number of turkeys, and suspicions were immediately fastened upon the "Bummers."
About this time the number of buildings in Denver began to give it a symmetrical shape, so that the eye could understand the general outlines of the survey of the town plat. The streets eight feet in width, were laid out diagonally with the cardinal points of the compass, running from the northeast to the southwest, with cross-streets at right angles. The blocks were large, having thirty-two lots in each. The alleys dividing the blocks, run southwest and northeast. The lots having a front of twenty-five and a depth of one hundred and twenty-five feet, running northwest and southeast. The blocks consequently front
On the 4th of March, Mr. J. H. Gregory, a Georgia miner, who had discovered the first gold in the mountains, arrived in Denver from a visit to the States. Mr. Gregory brought with him a company consisting of seventeen men and women.
DUEL BETWEEN HON. L. W. BLISS AND DR. STONE.
On the 5th of March, 1860, at a public dinner given by Mr. Conklin at the Broadwell House, a difficulty occurred between Hon. L. W. Bliss, Secretary and at the time Acting Governor of the Territory, and Dr. J. S. Stone, member of the Legislative Assembly and Judge of the Miners' Court in what was then called the Mountain City District. The affair grew out of some personal language used by the former against the latter in presenting a toast. Dr. Stone challenged Governor Bliss to meet him in a duel. The challenge was accepted, and the affair came off at three o'clock p. m., on the 7th, on the opposite side of the Platte from Denver. The weapons were shot guns loaded with ball; distance, thirty paces. Dr. Stone fell at the first fire, mortally wounded. He lingered however, in great agony and suffering for some five months ere death supervened.
A sanguinary murder occurred in Denver at 2 p. m. on the 13th of March. The parties were Wm. West and Moses young, both formerly from Leavenworth, Kansas. Young deliberately fired a charge of fifteen buckshot into
TRIAL AND EXECUTION OF MOSES YOUNG.
The following morning Moses Young was placed on trial for the crime of murder in the first degree, before a court and jury of the people. The trial, though by a lynch court, was conducted fairly and impartially, with every disposition on the part of the people to deal as leniently with the prisoner as the nature of the crime would admit. The evidence fully sustained the charge, and the prisoner was convicted of an unprovoked and vindictive murder, and was sentenced to be hung the following day between the hours of three and six o'clock p. m. The scaffold was built on the spot where the murder was committed, and the execution passed off quietly. Rev. J. H. Kehler attended the prisoner, who admitted the justice of his sentence and the impartial fairness of his trial.
Such proceedings may seem shocking on account of the short respite given, but it should be remembered that there was no generally recognized criminal code for the punishment of such crimes, and no place provided for the safe custody of criminals.
The first destructive fire occurred in Auraria on the 18th of March, 1860. It was a large new frame livery stable, situated on Cherry street, between Third and Fourth, west side. The property belonged to Messrs. Sumner & Dorsett. It was entirely consumed. Loss about $18,000.
About this time a bridge was finished over Cherry creek on Larimer street, and another was commenced over the same stream on Blake street.
Jack O'Neil, a well known citizen of Auraria, was shot by John Rooker on Friday, March 30th. O'Neil died in
MOVEMENT FOR THE UNION OF THE TWO CITIES.
During the last week of March, a mass meeting of the citizens of Auraria met in that city and passed the following preamble and resolutions:
WHEREAS, The towns at and near the mouth of Cherry creek are, and ought to be one; therefore, be it
"Resolved, That from this time, Auraria proper, shall be known as Denver City, West Division, and we hereby authorize the board of directors to change the name on the plat accordingly."
This resolution was somewhat modified by a resolution offered by A. B. Steinberger, authorizing an election to be held on Monday, April 3d, 1860, to decide what should be the name. The election was held and a majority of 107 votes appeared in favor of the resolution. The judges of this election were Chas. L. Dahler, J. N. Bradley and S. Allen.
A ratification meeting of the citizens of the united cities was held on Larimer street bridge by moonlight, on the evening of the following Thursday, and the action taken by the citizens of that part of the city government of Cherry creek, was unanimously adopted. Judge N. G. Wyatt was president, and A. Jacobs, Esq., Secretary of this meeting.
On a motion of Gen. Wm. Larimer, the meeting adjourned with three hearty cheers for Denver.
On Thursday, April 12th, 1860, the "Denver Typographical Union" was organized. A scale of prices for printers' labor was adopted, also the rules and regulations governing the New Orleans Typographical Union, as a governing power, until the new organization should be perfected. At this primary meeting of the pioneer printers, John L. Merrick, was chairman, and Geo. L. Sanborn, Secretary.
On Saturday, April 14th, 1860, a party of Cheyenne and Apache Indians visited Denver for trading purposes. During the night following their arrival, their lodges were visited by a set of drunken desperadoes, and shameless acts of violence committed upon the persons of the females. The dastardly scoundrels who committed this outrage, also stole three mules belonging to the Indians, which they ran off some ten miles during the night. The Indians followed the trail next day and recovered their property. The majority of the citizens denounced the outrage, and through the efforts of Capt. James P. Beckworth, the Indians were pacified. Previous to this affair, the Indian troubles of this region had been principally on the part of the Utes, who had plundered and murdered several straggling prospectors in the mountains.
IMPORTANT TRIAL–GEO. WYNKOOP VS. DENVER CITY COMPANY.
During the April term of the district court, an important trial occurred. The parties, were Geo. Wynkoop vs. The Denver City Company, action for damages, judgement rendered in favor of plaintiff. The counsel for Mr. Wynkoop was Messrs. Bennet & Gray. For the City Company, Messrs. Wyatt, Wagoner & Moore. This history of the case may be briefly give.
During the winter of 1858-9, The Denver City Company, authorized and Empowered Ed. W. Wynkoop, who was going east, to collect money due from non-resident
BUILDINGS, MINES, DISAPPOINTED EMIGRANTS.
Many new buildings were at this time in course of erection in various parts of the city. The year past contained the darkest days of trial endured by the hardy pioneers. When the first wild excitement arose concerning the gold discoveries very little was known of the country. The precious metal had been found in small quantities in the sands of Cherry creek and the bars of the Platte. Of the mountain lodes nothing was known. The passes had not been explored and the inexhaustible treasure-bed of the world remained hidden.
Thousands of destitute and impoverished emigrants rushed to the country in hopes of speedily acquiring a fortune. Arriving at Cherry creek, and grasping up hand-fulls of its quick-sand, and finding it not filled wit the glittering wealth anticipated, they became dispirited, gloomy and embittered against the country. A large
TRIAL OF SCUDDER FOR THE MURDER OF CAPT. BASSETT.
On the 18th day of April, John Scudder who, in an affray, had shot and killed Peleg T. Bassett, was tried by a people's court, Chas. A. Lawrence, Esp., acting as Judge, and acquitted. The deed was done on the 16th of April, 1859, since which time Mr. Scudder had been sojourning in Utah, returning to Denver voluntarily to stand his trial. By the evidence, it was conclusively shown that the prisoner had only acted in self-defense.
A Sioux squaw, known by the name of Pocahontas, in a state of intoxication, shot and mortally wounded a Frenchman, keeper of the "Mountain Boys' Saloon," on the 20th of April.
The Rocky Mountain Herald, the first daily paper published in the Territory, was issued in Denver on the 1st of
Miss Indiana Sopris, established the second school in the city, on the 7th of May. Her school room was on Ferry street, near Seventh. Professor Goldrick re-opened the Union school on the same day. Emigrants to the number of two hundred daily, were at this time arriving in the country, and the valleys and hill sides were dotted with numerous tents and encampments.
That bombastic genius, W. C. Jewett, Esq. subsequently know as "Colorado Jewett," arrived in Denver on the 15th inst. The good people of Denver expected great things from the influence of this great-in-his-own-estimation man, but he had not long remained here until his proper level was found, and to adopt the language of the miners, they became convinced that "a bigger fool never struck the country."
Many rich lodes were discovered during this summer in the mountains, and much improvement made in the city in consequence of these improved prospects. Many new mercantile and supply stores were added to the city, in order to meet the demands of the constantly increasing population.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR DENVER CITY COMPANY.
On the 23rd of May, an election of officers for the Denver City Company was held, resulting as follows:
A. J. Williams, President; J. R. Jones, Amos Steck, Richard Ed. Whitsitt, Samuel S. Curtis, Chas. A. Blake and philip Peers, Board of Directors; Richard Ed. Whitsitt was chosen Secretary and Treasurer.
ARRIVAL OF REV. J. M. CHIVINGTON.
Rev. J. M. Chivington, the first presiding elder of the M. E. Church for their Rocky Mountain District–-Kansas>
A banking, coining and assaying establishment in the shape of a substantial brick structure, was built by Messrs. Clark, Gruber & Co., on the corner of G and McGaa streets, in the summer of 1860. The only coining ever done in Denver was by this firm. Their building was subsequently enlarged and improved, and is now the property of the Government, being occupied by the United States Branch Mint.
During the last week in May, the emigrants arriving in Denver, amounted to nearly one thousand per day. Many quartz mills also arrived during the summer, since which time the country has steadily increased in importance as a mining region.
On the 15th of June, 1860, Marcus Gredler was hanged for the murder of Jacob Roeder. The crime was committed on the 12th, about seven miles west of the city. The trail was by a people's court, of which Wm. M. Slaughter was Judge, and John W. Kerr and Chas. P. Marion, associates. About four thousand persons witnessed the execution, which took place at the foot of Curtis street, on the bank of Cherry creek.
On the 20th of June, Wm. T. Hadley murdered J. B. Card, about four miles east of the city. The murderer was arrested and brought to the city, tried by a people's court, found guilty, and sentenced to be hanged on the 25th inst.
During the summer many fine buildings, both brick and frame, were erected, and F. street began to acquire commercial importance. Previous to this, nearly all the business of the city was done on Blake Street.
The fourth of July was appropriately celebrated with salutes of artillery, a procession, speeches, toast, and gay dancing parties. A fine flag was presented by the ladies to the city, with a neat and appropriate speech by Miss Fannie Miles, in behalf of the ladies, and received by J. Shaffer, Esq., with a proper response.
The principal exercises of the day were held in a little grove at the foot of G street. The Tremont House on Front street, west division, entered into being in the latter part of July, under the management of Messrs. Sargent & Bradford, who leased, finished, furnished and re-named the house. It was previously known as the Temperance Hotel. This has since become the property of D. W. Powers, and is among the best of the city hotels.
In the latter part of January. 1860, two military companies were organized in the city. The first under command of Capt. P. W. McClure, and the second under Capt. H. H. C. Harrison. The former was a mounted company of one hundred men, and was called the Denver Guards. Of the latter, E. W. Wynkoop, now a Major in the United States Service, was First Lieutenant.
The largest vote ever polled in the city up to this date, was cast at an election holden on the 26th of January. The whole number of votes being 1,291, of which number, 744 were cast in East Denver, 516 in West Denver and 42 in Highland.
WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION.
The anniversary of Washington's birthday was appropriately celebrated in the pioneer city. A flag staff was raised in front of Hon. H. P. Bennet's residence, from which the star spangled banner floated to the mountain breeze, greeted by the cheers of the assembled citizens and salvos of artillery from miniature batteries. Processions marched to the national airs of "Yankee Doodle," "Hail Columbia" and the "Star Spangled Banner." Speeches, toasts and orations were the order of the day, closing with a grand ball under the auspices of the masonic fraternity.
ORGANIZATIONS OF THE TERRITORY OF COLORADO.
On the 26th inst., Congress passed the bill organizing the Territory of Colorado, and the name of Jefferson Territory was dropped from the records of the city.
A homicide occurred near the St. Charles saloon on the afternoon of March 12th. A man familiarly known as "Buckskin," had an altercation with Thomas Evans, when Evans drawing a knife, inflicted several slight wounds upon "Buckskin." who drew a revolver and firing at his assailant, missed him, the ball taking effect, however, in the body of a negro named Edwin Morris, killing him instantly. Poor Morris was a slave, and had just received $17.00 with which to make the last payment for his freedom.
The first federal officers for the Territory, were Wm. Gilpin, Governor; Lewis Ledyard Weld, Secretary; B. F. Hall, Chief Justice; S. Newton Pettie and Charles Lee Armor, Associate Justices; Copeland Townsend, Marshal; Wm. L. Stoughton, Attorney General, and Francis M. Case, Surveyor General.
A municipal election was held April 6th, and the following officers chosen:
Wm. M. Slaughter, Judge Appellate Court; J. H. Sherman, John Wanless and A. Chaplin, Judges Court of Com-
Much excitement prevailed at this election. The News speaking of the event says: "We believe we have never before seen, at one time, in the streets of Denver, as many drunken men, as many fights, or as much boisterous rioting as were witnessed at this election. Yet, we have heard of no one seriously hurt. Black eyes, bruised faces and bloody noses were about the extent of the affray."
The vote polled was about two hundred less than at the election last noted, as many of the citizens disliked entering the crowds that surrounded the places of voting. At the first meeting of the council elect, R. Sopris was chosen President for the ensuing year.
PRIZE FIGHT BETWEEN CON OREM AND "TEXAS."
The first of those brutal exhibitions known as "prize fights," came off just below the city on Saturday, April 6th. The contestants in the affair, were Con Orem, since, regarded as the champion of the "middle weights," and "Texas." The purse was fifty dollars, and for this pitiful sum, together with the beastly satisfaction of knowing which was the strongest animal–these worthies proceeded to pummel each other according to the established rules of the "P. R." The combat was witnessed by several hundred spectators, and resulted in the victory of Orem, his antagonist declining to "come to time" at the third round.
THE OUTBREAK OF THE REBELLION.
When the news of the outbreak of the rebellion reached Denver, it found the people, irrespective of party, generally on the side of the Union. The exceptions to this rule were
On the 24th of April, a small rebel flag was hoisted over the store of Wallingford & Murphy, on Larimer street. The parties who thus attempted to bring disrepute upon the city, were of the characters named, and finding the popular sentiment growing too strong against them for their personal safety, soon lowered the "rag of treason."
The building thus desecrated was afterward used as the military prison and headquarters of the Provost Guard of this military district, and is now a furniture store.
Competition at this time between the News and Herald offices ran high, each office establishing at ruinous expense, pony express lines between Denver and the mountain cities, and vying with each other as to which should make the greatest sacrifices, in order to get the news earliest to their readers.
The first pig-iron smelted from Colorado ore, was made during the month of April, at the Denver foundry by Messrs. Langford & Co. The ores used in this first experiment were from a vein on Coal creek, about sixteen miles northwest from the city, and yielded sixty per cent of excellent iron.
A new brick hotel, known as the Vasquez House, was completed about this time, and being a neat and commodious structure, became a very pleasant and popular institution of the city. This hotel was situated on Ferry street.
The Legislative council of the city of Denver, sometime during this month, passed an ordinance legalizing the gambling game known as "three card monte." This is the first account we have of legal enactments by the city to protect this nefarious business, and in connection with it,
The first Governor of the New Territory, Hon. Wm. Gilpin, arrived in Denver, May 29th, and the well known pioneer was received by the citizens with that cordial welcome which characterizes the western settler. The arrivals from the States this season were quite numerous, although many families of emigrants were turned back at the Missouri river, by erroneous and exaggerated reports of Indian difficulties on the plains.
The Executive chambers were in the second story of the New York store, corner of E and Larimer streets. There were three rooms in the suite, two of which were occupied by his Excellency and the third by Secretary Weld.
ORGANIZATION OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY.
Delegates to the number of seventeen were elected at a convention held in Apollo Hall, on the 20th of June. The convention was addressed by John B. Wolff, in a speech that was well received and warmly applauded. Delegates were chosen to attend a convention at Golden City for the purpose of organizing the Republican party.
On the 10th of July, the Governor also issued a proclamation declaring the whole Territroy of Colorado one Congressional district, and establishing nine council districts and thirteen representative districts, producing a new era in the affairs of Colorado, showing a rapid degree of advancement, and a development worthy the growth of older States.
Pursuant to the proclamation of the 10th, the Supreme Court of Colorado was organized at 10 o'clock a. m. in the building next the Herald office, Chief Justice Hall ad-
Numerous reports of severe engagements between the Union and Rebel armies, soon imparted the military fever to the hard inhabitants of the new thriving city, and a volunteer company organized by Captian Slough, was soon filled with good substantial men. The second company organized filled rapidly. Sam. F. Tappan was appointed Captain of this Company by Gov. Gilpin.
Denver City was thrown into quite an excitement on Saturday evening, August 17th, by the killing of William S. Rogers, a recruit in Captain Sough's Company, by Moses Adler, a German saloon keeper of Fourth, near Ferry street. It seems that a previous prejudice existed between Rogers and Adler, and, on the evening mentioned, Rogers wnet to the front of the saloon and calling to Adler, referred to some remarks that he (Adler) had made about him, daring Adler to lay aside his arms, when he was willing to fight him fairly. In response, Adler drew a knife and advanced upon Rogers, who retreated towards the middle of the street, picking up stones and throwing at his advancing enemy. Adler rushed upon and aimed two or three blows at him with his knife, one of which penetrated the left lung, passed just above the heart, and caused death in five or ten minutes. Adler was arrested and kept in
On the 24th of August, the great prize fight between Con Orem and Enoch Davis, for stakes of $500 a sided, came off in the afternoon, within a large corral, situated about two miles north of the city, down the Platte road. An immense throng of about two thousand spectators were present. The ring was prepared according to the rules of the London P. R., and convenient accommodations were provided for lookers-on.
The combat commenced at 3 ½ p. m., and lasted one hour and forty minutes. One hundred and nine rounds were fought, and Orem came out victorious, although both parties were terribly punished. Davis was delirious for some moments previous to the termination of the contest.
Captain J. P. Slough was promoted to a Colonelcy in the latter part of August, and orders were issued for the immediate filling up of the 1st Regiment of Colorado Volunteers.
On Wednesday, Sept. 9th both House of the Territorial Legislature met, and effected a temporary organization, though on account of the members absent a permanent organization was not effected until Thursday. This first Legislature was a fine body of men, and reflected much credit upon the young an vigorously growing Territory.
Many fine buildings went up in both divisions of the city this season, Larimer street assuming much importance as a business locality. The Executive Chambers, Legislative Hall, Military Headquarters, City Council Room, Post
On the 7th day of November, an act was approved, entitled "an act to incorporate the city of Denver," which passed both Houses, constituting the city a body politic and corporate, under the name and style of "The city of Denver," embracing all the Territory within the following limits, to wit:
"Beginning on the northwest side of the Platte River, at the point where the northeastern portion of the northeast line of Denver town plat produced would touch the water mark; thence along the northeast line of said town plat to the east corner; then along the southeast line of said town plat to the point where it intersects Cherry Creek; thence up the centre of said creek, to the point where the southeasterly line of the Auraria town plat intersects it; thence along said line produced to high water mark on the northwest bank of the South Platte River, thence down said river to the point where the most southwesterly line of the Highland town site produced would intersect it; thence along said produced line, following the line of said town plat with its angles, to the westerly corn er of said town site; thence along the northwesterly line of said town site to the northerly corner; thence along the most northeasterly line and the same produced, to high water mark on the South Platte River; thence up said river to the point of beginning; shall be, and the same is>
The first city election under the incorporation act was held on Monday, the 18th of November, and resulted in the election of Mayor, C. A. Cook; for Police Magistrate, P. P. Wilcox; for City Marshal, W. M. Keith; for Street Commissioners, D. D. Palmer, H. J. Brendlinger, and John A. Nye; Alderman, First Ward, W. W. Barlow, and L. Mayer, Alderman Second Ward, and L. Buttrick, and J. E. Vawter, Alderman Third Ward.
OPENING OF THE DENVER THEATRE.
On Saturday, the 30th of November, Messrs. Langrishe & Dougherty opened their new and elegant dramatic institution to a very large, intelligent and respectable audience. The "Mistletoe Bough," was placed upon the stage on this occasion in a creditable manner. The managers and company were welcomed in very flattering style.
THE UNITED STATES BRANCH MINT.
On the 16th day of April, the United States Senate passed a House bill without amendment, creating a branch mint in Denver, Colorado, providing for a superintendent, assayer, melter and refiner, and one coiner, the first at $2,000 per annum, and the others at $18,000 each all of whom were to enter into bonds and take the oath of allegiance. It also provided that the general direction of the business of the branch mint, should be under the control and regulation of the director of the mint of Philadelphia, subject to the approbation of the Secretary of the Treasury.
April 28th, a private dispatch announced that Secretary Weld of Colorado, was removed and Samuel H. Elbert of Nebraska, appointed in his stead.
Several new frame structures were erected this spring, among them worthy of mention, was the large and handsome furniture warerooms built by J. J. Walley, Esq., near
ARRIVAL OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.
On the 2nd of May, S. E. Browne, the newly appointed Attorney General for Colorado, with his family, arrived in Denver.
PACIFIC RAILROAD AND TELEGRAPH.
On May 17th, the telegraph brought the welcome news of the passage im the House, of the Pacific Railroad and Telegraph Bill, presaging the dawn of a new era in the history and progress of the western half of the United States, and giving a new impetus to improvement in the city of Denver.
ARRIVAL OF GOV. EVANS AND SECRETARY ELBERT.
The arrival of Governor Evans was hailed with pleasure and satisfaction by the people of the city, on the 17th. In the evening, he was complimented with a serenade at the Tremont House, and made a stirring speech, which was enthusiastically applauded.
The newly appointed Secretary, S. H. Elbert, Esq., arrived in the city on the 26th inst.,–-he was formerly a member of the Nebraska Legislature, but the past year or more had been connected with one of the departments at Washington. The Secretary entered at once upon the discharge of his official duties.
Great Activity in real estate in the city, occurred during the month of May. On the 16th inst., one hundred building lots were sold without reserve, at auction, by Gerrish & Co., Blake Street.
Rev. J. H. Kehler, tendered his resignation as pastor of the Episcopal Church of Denver, on June 3, he having accepted the Chaplaincy of the 1st Colorado Volunteers.
DENVER MARKET–FALL OF A BRIDGE–UNITED STATES MARSHAL HUNT.
The great peculiarity of this era of the city, was the fluctuation of its markets, up to-day and down to-morrow,
The first of July, the Herald made its appearance under a new name, and enlarged to six columns. Thomas Gibson & Co., Proprietors. The new issue was the Daily Commonwealth and Republican, and announced a change in its political complexion, claiming to be a "Republican Union Journal."
On Saturday, June 28, a foot race came off between Kendrick and Adams, and created so much interest, that several thousand dollars were staked by the parties on either side. The race was won by Kendrick by two feet, Kendrick having given Adams five feet in the start. The distance ran was one hundred yards.
On Monday, the fourteenth of July, J. J. Hayman committed suicide by shooting himself through the heart–the cause is said to have originated through remorse, at his unwarrantable treatment of his wife and family.
On the fifteenth instand, the council passed a resolution for the establishment of a Hook and Ladder Company and two Bucket Companies, also, the digging of a sufficient number of reservoirs or wells to provide a supply of water for the extinguishment of fires.
On Sunday, the twenty-fourth, the new brick church of "St. John in the wilderness," Protestand Episcopal, was dedicated by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Talbot, of the Diocese of the Northwest. The Bishop preached a short, but pleasing and pertinent discourse, and after the dedication and regular service, administered the rites of confirmation. This was the first church built in the city, and was previously owned and occupied by the M. E. Church South.
The Methodist Episcopal Church Society about this time, rented and re-modeled to some extent, the building known as the "People's Theatre," situated on Larimer street, where the society held services and Sabbath Schools regularly for some time thereafter.
On the first day of August, the Union Convention for the choice of delegates to the Territorial Convention, met at three o'clock. J. M. Marshal, Esq., was chosen Chairman , and twenty-eight delegates were appointed and given power to fill vacancies.
On Thursday, the twenty-first, the gothic frame on St. Louis street, occupied by the firm of Davis, Emrick, Cunningham & Co. too fire about five o'clock, a. m., and in a short time was laid in ashes, the inmates narrowly escaping with their lives.
The shipments of gold dust from this city for the sixty days previous to October 2, 1862, amounted to over one quarter of a million of dollars.
On September 13, a provost sergeant and guard were established in the city. This at the time was deemed a very commendable measure, and destined to work a much needed reform, placing the city under martial law, only so far as referred to soldiers.
On Saturday night, September 15, Henry Tourtellott, familiarly known as "Big Doc," was shot and killed by J. B. Ross, a soldier in the Second Regiment. The deceased had retired to bed in his house on Ferry street, when Ross called and endeavored to break into the room, but was prevented by deceased, during which time a scuffle ensued, and Ross got knocked down, but soon recovering his feet, drew a revolver, and shot Tourtellott three or four times, killing him immediately. Ross was transferred to jail to await the action of the law.
H. J. Brendlinger finished, during this month, a handsome frame and a fire-proof building. He is a happy representative of pioneer progress. Kerr & Soule, also completed their new brick grocery house on F street; an ample and convenient building for business purposes, and adding greatly to the architectural beauties of the city's business departments. It is now occupied as a clothing house by A. Jacobs & Co.
ELECTION OF HON. H. P. BENNET.
The official returns of the votes for delegate to Congress, gave H. P. Bennet a majority over Gilpin, 1,345 votes, and over Col. Francisco, 901 votes. By the choice of Mr. Bennet, the people of the Territory re-affirmed their endorsement and support of the national administration.
A board of trustees composed of the solid men of the city, was organized to superintend the erection of a Seminary building, in which proper facilities for an academic education might be secured to the rising generation of the new Territory.
George W. Lane, brother of General Lane of Kansas, has received the appointment of Superintendent of the Denver Branch Mint.
On the thirty-first of January, 1863, the people of Denver were horror struck at the announcement of C. E. Cook's death, who had killed himself by shooting with a pistol. Circumstances led to the conclusion that the shot was an accidental one. The coroner's jury returned a verdict of "death from wounds inflicted by a pistol in his own hands."
The manufacture of iron promised to be a successful enterprise in the hands of Messrs. Tarr and Cushman, who were at this time engaged in smelting at the Denver foundry. It had been generally believed that the ore in the vicinity would not make good iron, the test, however, showed to the contrary, the ore yielding about 33 1-3 per cent. The iron made, was of different grades, the best being a light grey, of very fine texture, and suitable for any description of fine casting. A coarse and harder quality was made for quartz mills, stamps and dies, for which it was found admirably adapted. No enterprise of greater importance has ever been started in the Territory.
ACQUITTAL OF MARSHAL TOWNSEND.
On Monday, the second of March, Mr. Copeland Townsend, the first United States Marshal of our Territory, who was indicted the previous fall for embezzlement of United States funds, was honorably discharged, a nolle prosequi being entered in his case by Attorney General Browne.
A new and commodious Methodist church was opened for service on Sunday, March 1, and attended by a remarkably large and respectable congregation. It was the largest church in the country and a source of gratification to the members of this denomination. This building was situated near the west bank of Cherry creek, at the Larimer street crossing, and was swept away by the great flood of 1864.