Pueblo County Biographies

Pueblo County, Colorado
ALVA L. KOONTZ

Contributed by Karen Mitchell.

Alva L. Koontz is well known in business circles of Pueblo as manager of the Sinclair Refining-Company, the duties of which responsible and important position he assumed on the 15th of May, 1917. His birth occurred in Gallipolis, Ohio, on the 22d of February, 1867, his parents being Julius and Adeline (Curry) Koontz. The father served as a soldier of the Union army at the time of the Civil war. The year 1892 witnessed his arrival in Colorado and in this state he remained to the time of his demise, both he and his wife passing away in Pueblo. Julius Koontz devoted his attention to farming in the early days and subsequently he was engaged in buying and selling both stock and grain, meeting with well merited success in his undertakings. Alva L. Koontz was reared and educated in the state of his nativity and on leaving the parental roof made his way to St. Joseph, Missouri. In 1890 he came west to Colorado. taking up his abode in Pueblo, where he embarked in the butchering business and was thus engaged until he disposed of his establishment to Andy Schafer. He then went to Florence, this state, and there turned his attention to the ice and cold storage business, successfully conducting his interests in that connection until 1911, when fire destroyed his plant. Returning to Pueblo, he devoted his efforts to the real estate business for two years and on the expiration of that period became connected with the Sinclair Refining Company as a salesman. His recognized ability and sound judgment led to his selection for the position of manager of the company on the 15th of May, 1917. and in that capacity he has since served. The business of the concern during the past year has increased fifty per cent, owing to the wise direction, keen sagacity and executive power of Mr. Koontz. The company now employs thirteen people. On the 6th of December, 1899, Mr. Koontz was united in marriage to Miss Minnie J. Walsh, by whom he has a daughter, Evelyn. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, while fraternally he is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Knights and Ladies of Security. He is also a member of the Commerce Club and is interested in all matters pertaining to community development, being widely known as a public-spirited and progressive citizen. Domestic in taste and temperament, he finds his greatest happiness at his own fireside and is most devoted to home and family. History Of Colorado Illustrated Volume III Chicago The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company 1918

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