Pueblo County, Colorado
John L. Boggs

Contributed by Jean Griesan.

Prof. John L. Boggs. The name of this gentleman has been long associated with the professional and commercial interests of Pueblo County and his life history forms an essential part of the annals of this section of the state. Over thirty years ago he located on the present site of Beulah, the first man to make a settlement there, and since that time he has been a leader in many of the movements which have resulted in the upbuilding and improvement of the town. He is a western man by birth, training and preference, and is thoroughly imbued with the true western spirit of progress.

Mr. Boggs was born in Galloway County, near Jefferson City, Mo., in 1823, and spent his early life on a farm in that locality. For many years his father, Lawrence, practiced law in Missouri, but his last days were spent in Lynn County, Ore. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Newsom, was of German lineage. The subject of this review attended the public schools until sixteen years of age and then entered Columbia College, in Boone County, Mo., where he was graduated in 1839 at the head of his class, which numbered thirty-seven members. He took the first prize as an orator and throughout his entire life has been distinguished for his oratorical ability. On the completion of his college course he resumed farming, but later engaged in merchandising and subsequently practiced law in Missouri until about thirty-five years of age.

In 1860, the year prior to the territorial organization, Mr. Boggs came to Colorado. He represented Douglas County in the first legislature and took an active part in formulating the early policy of the territory. Subsequently he practiced law in Denver and won many noted forensic combats when pitted against such celebrated lawyers as Judge Hallett and others. In 1864 he participated in the Indian war, raising the Third Colorado Regiment to fight the red men, for which he receives a substantial pension. About that time he was connected with a stage line and telegraph office, and in 1868 he made the first settlement in Beulah, where he has since made his home with the exception of one year spent in the vicinity of Pueblo. Here he has dealt in stock and also practiced law to a greater or less extent. He has a comprehensive knowledge of the science of jurisprudence and has enjoyed a fair clientage. He has considerable ability as a phrenologist, and has followed that profession to some extent.

He was first married in 1841, when Elizabeth Graham became his wife. After her death he was again married, in 1860, his second union being with Fannie E. Skinner, who has also passed away. His present wife was in maidenhood Pearl C. Windett. He is the father of five sons: David W., who is living in southern Colorado; Louis G., of California; Oliver L., who is financially interested in a stage line in Arizona; George B., who is engaged in mining in Rio Grande, Colo.; and John D., a physician of Winchester, Okla. There are also seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Our subject has been connected with the public interests of Pueblo County, has served as deputy sheriff for sixteen years, was deputy assessor for six years, justice of the peace three terms, and when in Douglas County filled the office of county commissioner for two terms. He has ever discharged his duties with marked promptness and fidelity, and has won the high commendation of all concerned. In politics he was first a Whig, and on the dissolution of that party became a Republican. He has since been identified with the latter organization, but now belongs to the free silver wing. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is deeply interested in all movements and measures which tend to elevate mankind. His services are in frequent demand at the Fourth of July celebrations in Beulah Valley and he is an effective, earnest, entertaining and instructive speaker. His life has been well spent and in all business transactions his name is synonymous with honorable dealing. He enjoys the confidence and good will of his fellow-men, and his life may well serve as an example to the present, as well as future generations.

Extracted from "Portrait and Biographical Record of the State of Colorado," published by Chapman Publishing Company in Chicago in 1899.


Contributed by Jean Griesan.

Boggs, John L. (arrived in Colorado in 1860)

Prof. John L. Boggs was born in Callaway County, near Jefferson City, Missouri, in 1823. He was a son of Lawrence and Elizabeth (Newsom) Boggs. He attended the public schools until 16 years of age and then entered Columbia College in Boone County, Missouri. He was graduated in 1839 at the head of his class, which numbered 37 members.

On the completion of his college course he resumed farming, but later engaged in merchandising. Subsequently, he practiced law in Missouri until about 35 years of age. In 1860, the year prior to the territorial organization, Mr. Boggs came to Colorado. He represented Douglas County in the first legislature and took an active part in formulating the early policy of the territory. He practiced law in Denver and won many noted forensic combats when pitted against such celebrated lawyers as Judge Hallett and others.

In 1864 he participated in the Indian War, raising the 3rd Colorado Regiment to fight the red men, for which he received a substantial pension. About that time he was connected with a stage line and telegraph office. In 1868 he made the first settlement in Beulah, where he made his home with the exception of 1 year spent in the vicinity of Pueblo.

He had considerable ability as a phrenologist and followed that profession to some extent.

He was first married in 1841 when Elizabeth Graham became his wife. After her death he was again married in 1860. This second union being with Fannie E. Skinner, who also passed away. His third wife was Pearl C. Windett. He is the father of five children: David W., living in southern Colorado; Louis G. of California; Oliver L., who is interested in a stage line in Arizona; George B., who is engaged in mining in Rio Grande County, Colorado; and John D., a physician of Winchester, Oklahoma. There are also seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Mr. Boggs served as sheriff (deputy) for 16 years, deputy assessor for 6 years, justice of the peace for three terms, and, when in Douglas County, filled the office of county commissioner for two terms.

Extracted from "The Real Pioneers of Colorado," by Maria Davies McGrath, published in 1934 by The Denver Museum, retyped with added notes by Jane P. Ohl, in October 2001.



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