Pueblo County, Colorado
Christian N. A. Hahn

Contributed by Jean Griesan.

Christian N. A. Hahn, proprietor of the Albany hotel at New Castle, Garfield County, and a well-known real-estate dealer of this place, also the representative of five leading insurance companies, came to this town in 1888 and has since resided here. He has taken an active part in local politics, as a leader of the Democratic party, upon which ticket he was elected mayor and alderman. For four years he held the office of postmaster, which responsible position he filled with efficiency. Among the citizens of New Castle he holds a leading place, his ability and energy having won from his associates their regard and esteem.

As the name indicates, the Hahn family is of German origin. Adolphus Hahn, our subject's father, was born in Germany and at an early age settled in Baltimore, Md., where he engaged in business. His last years were spent in Hanover, Pa., where he died. He married Mary A. Coleman, a native of Germany, who died while in middle age. Of her three sons and two daughters, the only survivor is our subject, who was born in Baltimore in 1843, received his education in public schools and at Glenrock, Pa., learned the trade of a carpenter. When he was eighteen years of age he responded to the first call made by President Lincoln for volunteers. April 20, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, Sixteenth Pennsylvania Infantry, and, at the expiration of his term of service enlisted in Company K, Eighty-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry, in which he continued until he was mustered out, October 13, 1864, at York, Pa. He took part, altogether, in fifty-four prominent engagements, among them the battles of the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Winchester, Monocacy, Charleston, siege of Petersburg, Fisher Hill, Cedar Creek, etc. He was at one time poisoned by drinking poisoned milk at Beverly, W. Va. At Winchester, Va., January 19, 1862, he was wounded by a shell in the left leg; and at the same place, June 13, 1862, the heavy cannonading resulted in the formation of an ulcer in his right ear, causing total deafness in that ear. At the fall of Petersburg he served under General Sedgwick.

Returning to Baltimore at the close of the war, Mr. Hahn soon went from there to Cincinnati, Ohio, and thence to Omaha, Neb., where he was appointed wagon-master in charge of a government train under Quartermaster Wood. He continued in that capacity for one year and three months. Next he went to Fort Kearney, where he had some experiences with the Indians. Later he spent seven years in New Mexico, and from there in 1871 went to Little Rock, Ark., and from Little Rock to Elgin, Kan. In 1879 went to Leadville, Colo., thence to Alamosa, Colo., in 1880, but soon proceeded to Pueblo, where he was made chief marshal and continued in that position until his removal from the city in 1887. After spending a year at Red Cliff, Eagle County, in 1888 he came to New Castle, his present home. Here he is one of the most influential citizens and business men of the place. He owns considerable property here and is well-to-do. Besides his other interests he is a notary public. Since coming here he has organized a Grand Army post, and was elected post commander. He is a member of the blue lodge and chapter of Masonry in Pueblo, and is also connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In 1871 he married Miss Ellen Urquhart, of Pennsylvania, a refined and accomplished lady and a talented artist, whose work has taken the first premium at the district fair.

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



to the Pueblo County Index Page.


Please e-mail comments and suggestions to Karen Mitchell.
© Karen Mitchell