Pueblo County, Colorado
J. F. Crites

Contributed by Jean Griesan.

J. F. Crites, a well-known, farmer and stock-raiser residing near Rye, Pueblo County, is a western man by birth, training and tastes. He was the first white child born in Nebraska City, Neb., where his birth occurred in 1855. His father, Harrison S. Crites, now a resident of Nevada, has spent his entire life on the frontier, and has gone further westward as the country has become more thickly settled. In 1853 he settled in Denver. For twenty-five years he followed the printer's trade. During the Civil War he fought as a soldier on the Union side. His wife, the mother of our subject, bore the maiden name of Annie Lucas.

In early life J. F. Crites accompanied his parents on their removal to Lawrence, Kan., where he was reared and educated. On attaining his majority he came to Colorado and made his home in Pueblo for twelve years, and in Silverton for two years. In 1887 he settled near Rye, Pueblo County, where he has since engaged in farming and stock-raising, having had charge of A. D. Mason's ranch for some time.

The marriage of Mr. Crites in 1878 united him with Miss Ada Stoddard, a native of Michigan. To them have been born six children, as follows: Frank, Erva, Ernest, Walter, May and Charles. Politically Mr. Crites affiliates with the Republican party. He is now most capably and satisfactorily serving as road overseer in district No. 14. Upright and honorable in all things, he has never allowed a note to be protested, but pays all bills promptly, and deservedly stands high in the community where he makes his home. He has helped to build schools, improve roads, and in fact aids every enterprise which he believes will prove of public good.

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



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