Pueblo County, Colorado
Daniel B. Hartsoe

Contributed by Jean Griesan.

Daniel B. Hartsoe, a well-known county commissioner of Pueblo County, was born in Montgomery County, Ind., February 15, 1848, and on the paternal side is of German descent. The family was founded in Pennsylvania at a very early day in the history of this country, and finally drifted westward. When our subject was four years old he removed with his parents, Daniel and Elizabeth (Peed) Hartsoe, to McLean County, Ill., where his early life was spent and where he was educated in the district schools. At the breaking out of the Civil war he enlisted in the One Hundred and Sixteenth Illinois Infantry, but being only fifteen and small for his age, he was rejected. His father enlisted in the same company, but was also rejected on account of being too old. Three sons, however, entered the service and valiantly fought for the old flag and the cause it represented, these being Amos Dillon, a member of the Thirty- eighth Illinois Infantry; and William and Jasper, both members of the Eighth Missouri Infantry. Throughout the greater part of his life the father was engaged in mercantile business. He was engaged in mining in California from 1849 to 1850, when he returned to Indiana, then removed to Illinois, and in 1853 again went to California, that time remaining for four years and four months.

During the Rebellion Daniel B. Hartsoe accompanied the family on their removal to Memphis, Tenn., where they lived until the close of the war. In 1865 he returned to McLean County, Ill., and located at Cheney's Grove, in the eastern part of the county, where he was engaged in the grocery business for five years. He removed to Arkansas City, Cowley County, Kan., in 1876, and there became interested in agriculture and stock business, which he carried on until coming to Pueblo, in 1881. Here he has since made his home and has principally been engaged in house moving. He has watched with interest the rapid development of the city and has borne his part in promoting its advancement.

In 1869 Mr. Hartsoe married Miss Mary C. Mitchell, of Lafayette, Ind., by whom he had two children: Rosa May, who died in 1893; and James Clinton, who is with his father. The wife and mother died the year of their arrival in Pueblo, and for his second wife Mr. Hartsoe married Miss Fannie Paxton, who was born in Kentucky but was reared in Kansas. To them has been born a daughter, Pearl. The family have a comfortable home at No. 625 West Sixteenth street, and its hospitable doors are ever open for the reception of their many friends.

Mr. Hartsoe has ever been a loyal citizen, cooperating in all that is calculated to promote the interests of city, state or country. His political support has been given the Republican party since attaining his majority, and he has always kept well informed on the issues and questions of the day. In 1897 he was elected by a large majority to the office of county commissioner of Pueblo County, which he is now so capably and satisfactorily filling. He has a host of warm friends throughout the county, and is an honored member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is entirely a self-made man, and his life illustrates what can be accomplished through industry, perseverance, good management and a determination to succeed.

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



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