Denver County CO Archives Biographies.....Blomquist, Gus 1857 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/co/cofiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 December 13, 2008, 8:34 am Author: Wilbur Fiske Stone (1918) GUS BLOMQUIST. Among the manufacturers of Denver is numbered Gus Blomquist, who has been quite successful in his particular line. He is one of those American citizens whom Sweden has furnished to this country and he has made wise use of the opportunities presented on this side of the Atlantic. He was born in Lulea, Sweden, November 1, 1857, a son of Carl and Marguerite (Anderson) Blomquist, the latter of whom passed away when her son Gus was but a year old. The father was a cabinet maker and an expert at his trade. Gus Blomquist received his education in the schools of Sweden and at the age of twenty years began to make his own living, learning the painter's trade, which he followed for four years. Having heard favorable reports in regard to the greater opportunities offered in the United States, he decided to cross the Atlantic and in 1882 came to this country, making his way at once to Denver, where he arrived on the 2d of July. For one year he continued at his trade as a painter but in 1883 began saddle tree manufacturing, working for the Denver Manufacturing Company. He thus continued for nineteen years, his long retention proving his reliability, his steadfastness and his experience and ability as a workman. He then decided to launch upon an independent business career and started a manufactory for saddle trees, his small place being located at No. 1324 Lawrence street, between Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets. His business, however, grew quickly and at the end of a year he removed to No. 1320 Blake street, where he was located until he sold out in August, 1918. It is interesting in this connection to note that the Rocky Mountain News, the first Denver newspaper, began its life at this location. He was successfully engaged in saddle tree manufacturing at this place for many years and as the years passed by he earned high encomiums in regard to the quality of his goods, which were very dependable. He shipped his products not only to various points in Colorado. Wyoming and all western states but also to Texas and Mexico. The work turned out was of the very highest grade and as his reputation for reliability spread his trade increased from year to year. He employed according to season from seven to twelve men. Not only is he an expert in his line but he developed his business ability and conducted his manufacturing establishment along the most modern lines. In this country he found the opportunities which he sought and he made good use of all chances that presented themselves to him. Mr. Blomquist was married in March, 1887, to Miss Anna Lundin, a daughter of C. G. and Sofie Lundin. She was born in Ranea, Sweden, where her father filled the position of postmaster. Her mother is still living at the venerable age of eighty-seven years, making her home in Sweden. To this union were born three children, of whom one died in infancy. The others are: Abe, a mechanic in the United States army, who ably assisted his father in the upbuilding of the business enterprise; and Ina, at home. Politically Mr. Blomquist is independent, giving his support to candidates whom he deems best fitted for the office they aspire to, irrespective of party affiliation. He leans toward government control in public utilities, believing that the people should be the direct masters of all those interests which now are largely operated by privately owned corporations. His religious faith is that of the Divine Science church. Mr. Blomquist has made a trip to his native country since locating in Denver, looking up old acquaintances and friends and visiting the places of his birth and childhood. In manufacturing circles he occupies a position which must be gratifying to him as he is highly esteemed by all who know him. Interested in all measures undertaken for the general improvement he is ever ready to render aid and support to movements which are started for the welfare of the people, and is a public-spirited citizen, who has become thoroughly American, patriotically giving his support to all measures the government may see fit to employ in order to win the world struggle for democratic ideals. Additional Comments: Extracted from: HISTORY OF COLORADO ILLUSTRATED VOLUME III CHICAGO THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY 1918 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/co/denver/bios/blomquis7nbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/cofiles/ File size: 4.9 Kb