Denver-Pueblo-Park County CO Archives Biographies.....Hepburn, Edwin B. 1837 - 1917
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Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 December 22, 2008, 12:11 am

Author: Wilbur Fiske Stone (1918)

EDWIN B. HEPBURN.

    Edwin B. Hepburn, who had passed the age of eighty years when he died on May
12, 1917, at Denver, was one of the distinguished pioneers of the state of
Colorado, having come to this state in 1860. He was largely connected with
mining and his efforts along that line resulted in gratifying returns. He was
born in Colton, St. Lawrence county, New York, April 20, 1837, and was a son of
Zina and Beulah (Gray) Hepburn, both of Vermont. The Hepburn family is of pure
Scotch ancestry.

    Edwin B. Hepburn attended private schools in his native state until he
reached the age of fourteen years, when he set out upon his career by taking up
work with the Cleveland Plaindealer, this famous newspaper having been
established by his uncle, N. A. Gray. In 1858, when twenty-one years of age, he
removed from Cleveland to Omaha, Nebraska, and in 1860 he came overland to
Colorado. He first set up a grocery business on Cherry street, where he
conducted his affairs quite successfully until his store was washed away in the
memorable flood of 1864, whereupon he went to work at the Gove gun store. He
next went to Quartzville, in Park county, and became a mining assayer,
establishing an office at that place. He soon proved himself expert in this line
and his ability was generally commented upon. He was then elected county clerk
and recorder and served continuously in both positions for twelve years. During
that time he made his home in Fairplay. From this point he returned to Iowa,
taking up his residence in Madrid, where he remained for three or four years, it
being necessary for him to seek a lower altitude. He then returned to Denver and
began mining on Willow creek at Tincup, Gunnison county, Colorado, where he
developed lead and placer mines, being very successful in this work. He was
widely recognized as an expert on mining development and his success must be
attributed largely to his indomitable energy and his careful study of mining
conditions and operations. He remained a mining man until his death. His
recreation was found in hunting and fishing and among his friends he was known
as a true sportsman. One brother, George Hepburn, came with him to Colorado and
he it was who started the Pueblo Chieftain.

    On July 23, 1871, in Denver, Edwin B. Hepburn was united in marriage to
Charity M. James, who was born in Monroe, Wisconsin, a daughter of Robert and
Julian (Hammond) James. She came to Denver on the first train that entered the
city in 1870. to find relief from tubercular trouble, and how much the climate
has benefited her is proved by her present good health. Mrs. Hepburn is well
known and highly respected in Denver as one of the pioneer residents of the city
and her friends among the older generation are many. To them were born the
following children. Earl R., born September 8, 1873, is engaged in the drug
business at Denver. He married Alice Green and has three daughters, Mary
Margaret, Francis E. and Genevieve. Mark, born December 3, 1875, died when but
two years of age. Edwin D., born October 15, 1880, died August 10, 1913. He
married Matilda Larson, by whom he had four children, but only two are now
living, Earl H. and Mark B., who make their home with their grandmother. Iris
and Nina, twins, born August 23, 1882, both died before reaching their first
year. Veta D., who completes the family, was born June 25, 1885, and is residing
with her mother.

    Edwin B. Hepburn died in Denver. May 12, 1917, his death bringing deep
sorrow not only to his immediate family but to the many friends whom he had made
in the city and throughout the state. Much credit is due him for what he
achieved as a pioneer of the state, for his labors not only resulted in benefit
to himself but were a means of upbuilding the communities and sections in which
he lived. He was ever ready to lend a helping hand where aid was needed and
heartily supported measures for the general good. His memory is enshrined in the
hearts of all those who knew him and esteemed him for his high qualities of
character.


Additional Comments:

Extracted from:

HISTORY OF COLORADO

ILLUSTRATED

VOLUME III

CHICAGO
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1918


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