Denver County, History of Colorado, BIOS: PEARSE, Julius (published 1918)
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"History of Colorado", edited by Wilbur Fisk Stone, published by The S. J. 
Clarke Publishing Co. (1918)  Vol. II

p. 41, 44
photo p. 42

JULIUS PEARSE.

	Among the names that stand out prominently upon the pages of 
Denver's history is that of Julius Pearse, who was one of the 
organizers of the volunteer fire department of Denver and a pioneer 
fire chief of the city. In fact his efforts constituted a valuable 
element in the upbuilding of the fire department, with which he was 
long connected, while in later years he conducted business as a dealer 
in fire-fighting apparatus and supplies, his interests being carried on 
under the name of the Julius Pearse Fire Department Supply Company.

	Mr. Pearse was a native of Germany. He was born in March, 1847, 
and came to America when a youth just entering his teens. He lived with 
an aunt in Chicago and there acquired a common school and collegiate 
education. He also learned and followed the barber's trade there and 
continued his residence in Chicago until 1867, when he made his way 
westward to Denver. A year later he removed to Central City, Colorado, 
where he engaged in mining until 1871 and then again took up his abode 
in Denver. He assisted in organizing the volunteer fire department and 
hose company and all of the older residents of the city will recognize 
the fact that his labors were an important element in upbuilding the 
system and promoting adequate service of fire fighting in Denver. He 
did much to advance the efficiency of the Woodie Fisher Hose Company, 
No. 1, of which he was elected foreman in 1873. It was about three 
years later that he was made chief of the volunteer fire department of 
the city, which at that time had developed a well equipped 
organization. He was also one of the organizers of the Colorado State 
Fire Association in 1876 and was chosen its first president. He 
belonged to the International Association of Fire Engineers and was an 
honorary member of the Denver police and fire departments. He became 
the third chief of the volunteer fire department in Denver and was the 
first chief engineer of the paid department, which was organized August 
18, 1881. He acted as chief of the department from April, 1895, until 
September 4, 1897, when he resigned his position to take up the 
business of selling fire-fighting supplies, which he did under the firm 
style of the Julius Pearse Fire Department Supply Company. He became 
the president of the company and so continued to the time of his death, 
with his son, Julius Pearse, Jr., as the secretary and treasurer of the 
company. The business built up by Mr. Pearse and his son became one of 
the largest establishments in the west, dealing exclusively in fire-
fighting equipment. As a member of the fire department he was cool, 
clear-headed and collected at all times-just such a man as the city 
needed in emergencies-and he thoroughly understood the duties of his 
position down to the minutest detail. At a conflagration he made each 
move count, not only on his own part but on that of the men as well, so 
that maximum results were accomplished at a minimum expenditure of time 
and effort. Mr. Pearse also became interested in real estate and mining 
properties and made judicious investments along those lines.

	It was after his removal to the west that Mr. Pearse was married 
in Canon City, Colorado, in 1874, to Miss Maggie Prosser and they 
became the parents of eleven children, six daughters and two sons yet 
surviving, as does also Mrs. Pearse. These children are Mildred, 
Margaret, Clio, Jane, Mrs. B. B. Morrison, Mrs. Gerald Pettibone, 
Julius and Earl. All are yet living in Denver with the exception of the 
last named.

	Mr. Pearse was connected with Lodge No. 17, B. P. 0. E., and in 
the Masonic order had attained the Knight Templar degree and was a 
Shriner and also was a member of the London Fire Brigade and the United 
Commercial Travelers, and enjoyed the full confidence and warm regard 
of his brethren in those fraternities. He died April 27, 1917, at his 
home at 2528 Stout street, as the direct result of an injury to his 
foot received two years before, while he was examining a fire truck. 
Blood poisoning developed in the member and caused his demise. He was a 
resident of Denver for more than half a century and he left the impress 
of his individuality for good upon the community.