LYTTLE, James, b. 1858: 1905 Bio, Rio Blanco County, Colorado http://files.usgwarchives.net/co/rioblanco/bios/lyttlej.txt --------------------------------------- Donated August 2001 Transcribed by Judy Crook from the book: Progressive Men of Western Colorado Published 1905, A.W. Bowen & Co., Chicago, Ill. --------------------------------------- James Lyttle Coming to Colorado nearly twenty-five years ago, and continuously since his arrival in the state actively engaged in promoting its welfare through the public press, of which he is an honored representative, James Lyttle, owner and editor of the Meeker Herald, is well esteemed in the community wherein lies the scene of his greatest activities, and is favorably known in other parts of the state as a vigorous and fearless advocate of the best interests of the commonwealth, ever giving words of encouragement to all good undertakings, and inspiring hope of the best results even in times of depression and trouble, at the same time and all the while by his example of business energy and confidence in the future of the state spurring others to renewed efforts. He was born on July 28, 1858, in county Tyrone, Ireland, and soon afterward accompanied his parents, Joseph and Mary Lyttle, who were of Scotch-Irish ancestry, to the United States, where they found a new home of hope and promise in the fruitful fields of industry in Pennsylvania. In his native land the father was a farmer, but after coming to this country he became foreman of a large steel mill and rendered good service to his employers in that capacity until his death. The son attended the district schools as he had opportunity, which was seldom and for only short periods at a time, and at the age of thirteen years was apprenticed to the printer's trade in the office of the Pittsburg (Pennsylvania) Gazette. He served three years on that paper, then moved to Chicago where he worked at his trade as a journeyman until 1880. Before that year was ended he was a resident of Denver, this state, and later he became a resident of Leadville. In those two cities he was employed as a printer until 1885, when he took up his residence at Meeker, and on August 15th founded the Meeker Herald, of which he has ever since been the owner and editor. He has wisely developed his enterprise and improved his plant, and now has one of the most influential papers and best printing establishments on the Western slope. Other business undertakings have engaged his attention, especially such as have involved the promotion of the county's progress. He aided in organizing the Union Oil Company and from its start has been one of its leading stockholders and promoters. He was a member of the first city council of Meeker and later was mayor of the town and superintendent of the public schools. He also represented the county in the state legislature several terms. At all times and in all conditions he has been potential in instructing and directing public opinion to the best ends, through the columns of his paper, and in official station of every kind has endeavored to put into practical operation the lessons he has elsewhere tried to teach. Incidentally he has followed the common course of the western people in devoting a share of his time to mining and prospecting, following these lines of industry in Summit and Park counties. Politically he is an ardent advocate of Democratic principles, and fraternally he belongs to the Masonic order, the United Workmen and the Modern Woodmen of America. On August 28, 1895, he united in marriage with Miss Lelena Doak. They have three children, Hugh D., George H. and Richard G. =================================================== Contributed for use by the USGenWeb Archive Project (http://www.usgenweb.org) and by the COGenWeb Archive Project USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access.