Weld County, History of Colorado, BIOS: FLORANCE, Benjamin H. (published 1918) *********************************************************************** 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. *********************************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Maggie Stewart-Zimmerman http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00015.html#0003643 September 29, 1999 *********************************************************************** "History of Colorado", edited by Wilbur Fisk Stone, published by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. (1918) Vol. II p. 251-252 BENJAMIN H. FLORANCE. The maintenance of law and order in Greeley rests well in the hands of Benjamin H. Florance, chief of police and a man tried and found not wanting in his position. He was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia, August 27, 1866, a son of Loren and Elizabeth (Snyder) Florance, natives of that state. The father followed agricultural pursuits and business connected therewith, being a successful farmer and stockman in his native state, where he was so engaged during all of his life. With the exception of the first six months he served throughout the Civil war with the Fourteenth West Virginia Infantry. He died in February, 1910, rounding out a successful and resultant career, his wife having passed away many years before, in August, 1886. Benjamin H. Florance was reared and educated in Parkersburg, and upon completing his lessons assisted his father in the farm work, so continuing until April, 1886, when he came to Colorado in order to profit by the greater opportunities of the new west. He spent two months In Denver sizing up the situation and deciding upon a locality and in June, 1886, came to Greeley, hiring out as a farm hand. Diligence and frugal habits provided him with the means to engage in farming on his own account and he continued thus for two years. At the end of that period he became connected with the firm of Randolph & Jacobs, who conducted a butchering and ice business. Later on he was placed in charge of the slaughter house, continuing with this firm for eight years, giving thereby evidence of his industry, trustworthlness and executive ability. Subsequently he engaged in the butchering business independently, locating in Windsor, Colorado, and there he conducted a shop for about six years with gratifying results, continuing in business until 1904. In the fall of that year he was elected sheriff of the county and so well did he perform his duties that he was reelected and served until January 10, 1911. Mr. Florance owned farming interests during all this time and after relinquishing his official position gave his entire attention to the cultivation and improvement of his farms, so continuing until May, 1917, when he accepted the position of chief of police of Greeley. His long and varied experience as sheriff well qualifies him for the office he now occupies and as head of the police department he has done much toward improving conditions in Greeley, holding down the criminal element by vigorously prosecuting undesirables. He has Instituted modern methods in the department and is doing everything in his power to render to the public that safety which is essential to sound living and sound business. On the 31st of December, 1891, Chief Florance married Miss Bertha Frazier, a daughter of Sylvester J. and Eugenia Frazier, extended mention of whom is made in connection with the sketch of H. L. Frazier. Mr. and Mrs. Florance have three children: Belva L., who married Elijah Bromley and they reside in Greeley; and Gladys and Effie, at home. Mr. Florance has always taken a laudable interest in public affairs and while a resident of Windsor. Colorado, served as alderman of the town, successfully promoting progressive measures. He also held a commission as deputy sheriff under Sheriff McAffee. The interests aforementioned, however, do not cover all his activities, for he conducted the Florance & Herdman Electric Company in Greeley for two years and also was one of the original B-I promoters of the Lost Park & Antero reservoir. Thus it may be said that he has been connected with mercantile and agricultural pursuits, with electric and water projects, and has been successful in the direction of these various enterprises, also being a faithful and efficient public officer. Politically Mr. Florance is a republican and a stalwart champion of his party. His eldest daughter belongs to the Christian church, but Mrs. Florance and the other members of the family are of the Congregational denomination. Fraternally Mr. Florance stands high as a Mason, having attained the Knight Templar degree, and he also belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Woodmen of the World. In public and business circles he is well known and popular and both he and his wife occupy an enviable position in the social set of their community.