Newspaper Articles for N.T. Dodge & Family: 1920's

Chaffee County Democrat: April 17, 1920: Mr. & Mrs. Earl Graham and daughter, Mrs. Thos. Doyle & daughter and James Burris motored to Salida and return Tuesday. 

Chaffee County Democrat: September 11, 1920: Justice of the Peace – Fourth Justice Precinct:

N.T. Dodge – Buena Vista – Justice of the Peace Fourth Precinct – Republican

C.H. Holt – Buena Vista – Justice of the Peace Fourth Precinct – Democrat

Henry Stewart – Buena Vista – Justice of the Peace Fourth Precinct – Republican

George Thomson – Buena Vista – Justice of the Peace Fourth Precinct – Democrat

James Garrahan – Buena Vista – Justice of the Peace Fourth Precinct – Democrat

Chaffee County Democrat: September 25, 1920: The primary election in Buena Vista Justice Precinct 4, which is comprised of Precincts 4 and 5, resulted in the nomination on the Democratic ticket of Geo. Thompson and James Garrahan for justices of the peace and A.J. Pelta for constable; the Republican nominations were N.T. Dodge and Henry Stewart for justices of the peace and Harvey Mear for constable.*

Chaffee County Democrat: July 9, 1921: Town Council Proceedings. The application of G.E. Graham for the position of towm marshall was read and voted upon as follows: Ayes, 2; Noes, 4. 

Chaffee County Democrat: August 11, 1922: Mrs. George Graham had her tonsils removed at Salida last Saturday. She is getting along nicely since the operation.

Chaffee County Republican: June 15, 1923: Mrs. Erle Graham returned last week from Lake George where she had been visiting her husband. 

Chaffee County Republican: March 7, 1924: Notice for Publication: Department of the Interior. U.S. Land Office at Leadville, Colorado, February 6, 1924. Notice is hereby given that Howard Lincoln Kaufmann Frey, of Buena Vista, Colorado, who, on February 1, 1917, made stock-raising homestead entry; allowed June 24, 1920, No. 01773, for N 1-2, NW 1-4, SE 1-4, Sec. 10, NW 1-4, W 1-2, NE 1-4, NW 1-4, SE 1-4, Section 11, Township 14 South, Range 79 West, 6^th Principal Meridian, has filed notice of intention to make final three year proof, to establish claim to the land above described, before Register of the United States Land Office at Leadville, Colorado, on the 10^th day of March, 1924. Claimant names as witnesses: N.T. Dodge, M.F. Frey, Chas. E. O’Brien, William Bray, all of Buena Vista, Colorado. Eva A. Brittain, Register. First published Feb 8, 1924. Last published March 7, 1924. Five times. 

Chaffee County Republican: October 31, 1924: Justice of the Peace – Fourth Justice Precinct:

N.T. Dodge – Buena Vista – Justice of the Peace Fourth Precinct – Democratic

James Garrahan – Buena Vista – Justice of the Peace Fourth Precinct – Democratic

James Garrahan – Buena Vista – Justice of the Peace Fourth Precinct – Republican

I.C. Terry – Buena Vista – Justice of the Peace Fourth Precinct – Republican 

Chaffee County Republican: February 13, 1925: Case Thrown Out of Court – Nothing To It: State admitted that there was not sufficient evidence to even attempt a prosecution – Loud applause greeted the decision of Judge Dodge when he refused to bind the Doctor over to the District Court.

Last Thursday, at the preliminary hearing in the justice court of N.T. Dodge, the case against Dr. V.B. Ayers was dismissed, on account of the lack of any evidence whatever connecting the Doctor with the alleged illegal operation which resulted, or is said to have resulted, in the death of Mrs. Genevieve Anderson at St. Luke’s hospital in Denver last November. The court room was crowded with reporesentative business men of Buena Vista and when the case was dismissed the sentiment of the community was demonstrated by the prolonged applause. The district attorneyplaced Dr. Miller, of Denver, on the stand for the prosecution and followed his evidence with that of Miss Floyd, a nurse, and James Anderson, the husband of the deceased Mrs. Genevieve Anderson. At the close of their testimony the District Attorney, Mr. Hessick, frankly stated that the evidence he had submitted was all that he had been able to obtain after several months of investigation. The attitude of Mr. Hessick was impartial and fair and his remarks at the close of the hearing indicated he had no desire whatever to press the case and knew that the state had no evidence whatever implicating Dr. Ayers. The Doctor was reporesented by Mr. Moynihan, an attorney from Montrose and G.K. Hartenstein of Buena Vista. At the close of the testimony introduced by the state, Mr. Moynihan moved to dismiss the case; the motion was sustained. This ends a matter which has caused more comment than any local event for many years past. This community was practically unanimous in its support of Dr. Ayers and in its belief in his high standard of professional ethics and in his uprightness as a man and citizen. Just why the charged were ever proferred, given so much notoriety in the Denver papers and pressed so continuously, is a matter that can only be surmised, as the hearing disclosed no facts whatever in any way implicating Dr. Ayers or connecting him with the condition of Mrs. Anderson, who had been in Denver almost two months before her death. The unpleasant notoriety connected with this case was a severe ordeal for Dr. Ayers, but the entire community is congratulating him up on the complete and absolute vindication of his reputation as a physician and a man. 

Chaffee County Republican: April 3, 1925: Bound Over to District Court. In Justice Garrahan’s Court Tuesday, Homer Winters and Ed. Dodge were bound over to the District Court in the sum of $500 each, which they were able to furnish. They are charged with taking a quantity of barbed wire from the premises, or farm of John and Will Bray. It is estimated that the full value of the wire missing is close to $250, but whether they took all of it there seems to be some doubt. The case will come to trial in the July term of the District Court. Deputy District Attorney Rush of Salida, prosecuted, while the defendants were represented by Attorney T.A. Nevens, of Salida. 

Chaffee County Republican: April 10, 1925: The Republican owes Ed. Dodge an apology, and incidently a printer is looking for another job, a result of the bungling of a report in last week’s issue of the Republican, in reference to the trial in Judge Garrahan’s Court, in which S.D. Winters and son, Homer, were bound over to the district court, in the sum of $500 each. The article in question was reported by the man we had helping us and it was he that set in on the machine. Just why he used Ed. Dodge;s name, we have been unable to discover. The article got through the entire edition before we discovered the mistake, and then it was too late to correct it. So far was we can learn Mr. Dodge’s name was never even mentioned during the trial, and how the fellow got the matter twisted is more than we can fathom. We have no bone to pick with Ed., and if we had, we would not go at it in that manner. We are sorry it happened.

Chaffee County Republican: May 8, 1925: Ed Dodge arrived from Avon Thursday, suffering from the kick of a horse. 

Chaffee County Republican:June 19, 1925: Earl Graham and wife motored up from Salida and spent Sunday with Mr. Graham’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Graham.

Chaffee County Republican: January 8, 1926: Judge Fred Meteer. Hence forth it will be Judge Fred Meteer. This raise in the political history of Buena Vista was brought about Monday, when the county commissioners appointed Fred to take the place of James Garrahan, who is away indefinitely. At the same meeting the commissioners appointed I.C. Terry justice of the peace in place of N.T. Dodge, resigned. Justice of the Peace Fred Meteer has already filed his bond, and is now ready, not only to administer the law in regular style, but will also marry anyone wishing to have the love know tied by an able Justice of the Peace. 

Chaffee County Republican: January 8, 1926: N.T. Dodge was taken to the Red Cross hospital Tuesday.*

Chaffee County Republican: February 28, 1926: County Commissioners Proceedings – Buena Vista, Colorado, January 4th, 1926: Proposals – The resignation of N.T. Dodge as Justice of the Peace, Precinct No. 4, was received and accepted…Motion by Commissioner DeWitt, seconded by commissioner Snell, and carried, ordered that I.C. Terry be appointed Justice of the Peace in Justice precinct No. 4, to fill the vacancy of said office thru the resignation of N.T. Dodge*

Chaffee County Republican: April 30, 1926: Mrs. Jim Newitt, of Grand Junction, was in the city during part of the week. 

At the Rio Grande Hospital in Salida last Tuesday, N.T. Dodge passed away and the body was brought to Buena Vista and was buried in the cemetery here Thursday afternoon. 

CARD OF THANKS

            We wish to express our appreciation for the kind words and sympathy during the death and funeral of our dear father.

THE FAMILY OF N.T. DODGE 

Chaffee County Republican: May 7, 1926: On motion, the following preamble and resolution was…unanimously adopted:

            Whereas, the children of N.T. Dodge, deceased, have paid into the County Treasurer of this county a total of $40 more than expended for hospital care of said N.T. Dodge, and said money lawfully belongs to said children.

            NOW, therefore, on request of said children, it is hereby resolved that a warrant be drawn in the Pauper Fund in favor of Mrs. James Newitt of 661 Colorado Avenue, Grand Junction, for said sum of $40.

            Pauper fund: Mrs. James Newitt, Refund: $40.00*

*Added to blog April 19, 2014

Newspaper Articles for N.T. Dodge & Family: 1910's

Carbonate Chronicle: November 30, 1914: Mrs. James Newitt of Buena Vista spent Thanksgiving at the home of Mrs. Ernie Owens, 228 East Seventh Street. 

Chaffee County Republican: February 5, 1915: Miss Anna Dodge came down from Leadville the first of the week for a few days visit with home folks.

Chaffee County Republican: April 8, 1915: Miss Anna Dodge returned from Leadville the first of the week and has accepted a position at the Princeton Hotel. 

Chaffee County Republican: April 22, 1915: James Newitt, engineer on the Ibex #3 shaft, has been laid up for over a week at his home in Buena Vista with an ailment believed to have resulted from injuries he received in a runaway on the Johnny Hill Road nearly two years ago. Mr. Newitt sustained two broken ribs in the accident and it is believed now that the accident might have caused other internal injuries near the heart which are causing his present sickness – Leadville Herald Democrat. 

Chaffee County Republican: April 29, 1915: James Newitt returned to his work in Leadville Sunday evening.

Chaffee County Republican: July 24, 1915: Earl G. Graham and Miss Anna Hazel Dodge were married Wednesday evening at the home of Rev. MacInnes. Both young people are will known, well liked and enjoy a wide circle of friends, who will be pleased to hear of their happy wedding. They will make this city their home. 

Chaffee County Republican: August 15, 1915: Jim Newitt came down from Leadville and spent Sunday with his family.

Chaffee County Republican: February 19, 1916: Jim Newitt came down from Leadville and spent last Sunday with his family. 

Chaffee County Democrat: January 4, 1919: Buena Vistans in Leadville Wednesday were: Frank Crocombe, D.H. Dodge, & F.J. Dougherty. 

Chaffee County Democrat: January 25, 1919: Pat Dodge returned from a Leadville visit Wednesday evening. [Dwight H. Dodge was also known as Pat Dodge] 

Chaffee County Democrat: May 3, 1919: James Newitt & family came down from Leadville Monday to spend a few days at the home of Mr. & Mrs. N.T. Dodge. 

Chaffee County Democrat: May 17, 1919: Mrs. Frances Fogalsang, daughter of the late Mrs. Fannie Dodge, reached the city Sunday from San Francisco. 

Mrs. Earl Graham, called here by the death of her mother, Mrs. Fannie Dodge, arrived from Olympia, Washington last Monday.

CARD OF THANKS

We take this method of expressing our heartfelt appreciation of the assistance and sympathy tendered by neighbors and other friends at the time of our recent bereavement, when out loving wife and mother was called away.

N.T. DODGE & CHILDREN 

Fannie H. Dodge

Fannie H., wife of Nathaniel T. Dodge, died at the family home west of this city last Sunday afternoon, May 11th, at about 4:45 o’clock, after a prolonged illness. Last week Mrs. Dodge was stricken with paralysis which in her weakened condition was followed by fatal results. The funeral was held from the home Tuesday morning, Rev. A.A. Kidder being in charge of the services and delivering an affecting discourse. A large number of friends were present, many of whom followed the remains to their resting place in Buens Vista cemetery. For thirty-nine years Mrs. Dodge had resided with her husband and chindren in and near Buena Vista. The family came to Colorado in 1880 from Maine, locating and remaining in this part of the valley from that year to the present time. Mrs. Dodge was a woman of fine character who will be sadly missed by the numerous friends acquainted by her during her long residence in this section. She was never without a comfting word for the unfortunate or material assistance for the needy, her actions through life being tempered with charity and humaneness. It is not strange that such a one leaves behind her aching hearts and ineffaceable memories. Fannie H. Dodge became 63 years of age last September, and was born in Pittston, Kennebeck County, Maine. Besides her husband, Nathaniel T. Dodge, she is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Clara Morgan, of Canada; Mrs. Rachel Newitt, of Buena Vista; Mrs. Ann Graham of Olympia, Wash.; and Mrs. Frances Fogalsang, of San Francisco; and five sons, Sherman and Alfred Dodge, of California; Edward and Dwight H. Dodge, of Buena Vista; and James R. Dodge, now with the American army of occupation in Germany. All but two of the children, Sherman and Alfred, were born in Chaffee County. 

Chaffee County Democrat: May 24, 1919: Mrs. Frances Fogalsang departed Saturday evening for her home in San Francisco. 

Chaffee County Democrat: June 7, 1919: Mrs. Earl Graham was taken to Salida Sunday to receive treatment for appendicitis. 

Chaffee County Democrat: August 23, 1919: We are glad to welcome in our midst Mr. James R. Dodge, who returned Sunday from overseas. 

Mrs. Erle Tyler of Delta, stopped over in Buena Vista Saturday on her way home from Denver and Georgetown, when she visited her brother, Mr. Fred Meteer. She was accompanied by her niece, Miss Berenice Newitt, who will spend in Delta a short vacation from her duties as a nurse in the Red Cross Hospital in Salida.

Newspaper Articles for N.T. Dodge & Family: 1900's

Colorado Republican: January 14, 1904: John Dodge will break horses to drive or ride for $7 per head, this includes their feed. 

Colorado Republican: January 21, 1904: John Dodge will break horses to drive or ride for $7 per head, this includes their feed. 

Colorado Republican: April 7, 1904: Buena Vista 20 Years Ago. Judge Dodge of Free Gold is receiving congratulations on the arrival of a daughter. 

Colorado Republican: February 9, 1905: Chamber of Commerce. Fifteen new names were added to the membership roll of the Chamber of Commerce last Saturday night. Verily the worls do move as was evidenced by the turnout at the meeting, there being in the council room at one time thirty-five members.

            The advertising committee was on hand with proofs of the half tones received last week and was instructed to send the plates to Pueblo for the purpose of getting a sample of the work as turned out by a concern there. Attractive folders are being prepared, which, when completed, will be given out to those who are in communication with parties in the east, and who will put them where they will to the most good.

            Several important committees were appointed by President MacLennan, wmong which was committrr upon Reservoirs and Irrigation, committee upon Agriculture, Railroad Rates to Buena Vista, and two or three committees to confer with the heads of the railroda, with a view of making some radical changes, which, if connsumated, will change the local geography greatly.

            The names of the members of the Chamber of Commerce will be printed in both local papers each week “so the people may know” who is boosting for better times.

            The membership fee is one dollar, and the dues fifty cents per month. The maintenance of the organization must be from this source. We need york dollar and we need your influence. Get into line and see that your name goes to the head of the column next week. Then go home and get your neighbor to come in at the next meeting.

            The regular meeting nights of the Chamber of Commerce is the second and fourth Saturday night of each month, at the council rooms.

            Below is a list of the members of the Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce, the names appearing in bold face type each week being the new members who have joined the chamber since last meeting. Watch this list and you will know who the real boosters of the vicinity are.

ROLL OF HONOR

Count em! Watch em!

                                                J.C. Baird                    John Borrell

                                                D.C. Cupples              Harry O. Wade

                                                A.H. Myers                 Hugh Stewart

                                                Alex Seevers               George Withrow

                                                C.R. Halsey                 J.S. Halsey

                                                W.R. Riegel                J.W. Hunt

                                                W.J. Morgan               Chas. Fox

                                                Asa Fox

                                                                                   

                                                Behrman, A.F.            Langdon, G.W.

                                                Burrell, E.W.               Logan, C.S.

                                                Briggs, Robert             Lilley, Wm.

                                                Brown, H.J.                 Lynn, J.J.

                                                Burbridge, T.H.           MacLennan, Dr. A.A.

                                                Cochran, H.T.             Matzen, Theo.

                                                Connell, Owen            Maine, R.D.

                                                Cyr, Thos.                   Malkmus, Jos.

                                                Dreyer, H.                   Miller, C.F.

                                                Davis, W.H.                McGuire, W.F.

                                                Doyle, Thos.                Pelta, A.J.

                                                Dodge, N.T.                Pyle, Harry S.

                                                Farde, C.E.                  Pyle, Geo. N. Jr.

                                                Frame, John                 Pelta, Ed.

                                                Gorseline, C.E.            Prichard, Harry

                                                Guire, J.W.                  Quiggle, J.C.

                                                Goodwin, J.E.             Stewart, J.E.

                                                Hamilton, John            Studle, G.

                                                Hiltz, Jno. U.               Treloar, J.P.

                                                Hope, Jos.                   Teeters, Rev. G.

                                                Haxby, Dr. H.G.         Tomkins, H.S.

                                                Hartenstein, G.K.        Terry, I.C.

                                                Holt, C.H.                   Van Westering, H.J.

                                                Hampton, F.                Williams, H.W.

                                                Hamdorf, Henry         Walker, Gilbert A.

                                                Hamdorf, Christ.         Wilbur, E.

                                                Kagey, J.                     Weaver, W.W.

                                                Krueger, Ed.               Whelan, C.A.

                                                Wright, D.H. 

Colorado Republican: August 17, 1905: Rachel Dodge left Sunday for a day with friends in Twin Lakes.

Colorado Republican: August 23, 1906: At the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. N.T. Dodge, west of Buena Vista, Miss Rachel Elizabeth Dodge was united in marriage at noon, Monday, August 20, 1906, to James Newitt; the ceremony was performed by Judge Newitt. Only the immediate relatives were present to witness the ceremony. The couple will make Buena Vista their home for the present. The contracting parties are both well and favorable known in Buena Vista, and they have a large circle of friends who wish them a safe journey in their little craft, matrimony, as it sails out o’er the bounding billows of wedded bliss. 

Colorado Republican: December 13, 1906: At high noon on Monday Dec. 10th, Mr. William J. Morgan and Clara Dodge were united in matrimony by Judge Newitt. The ceremony was performed at the home of the brides’ parents two miles west of town, Mrs. James Newitt, a sister of the bride, acting as bridesmaid while Dr. A.A. MacLennan of this town assisted the groom. The bride was beautifully attired in white, while the groom wore the conventional black. Only a few close friends of the contracting parties were present. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. N.T. Dodge and is a Chaffee County girl, having spent most of her life in this county and is well and favorable known. “Jack” Morgan is also known here having been in, and about Buena Vista for years past. He has a host of friends and is recognized as a genuine hustler and an industrious young man. The bride was the recipient of many useful and beautiful presents from her friends. We anticipate a happy and prosperous life for the newly married couple, and the Republican joins with many other friends, in the wish that their ship of fate may glide gently and smoothly down the stream of time. 

Colorado Republican: May 2, 1907: Born Monay, April 29 to the Wife of James Newitt a bouncing baby boy.

Colorado Republican: May 9, 1907: James Francis Newitt, the infant son of Mr. & Mrs. James Newitt, died at the family residence last Saturday and interment was made Sunday.

Denver Post: June 8, 1907: Beat His Wife With Poker. Buena Vista, Colo. June 5, - Gabriel Durst, proprietor of the Cottonwood Hot Springs hotel, has been bound over to the July term of the district court for $500. Suit was brought before Justice of the Peace N.T. Dodge, by his wife, Rebecca, who testified that on the evening of June 2, Durst returned home and, finding her in the office of the hotel, proceeded to beat her, using a stove poker, and afterwards threatened to kill her and her 16-year-old daughter, Katie, with a rifle, compelling her to leave the hotel and go to a ranch nearby. Her evidence was corroberated by three other witnesses, guests of the house, and was not refuted by Durst himself, who, through his attorney, agreed on the bond mentioned. The trial will come up in the resular term of the district court. 

Rocky Mountain News: June 9, 1907: Hotel Man is Charged with Beating his Wife.

            Buena Vista, Colo., June 8 – Gabe Durst, proprietor of the Cottonwood Hot Springs hotel, five miles west of this place, was today charged by his wife, Rebecca, with having beaten her and having threatened to kill er, compelling her to leave the resort in the night and seek protection at a neighboring hime. The case was before Justice of the Peace N.T. Dodge, who bound him over to the Jult term of the district court, to keep the peace, fixing his bond at $500, which he furnished. 

Chaffee County Democrat: September 11, 1908: The Socialists have opened headquarters next door to the Republican headquarters on Main Street. Judge Dodge declares positively that this hobnobby appearance has absolutely no significance.

Newspaper Articles for N.T. Dodge & Family: 1890's

Buena Vista Democrat: September 18, 1890: A Call For Aid. Buena Vista, Sept. 13, 1890. At a regular meeting held on the 13^th day of September, 1890, by L.A. 1761.

Resolved, that in aid of those men who are now striving to uphold the right of laboring men to organize for their own protction we express our sympathy and further will give them such aid as we are able and further ask of all who believe in the justice of the cause to contribute their mite towards assisting them and a committee of three consisting of M.L. Swayze, T.J. Logan, N.T. Dodge, is hereby appointed to solicit aid for the New York Central strikers.

J.P. Newcomb, R.S. of L.A. 7361. 

Buena Vista Democrat: October 2, 1890: Judge Dodge is spoken of by the independents for county commissioner.

Buena Vista Democrat: January 15, 1891: District Court. Court convened Tuesday morning with Judge John Campbell on the bench. It is not likely that the business of this term of court will consume as much time as usual. Following are the members of the grand jury: P.G. Conover, fireman; S.P. Taylor, Geo. Hummer, Smith Steele, Wm. Wilker, P. Savard, P.M. Weston, Geo. Williams, Sam Kipper, H.J. Burghardt, James Reed, N.T. Dodge.

Buena Vista Herald: January 16, 1891: Court Items. Grand Jury – P.G. Conover, S.P. Taylor, Geo. Hummer, Smith Steele, Wm. Wilker, P. Savard, P.M. Weston, Geo. Williams, Sam Kipper, H.J. Burghardt, James Reed, N.T. Dodge.

N.T. Dodge vs. J.H. Lewis and Georgia C. Lewis; plaintiff to have till 16^th to amend his complaint. 

Buena Vista Herald: March 21, 1891: On St. Patrick’s morning the home of Judge N.T. Dodge was made bright by the arrival of a twelve pound boy. The judge wore an extra yard of green ribbon in consequence, and set ‘em up in true hibernian style. The mother and child are doing splendidly.

 

Buena Vista Democrat: July 15, 1891: District Court. N.T. Dodge vs. J.H. Lewis and Georgia Lewis; trial to-morrow. [The case was decided in favor of N.T. Dodge. The defendants appealed. The defendants appealed the decision. The appellate court affirmed the trial court decision and can be read here: http://books.google.com/books?id=yDgEAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA60&lpg=PA60&dq=Lewis+v.+Dodge%2BColorado&source=bl&ots=TXoSi_swTw&sig=1hKBtGesP29onxLDHwu7ETxeBBM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=tW8KU4qRPJLOyAGqhYGgDQ&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=Lewis%20v.%20Dodge%2BColorado&f=false]

 

Buena Vista Democrat: September 28, 1892: The delegates from precinct 5 to the People’s party county convention to be held at Nathrop on the 30^th are as follows: W.C. Gregg, W.B. Logan, Chas. Benadum, W.S. Spencer, M.L. Swayze and F. Weaver. Precinct 4 – J.S. Halsey, N.T. Dodge, E.B. Bray, M. MCBride, E. Wilber, J.P. Newcomb.

Rocky Mountain News: October 21, 1892: Chaffee County is Alive to the Issues of the Day.

Gentlemen – We, the undersigned miners and merchants of Buena Vista, County of Chaffee, Colorado, do hereby respectfully ask you to lend us your assistance in aid in the election of the silver electors casting their votes in the coming election. The antagonism demonstrated by both Republican and Democratic parties gives us no hope whatever for any legislation from either of them. The planks in both platforms are mere subterfuges, and an endorsement of either of them by their election in the State of Colorado would, in our judgment, retard silver legislation for an indefinite period. The prosperity of the miners of this section and all sections of Colorado means prosperity to the manufacturing interests of Denver, both to merchants, workingmen and men engaged in manufacturing pursuits.

            With the free and unlimited coinage of silver our stores will be well stocked with goods manufactured in your city, and fifty percent more mines will be in operation, thereby increasing the volume of your business in the same propostion. Denver must depend upon the mining industries of the state for its success, without which it would lose one-half of its valuation at the present date. We therefore call upon you at this time to assist us in the election of men that will give some assistance to silver. We will most favorably remember all who now assist in this fight for our property and prosperity.

            [This petition was signed by several dozen residents of Buena Vista, Colorado, including N.T. Dodge, ranchman.] 

Buena Vista Herald: September 9, 1893: Bray, Newcomb, Dodge, Halsey and other wheel horses in the Populist party were sat upon at the caucus Saturday night by the recent converts. But of course they will be called upon to demonstrate their voting strength election day.

Buena Vista Herald: November 4, 1893: This is our last opportunity to appeal to the people of Chaffee County to vote for principle and not men on election day. The Free Coinage reporesents a great principle, while the Populist ticket represents nothing but a scramble for office by a lot of men who have only been Populists for thirty days. Some of the candidates even assisted in defeating a Populist ticket named here last spring by such old wheel horses as Halsey, Dodge, Bray, Newcomb and others. 

Colorado Democrat: January 17, 1894: O.W. Johnson, C.C. Simpson and N.T. Dodge seem to have struck quite a lead of good looking mineral at Riverside.

Colorado Democrat: March 14, 1894: Mining Gossip. Steady work still progresses in the gold mining districts around Buena Vista. Fifteen locations have been surveyed and recorded during the past week, while several good sales have been made. There is, however, but little disposition to sell, by those who can afford to hold on, not out of a desire to obtain high prices, but from a strong feeling of confidence in the outcome of development work. In a very short time the two mills will be completed and ready for work. It will be then practically demonstrated what can be done. While there is an immense amount of high grade ore, the body of low grade ore is virtually inexhaustable.

            N.T. Dodge has some splendid or ein the Rocky Fall in which he is jointly interested with Arthur Vences. Spencer & Son are taking ore out of their claim, which is an extension of the Midland, running $20 to $40 right along. Messrs. Ferris and Shockley are keeping their men at work with most satisfactory results, also the Nellie Bly lessees, also A.H. Wade and others. Time will prove to doubters the immense value of this camp and many will fild when too late, it will cost a fortune to get in on the ground floor. 

Buena Vista Herald: September 1, 1894: The baptismal rites of the Adventist church were administered last Sunday afternoon to the following converts: Mr. & Mrs. N.T. Dodge, Mr. & Mrs. Bray, and son, Mrs. V.S. White, Misses Alma and Lydia Moore, and Robert Moore. 

Denver Post: February 11, 1895: Cruelty at Buena Vista. – Governor McIntire Appoints a Committee to Investigate.

            Governor McIntire has appointed a special committee, consisting of J.S. Appel, J. Warner Mills and J.H. Gabriel to investigate the Buena Vista reformatory management. It is charged that one of the officials has been guilty of extreme cruelty to inmates of the institution. Distinct acts of cruelty are named, among them being that he caused prisoners to be handcuffed and suspended in the air by their wrists until the victims fainted. The brutal punishments are said to have been inflicted with the prison physician was not present. The law requires that all punishments shall be inflicted in the presence of the prison physician.

            The charges upon which the investigation is ordered were placed in the hands of the governor by a man named Garahty, a former guard of the reformatory. Witnesses called to substantiate the charges are Spencer, Van White and Gregg, former guards; Charles Robbie, a stome mason; Nathaniel Dodge, a brickmaker, and several inmates of the institution.

            The investigation commenced today at Buena Vista and is expected to be concluded tomorrow evening. A report will be made to the governor immediatelt on the return of the investigators to the city. 

Colorado Democrat: February 13, 1895: Reformatory “Lexowers.” Last Monday a special investigating committee appointed by Governer McIntire, consisting of J.S. Appel, J. Warner Mills and J.H. Gabriel, all members of the state board of pardons, began the investigation of certain charges of cruelty, use of abusive language, and domineering conduct proferred against Warden Hoyt, also to investigate charges that there had been a rake-off in supplies furnished to the reformatory. The charges were presented to the governer by W.R. Geraghty, a former guard, now working in Cripple Creek while his family lives in Buena Vista. Witnesses called to sustain the charges are said to be Charles Robble, N.T. Dodge, W.D. Gregg, Van White and W.S. Spencer and several inmates of the institution. All of those named are populists, some of whom were recently discharged by Warden Hoyt for seeking to have him removed. It is not believed that Geraghty is responsible for the charges being brought, but that he is acting for populist leaders of this county. The board remained in session all day Monday and Tuesday, examining quite a large number of witnesses. Little, however, could be learned as to the result of the proceedings. The board will make their report direct to the governer, until which time probably no report will be made public. 

Denver Post: March 29, 1895: The Charges Proved. Horrible Practices Indulged in at the Buena Vista Reformatory.

            At a joint session of the house and senate last night the report of Governor McIntire’s committee appointed to investigate the Buena Vista reformatory was read. In brief it said:

            “Certain specific charges were filed with the board, signed by one M.R. Gerraghty, and also certified by N.T. Dodge, V.S. White and W.C. Gregg. These charges in substance are to the effect that Deputy Warden Hoyt was guilty of cruel and inhuman treatment of the prisoners; of using profane, foul and obscene language in their presence and in the presence of the officers, and of suffering vile and unnatural practices among the convicts.

            “As to the vile and unnatural practices, the committee finds undoubted evidence of their taking place. This is confirmed by Mr. Hoyt and several of the guards in addition to the witness Robble and others.

            “It appears, however, that Mr. Hoyt has given instructions to the guards and the physician and endeavored by various means to suppress these practices. Nevertheless, he, as well as this committee, are satisfied that the still continue.

            “your committee finds that the punishment administered in this institution has been extremely cruel. Besides depriving them of such privileges as writing, etc., the only regulation punishment inflicted is what is known as ‘hanging up.’ We find that this punishment has been inflicted in certain instances without the presence of the physician.

            “In bunk house No. 3 we found one idiot, one epilectic and one consumptive. That these convicts are so afflicted we have the statement of the prison physician, confirmed by our own observation. The filthy, uninhabitable and unsanitary condition of this bunk house we cannot too strongly condemn.”

            The commissioners are found not to have made proper rules for the government of the reformatory, that Mr. Hoyt used profane language before the prisoners, that he took his family supplies from the reformatory stores without entering any account of the same, that proper care was not exercised in keeping the accounts of the supplies bought or properly weighing them, that no account was kept of the prices of supplies, but that there is no indication of overcharges. The method of purchasing is simply designated as “loose.” They find also that prisoners were paroled without proper record of their behavior to show that they were entitled to such consideration. The report was referred to a special legispative committee. 

Colorado Democrat: May 8, 1895: Mr and Mrs. Lisle, Mrs. N.T. Dodge and Ralph Hodgdon were baptized Sunday by the elder of the Adventist church. The ceremony took place in Cottonwiid Creek back of Chas. Holt’s residence. 

Chaffee County Republican: December 22, 1898: District Court Docket. List of Petit Jurors: Henry Schull, Samuel Pitman, Joseph Malkmus, J.P. Harper, H.J. Foulk, P.H. Symons, E.T. Conquest, W.G. Sisson, Ben Disman, Lou Schultz, Chris Kirsch, W. Cantonwide, David Albright, Joseph Brown, N.T. Dodge, Ed O’Brien, Orley Mason, B.F. Morley, D.B. Phillips, Sam Moch, H.S. Williams, Wm. Pruitt, T.E. Grover, Samel Sandusky.

Newspaper Articles for N.T. Dodge & Family: 1880's

Buena Vista Democrat: April 3, 1884: Judge Dodge of Free Gold is receiving congratulations on the arrival of a daughter. [His daughter, Clara Bell Dodge, was born on March 28, 1884.]

Buena Vista Democrat: April 17, 1884: Mind Culture at Free Gold. Quite a number of Buena Vista people visited Free Gold last Friday to witness the closing exercises of Prof. O.O. Morrison’s school; among whom were Reverends Kagey and Milligan, Mr. and Mrs. V.C. Gunnell, Mr. and Mrs. F.W. Kroenke, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Logan, J.G. Hollenbeck, our county superintendant and a goodly number of citizens of Free Gold and vicinity. To say that it was an enjoyable affair but feebly express the merit of the intertainment. To all interested in the education and mental evaluation of the youth of our country it must have been both interesting and exceedingly gratifying to note the evidence of progress manifested by the pupils on this occasion, which denoted not only good natural ability on the part of the scholar, but great care and vigilance on part of the teacher. It is seldom one sees such advancement by all the members of a school as was shown here, and a teacher who can thus adapt himself to the different temperaments and capacities of his pupils is certainly deserving of great praise to say the least. Mr. Morrison may well feel proud of the success he has achieved as an educator. The progress made in writing as well as in all other studies was truly wonderful, but we mention writing especially as this important branch of education is so apt to be neglected in our public schools. We were shown fair specimens of penmanship by little ones six and seven years of age, who could not write a word at the commencement of the term. The teacher appeared to have a natural faculty at advancing his pupils, and this without resorting to harsh or severe measures, for we discovered no rod and no law but that of kindness. The patrons of the school deserve much credit for the fine and convenient brick building they have erected for their children thus showing their appreciation of the value of a good education. All in all we consider this a model school. Below we give the standing of the different classes:

Spelling class A – Pearl Lewis, 98; Orie Main, 95. Class B – first prize, Shirley Main, 100; John Frame, 100. 2^nd prize, Sarah Frame, 98. 

Reading 4^th reader – 1^st price, Orie Main; 2^nd prize, Pearl Lewis. 

Class A 3^rd Reader – 1^st Prize, Thos. Frame; Class B – 1^st prize, Sarah Frame, 2^nd Prize, Alfred Dodge. 

2^nd Reader – Shirley Main, 100; Lousi Frame, 100. 

1^st Reader – 1^st prize, Percy Main. 

Writing – best writer, Roy Main; most improvement, Pearl Lewis and Sherman Dodge. 

Arithmetic – Roy Main 1^st prize. 

Intellectual Arithmetic, Class A – 2st prize, Pearil Lewis; 2^nd prize, Orie Main; Class B – Shirley Main, 100; John Frame, 98. 

Geography – Pearl Lewis, 98; Orie Main, 96.

Chaffee County Times: August 20, 1885: The Common Sense Placer Machine. We have heretofore referred to a new gold saver that has been in operation more or less in this county for the past few months. Messrs. Dodge, Keys and Martin have one of these machines working on a claim of theirs just south of the stream mill near Free Gold. During a visit there last Monday the editor of this paper witnessed a clean up of two of the riflles after an hour’s shoveling, and the net result was about thirty cents in fine gold. At this rate, thise is believed to be a fair average, $3 a day to the man could be saved. As the gold is what is known as flour gold and could not be saved in ordinary sluiers, the value of the machine can be readily estimated. Perhaps no adequate idea of its workings could be furnished by a mere description, but it is so simple in construction that it can be used in connection with the ordinary sluiers, and requries no great amount of skill to set or poerate it. That good wages can be made all along the river by the use of this machine seems more than probable. We hope some of those who are standing around complaining of hard times will take the bait and go to work to develop the placer resources in this locality. Mr. Dodge has decided to place the machine on a placer owned by him and Vanarsdale in Taylor Park. 

Buena Vista Democrat: September 16, 1885: O.O. Morrison and Judge Dodge of Free Cold commence this week vigorously working their placers on the Arkansas. 

Buena Vista Democrat: December 9, 1885: Judge Dodge’s Court at Free Gold was running all day last Saturday trying the case of the People vs. Ben Bray, charged with malicious mischief and disturbing the peace, etc. The Antagonists, Judge V.C. Gunnell for the People and Col. Logan for the defendant fought the case without stopping for nine hours. The court room was crowded by the elite of Free Gold, a good deal of interest being taken in the trial. The case was sharply contested on both sides. The decisions of the court was given in favor of the defendant in a very candid and able manner. 

Buena Vista Democrat:September 29, 1886: Republican Hippodrome. The republican convention convened at the Opera House on Saturday and from first to last was a disgrace to the County of Chaffee. B.F. Garrison started the proceedings in a prepared self-laudatory speech, which caused him to be elected chairman and laid the foundation for his future nomination. G.M. Bowen of Alpine was elected secretary. Committees on credentials, organization and resolutions were appointed and a recess taken. After recess it was found that two sets of delegates claimed seats from Free Gold precinct, Capt. Day and Mr. White on one side, and J.H. Lewis and Mr. Dodge on the other. In presenting their claims to the convention the most opprobious epithets were used, one even charging the other with being a liar, stuffing the ballot box and having a partner a murdurer. At last on it being known that Lewis and Dodge had been New Era men, they were unceremoniously kicked out of the convention. 

Buena Vista Democrat: January 12, 1887: County Commissioners. Met in regular session on the 5^th and transacted the following business:

The following official bonds approved: N.T. Dodge cons. Bond $2,000. 

Buena Vista Democrat: January 12, 1888: The following persons constitute the grand jury for this term of the District Court: Lyuman Venable, G.M. Hollenbeck, Peter Wilde, Fred Bertschy, Wm. McKenzie, John Abbots, Jos. H. Rives, John F. Rougeot, Geo. A. Goodwin, Thos. T. Speer, Alex. McNary, N.T. Dodge.

Buena Vista Democrat: May 24, 1888: A rich strike is reported in Empire gulch in a claim belonging to Messrs. Spaulding, Boetteher, Dodge and others. There is said to be an eight foot body of ore, running about seventy per cent in lead, twenty-five per cent silver and $8 in gold. – Leadville Dispatch.

Buena Vista Democrat: September 12, 1889: District Court. Grand Jury: G.S. Wood, H.D. Dickinson, G.M. Pyle, T.H. Price, W.H. Ball, J.H. Lewis, J. Drach, A.W. Root, B.F. Johnson, J.H. Wyman, Howard Kemble, N.T. Dodge.