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Wagoner, Henry O. Waterman, Mary S.

Wood, Mrs. Harry C. Wrisley, Mrs. E. M.

Rocky Mountain News, Denver
January 28, 1901 Page 5

(Original includes pen and ink facial drawing.)

Henry O. Wagoner, a pioneer, the personal friend of Frederick Douglass, and the man who, although from Maryland, was never a slave, died at his residence, 203 Santa Fe Avenue, yesterday, aged 84 years and 11 months. Death was from old age, the venerable African American man, not possessing the strength to rally from a slight illness.

Prominent in public matters for many years, his last act was to take a personal part in the campaign. When Senator Patterson was elected he wrote him a personal letter, the last, by the way, of many that have appeared over his signature in the press of the city.

Saw History Made.

In February, Mr. Wagoner would have celebrated his eighty-fifth birthday. He was born in Hagerstown, Md., February 27, 1816, his mother a freed slave, his father, a liberty-loving German. With limited opportunities for gaining an education, and with only two three-months' terms of school in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, as the foundation for his acquisition of knowledge, by studying at night, working in the fields during the day and teaching school in winter, he succeeded in becoming one of the most advanced men of his race; adding the art of the compositor to his accomplishments and later engaged in the operation of a small mill in Chicago. He was closely associated with the work of Frederick Douglass in the decade before the great civil war and on occasion of a visit of John Brown to Chicago became well acquainted with that leader of the Kansas free state movement. Their friendship was cut short by the hanging of Brown at Harper's Ferry.

In 1860 Mr. Wagoner came to Colorado to attempt to retrieve his fortunes, swept away in a fire which destroyed his mill in Chicago, and ever since was a resident here. The Pike's Peak excitement was about at an end when he reached the mountains, but his fertile brain conceived the great possibilities for the future of the then new territory and decided to remain and establish a permanent home.

He was blessed with enough of this world's goods to make his declining years comfortable. But one great grief ever entered upon his life, and that was the death of his wife, which occurred in 1870, and whom he never ceased to regard as simply having "gone away."

Told Of Slavery Days.

With his gold-rimmed spectacles and white hair he was a familiar figure on the streets. He was a walking encyclopedia of historical and political events of the century. He enjoyed telling of the friends whose names are known at the firesides of every home in the land, and spent many happy hours in reviewing the correspondence which passed between himself and Frederick Douglass, Elthu B. Wasburne and others whose voices and pens were forces in trying times. Several years ago he retired from active labor.

Contributed by: Rita Timm Colorado Clues

Rocky Mountain News
July 30, 1898 Page 8

ONE MORE PIONEER CALLED

Mrs. Mary S. Waterman, widow of Benoni Waterman, died at 10:30 o'clock last night at the family residence, 1542 Williams Street. Deceased leaves two sons and a daughter, Henry P., Herbert, and Miss Mira Waterman. No arrangements have been made for the funeral.

Mrs. Waterman came to Colorado from Rockford, Ill., with her husband about thirty years ago, and lived for many years at Central City, where she was well and favorably known.

Contributed by: Rita Timm Colorado Clues

Denver Post, Denver, Colo.
January 14, 1896 Page 7

A SAD BLOW

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Mrs. Harry C. Wood, wife of the popular and well-known newspaper man, died yesterday afternoon at her residence, 1005 Boulevard, Highlands. The death of Mrs. Wood is especially sad, as she was married only two months since. Prior to her marriage she was Miss Millsau, and was highly respected as a teacher in the city schools. The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from the residence.

Donated by: Rita Timm Colorado Clues

Rocky Mountain News
Denver, Colo. 1/26/1890 Pg 8

Mrs. E. M. Wrisley's Death

The friends of Mrs. E. M. Wrisley will be shocked with the sad news of her sudden death Saturday morning. Mrs. Wrisley came to Denver about three years ago for pulmonary troubles which seemed to be stayed until last Monday, when pleurisy set in. She was the mother of Wells H. and Jenny M. Wrisley of this city. Funeral will occur Monday morning at 10:30 from her late residence, 1113 Washingtn Avenue.

Contributed by: Rita Timm Colorado Clues