Bertram F. Early, a well known merchant of Laramie engaged in the furniture and hardware trade, was born in Wabash, Indiana, December 20, 1871, a son of J. C. and Frances (Glenn) Early, both of whom were natives of Ohio. In early life, however, they removed to Indiana and in 1883 became residents of Kansas, where the father engaged in farming, devoting his remaining days to that pursuit. He passed away in March, 1912, at the age of sixty-seven, while his widow still survives and is a resident of Jackson county. In their family were seven children: Charles Early, now residing in Laramie; Mrs. Belle Karnes, whose home is in Council Grove, Kansas; Mrs. Sadie Spencer, living in Elgin, Oklahoma; Don; Robert; and Ida. The last named occupies the family residence in Kansas.
    Bertram F. Early, the eldest of this family, in his boyhood days lived with his grandfather, William Glenn, at Fort Wayne, Indiana, there acquiring an education. In 1898 he went to Kansas, remaining in that state until 1900, when he removed to southwestern Colorado, settling in San Juan county, where he continued for two years. He was there engaged in mining and in the lumber business and in 1903 he removed to Fort Collins, Colorado, where he turned his attention to a livery business, which he conducted for three years. On the expiration of that period he sold out and afterward conducted a livery at Ault, Colorado, which he also later sold. He then turned his attention to farming in the vicinity of Greeley, Colorado, where he remained for two years. In 1910 he arrived in Laramie and entered the employ of the W. H. Holliday Company in the lumber yard. Later he was employed as a clerk in the Albany Mercantile Company. While thus engaged he became well known to the public and on the 20th of October, 1911, he embarked in business on his own account by establishing his present store, in which he carries an extensive line of furniture and stoves. In the intervening period of six years he has built up a business of gratifying proportions. Although he started in a small way, his trade has gradually increased and while his first day's receipts were only six dollars, the volume of his business has so grown that today it is among the leading of its kind in Laramie. He has ever recognized the fact that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement and as the years have gone on he has put forth every effort to please his patrons, while his fair prices and honorable dealing have been salient features in his growing success.
    On the 30th of December, 1903, Mr. Early was united in marriage in Denver, Colorado, to Miss Louise Covington, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Covington, of Fort Wayne, Indiana. They have one child, Francis Early, who was born in December, 1904, at Fort Collins, Colorado.
    In his political views Mr. Early is a republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but does not seek nor desire office as a reward for party fealty. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Laramie and with the Modern Woodmen of America, while his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. He is a man of genuine personal worth, held in high regard by all with whom he has come in contact by reason of his many sterling qualities. He stands at all times for progress and improvement in public affairs and is ever willing to lend his hearty aid and cooperation to movements for the general good. As a business man, too, he has made an excellent record, wisely using his talents and his opportunities, and step by step he has advanced until he now ranks with the substantial and valued representatives of commercial activity in Laramie.