Idaho Springs siftings., 1902-06-21
A BUSY
LIFEIS
ENDED
Pioneer Henry PIummer
Suddenly Taken
Away.

After sixty-six years of life, over forty of which
were spent in Idaho Springs, Henry Plummer,
pioneer business and respected citizen, passed
away at his home on Wednesday at midnight
When death came it found him prosperous and en-
ioying the reward of toll in days gone by. He had
suffered his portion of privaton and hardship,
however and earned the comfort he enjoying
when the sunset came.
Everyone familiar with Idaho Springs knew
Henry Plummer. The city and the man were
linked inseparably. He came here when there were
few people in the camp and helped to make 1t what
it is TODAY BY nature he was retiring and at times
stoical-as many of the pioneers are He was
diamond in the rough. Those who knew him best
loved him best There was nothing affected in his
manner. The people knew that he meant just what
he said and was with all this, of liberal
mind and nature who was always willing to accord
every other man the right to disagree with him.
Things of a spectacular character were repulsive
to his nature 1t is known that he gave literally to
those in need but it was always with the condition
that nothing should be said about it. The idea OF
being brought prominently before the public in
business or political sense also distasteful Had
he desired he might have commanded the best to
be had in political sense, but he always avoided
politics and affiliation in partisan affairs
He was mayor of Idaho Springs for two terms
and at one time member of the school board. He
did not want these evidences of political prefernent
but accepted them at the earnest solicitation of
friends
For nearly twenty years he was the president
of the First National bank of this CITY, institu
ton he was largely instrumental in establishing.
He was also interested in the coal and feed business
and the Plummer stables which are known to the
old-timers as landmarks. Those who are in posi-
ton to know state that his estate is worth to exceed
SIoo,ooo and the start was made by hard work.
He was born in Waterford, Maine, August 9,
1896 and spent his boyhood and early manhood in
that state. April %, 1861, in company with r. B.
Griswod the well known pioneer, he left Euclaire
county, Wisconsin, where he had emigrated from
Maine in 1857, and came overland by OK team to
Denver and Auraria The couple followed the old
California trail along the Platte river and were ON
the road from April % to July or 8 at which time
they landed in Denver and Auraria. The trip was
by no means pleasant one in those days for the
Indians were known to be hostile and were travel
ing over the plains by the thousands.
The party remained i'll Denver two three days
and then hastened to Idaho Springs, where about
POO people formed the settlement.
Mr. Pummer and MIR. Grswold bought placer
claims on Chicago Bar and worked them continu-
ously until 1862. Life at that time was anything
but path of roses Bread sold after they arrived
in camp for so cents per loaf and 1t was almost I'M
possible to obtain it even at that price
Leaving Idaho Springs in 1862 in company
with NJ. o. Coddington, Mr. Plu1nmer went to
Idaho near the site of what is now Boise City,
where they did mining and freight1ng
In 1865 they returned to Idaho Springs again
and were interested in company that freighted
between Idaho Springs and Denver and Cheyenne.
Later the late George A. Patton, Mr.. Plumnier and
Mr. Coddington built what is still known as the
Plu1nner stables, the ground they now
occupy Afterward the hay grain and coal busi-
ness was added and then in May, 1888, he assisted
IN establishing the First National bank.
On Tune 40, 1872, he married to Emma
Dewey who had been visiting here from Wiscon-
sim and the bride of that day the bereaved widow
of today.
AS a friend he was loyal, business
straightforward and as husband one who was
always ready to accord anything that would lend to
enioyment and happiness in his home. The suffer
inSs of his friends and particularly little children
always appealed to him, and he has given away a
great deal that the public knew nothing about
Before his death he expressed the hope that his
remains might be cremated when he passed away,
but evidently did not even think that the hour
would arrive SO soon The nearest crematory is at
Chicago, where his remains will probably be taken
and the urn containing the ashes returned here.
His death caused general grief in the city. The
expressions of esteem were numerous, and were 1t
nroper to publish them page of this paper could
he taken up in recounting the kindly deeds that
marked his existence. His familiar appearance on
the street as he passed up and down Miner street
on his wav to his home three times day will be
,,iseed He was as regular in his hours the ris-
ing and setting of the sun.
In the death of Henry Plummer the city loses a
friend and hundreds will mourn his loss He had
been member of the Masonic fraternity for years
held here All his friends and relatives were no
ti6ed of his death at and majority of them
will he present to pay their last tribute to the MEM
orv of the pioneer business man.
Funeral services will be held at the Piummer
residence tomorrow Sunday afternoon at oclock
and the remains will be sent to Chicago for Gre
nation on the Sunday afternoon train.