Gilpin observer., 1909-06-10
THE FIRST MAYOR

At the Red Mems hall IN BLACK
Hawk Saturday evening, the city
council and citizens of the mill city
rendered a reception to ]. H. Kin
ney, the first mayor of Black Hawk,
who served from the time the city
government was founded in 1854 un-
til 1866. The function was well
attended, numbered among the guests
being citizens from Central, Nevada
vile and outside points.
John Robins, chairman of the COM
mittee appointed by the council to
arrange for the reception, stated the
object Of the meeting. He had the
records of the first council meeting
held in Black Hawk, which made
most interesting reading to the gath
under the charter of 1854 and was
conducted by the probate Judge of
the county. The minutes Of the first
meeting recorded the election of j.
H. Kinney as mayor and gave details
OF the organization of the council.
The speech Of acceptance OF Mr.. Kin
ney comprised part Of the minutes.
When Mr.. Robins had finished his
part Of the program, H. C. Bolsinger,
of Nevadaville, made very approp-
riate talk and then acted as toast
master. A number were called upon
for speeches and made very interest
ing and entertaining talks. T. H.
Buckman, now a resident of Golden
but who served the city as treasurer
when Mr.. Kinney was filling the posi-
tion of mayor, was In attendance at
the meeting and participated in the
speech making. Invitations had been
sent to many OF the old timers, for
mer residents Of the county. who had
lived in these parts in 1864. These
being unable to be present had sent
sent their regrets, which were read.
Letters from H. NJ. Teller, Harper NJ.
Orahood, Ed. w. Hurlbut and others
were also read.
The guest Of honor was presented
with a handsome gold headed cane,
a token of remembrance from the
citizens of Black Hawk. The gift was
presented by John Stroehle, who
made a speech that was highly ap-
preciated. ]. NJ. Seright then present
ed Mr.. Kinney with a miners candle
stick, made by John r. Hoskin and
which was truly work of art. Mrs.
Kinney was not overlooked by the
generous citizens Of Black Hawk.
Greetings were sent her In Chicago
and she was presented with a most
acceptable gift in the form of beau
tiful gold ring.
Mr.. Kinney then made quite an ex-
tended address dwelling upon the old
times and conditions which prevailed
in Black Hawk in the early days Of
the pioneers. He told Of the forming
of the first city council and perhaps
the most interesting part of his ad-
dress was that which covered the
naming of the town. According to
Mr.. Kinney the name was derived
from the Black Hawk Gold Mining
company, which was organized in
ing in Rock Island at the time and
was instrumental in organizing the
company and raising the money. This
was the first company to work the
Gregory. The company was named
Black Hawk after cape of that
name which extends out into the riv-
er at Rock Island. At that time the
postoffice was at a point near Noun
tain City and when 1t was removed
to Black Hawk the town was named.
Many have been under the impress
sion that Black Hawk was named af-
ter the Indian chief
At the time the Black Hawk COM
pany was formed, Mr.. Kinney did not
come to Colorado, but others were
sent out to look after the operations.
He did not come to Black Hawk un-
til 1862, when he acted as secretary
and cashier OF the company. Mr.. Kin
ney besides being the first mayor OF
Black Hawk was the first school
superintendent OF Gilpin county.
Refreshments consisting of sand.
wiches, Ice cream, cake and coffee
were served after the speech making
and choir was formed and old time
songs were sung until after midnight
The affair was thoroughly enjoyable
in every respect and not only Mr..
Kinney but the citizens of Black
Hawk and their guests will ever re-
tain pleasant memories Of the event