The daily sentinel., 1914-02-23
HENRY M. TELLER, FIRST CITIZEN Of
STATE, DIES IN DENVER; NEARLY 81
Crowded Career
of Useful Work


Henry Moore Teller on March 3.
1909. completed more than thirty
years service in the United States
senate, period which was interrupt
ed only by three years as secretary OF
the interior In the cabinet of Presi-
dent Arthur. At that time Senator
Teller expressed desire to retire
from public service In which large
part of his life had been spent. Sub
sequently he served as a member of
the National Monetary Commission,
created to investigate financial con-
ditions in this and foreign countries
and 10 devise reforms in the banking
and currency systems of the United
States.
Descended from ante-revolutionary
stock. the founder OF the family in
America having crossed the Atlantic
from Holland in 1853. Senator Teller
was born In Allegany county, n. Y,
May 20. 1890. After a meager acad-
emic training Young Teller studied
law and was admitted to the bar in
January, 1853, at Blnghamton, n. Y.
For several years he practiced law
at Morrison, Ill. In 1861 he crossed
the plains with an OK team and locat-
ed at Central City. Colo. at that time
the first city of the territory.
In the rough mining camp Teller
had for companions such men as
George NJ. Pullman. Henry Stanley
the explorer, and William A. Clark,
who subsequently became United
States senator from Montana. The
rough rules and customs" of lode
mining. as ampllfied by Teller, were
recognized as furnishing title to min
it,er LOT, h.. -
federal legislation In 1896 governing
mining,
In IS63-lS6s Teller served as ma
ior general OF the territorial fhirfttr
and participated In campaigns against
the Indians. He aided In promoting
the building OF the Colorado Central
railroad from Central City to Denver
in 1866. and until his death contlnu-
ed to take an active part In the indus
trial and commercial development of
Colorado.
A Democrat in early life. Teller
Joined the Republican party at its or
ganization. He took an active part In
the campaign which resulted In the
admission of Colorado to statehood
in 1876. and was elected United
States senator by the first assembly
Nov. /. that year. He was reelected
for the term beginning March 4,
1877, and served in the senate until
appointed to cabinet position by
President Arthur in 1882. Upon re-
firing from the cabinet In 1885, Tell
er was reelected to the senate and
served continuously until 1909. Dur
ing his career in the upper branch OF
congress Teller served as chairman OF
the committees on pensions. patents,
I,.4, a t.ap hAr nj
the committees on claims, railroads,
judiciary. public lands, appropria-
tions and others.
Senator Teller for years was one
of the leading advocates of bimetal-
ism and his convictions finally led TO
a break with the Republican party
In 1896. when he led the silver bolt
from the National convention after
the adoption of a gold standard
plank. His return to Colorado from
that convention was marked by
public welcome which surpassed any
previous tribute ever accorded pub
lie man in Colorado. From that time
he acted with the Democratic party.
but Notwithstanding his change OF
politics, he continued to be one or the
recognized leaders of the senate.
Senator Teller was 33rd degree
Meson and for seven years was grand
master OF the order in Colorado. He
also served as first grand commander
OF the knights Templar in the state
Senator Teller was married June
I. 1852, to Harriet NJ. Bruce OF Al
legany county, New York. Three
children-Henry Bruce Teller of Cen
trail City, Mrs. Emma Tyler OF Den
yer. and Harrison j. Teller of Grand
Junction survive.