Post (C) Doris McCraw
aka Angela Raines
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| Image (C) Doris McCraw |
With July 4th fast approaching and the 250th anniversary of the United States, and with August 1st following shortly thereafter, we have the 150th anniversary of the State of Colorado. With these two dates in mind, and the journey I've been taking on Colorado becoming the 38th state, I thought I would see if there were any correlations between Franklin, Adams, and Jefferson, and the men who brought about Colorado's admittance to the Union.
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| John Evans |
These are personal observations. So, let's start with
Benjamin Franklin. In looking at the life of Benjamin Franklin, his
accomplishments, and his history with the declaration and what came before.
Franklin was an inventor, scientist, printer, and businessman. Perhaps the
closest person to Franklin would be John
Evans, the second territorial governor. Appointed by Abraham Lincoln, Evans is
considered to have spearheaded the statehood movement. He was also involved in
promoting the transcontinental railroad and the founding of the University of
Denver.
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| Jerome Chaffee |
Perhaps the closest to John Adams would be Jerome Chaffee. Before
coming to Colorado in 1860, Chaffee had been a schoolteacher, was involved in
banking and real estate, was one of the founders of Denver, and, perhaps most
importantly, was the delegate from the Colorado Territory who ushered the bill
creating the state of Colorado through the legislature. Once Colorado became a
state, Chafee served in the U.S. Senate.
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| Thomas Patterson |
Thomas Jefferson is a bit difficult, but perhaps the closest
resemblance is Thomas Patterson. He was an immigrant who arrived in the United
States, served in the Civil War, and became an attorney; in fact, he was the
city attorney of Denver in 1873- 74. He served as a delegate in the House of
Representatives until August 1st, 1876, when Colorado became a State. He later purchased
the Rocky Mountain News and then the Denver Times.
These are really simple comparisons, but they gave me
something to think about as we prepare for the sesquisemiquincentennial. I will
continue posting about Colorado's journey to statehood and the events that
delayed its admittance to the Union.
Stay tuned.
Until next time
Stay safe - Doris
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