Biography of John Nurnberg

Although born and reared far from his present home, and recollecting with pleasure the scenes and associations of his native land, loyal too to its history and the aspirations of its people, John Nurnberg, of near Carbondale, Garfield county, this state, is well pleased with Colorado, preferring it to all the states of which he has knowledge, and not now willing to exchange it for the older civilization, more populous conditions and historic aspirations of his native Mecklenburg, Germany, where he was born on February 8, 1831, and where also his parents George and Eliza Nurnberg, first saw the light of this world, descendants of long lines of ancestors born and reared in the fatherland. The parents came to the United States soon after their marriage and located in Michigan, being among the early settlers of that state. Some time afterward they removed to Wisconsin, and there they passed the remainder of their days, contentedly occupied in the peaceful pursuit of agriculture and living in the lasting respect of all who knew them. They had eight children, of whom only four are living, Frederick, Christopher, Barbara and John. The last named attended the common schools near his home from the age of six to that of fourteen, then during the next two years assisted his father on the home farm, after which he began to make his own living by working on other farms for wages awhile and later as manager for himself. He continued his industry in this line for a period of thirty years, and raised live stock in connection therewith. In 1887 he came to Colorado and located his present ranch, a pre-emption claim of one hundred and seventy acres, purchasing the improvements already made by a former tenant. Of this tract one hundred and forty acres can be cultivated with profit in hay, grain and other ordinary farm products, and of these Mr. Nurnberg raises good crops. He also carries on a flourishing industry in cattle, that commodity and hay being his principal resource and both being extensively produced. He also raises some fruit for market. The ranch is well supplied with water and arrangements have been made for its judicious distribution over the land according to need. The improvements are sufficient in magnitude and comfortable in character, and the appliances at hand for the business of farming and giving proper attention to the stock are ample and of the latest patterns. Although independent in politics, Mr. Nurnberg is deeply interested in the welfare of his community, and heartily supports all its elements of growth and prosperity. He is especially active in the cause of public education, having served six years as a member of the local school board, following a similar service of several years in Wisconsin. On December 11, 1861, he was married to Miss Fannie Harris, a daughter of William and Catherine (Jayne) Harris and a sister of William and Charles H. Harris, sketches of whom are elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Nurnberg have had nine children, of whom four have died, twins in infancy, and Julia in 1867 and Gertrude in 1871. The five who are living are: Annie (Mrs. August Sunnicht), of Carbondale; Estella (Mrs. Samuel Weber), of Fruita; Eugene, who conducts the home ranch for his father; Mabel (Mrs. Edward Nevitt), of Aspen; and Maud (Mrs. Arthur Ward), of Pasadena, California. While independent in politics, the father has a decided leaning toward the Republican party.


Source: Bowen, A. W. Progressive Men of Western Colorado. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co., Publishers. 1905.


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