The native persistency and productive energy of the German people, which never flags in its efforts, and never fails in accomplishing worthy results, which has made their land great at home and respected abroad, and has done so much for other lands where they have settled, especially in the United States, in whose development in times of peace and defense in times of war have been so materially aided by them, is well illustrated in the career of George Sievers, of Garfield county, this state, where he is universally recognized as one of the leading stock-growers and ranchmen of the county and one of its inspiring forces in promoting progress and the general weal. He came to this country at the age of twenty-four, with almost nothing in the way of worldly wealth, and now, almost entirely through his own efforts, owns one of the largest and best ranches in his section of the state, and conducts on it one of the most extensive and profitable ranch and cattle industries to be found on the Western slope. Mr. Sievers was born at Holstein, in the fatherland, on September 17, 1855, and was reared and educated in that part of the country. His parents, Max and Katharine (Rathjen) Sievers, were natives of the same place, and for many generations their forefathers lived and labored there. They were members of the German Lutheran church, and prospered as farmers, rearing to maturity seven of their ten children, who are still living and are Claus, Elsabe (Mrs. Peter Doosa), and Margaret (Mrs. Peter Claussen), all of whom live in Germany; and Henry, of San Francisco, George and Timm, of Garfield county, and John, of Gunnison, this state. Their mother died in 1876 and their father in 1895. George was educated in the common state schools and trained to habits of useful labor on the farm. He also saw military service, serving from 1874 to 1877 in the German army. He remained at home working in the interest of his parents, except during this interval of three years, until he reached the age of twenty-four, then in 1880 came to the United States, and after passing a short time at Valparaiso, Indiana, came to Colorado and located at Denver. Soon afterward he moved to Granite, where he passed four years in placer mining during the season for such work, in the employ of the Twin Lakes Hydraulic Mining Company. In the fall of 1885 he secured a portion of his present ranch by purchasing the improvements on it made by its previous owner. These consisted of two little cabins, and as his brother was his partner in the enterprise, there was one for each. They made many improvements and reduced the land to productiveness, buying more as they prospered until the place now comprises six hundred and forty acres. In 1894 the partnership was harmoniously dissolved, George purchasing his brother’s interest, and since that year he has been conducting the business alone. He has three hundred and fifty acres under cultivation in hay, grain and potatoes, which are produced in large quantities and first-class quality. Cattle are also raised on an extensive scale and some horses for market. The ranch is well supplied with water, having its own ditch, and is in every respect in fine condition. It is nine miles southeast of Glenwood Springs and four north of Carbondale. Mr. Sievers is also interested in other enterprises, and both in business and in all the elements of good citizenship is one of the leading men of the county. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, the Woodmen of the World and the order of Odd Fellows, and in national affairs supports the Republican party. He was married on April 30, 1894, to Miss Johanna Sass, who also was born at Holstein, Germany, and is the daughter of John and Dora Sass, of the same nativity and well-to-do farmers there, the father being in addition a manufacturer of wagons. They are members of the German Lutheran church, and highly respected citizens. Their offspring numbered five, four of whom are living, Christopher, Henry and Mary, now Mrs.Theodore Burmahl, all in Germany; and Mrs. Sievers, of this state. Mr. and Mrs. Sievers have two children, Katharine, born on April 15, 1895, and John M., born on the 10th day of November, 1896.
Source: Bowen, A. W. Progressive Men of Western Colorado. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co., Publishers. 1905.