Bessemer Historical Society

Abstract

Jasper Butero was born at the Sopris Mining town owned by CF&I. His father moved there in 1901 after living three years in Louisiana. Butero was one of five brothers and graduated high school in 1936. He went to junior college for two years while working in the coal mines in the summer.In total he worked in the coal mines from 1941-1960, even making up to $4,800.00 one year. Butero was married in 1939.

Abstract

Mike Livoda came to the United states from Yugoslavia in 1904 when he was sixteen. He worked in a Montana coal mine in 1907, and then came to Denver, Colorado in 1910 as a union man. Livoda worked in Denver until 1912, when he began organizing miners in Walsenburg, as a part of the United Mine Workers of America. He was severely beat up in Ravenwood, Colorado, three miles out of Walsenburg, for his union role.

Abstract

Oren F. Bridwell worked as a navy operator and was sent to work in Denver in 1945. He left the navy in 1947 as a LT. Commander. Before working for the Navy, Bridwell worked at the Climax Mine in Leadville, Colorado. After a strike, he went to work with an insurance company that was created by the coal operators. They couldn't buy insurance any other way, so they all contributed to the one they created.

Abstract

Ralph Gallegos went to school in Primero, Colorado. His grandfather came to the area in 1900 at the age of eighteen.

Abstract

Robert Adison Jackson went to West Minister College and then graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1919 as a geologist. He came to Pueblo, Colorado in 1923 and was licenced as an engineer in 1928. Jackson worked in Walsenburg, Colorado for five or six years and then went to the CF&I Denver office in 1936. In 1946 he moved to Arkansas until 1961. Jackson retired in 1964.

Abstract

Robert Adison Jackson went to West Minister College and then graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1919 as a geologist. He came to Pueblo, Colorado in 1923 and was licenced as an engineer in 1928. Jackson worked in Walsenburg, Colorado for five or six years and then went to the CF & I Denver office in 1936. In 1946 he moved to Arkansas until 1961. Jackson retired in 1964.

Abstract

Stephen A. Hart was the grandson of John L. Jerome. Was State Historic Preservation officer. Board of Directors for National Sugar Manufacturing Co. Father was secretary of CF&I. Grandfather's family came from England to Massachusets than upstate New York at Pompei.

Abstract Vic Johnson was a superintendent for the Rolling and Finishing Mill, at the CF&I Steel Corporation.Began working at mill at 12 1/2 years old. Tom Verde was foreman. Began at rail mill as door puller (opened cover while charging). Other boys were Nettie Ryan, Alfred Ecklund, Mike Burke (a heater), John Hollywood (heater-controlled temperature), Frank Mitchell (blooming mill roller). Victor was a door boy for 6 months at .10 cents per hour. Later was a gas reverser for 9 months at .11...