by Charles W. Bowman

Biographies

WILLIAM E. CULVER

   The name of William E. Culver for more than six years has been familiar with the inhabitants of Bent County as druggist at West Las Animas. Though born a farmer, he early in life evinced a desire to study medicine, and would have finished a course of study, which he had commenced with Dr. C.G. Barnes, of Burlington, Mich., had not the war of 1861 broken out. His patriotism was too great to remain at home, and, to an early call for soldiers, he responded, and enlisted for three years in the Second Michigan Volunteer Infantry, Company C. He was in active field service only six months, on account of a severe sickness. After recovering, he was detailed to do dispensary work, where he remained but a few months, when he was ordered to headquarters of his division in the Army of the Potomac, and detailed as Orderly under Gen. Frero and Gen. Wilcox. He was afterward sent with the Ninth Army Corps through Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi, and saw service under Gen. Grant at Vicksburg. He was engaged in twelve regular battles and many skirmishes, but came out from them all unhurt. While his corps was on the North Anna River, Virginia, his term of enlistment expired, and he was discharged. But he immediately joined the Second Battalion of Construction Corps as First Lieutenant, and had entire charge of the construction of Battery Petterson, on Charlotte Pike, at Nashville, Tenn., while Gen. Hood was there. In the spring of 1865, he resigned, and returned to the farm at Newton, Mich., where he remained until 1869, when he came to Fort Lyon, Bent Co., Colo. In 1867, he was married to Miss Mary E. Smith, of Elyria, Ohio; has had two children, but a little girl, who was born in Newton, Mich., in March, 1869, is the only child living. When Mr. Culver first came to Colorado, he commenced raising stock, and continued in the business until 1875, when he sold out, and entered his present occupation. He was elected Assessor for two terms, 1872 and 1873. In 1881, he was elected Secretary of Schools Board: for three years, has served as Secretary of Bent County Republican Committee, holding these offices in addition to that of Librarian and treasurer of Bent County Bible Association. Mr. Culver certainly has the confidence of the people of Bent County.