Page:Men of Mark in America vol 2.djvu/404

 HENRY MOORE TELLER ELLER, HENRY MOORE, leader of the state bar of Colorado; one of the best equipped lawyers in the Rocky Mountain country; the champion of free silver; elected to the United States senate on the admission of Colorado into the Union in 1876, and kept in the senate during the entire period of the state's existence, except for the three years from 1882-85, during which he served as secretary of the interior in President Arthur's cabinet, is a striking example of a man who has achieved success through his own exertions. As a gifted orator, a close thinker, and a careful reasoner, his reputation is well established.

He was born May 23, 1830, in the town of Granger, New York. He is of Holland stock, his ancestors being among the early Dutch settlers of Manhattan Island. His earliest known ancestor, William Teller, came to Albany, New York, in 1639. He is also a descendant of General Dubois of New York, who served in the Revolutionary war. His father, John Teller, was born in Schenectady, New York, and had removed to Granger, Alleghany county, New York, a short time before the birth of his son. His son says of him, "he was a great reader, a good Methodist, a religious man and a great student." His mother, Charlotte Chapin Moore Teller, who died at her home at Morrison, Illinois, November 17, 1901, at the age of ninety-three years was of New England origin, a native of Windham, Vermont. Her son ascribes to her a strong mental and moral influence over his character. She emphasized "thoroughness"; and "thoroughness" has been the motto of his life.

His health in boyhood was good, and he had an especial taste for books. Early in his career he showed an ambition to secure a better education than was afforded in the school directly within his reach at his early home. He studied for four years at Rushford academy, supporting himself by farm labor and by teaching during his vacations. He also took a partial course at Alfred university, at Alfred Center, New York, and has since received the degree of LL.D. from that institution and the same degree from the University