Edward “Ed” Schwed
Born: Germany, August 15, 1836
Death: Leadville, August 23, 1916

Eliza “Elsie” (Biggs) DuShane Schwed Saffell
Born: Illinois, 1842
Died: Saguache, Colorado, 1922
First Wife of Edward Schwed

Pauline (Rosenstock) Schwed
Born: Germany, October, 1849
Death: Glendale, California, July 9, 1923
Second Wife of Ed Schwed

Charles Schwed
Born: New York City, 1877
Death: Leadville, February 7, 1906
Son of Elias and Pauline Schwed

Joseph Schwed
Born: Leadville, 1885
Death: Leadville, October 10, 1886
Son of Ed and Pauline Schwed

Nellie Pauline (Schwed) Howell
Born: Leadville, January 29, 1887
Death: Los Angeles, February 16, 1966
Daughter of Ed and Pauline Schwed

Walter Edward Schwed Sr.
Born: Leadville, October 19, 1899
Death: Denver, March 15, 1951
Son of Ed and Pauline Schwed

Edward Schwed was born in Germany on August 15, 1836, and immigrated to New York City during 1854. [1] Ed’s journey took him for a time to Kansas¬ where he was naturalized on March 24, 1866. [2] There he met Elsie DuShane. Elsie was born in Illinois, likely during 1842, and later met and married John DuShane. The couple arrived in Kansas by 1875. It then appears that Elsie left her first husband and four children [3] for Ed. The pair found their way to Trinidad, Colorado, where Ed had family. He is recorded operating a confectionary in Trinidad during 1876 [4] and 1877. [5]

Though no listings were recorded during 1878, he probably remained in Trinidad until he is first documented operating a bakery at Leadville near the corner of West Chestnut and Leiter Avenue during 1879. [6]

At this time Elsie donned the moniker of “Mrs. Elsie Schwed,” but there are no vital records indicating a legal marriage to Ed or that Elsie was ever legally divorced from John DuShane. [7] Thus Ed and Elsie were most likely married under common law, which had been recognized in Colorado since 1877. [8]

The couple eludes mention in local newspapers until 1881, when it was noted that Ed’s bakery and domicile had changed locations to 204 East 3rd Street and substantial renovations had been made to the store [9] due to the business’s success. [10]

Snippet advertisement by Ed Schwed for bakery and groceries.

Bakery and Groceries. (Leadville, Colorado: Leadville Democrat). March 3, 1881. Page 2.

Controversy followed Ed and Elsie throughout the 1880s. The first documented evidence appears in several reports in the local news during the autumn of 1881:

CASH IN ADVANCE

There was quite an amusing time yesterday afternoon in Justice McDowell’s court room during the trial of Lizzie Murtaugh for the alleged larceny of ten dollars or a canary bird from one E. [Elsie] Schwed. Among the witnesses for the prosecution was one Mary Johnson, who, it seems, was in the employ of the defendant, and apparently did not want to say [any] thing that would injure her cause. After answering one of two questions very reluctantly, she arose from the chair and informed the court that she wouldn’t answer any of the questions till she had been paid. This announcement caused a ripple of merriment to float through the court and his honor was compelled to give vent to a short smile before he was able to inform the daring miss that she would have to wait, like the court, for her renumeration. At first the explanation was not entirely satisfactory and the difference was continued until Prosecuting Attorney Ashton put the question “Who told you to demand your fees prior to giving your testimony?” fully expecting to show the court by the answer that the witness was an unwilling servitor at the proceedings. The answer, however, contrary to expectations produced much merriment; it was: “Why, I see it on the card in the back of the room; it says all fees of this court must be paid in advance.”

Not being a part of the court, the witness was obliged to answer truthfully without being paid in advance. The case was finally concluded and the defendant was bound over to appear before the grand jury. [11]

BAD BIRD BROKER

A Sweet Little Canary Bird Produces a Law Suit Among the Fair Sex.
_______

Yesterday Mrs. Schwed made a complaint before Justice McDowall, that Mrs. Lizzie Murtaugh had obtained the sum of ten dollars from her, by making representations that she could obtain for her a certain canary bird, which was owned by one of Mrs. Schwed’s neighbors, and for which she had taken great fancy and desired very much to own. It was represented by Mrs. Murtaugh that the sum of ten dollars would be required to obtain the bird; the “filthy” was quickly forthcoming and gladly given up by Mrs. Schwed, and Mrs. Murtaugh agreed to produce the coveted youngster in the short space of half an hour, and Mrs. Schwed hied herself home, fondly cherishing the belief that she would soon be the happy possessor of the feathered treasure she so much desired. But alas for human expectations! In the short time allotted and anticipated for the delivery of the canary, Mrs. Murtaugh discovered that she had taken a violent and unaccountable dislike to Mrs. Schwed and could not endure the sight of her, for when the expectant Mrs. Schwed presented herself at the domicile of the Murtaugh to receive her bird, the door was violently slammed in her face, and she was told in language more forcible than classic to take her departure and not be spying around the house of her, Murtaugh. This as a matter of course somewhat astonished the expectant bird fancier, and she at once demanded her money or her bird. She was informed by Mrs. Murtaugh that she could have neither whereupon Mrs. Schwed at once betook herself to the office of Justice McDowall and swore out a warrant for the arrest of her dishonest neighbor. The above facts were all brought out on the examination, and Jusdge [Judge] McDowall very properly held the offender to bail in the sum of five hundred dollars for her appearance at the next term of the district court, to answer the charge of obtaining money by false representation, which unless her explanation of her conduct is more satisfactory than on the preliminary examination, she will stand an excellent chance for a free excursion to Canon [City, Colorado], the offense being a high misdemeanor and punishable by imprisonment in the penitentiary. [12]

On Suspicion.

Some repairs were needed in Schwed’s bakery on East Third street, and a carpenter named A. M. Barton was engaged to do the work. He was attending to business yesterday afternoon when the proprietor came in, and shortly afterwards the latter pulled off his coat and hung it on a hook, leaving the room immediately. When he returned he put the coat on again and discovered that eighty-five dollars, which he claims was in the coat when hung up was not there when he put it on. A search was made for the money but without finding it, and last evening Mr. Schwed set out to hunt Mr. Barton. About ten o’clock he came across the carpenter and obtained the service of Officer Hines to arrest him. Mr. Barton was placed in the county jail and Mr. Schwed proceeded to Justice Rose’s court, where he swore out a warrant. The accused is well advanced in years, and has never before appeared in the role of a dishonest man. [13]

Although nothing of note became of these episodes, it would not be the last of the Schweds’ mentions in the news, as demonstrated in October of 1882, when Elsie found herself party to a case that would elicit significant attention:

CRIMSON CURSES

Falling Upon the Iniquitous Head of an
Abortionist.
___

The Inquest on the Body of Mrs. Mary
E. Rankin and the Startling
Results.

The matter which is at present engaging such universal attention was approached by the reporter with considerable diffidence, and not until several days had lapsed did he give publication to the rumors that had visited him. The physicians of the city were aroused to the importance of the affair, and it was at the suggestion of many of this profession that the HERALD concluded to take up the matter, Coroner Bredis, after much deliberation, concluded to take up the matter, and after the body had been exhumed, he proceeded to hold an inquest. It was introduced with a

POST MORTEM

examination, which took place at the morgue on Thursday afternoon, commencing about three o’clock. The reporter was a witness to the examination and now that which would convince any man that there had been an abortion committed.

About eleven o’clock yesterday morning a jury was empaneled by Coroner Bredin and they proceeded at once to take the evidence in the case. The jury consisted of Messrs. D.H. Rutledge,, G.W. Vaughn, William Heyburn, Fred E. Ewing, T.J. Finch and Robert De Lay.

The first witness examined was

MRS. ELSIE SCHWED.

After being duly sworn witness stated as follows: I first heard three weeks ago last Tuesday that Mrs. Rankin was sick, visited her during her sickness; was called to see her on Saturday last, in the evening, and staid [stayed] until Sunday morning last; I asked her what the matter was: she answered that she had tumors in her womb and had them cut out; at half past ten o’clock she was taken with what seemed to be labor pains, and I told her so; she acknowledged that I was correct, that she had a child taken away for her, but that a part remaining was killing her; she added that the child was Ira Mann’s and that she would rather die than have it; Dr. Metcalfe had killed the child, she said, and Dr. Sykes was killing her; she asked me also not to tell Mr. Mann or Mrs. Wuensch that she had made this confession until after her death; she asked me to telegraph her husband after her death, but not before, and to tell him how she had come to her death, and to ask him to forgive her; that Mrs. Wuensch could tell me all about the particulars of time, when she went to Dr. Metcalfe, etc; when Mrs. Rankin was in her extreme agony she explained repeatedly that the doctors were killing her; she was induced by Ira Mann to have the abortion performed, who wanted the child killed; Mrs. Rankin was perfectly rational when she told me all this; she asked me to take down a message to her husband, which I did. Nobody was present during this interview; the message was to the effect that “they were killing her;” by “they” she meant all the physician’s that attended her, although she only connected Dr. Metcalfe with the killing of the child; I saw Dr. Sykes at her bedside; Mr. Mann told her that; the labor pains had to come or she would die; never suspected that Mrs. Rankin and Ira Mann were living together-at least not openly.

Colonel Danforth cross-examined the witness on behalf of the defendants. Mrs. Rankin’s statements were made to Mrs. Schwed during Saturday night, and she died on Monday morning at eight o’clock. Never stated to Mr. Harwood that she would do all she could to convict Mr. Mann, but said that a box of soiled linen that was found under Man’s [Mann’s] bed would convict him. Witness thought that Dr. Sykes was quite attentive and kind to Mrs. Rankin during her sickness.

Coroner Bredin at this point instructed the jury that the object in making the inquiry was to ascertain the cause of Mrs. Rankin’s death, whether it was caused by an abortion or not. [14]

It is relevant to note that legislation regulating abortion in Colorado was not enacted until 1891. [15] Thus questioning whether Dr. Metcalfe performed an illegal surgical procedure on Mary Rankin was not in play. The sole inquiry being considered was whether Metcalfe caused her death through negligence while she was under his care. However, this does not imply that there was no reason to keep abortions secret at this time; performing an abortion would carry a severely negative social stigma even if Mary Rankin’s fidelity was unchallenged.

Mrs. M.E. Wuensch then testified, affirming that Dr. Metcalfe had indeed performed the abortion for the sum of forty dollars, but refuted the claim that Mary Rankin was involved with Ira Mann, stating that the baby’s father was fifty-three-year old George Rankin, Mary’s husband, and they simply “… didn’t want any children before they had a home of their own.” Wuensch then declared that “…Mrs. Schwed was not on good terms with Mrs. Rankin, and when during her last sickness she [Elsie] asked if she had miscarried, she [Rankin] would not reply to the question, but turned her face to the wall.” [16]

George Rankin’s testimony was brief. He stated only that he knew of the pregnancy before leaving for San Juan, Puerto Rico. He had no doubts that he was the father, and returned home as soon as he received word of his wife’s illness. He also asserted quite firmly that he knew nothing of the circumstances surrounding Mary’s death. [17]

It was after Rankin’s testimony that Elsie was recalled to the witness stand:

…Mrs. Rankin requested me to telegraph her husband as soon as she was dead; when I telegraphed I asked the telegraph operator if the message had already been sent, and the operator said there had not been any sent; then I had six different messages sent to six different offices in the San Juan, expecting that at least one of them would reach him; Mrs. Wuensch told witness that Mann had tried to hire her as a nurse for five dollars a day, because she would be able to keep the secret of the child not being Rankin’s; that Rankin and his wife had not had any intercourse for over two years; Mr. Mann mistrusted witness and did not like her coming, because as he said, she was trying to find out things that she ought not to; witness said that Mr. Mann asked Mrs. Wuensch in the shoe store, “what will we say to Rankin,” the answer was, “we will say it is a miscarriage, a month and a half gone.”…

This was followed by Dr. David Sykes’ testimony, wherein he revealed that he did confirm Mary Rankin’s suspicion that she was enceinte, and she immediately professed that the child was unwanted. At this time he advised her to consult with Dr. Metcalfe, who agreed to perform an abortion for fifty dollars. From this point on Rankin grew weaker by the day and was in severe pain. When Sykes examined her he noted a “particular odor” only to discover that while the pregnancy had indeed been terminated, the fetus had not been removed and had been decomposing in utero. As long as this condition persisted it was life threatening. Though he removed the remains after several more days, it was likely far too late. He assessed that she likely died from peritonitis and sepsis, roughly one month after her procedure.

This then prompted a recall of Mrs. Wuensch:

…”I had not had any conversation with Mrs. Schwed until yesterday; she stopped me that day saying that she had a paper that she wished me to give to Mrs. Rankin; dispatches were sent to Mr. Rankin before Mrs. Rankin died; Mr. Mann wrote one; I saw Dr. Haywood write one, before Mrs. Rankin died, but don’t know that they were sent; I deny all of Mrs. Schwed’s testimony when recalled; never had any secret conversation in my life with Mann.”….

Several other doctors were called to either confirm what they knew about the abortion or that the infections were caused by Metcalfe’s unfinished procedure. [18] The coroner’s inquest resulted in Metcalfe’s indictment and arrest. In the following days, the story exploded and received attention from newspapers statewide. [19] The jury determined that employing the surgical instrument that was used to terminate the pregnancy injured and ultimately caused the death of Mary Rankin. Metcalfe was arrested, entered a plea of not guilty, posted bond of $500 and was released until his trial a week later. [20]

On the afternoon of October 13, 1882, Elsie testified in the trial of The People v. Dr. Thomas N. Metcalfe. However, the bulk of her testimony, in addition to the other witnesses, relied largely on hearsay and what they were told by Mary Rankin or Dr. Thomas Metcalfe, rather than things they personally witnessed. Only Rankin and Metcalfe, and perhaps Ira Mann, knew exactly what happened. Metcalfe claimed that Mary Rankin herself introduced the offending instrument while performing a self-abortion under Metcalfe’s observation. Therefore, she was responsible for her own death. Before Elsie left the stand or even effectively offered her testimony, the prosecutor injected a motion to dismiss the case. Dr. Metcalfe was not only dismissed, he was exonerated. [21] Yet this positive outcome did not put an end to Metcalfe’s woes. As the physician who appears to have been Leadville’s resident surgeon for abortion, he found himself in court again just a month later to answer a similar charge for a woman who had a “miscarriage” after Metcalfe claimed to have diagnosed her with an ultimately fatal case of typhoid. [22]

During the early segment of 1883, Ed’s bakery foundered. He was forced to relocate to Denver for a period of time, which also resulted in Elsie’s search for employment. In May of 1883, Elsie appeared in the news again, this time in relation to an attempted suicide:

Wanted to Die
Denver Republican May 8

An attempt to commit suicide was made, early Wednesday morning, by a woman named Mrs. Elsie Schwed, a cook at the Waverly Hotel, at No. 242 Larimer street [Denver]. She took a dose of morphine, after having prepared breakfast, and was discovered in an unconscious condition in her room. Doctor Latimer was called, and with the assistance of two others, worked until last evening, when it was announced that she was almost out of danger.

Trouble with her husband [Ed Schwed] and her menial position, to which she was unaccustomed, are supposed to be the causes which led to the act. Mr. Schwed formerly kept a bakery in Leadville, but he failed in business and his wife found herself obliged to work in a kitchen for livelihood.

Mrs. Schwed wrote the following note before taking the poison:

Mrs. Capin-Please accept the few things I have left and take charge of my body, and you may have my mocking bird, also my gold finches and canaries. See that I am decently buried. Give all my clothes to the poor and needy. {Here she spoke of a business matter between herself and employer concerning her wages, and then concluded.} Enclosed in a book find a check on bank and lease on bakery in Leadville. Give this lease to Mr. Schwed. Good-bye.
Elsie.

On the back of the paper was written in a struggling hand, “Mrs. Capin, Harrison Avenue, Leadville, Colorado. Telegraph to Mrs. Capin immediately to come-Harrison Avenue.

It is unknown whether Ed and Elsie separated immediately after the incident, but a break in their union loomed inevitably on the horizon.

Census records for Pauline Rosenstock demonstrate that her birthdate was most commonly recorded as October of 1849; her answers also reflect that she left Germany for New York during 1862. [23]

However, immigration records show that she might have arrived at New York City as a single sixteen-year-old girl in August of 1861, [24] creating an age disparity of five years. It is possible that she either lied about her age in a number of circumstances, or that the discrepancy was due to a recorder’s error. Prior to 1870, Pauline was wed to Ed Scwhed’s brother, Elias, a Brooklyn barber. [25]

Pauline and Elias Schwed had three children: Phillip (b.1868), Albert (b.1872) and Charles (b.1877). Phillip passed prior to 1880 but no specific date of death is documented. Elias died following a bout with dysentery on August 30, 1880, [26] leaving Pauline a widowed mother of two. Unfortunately, no records were located for Pauline from 1881 until she and Edward Schwed married in New York City on June 2, 1884. [27] Shortly after this, Ed and his new family reappear in Leadville, where he was working once again as a baker and occupying a residence at 208 Maple Street. [28] Records for young Albert do not exist after 1880, suggesting that he also perished between 1880 and 1884.

Controversy pursued Ed again, this time because his relationship with Pauline enraged Elsie:

Mr. Schwed’s Troubles.

Justice Rose, a couple of attorneys with complaint and defendant and some newspaper reporters, last night, listened to a recital of the case of the people against Elsie DuShane [Schwed], accused of making threats against Edward Schwed. The complainant, Mr. Schwed, is a baker, and formerly carried on business on East Third street. For a number of years, according to the testimony, Schwed and the defendant lived together and were mutually interested in the property acquired. At least the woman claims they were, and events seem to bear out her claim. Schwed had a brother in New York state, who had about $10,000 insurance on his life. Last fall the brother died, leaving a wife [Pauline Schwed], and [Ed] Schwed, who is a thrifty individual, concluded that it would be a good thing to keep the money in the family, and he accordingly “skipped” out, taking all the funds which he and Mrs. [Elsie DuShane] Schwed, as she was known, had earned, and leaving her penniless.

[Ed] Schwed went to New York state and after a short time married his deceased brother’s widow, and then came back to Leadville, leaving the bride in New York. On his arrival here the whilom Mrs. Schwed made it interesting for him, and threatened to annihilate him if he did not settle with her and pay her so much money. [Ed] Schwed demurred to this arrangement and finally Mrs. [Elsie] Schwed brought suit against him, which he subsequently compromised. Since then [Ed] Schwed claims that the defendant has made threats to kill him and his wife [Pauline] and hence the complaint. A Mrs. Lamb, neighbor of Schwed, who was put on the witness stand last night, testified that she had heard the defendant threaten to kill Schwed and his wife if he did not make settlement with her. This, however, was prior to the settlement. The judge heard the evidence and the attorney’s squabbling patiently, and then took the case under advisement until 7 o’clock on August 4. [29]

Elsie, who did reside in Leadville as “Mrs. Elsie Dushane” at 613 East 12th Street during 1885, [30] is found in Saguache, Colorado in July of 1886, when she married Thomas J. Saffell. [31] Despite her tumultuous relationship with Ed, her union with Saffell apparently endured until her death in that city in 1922. [32] Documentation resolving her relationship with Ed or her legal defense for the Leadville case during August of 1885 have yet to be uncovered.

Ed Schwed began his new role as a family patriarch in earnest, and Pauline’s influence seems to have substantially changed his life’s trajectory. The Schweds relocated to a new home at 317 West 3rd Street during 1885. [33] They also welcomed their first child Joseph, who was born during 1885. Sadly, Joseph died on October 10, 1886; he is interred at Leadville’s historic Hebrew Cemetery. [34]

A haunting commentary on the frailty of life during the nineteenth century; the remains of toddler Joseph Schwed rests in Leadville’s Hebrew Cemetery.

Temple Israel Foundation.

Charles, son of Pauline and Elias, was thriving. Now forming friendships with the local Jewish kids, he attended the Hebrew Children’s Mask Ball at Armory Hall in the Spring of 1885.

Though news for the Schwed family is relatively subdued after the brouhaha with Elsie, 1887 ushered in joy for the birth of a daughter, Nellie, on January 29. [36] Charles frequently made the honor roll at Leadville’s Central School during 1888. [37]

During 1889, Ed completed his transition to more white-collar pursuits and became a real estate broker. [38] This is also evident in the frequent court appearances made by both he [39] and Pauline [40] throughout 1889. Most cases involved defaulted payments and ejectments of their tenants. [41] The family welcomed a third child, Walter, on October 19. [42]

Walter arrived in Leadville with slightly more fanfare than his siblings on October 19, 1889. [43]

Walter arrived in Leadville with slightly more fanfare than his siblings on October 19, 1889.

Born. (Leadville, Colorado: The Leadville Herald Democrat). October 22, 1889. Page 4.

In 1890, Ed described his vocation as “Money Broker.” [44] An all-encompassing title for a diversified dive into the world of finance, the business actually focused on real estate investments despite the ad below.

These advertisements for Ed’s business began to appear in The Herald Democrat newspaper in February of 1891.

A Protest. (Leadville, Colorado: The Herald Democrat). February 7, 1891. Page 7.

During 1893, as their enterprise continued to expand, Pauline [45] and Ed are frequently mentioned in real estate-related public notices. [46] Nellie and Charles were both recognized on the honor roll [48] for Leadville public schools. Pauline was mentioned in a business matter connected to former Temple Israel Cantor and pawnbroker/jeweler Ben Davies during May: [49]

A district court brief stating that Pauline Schwed was ultimately discharged of owing anything of a garnishment to Mrs. Ben Davies.

District Court. (Leadville, Colorado: The Herald Democrat). May 19, 1893. Page 5.

Further information regarding the “estate” referenced above was not uncovered. No stranger to the local news, Davies [50] would perish a few months later while attempting to rescue goods from his store as it burned to the ground during August of 1893. [51] In June, Pauline filed a lawsuit against Joseph Harwitz and Samuel Blumberg for $30 of unpaid rent, [52] although the nature of said property and the exact venture the pair pursued are unclear. [53]

The year 1894 heralded Charles Schwed’s first solo listing in the Leadville city directory noting that he was working at the Bi-Metalic Smelter. [54] The Schweds also launched 1894 with increased newspaper appearances. The most notable was the arrest and extradition of Sam Erlich, Ed’s former associate, whose move to Salt Lake City left a trail of debt and fraud accusations in its wake:

HE’S IN THE COUNTY JAIL
Erlich, the Tailor who departed in
Early Morning Hours, Brought
Back From Salt Lake.
___

Tries to Get Out of the Front Door, But Discovers an Officer Into Whose Arms He Falls-Why Mr. Schwed Is Anxious To See Samuel.

Sheriff Leslie received a telegram from Under Sheriff Dunn, in Salt Lake, Wednesday morning, stating that he had arrested Sam Erlich and had started for Leadville with him. Charges were entered against Erlich in the District Court Friday last, by E. Schwed, and Dunn left that evening for Denver to get the requisition papers signed by governor Waite. He returned and passed through this city Sunday morning on his way to Salt Lake.

Mr. Schwed charges Erlich with selling or moving from the state goods which were mortgaged for $150. Schwed held a mortgage for that sum on all the furniture and fixtures in Erlich’s residence and tailor shop, but is unable to find them. Erlich disappeared from the city December 30, leaving a number of unpaid bills, and disposing of his mortgaged furniture. There are a number of others in the city who have accounts to settle with him when he returns, who will be glad to welcome him back.

Sammy Erlich is now behind bars in the county jail, having been brought from Ogden [Utah] by Under Sheriff Dunn. It seems that, on December 30, he quietly decamped with his household furniture, mortgaged to Mr. Schwed. He shipped the goods in the name of George Curtis, and quietly followed them. When Mr. Dunn got to Salt Lake, he found Sam had moved to Ogden. He soon found the residence of the little tailor, and went around to the back door, while an officer from Salt Lake stayed at the front. Sam Apparently knew Dunn, for he made a break for the front door, and ran right into the arms of the other officer.

The affair is rendered more unpleasant for Sam, from the fact that the money loaned by Mr. Schwed was to keep the fellow out of jail. He had, it will be remembered, taken a diamond ring and kept it, which resulted in a man named Greenwald being unjustly accused of theft. The result was that Sam was compelled to make good the value of the ring to its owner, J. Raabe, or go to jail. Schwed loaned him the money, and it is said made him very liberal terms. The interest on the mortgage on the furniture had not been kept up, but on the very day that Sam disappeared he met Mr. Schwed and told him to come around in a couple of days and he would settle. [58]

Though the disposition of the case is somewhat unclear, some of the property was recovered. Sam Erlich remained in Leadville and by September was running his tailor shop on East 5th Street. Nellie continued excelling at Leadville’s Central School. Ed found himself petitioning the court again in September:

No Proof Against Mollie.

Mollie Price, one of the “landladies” of West Fifth street, was arrested and brought before Justice Smith yesterday on a charge of helping herself to some furniture in No. 133 West 5th, belonging to Edward Schwed. The letter swore out a search warrant and claimed that he found some of his Dresen [Dresden] chinaware and other articles of virtu in Mollie’s residence. The evidence, however, tended to show that the furniture alleged to have been stolen was in the house for a long time and Mollie was discharged. [61]

Ed addressed the Leadville City Council on September 18, 1894: [62]

City Council briefs including a petition by Ed Schwed to refund a fine for a mistaken charge of a garbage ordinance. However, the mayor replied that it was out of his jurisdiction.

The City Council Session. (Leadville, Colorado: The Herald Democrat). September 19, 1894. Page 8.

During 1895, the Schweds moved their operation next door to 315 West 3rd Street; there was no occupational listing for Charles. [63] The following notice appeared in the January 23 edition of the Herald Democrat newspaper which helps develop a pattern for the Schweds’ furnishing provisions for their rental units: [64]

Court brief reporting that Ed Schwed was awarded the suit.

County Court. (Leadville, Colorado: The Herald Democrat. January 23, 1895). Page 8.

Nellie and Walter were among many children who attended the twelfth birthday party for Hazel Grabert hosted at her parents’ home October 8, 1895. [65]

Early in 1896, Pauline again had court dealings with Sam Blumberg and Joseph Harwitz regarding payments on property improvements. The case was ultimately decided by the Colorado State Supreme Court. The quorum upheld the ruling of the lower court, which found that Pauline had violated a state law that did not allow the legal process service to operate on Sundays. Pauline had notified the pair via newspaper publication commencing in a Sunday edition. [66] Walter recited Planting Trees for the Central School’s Arbor Day festivities in April [67] and A Wonder Story for the year’s closing exercises on June 5. [68]

During 1897, news about the Schweds, who normally had a substantial number of notices published in local papers, was virtually mute. No mentions appeared that year, which may have been an indicator of their prosperity. Charles was employed by Jenny Sandusky [69] as a driver. Walter recited Keeping Thanksgiving for the Central School’s holiday proceedings [70] and Nellie continued to land on the honor roll. [71] Both Nellie and Walter would become charter members of Leadville’s latest “secret society” during December:

One of the new secret societies of the city is the Busy Bee club. It is composed of some well known young people, and is a social and literary organization. The members have their own pass words and initiations, however, and want it understood that they are to be ranked among the fraternal orders of the city. The last meeting of the club was with Mrs. Bouvier, and after the programme of the evening was completed refreshments were served… [72]

Store room for sale or rent in the Mitchell’s grocery building.

For Sale. Leadville, Colorado: The Herald Democrat. June 22, 1898. Page 6.

During 1899, Charles began working as a clerk for the furniture firm of Fred Snite. Ed segued into politics and was nominated for the office of 2nd ward city alderman by the Republican party on March 16. [73]

The election results were less than spectacular. Division among local Republican factions most likely contributed to this, as candidates nominated by these groups created a four-man race. [74] Ed finished fourth in his field, garnering only fifty votes in comparison to the victor, J.C. Hume, who won in a landslide with 709 votes — 430 votes greater than his closest competitor. [75]

Two parts of voter’s guide in The Herald Democrat, one showing the candidates for the Alderman, Second Ward and the candidates for the Republican ticket. Edward Schwed was a candidate for the Alderman, Second Ward position.

Republican Ticket. Leadville, Colorado: The Herald Democrat. March 31, 1899. Page 7.

The following appeared in the April 21, 1900, edition of the Herald Democrat newspaper:

SEARCH FOR A RECIEPT-Mrs. Mary A. Leech secured a search warrant yesterday morning from Justice Parker, and had the home of P. Schwed of 315 West Third street, ransacked for a $50 rent receipt, which she maintains the Schwed’s stole from her room. The receipt not found.

Mrs. Leech, who has been rooming with the Schweds for some time, declares that she paid them $50 for rent, and received a receipt for the money. This receipt she maintains was stolen. The Schweds declare that the receipt cold [could] not have been stolen, for none had ever been given the woman. They say she failed to pay her rent and they are holding her effects as security. Mrs. Leech promises to invoke other legal processes to settle the matter. [76]

Both Walter and Nellie made the honor roll during the 1900-01 school year [77] culminating in Nellie’s graduation from grammar school on June 9, 1901. [78]

Charles began working as a clerk for the furniture enterprise of James Mulligan. [79]

A LIMIT TO USURY- There is a limit to the amount of interest that can be exacted in promissory notes even if the agreement between the two parties allows almost interminable compounding. Judge McLeod granted judgment to Edward Schwed for $319 on a note against Harry Mamlock.
[80]
The original value of the note was $100 and the interest was three percent a month with a provision that defaulting interest should draw interest at the same rate as the principal. If the court had allowed this agreement to stand, the amount due Schwed would have been in the neighborhood of $865. Judge McLeod decided that it was unlawful for interest to draw interest, even though the parties to the note had agreed to such an usurious arrangement. [81]

On May 1, 1903, chaos visited the Schweds:

FIRST FIRE RUN- An alarm from box 21 at West Third and Spruce streets called the new fire department out on its first run at 8 o’clock last night. The fire was located in an old shed owned by Charles Schwed of 317 West Third street. The stable is located on the rear of the lot at 317 West Third on the alley between West Second and West Third streets.

The blaze did not have a chance to get a good start as the new firemen with Chief Gilden, anxious to establish records for themselves, were on the scene almost before the alarm gongs had ceased ringing.

The boys who were unfamiliar with the mechanism of the apparatus might have had some difficulty making the connections but Captain Murphy, the former chief, was there to help them and the lines of hose were soon laid through the sloppy slime of the dark alley and the fire was out before the people living on the block knew it had started.

An inspection of the stable after the fire was extinguished showed some suspicious signs of incendiarism. The stable was floored with straw and refuse and was built of rough hewn slabs. It has been standing there for a number of years being one of the oldest of the shacks in that section of the city. The fire had broken out in several places and the chief noticed that there were signs of oil at the places where the flames had gained some little headway.

The building was unoccupied and there is no reason given why any one should wish to destroy it. [82]

Nellie [83] and Walter [84] became increasingly popular around town and appeared in frequent notations in society columns reporting their attendance at parties. The two continued to excel in their academics as well, and both belonged to their respective school’s debate [85] team. [86]

Troubles befell the Schweds once more when the following article appeared in the February 3, 1906, edition of the Herald Democrat newspaper:

CHARGED WITH INSANITY- Charles Schwed was taken in charge Tuesday afternoon on the charge of insanity, and yesterday he was taken to St. Vincent’s hospital, where he is now in a dangerous condition. The man lost his mind while on the streets and was raving mad when the officers arrested him. He is about 29 years of age, and is well known about Leadville. [87]

The following day, the Herald Democrat published that Charles was feeling much better and corrected the previous day’s report by noting he had been removed from the family home, not from the streets. [88] Unfortunately, no records have been discovered describing the precise cause, but Charles died at the hospital just a week later on February 10, 1906. [89] One may assume this was related to his mental condition.

In spite of the death of Elias Schwed’s last known descendant, the family forged ahead. During 1907, Walter was quite active with both the track team and the debate club. [90] On May 17, he celebrated when the high school track team took the silver cup, winning most of the events in a regional meet held at the Leadville city course. [91] He continued to attend several parties and socials. Walter earned second prize in a portrait drawing contest at a reception held by Mary Williams at her parent’s home on June 29. [92] In the 1907-08 school year Walter became an important component of the High School football team as a lineman. He was so vital to team’s success that his coach tried to postpone a game set for October 26 against Salida because Walter was too ill to play. [93]

The year 1908 witnessed Nellie’s first listing in the city directory [94] and on January 2 she was installed as a guardian for the local Rebekah [95] lodge. [96] Walter kept tearing up Leadville’s athletic fields [97] and his debate opponents. [98] In addition to his track [99] and football pursuits, he added captain of the basketball team to his resume. [100]

Walter was among a group of boys who “…entertained in a delightful manner a number of their girl fiends at a sleigh ride, terminating with an impromptu dance and turkey supper at Turner Hall” on January 9, 1909. His companion’s name was not revealed. [101] Walter’s speech entitled The World’s Dumping Ground [102] garnered statewide attention. He delivered it again at a competition hosted by the University of Colorado-Boulder on Friday, May 14: [103]

Article showing scheduled essays and orations from different schools for a contest in Boulder. Walter Schwed of Leadville High School will be orating “The Spirit of The American People”.

Good Display of Talent. Silver and Gold. University of Colorado Boulder, Volume XVII, Number 32, May 13, 1909. Page 4.

Walter actually finished second in the competition to Lloyd Shaw in Colorado Springs. [104] He graduated high school in a class of thirteen students on June 11. [105] During July, Walter attended a dinner party to celebrate wins by George Christian and Charlie Adams in a local marathon. [106] He was also joined a group of young men entertaining their girlfriends at Twin Lakes on July 24, 1909; his date was undocumented. [107] In September, Walter left Leadville to start his collegiate pursuits at the University of Denver School of Law. [108] Nellie attended a farewell party in honor of Mary Carey on September 4. [109]

Walter returned to Leadville for his winter break and went to a birthday dance in honor of Ralph Chambers at Forester’s Hall on January 2, 1910. [110] He was still listed in the 1910 United States Census [111] and the 1910 [112] and 1911 [113] Leadville city directories as a student, indicating that he still considered himself a Leadville resident despite spending most of his time at school; he is documented rooming at 1375 Delaware in Denver, [114] although that is a considerable distance from the Denver University campus. The following is excerpted from the 1910 Denver University yearbook: [115]

The report of an apparent mock trial.

“The Kynewisbok of the University of Denver, Volume XIII, MCMX”. Denver, Colorado: The University of Denver Class of 1911. 1910. Pages 84 & 86.

The completion of Walter’s collegiate career generated notoriety and fanfare:

GRADUATES WITH HONORS- A testimonial of the brilliancy of a Leadville youth and of the excellence of a Leadville public school system is found in the news of the high honors with which Walter Schwed, son of Mr. E. Schwed, graduated this spring from the law school of Denver University, He received the faculty prize of $50 for the highest average in the class during the three years that he spent in studying law. Mr. Schwed’s average percentage of scholarship was 92 and the next below him in a class of seventeen, which graduated was 86. The Leadville young man was the only student in his class who was even eligible for receiving the honor, for only those who show an average above 90 are considered in awarding the prize each year.

Walter Schwed graduated from Leadville High School in 1909 and entered the law school of Denver university the same year. Finishing his three years’ course this spring a degree of Bachelor of Law was conferred upon him. He expects to take the bar examination in three weeks and will practice law in this state. There is a possibility of his locating in Leadville, his home town. His home in this city is at 317 West Third street. [116]

43 PASS BAR EXAMINATIONS;
ONLY 3 FAIL BEFORE BOARD
WALTER SCHWED, U. OF D. GRAD-
UATE, LEADS CLASS WITH 89.4
PER CENT.
___

Forty-three out of forty-six candidates for admission to the bar passed the examination given by the state board of bar examiners July 5 and 6. The results were announced in the supreme court yesterday. Walter E. Schwed, a graduate of the University of Denver Law school, with a mark of 89.4, was high man… [117]

Leadville High School 1912 yearbook portrait photo of Walter S. Schwed with a quote stating, “Talks very little but says a great deal. He has a correct knowledge of legal principles but specializes on the latest dances—“The grizzly bear”.

“The Kynewisbok of the University of Denver, Volume XV, MCMXII”. Denver, Colorado: The University of Denver Class of 1913. 1912. Pages 87 & 89.

On February 20, 1913, Walter married Carrie Michler of Breckenridge at Adams County, Colorado. [118] He began dominating the news in several areas of the state after moving to Summit County and started a short-lived law practice in Breckenridge. Walter was tapped to assist the district attorney, Barney L. Whatley, in handling a major lawsuit pending before the Leadville court. [119] The case occupied much of his time for the duration of that year. [120] Walter spent much of 1913 traveling about the region, assisting other attorneys and learning the practical applications of his trade before trying his first case at Red Cliff, Colorado, before the district’s only female judge. [121]

Walter and Carrie decided to leave the mountains by mid-January of 1914 [122] and relocated to Denver by the end of that month. [123] He reestablished himself in Denver where he was listed as a lawyer and residing at 1642 Pearl Street. [124] Meanwhile, Nellie remained in Leadville at her parents’ home during this time [125] and won the blue ribbon for hardanger, or whitework embroidery at the Lake County Fair on August 30, 1914. [126] Walter devoted the majority of 1915 to building up his practice in Denver [127] but he and Carrie often visited their parents in Leadville [128] and Breckenridge [129] respectively.

On August 5, 1916, Nellie and six other members of the Leadville High School class of 1906 held their tenth reunion with a theater and supper party at the Elks’ [Tabor] Opera House. [130] Just a few weeks later, her father passed away on August 23: [131]

EDWARD SCHWED
___

Solemn tho[ugh] simple services, which harmonized with the unostentacious life of the pioneer, were held yesterday afternoon for the late Edward Schwed, a resident of Leadville since 1879, who died Wednesday, only a few days after his eightieth birthday, August 16. The services were held at the family home, 317 West Third street.

The family had requested that friends omit flowers in expressing their sentiments, but nevertheless a number of floral tokens came from the pioneer’s intimates. The token of the family was a large armful of roses which completely covered the top of the casket.

When the hour of the funeral 2:30 arrived, the house was filled by the friends who came to pay their last tributes. A brief prayer and hymns sung by Miss Alberta and Miss Lulu Horrell composed the services. These hymns were “Nearer My God To Thee” and “Abide With Me.” Miss Louise Fulton played the accompaniments for each.

Burial was in the Evergreen cemetery. The pallbearers, all friends who had known Mr. Schwed intimately, some of them since the early days of his residence here, were Gerorge Marsh, William B.M. Hardisty, Ross Pearson, Phil Kleinshmidt, Sr., and George Fickes.

All of Mr. Schwed’s immediate family were in attendance, Walter Schwed, his son, a lawyer of Denver, having arrived here Thursday to attend the services with Mrs. Schwed and Miss Nellie P. Schwed, the surviving daughter. [132]

Walter passed the balance of 1916 traveling back and forth from Denver to Leadville to handle his father’s estate [133] and tend to his widowed mother. [134]

Happier times graced the Schwed family during 1917. Nellie and Q. D. Bonner were the only guests who attended the wedding of Florence Barret and Ross Pearson. [135] During May, it was announced that Walter’s Denver office would serve as a registration depot for the World War I draft. [136]

Walter himself would register for the draft on June 5. [137] News that secretary J.A. Warren of the Industrial Commission quit his post, with Walter as his replacement, began circulating around the state on June 29: [138]

Small article noting that Walter E. Schwed will become the new secretary of the state industrial commission after the resignation of J.A. Warren.

Industrial Commission Secretary. (Boulder, Colorado: The Boulder Daily Camera). July 29, 1917. Page 3.

YOUNG LEADVILLE LAWYER GETS APPOINTMENT- Walter E. Schwed, a young Denver Lawyer formerly of this city, who is a son of the late Edward Schwed and brother of Miss Nellie Schwed of 317 West Third street, has been appointed as secretary of the state industrial commission, succeeding J.A. Warren, whose resignation becomes effective today. Warren has been engaged as secretary of the commission since it was organized in April 1915, and has resigned to take to mining near his home in Boulder.

Attorney Schwed has been engaged several times on legal cases in Leadville, and was employed for some time before going to Denver as assistant District Attorney Barney L. Whatley’s office at Breckenridge. [139]

As Edward busied himself to assume his new position, Nellie expanded her own narrative when she and her neighbor, miner William Howell, married in Denver on August 1, 1917: [140]

SCHWED-HOWELL WEDDING-

News was received here by telephone of the wedding at Denver yesterday of Miss Nellie Schwed, daughter of Mrs. Edward Shwed of 317 West Third street, and William E. Howell, a young miner who has been a resident in Leadville only a few months. The wedding took place at the home of the bride’s brother, attorney Walter Schwed, who is of counsel for the state public utilities commission and was formerly in District Attorney Barney L. Whatley’s office at Breckenridge. Mrs. Edward Schwed, mother of the bride, attended the ceremony with her son and the attending friends.

After spending a few days in Denver, Mrs. and Mrs. Howell will come up to Leadville to reside. The late Edward Schwed, father of Mrs. Howell, who was one of the pioneer business men of Leadville, died here about two years ago.

…Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Howell, the latter formally being Miss Nellie Schwed, returned Thursday from their wedding trip to Denver, accompanied by Mrs. Howell’s mother, Mrs. Edward Schwed. They will reside at 313 West Third street. [142]

Pauline changed residences for the first time since the 1880s when she moved in with the newlyweds, just a few doors down from her longtime home, during 1917. [143] However, this situation proved temporary. William, Nellie and Pauline removed to Glendale, California prior to the birth of the couple’s first son, Walter Jr., on July 29, 1918. [144] Thus 1917 probably signified the final year that any member of the Schwed family resided in Leadville.

Meanwhile, Walter’s duties in his new position as the state’s secretary of the Industrial Commission demanded his immediate attention due to an imminent strike by the United Mine Workers. The union filed eight grievances; chief among them was the union’s refusal to recognize the very commission that Walter now led. The owners’ posited that while they would meet to discuss all grievances, they would not recognize the union. The commission’s primary goal was keeping the miner’s working in support of the war effort. While not a recognition in itself, Walter did convince the workers to meet informally at his office in the state capitol building. However, by August 14, 1917, the situation had stalemated. A motion was filed with the District Court in Pueblo, Colorado to officially name the commission as arbiters for the labor conflict. [145] On November 24, Walter was appointed by the state to provide free legal advice to United States Army draft registrants from Summit County, Colorado. [146] Just three years after his record-setting examination score, he was elected as an officer for the Denver Bar Association at their annual dinner on December 3. [147]

Though Nellie and Pauline departed Leadville in 1918, Ed Schwed’s real estate holdings stayed in the town; transactions continued even after the family had left. [148] By 1920, William Howell worked as a lineman electrician and resided with Nellie, Pauline and young William Jr., in Glendale, California. [149] Pauline died there on July 9, 1923, and is interred at Forrest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles. [150]

Nellie and William Howell, who remained in Glendale, California for the rest of their lives, had two more sons, Robert (b. 1923) and George (b. 1924). William died there in 1964. [151] Nellie survived for a few more years, expiring on February 16, 1966, at the age of seventy-nine. [152]

Walter’s path is better documented due to his status within the Denver community and information given to Temple Israel by descendants. He resigned from the Industrial Commission in 1919 to focus on his law career. [153] Although whatever differences existing between Walter and Carrie were never publicly documented, the pair divorced on September 17, 1921. They had no children. [154] One week later, Walter married Anna M. O’Neill in Boulder, Colorado on September 24. [155] The couple produced two sons, Walter Edward Jr. (b. 1922) and Neil Daniel (b. 1925). [156] Walter maintained his legal practice, and the couple remained in Denver for the duration of their lives. [157] Both died rather young. Anne passed away first on May 4, 1950. Walter Edward Schwed Sr. followed less than a year later in Denver on March 15, 1951, at age sixty-one. [158]

The Schwed’s Leadville tenure which spanned over thirty-nine years, from 1879 to 1918, had an indelible impact that is of immeasurable length due to patriarch Edward Schwed’s career shift into real-estate during the 1880s. A true American story rife with the triumphs of Ed’s immigration and self-made wealth; to first born generation Walter’s exemplary academic and legal careers, conquering adversity and rising above controversies that littered their paths. From Edward’s coupling with Elsie DuShane to marrying his brother’s widow, Charles’ untimely death in the midst of his unexplained emotional crisis, to the abrupt end to Walter’s first marriage only to start another a week later, many curiosities will go forever unanswered.

Walter Edward Schwed Jr. as a senior at Regis College in Denver in 1938.

“U.S., School Yearbooks, 1880-2012”; School Name: Regis College; Year: 1938.