Richard Le Bert

 

Richard Le Bert was a “hustler and never failed at anything he undertook,” according to his friends.[1]  Although they never used the word “hustler,” family stories and Richard’s own scrapbooks suggest that he was a hard worker and an entrepreneur from an early age.

Richard Le Bert as a Young Man
in Buffalo

He was born on October 23, 1850 in Buffalo, Erie County, New York[2][3] and baptized at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Buffalo on April 21, 1851.  His parents were two German immigrants, Christian Le Bert and Francis (Fannie) Obermeyer.

The Le Bert family lived at 34 Batavia Street on Buffalo’s East Side, which was the German enclave in the city.  Richard spent his first years speaking only German.  He did not learn English until he went to school, where he attended Public School No. 11.¹  

According to family tradition, Richard was a self-made man, who received no more than an elementary school education. Upon the death of his father, he left school to support his mother and brothers.  Christian Le Bert died in January of 1866, when Richard was fifteen and should have been beyond elementary school.  However, a newspaper article says that Richard started working at age fourteen.  An autobiographical sketch in Richard’s handwriting also suggests that he might have started working before his father died. It states:

In the year 1865 was employed as messenger by the Agent of the Union Steam Boat Co. at Buffalo.  In 1866 was transferred to the freight department of the Erie Railway Co. …in which said employe [sic] he remained up to the 29^th day of September 1880, having held all the different positions from that of messenger to chief clerk of the department.[4]

Employment with the railway was not Richard’s only source of income during this period.  He kept a scrapbook that includes an advertisement for “Richard Le Bert, Dealer in Groceries, Notions, &c., No. 96 Batavia Street, Buffalo, New York.”

Richard’s time was not wholly consumed by working, however.  The clippings in his scrapbook show that he participated in several volunteer organizations including the Good Templars, Knights of Pythias, and Eagle Hose No. 2 (volunteer firefighters).  In 1873 he received a gold badge for rolling the cart of Eagle Hose No. 2 the greatest number of times during the year.^4,[5] He was elected president of Eagle Hose No. 2 in 1876 and 1877 and trustee of the company in 1879.  He also was an officer of the Knights of Pythias in 1876, 1877, and 1878, and in 1875 he served on a committee planning an excursion to Niagara Falls for the state convention of the Good Templars.

During the same time period Richard served in the National Guard of New York.  He was attached to Company “B” of the 74^th Regiment, also known as the Spaulding Guard, where he rose from corporal in 1873 to sergeant in 1877.  In addition to his military rank, he was a civil officer of the Guard, elected treasurer in 1874 and president in 1877.

As a member of the Spaulding Guard, Richard saw some military action.  In 1877 the “Great Railway Strike” took place.  It began on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, which had reduced workers’ wages several times over a short period, but it quickly spread throughout the country.  When their wages also were cut, Erie Railway workers struck in Hornellsville, New York.  The Governor of New York ordered several militia units, including the Spaulding Guard, to Hornellsville to quell the strike.  They responded promptly with 38 of “B” Company’s 43 members reporting for duty.  For Richard, an employee of the Erie Railway, this assignment must have felt like a conflict of interest.  Nevertheless, Fourth Sergeant Richard Le Bert reported for duty at 6:00 AM on July 20, along with his brother Christian, a private. [6]

Philip Foner (1977) describes the interaction of the militia and the strikers from an historian’s perspective:

…the same drama unfolded at Hornellsville as had occurred in a number of other struck communities. As soon as the militiamen descended from the train, the strikers “commenced shaking hands and greeting their many acquaintances among the soldiers.” The soldiers stationed a guard around the yards and expelled all people from the railroad property except employees on duty, but they turned their eyes away when the strikers crossed the line and prevented engines from leaving the roundhouse…[7]

The “Historical Sketch” of the Spaulding Guard published in 1877 contradicts Foner’s account of the militia men’s fraternizing with the strikers.  It quotes Lieutenant-Colonel L.P. Reichert’s official report:

General Brinker immediately detailed this Regiment [the Spaulding Guard] to relieve the Fifty-fourth Regiment of Rochester then on Guard. The guard were instructed to allow no man to pass in or out the lines on any pretence whatever, and as far as reported did their work well. At midnight a shot was fired by post No. 28, who reported that a man was approaching the lines and refused to halt when ordered to do so. The shot proved a harmless one, and the offender took to his heels and retailed his story to a large crowd that had gathered in the village. In my estimation this one shot had a very telling effect on the strikers and mob generally, as it showed them that the Regiment was then prepared to resist any attempt at destruction of property and to fire on receipt of an order. That there was a very bitter feeling against the Regiment is indisputable, and many remarks were reported, which, though not choice, were promptly accepted as the greatest compliment that could be made to our men as soldiers.

Sandwiches, whiskey and cigars were freely offered the men by outsiders, and I believe in every instance rejected, every effort was made to sound our men as to what they would do in case of emergency, and the general answer was, “Obey orders.”⁶

The strike lasted less than a week.  Word of a settlement circulated around midnight on July 25, and the guard was dismissed the following morning.  Richard returned to Buffalo where he continued to work for the railway for another three years.

In September of 1880, Richard moved west to Colorado.  According to family stories, he feared that he had contracted tuberculosis and believed that the climate in Colorado might heal his lungs.  It seems unlikely that he actually suffered from tuberculosis, considering that he lived into his nineties.  However, the disease appears to have been rampant in his Buffalo neighborhood.  His future wife’s brother and sister had already died of it, as eventually would his brother Eugene and another brother-in-law.  On September 29, 1880, the Buffalo Courier reported Richard’s impending departure:

A SUBSTANTIAL FAREWELL.

A complimentary dinner was given last evening to Mr. Richard Le Bert, chief billing clerk in the Erie Railway freight office, at the corner of Exchange and Louisiana Street and the occasion was a most happy one. For the past fourteen years Mr. Le Bert had done excellent service in the employ of the Erie, and in that time had not only commanded the respect of his superior officers, but had endeared to him every man with whom he was associated. So many years of earnest labor, together with the rigors of the climate in this city, have told upon Mr. Le Bert, until he found it advisable to locate in the distant west. For this reason, and this reason alone, his resignation was tendered, and we are assured was accepted with much regret.  The news to the boys was hard, and so, to show him just how they felt about his leaving, they resolved to get together, have a parting jollification and send him off in good style. And thus it was that Mr. Le Bert and his associates, many of them companions for years, seated themselves at a banquet at Riegelmann’s last evening…

After the dinner had been disposed of and the real jollification of the evening was fairly launched, several gentlemen made brief addresses in which mulch regret was expressed at the approaching departure of Mr. Le Bert, but it was the speech of Mr. Edward L. Riggs that was intently looked for. Finally he arose, and in a few well chosen words expressed his regret at the separation from Mr. Le Bert, and then formally presented him with a very handsome ring. The presentation was a complete surprise to Mr. Le Bert, but he was equal to the emergency and made a very neat response.  He’s a “jolly good fellow” was then sung by all present and several bumpers were drank [sic] to Mr. Le Bert’s health.  Several fine songs were sung by H.J. and F.R. Houghton, and Edward Mc Gowan also assisted vocally to amuse and please the audience. Speeches were made by almost every man present and a general good time was had.

Mr. Le Bert will leave this afternoon for Denver, and should anything desirable open in the way of business, he will be glad to accept it.

It is not clear what intentions Richard had beyond improving his health when he went to Colorado.  Perhaps he simply was looking for “anything desirable in the way of business” or perhaps he had dreams of finding gold or other mineral wealth.  In any case, he directed his entrepreneurial skills into the mining industry.  His scrapbook shows that by 1881 Richard was secretary of the Halls Gulch Consolidated Mining & Tunnel Company headquartered in Denver and also associated with the Golden Cross mining company, which was selling stock through an agent in Buffalo.  A newspaper clipping (source not identified) advertising the stock states that the Golden Cross properties “are situated in Gold Hill, which is considered the richest mineral hill in the world.”  Another unsourced clipping notes that the miners at Halls Gulch had struck a “three-foot vein of gray copper assaying three ounces and eighteen ounces in silver and 19 percent copper.”

Although Richard’s hand-written autobiographical sketch does not mention the mineral mines, it does say that when he relocated to Denver, Colorado “he was engaged as one of a firm in the stone lime and fireclay business.”  This enterprise was the South Park Stone, Lime, Fire Clay and Mining Company, which had a business address in Denver and quarries in Garo, Park County, Colorado.  The officers of the company were W.H.H. Case, Manager; R. Le Bert, Secretary; and J.E. Taylor, Treasurer.  An article in the Fairplay Flume in June 1881 noted the company’s formation:

Natural Resources to be Utilized

Messrs. Case, Le Bert and Taylor are incorporators of the South Park Stone, Lime, Fire Clay and Mining company, which will open large scale stone quarries below Garo station.  The stone is pure carbonate of lime excellent for fluxing purposes and capital for conversion into lime.  Kilns will be built upon the line of road now being extended from Garo to the quarries and the product will find a ready market in Leadville, Fairplay and Denver.  The company also lays claim to large beds of fire clay not yet thoroughly opened.  The construction force of the South Park is rapidly laying the road down the three-quarters of a mile track that is to connect the quarries with the main line and it will be but a short time before another industry is opened up in Park County.  The capital stock of the company is $100,000 and this amount is all paid in.[8]

Although he appears to have lived primarily in Denver, South Park was an area where Richard established some roots, as did his brother Christian.  On September 25, 1882, Richard filed “Notice of Final Proof” in the Land Office at Leadville, Colorado stating that he had satisfied requirements under the Homestead Act:

Notice is hereby given that the following named settler has filed notice of his intention to make final proof in support of his claim, and that said proof will be made before the Register and Receiver at Leadville, Colo. on November 4^th, 1882., viz.: Richard Le Bert of Hartsel, Colo. for the NE ¼ of Section 17, Tp 11 S Range 75 W, 181 acres.

He names the following witnesses to prove his continuous residence upon and cultivation of said land, viz.: Christian Le Bert, W.H. Case, Robert M. Davis and Christian Hansen, all of Hartsel, Colo.

S.J. Hanna, Registrar

[First publication October 5^th 1882. – w5][9]

Over the next few years, Richard began to branch out from South Park and eventually from the mining industry.  A business card from 1882 for W.H.H. Case & Co. with partners R. Le Bert and J.E. Taylor shows that the trio were dealers of white and grey lime with quarries in Golden.  Later that year an article in the Boulder Herald revealed that Richard had formed a partnership with a Mr. Patrick for the purpose of operating an ore concentrator at Ward, Boulder County, Colorado.[10]  Another business card dated 1883 shows Richard as the manager of the Colorado Collection Association “A general collection business done throughout the state.  Particular attention given to Denver businesses.”  This business included attorneys Morris & Tebbetts and J.A. Cherry.  A newspaper advertisement from 1885 showed Le Bert & Bissell, dealers in newspapers and stationery, based in Dotsero, Eagle County, Colorado.

Nevertheless, Richard remained associated with the mining industry at least through 1883.  An unsourced clipping in his scrapbook entitled “The Exposition” (possibly referring to the Second Annual Exhibition of the National Mining and Industrial Exposition Association) reported the following under the subtitle “Garfield County”:

Mr. Richard Le Bert, commissioner for Garfield County, returned from San Francisco yesterday, and was busily engaged all the afternoon arranging the mineral display from that county, the same having arrived during his absence.

Mr. Le Bert was one of the first men in the camp last spring, and underwent all the hardships that always are necessary in the forming of a new camp.  As a matter of course he is a strong advocate of the advantages offered at Garfield for the prospector and capitalist, and says he intends to stay with her until her worth is made known.

Among the ores place on exhibition yesterday were samples from the Constitution, one of the richest mines in the camp.  It runs seventy-five per cent lead, twelve ounces of silver and a small quantity of gold.  It is but four feet deep, but is mineral throughout…

In 1884, Richard made a significant career change.  As his autobiographical sketch put it, “On January 4^th 1884 he accepted the clerkship of a Justice Court of Arapahoe County, Colo.”  The Justice of the Peace in that court was J.A. Cherry, presumably the same attorney with whom Richard had been associated in the collection business.  His work in the court would set Richard’s life on a new course.

With his appointment to the clerkship Richard may have felt that he finally was secure enough to take a wife.  The next month he returned to Buffalo, and on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1884, he married Louise Catherine Mensch,[11] the daughter of William and Caroline (Smith) Mensch.  An unsourced clipping in Richard’s scrapbook announces their marriage:

A QUICK WEDDING TRIP

Last Monday Richard Le Bert, clerk of Justice Cherry's court, left for Buffalo, New York. He arrived there Thursday at 1 o'clock.  At 8 o'clock in the evening he was married and at 12 o'clock that night he started with his bride on his return trip to Colorado, arriving home late last night.  The lady to whom he was married was Miss Louise C. Mensch, of Buffalo.  The happy couple will reside in Denver. 

It is not to be inferred that Mr. Le Bert had never met Miss Mensch before the trip.

On February 7, 1886, Louise gave birth to their only child, a son, named Eugene Richard Le Bert.

Meanwhile, Richard’s clerkship in the Justice Court was preparing him for a more illustrious career.  According to a story that he told his grandchildren, a justice under whom he served (unnamed; Richard ultimately served under three different justices) tended to fall asleep in court.  He would awaken to pronounce a judgement without having heard most of the arguments.  It was Richard’s responsibility to brief him.  Richard began to study law books.  As he came to understand the law, he began advising the justice on how to decide the case.  Eventually he was making the decisions that the justice pronounced.

In November 1891, Richard ran for and was elected Justice of the Peace in his own right.  It didn’t take long for him to become embroiled in controversy.  On January 2, 1893, the Times reported the following:

DRY BONES STIRRED UP

There is a good deal of trouble in store for various county officials, besides the justices and their constables, and the deputy sheriff attached to the officers who are now being investigated by the county commissioners.

There have been reports circulated about the court house during the past year to the certain departments were carrying five to 25 more employees than were actually needed.

The commissioners have heard of this, and an investigation will begin at once. …no department will escape, and special attention will be paid to the justice courts.  The greatest complaint is against Justice Le Bert’s court.  Over half the business of the county is transacted in this court.  The rest of the business is divided among the three other justices, and this is what causes the rub.

The present investigation is said to have been instigated by the complaint of a rival justice.  The deputy sheriffs carry all their business to Le Bert’s court, and so do the members of the police department.  There is always an assistant district attorney stationed there, and there is very little delay in disposing of cases.[12]

An article in the News dated simply January 1893 but positioned in the scrapbook beside the former article made this potentially libelous contribution:

GETTING RICH FAST

Justice of the Peace Richard Le Bert is reputed to be worth $200,000.  This was made during three terms in the humble position of justice clerk and the term of justice which he is now filling the whole time being seven or eight years.  The profit is demonstration enough of the way the thing is worked.

Although there were some suggestions of graft, much of the controversy derived from the way in which constables were paid.  Each court had a constable, who was allowed to earn $50 from civil work and $50 dollars from criminal work.  Anything above this amount was to be turned over to the county.  However, the constables were allowed to appoint special constables to help, if they had more work than they could do.  In practice, it appeared that they appointed special constables when they had earned their allotted maximum from civil and criminal work.  The special constables would then receive payment that otherwise should have gone to the county.  The son of the constable in Justice Le Bert’s court was appointed as a deputy constable.  In addition, much of the work was turned over to deputy sheriffs, who were accused of over-billing their expenses.  While Richard was not accused of these misdeeds, he was accused of knowing of them and allowing them to continue. There were intimations that he was profiting from these enterprises.

Richard was vindicated following an investigation by the finance committee.  On February 18, 1893, both the Times and the Colorado Sun reported:

Justice Le Bert’s court netted the county during 1892 the sum of $2,195.29 over and above all salaries.  During January 1893 it netted the sum of $495.90. His books were kept in a thorough and businesslike manner. His personal accounts with the county were all proper. No reports were made on the constabulary service in that court, but the law in reference to turning in monthly bills was complied with in January.

Richard’s granddaughter recalled his telling her about the court controversy.  He appeared emotional and genuinely hurt by the accusations of wrongdoing.  He proudly stated that the investigation had found his court to be the most honest court in the city.

By 1896, Richard was becoming more active in the Republican Party, which in Colorado was splitting over the question of a gold or bimetallic (silver and gold) standard to back U.S. currency. It was a presidential election year, the year when William Jennings Bryan won the Democratic nomination after delivering his famous “Cross of Gold” speech.[13] The Republican Party and its nominee, William McKinley, endorsed the gold standard. The eastern businessmen and bankers supported the gold standard, believing that the bimetallic standard would lead to inflation. Bryan argued that an inflated currency would help poor farmers and other debtors. Colorado’s senior senator, William Teller, a believer in silver coinage, left the Republican Party along with other western politicians to form a new party, the Silver Republicans. The junior senator, Edward Wolcott, remained with McKinley’s Republican Party.

Richard Le Bert supported Wolcott and McKinley. He served on the Republican County Central Committee and attended the county convention, where he served on the Rules Committee. He was one of the prominent attendees at a rally for Wolcott that involved taking a trainload of supporters from Denver to Colorado Springs. He was a member of what the newspapers referred to as the “High Five” of the Republican Party.

Richard’s partisanship led to new accusations that he was abusing his position as County Clerk. The Times and the Post reported that prospective voters in Arapahoe County found it much easier to register if they were wearing a McKinley button. In addition, Richard was responsible for the layout of the ballots. In the 1897 civic election he arranged for the Republican Party to appear first on the ballot followed by their allies, the Civic Federation Ticket. The Silver Republicans were number 20 of the 22 listed parties. The appearance of sample ballots led to accusations of trickery, but the ballots were printed as proposed.

However, by 1897, Richard aspired to a higher office than County Clerk. McKinley had been elected President. Senator Wolcott, who had been re-elected in 1895, could influence the President regarding political appointments. Richard, a member of what had become known as the “Wolcott Machine,” was hoping for an appointment, perhaps as a diplomat. In March 1897, Richard and several others travelled east to meet with Senator Wolcott. An article in the Republican dated March 7, 1897 described the trip:

DIVIDING COLORADO OFFICES

Senator Wolcott and the Denver Contingent in Conference

WASHINGTON, March 6 – (Special.) – Richard Le Bert, Henry Brady, and Thomas McClelland of Colorado, who have been waiting for Senator Wolcott, returned home to‑night, but not before they had a most satisfactory and successful session with the senator. It has been known right along that no man who wants a place will get through unless he has the approval of Senator Wolcott. The mission of the three Colorado men who have removed home was to arrange for the division of places which will fall to the lot of Colorado citizens, and it is understood that the patronage has been parcelled out. Of course, nothing can be learned as to the disposition of the various places and probably nothing will be known absolutely until the appointments are made.

Another earlier article from an unlabeled newspaper clipping noted:

TO SEE ’IS ’IGHNESS

Ambassadors From the Political Parties to Cousin Ed.

…The envoys will remain to witness the inauguration ceremonies and then return to Denver post haste to carry out the boss’ instructions. They had a last conference with the leaders of the different organizations here and received their very best terms to lay before Cousin Ed.

Richard’ scrapbooks contain sketches from Denver newspapers of the inaugural ball and McKinley taking the oath of office, which probably are records of events that he had attended. They also contain passes to the Senate chambers and House of Representative, suggesting that he had a full experience of the national capital.

Upon his return to Denver, Richard resumed his duties as County Clerk, while rumors of his impending appointment flourished. He also planned a vacation, as described by the Times, March 3, 1897:

AN OCEAN VOYAGE

County Clerk Le Bert Will Take One for His Health

The fact that County Clerk Le Bert was contemplating an ocean voyage gave rise to the suspicion that he will be named as counsel at one of the leading European cities, and the stories that were current gave him one of the best places abroad. But Mr. Le Bert does not expect to be consul, although it is a fact that as soon as he can properly arrange his affairs he will leave Denver for New York, and then take passage in a steamer of the Hamburg-American line.

Le Bert goes solely on account of his health, hoping to find in an ocean voyage complete recovery. It is for this reason that he will take a slow steamer, occupying about two weeks in the passage. Mr. Le Bert expects to remain across the water only a day or two, his object being to secure about four weeks of ocean voyaging.

An undated newspaper clipping added the following opinion, suggesting that Richard had planned more than a brief ocean voyage:

If County Clerk LeBert is going on a trip to Queen Victoria’s jubilee, as reported, it would be proper for him to resign from the office. It does not seem right for a public official to enjoy a holiday of a couple of months with a large salary running along.

Richard did not resign, and he did take a three-month trip to Europe. On May 15, 1897, Richard, Louise, and their son Eugene sailed from New York to Hamburg on the Hamburg-America Line’s SS. Palatia, returning via London to New York on August 5 on the Atlantic Transporter Line’s S.S. Mohawk. They spent time at Carlsbad (Karlovy Vary) in Bohemia, where the waters of hot springs were widely believed to cure a variety of ailments. They made their way to London via Berlin, Brussels, and Paris. It is unclear whether the family attended Queen Victoria’s jubilee, but Richard’s scrapbook contains a clipping from London dated July 1897 that describes the arrival of the King of Siam to meet with Her Majesty and presumably attend the jubilee. Upon their return to Denver, Richard reported himself as feeling much better and was “confident that his stay at Carlsbad was of great benefit to him.”[14]

The newspaper article that reported his return noted that Richard was loquacious on the subject of local politics. He was pleased about an attempt to bring the two factions of the Republican party back together, and he believed that the silver question would not be an issue much longer. He was quoted as saying:

“In England there is a general feeling that a change to the double standard would be injurious to business interests, but many think that a commission will be appointed to meet with the American commission. France is willing to adopt the double standard, and so is Germany if England agrees. Regarding the Hawaiian question, many of the political men of England think that Japan has no right to seize the islands, and that as England has been taking everything in sight, there is no reason why the United States should not begin.”[15]

During his trip to Europe Richard’s name was often in the newspaper because of a rumor that he was to be appointed Surveyor General of Colorado. This appointment would not become official until December, and in the interim, there was the previously mentioned 1897 county election to cause controversy. Despite the accusations of bias, or maybe because of his bias, and certainly because of his political loyalties, Richard’s appointment as Surveyor General was confirmed on December 18, 1897. The Silver Republican Senator Teller sent Richard a letter saying that despite reports in the Denver newspapers he had never opposed Richard’s confirmation either directly or indirectly. In reporting Richard’s appointment, the Times (December 17, 1897) noted, “He has a genius for political organization, and is today one of the strongest men, politically, in the county and state.”

Richard departed the county clerk’s office at Christmas 1897. His employees presented him with a silver flatware set in appreciation for the way he had managed the office.

Richard’s sojourn as Surveyor General was brief but newsworthy. He had been in office for only a month when he discharged five clerks, one of whom had strong enough political connections to be reinstated. On March 10, 1898, the Post quoted Richard as saying, “It is a fact that this office has been made a dumping ground for friends and relatives of men of influence at Washington and who desired to send them to this state for their health… Some of the work done by these persons is not up to the standard.” His dissatisfaction with those appointed to work in his office persisted, and by July he was describing the civil service as a “rank fake.” He complained, “I lopped right and left, and I got into no end of trouble for trying to make everybody do his duty and put in a respectable time working. The letters I have received from officers who thought they had saddled relatives on us forever would make a book as interesting as one of Victor Hugo’s novels.”[16]

Prior to his appointment as Surveyor General, the newspapers had speculated that Richard aspired to a consular position. In December 1898 he received his wish when President McKinley appointed him U.S. Consult to Belgium to be stationed in Ghent. The position paid $2,000 per year in addition to which the consul was entitled to fees “which make the position quite lucrative.”[17]

According to a family story, Richard received this appointment because of his fluency in German. The family chuckled at the reasoning because Belgium is a French-speaking country, and Richard knew no French. However, Ghent is in the Flemish-speaking portion of Belgium. Flemish is closely related to German, which likely was behind the decision. Nevertheless, Richard’s lack of French was apparently a handicap. The family story holds that his son Eugene, who quickly picked up French at school, often translated for his father.

Belgium was not Richard’s first choice of a posting. He had hoped to receive an appointment in Honolulu because he thought the climate might benefit his health. Louisa had suggested to some reporters that he would decline the position in Ghent. However, Richard, who had travelled to Washington to discuss the appointment, returned saying, “…but as a position [in Honolulu] was not forthcoming and the president evidently wishes to send me to Europe, and has nominated me, I will accept.”[18]

The Le Bert family prepared to leave for Belgium within a few weeks. On January 25, 1899, an auction was held at their home to dispose of their furniture. A flyer from the Bessler Auction Company touted, “As the owner is going to Europe we will sell for cash to the highest bidder the elegant furniture of this 8-room home…” The family sailed from New York to Antwerp on the Red Star Line’s S.S. Antwerp on February 8, 1899.

Richard during His Time
as US Consul

Richard left little information about his role as consul other than to say that his duties were “not arduous.” When he returned to Denver in 1901, he gave an interview to the Denver Republican, which provided some description of life in Ghent:

We are the only American family in Ghent… The population of the city is about 200,000, and of these there are about 50 English families who, with the American consulate, make up the English-speaking colony. The rest are mostly native Flemish people, speaking, except those of the highest station, nothing but Flemish. Belgium has been much affected by the wars in South Africa and China and its chief industries – spinning and weaving – are almost at a standstill…

There are perhaps 50 factories in Ghent, one of them employing 5,000 workmen. Living is high there. A laborer gets and equivalent to 20 cents a day and a machinist who gets 80 cents is making big wages. The people are poor and live almost entirely on vegetables, eating meat only on fete days.[19]

What is apparent from inventories, catalogues, and descriptions not included in his scrapbook is that Richard spent some of his time in Europe collecting fine furniture and objects d’art. In a letter written in 1914 to Mr. Patrick E. Duffee, an art dealer in Boston, he described his collection:

During the period of my service as United States Consul at Ghent, Belgium I made a number of purchases of paintings and other objects of art and antiquity, among which the more important are a painting in oil on wood 11” x 15”, Cain Killing Able at the Alter, by Andrea Del Sarto 1517, 2 minatures [sic] in watercolor, landscapes 5” x 8” by Abraham Rademaker, 1675-1735, whose works are of great fineness, rare and highly prized.  In bistre on paper, Tobey and his Mother, (probably a study) about 12” x 18” by Rembrandt.  Some prints by Beauvarlet and others.

The most interesting of these items was the painting of “Cain Killing Abel,” which was painted” on an oak panel. Among his papers Richard wrote a detailed description of how he had acquired it:

It came into my possession in the year 1902, at which time I was in the service of our government as U. S. Consul to Ghent, Belgium. Being interested in works of art and antiquities, I attended most of the important public art sales in Belgium during my period of residence in Europe. The painting was purchased by .me at the sale of a famous private gallery at Ghent. This sale was extensively advertised and there were many connoisseurs of art from various sections of Europe in attendance. At the time of sale I found the painting (unframed) with a miscellaneous lot of prints and odds and ends of supposed little value, lying unarranged upon a long table. Little attention was given to the contents upon the table as none of it was considered of sufficient value to be catalogued. The painting on both face and back was very much soiled. The characters were obscure, so much so that the subject was indiscernible by reason of the many coats of varnish covering. It had the appearance as though the various owners from time to time during the four hundred years of its life had given it a coat of varnish. What attracted my attention to the painting was the rich coloring on the back and shoulders of Abel, which shone very strong through the varnish.

Some six months later during a visit at my residence of an artist, a member of the board of management of the Academy of Art at Ghent, I presented the painting to him for an opinion as to the possibility of having the varnish removed. He considered it possible, but would only undertake to do so at my risk, which was quite satisfactory to me, as it had no value to me in the condition it was in. Three weeks thereafter the painting was returned to me perfectly restored. The back of the panel, which had been very much soiled and darkened by age, was also cleaned, whereby the following inscription became discernible, “Andrea Sarto 1517,” which could not be seen in its original condition at time of purchase.

The artist who restored the painting was much interested to learn how it came into my possession, whereupon he expressed himself as being astonished that it could possibly have escaped the observation of the many connoisseurs and artists who had attended that particular sale, he himself having been present.

After it became known that I was the possessor of this painting, and the manner in which it came into my possession, many artists called at the Consulate at Ghent to see and examine it as to its authenticity, all of whom declared it to be unquestionably the work of Andrea del Sarto. [20]

In June 1901, Richard and his family left Belgium on a three-month leave of absence, returning to Denver at the beginning of July. The leave was to become permanent. On August 28, Richard resigned his position as U.S. Consul to Belgium. A month later, the newspapers were reporting that he had resigned to assist in the comeback bid of is old ally Wolcott, who had recently lost his seat in the Senate but was hoping to replace Senator Teller.

It was the beginning of another major change for Richard. Wolcott was unsuccessful in his attempt to return to the senate. A cartoon in the Denver Post dated August 7, 1902 shows Wolcott dressed as the angel Gabriel sleeping beside the graves of the High Five. The caption reads, “Until Gabriel Toots His Horn.” It was the end of Richard’s political career.

By June 1902 Richard already was becoming involved in new ventures. He was the president of the Producers Oil Company, which held a lease on 1,280 acres in Rio Blanco County, Colorado, “along the anti-cline of one of the best oil belts in the State.” In October of that year, he formed a partnership with former county commissioner and then-current postmaster John C. Twombly as real estate brokers. Their business card carried the subtitles “Investments, Loans, Insurance and Rentals” and “Care of Improved Property.” Richard continued in real estate ventures and property management for the rest of his working career.

Richard’s scrapbooks end with these new ventures and a few records of his involvement with the Denver-Frisco Knights Templars and the El Jebel Shrine. However, the record of his life continues in a notebook containing 493 pages of letters that he wrote between 1912 and 1915.

About half of the correspondence concerns the estate of Leon Lefevre, originally of Thield, Belgium, who died in 1912.  It appears that Julius Van Hee, US Vice Consul in Ghent[21], asked Richard to assist in sorting out the Lefevre estate.  The letters detail the search for heirs and the identification of Leon’s extensive holdings, which included property in Denver, mining claims and ranches in Colorado and Texas.  Between the lines, the Lefevre letters suggest intrigue – tension between Richard and someone named Minglolet, who appeared to have been trying to lure away Richard’s client, and a lawsuit against the estate launched by one Anna Reed, whose claim Richard described as a “forgery.”  The letters also speak of an heir who travelled from Belgium to ensure that the lawsuit was being handled properly and who apparently was rather offensive.

The Anna Reed suit eventually was resolved in favor of the Lefevre estate, allowing the probate to be completed.  However, there was little cash to distribute, as most of the estate was tied up in property.  It was necessary to bring suit to force the sale of the property before most of the estate could be distributed.

The final series of letters in the Lefevre correspondence were written at the height of World War I.  These letters reveal the American perception of conditions in Belgium.

 

                                                                                          Dec 3^rd 1914

Mr. Julius A. Van Hee

United States Vice Consul

16 Boulevard du Parc,

Ghent, Belgium.

My dear Jules:

How are you, are you still on earth?  What terriffic [sic] times you must be having.  I have serious doubts as to this letter reaching you, as I am informed that there is no mail facility now in Belgium.  Is it possible to get into touch with Thielt by mail?  I am in position to make a report on Lefevre matter.

We all feel much grieved reading of the fearful conditions prevailing throughout Belgium.  The citizens of this city have just completed a donation of 4000 barrels of flour for the poor of Belgium besides a considerable cash.  Hope you and your family are safe and well.  How is Laura.  Mrs. L wishes to be remembered and sends her sympathy.

                                                                                          Yours truly,

                                                                                                      Richard Le Bert

In a letter of the same date to Mr. Emile Van Daele, Thielt, Belgium Richard wrote:  “I am informed that it is impossible for me to reach you by letter through the mail on account of the unsettled condition of the country by reason of the war.  Americans in general are grieve stricken reading of the fearful conditions prevailing throughout your unfortunate country.”

Richard received a response from Mr. Van Hee, which apparently stated that conditions were not as bad as Richard feared.  However, Richard wrote back to an address in Holland, leaving one to wonder whether the mail simply had to be directed through a new route or the Van Hees had fled Belgium.

                                                                              Jan. 6^th 1914 (should be 1915)

C/o Herman Kramer

Terneuzen, Holland

My dear Mr. Van Hee,

Your very welcome letter of Dec 12th to hand.  I assure you it afforded Mrs. L and self a great deal of pleasure to learn that you and your family are safe and in good health.  We were much in fear from the press news that probably you were all suffering great hardships with your lives in constant danger and it was also a great surprise to learn that no part of the city, not even a building has been destroyed.

I have permitted many persons to read your letter, both for and against, it was a great surprise to them and much gratification to learn what the actual conditions are in at least that part of the European war zone…

The final letter[22] in the notebook leaves the reader wondering whether the Belgian heirs ever received their share of the estate:

“There is no possible way of getting into communican with any of the heirs existing in Belgium, as they are residents of the war zone, they have no mail service.”

Many of the remaining letters in the book are related to Richard’s real estate business.  Richard acted as an agent for absentee landholders and some Denver residents, for whom he collected rent, paid taxes and arranged for mortgages, needed repairs and sales of farm produce.  These letters provide the occasional glimpse into the economic conditions of the times and Richard’s opinion of the political situation. An example follows:

                                                                                          Aug 21^st ---2

Dear Mrs. McClelland,

Herewith check for $15²⁰ in payment (less 80¢ commission), for rent of the house 231 West Ellsworth…  I was about to start with the papering when the tenant informed me that they were considering vacating the house.  I will await their decision before anything is done, they say the cellar is damp, and kitchen dark, they want more space in rear of house so that they can keep chickens.

Will do all I can to hold them until spring, it would be an inducement to lower the rent to $25⁰⁰ per month during the winter month with understanding that no papering is to be done.  Should they move there is danger of a vacant house for some time, it means a lot of repairs and than we may have to reduce the rent to $25⁰⁰ per month.

The rental conditions are as bad as ever, if any thing worse than 6 months ago.  There are houses on West Ellsworth between Broadway and your house that have stood vacant for over a year.  I have an elegant house in choice residence section that has been vacant two months, am advertising it daily, reduced rent ten dollars a month and not an inquiry during all this time.  I do not believe this condition is caused by decrease of population, the city is over built with apartments and the constant construction of residences…

In another letter dated Nov. 24^th , 1914, Richard wrote the following to his client L.F. Madden:

Your postal note for $1⁹² duly to hand.  After paying the balance of special tax amounting to $56²³, I am now notified of another special tax just levied on the lots, “Sub #13 West South Side Sanitary Sewer,” amounting to $162³⁹.

I am much inclined to let the city take the lots.  You did not loose much when you let go of them, I fear that I have a cat by the tail that I can not well let go off.  It is a pleasure to hold property in a town that is grafted to death by politicians.

In 1912, Richard decided to invest in property on the Isle of Pines in the West Indies. This island lies approximately 90 miles south of Havana, Cuba. Shortly after the Spanish American War, Americans began to settle there on the belief that it had been ceded to the United States under the Treaty of Paris.[23] By 1907, 90% of the island was owned by American land speculators, who were actively marketing small parcels of land to their countrymen. These land companies established a citrus industry on the island as part of their promotional campaigns to stimulate the sale of property.[24]

Richard may have intended the purchase of land in the Isle of Pines as an investment for his son, Eugene (Gene), who had recently married and was expecting his first child. Some of the letters requesting information about the investment are signed by Gene. For example, Gene wrote to a company called Canada Land & Fruits:

Since writing you last a number of questions have come up of which I would like to be enlightened, and if you deem proper to make answer, would be very grateful.

Can the port of Nueva Gerona on Jucaro be made deep water harbors?

How much more rain fall is there on the western coast compared with that of the eastern?

I am informed by a former resident of the Island that for a great many years prior to the year 1907 there had been no severe wind storms, that in the fall of the years 1907-08-09-& 10, four years in succession, there had been very severe destructive wind storms, the wind reaching the velocity of ninety miles an hour, in some cases growers having lost 80% of the fruit crop.

Was also told that the insects on the western coast are more numerous than on the eastern, particularly so, sand flies and mosquitos (sic) which are very troublesome and annoying.  That the oranges grown on the Island can not compete in the markets of this country, with that grown in Florida and more so California, in this that they have not the color and carry too much pulp.

In a follow-up letter he wrote:

…thanking you for the information and stating that myself and father intended to visit the Isle in June.  We are not purchasing a “poke in a bag” if we purchase it will only be after a thorough inspection and investigation of the whole Island.  It is not a matter of inducement but facts that we are looking for.  One hears favorably spoken, and considerably unfavorable by people who have resided there, we appreciate the fact that due allowance must be made for draw backs and difficulties to be over come by original settlers in new practically undeveloped countries hence what we hear does not deter us.  We look upon your section of the Island favorably by reason of deep water harbor and increased rainfall.

On May 22, 1912, Richard wrote to a client in Los Angeles: “Myself and Eugene will leave here June 9^th for Cuba, to be away about six weeks.” The trip took place as planned, although it was shorter than six weeks. Their return from Havana to New York is documented in the records of Ellis Island, where they arrived on the S.S. Saratoga on June 26, ending a three-day voyage.

Gene’s daughter believed that they actually purchased land on the Isle of Pines. However, Richard’s papers do not appear to contain a record of the purchase or a subsequent sale.

The next year, Richard appeared to be relinquishing his real estate business. He wrote to his client in Los Angeles:

The health of both Mrs. L and self has been miserable for the past year, just as soon as conditions will permit we will leave for a lower altitude, to be away for some little time, upon my return I shall not again resume business.  I have in the past six months gradually dropped all of my clients excepting yourself, you are the last to be relinquished.

A letter to the Brooks Rupture Appliance Co. suggests the cause of Richard’s poor health:

Herewith please find application forms answering all questions, also P.O. money order for $7⁶⁰ in payment for grade B, Single Appliance truss and one fine thread, Star Army and navy suspensory.

Kindly advise me if it is necessary that the truss be worn continuously both day and night.  How about time taking baths?

About this time, Richard began to consider a move to California for himself and Louise and/or for his son. He wrote a series of letters to contacts in different parts of California – “but nothing at Los Angeles or vicinity” - seeking opportunities. To Charles Kibler in San Diego, he wrote:

I have about concluded to endeavor to locate my son Eugene upon a farm somewhere in So. Calif. Some where in San Diego County from 5 to 25 miles from San Diego City, consisting of from 20 to 40 acres improved.  Nothing on the line of citric fruit grove.  I want something that a man can make a living on, grain, alfalfa and some fruit of various varieties etc.  Myself and wife would probably live 3 or 4 months of the year on the place.

Want a place that has its own water by wells or springs or free water, it don’t pay to buy water in an irrigation plant in Calif.

Would like to trade Denver realty, you know I have some elegant located lots with all improvements in and paid for, including civic centre tax.  You know the class and location of my residence, backs into Cheesman Park, and is in the most desirable residence section of Denver, the lowest priced lots in the block is $6000⁰⁰ a pair, the 5 on the corner owned by the Denver Nalt Bank are held at $20,000⁰⁰.  My place stands me 18,000⁰⁰ and is in first class condition not the slightest repairs required any place.

In another letter he reiterated that he was “somewhat prejudiced against citris [sic] fruit culture.” This comment leads one to wonder whether he had a bad experience with an investment in citrus fruit on the Isle of Pines.

Richard’s correspondence regarding California properties continued with inquiries about land in El Cajon Valley and the Sacramento Valley near Corning, California. Richard and Louisa visited California in the early winter of 1914, primarily seeking opportunities for their son, who appears to have moved to California in December 1913. They apparently travelled the entire state, being in San Francisco in early January and again in late February and visiting Los Angeles and San Diego in the interim.

During this period Richard continued to own land in South Park, but he had three co-owners of the 1600-acre property, E.A. Reser, E. Lindenthal, and R.M. Davis, who resided in New York and California. Richard regularly paid 71% of the annual taxes for his 1136 acres and made certain that his partners paid their taxes.  The partnership in general and the taxes in particular often were sources of annoyance to him. For example, in one letter, Richard wrote:

I am becoming heartily tired of undertaking to protect the interests of the co-owners of this land, last year you compelled me to write a second time for your check, you know this tax must be paid by March 1^st of each year after which penalties are added.

In another letter to Mr. Lindenthal, he wrote:  “I was compelled to pay 15¢ exchange on your check, which you will please remit.” Fifteen cents would appear trivial to a man who ordered flowers ten and eleven dollars worth at a time (as shown in other correspondence).  However, as Richard was charging only 80¢ commission to collect the rent for one of his clients, perhaps 15¢ was significant.

Although the partnership was an annoyance to him, Richard felt that it was worth enduring due to the value of the land. In 1913, he estimated its value at $25.00 per acre “not taking into consideration the prospective value in case development should demonstrate oil or coal in paying quantities.” He referred to several holes having been drilled to between 400 and 700 feet and showing “strong indications of oil” when the drilling stopped for lack of funds. Although a Professor Lake believed that “the drill would have to go down at least 2000 feet in order to reach the oil sands,” Richard felt that it would not be many years before the right parties would undertake the oil development in South Park.

By 1915, Richard had begun to doubt the value of the South Park land.  He wrote:  “I am somewhat discouraged holding this land any longer, as it now stands it can only be sold as a dry ranch, we have no water right…  We might try it at say $10⁰⁰ per acre.” Nevertheless, Richard did not sell the land. Eventually Eugene inherited it, and periodically others paid him to drill on it, but they never found developable oil.

Perhaps his interest in selling the South Park Land in 1915 was related to Richard’s intention to move to California. His other correspondence at this time showed that he was seeking a home in the Los Angeles area, where his son Eugene was living. In a letter to a Los Angeles realtor, he discussed some options that the realtor had presented and listed his holdings in Denver, apparently with the intention of arranging a trade. The holdings and their values included:

As to my residence 828 Humboldt Street, it stands me 18,000⁰⁰.

Lots # 24 & 25 Block 32 Dowington Addition, Holly bet 16^th St & 17^th Ave Boulevard, East City Park                                                                 $1000⁰⁰

Lots 47 & 48 Block 17 Downington Add, Ivanhoe bet 19^th Street and 17^th Ave Boulevard, East City Park                                                                   1250⁰⁰

Lots 25-26-27 & 28 102 Colfax Heights Add. Corner 16^th and Elm Sts  East City Park                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2000⁰⁰

Lots 17-18-19 & 20 Block 101, Colfax Heights (very choice) Lots 25 x 173 ft, all other lots are 25 x 25 ft, Eudora bet 16^th & 17^th Ave, East City Park 2400⁰⁰

Lots 33-34 & 35, Block 15 Elyria Stock Yard Section of city              450⁰⁰

Lots 8 to 15 (8 lots) Block 5, West Broadway cheap residence and trackage,
So Denver                                                                                            1200⁰⁰

At this point, Richard’s book of correspondence ended. Thus, it contained no references to the two most significant events of the decade: the U.S. involvement in World War I and the Spanish Flu.

History documents that German-Americans became targets of suspicion and suppression. After the United States entered the war, President Woodrow Wilson was quoted as saying, “Any man who carries a hyphen about with him, carries a dagger that he is ready to plunge into the vitals of this Republic when he gets ready.” Some Germans were interred. German newspapers were supressed, and the German language was forbidden.[i] The German street names throughout Buffalo’s East Side were replaced with American/English names. However, according to a family story, Richard’s family avoided the bias because their surname appeared to be French. After World War I the Le Berts spoke little of their German heritage and generally considered themselves to be French.

As the war was ending, the Spanish Flu arrived in Denver. The first documented death in the city from this disease occurred near the end of September. Although officials warned the population to avoid needless crowding, most people carried on as usual. In October, 40,000 gathered in Cheesman Park – practically in Richard’s backyard – to view a warplane on display there. Another 10,000 participated in a war bond parade. Within a week Denver had 1,200 cases, and the flu had claimed 78 lives.[ii] The Le Berts survived the super-spreader event on their doorstep and left no stories of the pandemic.

By 1920, Eugene had returned to Denver. Nevertheless, Richard carried through with his earlier intention to move to California. According to his granddaughter, Richard wanted to avoid becoming dependent on his family as he aged. It is not clear precisely when they moved,[iii] but in 1930 Richard and Louisa were living in an apartment on West First Street in Long Beach, which was near the beach. From there Louisa wrote letters to her daughter-in-law Lida. One letter noted that Richard was bathing at the beach.

While living in California, the Le Berts survived the Long Beach Earthquake of March 1933. The quake was a moderate magnitude 6.3, but it caused buildings to collapse, tanks to fall through roofs, and houses to be displaced from their foundations. One resident of Richard’s and Louisa’s apartment building ran outside and was killed by falling debris. The Le Berts remained inside and sustained no injuries or property damage. The only thing that happened inside their apartment was that the door of the refrigerator opened. A dish of Jell-O flew out of the refrigerator and landed on the kitchen table, where they found it sitting as if someone had placed it there.

Louisa died in Long Beach on April 6, 1940. She was cremated, and Richard returned to Denver with her ashes. He moved in with his son Eugene and family, where he lived his last few years. His mental health deteriorated, and the family believed that he was becoming senile, but he fiercely guarded his independence. On April 5, 1942, Richard decided to go upstairs. His granddaughter Louise tried to help him, but he waived her off. A few moments later, he fell down the stairs and died.

---

[1] “All Around Town” article in The Buffalo Courier, Buffalo, New York, November 9, 1895, page 5.

[2] Le Bert Family Bible, in possession of Annette Smith.

[3] St. Peter's German Evangelical Church, Baptisms 1848-1968. (Microfilm copy of original records at New Covenant United Church of Christ, Buffalo, NY. Family History Library FHL US/CAN Film 1381672.)

[4] Le Bert, Richard, Scrapbook (Two volumes of newspaper clippings and other memorabilia glued in ledger books; covers the period from about 1877-1910.)

[5] “The Buffalo Fire Department:  Annual Grand Parade – A Magnificent Display – The Crowd, the Procession, Incidents of the Day, etc.”  Article in The Buffalo Courier, Buffalo, New York, June 10, 1873.

[6] “Historical Sketch” contained in the Constitution and Bylaws of “B” Company Spaulding Guards, 74^th Regiment, N.G.S.N.Y.  Published in 1877 by A.L Freeman & Co., Buffalo, NY.

[7] Foner, P.S.  1977.  Great Labor Uprising of 1877.  Pathfinder Press. Excerpted in “The Militant” Vol. 76, No. 5, February 6, 2012.  [Online] https://www.themilitant.com/2012/7605/760549.html.  Accessed May 23, 2020.

[8] Fairplay Flume (Fairplay, Park County); Date: Jun 30, 1881; Section: None; Page: 3 [online] Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection https://www.coloradohistoricnewspapers.org/. Accessed May 23, 2020.

[9] Fairplay Flume (Fairplay, Park County); Date: Oct 5, 1882; Section: Front page; Page: 1 [online] Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection https://www.coloradohistoricnewspapers.org/. Accessed May 23, 2020.  Note the acreage is unclear and in the second and third postings appears to be 10 acres.  A certificate issued in 1885 (U.S. Patent #18737) gives Richard title to “one hundred and sixty acres.”

[10] “A New Concentrating Company,” article in the Boulder Herald, Boulder, Colorado, November 22, 1882.  Clipping in Richard Le Bert’s scrapbook.

[11] Sources: a decorative marriage certificate and Richard Le Bert’s handwritten notes.

[12] This and other articles seem to imply that justices were compensated by the case rather than receiving a set salary.

[13] “We shall answer their demands for a gold standard by saying to them, you shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns. You shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold.”

[14] Clipping from the News, August 21, 1897

[15] Clipping from the News, August 21, 1897

[16] Clipping from the News, July 1, 1898

[17] Clipping from the News, December 23, 1898

[18] Clipping from the Evening Post, December 22, 1898

[19] Clipping from the Denver Republican, July 2, 1901

[20] Subsequent appraisals by art experts failed to confirm the artist, although one expert suggested that it could be from the “school of del Sarto.”

[21] According to one letter, Julius Van Hee was the Vice Consul through Richard’s entire term of office as Consul.

[22] Addressed to Mr. R.E. Pemston, Lake City, CO dated Feb 11^th, 1915, regarding a property held by the Lefevre estate

[23] A second interpretation of the treaty, which ultimately prevailed, was that the island remained part of the Republic of Cuba.

[24] Winsberg, M.D. 1961. Costs, tariffs, prices and nationalization: the rise and decline of the American grapefruit industry on the Isle of Pines, Cuba. American Journal of Economics and Sociology 20: 543-548.

[i] Siegel, R. and A. Silverman. 2017. “During World War I, U.S. Government Propaganda Erased German Culture.” NPR (National Public Radio) [online] During World War I, U.S. Government Propaganda Erased German Culture : NPR. Accessed May 15, 2021.

[ii] Aigular, J. 2020. “Not Colorado’s First Pandemic: What We Can Learn from the Spanish Flu.” Denver Post, March 29, 2020. [Online] https://www.denverpost.com/2020/03/29/pandemic-1918-spanish-flu-colorado-coronavirus/. Accessed April 26, 2020.

[iii] The entire 800 block of Humboldt appears to be missing from the 1920 census – at least the index and images on ancestry.com.