This manuscript, in its essence, is a collection of 948 biographies of prominent men and women, all leading citizens of Western Colorado. In this context, Western Colorado encompasses the counties of Archuleta, Chaffee, Delta, Eagle, Garfield, Gunnison, Hinsdale, La Plata, Lake, Mesa, Mineral, Moffat, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, Pitkin, Rio Blanco, Routt, San Juan, and San Miguel.
Edward Buchmann, a long-standing merchant in San Mateo, founded Buchmann’s Hotel and the San Mateo Bakery, both historical landmarks. He operated a wholesale liquor store and later combined it with a grocery business, creating E. Buchmann Co., Wines and Groceries. A strong advocate for good roads since before the automobile era, he is also an automobile enthusiast. Buchmann supports the establishment of municipal baths at San Mateo Beach. Born in Alsace in 1864, he immigrated to America in 1895 and is active in local Masonic and Elks lodges.