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.
Clement L. Lawley, born on February 21, 1887, in Williamsburg, Massachusetts, has dedicated his career to the Florence Post Office, where he has served for over twenty years. After graduating from Northampton High School in 1905, he became active in community and fraternal organizations, holding various leadership roles, including secretary of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for nine years. His commitment to service extended during World War I through Liberty Loan initiatives. Lawley is also a member of the Florence Methodist Episcopal Church.