PRE-STATEHOOD PROPERTY SALES NEAR BLACK HAWK, COLORADO
Two legal documents concerning the sale of properties in 1862-64 in Gilpin County, near Black Hawk, Colorado, to Hogan Ouren, an emigrant from Norway who worked on boats, ran horse teams, worked in mines, and operated a general store in search of the American dream. According to his recorded history, Ouren (1835–1920) arrived in the United States at the age of 18. After marrying and starting a family, he purchased a home and an interest in a ranch at the mouth of Chase Gluch, near present-day Black Hawk. In May 1859, the discovery of gold near Black Hawk brought thousands of prospectors to the area.
An 8 ½” x 14” document shows Ouren first purchased for $150 a house and building lot near the mouth of Chase Gulch on June 16, 1862. A second 8 ½” x 14” quit claim deed, dated September 12, 1863, records Ouren’s purchase for $500 of a 40’ x 200’ foot lot with a stable and two horses located near the Hazard Company’s Powder Magazine (storage facility for explosives used in mining).
“I bought a half interest in a ranch and the winter of '62 to '63 was spent mostly on horseback, driving cattle to and from this ranch. Owing to the dishonesty of my partner, Morton Griswold, assisted by his brother Levy, this investment proved a disastrous failure,” Ouren wrote in a personal history recorded by the Nebraska State Historical Society. “During the fall and winter, I had built a two-story frame house, going in debt for much of the material and labor, expecting to pay from my winter’s earnings. When this failed me, I naturally found myself in a tight place, but eventually I worked out of it. I had traded my team for the ranch interest and believing that I could still make money teaming, I bought a span of young horses on credit. This was not until towards fall and after I had worked for some time in the mines.”
Ouren’s full history is available on the Nebraska State Historical Society website. Item #79365
Price: $500.00