Hagerman, James John, 1838-1909

Resident of Newport, Michigan who rose from a steamboat clerk to an officer in the Milwaukee Iron Company.

Southeastern New Mexico family with water, transportation, cattle and political interests.

James John Hagerman was born near Port Hope, Ontario, in 1838. In 1843 his family moved to Newport (now Marine City), Michigan. Hagerman graduated from the University of Michigan in 1861; he had begun working as a steamboat clerk in 1858 and was appointed secretary and business manager of the Milwaukee Iron Company in 1865. As President of the Menominee Mining Company, 1874-1882, he developed iron ore deposits in Michigan. After moving to Colorado Springs in 1884 for treatment of tuberculosis, he built the Colorado Midland Railway, held mining interests in Colorado, and was a benefactor of Colorado College at Colorado Springs. In 1898 he moved to New Mexico, where he invested in irrigation of the Pecos River Valley and built the Pecos Valley Railroad. Hagerman died in 1909.

Colorado mining and railroad tycoon. Moved to Colorado 1884 for health. Invested in Aspen, Cripple Creek, and Leadville mining. Involved in building Colorado Midland Railway.

Mining company executive.

James John Hagerman, who discovered the Menominee Iron Range in northern Michigan, moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 1884. Hagerman began developing active mining interests in Colorado, which led to his controlling interest in the Colorado Midland Railway Company through 1900.