Stapleton, Benjamin F., 1869-1950.

Benjamin Franklin Stapleton was born Nov. 12, 1869 in Paintsville, Ky. and graduated from National Normal University in Lebanon, Ohio. Stapleton moved to Denver in the early 1890's. He volunteered as one of the first Coloradans to enlist for service in the Spanish-American War and served as first sergeant with the First Colorado Regiment in the Philippine Islands. Stapleton was one of the founders of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. In 1904 he became Police Magistrate and held the post until President Wilson appointed him Postmaster in 1915. Stapleton was elected Denver's mayor and served from 1923-1931. In 1935, he won election for the post of Colo. State Auditor and was then re-elected as Denver's Mayor (1935-1947). He died on May 23, 1950. Important projects under Stapleton's leadership include Denver's water system, the Valley Highway and Red Rocks Theatre.