Florence in Fremont County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
James A. McCandless House
120 North Pikes Peak Avenue
— Constructed in 1889 • Architects: Balcomb and Rice —
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 7, 2020
1. James A. McCandless House Marker
The picture taken in March 1889 shows the McCandless family. The person 4th from the left is Florence McCandless whom the town was named after.
James McCandiess, known as "the father of Florence"” was very influential in the development of Florence. He was: the first postmaster, member of the first fire department, helped develop the early school system, county commissioner, state senator, co-developed the Bank of Florence, and was one of the incorporators of the Florence and Cripple Creek Railroad.
In 1931 Cecil Holt established the Holt Funeral Home in the house. In 1951 Frank Witty bought the business and named it the Florence Mortuary. The Witty's advertised "ambulance service day or night". Mr. Witty was deputy coroner for 38 years. He retired in 1994 and sold the business to Cecil Holt's grandson, Bill Holt, Jr. The Holt family continues to operate The Florence Mortuary from the house today.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.
Location. 38° 23.437′ N, 105° 7.046′ W. Marker is in Florence, Colorado, in Fremont County. Marker is at the
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Early Agriculture & Ranching (within shouting distance of this marker); Florence's Beginnings (within shouting distance of this marker); City Drug (within shouting distance of this marker); 101-103 W. Main Street (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Daniels Block Building (about 300 feet away); J. C. Penney (about 400 feet away); 113 West Main Street (about 400 feet away); 120 W. Main Street (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Florence.
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 7, 2020
2. James A. McCandless House Marker
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 7, 2020
3. James A. McCandless House
The Holt Family Funeral Home now operates out of the building.
Photographed By Wikitree
4. James Alexander Leroy (McCanles) McCandless
Credits. This page was last revised on September 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 569 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 18, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
