When you’re confused about how that artist in North Dakota is a relation, you ask Grandpa Bub. When you can’t recall exactly how we’re connected to the iconic Gene Autry, you ask Grandpa Bub. When you want to hear the story about how Kit Carson’s son shot an ancestor, you call up Grandpa Bub.

He has carefully organized photo albums and a mind for details. He has the ability to tell a story and the memory to make it accurate. Most of all, though, he has patience and the willingness to answer the same question time and time again.

He doesn’t get discouraged. Instead he’s just pleased that you’re trying. “I’ve had years to get this in my mind, it’s gonna take you a little while to remember it all,” he says.

I’m a 6th generation Coloradoan, raising a 7th. My ancestors traveled long distances to get here and worked hard to make inhospitable land livable. I don’t fully grasp all the details. But I want to.

The Homestead Heritage series is my attempt to solidify the stories in mind and share what sound like incredible western tales, but are in fact simply the truth of my family.

If you know these stories, please feel free at any time to send me more details, images, or factual corrections. I hope this series is accurate and entertaining. May it keep the memories alive and the stories rolling.

This one goes out to all the memory keepers, especially Grandpa Bub.

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