John C. Plemmons Sierra County, New Mexico

John C. Plemmons, county treasurer of Sierra County and a resident of Hillsboro, has made his home in the Territory since 1876, and has been identified with ranching and mining operations, two of the important sources of income of this part of the country. He was born in Dalton, Georgia, on the 25th of November, 1859, and on account of conditions brought about by the Civil War he received no educational privileges save those afforded by the school of experience. He was left an orphan when only nine years of age, and in his youth was employed as a cabin boy on a Mississippi steamboat for two years. He afterward spent a year as a scout in the employ of the United States government, being with the troops stationed on the frontier to suppress the uprisings of the Apache Indians. He came to New Mexico in 1876, located on the Dry Cimarron and became a cowboy in the employ of Hall Brothers, with whom he continued about five years. In 1880 he went to what has since become known as Chloride, and was with the first outfit that went into the Black Range. Becoming connected with mining interests, he located the Colossal mine, which he afterward sold. Later he built the first house at Hermosa and established a. mercantile enterprise at that point, which he conducted from 1883 until 1900, successfully carrying on business for a period of seventeen years. At the same time he was interested in the cattle business and yet owns a cattle ranch at that place. He has continued to own mining properties, having claims at Hermosa, and is producing ore from Polomas Chief Mine, carrying copper, silver and a small quantity of gold. The business has been incorporated under the name of Polomas Chief Mining Company and the mine is now being profitably worked.

In 1900 Mr. Plemmons was elected treasurer of Sierra County and is now serving for the third term, having been three times chosen to the office as the candidate of the Democratic Party. Watchful of opportunities, he has promoted his business interests along lines leading to success, and he is also a representative of that class of citizens who, while promoting individual prosperity, also advance general progress and improvement. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, belonging to Hillsboro Lodge No. 12. He is a master Mason of Kingston Lodge No. 16, A. F. & A. M., and belongs to the Lodge of Perfection at Santa Fe, the Denver consistory, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree, and Albuquerque temple of the Mystic Shrine. He was married in May. 1898, to Miss Edith Curtis, a native of New Mexico, and they have three children: Lillian G., Alice M. and Sylvie.

Back | Sierra County Biographies

Source: History of New Mexico, Its Resources and People, Volume II, Pacific States Publishing Co., 1907.

Please come back Again!!