Features, Meeker, Stories

Bob Amick, Sandy Bradfield come from long-term pioneer clan

Mary Delaney Oldland and Ambrose Oldland pose for a celebratory event. The Oldlands have left their impression in the Meeker area, including being Bob Amick and and Sandy Bradfield’s great aunt and uncle. Mary Delaney Oldland wrote about the family’s history in early 1952 in a story published in Colorado Magazine titled “Sixty-seven years in the White River Valley.”
Mary Delaney Oldland and Ambrose Oldland pose for a celebratory event. The Oldlands have left their impression in the Meeker area, including being Bob Amick and and Sandy Bradfield’s great aunt and uncle. Mary Delaney Oldland wrote about the family’s history in early 1952 in a story published in Colorado Magazine titled “Sixty-seven years in the White River Valley.”
MEEKER I In 1879, the White River Utes rebelled against tyrannical Indian agent Nathan Meeker in the last major Native American uprising at the Ute Agency in Powell Park, and the concurrent Battle of Milk Creek with U.S. Army troops.
The Utes were evicted from Western Colorado in 1881 by an act of Congress.
Above is the old Watson Store, later the A. Oldland and Co. building in 1887 and later the building was occupied by the Independence Lumber Co. at th and Main streets in Meeker.
Above is the old Watson Store, later the A. Oldland and Co. building in 1887 and later the building was occupied by the Independence Lumber Co. at th and Main streets in Meeker.
As the area became an official county, pioneers came to the White River Valley in search of new land in the wilderness. They were drawn by some beckoning finger of hope, by some belief in an ideal, by some vision of a better kind of life. A bridge was finally built across the White River near what was White River City.
There are many stories of the families that traveled to this area, where the Ute Indians dwelt for so many years. These pioneer families had to be tough, perseverant, have ingenuity and, of course, have the will to survive.
Such was the case of the family of Bob Amick and his sister, Sandy Bradfield. The two are fourth-generation pioneers and co-presidents of the Rio Blanco County Pioneers Association’s 102nd annual Old Timer’s reunion.
Bob and Sandy’s great-aunt, Mary Delaney Oldland, wrote about the family’s history in early 1952 in a story published in the Colorado Magazine titled “Sixty-seven years in the White River Valley.”
It is remarkable to imagine the life of these courageous people whose story began in 1884, when James Durkin, Mary’s uncle, and James McAndrews rode into the White River valley from Leadville and Alma.
Durkin staked a claim below the junction of the Piceance Creek and the White River, and McAndrews staked his claim in the area later named McAndrews Gulch and Crooked Wash Gulch. The two men returned to Alma with rave reviews of the beautiful White River Valley and persuaded Mary’s father, John Delaney, with his wife Sarah and their five children to move to the ranch.
John purchased 25 cattle, some horses, two wagons and went west. The family traveled for days, riding their horses and keeping the cattle together, but allowing them to graze along the way. They could only go eight miles per day in the latter part of the trip due to sore feet and lazy cattle.
They finally arrived at the mountains, where they were on narrow trails high above growing communities. They arrived in Glenwood Springs, and, as fate would have it, the young man working the ferry to cross the Colorado River was J.D. Amick.
He, too, settled in the White River valley and, 45 years later, his youngest son, Morris, married Elizabeth Delaney (Sandy and Bob’s mother and Mary’s niece).
From Glenwood Springs, the family went on to Piceance Creek and finally arrived at the ranch they would call home.
The family members were always generous and accommodating to people passing by. In fact, one visitor was the Ute Chief Colorow. On his first visit, he was bloody to his elbows and held up one finger meaning one dollar. He had a deer he had killed and Mary’s mother, Sarah, was glad to pay the dollar for the meat.
Some Indian women also brought a nanny goat and two kid goats as well as a white lamb as gifts. They developed a great friendship and respect for one another. In time, John Delaney acquired a ranch of his own, five miles west of the Durkin Homestead.
The winter of 1885 was remembered by many for its terrible cold and huge amounts of snow. It is believed that half the cattle in the valley died.
In 1887, settlers were warned of the Ute Indians being on the warpath as they had never given up the rights to the 16 million acres of land they inhabited for many centuries that had been granted to them by the Treaty of 1868.
But by that time the pioneers had settled in. Ambrose Oldland built a store in White River City, and others soon built a saloon, a restaurant, a brick yard and several cabins.
Oldland had come west from England, and he, John Delaney and George Howard were the first school directors of the White River School.
Vera Lowe was the teacher, and 15 children attended school in the first year.
In 1891, Ambrose Oldland married Mary Delaney. Ambrose was the county commissioner and a good businessman.
In 1895, he knew that White River City was on its way out, so he bought the Watson Mercantile Co. in Meeker and moved to town, where he founded the A. Oldland & Co. store that was first located where the current public library sets. He later purchased the Hugus Building where the store served the White River valley for more than 70 years. During the Great Depression, Ambrose and Mary sustained many area ranchers and residents by giving them credit to buy food, clothing and hardware for ranching and business, much of which was never repaid.
Mary wrote, “Time has justified the faith of the pioneers and proved the wisdom of their enterprises. It was an age that had a marked effect upon men’s lives and, in essence, should be handed down to posterity.”
Anyone who has taken the time to speak with Bob Amick or Sandy Bradfield knows they are an intelligent set of siblings. Sandy went to Colorado State University before finishing her nursing degree at Colorado Mesa University. She worked as an R.N., and as a director of nursing at Pioneers Hospital for approximately 35 years, and at Rangely’s hospital for 14 years.
Bob was graduated From the University of Colorado at Boulder (CU) with a degree in political science and minor in in education, theater and history. He was a staff member at CU for 34 years and is now retired. He became an Eagle Scout in Meeker and has served as a scouting volunteer leader for more than 50 years.
It is clear that their work ethic and way they speak so well are two of so many traits handed down. Both serve on many organizations, including Cattlewomen’s, Woolgrowers, Meeker Arts and Cultural Council, the MHS building accountability board, and Bob has written grants in excess of $130,000 for the Meeker High School stage and sound system as well as for the White River Museum.
The siblings are diligent volunteers for the community and are now serving as the Pioneers Association co-presidents. The 102nd annual reunion is June 7 beginning at 3 p.m. with oral history and social hour, followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. For more information, see the website at www.rbcpioneers.org.

Comments are closed.

Come say hi!

@ht.1885
  • It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
  • Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
  • The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
  • Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

Thank you, advertisers!