Real estate appraisal card. 329 E. Sackett Avenue, lot 6 and part of 7, block 2 in Salida, Colorado.
This dwelling, facing the Arkansas River and the railroad yard, was constructed between 1882 and 1888. Jeremiah O'Connor lived here according to the 1905-06 Salida city directory, where his occupation was listed as foreman. Mr. O'Connor was born in Waterville, Ireland, in 1863 and came to America in 1884, first going to Indianapolis and then Salida. He was roadmaster in Salida for the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad from that date until 1906. Subsequently, he worked in several other cities on the Rio Grande system and then moved to Fort Worth, Texas, in 1914, where he worked as roadmaster for the Rock Island Railroad until his retirement in 1928.
The 1910 Census showed two families living in this house: Jack W. and Agnes (?) Wilson and their daughter. Mr. Wilson was a 35-year-old Pennsylvania native who worked as a painter. William H. and Mary F. Townsley lived here during that time. Mr. Townsley was a 64-year-old Illinois native who worked as a wood hauler at a wood yard. Three residents were listed here in the 1911-12 city directory: William Townsley still lived here (now working as a laborer); William G. Anderson (a helper); and Michael Mitchell (a lineman for the Salida Light, Power, and Utility Company).
By the time of the 1920 Census the Maestas family lived here. Andres Maestas and his wife, Otemia, were New Mexico natives; he was 43 years old and she was 38. He worked as a laborer for the Rio Grande Railroad. The couple's seven children also resided here. The 1922-23 city directory listed Mary Maestas, the widow of Andres, at this address; she apparently continued to live here through 1951. In 1931, John and Laura Maestas were listed at this address. John, a son of Andres and Otemia, was working as a laborer for the Rio Grande Railroad. He was born in Vallecitos, New Mexico, in 1900 and worked for the railroad until his retirement. Eutinia M. Montoya, an employee of the Salida Hospital, lived here in 1965.
