Ansel Watrous (November 1, 1835August 5, 1927) was an American newspaper publisher of the Fort Collins Courier and a historian. Born in New York, nine-year old Watrous moved with his family to Wisconsin and lived there six years until his father died of cholera. The family moved back east and Watrous was an apprentice carpenter, before returning to Wisconsin where he married and worked in construction, retail, and politics until he settled in Colorado in 1878.
A longtime resident of Fort Collins, Colorado, Watrous was a newspaper publisher, editor, and journalist. He is noted for History of Larimer County, Colorado (1911), the first comprehensive published history of the county.
Early life
Ansel, named for his paternal grandfather, was born November 1, 1835, in Conklin, Broome County, New York, His siblings were Henry O., Jerome Anthony, Dennis L., Eliza J., and Catharine M. Watrous. From 1863 to 1866, he was the county clerk. Watrous continued to work in contracting and building in Wisconsin until December 26, 1877 when he left for Colorado. He stayed on as president and editor. He tried politics in 1882 and 1884 as a candidate for state auditor but was defeated both times.
Personal life
Watrous married Florilla Thompson on December 25, 1856, in Calumet, Wisconsin. Florilla (as known as Florelle) followed Watrous to Fort Collins by 1880. They did not bear any children. Bertha taught school in Boulder Florelle was active in the pioneer society, women's clubs, and the Baptist church. Watrous and his wife were involved in local charities. Watrous married Florelle's half-sister,