Joseph E. Bates (born Chautauqua County, New York May 5, 1837 died September 22, 1900) was brought up in Muskegon County, Michigan and moved to Denver, Colorado in 1860 where he became involved in working for various businesses. He became active in city politics being elected a city councillor in 1868. Bates established enterprises including the Denver Brewery, Denver Pacific Railroad and the Denver Smelting and Refining Works. Joseph E. Bates was twice elected Mayor of the city of Denver in 1872 and again in 1885.
