Dr. Walter Colburn Crysler and his wife, Ada Briggs Crysler, were pillars of the Littleton community whose lives intertwined with medicine, civic service, and devotion to others.
The couple died on the same day, Aug. 4, 1944, and are buried side by side in Littleton Cemetery.
Walter C. Crysler was born Feb. 6, 1870, in Chicago. He graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1893 before moving to Colorado, where he bought the medical practice of Dr. Farnsworth and opened his own office in Littleton’s old Town Hall building.
Over the course of his career, Crysler delivered nearly 1,900 babies and became known for his dedication to the health and welfare of local families, according to the Littleton Museum archives.
In addition to his medical work, Dr. Crysler was deeply involved in civic life. He served two terms as mayor of Littleton, from 1908 to 1910 and again from 1924 to 1926.
He also became the first president of the Littleton State Bank and co-owned the Littleton Drug Store with his brother-in-law, A. E. Gray. His leadership helped shape Littleton’s early infrastructure and public institutions during a time of rapid growth.
Ada Briggs Crysler was born March 10, 1867, in Burnley, Lancashire, England. She immigrated to Minneapolis with her family at age 15 before settling in Denver, where she met Walter.
Throughout her life, Ada was active in community organizations and women’s groups, serving as president of the Littleton Woman’s Club and as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
She also contributed to her church’s Ladies Aid Society and the local Parent-Teacher Organization, helping strengthen community bonds through education and volunteerism.
Their story ended as dramatically as it began. On Aug. 4, 1944, Ada passed away early in the day. Upon hearing the news, Dr. Crysler reportedly collapsed from shock and died later that evening.
Their shared passing was recorded as one of the most striking events in Littleton history, symbolizing the deep connection that defined their marriage.
Their 1922 home on West Littleton Boulevard still stands, and their legacy remains part of the city’s historical record — a testament to two lives rooted in public service, compassion, and partnership.
You can find more information at the Littleton Museum.
