In 1865 he, with his brother John, went on a prospecting trip to the mining regions of Colorado. After two years of life in the mining country, he left his brother John and went northward to the line of the proposed Union Pacific Railroad, to the point where the present city of Cheyenne was then just spring ing into existence. He remained there and took part in the recep- tion of the first locomotive which ran over the line in 1867. He returned home shortly thereafter and was appointed by President Johnson as assessor of Internal Revenue Tax.

In 1870, Levi Bertolette went to Wilmington, Del, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits. In 1878 he was was appointed a magistrate and filled this office for nearly two terms, resigning in order to associate himself with Henry Robelen in the piano business. This business proved very congenial and for eighteen years he conducted it with much success, retiring from active participation in its affairs in 1909.

Early in 1910 he built a new home on the banks of the historic Brandywine, where he hoped to spend the happy evening of his life surrounded by his family and friends. He did not live long to enjoy it, dying in November of the same year.

He was one of Wilmington's best known men, and his death caused general regret. He was one of the organizers and charter members of St. Stephen's Evangelical Lutheran church in that city, and remained a member and trustee until his death. Although he and his children were born in Pennsylvania, he became very strongly attached to Wilmington and took a deep interest in its affairs. He was very genial, broad-minded and tolerant. While his personal convictions were strong he respected those of others. His life was simple, hospitable and unostentatious.

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