A history of Montana, Volume II, Part 116

Author: Sanders, Helen Fitzgerald, 1883-
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1002

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James William Parsons was born in England in 1839, and was there engaged in farming. In 1874 he came to the United States and located at Hawley, Minnesota, and during the following year he was joined by his wife and children. Farming occupied his attention until 1883, in which year he came to Dawson county, making his home at Glendive and engaging in the horse and cattle business. His sons, Arthur G. and Burkley J., were associated with him until his death in 1893. Dur- ing the memorable winter of 1886-7, Mr. Parsons was one of those to lose heavily, his capital at that time be- ing invested in sheep, and out of a flock of 1,000 head he lost about 400. However, he recuperated his losses, and at the time of his death was in comfortable financial circumstances. He was well known in Dawson county, and his death was mourned by a wide circle of friends. He and his wife had four children, of whom three are living- Burkley J., one of the leading horse breeders of Dawson county; Arthur G .; and Mabel Agnes, who married J. H. Ferrall, of Oakley, California. Mrs. Par- sons, also a native of England, survives her husband and lives with her daughter at Oakley.

Arthur G. Parsons received his education in the pub- lic schools of Belle Prairie and Dawson county, Mon- tana, and as a youth became associated with his father and brother in the horse and cattle business. He re- ceived a thorough business training, and when only twenty years of age embarked in an enterprise of his own, having at that time about 150 head of cattle and forty horses. Each year since that time he has added to his stock, and has had at times as high as 2,500 head of cattle and 1,000 horses running on the range in Daw- son county, Montana, and Mckenzie and Billings coun- ties, North Dakota. Mr. Parsons states that the winter of 19II-12 was the worst that he has experienced, he being compelled to break up the crust on the ground in order that his stock could feed. He owns about 125 saddle horses and has his own round-up outfit, employ- ing from seven to fifteen men. During the months of May, June and July, he gives his full attention to his horses on the range, and then starts his round-up on the cattle, branding his calves and shipping his beef

cattle to the Chicago market during August, September and October. During the summer of IgII he put up about 500 tons of wild hay, and at this time is feed- ing 600 head of cattle. Alert, progressive and ener- getic, Mr. Parsons has taken a foremost place in the front ranks of stockmen in Dawson county, and is deserving of the high esteem in which he is held by his business associates.

On February 21, 1901, Mr. Parsons was married to Miss Lila Foster, who was born in Saginaw, Michigan, daughter of John and Eliza (McCraight) Foster. Mr. Foster was born at Charlotte, Prince Edward Island, and died January 4, 1900, when sixty years of age. His wife, a native of Nova Scotia, survived him until 1908, and was seventy-three years f age at the time of her demise. They had three children: John, who lives at Oakland, California; Isaac, also a resident of that city ; and Lila. Mr. Foster came to the United States as a young man, was married in Boston, Massachusetts, and drifted to Michigan. Later he went to Oakland, Cali- fornia, where he was successfully engaged in the real estate business for a number of years.

Mr. Parsons was made a Mason in 1909, when he joined Glendive Lodge No. 31, and in 1911 transferred his membership to Wibaux Lodge No. 81, A. F. & A. M. He is also connected with Yellowstone Chap- ter No. 5, R. A. M., Glendive; Dickinson Lodge No. 255, B. P. O. E., Dickinson, North Dakota, and Yel- lowstone Chapter No. 5, O. E. S. Mrs. Parsons is also a member of the last named order, and belongs likewise to Absit Vidier Lodge of the Rebekahs, Oak- land, California.

JAMES S. ALMY. A residence of thirty years in Mon- tana, during which time he has been identified with the agricultural interests of this section with such suc- cess that he is now known as one of his community's prosperous citizens, entitles James S. Almy to a place among the representative men of the Treasure state and to the respect and esteem which are undoubtedly his. When Mr. Almy arrived in Montana he was in very moderate circumstances, but in the new west he found the opportunity he had long been seeking, and, through to a successful conclusion. It is this type of quick to grasp it, demonstrated his ability to cope with the new conditions and to carry his undertakings men who have cultivated the undeveloped resources of Montana and brought the industrial interests of the commonwealth to their present state of importance.

James S. Almy was born at Middletown, Rhode Island, July 9, 1844, and is a son of William and Mary Ann (Macomber) Almy. His father was a na- tive of Rhode Island and his mother of Massachusetts, and with their two sons and three daughters they migrated to the state of Illinois in 1856, residing there until 1875, when they removed to the vicinity of Moorhead, Minnesota. There the mother died in 1897, and the father subsequently removed to Oregon, where his death occurred in 1903. James S. Almy was the oldest of his parents' children, and in 1873 preceded the family to Minnesota, where he proved up a home- stead of 160 acres, living thereon for ten years. The year 1883 saw his advent in Montana, and in the fol- lowing year he brought his family here, settling on Redwater, where he embarked in the cattle business. The disastrous storms of the winter of 1886-7. how- ever, wiped out his little capital, and he secured em- ployment with a railroad. and continued in its service for seven years, at which time he moved back to a ranch on Sand Creek. In addition to ranching on three sec- tions of land, in partnership with his son-in-law, H. L. Johnson, Mr. Almy has hought of the railway com- pany 320 acres, where he has a comfortable modern home, substantial barns and well-appointed outbuild- ings, and sixty acres of his property are under cultiva- tion, being devoted to the raising of wheat, hay and

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oats. He is known as an excellent judge of stock and an able agriculturist, and each year has found his land and personal property increasing in value.

Mr. Almy was married at Dwight, Illinois, March 16, 1870, to Miss Helen M. Winsoer, youngest of the three children born to Horace W. and Sabra (Gallup) Winsoer, natives of Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Almy have had four daughters: Alice, wife of H. L. Johnson, who is associated in cattle raising with his father- in-law; Helen, the wife of E. C. Cain, of Hotchkiss, Delta county, Colorado; Olive, wife of H. V. Robinson, of Bloomfield, Montana; and Grace, who married A. C. Zolman, of Glendive. Mrs. Almy and her daughters are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Almy is a Republican in his political views, but has not cared for public life, preferring to give his time and attention to the furthering of his business in- terests. A hard worker, thrifty in his habits, he has been able to accumulate a good property and to bring up his family comfortably. He and his wife are now enjoying some of the comforts their industry has brought them, and they are happy in the pos- session of the esteem and friendship of al who know them.

GEORGE ALBERT GRIGGS. It is unusual to find a man of a quiet, reserved personality who has made a suc- cess of his life and who has become a leader in the community of which he is a member. When such is the case no one doubts but that he is a man of un- common strength of character and ability above the average, for not being of the pushing, aggressive type other hands than his own must have shoved him into the front ranks. Such a man is George Albert Griggs, of Butte, Montana. His success in the business world is due to his ability, his painstaking care, his thorough knowledge of banking, and the wholehearted interest which he has always manifested in any concern with which he happened to be connected. He. has never been a man to thrust himself before the notice of his superiors or of the general public, therefore the posi- tions of responsibility which he has held both in public life and in the business world have been given him, not because he sought them but because his qualifications made him the only man for the place. He stands for the best in the civic, social and business life of Butte. His ideas are progressive, and he believes that al- though much has been accomplished toward making Butte an attractive and healthful city, much more re- mains to be done. He himself is very public spirited, ready to give of his services or of his time to any movement which would aid in the development of his home city. Knowing his disinterested attitude the peo- ple of his city accord to him the highest respect, and there is no one in the city more popular than is Mr. Griggs.

George A. Griggs was born in Charlestown, New Hampshire, on the 9th of August, 1859. He is the son of George Henry Griggs and of Abigail (Smart) Griggs. Both his father and grandfather were famous engine builders of Boston. His grandfather, George Smith Griggs, was one of the first to take up this form of manufacturing, and he was regarded with great re- spect as being one of the men who were willing to venture into a comparatively new and untried field. His name was well known throughout the east, not only as a pioneer builder but for the strength and fine

quality of the engines he constructed. Most of the engines of the Boston and Providence Railroad were built by him. His son, George Henry Griggs, fol- lowed in his footsteps and likewise became an engine builder. During the Civil war good engineers were very hard to find, and the government was at a loss for competent men to fill that very important post on board men of war. In this capacity in warships it was very important that only the best men in the

country should be given an opportunity to serve, there- fore it was a great honor when George Griggs was called to Washington, and there commissioned as en- gineer, serving at different times on the "Rhode Island," "Lenapee," and "Genesee." He was not, in respect to years, qualified to serve, but the President waived this fact and he continued in the service and took part in many affrays with the Confederate forces.

The naval experiences of the father inspired the son with the burning desire to enter the navy, consequently as soon as he was graduated from the Highland Mili- tary Academy at Worcester, Massachusetts, he re- ceived an appointment to the Naval Academy at An- napolis, and departed thence to prepare for his naval career. He was doomed to disappointment, for upon examination it was found that his eyesight did not measure up to the standard, and he was thus debarred. It was a bitter disappointment, but the lad was not made of the stuff that succumbs to the first blow, so he then determined on a new career, to become a banker was now his purpose, and to that end he went to Hornellsville, New York, and entered the Bank of Hornellsville. He later went from this in- stitution to Cranes Bank in the same town,

In 1883 the instincts of his pioneer ancestors led him westward and he came to Montana, locating in Billings. Here he entered the banking house of Steb- bins, Post & Mund, and became a valuable man to the firm, for he had had splendid experience in the eastern banks, and his employers could easily see that he was by nature adapted to the business he had chosen. When this firm became the First National Bank of Billings, Mr. Griggs opened up the books for the new concern. In 1887 he went into Mexico with the Amer- ican Development Company. He spent one year in their employ, his headquarters being at Piedras Negras. In these tropical wilds he came into contact with many different types of men and added to his powers of judgment human nature to a large extent. He only remained here one year, but the experience was a valuable one to him. When he returned to Billings he entered the banking house of Bailey & Billings, and when in 1891 this institution was re- organized as the Yellowstone National Bank, he was made cashier and became a stockholder. He remained in this position during the remainder of his stay in Billings, which lasted until 1904.

In this year the old banking house of Yegen Brothers established a branch house in Butte, and Mr. Griggs was invited to accept the post of manager. He con- sequently removed to Butte, and since that time has had charge of this very prosperous financial institu- tion. He is recognized as one of the leading financiers in the state of Montana, and his advice is highly valued in all financial matters. No bank in the city is on a firmer foundation than that with which he is con- nected, and his reputation for trustworthiness and for sound business principles has been an important factor in the upbuilding of the splendid business now enjoyed by that institution. He has had nearly thirty years' identification with the banking interests of Montana.

Mr. Griggs is not a politician in any sense of the word. He is too straightforward and clean a man to take a share in that kind of politics that requires questionable practices, and eyes that sometimes see not and ears that hear not. In the higher and better kind of politics he has always taken a keen interest, but has never considered that he was himself fitted either by nature or by education for a position in the governmental forces of his home city. In spite of this fact he was three times elected mayor of Billings, Montana, and perhaps at no period of the city's life has she had a more able administration. The people who, judging from his quiet manner, thought that they could wind him around their fingers found themselves

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sadly mistaken, for he had "the iron hand in the vel- vet glove," and while he was in power the city was going to have a clean government free from taint of any sort.

Mr. Griggs has always been a great athlete, and is devoted to sports of all kinds. He has won many honors on the athletic field, perhaps the most unique of these dating back to his years in New York state. He was here a member of the Maple City Hose Team of Hornellsville, and in competition for the amateur hose running team championship of America, the team came out victor, establishing a world's record. He is a good runner, delights in long, rough tramps, is a skillful and tireless bicyclist, and is a fine oarsman. He rowed for the amateur championship of the United States, and has never lost his fondness for this sport. His devotion to the out door life and the unusual amount of exercise that he takes has probably had a large share in keeping him in the fine health and splendid physical condition which he enjoys. Other men, who like himself have their working hours spent in sedentary occupations, should profit by his example. When he lived in Billings he was captain of the Bil- lings Company of the First Montana Regiment, and was greatly interested in the affairs of this company.

Mr. Griggs was married on the 6th of September, 1892, to Lucy Lee Boyd, who was born in Bader, Illi- nois. Mrs. Griggs, like her husband, is interested in the affairs of the day and is thoroughly progressive. She is a member of the Butte Woman's Club. Mr. Griggs is a member of the Knights of Columbus and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is also a member of the Country Club of Butte and of the Montana Society of Engineers. In all of these organizations he is a leading spirit, trusted and admired by his fellow members.

FRED BOWEN. Among the wide-awake young business men of Philipsburg, Mr. Fred Bowen, of the Bowen Hardware Company, is one of the most successful. He has spent all his life since infancy in this state, and by many strong ties is identified with its business and social welfare.

Mr. Bowen was born in Cleveland, Ohio, May 27, 1881, a son of William and Charlotte (Parfitt) Bowen. His father has long been a prominent citizen of Philips- burg, where he conducts the electric light plant and the foundry. He was born in Wales, coming to America in boyhood, and after a residence of some years in Ohio came west to Montana, where he has spent about thirty years. His wife, whom he married in Ohio, was born in England, and died in Philipsburg in 1898, aged forty- two years. The seven children of the family, of whom Fred is third in order of birth, all reside in Philipsburg or Granite county, namely: Thomas, who is married; Lizzie, wife of C. T. Huffman ; Lottie, at home; Annie, wife of William Metcalf; William C., member of the firm of Bowen Hardware Company; and Charles, in school.

Mr. Fred Bowen was about two years old when the family moved to Montana, and after a residence of four years at Butte they all settled at Philipsburg, which has since been his home and scene of his career. In Butte he attended a kindergarten, and later the public schools of Philipsburg, finishing the high school course. Having arrived at the age of nineteen, he first began earning money regularly by working in the local foundry under his father's supervision. From this he went to the mills, and then to the electric light plant. In 1910 Mr. Bowen established the well known hardware busi- ness conducted by himself and brother, William C., and they have built up a large trade in a very short time.

Mr. Bowen was married at Grant's Pass, Oregon, August 4, 1909, to Miss Eunice Plumley, daughter of Albert M. and Sadie M. Plumley, of that place. One son has been born of their marriage, named Harold.

An active worker in the Democratic party, Mr. Bowen has always refused the pleas that he run for office. He is a church attendant but not identified by membership with any one denomination. He is also a member of the Philipsburg Chamber of Commerce. His interests in life are varied. Hunting and fishing make strong ap- peals to him, and he is an enthusiastic baseball "fan," supporting the national game wherever played locally and being a player himself on occasion. He is a mem- ber of the Philipsburg Mandolin Club, and handles that instrument and the guitar and violin with skill. He finds much pleasure in music and the theater, and in general literature, possessing a nice library to gratify his tastes in the latter direction.

In one who has identified himself so thoroughly with the life and affairs of his community and state, it is not strange that he should be an admirer of Montana. He says: "If you are looking for a home, if you have anything definite in view and if you can back it up with sincere energy, come to the Treasure state and you will not be disappointed. Don't be afraid of changing lo- cations, as Montana is the best place in the world."

CHARLES A. THURSTON, proprietor of the Thurston Horse Ranch, and president of the First National Bank of Glendive, the Glendive Land and Irrigation Company and the Timber Investment Company of Seattle, Wash- ington, may be justly termed a representative self-made man, one who in his early life received little if any financial aid. Mr. Thurston was born at Natick, Middle- sex county, Massachusetts, June 25, 1851, and is a son of James and Elizabeth (Austin) Thurston, natives of New England. His father was a clergyman of the Uni- tarian faith and died in 1873, while his mother survived him many years and was ninety-three years of age at the time of her demise.

Charles A. Thurston was reared at West Newton, just outside of the city of Boston, and his education was completed in an English and classical school. Dur- ing his early manhood he was engaged in a warehouse business in Boston, but in March, 1883, he came to Dawson county, where the Indians still made their homes, and buffalo were yet to be found roaming the prairies. Embarking in the cattle and horse business, he had just begun to feel that he was making a success of his undertaking when the terrible storms of the winter of 1886-7 broke across the country, playing havoc will all manner of livestock, and Mr. Thurston, like many others, found himself once more without capital. Nothing daunted, he secured a small band of sheep and started to recuperate his fallen fortunes, soon adding cattle and horses, and taking up a tract of land thirty- two miles west of Glendive, where he leased five sec- tions, this being known throughout the west as the Thurston Horse Ranch. During some of his largest years he had as many as 500 horses on this property, including Percheron, Clydesdale and Kentucky saddlers. For his sheep, in which he still deals extensively, he has a ranch covering four sections in the Red Water country. Mr. Thurston is president of the First Na- tional Bank, a position which he has held since the organization of that institution, which was promoted in 1904. In all of his dealings he is recognized as one of the most fair and honorable of business men, and as a citizen he is held in such a high degree of regard that he has been urged to accept public office at the hands of his fellow-townsmen. He is pre-eminently a business man, although he has been the Democratic nominee for state representative and senator, but has always been defeated. He is unmarried.

JOHN G. HOLLAND is a decidedly prominent citizen of Butte, Montana, where he has resided for many years and where he is well known as president of the thriving business concern known as the Holland Commercial Company, with offices at Nos. 301-5 North Main street.

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At Virginia City, March 19, 1871, occurred the birth of John G. Holland, who is a son of Patrick J. and Mary (Sullivan) Holland, both of whom were born in County Cork, Ireland, the former on the 17th of September, 1842, and the latter on the 17th of March, 1842. The father came to America in 1860 and located at Hancock, Michigan, where he continued to reside for the ensuing five years and whence he eventually removed to Virginia City, Nevada. While a resident of the latter place he was associated with the late Marcus Daly, in the contracting business and after his arrival at Butte, in 1883, he continued to be allied with Mr. Daly in various business projects until the latter's demise, in 1900. He was specially interested in mining affairs at Butte and was financially connected with the Anaconda and the Orphan Boy mines until his retire- ment from business in 1902, and his subsequent removal to Oakland, California, where he is now passing the declining years of his life in comfort and happiness. Patrick J. Holland was united in marriage to Mary Sullivan, at Virginia City, May 27, 1870. To this union were born seven children, as follows: John G., the im- mediate subject of this review; Mollie, who died Decem- ber 1, 1910, and was a teacher in the Butte schools prior to her death; Daniel, who died at the age of one year, in 1876; Patrick Henry, born in 1877, who is a resident of Butte and is secretary and treasurer of the Holland Commercial Company ; Margaret, who was born in 1879, and is a popular and successful teacher in the public schools of Butte; Katherine V., born in 1881, and a teacher in the Oakland, (Cal.) schools; and Edward M., born in 1884, who is vice-president of the Holland Commercial Company, at Butte. Six of the above children were graduated in the Butte high schools.

In politics Mr. Holland is a stanch supporter of the principles and policies for which the Democratic party stands sponsor and has long been an active factor in the local councils of that organization. In 1897 he was hon- ored by his fellow citizens with election to the office of city clerk of Butte, retaining that incumbency for a period of two years, at the expiration of which he was elected county treasurer of Silver Bow county. In 1908 he was elected county commissioner, serving one term. Since 1909 he has been a valiant member of the Butte school board and in every way has done his utmost to forward the good and improvement of the city. He is affiliated with the Woodmen of the World, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Robert Emmett Literary Society. In his re- ligious belief he is a devout communicant of the Roman Catholic church, in whose faith he was reared.

On June 17, 1896, at Butte, was solemnized the mar- riage of Mr. Holland to Miss Mamie Medin, a daughter of Marco and Sarah Medin and a native of Hamilton, Nevada, where she was born August 28. 1874. The Medin family resided in Virginia City, Nevada, prior to coming to Butte, in 1889. Marco Medin was called to eternal rest June 20, 1901, and Mrs. Medin now resides in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Holland. Mr. and Mrs. Holland are popular and active factors in con- nection with the best social affairs of their home com- munity and are everywhere honored and esteemed for the exemplary lives and genial personalities. They have had four children, as follows: Marie S., born June 20, 1897, who died January 17, 1904; John M., born Decem- ber 12, 1899; Edward T., born February 12, 1903; Sarah M., who was born May 24, 1905, and died January 23, I912.

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A history of Montana, Volume II, Part 116

Author: Sanders, Helen Fitzgerald, 1883- Publication date: 1913 Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 1002

Author: Sanders, Helen Fitzgerald, 1883-
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1002