A history of Montana, Volume III, Part 110

Author: Sanders, Helen Fitzgerald, 1883-
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 970

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W. FREDERICK PATERSON, M. D. Montana is weil favored in the number of vigorous and energetic young men enlisted in the professional ranks of the state and the personnel of the medical branch shows a marked strength in ability and character. Dr. W. Frederick Paterson is a progressive representative of this pro- fession in a progressive state and by his success has established himself as one of the leading physicians in the thriving city of Belt.

Dr. Paterson was born in the city of Montreal, Can- ada, on December 22, 1875, a direct descendant of sturdy Scotch ancestry, being of the first generation of the family born on Canadian soil. Robert M. Pater-

son, the father of Dr. Paterson, was a native of Scot- land and at the age of nine years immigrated to Amer- ica with his parents, William Waddell Paterson and wife, who became early settlers at Windsor Mills, Quebec, Canada. There Robert M. Paterson grew to manhood and mastered his father's trade, that of a stone mason, later making practical use of his knowl- edge of that occupation as inspector of stone masonry for the Canadian Pacific Railway Company. It was while engaged in that service that he met an accidental death on July 4, 1896 by falling from a bridge. His wife was Margaret Mackie, through whom Dr. Pater- son inherits another strain of staunch Scotch blood, she, like her husband, having owed her nativity to Scot- land. At the age of seven she came to this country with her parents who settled at Hardwood Hill, near Windsor Mills, Quebec, Canada, where her father took up his former occupation as an agriculturist. She too has passed to life eternal, her death having occurred at the age of sixty-three years. Robert M. and Margaret (Mackie) Paterson were the parents of five children, of whom Dr. Paterson is the eldest.

Educated first in the public schools of Ontario, he subsequently became a student at St. Francis College, Richmond, Quebec and later matriculated at McGill University where he was graduated from the liberal arts department as a Bachelor of Arts. Following that he took up the study of medicine in the same univer- sity and was graduated from the medical department in 1900 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. For further practical experience he then became an interne in the Montreal General Hospital where he remained six months. In 1901 he came to Belt, Montana, to begin the practice of his profession, becoming asso- ciated first with Dr. C. E. K. Vidal, with whom he practiced seven years. Since 1908 his associate has been Dr. A. M. Macauley. Engaging in a general practice, he was successful from the first and now enjoys a representative clientele, his offices being in the State Bank building. During 1910 and 1911 he was city health officer of Belt and in a business way is connected with the New Drug Company of that city as a member of the firm. In line with his professional interests he sustains membership in the Canadian Medical Association.

On August 26, 1908 at Owatonna, Minnesota, was solemnized the marriage of Dr. Paterson and Miss Eva H. L. Malmo. Mrs. Paterson is the daughter of Ludwig, Malmo, a native of St. Peter, Minnesota, but of German descent. Dr. and Mrs. Paterson have two children: Jean Margaret Paterson, born December 28, 1909 at Belt, Montana, and Robert Malmo Paterson, born at the same place on the 6th of August, 1911.

The fraternal associations of Dr. Paterson are with the Masonic Order at Great Falls and with Cascade Lodge No. 34, Knights of Pythias at Belt, and he officiates as physician for the latter order. He is a communicant of the Episcopal church at Belt, in the work of which he takes an active part, being treasurer of the church and a member of the vestry committee. As a citizen he is public-spirited and progressive and evinces an active interest in promoting the develop- ment of his city and state through his membership in the Belt Commercial Club. Dr. Paterson is a man of courteous deportment and correct habits whose character and acquirements have elevated him to a high standing among the citizens of Belt and make him well worthy of recognition as one of the repre- sentative men of Montana.

JAMES H. IRWIN, M.D. In choosing among the professions for one to follow as their life work, many young men decide upon that of medicine as the most promising. In this, the one among all the learned professions that makes the greatest demands upon its followers, not all have the necessary qualifications,

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without which even the most thorough technical train- ing cannot insure success. Others there are, however, who are eminently fitted for the great work of allevi- ating the ills of mankind, both by nature and schooling, and Montana has its full quota of successful physi- cians and surgeons. One who has chosen the city of Great Falls as his field of practice, and who has met with pleasing success in his vocation, is Dr. James H. Irwin, maintaining offices in the Conrad Bank build- ing. He is a native of Donavan, Illinois, where he was born July 11, 1876, a son of Dr. Oliver H. and Laura (Ayers) Irwin, natives of Indiana. The found- ers of the Irwin family in America came to this country at an early day from Scotland, and from them Dr. Oliver H. Irwin inherited traits of honesty, integrity and sobriety that enabled him to become successful in his profession and to gain and retain the esteem and respect of his fellow men. In about the year 1875 he moved from Indiana to Illinois, and in later life went to Elk City, Oklahoma, where his death occurred. His wife, who died in 1907, while on a train near Silverton, Colorado, was buried by her husband's side in Elk City.

James H. Irwin received his early education in the public schools of Donavan, Illinois, and having inher- ited ability and disposition from his father decided to become a physician. He was accordingly given ex- cellent educational advantages by his parents, who sent him first to the high school at Sheldon, Illinois, and after his graduation there to Eureka College. After a preparatory course of study he then entered Rush Medical College, Chicago, and was graduated from that noted institution in 1899 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, subsequently serving an interne- ship of two years in the Presbyterian Hospital in that city. Dr. Irwin commenced practice at Havre, Mon- tana, in June, 1901, and continued there until May 23, 1903, when he came to Great Falls. Forming a professional partnership with F. J. Adams, he has con- tinued to devote himself to the practice of medicine and surgery, and has become recognized as one of the able and efficient professional men of his adopted city. He is one of the physicians for the Boston & Mon- tana Smelter Company, for the Chicago Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, as well as for a number of the leading insurance companies, and is connected with the Cascade County Medical Society, the Montana State Medical Society and the American Medical Association ; is a valued member of the Eagles, the Odd Fellows, the Woodmen of the World, the Elks and the Foresters, and holds membership also in the Electric City Club. The family attends the Congregational church. In political matters Dr. Irwin is a Republican, but has taken no active part. in public affairs. The pleasant family resi- dence is situated at No. 1416 Third avenue, North.

On February 17, 1903, Dr. Irwin was married to Miss Anna Barrett, and two children have been born to this union: Elizabeth Ann, born May 30, 1906; and James Barrett, born February 19, 1908, both in Great Falls.

HOWARD G. BENNET. Few laymen realize what strain of mind and body, what toil, what wealth of experience, zeal, watchfulness, knowledge and supremacy of skill and talent are necessary for the successful practice of law. In these modern days of specializing, many of the leading practitioners are giving their entire atten- tion to one branch of the profession, finding that they thus achieve greater prestige and secure better results than if their energies were devoted to a general prac- tice. In this connection may be mentioned Howard G. Bennet, of the firm of Berry & Bennet, of Great Falls, specialists in probate and mining law. Mr. Bennet has been a resident of this city for something more than ten years, and during this time has been identified with professional, business and social matters, attaining a

reputation as an advocate of good citizenship and public morality. He was born at Port Jervis, Orange county, New York, February 23, 1875, and is a son of Galen and Elizabeth (Conklin) Bennet, and comes of a family that has been prominent in various walks of life. The Bennet family is traced back in this country to the year 1668, when one James Bennet came from England and settled in the American colonies, where he had been given a land grant by the king. Later members of the family participated in the Revolution and the War of 1812, and a grand-uncle of Howard G. Bennet, Ben Bennet, was killed during the struggle for independence. His grandfather, James Bennet, was at one time a member of the United States legislature from New York state. On the maternal side, Mr. Bennet's an- cestors came from England and settled in New York about the early part of the seventeenth century, and members thereof also fought with the American troops during the Wars of the Revolution and 1812. His grandfather, Dr. John Conkling, was during his day a large holder of real estate, and was prominent in pro- fessional and public affairs. During the Civil war several of Mr. Bennet's uncles served in the Union army, and his father was drafted but was not compelled to go to the front. Mr. Bennet's first cousin, William S. Bennet, late candidate for governor of New York, is now representing the twenty-first congressional dis- trict of New York.

Galen Bennet, father of Howard G., was born at Port Jervis, New York, in March, 1838, and died there in June, 1911. He had various large interests of a busi- ness nature, being a successful merchant and manufac- turer, and well known in Port Jervis. His wife was born at Port Jervis, February 14, 1837, and died March 3, 1890, in that city, having been the mother of five children, of whom Howard G. was the fourth in order of birth.

Howard G. Bennet attended the public and high schools of Port Jervis, being graduated from the lat- ter with the class of 1893, and next entered the Univer- sity of New York, where he received the degrees of LL. B. and B. A., and graduated in 1896. At that time he began practice at Port Jervis, where he continued to reside until 1901, which year saw his advent in Mon- tana. He took up his residence in Great Falls in August, 1901, and for three years was connected with the Boston & Montana Smelting Company, subsequently becoming deputy assessor of Cascade county, a posi- tion which he held for two years. A partnership was then formed with Judge R. W. Berry, the firm being known as Berry & Bennet and has gained a wide reputation as specialist in probate law, Mr. Berry mak- ing a specialty of mining law. An active and influential Republican, Mr. Bennet has taken an active interest in national, state and local politics. He is secretary of the Reid Mining and Smelting Company, Great Falls, and a director in the Tenderfoot Copper Mining Company. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows, the Elks and the Eagles, is past president of the latter order. He is also ex-president of the Great Falls Athletic Association, a member of the University Club and the County Bar Association, and an attendant of the Congregational church. He maintains a handsome residence at 313 Third avenue, north, on Park drive.

On November 22, 1905, Mr. Bennet was married at Collins, Montana, to Miss Bessie Balstad, daughter of Ole and Betsy Balstad, natives of Norway, and they have one daughter : Elizabeth, born February 19, 1909.

GEORGE R. MARSH. The manager of the Lewistown Furniture Company, owned by Mr. Geo. M. Stone and Mr. Marsh, was born on September 25, 1881, in the town of' Verdon, Nebraska. There were four chil- dren in the family to which he belongs and he is the youngest. The father, William S. Marsh, is a native of the Badger state, where he was born February II,

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1845. He entered the Union army during the Civil war and became an officer in the Fifth Missouri Cav- alry. At the close of the war he resumed his farm- ing and now resides at Verdon, Nebraska, with his wife, Lillian Calvert Marsh.

George Marsh attended the public schools and de- voted himself first to securing an education. The first money he earned was spent for books. This was when he was but ten years old and was working, for seventy- five cents a day riding a lead team on a binder in the wheat fields of Nebraska. When he completed the work in the public school Mr. Marsh studied at the State Normal of Nebraska, in Peru, and then for a year pursued a business course in a commercial school in Lincoln. He gave three years to the profession of teaching in Nebraska, but decided that it did not offer sufficient field for initiative nor rewards for executive ability so he turned his attention to commercial lines. In June, 1901, Mr. Marsh came to Montana and settled in Billings, where he worked in a furniture store. He next accepted a position with the Northern Pacific Railroad, beginning in their machine shops at Livings- ton. He was transferred to the storekeeper's denart- ment and then to the general offices, as his organizing ability won him rapid promotion. From the general offices, he was sent to Lombard as chief clerk in the superintendent's office, from where he came to the city of Lewistown, the end of the branch railroad. A short time after his arrival in the city the Lewistown Furniture Company was organized and Mr. Marsh 'became one of the company. The concern started in a modest way, but has gradually added new depart- ments until now it is one of the large establishments of the Basin. For the past five years, Mr. Marsh has been the manager and has directed the policy of the house. The enlargement of the business and its flourishing condition are due in no small part to Mr. Marsh's acumen and sagacity.

Mr. "Marsh's genius for organization is recognized by the Progressive party and turned to the furthering of the party's influence. He was a delegate to the na- tional convention of the Progressive party at Chicago in 1912. Though active in its councils, Mr. Marsh is not an office seeker. He has never been persuaded to ac- cept any position within the gift of the faction and has no ambition for such a post. He is merely interested in politics for its own sake. Of the fraternal orders, he belongs to only one, the Masonic lodge. He is a member of the Judith club and of the National Guard of Montana. Walking is one of his favorite methods of exercise, and he is good for a long cross-country jaunt at a business-like gait. He is a member of the Methodist church, as is Mrs. Marsh too, and he is an active member, as he is prone to be in anything to which he belongs.

Mrs. Marsh was born in Montana in the Powder river country. Here her father, Andrew J. Collins, has extensive interests in the stock industry. The mar- riage of George Marsh and Emma Collins took place at Grand Island, Nebraska, on June, 1903. Their two sons, Andrew and Wilford Marsh, are now in school in Lewistown. Though not long a resident of Lewis- town, Mr. Marsh has made a place for himself in the commercial life of the town and he is one of the younger men whom the veterans in the business world of Lewistown count upon to maintain the high stand- ing of the district as a region of great and substan- tial prosperity.

HON. J. FRANK ALSPAUGH. It has been frequently demonstrated that the ability which is developed in an active business life, in large commercial transactions, and the rapid changes of trade and finance, have proved extremely valuable in the management of the affairs of a community. The accomplished merchant, with years of experience behind him, and having learned to

take a plain, commonsense view of matters of municipal importance, is able to render signal service to his city in official capacities, and there has been no exception to this rule in the career of J. Frank Alspaugh, prom- inent business man and mayor of Livingston, Montana. He was born at Greencastle, Putnam county, Indiana, September 15. 1877, and is a son of Christian I. and Ellen (Woodfield) Alspaugh.

Christian I. Alspaugh was born in Putnam county, Indiana, August 31, 1852, and was there given a good common school education and graduated from the high school. Subsequently he learned the trade of harness maker, and after working at the trade for some years, in 1880 established himself in business on his own ac- count at Waveland, where he continued to carry on operations until 1907. In that year he removed to Livingston, Montana, where he still follows the same line of business. Politically a Republican, he has stanchły supported that party's candidates since casting his first vote for U. S. Grant for president. Fraternally he is a thirty-second degree Mason, and he and his wife are earnest members of the Order of the Eastern Star. Mrs. Alspaugh was born on August 28, 1853, and they were married on April 18, 1876, there being three chil- dren born to them, namely: J. Frank, Joseph and Jessica.

J. Frank Alspaugh received his education in the pub- lic schools of Greencastle and Waveland, Indiana, and his first business venture was in the latter place, where he was proprietor of a clothing establishment until 1901. In that year he came to Livingston, and engaged in the same line under the firm name of Alspaugh & Fraser. He took over Mr. Fraser's part in 1907 and became the proprietor of the Progress Clothing Store, a success- ful enterprise that is steadily growing and has well- appointed quarters at No. 107 North Main street. The eminently practical and sensible constitution of his mind, and the thoroughness of his training aided Mr. Alspaugh materially in gaining a foothold in the business world of Livingston, and the success which attended his efforts established him firmly in the confidence of his fellow citizens. When he was but twenty-one years of age, he had served as city clerk of Waveland, Indiana, and in April, 1911, he became the candidate of the Repub- lican party for the office of mayor, and was elected by a handsome majority. He is giving the city a clean, effective and businesslike administration, his accom- plishments marking him as a man of much more than ordinary executive ability. He has been active in the counsels of his party, and has influence with its leaders. Fraternally, Mayor Alspaugh is connected with Living- ston Lodge No. 246, B. P. O. E .; Zephyr Camp No. 151, W. O. W .; and Silver Tip Camp No. 5765, M. W. A.

On June 23, 1905, Mr. Alspaugh was married to Miss Shirley Hatfield, who was born at Savanna, Carroll county, Illinois, daughter of Edward and Clementine Hatfield, both of whom are deceased, and sister of Myrtle F., who is married and residing in Oklahoma. Mr. and Mrs. Alspaugh have had one daughter : Ellen Alice.

AUGUST EDHAM JENSEN. This enterprising, progres- sive and popular druggist, of Norwegian ancestry but American birth and rearing, who conducts one of the best neighborhood drug stores in Butte at 333 South Montana street, and is one of the most popular mer- chants in the city, is a fine representative of the vigor- ous and hardy race from which he sprang, and of the aggressive and determined industrial and mercantile energy and sweep of vision of the American people, among whom his whole life to the present time has been passed.

Mr. Jensen was born in the village of Baldwin, St. Croix county, Wisconsin, on August 5, 1879, and is a son of Paul and Katharine (Anderson) natives of Norway, but residents of Wisconsin from their early married life. The father was born in 1846, married at

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the age of nineteen, and came to the United States im- mediately after his marriage. He is now living at Baldwin, Wisconsin, where he located on his arrival in this country in 1865, and is enjoying the comfort- able estate of a retired country merchant. The mother was born about 1848 and died at Baldwin in March, 1883. Six children were born in the family, of whom August was the fourth in numerical order.

He attended the public school in Baldwin until he reached the age of sixteen years. When he was eighteen he pursued a course of preparatory study at the Wis- consin Academy in Madison, the capital of the state, and at the same time entered the department of phar- macy and chemistry in the Wisconsin University. While in the latter institution, in addition to the full course in pharmacy and chemistry, he studied languages, and acquired a good working knowledge in those he studied. He was graduated from the university in pharmacy and chemistry with the degree of Graduate in Pharmacy, in 1901, then came to Montana and located in Great Falls.

In that city he found employment for several months in the service of J. W. Roberts, a gentleman of prom- inence in local, state and national politics, but soon learned that conditions were more favorable for his profession in Butte than in Great Falls. He therefore came to Butte and soon after his arrival in the city became connected with the Newbro Drug Company, the leading drug house in Butte. He remained with this company five years, then went into the employ of the Fosselman Drug Company, with which he remained one year.

At the end of the last period mentioned he returned to the employ of the Newbro Drug Company and worked for it one year longer. By this time Mr. Jensen found himself in a position to open a drug store of his own, and in 1908 he founded the business he is now conducting at 333 South Montana street, where he be- gan it. The venture has been a success from the be- ginning and the store has won a high reputation as one of the best in the city. It serves the neighborhood in which it is located with great satisfaction to the resi- dents and enjoys a large and active trade.

When he entered the university Mr. Jensen borrowed the money necessary for the completion of his educa- tion. He repaid this in full out of his first earnings after coming to Montana, and he started his business with savings accumulated during his clerkships in the employ of others. His home training and influences were of the best character, and he has never deviated from the straight and narrow path marked out for him by the teachings and examples of his parents. His adherence to it has been one of the large elements of his success in business and a potent factor in winning the high regard and full confidence of the people around him which he enjoys.

The training which he received at his home also em- bodied the cultivation of filial affection and loyal devo- tion among all the members of the household. In obedi- ence to this spirit Mr. Jensen is aiding his younger brother, Carroll, in completing his professional educa- tion. The young man was born at Baldwin, Wisconsin, on May 13, 1891, and is now a student in the department of pharmacy and chemisty in the University of Val- paraiso, Indiana. He has exemplified the teachings of the family fireside, too, in the help he has given his brother August, in building up his business in the drug store.

From early in 1909 until he went to the University, Carroll Jensen was a clerk in the store, and as he is of a genial and companionable nature, he gathered around him a host of young friends who have become permanent patrons of the store and helped to spread its good name throughout the city and bring it additional patron- age. The brothers have thus worked and are still work- ing together for their mutual benefit and are reaping the reward of their nleasing exhibition of family loyalty

by business advantages extensive in both volume and value.

August Jensen is earnestly interested in the good of his community and helps in every way he can to pro- mote its advancement. He votes with the Republican party in national elections, but takes no part in local political contests except to cast his ballot for the men whom he considers the most acceptable candidates no matter what ticket they are on. He is a member of the Lutheran church. His residence is in the same build- ing as his store at 333 South Montana street, but he is unmarried. He is young yet in his profession, but full of promise. His advance in prosperity, in business expansion and in public esteem as a business man, an accomplished pharmacist and an excellent citizen is steady and rapid, and if life and health are spared to him he is looked upon as sure to attain eminence in the city and state of his adoption, to which he is al- ready a great credit and altogether worthy of the good repute he enjoys.

ALFRED B. GUTHRIE. Since 1907 Alfred B. Guthrie has been identified with newspaper work in Choteau, although previous to that time he had devoted his ener- gies to the pedagogic art, and had experienced unusual success as an educator, and for six years was principal of the high school of Choteau. A native of Indiana, Mr. Guthrie was born in Lawrence county, that state, on June 20, 1872, and is the son of Marshall and Mary (Payne) Guthrie, both native born Indianans. Marshall Guthrie was a farmer and a veteran of the Civil war, in which he served for one year, at the end of that time being discharged for illness. He died in 1904 at his home, aged sixty-four years. The mother was born and reared in Bedford county, Indiana, of which county her family were pioneer settlers. Seven children were born to them, Alfred, of this review, being the first born.

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A history of Montana, Volume III, Part 110

Author: Sanders, Helen Fitzgerald, 1883- Publication date: 1913 Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 970

Author: Sanders, Helen Fitzgerald, 1883-
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 970