A history of Montana, Volume III, Part 131

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

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At Kalispell, September 2, 1909, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Schwiers to Miss Clara Fuhricht, who was born and reared at Linz, Austria, and who is a daughter of Florian Fuhricht. Mr. and Mrs. Schwiers have no children. They are both well educated and are fond of reading and literary pursuits.

DR. CHARLES C. WALLIN. Appropriately enough, the year of Dr. Wallin's birth was that of the centennial of American independence, for he is a descendant of the Chadbourne who fought in the Revolution and has him- self served his country as a soldier. He was born in Saugatuck, Michigan, on the third day of the historic year above referred to, and until he was five, that now popular summer resort was his home. In 1881 the fam- ily moved to the neighboring town of Grand Rapids, and in that beautiful city he lived until he was twenty- six. After graduating from the Grand Rapids high school Charles Wallin attended the state university at Ann Arbor. Here he first graduated from the aca- demic course, receiving his A. B. in 1898. The same year he entered the medical school and in 1902 received his diploma in medicine. His course was interrupted by the advent of the Spanish-American war. Dr. Wallin enlisted in the Thirty-second Michigan Volunteers and went with them to Tampa, Florida, where he was trans- ferred to the hospital corps of the third division of the fourth army corps. While in the service he succumbed to an attack of typhoid fever and received his discharge on account of illness. He had felt it incumbent upon him to go to the front, as he was at that time the only member of the Wallin family eligible for enlist- ment, and patriotism was a family tradition.

Upon finishing his course in the university, Dr. Wallin began practice in Grand Rapids. He remained there for three years, and during that time was on the staff of three of the city hospitals.

In 1905 Dr. Wallin left Michigan and came to White Sulphur Springs, Montana. Three years later he came to Lewistown where he has quickly made an enviable place for himself, both professionally and personally. He is president of the Fergus County Medical Society and is on the medical board of the National Guards, in which he holds a captain's commission. He began to work for wages for his uncle at the age of fourteen years and was always ambitious from the time he earned his first munificent salary of $14.00 per month as a farm hand. He made a wise investment of his funds in a watch chain.

Mrs. Wallin was formerly Miss Florence A. Munro of Morrisburg, Ontario. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Munro, have long been residents of that city. Her marriage to Dr. Wallin took place on September 10, 1902. Like Dr. Wallin, she is a devout Episcopalian and a regular attendant upon the services of that church. Dr. Wallin is a member of the vestry committee. Chad- bourne Wallin, the only son of Dr. and Mrs. Wallin, was horn in Grand Rapids and is now attending school in Lewistown.

Dr. Wallin is a believer in the policies of the Repub- lican party, but he takes no part in the business of the local organization, for, like most physicians, his profes- sion leaves him little chance for such side lines. He is, however, somewhat prominent in Masonry and has taken all degrees from the blue lodge to the Shrine. While at White Sulphur Springs he was an officer in

the blue lodge. He belongs to the Elks and is one of the directors of the Lewistown lodge. Automobiling is one of his favorite sports. He finds a lively spin in the mountain air an ideal way of resting from the un- remitting cares of his work. When time permits, he is fond of witnessing a football game, too. When the weather or some other untoward circumstance prevents his going out in his car, Dr. Wallin soothes his wearied mind by the intricate harmonies of classical music, for which he has an unusual fondness, or he spends an enjoyable hour reading in his admirably chosen library.

Franklin B. Wallin, the father of the doctor, was born in New York state, but when only five, went to live in Michigan. There he grew up and engaged in the leather trade. He was a member of the war legislature of Michigan during Governor Blair's administration. He died in August, 1908, in his seventy-seventh year and is buried in Saugatuck. His wife, Hannah Chadbourne Wallin, was born in Otsego county, New York, but was married in Saugatuck. She now makes her home in Grand Rapids.

Dr. Wallin is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and he has proved himself no unworthy descendant of the men who won the glorious struggle against seemingly hopeless odds. Both in peace and in war he has done his share to pass on the fair inheri- tance, not merely undiminished, but enriched and with still greater opportunities for those who shall succeed ·to it.

FRANK PIVAL. Like thousands of other worthy men whose lot in their native country was always to labor, without the hope of achieving a competency, Frank Pival, of Libby, saw in the western world a rainbow of promise, and in the story of his life there is to be found a lesson for the youth of any land, something of a na- ture encouraging to the young aspirant, who, without friends or fortune, is struggling to overcome obstacles in his efforts to acquire an independent position and standing among his fellow men. Mr. Pival was born in Austria-Hungary, April 1, 1877, and is a son of Michael and Frances (Zea) Pival, both natives of Austria. His father, who was a contractor and farmer all of his life, passed away in 1887, at the age of fifty-two years, while his mother died in 1899 at the age of fifty-four. Of their four children, Frank and Joseph reside in Libby ; John is a resident of Spokane, Washington; and Mary, who married Mr. Trorusek, lives in Austria and has six children.

The education of Frank Pival was obtained in the public schools of his native country, and on completing his education he turned his attention to the trade of car- penter, learning the business with his father and becom- ing thoroughly skilled in all its details. As is the cus- tom in that country, Mr. Pival then entered the Aus- trian army, in which he served as a soldier for three years, and during two years of that time was on the Turkish frontier. On receiving his honorable discharge, he returned to his home, but soon determined to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities offered to young men of ability and energy in the United States, and on February 16, 1902, sailed for this country. Dur- ing the first four months of his residence here he made his home in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and he also spent three years in working at his trade in Wisconsin. Mr. Pival then came to Libby and erected a sawmill, which he operated for two and one-half years with some de- gree of success, but at the end of that time turned his attention to contracting and building. He has erected nearly all of the principal buildings which have been put up since that time in Libby, including the largest and most modern residences and the First National Bank building, and the excellence of his work and the absolute confidence which his reliability has bred have gained for him an enviable reputation, and assured him of an increasing business.

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Mr. Pival was married in Merrill, Wisconsin, in Aug- ust, 1903, to Miss Mary Sigmond, and they have two children : Emilia born June 13, 1903; and Raymond, born January 29, 1907, both at Merrill, Wisconsin, bright and interesting children who are attending the Libby public schools. Mr. Pival's rise in the world of busi- ness may be attributed to his steadfast endeavor, his in- dustry, inherent ability and absolute integrity. From a poor emigrant youth, friendless and without funds, he has brought himself to a position of prominence among the successful business men of his adopted section, and today has interests in a number of steadily growing enterprises, among which may be mentioned the Lincoln Mercantile Company, of which he is a director. With his family he attends the Roman Catholic church, among the congregation of which he numbers many friends, as he does, in fact, in all walks of life. His political belief is that of the Republican party, but his business affairs have satisfied his ambitions, and he has had no desire to enter the public arena as a seeker for the hon- ors and emoluments of political preferment.

BOWEN S. CONRAD. Since April 14, 1905, Bowen S. Conrad has been an enterprising citizen and representa- tive business man at Conrad, Montana, where his multi- farious interests keep him extremely busy. He is a man of progressive ideas, exactness and thoroughness characterize all his attainments and his life achievements worthily illustrate what may be accomplished by persist -. ent and painstaking effort.

Bowen Steward Conrad was born at Front Royal, Virginia, August 20, 1882, and he is a son of William R. and Nannie (Kerford) Conrad, both of whom were born and reared in Virginia, where was solemnized their marriage, and where Mrs. Conrad is still living. The father was engaged in agricultural pursuits during the greater part of his active career and he was summoned to the life eternal in May, 1901, at the comparatively early age of forty-four years. Mr. and Mrs. Conrad be- came the parents of eleven children, of whom the sub- ject of this review was the second in order of birth.

To the public schools of his native place Bowen S. Conrad is indebted for his preliminary educational train- ing, the same including a course in the Front Royal high school, in which he was graduated as a member of the class of 1901. After leaving school Mr. Conrad turned his attention to the life insurance business and was sales representative for the Metropolitan Life Insur- ance Company in Virginia for two years, at the expira- tion of which, in 1905, he came to Montana, settling at Conrad, where he entered the employ of the Conrad In- vestment Company, in. the surveying department of which concern he remained for the ensuing three years. He then established the City Dray Company and also be- came agent for the Continental Oil Company, and for the Minneapolis Brewing Company. In addition to the above interests he is engaged in the wholesale and retail ice business, the latter enterprise being known as the Conrad Ice Company. He has three men in his em- ploy and the sales in the oil business amounted to sixty thousand dollars in 1911, while his transfer work netted him a sum of seven thousand dollars. The ice company is likewise doing a splendid business.

In his political convictions Mr. Conrad is a stalwart supporter of the principles and policies for which the Republican party stands sponsor and he takes an active part in all matters affecting the civic welfare of his home community. He served one year as a member of the city council and during that time was influential in se- curing good legislation in various municipal matters. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the time-honored Ma- sonic order, with the Woodmen of the World and with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In religions matters he and his wife are devout Presbyterians. Mr. Conrad had but fifty cents in his possession when he came to Conrad and that sum was spent in buying post-

age stamps. Perseverance and a determination to suc- ceed have won him the high place he now holds in local business circles and he is recognized as a man whose methods have ever been of the fair and straightforward order. Mr. Conrad is a nephew of W. G. Conrad, of Helena, pioneer, multi-millionarie and a prominent fac- tor in state affairs.

At Helena, Montana, October 4, 1909, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Conrad to Miss Beulah Anthony, a daughter of J. G. Anthony, who is a retired banker at Great Falls, Montana, where he was born and whither his parents went as pioneers from Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Conrad have one child, Jeanne, whose birth oc- curred October 27, 1910.

AXEL C. ANDERSON has been identified with the com- mercial life of Missoula for the past seven years in a business way, and is recognized as one of the lead- ing men in the city today. The florist business, which is the line of enterprise which has held his attention all his life, is not one which in its nature would add unduly to the industrial wealth of the city, but his has been a large and worthy part in the beautifying of the city, and Missoula is indebted to him for the maintenance of one of the finest florist's establish- ments in Montana.

Mr. Anderson was born in Sweden on May 20, 1868, and is the son of Swen and Augusta Pauline (von Fjelberg) Anderson. The father still lives and con- ducts a florist business. to which he has devoted his entire life. His wife is the descendant of a fine old family of Sweden and comes of a long line of knights and warriors, the ancestral record of the family being traceable directly back to the fourteenth century. She died in 1907 at the age of sixty years, and is buried in Sweden. Six children were born to them, of which number Axel Anderson was the second born. But one other of the family came to America-Baida, a sister, who is married to Charles Mack and lives in Butte City, Montana.

The early education of Mr. Anderson was of a lim- ited character, but in his vocation he was thoroughly trained by his father who was, and still is, one of the prominent florists in his native land, and was in every way qualified to teach his son all the arts of the busi- ness. For some time before coming to America, which he did when he was nineteen years old, the young man was engaged in the most famous floral establishment in Sweden, at Guttenburgh. When he emigrated to the United States, he first settled in Minneapolis, where for a year he was engaged as assistant manager of the floral department of the State Reform School. He then went to Duluth and for four years was in the employ of Col. C. H. Graves as florist, and under his able supervision the home of Colonel Graves became one of the most beautiful spots in Duluth from a horti- cultural view point. He next started up in business on his own responsibility and built green houses at Glen Avon, a suburb of the city, and conducted a flower store in the city. After two years he sold the business and began traveling in the interests of the floral business, and he was variously engaged with some of the most important houses in that business in Chi- cago, St. Paul and Pittsburgh. While living in Duluth Mr. Anderson had married, and now, with his family, he paid a visit to his old home. They spent two years in Europe, and when they returned to the United States in 1905 he came direct to Missoula, where for three years he worked for another floral concern in the city, after which he entered business for himself, in which he has since continued. At first he was engaged in landscape gardening, but after a year he built his pres- ent greenhouses, and since that time he has carried on a general florist business. He enjoys the best of success with the business and ships heavily to all parts of west-

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ern Montana and northern Idaho. His place is thor- oughly modern and is equipped with the most up-to-date and perfect appliances known to the business. Mr. Anderson has made the business the study of his life and he is a botanist and horticulturist in the larger sense-not a mere florist. He has given close atten- tion to his work all his life and has developed many new things in the horticultural world. He has been particularly successful in the forcing of European bulbs, such as Narcissi, Tulips, Hyacinths and other bulbous plants. He has had most unequivocal success in the culture of roses, and has produced some special things in carnations and violets. To the decorative part of the business, Mr. Anderson is especially devoted, and gives much of his attention to the designing of elabo- rate and beautiful floral pieces. As for the business or commercial aspect of the enterprise, Mr. Anderson is not so attentive to that part of it, and the enterprise has prospered mightily in spite of that fact. Devoted to his profession and successful in so many of his pet projects, Mr. Anderson has every reason to be proud of his success. In addition to his reputation as a horticulturist, Mr. Anderson has won some prominence as a writer of poetry. He is an artist of considerable ability, also, and has exhibited some handsome speci- mens done in oil. While his education in his native land was necessarily limited, Mr. Anderson has amply made up that lack. After he came to this country for several years he continued study in night schools of the cities in which he found himself, and he thus gained a thor- ough mastery of the English language and accomplished not a little in the way of higher education. He is an inveterate reader of the best in literature, science, and all that pertains to his work, and is regarded as being something of a conversationalist as well.

Mr. Anderson is a Republican, but not a politician. His time is too much occupied with his interests to permit him to become involved in that way, nor has he the temperament which makes for political ambition. He is a member of the Royal Highlanders, and his religious beliefs incline toward the Lutheran faith. He is especially devoted to Montana, and in speaking of her likens her to a healthy infant, born of strong and excel- lent parents, developing beautifully under the influence of her diversified environment and gaining added strength with each passing year.

On March 13, 1894, Mr. Anderson was united in marriage at Duluth, Minnesota, to Cora G. Dunn, daughter of Frank P. and Theresa Dunn, natives of Pennsylvania. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson-two daughters and a son. They are Selma Cora, the eldest, living at home and engaged in the study of music. Alice Grace and Fred, both in school in Missoula. The family home is maintained at 1710 South Sixth street.

MOUNT ST. CHARLES COLLEGE. Among the institu- tions of higher education conducted under the auspices of the Catholic church, Mount St. Charles College at Helena has a conspicuous place. The college opened September 14, 1910, and is really the flower of edu- cational progress in the diocese of Helena.

Its foundation was the natural outgrowth of the educational policy adopted by Bishop Carroll upon his appointment to the diocese. Grammar schools had been well established; these the bishop increased in number and raised in efficiency. A few academies provided a high school course for the girls and there were high school departments for boys and girls in one or two of the parish schools. Bishop Carroll has succeeded in making high schools a distinct and perma- nent unit in the educational system, so that today there are central high schools in all the principal cities of the diocese. And so high is the standard of education that all the high schools which have sought it have been accredited to the University of Montana and in the

grade examination the grammar schools have proven themselves to be first in the state.

Helena led in the high schools movement. In Sep- tember, 1905, Bishop Carroll opened the first year of a high school course for boys in St. Aloysius School at Helena. This was a day school, but convinced of the necessity of a boarding school for boys the bishop found it possible in September, 1906, to open St. Aloysius In- stitute for boarders and day students.

Rev. J. M. Venus was its first principal. The follow- ing year Professor C. A. Scullon was appointed prefect of discipline and on the retirement of Father Venus to parochial work in 1909, Rev. Jos. C. Willging, of the Catholic University of America succeeded him. The growth of St. Aloysius Institute was steady and solid and it was soon apparent that newer and more commodious quarters would have to be provided. A magnificent tract of fifty acres lying on the edge of the city popu- larly known as Capitol Hill was secured as a site for the new college. Half of this tract belonged to the family of Governor Hauser and the other half was owned conjointly by the Great Northern Railway and George Bertine of New York. Thanks are owing to Governor Hauser and to Mr. Thomas Marlow for their efforts in obtaining the transfer of the property. To Mrs. A. P. Thatcher, wife of Dr. Thatcher and daughter of Gov- ernor Hauser, for donating her interest in the Hauser property, and to Mr. James J. Hill, chairman of the Great Northern Railway, for his liberality, the college owes a special debt of gratitude.

College plans were soon prepared and on June 16, 1909, ground was broken by Bishop Carroll for the new college. The corner-stone was laid September 27, 1909, by William Howard Taft, President of the United States. Bishop Carroll's address on the occasion was descriptive both of the site of the college and of the purpose of its establishment. The president's response was a compliment to the hierarchy and an endorsement of the religious educational policy of the church.

Bishop Carroll said: "Mr. President, we have laid the corner-stone of Capitol Hill College. The build- ing which will rise on these foundations we have named from the eminence whereon we stand-an eminence so lofty and beautiful and so set apart from the city, valley and mountains that it commands a complete view of that magnificent panorama which nature and man have spread out before us at this gate of the Rocky mountains. No wonder the people of Helena, from the day their city was made the capital of Montana, have with one accord pointed to this cminence as the natural site for the capitol building. Disappointed that the capital was not located here they are today consoled by the thought that our college will perpetuate the name they have given to the hill, and, as the years go by, will become a most potent ally of the state in securing obedience to the laws enacted in the capital. The aim of Capitol Hill College will be to give the young men of Montana a thorough, liberal education which will fit them for leadership in any vocation they may choose and at the same time so surround them with religious atmosphere that they may ever follow conscience as their king. Knowledge and virtue are the armor with which Capitol Hill College shall strive to equip its students. And these, says Washington, are the chiefest supports, the firmest props of both state and nation. It is with singular pleasure, Mr. President, I welcome you to this height and to this ceremony of the laying of the corner-stone of our college."

In response to the bishop President Taft said: "It gives me great pleasure to participate in the laying of corner-stones of institutions of learning, whether of church or state. We are liberal enough in this country to be willing to help along educational work of all denominations. The college you are building here will be a blessing to Helena and the whole state of Mon-

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HISTORY OF MONTANA

tana. The only trouble is we have not institutions enough of this kind in the United States.

"Though not of your faith I cannot but appreciate the good work your church is doing in this country. I am intimately acquainted with many members of the hierarchy, and I must say that our relations have always been most pleasant. I feel at home among them. I assure you, Bishop, I regard it as an honor and a pleasure both to have made your acquaintance and to have been asked to take part in the laying of the cor- ner-stone of your college. I wish you Godspeed in the completion of the institution."

Very Rev. S. J. Sullivan, D. D., was appointed first president of Mount St. Charles College. Failing health forced him at the close of the first college year to re- linquish the reins of active government and on Sep- tember 8, 1911, Rev. Jno. L. McMullen was appointed vice-president and placed in charge. On June 12, 1912, Father McMullen was appointed president of the col- lege. While his friends and associates very enthusias- tically credit his work and influence with much of success of the college, Father McMullen himself is a man of unassuming character and is too completely ab- sorbed in the practical duties of his work to think of claiming any honors for himself. He is at the head of a splendid institution, and aided by his faithful and efficient co-workers on the faculty has made the college one which has already justified the policies and plans of Bishop Carroll and has placed itself among the higher schools of Montana and one which will continue with increasing success and service throughout the suc- ceeding years.

WILLIAM R. HOCKING. Life teaches us that if we would succeed we must grasp the favorable moment, and it also teaches that the simplest rule for living is "Do that which lies nearest." William R. Hocking has succeeded in conforming his life to both of these rules. He did not look far afield for his work but was keen enough to realize that close at home there was a great field in which success awaited the man with brains and industry. This was assaying. When he was a boy there were few enough good assayers, and his quick mind readily grasped the fact and also saw that as the country was further developed the demand for such men would increase. He is gifted with the true scien- tific spirit. He has those characteristics that mark the true research man, particularly those who work in the field of chemistry. He is extremely painstaking, such a thing as careless or slipshod work being unheard of in his laboratory. He has always been a student, and will continue to be so throughout his life. A true scien- tist is a student from necessity, for science, especially the branch in which Mr. Hocking is interested, is go- ing forward by leaps and bounds, and anyone who professes to be a member of the craft must be con- stantly on the alert that some new discovery does not slip by him. In Mr. Hocking's case inclination for study is added to the necessity, and he is therefore one of the best informed men in the country on his sub- ject. In Butte he is recognized as one of the most trustworthy assayers, and he has a large clientele.

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A history of Montana, Volume III, Part 131

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