A history of Montana, Volume III, Part 19

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

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Politically Mr. Wright supports the principles of the Republican party. Fraternally he is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and of the Knights of Pythias, and in the lodges of both orders he has filled all the chairs. He likewise belongs to the Judith Club, and to the Lewistown Commercial Club. Having the utmost confidence in the future of Mon- tana, Mr. Wright firmly believes that it offers the great- est of inducements to settlers and for investment, and takes an active interest in any movement tending to- wards the betterment of Lewistown, being a believer in the "doing of things." He takes much pleasure in the study of history; likes theatricals and music; is interested in all outdoor sports, particularly baseball; and is fond of automobiling, owning two fine motor cars.

Mr. Wright married, in Lewistown, Montana, in May, 1890, Lizzie M. Gudgell, a daughter of Robert G. and Attilla Gudgell, and they are the parents of two children, namely: Frank A., now taking a law course in the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor; and Robert G., a student in the Lewistown high school.

SAMUEL K. WEBSTER. A resident of the state of Montana for more than a quarter of a century, during which time he has been prominently identified with the cattle and sheep industry, Samuel K. Webster, of Newlon, Custer county, comes of an old and prominent New England family. He was born at Unity, Waldo county, Maine, March 13, 1866, and is a son of Charles M. and Ann M. (Kelley) Webster. His grandparents, David and Martha Webster, were hoth natives of Maine, the former being a prominent Whig and serv- ing as selectman and in numerous township offices, while his business was that of an agriculturist.

Charles M. Webster was born in the town of Free- dom, Waldo county, Maine, in 1836, and spent his boyhood days under the parental roof. Although given but few educational advantages, he early in life displayed traits of energy and industry, secur- ing employment in the shipyards of the Maine coast during the summer months, while his winters were spent in clerking in stores at Bath. In 1862 he en- listed in Company A, Fourth Regiment, Maine Volun- teer Infantry, with which organization he served three years, participating in all the engagements in which it took part and securing an honorable discharge at the close of hostilities. At the battle of Bull Run his horse fell upon him, inflicting injuries from which he never fully recovered. He was popular and a valued comrade of the Grand Army of the Republic. In po- litical matters he was a stanch and active Republican and served as. a member of the township school board for several years. During middle life Mr. Webster engaged in carpenter work and farming, and in 1882 left the east and came to Meagher county, Montana, where he followed carpentering, contracting and build- ing, and erected the Clendenning Hotel and store at Martinsdale. In the summer of 1883 he went to White Sulphur Springs, where he also followed contracting, but eventually returned to his native state, where his last years were spent in contracting and farming, and there his death occurred July 2, 1911. A man of ex- ceeding kindness of heart, he was ever ready to assist those who had not been as fortunate as he, and the extent of his charities probably will never be known,

while his high moral character and strict temperance served as an example worthy of emulation by the youth of his locality, and he was esteemed and re- spected by all who knew him. He married Ann M. Kelley, a native of Unity, Waldo county, Maine, who survives him and makes her home at Redlands, Cali- fornia, and they had three children : Alice, who was the wife of Wellington Knight and died in 1888 at New- burg, Maine; Samuel K .; and Elizabeth, who was the wife of Edward Rand, and died in 1907, in Waldo county, Maine.

Samuel K. Webster secured his education in the public schools of his native state, and until he reached his majority made his home with his parents. In the spring of 1887 he came to Meagher county, Montana, locating on the banks of the Musselshell river, where he first worked on a sheep ranch. Later he engaged in business on his own account, and also acted as super- intendent for Ralph Berry, who did a large sheep exporting business. In this connection, Mr. Webster made a trip to Liverpool, England, with a consignment of stock, and was also in charge of the business at different points in Montana, Wisconsin, Illinois and North Dakota. Mr. Webster later became manager for W. E. Harris, in Custer county, where he subse- quently formed a partnership with J. L. Wilson, in sheep and cattle raising, under the firm name of Wilson & Webster, but after a period of successful operating the firm dissolved, Mr. Wilson taking the sheep and Mr. Webster the cattle. In 1911 Mr. Webster sold his ranch and cattle and located in Dawson county, where he carries on farming on the United States irrigation lands. This property, located about thirty- five miles from Glendive, is the site of the new Northern Pacific Railroad station, established in the fall of 1912, the building of which so advanced land values in this section. Mr. Webster is a far-seeing business man of exceptional ability. Possessing a gift of recognizing opportunities, the courage to grasp them and the ability to carry his ventures through to a suc- cessful conclusion, he has been identified with trans- actions of an extensive nature, and is known all over this section as one of the leading representatives of the ranching industry. Politically he is a Republican,

Faitfully yours Peter De Pierres

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but has never cared to hold public office, although he has done his duty as a public-spirited citizen by serving three years as a member of the school board in Custer county. Fraternally, he is connected with Star of the West Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Unity, Maine.

On December 13, 1896, Mr. Webster was married to Miss Lorna Edna Lovering, who was born in Miles City, Montana, daughter of Frank and Sylvia (God- frey) Lovering, the former a native of New Hamp- shire and the latter of Minnesota. Mr. Lovering died in December, 1910, but his widow survives him and makes her home in Dawson county. Four children were born to them: Charles, Lenora, Lorna, Edna and George I. Mr. Lovering came to Montana in 1880, locating in Custer county near the present site of Miles City. Coming up the Missouri river by boat, he was engaged in hunting buffaloes for their hides, but sub- sequently removed to Dawson county, on the Yellow- stone river, where he took up government land and engaged in farming. For two years he was also en- gaged in fruit culture in the Wenatchee valley, of Washington, but then returned to his homestead, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a stanch Republican in political matters, served as a member of the school board for many years, and was one of the organizers of the Newland school. Mr. and Mrs. Webster have four children: Charles M., Cecil L., Daniel W. and Alice Edna.

WILLIAM C. RAE. Among the representative and enterprising citizens of Carbon county is the gentle- man whose name here appears, occupying as he does a position in the front rank among those noted for success, integrity and fair business dealing, as well as having occupied various positions of public trust dur- ing the last six years and displaying executive ability of a high order. Mr. Rae was born at Fort Dodge, Webster county, Iowa, and is a son of John and Margaret (Carroll) Rae, natives of Scotland, the former born January 19, 1842, and the latter ten years later. John Rae came to the United States at the age of twenty years on a sailing vessel, and after land- ing in New York City, made his way to Ohio and sub- sequently to Webster county, Iowa. He was employed as a stationary engineer and mining foreman, and moved to Red Lodge, September 22, 1887, here being engaged in developing coal mines for the Rocky Ford Coal Company. In 1911. he retired from active busi- ness cares, and at this time is making his home with his children at Gebo, Wyoming. In his native country he was initiated into Masonry, and here became a member of Star of the West Lodge, No. 40, A. F. & A. M. In political matters he is a Democrat. In Iowa he was married to Margaret Carroll, who died in 1902, having been the mother of seven sons and seven daughters, thirteen of these children still sur- viving, and William C. being the seventh in order of birth.

William C. Rae was educated in the public schools of Red Lodge, Montana, and his first employment was a clerk for Col. L. Whitney, of Carbanido, in whose employ he continued for about six years. At the end of that time he returned to Red Lodge, where he was employed as a clerk, and also spent some time in the same occupation at Butte and Billings. In the latter city he was associated with Col. A. L. Babcock, in the hardware business until 1905, when he became manager for the Bear Creek Mercantile Company, at Bear Creek, and was connected with that concern until March 1, 1906. At that time he took up the duties of county. treasurer, to which office he had been elected, and continued to serve therein until 1910, when he was elected county clerk and recorder, being the present incumbent of the office. His long business experience has been of great value to him in managing the county's affairs, and his administration has been such

as to win the unqualified approval of the citizens of his community. But higher honors have been accorded him; on November 5, 1912, he was elected state treas- urer of Montana. In political matters he is a stanch Democrat and is influential in the councils of his party in Carbon county. Fraternal matters have demanded his interest to some extent, and he is a valued member of Star of the West Lodge, No. 40, A. F. & A. M., and Carbon Chapter, R. A. M., and past exalted ruler of Bear Tooth Lodge, No. 534, B. P. O. E.

On May 7, 1905, Mr. Rae was united in marriage with Miss Eleanor Lennon, who was born at St. Paul, Minnesota, and they have one daughter, Ruth Eleanor. The family home is situated at No. 19 West Third street, Red Lodge, Mr. Rae's official duties making it necessary that he maintain an office in the court house in this city. He and his wife have a wide acquaintance here and are general favorites socially.

MONSEIGNEUR PETER DE SIERE. The Catholic church, which is in many respects one of the most won- derful organizations among men, is in nothing more conspicuous and renowned than in its knowledge of genuine merit and its reward of faithful and valuable services performed by its hierarchy, individually or col- lectively. One of the striking proofs of this was given on June 17, 1911, when Rev. Peter De Siere of Butte, Montana, was elevated to the rank of Monseigneur, or Domestic Prelate. This action by the church gave the Catholics of the Northwest great gratification, as they had long known Father De Siere's commanding abil- ity and devotion to the church, and were delighted that they had not been overlooked in Rome.

Father De Siere was born in Flanders, Belgium, on April 16, 1843, and is a son of Peter and Mary (Vienne) De Siere, natives of Belgium, and the second of their eight children in the order of birth. He obtained his academic education in good schools in his native land, and was also prepared for the priesthood there, com- pleting his course of training in theology in 1867. He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Faict and after serving as professor in Dixmude College for twelve years, served as assistant pastor of the church in Roulers and later pastor in Westende in his native land until 1887. In that year he came to the United States and the state of Montana, locating first at Deer Lodge without a regular charge at the time. For sixteen months he labored arduously and effectively as assistant to Father De Ryckere at Deer Lodge, and was then appointed assistant to Father Van de Van of St. Pat- ricks church in Butte. Three months later he was made pastor at Anaconda. and in that city he built St. Paul's church and parish house. From his youth he lias been progressive and aggressive. Difficulties have never daunted him, and where others have feared to tread he has walked boldly forward, challenging Fate herself into the lists and meeting her on almost equal terms. He was therefore just the man to accomplish what he did in Anaconda, and what he has since done in Butte.

Before he left his native land he built at Westende, on the shore of the North Sea, the first sisters' school in that parish. The bishop of the diocese at the time thought the undertaking was impossible of accomplish- ment, but the indomitable spirit of the man who after- ward crossed the Rockies to administer to the scattered population of a then practically unexplored section of this country was not to be daunted. He started the school with two sisters and seventy-five children. Twenty-five years later it had seven sisters in charge and its pupils numbered two hundred and thirty-five, and in that period its standing in public estimation had grown enormously and become as firmly fixed as Gib- raltar.

In 1893 Father De Siere was appointed pastor of St. Patrick's church in Butte. When he took charge of the parish he found a debt of $48,000 on the school building

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confronting him. He has since cleared the school building of debt, built the Sisters' Home at a cost of $19,000, enlarged the church at an expenditure of $15,000, and erected a priests' home at an outlay of $21,000. The ordinary running expenses have steadily increased also, but he has been able to provide for them without again going heavily into debt for any purpose in connection with the church.

The elevation of this fine scholar, excellent business man and devout representative of holiness to the rank and dignity of domestic prelate was well deserved by him and enthusiastically received by the people of Mon- tana without regard to their religious affiliations, and has been universally recognized as an honor most worthily bestowed. Persons of all nationalities and creeds have found the recipient deserving of their high- est esteem and have freely and gladly bestowed it on him. The honor dates back to the eleventh century. The college of cardinals was then created by the pope to look after the temporal administration of the church, and at the same time the order of domestic prelates was founded, its members to be intermediaries between the cardinals and the Holy See.

At first exacting qualifications of a most severe nature were demanded of those to be so highly hon- ored. A five years' course in canon law was necessary and two years' practice in an ecclesiastic court. But as these very exacting conditions barred many men of great capability, especially missionaries in remote dis- tricts, from holding office, the requirements were low- ered in course of time. But even now, the honor is rarely conferred, and only on those whose learning, worth and work are far above the ordinary. At the present time, before any priest can be raised to the dignity of domestic prelate, the bishop of the diocese must certify, along with other things, that he is a doc- tor of canon law or Sacred Scripture, that he has done uncommon service for the welfare of the church, and that he will add honor to the office.

In the case of Father De Siere these requirements were easy to meet. His extensive learning, both in reference to the Scriptures and in general, was well known. His services to the church in this part of the world and in his native land were conspicuous, and his high character and admirable manhood would give distinction to any position he might occupy. And these facts were so patent to all who know the monsigneur that the bishop must have had unusual pleasure in cer- tifying to them, as the pope must also have had in receiving the certificate.

JOHN McPARLAND. A resident of Montana for more than a quarter of a century, John McParland, justice of the peace and prominent rancher of Harlowton holds prestige among the leading citizens of his com- munity, where he is known as a man who has led an industrious and useful life and whose activities have served in no small measure to advance the in- terests of his adopted state. Like many of the Treas- ure state's most successful citizens, Mr. McParland is a native of the peaceful country to our north, the Dominion of Canada, where he was born February 29, 1864.

Mr. McParland secured a good education in the common schools of his native vicinity, and as a youth earned his first money working on a dairy farm. While still there he started to learn the trade of jeweler, which he has followed for many years. At the age of twenty-one he left Canada and went to North Dakota, locating in the city of Pembina, where he worked at his trade and also as a farmer until 1887, which year saw his advent in Montana, this state having been his place of residence ever since. Locat- ting first at Fort Benton, he remained in that city and vicinity for about sixteen years, following the jeweler's- trade and watch repairing, and on leaving Fort Ben-

ton settled in Utica for one year. Since 1904 he has been a resident of Harlowton, where for four years he was engaged in following the jewelry trade and watch repairing, but in 1908 took up a homestead, on which he has since proved up. The success which attended his efforts in a business way has been equalled by that which has rewarded his agricultural opera- tions, his industry, energy and enterprise bringing about excellent results. With an intense faith in the agricultural future of Montana, whose climate and soil conditions he believes to be unexcelled, he has applied progressive methods and modern ideas to his work, and is acknowledged to be one of the leading farmers of his section.

While a resident of Fort Benton, May 7, 1896, Mr. McParland was married to Miss Rosa A. Wood, form- erly of New York state, and to this union there has been born one child, a son, John V., who is a student in the public schools of Harlowton. Mr. McParland takes an active interest in political matters, being a stanch adherent of the principles and candidates of the Republican party. Known to be a just man and one of sound judgment and upright character, his fellow citizens have elected him justice of the peace on and off since 1905, and in this capacity he has shown marked ability. Religiously he leans towards the faith of the Methodist church, of which his wife is a member. A rooter of the first water, Mr. Mc- Parland heartily enjoys a baseball game, while hunt- ing and fishing find him a skilled devotee, while he is also a lover of fine horses, and devotes a good part of his time to driving and to athletics in general. He also appreciates music, whether instrumental or vocal, and regularly attends the theatre, although he is also fond of home and may be found there almost every evening, engrossed in a book from his library, he being an omnivorous reader. During his long resi- dence in Montana he has formed a wide acquaintance, and he and Mrs. McParland are very popular in their social set.

HARRY J. SKINNER. Foremost among the leading business men of Cascade county, Montana, is Harry J. Skinner, president of the State Bank of Belt, president of the State Bank of Stockett and vice-president of the Commercial Trust & Savings Bank of Great Falls, Mon- tana. He is accounted, and with every good reason, to be one of the most progressive and public-spirited cit- izens of this section of the state. Mr. Skinner was born April 4, 1866, in the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, the son of Adolphus L. Skinner, one of the most eminent and influential men of that city. Adolphus Skinner was a native of New York, but in 1840, while still a child, he became a resident of Michigan, then an infant state. There he later entered actively into business, pub- lic and political life, as a citizen of Grand Rapids, where he engaged in real estate and insurance business, and as a member of the Democratic party filled various offices, among them that of county clerk, county re- corder, alderman, supervisor, and other official stations of not less importance. In fact, he held office in divers capacities twenty-four times, with a record of but four defeats against twenty-four victories. He was a suc- cessful man in a business way, and one of the suburbs of Grand Rapids is known as the A. L. Skinner addi- tion, of which he was the original owner, and which he platted. In 1895, when he was sixty-five years old, he passed away in the city with which he had been so long identified. His wife was Lucinda Provin, a native of Michigan, who passed away in 1882. Of the three sons born to them, Harry J. was the second, and Frank, the eldest, died at the age of six years. The other sur- viving son is Mark Skinner, now cashier of the Com- mercial Trust & Savings Bank of Great Falls.

Mr. Skinner was reared in Grand Rapids and received a common and high school education in that city. At

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the age of twenty-one, or in 1887, he came to Great Falls, Montana, where he took a position in the First National Bank, beginning in the work at the extreme lower rung of the ladder, but with a thorough determi- nation to become a master of the banking business. After a year in the first position he assumed, he became manager of the interests of the bank in Tribune, re- maining in charge for two years. At the close of that period he severed his connection with the bank and be- came one of the organizers and the cashier of the Bank of Sand Coulee, with which he continued to be identi- fied in an important capacity until 1891. Following that he was for a time associated with the State Bank of Neihart, first as cashier and then as president, and also was cashier of the First National Bank in that place for a short time. Returning to Great Falls, Mr. Skin- ner entered into the real estate, insurance and loan busi- ness in association with Webster & McNair, the firm style being Webster, McNair & Skinner, and for thir- teen years continued to be thus occupied. In the mean- time, Mr. Skinner had in 1895 assisted in organizing the State Bank of Belt, which had previously existed as a private institution, called the Bank of Belt. He became president of the re-organized bank and has since con- tinued to fill that responsible position. In July, 1911, he organized the State Bank of Stockett, of which also he officiates as president. The State Bank of Belt is capi- talized at $25,000, has a surplus of $5,000 and undivided profits of $6,000, with average deposits of $190,000. Its official personnel, besides Mr. Skinner, are D. A. Mc- Leod, vice-president, and W. C. Blomquist, cashier. The State Bank of Stockett has a capital of $20,000, deposits averaging $150,000 and its present loans aggregate $116,626. In its management Mr. Skinner has as asso- ciates L. C. McCoy, vice-president, and H. E. Dawson, cashier. On November 16, 1912, the Commercial Trust & Savings Bank opened its doors for business, its capi- tal stock amounting to $150,000. Of this new concern Mr. Skinner is vice-president. These accomplishments represent twenty-five years of diligent effort and the ex- ercise of good business discernment on the part of Mr. Skinner. who may well have a pride in his record of accomplishment.

Mr. Skinner is a Democrat in his political allegiance and is a prominent factor in both political and public affairs. He is a member of the Belt Commercial Club, and fraternally is affiliated with the Benevolent Pro- tective Order of Elks at Great Falls. He seeks di- version from confining business cares by operating fruit and poultry farm which he owns at Spokane, Washington.

Mr. Skinner was married at Great Falls, Montana, on November 9, 1891, to Miss Estelle E. T. Welch, a daugh- ter of Alonzo Welch, who was a native of Canada. Four children have been born to them: Mark G., born De- cember 12, 1892, at Great Falls; Gertrude, born May IO, 1894, at Neihart, Montana; Olive, born April 29, 1899, at Great Falls, and Ruth, born on February 17, 1904, also at Great Falls, Montana.

ERNEST A. SAVORY. In 1884 Ernest A. Savory, a young Englishman who had just attained the legal age of manhood, came to the United States to avail him- self of the opportunities here afforded young men of character, energy and ambition to work out a career. Nearly thirty years have passed since then and today finds him established as one of the most successful stockmen of Teton county, Montana.

Mr. Savory was born October 24, 1863, a son of Henry A. and Anna (Upjohn) Savory, both of whom also were natives of England. The father died in · Thornage, Norfolk county, England, in 1909 at the age of seventy-four, but the mother is still living and re- sides at Thornage. Sixteen children came to their union and of these Ernest A. is sixth in order of birth. To the age of seventeen our subject was educated Vol. III-5

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A history of Montana, Volume III, Part 19

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