A history of Montana, Volume III, Part 55

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

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Mr. Rodgers, as a member of the Masonic fraternity, affiliates with the blue lodge and chapter, and is a member of the Knights of Pythias as well. He is a member of the Silver Bow Club of Butte, the Lambs Club of Helena and the Anaconda Club at Anaconda. He is the owner of one of the finest and largest private libraries in the state, aside from his professional library, ' which, in view of his fondness and that of his wife and daughters for good literature, is an especial pleasure to him.

On June 17, 1896, Mr. Rodgers was married to Alice Jeannette Knowles, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William D. Knowles, of Petersburg, Ilinois, where the marriage took place. They have one child, Margaret Elizabeth, who is attending school. Mrs. Rodgers is a member of the Presbyterian church in which she takes an active interest, and shares in all the labors of that organiza- tion. She is a woman of wide culture, devoted to her home and deeply interested in Mr. Rodger's success, to which she has contributed in a large measure.

DANIEL BUTCHER. The subject of this review, a well- known citizen of Helena, where he has resided for the past twenty years, has been an important factor in business circles, and his popularity is well deserved, as in him are embraced the characteristics of an un- bending integrity, unabated energy and industry. He is public-spirited and takes a deep interest in whatever tends to promote the intellectual and material welfare of the community in which he resides. Daniel Butcher is engaged in the notions, fancy and art goods business, his concern being one of the most important in the city.

On January 30, 1852, the life record of Daniel Butcher had its inception in Richmond county, New York. His father, also Daniel Butcher, was a native of England, who came to America in 1837, before the at- tainment of his majority. He was born in 1819 and died in 1882, in Richmond county, New York, where for many years he had followed the occupation of a farmer. The mother, whose maiden name was Jane Lindsay, was a native of the north of Ireland, who came to America in company with a brother in the same year her future husband crossed the Atlantic to the "land of promise." They were married in Richmond county, November 21, 1846, and of the four children born to them, Daniel was the third in line.

For his education young Daniel depended upon the public schools of his native county and at the age of fourteen years his education was deemed completed and he was introduced to the serious affairs of life. He found his way to New York City and there found em- ployment as an errand boy, his employers being the firm of Lord, Huntington & McNary, dealers in drug- gist sundries. He was employed by them for two and

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a half years and in the great metropolis he learned much of the world. On account of the wishes of his parents, he was apprenticed to learn the carpenter and joiner's trade, and served a three years' apprenticeship in this useful occupation. He soon rose to the position of con- tractor and followed that for twenty years. Personally, however, he had always preferred the mercantile busi- ness, and in May, 1891, he concluded to follow out his own desires in this matter. There was still time to be- come a merchant. Accordingly, in May, 1891, he came to Montana. It must be mentioned that for two years before coming west he had been employed in the dry goods and notions business at Castleton Corners, New York, so that he was by no means a novice.

Upon his arrival in this city Mr. Butcher purchased the business formerly conducted by Mrs. M. M. Styles, this being in notions, fancy and art goods. The sub- ject formed a partnership with Miss L. S. Bradley, and in the first years the firm was known as Butcher & Bradley. This co-partnership continued until the death of Miss Bradley on February 2, 1902, and after that occurrence Francis T. Fowler bought the Bradley in- terests and, the firm of Butcher & Fowler came into being. This association continued until January, 1907, when Mr. Butcher purchased the entire business, taking Mr. Fowler's share as well as his own, and he has since that time conducted it independently. He has added to the business very extensively, his stock of goods be- ing of the most excellent and artistic type and his patronage large and enthusiastic. He holds an assured place in commercial circles and has contributed liber- ally to the city's prestige in this field.

Mr. Butcher is a loyal Republican, having subscribed to the articles of faith of the party since his earliest voting days. However, when he believes the other par- ties are presenting a better man or a better measure, his partisanship does not prevent his giving his sup- port to them. He does not take an active part in public affairs. He is a member of the Retail Merchants' As- sociation of Helena. He is a zealous member and liberal supporter of the Presbyterian church, in which he holds the office of senior elder and clerk of session.

Mr. Butcher was married November 21, 1875, in Richmond county, New York, the young woman to be- come his wife and the mistress of his household being Miss Anna A. Sommer, daughter of Robert and Jo- hanna Sommer, of that county. Five children have been born to the subject and his admirable wife, two being sons and three daughters. Alfred D., born September 2, 1876, in Richmond county, is associated with his father in business. He is a veteran of the Spanish- American war, having served as a member of Company B, Second United States Infantry. He saw active service, going with his command to Cuba and par- ticipating in the siege of Santiago and also in the as- sault of San Juan Hill, in which latter engagement he met with injury. His regiment was under General Shafter. He was discharged at Paso Caballo, Cien Fuegos, July 23, 1899, having entered as a corporal and was discharged a sergeant. He is one of the well- known citizens of Helena. The second son, Edwin, also born at Richmond county, New York, is a graduate of West Point, and is now serving as first lieutenant with the Fifteenth United States Infantry. The daughters are natives of Richmond county, also. Louise Amelia, born November 19, 1882, is the wife of Charles E. Davies, a resident of Ottawa, Canada. Alice L., born March 29, 1885, is the wife of H. L. Gregory, of Spokane, Washington. The youngest daughter, born January 24. 1887, died June 11, 1891. Both of the sons are married. Mrs. A. D. Butcher was previous to her marriage Miss Ellen M. Colberg, daughter of Nels Col- berg, of Princeton, Illinois. The wife of Lieutenant Butcher was Elizabeth Skyrme, daughter of William Skyrme, one of Montana's pioneer settlers and for many years associated with Marcus Daly.

Particular credit is due Mr. Butcher for his success and the honor he enjoys, for he is thoroughly self- made, and from earliest boyhood he has known the responsibilities of life, and his success is the logical result of his unswering and enlightened efforts.

HON. FRANK T. WOODS. The municipal prosperity of the exceedingly well-governed city of Billings must be attributed in a great degree to the business-like and economical administration of the city's affairs. Its good government must be attributed likewise to the enforce- ment of law and the preservation of order, so essential in every well regulated community, by the city's chief executive, the Hon. Frank T. Woods. Mayor Woods was born in Monroe county, Missouri, June 17, 1868. and is a son of Judge James F. and Ann (Glasscock) Woods.

James F. Woods was born in Mercer county, Ken- tucky, September 7, 1833, and died January 2, 1902. He was married in Missouri to Ann Glasscock, who was born in 1836, and she now resides in Kansas City. At the time of his death the Paris Appeal had the follow- ing to say of Judge Woods: "Judge James F. Woods died at his home near Woodlawn, at four o'clock Mon- day morning, of cancer. Funeral services were con- ducted by Eld. C. H. Strawn at Woodlawn, Tuesday morning, and the remains were laid to rest at Oak Grove. The crowd in attendance was perhaps the largest seen on a similar occasion in the township. We doubt if the death of any one man has ever called forth as many expressions of regret or inspired as much sorrow in the hearts of his acquaintances as has the death of Judge Woods. Every man has his faults, and he no doubt had his, but they were so little in evidence that the average man failed to see them. He was one of the few men to whom the mind would re- vert when the ideal citizen was mentioned. Judge Woods was born in Mercer county, Kentucky, sixty- eight years ago. Two years later his parents moved to this county. They were people of small means and few opportunities. Their children as they grew up were largely dependent upon their own efforts. Judge Woods made his first money as a farm laborer, and by his own exertions and good management finally became one of the leading land owners and most extensive stockmen in the county. His specialty was mules. He handled none but the best, and took great pride in gathering together the best bunches in his section. His home was one of the most pleasant and hospitable places in the county. We have been there many a time, and will always look back with pleasure to such visits.

"The judge was a gentleman of the old school- jovial, generous, unassuming. He knew half the people in the county, and delighted to meet them. Twice he was a candidate for county judge from his district and both times he was elected with ease. The county may have had just as good men on the bench, but it will never have better. What a pleasure it must have been to such a man as he when he saw the dark waters of death closing about him to have looked back over a life so well spent, to have known that he would be followed to the grave by the universal regret of the people among whom he had lived, and to have left to his family a name that would be cherished far more than his lands and his money. It is such men that keen up the stand- ard of citizenship and by example teach others the value of a life well spent. The death of this man is a sad loss to his family, to his community, to his church and to his county. In all the county the Appeal had no stauncher or more valued friend. The wife, the daugh- ter, and seven stalwart sons who survive him, have the sympathy of everybody. Judge Woods was a member of the Christian church and of Woodlawn Lodge, A. F. & A. M."

Again we are allowed to quote an extract from the Paris Mercury: "Judge James F. Woods, who died at

All. Barbu 1

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Woodlawn Sunday, could of a truth be called Monroe county's Grand Old Man. For years he faced ap- proaching death and endured sufferings of which it is hardly possible to conceive. Yet his grim fortitude never orce relaxed, nor was he, on most occasions, without the cheerfulness and optimism that more gen- erally accompany good health. He never lost interest in the world about him and died with the heroism becoming a man of his type."

The boyhood of Frank T. Woods was spent much the same as that of other farmers' youths of his day and locality. During the long summer months he as- sisted in the work on his father's farm, and in the winters he secured his educational training by attend- ance at the district school. When he had reached the age of sixteen years he was sent to the Shelbina school for one year, and in 1887 was graduated from the Kirksville Normal School. For the four years that followed he was engaged in teaching, and September 11, 1891, saw his advent in Billings. Subsequently, how- ever, he spent three years in Livingston, where he acted as secretary and treasurer of the Livingston Electric Light and Water Power Company. In the spring of 180? he was elected to the office of city treasurer, and served one term, and in the fall of 1895, in company with T. P. McDonald, he sold the present townsite of Red Lodge. Shortly thereafter he returned to Mis- souri and entered the Missouri University, from the law department of which he was graduated in June, 1897. Locating in Moberly, Missouri, Mr. Woods en- gaged in the practice of his profession for eight years, and in the spring of 1899 was elected city attorney, his services in that office being so appreciated as to cause his re-election in 1901. In 1905 Mr. Woods returned to Billings, and was here engaged in the sheep business until the fall of 1910.

Mr. Woods' political affiliation is with the Democratic party, in whose ranks he has done much effective work. He was elected alderman from the Second ward in 1908, but retired from the council and on April 3, 1911 was elected mayor of Billings on a non-partisan ticket, carrying every ward in the city. He is giving Billings an effective, sane and clean administration, of which every citizen, regardless of politics, may be proud. His career as mayor has been characterized by the bringing about of some greatly needed reforms in the municipal government, and these reforms have not been merely spasmodic, but have been carried on conscientiously and consistently. He has the reins of city govern- ment firmly in hand, his administration has been a wise and a just one, and he is entitled to the universal esteem and respect in which he is held. His fraternal con- nections are with Ashlar Lodge, No. 29, A. F. & A. M., and Billings Lodge, No. 394, B. P. O. E.

On October 26, 1899, Mayor Woods was married to Miss Nellie T. Rodes, who was born in Monroe county, Missouri, daughter of John C. and Jennie (Rice) Rodes. John C. Rodes was born in 1834, in Tennessee, and now resides in Missouri, where for many years he has been engaged in farming and stock raising. His wife, who was born in Virginia, April 9, 1840, died January 21, 1907. Of their three children, Mrs. Woods is the second in order of birth.

JOHN MANNING BARBER. A man who for more than twenty years or more has been closely identified with leading business activities in this city is Mr. John Man- ning Barber, manager of the Butte branch of the whole- sale meat dealers of Anaconda, W. M. Montgomery Company. In addition to this commercial connection, Mr. Barber has also another claim to a position of in- fluence in the community since he is deeply interested in civic and political affairs and is a potential factor in shaping the policy in public matters through his mem- bersl.ip in the city council as duly elected alderman from his ward.

Mr. Barber is a descendant of an old Ohio family, and was born in Knox county of that state, Feb- ruary 12, 1866. His father, Clem Barber, was by occupation a farmer, and he died February 12, 1867, when John, the youngest of the family of three children, was less than a year old. His mother, who was before her marriage, Jane Baughman, survived her husband many years and died in Ohio, September 22, 1885. After availing himself of such school advantages as were possible at that time in the country districts of Knox county, Mr. Barber started out, a youth of sixteen years, to carve his own fortune. Leaving the farm home where he was reared he went to the city of Columbus, Ohio, and spent a year as clerk in the grocery store of C. B. Miller of that place. At the end of that time the opportunity presented itself to accompany a ship- ment of thoroughbred cattle to Texas for DeWeese & Strickland, large stock raisers of that state, and upon his arrival there he decided to remain for a time. Becoming interested in and informed concerning the fine qualities of stock for market, a year later he re- turned to Columbus and, in partnership with Plummer Merrit of that place, engaged in the purchase and sale of live stock for the. Columbus market, carrying on a successful business in that line for three years. The call of the west again lured him, however, and his next venture in an independent business was made at Georgetown, Colorado, where he conducted a retail meat market until 1891. He proved himself a good business man, thrifty and industrious, but believing that in the northwest he would be able to do better than at his old location he disposed of the Georgetown mar- ket and in November, 1891, became a resident of Butte, Montana, at once identifying himself with its commer- cial life by engaging in the retail meat trade. He con- tinued as an independent dealer until 1899, when he disposed of his market and the subsequent eighteen months was manager in Butte for Armour & Company, the well known meat packers. Having purchased stock in the firm of W. M. Montgomery Company, meat wholesalers with a large packing plant at Anaconda, Mr. Barber resigned his connection with Armour and assumed the position of manager of the Montgomery business. in Butte, and has had charge of this branch of the business continuously ever since. The Mont- gomery Company packing plant is reputed to be the largest local establishment of its kind in the state.

The prestige enjoyed by Mr. Barber both through his responsible commercial position and his official con- nection is of the most influential character and marks him as a leader in vital affairs that make for the ad- vancement of the best interests of this city and state. Mr. Barber was married at Helena, Montana, March 24, 1896, to Miss Lottie I. Cooper, daughter of Lucien Bonaparte Cooper, a native of Wisconsin.

WILLIAM D. MOWRE. The business interests of Bil- lings, Montana, have grown to an amazing extent dur- ing the last few years, and the credit for this desirable state of affairs may be given to the enterprising busi- ness men whose energy and modern methods have put the city on a sound financial basis, while they have co- operated with the city officials in looking after its municipal needs. It may be said of William D. Mowre, of 2811 Montana avenue, that he has aided in the city's business development and helped to advance its civic welfare, while he is well and popularly known in fraternal circles. Mr. Mowre was born in Van Buren county, lowa, November 18, 1861, and is a son of Joel A. and Margaret (Gray) Mowre.

Joel A. Mowre was born in Kentucky, in 1833, and as a youth removed to Van Buren county, Iowa, with his parents. There he secured a common school education, and was reared in agricultural pursuits, following farm- ing and stockraising all of his life and dying in 1898. His wife, who was a native of Indiana, passed away in

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May, 1910, when sixty-five years of age, having been the mother of three sons and two daughters, of whom the sons, William D., Emery H. and Charles E., are living. Joel A. Mowre was a member of the school board for a number of years, was a Republican in politics and a faithful member of the Methodist Episco- pal church, and as soon as he was of age identified him- self with Masonry, gaining membership in Troy Lodge, No. 40.

The education of William D. Mowre was secured in the common schools of Van Buren county, and it was his father's intention that he should become a farmer. He remained on the home place until 1882, at which time he started for the west, and after a journey of eight days arrived at Stockton, California. During the four years that followed he was employed on the ranch of his uncle, William J. Gray, never losing a day's work in this time, and in the fall of 1886 returned to his Iowa home. He was there married, and subsequently returned to California, locating at Linden, where he was engaged in the blacksmith business until the spring of 1891. That year saw his advent in Stillwater, now known as Columbus, Montana, where he followed the same line of work until the fall of 1892, and he then took up a ranch on the Rose Bud. For six years he was successfully engaged in farming and cattle raising, and in 1898 came to Billings and established himself in a general merchandise business, but after three years disposed of his interests therein to enter the wholesale and retail cigar and tobacco business, a line to which he has since devoted his attention. Mr. Mowre is a business man of progressive ideas, and the manner in which he has handled his enterprise has given him standing among the legitimate business con- cerns of the city. His goods are well and favorably known and have had a steadily increasing sale. Mr. Mowre is a Republican in his political views, but takes only a good citizen's interest in public matters, al- though he is at all times ready to enlist his influence in the cause of any movement which he feels will be of benefit to his adopted city. He has interested himself in fraternal work, being a member of Ashlar Lodge, No. 29, A. F. & A. M .; Billings Chapter, No. 6. R. A. M .; Aldemar Commandery, No. 5, K. T., of which he is captain general; and Helena Temple; and is also connected with Billings Star Lodge, No. 4, I. O. O. F. Formerly he was identified with Scio Lodge, No. 102, of Linden, California, which he joined in 1883, and in which he filled all the chairs and was a past noble grand.

On November 4, 1886, Mr. Mowre was married to Miss Irene Campbell, who was born in Mansfield, Ohio, daughter of William S. and Sarah (Brown) Campbell, both deceased. Mrs. Mowre's parents had eight chil- dren, the last two being twins, one of whom was Irene. Her father was a farmer and located in Iowa in 1863 or 1864, spending the rest of his days in Van Buren county. He was a staunch Republican and a deacon of the Presbyterian church. Mr. and Mrs. Mowre have two daughters; Edna, who was educated in the Berkeley (California) University, and the University of Wis- consin, and Arminda J., who finished the course at the latter institution and is now attending Northwestern University, Chicago.

LUTHER VAN WAGENEN. One of the well-irrigated farms of the Yellowstone valley which shows what excellent results may be obtained by intelligent cultiva- tion is that of Luther Van Wagenen, located three miles southwest of Billings. Mr. Van Wagenen is an ex- perienced agriculturist, having been born on a farm and reared to follow that vocation, and during the past twenty years his operations have been confined to the vicinity in which he now lives, and where he bears an excellent reputation for upright citizenship. Mr. Van Wagenen was born in Ulster county, New

York, October 26, 1841, and is a son of Jonas and Sarah Ann (Wells) Van Wagenen, natives of New York state, who were there married. Jonas Van Wage- nen followed agricultural pursuits all of his life, de- veloping a farm from wild land in Ulster county and residing thereon until his death, at the age of eighty- two years, his wife having passed away when fifty- seven years of age. They were faithful members of the Reformed church, and in political matters Mr. Van Wagenen was a Whig until the year 1855, at which time he gave his allegiance to the Republican party. He and his wife had seven children, of whom two are living: Luther and Eli, the latter of whom resides at Omaha, Nebraska.

Like other farmers' sons of his day and locality, Luther Van Wagenen secured his education in the dis- trict schools during the winter terms, when he could be spared from his share of the duties of the home farm. He continued to reside on the home place until a year after his marriage, when, his mother dying, he left the parental roof and started out to establish a home of his own, being engaged in farming in the east until 1869. In the spring of that year he moved to Adams county, Iowa, where he also engaged in cultivating the soil, but after a few years gave up farming to become a bridge builder in the employ of the Chicago, Burling- ton & Quincy Railroad. Mr. Van Wagenen continued in the service of that company until the spring of 1891, when he became a resident of Billings, and the follow- ing year was spent in carpenter work about the city. He subsequently found a property that suited him, located about twelve miles west of Billings, and was there engaged in farming until 1905, when he moved to his present ranch, situated three miles southwest of the city. This Mr. Van Wagenen has devoted to alfalfa, wheat and oats, and his industry and good judgment have enabled him to take advantage of all natural op- portunities for productive cultivation, and his crops are gratifying both in quality and abundance. The land is worth $150 an acre at the present time, and the im- provements which Mr. Van Wagenen has made are at the same time valuable and handsome. A thoroughly practical farmer, he is an advocate of irrigation and rotation of crops, and the general appearance of his land proves him to be an able and industrious agriculturist. He has always kept good stock, and at this time has nine horses of superior breed. Politically Mr. Van Wagenen is a Republican, but he has preferred to give his entire attention to his farm and has never entered the political arena. He and his family attend the Meth- odist Episcopal church.

On December 14, 1862, Mr. Van Wagenen was mar- ried to Miss Fannie Freer, who was born in Ulster county, New York, daughter of Josiah Freer, a cabinet maker who spent his entire life in the Empire state. Mrs. Van Wagenen, who died December 14, 1899, had two sisters: Josephine, the wife of J. C. Fitch, of Bil- lings, Montana; and Sophia, wife of George Birdsall, of New York state. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Van Wagenen, of whom two died in infancy, the survivors being: Clarence, who married Mary Lau- man; Jesse; Jennie; Harry, a half owner with his father in the ranch; Stella E., wife of L. W. Thorpe, living at Livingston, Montana; and Louise.

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A history of Montana, Volume III, Part 55

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