A history of Montana, Volume III, Part 58

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

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Mr. Graves may be properly termed the "father of Harlowton." From his advent here he has invested heavily in real estate holdings and to this day is the owner of the townsite of the city. In addition he has been one of the leading factors in the establishment of nearly every large enterprise organized here. He erected the Graves Hotel, one of the finest hostelries in this part of the state, built and still operates the Electric Light Plant, and was the builder of the First National Bank, the prime mover in its organization, and its president from its inception. In addition he owns four large ranches in the vicinity of Harlowton, with more than 7,000 acres under irrigation. In his religious be- lief he leans toward the Lutheran faith, his wife being a member of that church, and he has at all times been liberal in his support of all worthy movements, while Mrs. Graves is connected with the Ladies' Aid Society. He has interested himself fraternally with the Odd Fellows, in the local lodge of which he has held office, while Mrs. Graves is a valued and popular mem- ber of the Rebekahs. Like all true sons of Denmark, he is fond of outdoor sports, and is a devotee of au- tomobiling, owning his private car.

Mr. Graves has never posed as a philanthropist or public benefactor, but by the honest and honorable methods by which he has acquired a fortune, and es- pecially by the manner in which he uses it, he is- fairly entitled to consideration, and is recognized as one who deserves the utmost confidence and esteem of his community. He has always evinced a public-spir- ited citizen's interest in municipal affairs, but has been too busily engaged with personal matters to engage prominently in public life. He is, however, acting in the capacity of city alderman, and his intelligent and conscientious discharge of his duties in this capacity, as well as the good influence which his sound judg- ment and high character exerted on it, are evidences that he would be a valuable representative in higher positions. He is, however, not only too busy, but also too modest a man to enter the list for public honors, although often importuned to do so. His political principles are those of the Republican party. That Mr. Graves maintains the same kind and genial spirit and the same accessibility to all classes that marked his earlier years, is shown by the fact that to every one who has his acquaintance he is affectionately known as "Chris."

In August, 1904, Mr. Graves was married at St. Paul, Minnesota, to Miss Louise Berquist, daughter of John Berquist, of that city, and they have one daughter, Mary, a bright and interesting miss who is now attend- ing school.

FRANK A. SCHEUBER, ex-mayor of Livingston, by vir- tue of the distinguished position he has held in the gov- ernment of the city of his adoption, his long residence in the locality, and his extensive business interests, is entitled to prominent mention in the pages of this work. He was born in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, May 18, 1866, and is a son of Adolph and Henrietta (Kraus) Scheuber.

Adolph Scheuber was born in Germany, where he received his education in the public schools, and at the age of fourteen years came to the United States with his parents in a sailing vessel. From New York City, where the family landed, Mr. Scheuber went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he attended the English schools for a short period, and subsequently went to Jefferson county, becoming a pioneer in the mercantile business in the village of Erfurt. A'stanch Democrat in politics, he was register of deeds of Jefferson county for several terms, county poor agent for many years, and was sent to the Wisconsin state legislature from Jeffer- son county, and was the first to act in the capacity of postmaster of Erfurt and held that office more than thirty years, a longer time than any other man has

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held the office of postmaster in the country. Some years before his death he retired from business ac- tivities, and removed to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he passed away at the age of sixty-five years. They had a family of ten children, of whom six are living, and Frank A. was the sixth in order of birth.

After attending the schools of his native locality, Frank A. Scheuber entered Wisconsin University, and was graduated in 1885. Subsequently he engaged in the drug business at Sauk Rapids, Benton county, Minne- sota, but later removed to Jefferson, Wisconsin, where he was engaged in the drug business until 1891. That year saw his removal to Phillipsburg, Granite county, Montana, where he continued to conduct a pharmacy until 1893, and then came to Livingston and estab- lished himself in a wholesale and retail drug business, in which he has continued to the present time. Dur- ing the past twenty years Mr. Scheuber has been an eye-witness to the marvelous growth of Livingston and of material assistance in its development. He is a member of the National Wholesale Druggists Asso- ciation, the Montana Pharmacists Association and the . American Pharmaceutical Association. His fraternal connections are with the Sons of Herman; Livingston lodge No. 32, A. F. & A. M., Livingston Chapter No. 7, R. A. M., St. Bernard's Commandery No. 6, K. T., . Particular Consistory of Eastern Montana No. I, thirty- second degree of Masonry, and Algeria Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Helena. A stalwart Democrat in politics, in 1909 he was elected to the mayoralty chair, and gave his city an efficient and business-like admin- istration, making a good record as an official who had at heart the interests of the people at large, the con- victions of an honest representative and the courage of his convictions. Widely respected, earnest and per- sistent in his advocacy of reform, and steadfast in keep- ing his reputation above reproach, his influence has always been for the best interests of Livingston and cannot safely be ignored.

On November 9, 1893, Mr. Scheuber was married to Miss Emma J. Ware, who was born in Iowa, daughter of the late Dr. Lemuel L. and Mary P. (Stockwell) Ware, natives of New York state. Two children have been born to this union: Frank A., Jr., and Mary O. Mrs. Scheuber is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, is president of the Yellowstone Literary Club, a member of the Daughters of the American Revo- lution, and regent of the local chapter. Both she and her husband are widely known in social circles of Livingston, where they have many warm, personal friends.

CHARLES E. K. VIDAL, M. D., the coroner of Cascade county, and one of its best physicians, was born in Sussex county, England, on February 6, 1870. His father was an officer in the British army, and while Charles was still a boy, was transferred to Canada. The boy com- pleted his education in the excellent schools of Can- ada. When he finished his high school course, he en- tered Toronto University at Toronto, famed for the thoroughness of its training and the high standards of its scholarship. For his professional study, Dr. Vidal went to the University of Toronto, and graduated in medicine in 1890. The following year, he went to Lethbridge, as assistant to Dr. Mewburn, and remained with him until August of that year, when he came to Cascade county. Upon first arriving here, Dr. Vidal took up his residence at Niehart and began to practice there alone. Not until 1895 did he leave this town and then he went to Belt, where he had been appointed on the medical staff of the Anaconda Copper Company. Dr. Vidal remained in Belt until January I, 1908, when he came to Great Falls and resumed his private prac- tice. Here he ranks as one of the foremost in the medical profession, and is most successful in combating the diseases to which the flesh is heir. The year of his

coming to Great Falls, he was elected on the Democratic ticket to the office of coroner of the county, and at the expiration of his first term, was reelected, and is the present incumbent of the office. Dr. Vidal is a mem- ber of all the medical societies of the state, as well as of the national organization. He keeps abreast the latest methods and discoveries in his profession and is a student as well as a practitioner. He is a member of the state board of health.

Beaufort Henry Vidal, his father, was born in Sussex, England in 1843, and was prominent in military cir- cles of the British Empire. He was a general, and was in command of the English army of Canada at the time of his death, in 1908. As an officer, his record was one of rare ability. His father, T. E. Vidal, was vice- admiral in the Queen's navy and died in England in 1863. Dr. Vidal's mother, Kate Allen Vidal, was also born in England, the year of her nativity being 1850. She died in Canada in 1883, and is buried there beside her husband. Dr. Vidal was one of two children; the other, Mrs. Nelson Collard, resides in Alberta, Canada.

On July 4, 1893, Dr. Vidal was married to Miss Mabel Macrae. Mr. Macrae was one of the Queen's council of Montreal. Both Dr. Vidal and his wife are members of the Episcopal church. Lawrence Vidal, their oldest child, was born in Great Falls in July, 1895, and is now attending Shattuck Military School, at Fairbault, Minnesota. John Forrest Vidal was born at Belt in November, 1898, while George, the youngest, began this life in Great Falls on August 1, 1908.

Dr. Vidal is a member of the Masons, the Elks, and of the Knights of Pythias. His large practice does not give him time to take much part in the activities of these lodges, but that does not prevent his being very popular in these organizations as elsewhere. All kinds of open-air amusements commend themselves to him, hut motoring is the one which he finds best adapted to the exigencies of an active professional and public life. Socially, professionally and politically, he is one of the representative men of Great Falls and of Mon- tana.

OLIVER M. HOLMES was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 16, 1861, a son of James B. and Caroline Vir- ginia (Friend) Holmes. He was educated wholly in private schools, and for years followed journalism as a publisher.

James B. Holmes was born in Pittsburgh, and Mrs. Holmes in Philadelphia, and they came to St. Paul in the early days of that city, Mr. Holmes engaging in the hardware and grain business. In later years, as promoter and president, he built the Duluth and Man- itoba railroad extending from, Winnipeg Junction, Minnesota, to Winnipeg, Manitoba, the line now being a part of the Northern Pacific system. He died at his home in Minneapolis in 1910, his wife having died in the same city in 1907.

Mr. O. M. Holmes came to Great Falls in October, 1891, and shortly afterwards commenced the publica- tion of the Great Falls News, a weekly newspaper which he published for ten years, when he sold the publication and went to Helena to take charge, as chief clerk, of the bureau of agricultural labor and industry, and during the latter part of the term of the office he was acting commissioner, and converted the bureau into one of publicity as well as of statistics. At the expira- tion of his term he was appointed deputy state auditor and insurance commissioner, which position he filled for four years. In 1910 he returned to Great Falls and became secretary of the Board of Commerce, a position which he now occupies. Public projects have always had the benefit of his co-operation and influence, and at the time of the erection of the Central high school he acted as chairman of the board that had charge of the construction. In political matters he is a Democrat, and is known as an active worker in the

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ranks of the party. In fraternal matters he is connected with the Woodmen of the World, and socially he holds membership in the Electric City club, while the family are members of the Baptist church.

On December 27, 1883, Mr. Holmes was married to Miss Virginia Johnston, daughter of George H. Johns- ton of Boston, Mass. Three children have come to Mr. and Mrs. Holmes: George B., Marion Ethel, now Mrs. Morton B. Dodson and Dorothy Virginia. Mr. Holmes is a great lover of home, and his comfortable residence at No. 312 North Eleventh street possesses greater charms for him than any club. Like all vigorous, virile men, however, he is fond of out-door sports, and when he finds time for a vacation indulges in a hunting and fishing jaunt. He has a wide acquaintance through- out the state, and numbers among his friends some of Montana's most prominent and influential men.

WILLIAM H. DUNNIGAN. Among the leaders in the political life of Montana, one of the most influential is William H. Dunnigan, present state senator from Deer Lodge county. He is a thorough student of polit- ical science, is popular among citizens, and has made an excellent record in the legislature.

Senator Dunningan was born at Louisville, New York, April 12, 1863. When he was about eighteen years old he went west as far as Iowa, where he spent a year in different occupations, and then moved to Washburn, in northern Wisconsin, where he was engaged in the cigar and news business about seven years. The burning of his establishment caused him to leave, and in 1891 he settled in Montana, with which state he has been iden- tified now for more than twenty years. His first loca- tion was in Butte, where he remained a year, was then in the restaurant business at Helena for a similar period, after which he returned to Butte and made it his home and place of business twelve years. Since then he has been in Anaconda, where he established the Turf Cafe, which he has made one of the most popular places of the kind in the city.

During his boyhood days in New York, Senator Dun- nigan attended the public schools of Louisville, being a student of the high school before he took up his prac- tical career. His first money was earned by farm work at five dollars a month, his wages being given to his mother, and he continued in this way until he left home and found larger fields of enterprise in the west.

Mr. Dunnigan's parents were William and Nancy (Finnegan) Dunnigan. His father, who was a native of New York state and lived there until his death in 1873, when about forty-eight years of age, was a farmer by occupation, and took a very prominent interest in his church, the Catholic. His wife, who was also born in New York state, still lives on the old homestead at Louisville. There were five children, of whom William H. was the second and the oldest son.

Senator Dunningan was married at Helena, in 1893, to Miss Emma Gustine. Her parents came to this coun- try from Sweden. Two children have been born to them: Florence, who is a student in the high school ; and William, a student in the grades. In religious matters Mr. Dunnigan inclines to the Catholic faith. Since casting his first vote for James G. Blaine in 1884, he has always manifested a keen interest in politics. But until recently he had steadily refused the solicita- tions to run for municipal and other local offices, and the nomination and election to the state senate from Deer Lodge county were virtually forced upon him. The indications at this writing are that he will have to serve another term in the same office. He is very fond of reading, especially the subjects of political science, political economy and history, and is well informed on the fundamental principles of government. On different occasions he has proved his vigorous ability as a cam- paigner, and under all circumstances he enjoys a good speech or lecture. Athletic and general sports have

always interested him, and he is a baseball "fan" and formerly played the game himself. He is also fond of fine horses. To Montana, as the state of his choice and home, he yields the best tributes of his loyalty and pride. The development of its resources, in his opinion, has only begun, and no other portion of the Union offers such attractions and opportunities.

DANIEL L. McQUARRIE. It would be impossible to point to a worthier and more striking example of the self-made man than the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this paragraph. From an orphan boy, utterly without advantages and early thrown upon his own resources, he has come to be one of the represen- tative men of this part of Montana, a well-known and highly honored citizen, and distinctively one of the builders of the city. He is serving with great effi- ciency and general satisfaction as county commissioner of Missoula county and for many years has been exten- sively interested in mining and latterly in the lumber business. Daniel L. McQuarrie is one of those valiant souls who have triumphed over adverse conditions and pressed forward to the goal of a large and worthy suc- cess. He is in most significant sense a self-made man and integrity and honor characterize him in the rela- tions of life.

Mr. McQuarrie was born at Lower Caledonia, in Gyusboro county, Nova Scotia, February 2, 1871. Both parents died durir~ his early childhood days, his mother when he was but two years old and his father when his years numbered but seven. The homeless lad was taken into the home of one John McQuarrie, a farmer, who although of the same nanie, was no relation to him, and he remained with this good man until the age of twenty years. He attended the public schools until the age of fourteen. Believing that opportunity awaited the energetic, capable young man in the west- ern United States, young Daniel came to Montana in 1891 and located in Granite county where he secured work in the silver mines, and remained in that locality for two years. When the slump in silver forced so many mines to close he found it necessary to find other work and he went to Bearmouth, Granite county, and secured work in the lumber camps surrounding that place and remained thus engaged until 1894. Then having accumulated some money, he paid a visit to his old home in Nova Scotia and spent a pleasant summer in the household of his foster parents. In the fall, he returned to Bearmouth and engaged as foreman in the lumber camp of his brothers, and continued in this association until 1898, when he returned and engaged in farming at Clinton, Montana. In that place he remained but a year and then returned to his brother's lumber company, where he engaged as foreman, or overseer of the woods. He also bought a farm and followed agriculture and stock-raising until 1904, when he was elected to the office of county assessor of Mis- soula county on the Republican ticket, and so well did his services recommend him that he was re-elected, thus serving two terms in that important office. In 1908, at the termination of his services in the office aforementioned, he engaged independently in the lum- ber business in Missoula and in 1910 was elected to the office of county commissioner in which he is serving at the present time. He has ever served the interests of the people in the most whole-hearted fashion, and Missoula county is proud to claim him as one of its most influential and public-spirited citizens.

Mr. McQuarrie is identified with many good causes and is a valued member of the Presbyterian church. He is a prominent fraternity man, his affiliations extend- ing to the Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Eagles and the Modern Woodmen of America. In the matter of politics he gives heart and hand to the men and measures of the Republican

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party, which he has supported with his ballot since his earliest voting days.

Mr. McQuarrie was married in June, 1898, his chosen lady being Grace Betters of Clinton, Montana, their union being celebrated in Missoula. They share their attractive home with four interesting children, namely : Irena, aged thirteen; Herbert, aged eight; Flora, aged four ; and Verne, aged a year and a half. The two elder children are public school pupils. The subject is strictly a home man, finding his greatest happiness at his own fireside.

In addition to his business interests previously men- tioned, Mr. McQuarrie owns farm and ranch lands and also considerable mineral land.

The subject's father, John McQuarrie, was a native of Nova Scotia and a farmer and lumberman by occu- pation. He died in 1878. The maiden name of the mother was Lizzie Kelley. These worthy people, both of whom died at untimely ages, are buried side by side in Caledonia. Mr. McQuarrie's only brother, Her- bert, who preceded him to Montana, and became a successful lumberman, is also deceased.

ROBERT WEIR. One of the leading business estab- lishments of its kind in Great Falls is that of the Black Eagle Carriage Works, the founder of which, Robert Weir, has the distinction of being one of his community's successful self-made men. Something more than twenty years ago, when he first arrived in this city, he opened a little blacksmithing shop on the present site of the postoffice, and this, started in a humble manner, has developed into a large industry, giving employment to a small army of workers and adding to the city's industrial prestige. Like many of his fellow townsmen, Mr. Weir is a native of the Dominion of Canada, having been born at Ottawa, June 4, 1869. His father, Thomas H. Weir, was born in 1842 in Canada, early in life became a blacksmith, and built up a prosperous business in Ottawa, where he still resides. He married Elizabeth Tripp, also a native of Canada, where she died in 1871.

Robert Weir secured his education in the public schools of Ottawa, and after graduating from high school learned the business of blacksmith with his father, in addition to securing a knowledge of the profession of veterinary surgeon. Both these voca- tions he followed in Ottawa until coming to Great Falls in 1891, at which time he embarked in business at First and Second avenues, North, on the lot where now stand the postoffice and federal building. After continuing there for a number of years, he removed to a location on Central avenue, and by that time his busi- ness had grown to such proportions that he needed a little extra working capital and accordingly took a partner in the person of Mr. E. W. Reid. Subse- quently property was purchased on Third street, North, and a larger plant was erected, the partners begin- ning the manufacture of wagons and carriages, although the blacksmith business was still continued. In 1909 incorporation papers were taken out, Mr. Reid being president : Mr. Weir, vice president, and Mr. Donald McDonald, secretary and treasurer. Much of the suc- cess of this large undertaking can be accredited to the hustle. characteristic energy and business acumen of Mr. Weir, whose business methods have ever con- formed to the strictest ethics of commercial life. He has interested himself in various other ventures, among which may be 'mentioned the Fergus Mining Company, owners of a well-equipped mine in the Little Rockies, at Sortman, of which he is a director. He is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian church. In politics, a stanch Democrat, he has served his adopted city in the office of councilman, and during his term was successful in securing a number of improvements for his part of the city, and was instrumental in getting the city side- walks and waterworks. Fraternally, he is connected

with the Independent Order of Foresters and the Fraternal Brotherhood, in which he has filled all the chairs, the Woodmen of the World, and the Knights of Pythias.

On August 19, 1897, Mr. Weir was married to Miss Jessie Floyd, and four children have been born to this union : Robert Floyd, born September 20, 1898; Wal- lace D., born May 9, 1904; and Jessie Laverne, born May 31, 1900, all of whom are attending the graded schools; and Arthur, born January 28, 1909, the haby.

DAVID W. ERICKSON. The business element of Mis- soula, Montana, is recruited from all parts of the world and some of the most substantial and intelligent citi- zens who are among the most influential factors of both public and private activity are men of foreign parentage and birth. One of the adopted citizens of this community who belongs in this classification is Mr. David W. Erickson, born in Sweden, August 8, 1866, his father, Erick Johnson, still living in that country. His mother was before her marriage, Marie Swanson.

Mr. Erickson was reared and educated in his native land and there learned the trade of carpenter and cabinetmaker, his term of apprenticeship to this trade extending over four years. He worked for a period at his trade in Sweden, the last year in an organ fac- tory, then deeming himself a fully competent and ex- perienced worker, came to the United States to seek his fortune. He arrived at Red Wing, Minnesota, in the spring of 1886, and after working a year there went to St. Paul, where he was employed at his trade until 1891, when he decided to go further west, and finally located at Missoula, where he has ever since resided.

For several years after his arrival here Mr. Erick- son worked at his trade, at times taking independent contracts for the erection of buildings and had such success in his work that he ultimately decided to go into business for himself exclusively as a contractor. This he did in 1906. The decision proved to be a wise one for he had established a splendid reputation as an honest, conscientious and competent worker and busi- ness man and builders were glad to award him their contracts. Within two years his business had grown to such large proportions as to require increased facilities and workroom, and he accordingly built and equipped his present fine shop. Among the numerous fine build- ings in Missoula which he has erected may be men- tioned the county high school as a typical example.

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A history of Montana, Volume III, Part 58

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