A history of Montana, Volume III, Part 62

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

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DR. WILLIAM C. GUTELIUS. As an early settler in Anaconda, Montana, and as one of the oldest practi- tioners of dentistry in that city, Dr. William C. Gu- telius is well known there and is a representative of the best citizenship of Montana. He came to Ana- conda in 1892, when the city was barely one-tenth of its present size, and, with a faith in its future and in his own ability to achieve a professional success there, decided to make it his permanent home. A score of years has passed since then and he remains today, one of the state's most loyal admirers, for Dr. Gutelius says of it: "After numerous and extended vacations I always return with the feeling that there is no place like Montana where are no annoying features in any way, no embarrassing conditions and no experimental meth- ods. It is my honest opinion that Montana has been a success and is a state in which any one may settle with confidence."

Born July 22, 1868, at Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania, he grew to maturity in the old Keystone state and there received a good education, though one obtained largely through his own efforts. His preliminary studies were pursued in the public schools of Mifflinburg. At the age of twelve he became a wage earner by working in a carriage factory and continued to do so until seventeen years of age, by which time he had mastered the trade and by his aptitude and ability had advanced to the position of foreman of the shop. He earned money and saved it and virtually paid his own way through college. His public school education was supplemented by a course of study in Dickinson seminary at Williams- port, Pennsylvania, and when about twenty years of age he began his professional training at Penn College of Dental Surgery at Philadelphia, where at the conclu- sion of his studies he received the degree of Doctor

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of Dental Surgery. In 1892 he came to Montana and located at Anaconda, where he was one of the first to engage in his profession and where he has become firmly established in a large and lucrative practice.

Dr. Gutelius is a son of Jacob Gutelius, who also was born in Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania, and who lived there throughout life, engaged for forty-five years in the carriage business. He died in 1898 when sixty-eight years of age. His wife, who was Miss Mary A. Pass- more prior to her marriage, died in 1889 at the age of fifty-six. They were married in Pennsylvania and there became the parents of six children, of whom William C. was fifth in order of birth. The father and mother are interred side by side in the cemetery at Mifflinburg. They were prominent members of the Methodist Episco- pal church and were devout Christians.

At Anaconda, Montana, on January 16, 1895, Dr. Gutelius wedded Miss Flora E. Collins, whose parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Collins, are pioneer settlers of this city. Two sons have blessed this union-Robert, now a high school student at Anaconda, and Joseph, a pupil in the grades.

Dr. Gutelius, who is a Republican in politics and is now chairman of the Deerlodge county Republican central committee, has been zealous in his activity and devotion to party interests but is without political aspira- tions on his own part and has steadfastly refused to accept office. In the line of his professional interests he affiliates with the Montana State Dental Association of which organization he is now president, and his fra- ternal associations are with the blue lodge and chapter of the Masonic order. He is also a member of the Anaconda Club. His automobile and the sport of fish- ing provide him diversion from professional cares and he is always an interested and enthusiastic spectator of boxing contests, sometimes donning the gloves him- self.

In every sense Dr. Gutelius has been of the progress- ive men in a progressive city and state. Such are the men who have made Montana what it is.

DANIEL J. MEAGHER. A man of versatile talents, energetic, enterprising and ambitious, Daniel J. Meagher has met with eminent success in many lines of occu- pation, by industrious effort and business ability hav- ing gained a place of prominence among the substan- tial and valued citizens of Helena, as a jeweler and optician being liberally patronized. A son of the late John Meagher, he was born, June 1, 1866, in Chicago, Illinois, of Irish ancestry.

A native of Ireland, John Meagher spent the first eighteen years of his life in the city of Cork, where he received an excellent education, obtaining some knowledge of civil engineering, and becoming an ex- pert accountant. Immigrating to the United States at the age of eighteen years, he landed in New Orleans, and after surveying for a time in the south made his way to Chicago, where for many years he was account- ant and bookkeeper for Bliss & Torrey, then the larg- est wholesale drug firm in the middle west. He con- tinued with that firm until his retirement from active pursuits, at the age of sixty-three years, and subse- quently enjoyed the comforts and pleasures of a leisure life for another twenty years, passing away in April, IgII, at the venerable age of eight-three years, his body being laid to rest in Calvary cemetery. During the disastrous conflagration of 1871, when at least one-fourth of Chicago was burned, he lost his prop- erty, but rebuilt, and again established a pleasant home. He married Ellen Hurley, who was also a native of Cork, Ireland, and of the seven children born of their union two died in childhood and five grew to years of maturity, as follows: Maria, who lost her life in the Iroquois theatre fire, December 30, 1903, in Chi- cago; John, of Helena, Montana, a well-known steam-

fitter; Joseph, who was accidentally killed at Harvard, Illinois; Daniel J., the special subject of this brief sketch; and Ellen, who accompanied her sister Maria to the Iroquois theatre that fateful day, and by mere accident escaped death. The mother has also passed to the life beyond, her death having occurred in 1890.

After completing the course of study in the eighth grade of the Chicago schools, Daniel J. Meagher began life as a wage earner, for a short time serving as messenger boy for the Western Union Telegraph Company, and is still the proud possessor of the letter of reference given him by the manager of that company when he voluntarily left it to enter the employ of a Novelty Wire Works, where his salary was eight dol- lars a week. Desirous, however, of learning a trade, he soon resigned that position, and began an apprentice- ship with a pattern maker, receiving but four dollars a week at first, but ere leaving the establishment had become such an adept that he commanded twenty-one dollars a week for his services. Continuing at that work nine years, Mr. Meagher made good, and would probably have continued it many years longer had not a large boil on his hand compelled him to lay idle for a time. During that period, he, quite accidentally, met a cousin who was an expert diamond cutter. Becoming intensely interested in that work, Mr. Meagher, with his cousin's consent, began learning that trade, receiving, however, but twelve dollars a week wages. A quick and ambitious scholar, he soon ac- quired proficiency in the art, and looked about for a favorable place in which to locate. Foreseeing the great possibilities awaiting development in Montana, Mr. Meagher, came west, in 1892 locating in Helena, and embarking in the lapidary business acquiring thus the distinction of being the first lapidary in Montana. Two years later, in 1894, with a partner, Mr. Meagher engaged in the jewelry business.

In 1908 Mr. Meagher sold out his share of the busi- ness to his partner, and, still ambitious to explore new fields of professional activity, went east to take a course on ophthalmology and watch making. Since returning to Helena, he has made a specialty of opti- cal work, and has recently opened a large jewelry and optical store on the main street of the city. He is considered an expert in his profession, and is now enjoying an extensive and constantly increasing pat- ronage, his pleasing address, genial courtesy, and un- mistakable skill winning him a valuable patronage and hosts of warm friends.

Politically Mr. Meagher is a Democrat but not an aspirant for official honors, although once, against his will, he ran for alderman of his ward, but was de- feated by nine votes only. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Woodmen of the World, and is a life member of the Carroll Club of Helena.

Mr. Meagher married, November 15, 1893, Eliza- beth Winifred Ryan, who was born in Steward, Illi- nois, and was educated in Dixon, Illinois, being gradu- ated from its high school and from the Dixon Normal School. After her graduation from the latter institu- tion, she taught school two years in her native town, and then came to Helena, Montana, to visit friends. While with them, she was offered a position in the Helena schools at a larger salary than she had been receiving. Accepting the offered position, she taught here five years and while thus employed met and married. Three children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Meagher, namely: Helen, attending the high school, has become a popular vocalist, and has brilliant prospects for a future career as a singer, her voice being one of rare charm and sweetness; Kath- arine, attending the high school, is a promising violin- ist; and Alice, a school girl. The family are all lovers of music, and find much pleasure in the art. Mr.

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Meagher owns one of the finest residences in Helena, it being the former home of ex-Governor Toole, of Montana, and has other city property of value. Mrs. Meagher is a woman of refinement and culture, social and hospitable, and is an ideal wife and mother, being a home-maker in every sense implied by the term.

JENS RIVENES. Well qualified both by nature and education to maintain a high place in his profession, Jens Rivenes, of Glendive, is recognized as one of the able lawyers of Dawson county, where he has carried on a general practice since 1898, and has also served efficiently in positions of public trust. He is a native of Norway, and was born November 16, 1864, receiving excellent educational advantages in his native land, and graduating from Christiana University with the class of 1884. For one year following his graduation he served in the Norwegian army, securing a valuable training in discipline, and in 1886 came to the United States, his first location being in the city of Nevada, Iowa. After about two months Mr. Rivenes removed to St. Paul, Minnesota, and accepted a position in the office of the chief engineer of the Northern Pacific Rail- road, with which company he was connected until 1892. During this time Mr. Rivenes pursued his studies assiduously in the night classes of the University of Minnesota, preparing himself in every possible way for a useful and successful career. In 1892 he came to Glendive, Montana, as clerk for the Northern Pacific, but still continued his law studies and in 1898 was admitted to the bar. His advancement in the commu- it was rapid, and at an early date he became recognized as one of the best posted men in his profession in this part of the county, his acumen and forensic ability win- ning him instant success before the bar. Always an ardent Republican, in 1900 he was elected clerk of the district court, in which capacity he served one term of four years, but since that time has confined his energies to his private practice, which has grown to large propor- tions. He maintains a well-appointed suite of offices in the Masonic Temple, practices in all the courts, and has the confidence of his large clientele and the esteem of his fellow members of the bar.

Mr. Rivenes was married at Bristol, South Dakota, August II, 1899, to Miss Ragna Folkestad, also a native of Norway, and they have had six children, three sons and three daughters, namely: Valborg A., Alfred, Sol- veig, Lora, Herold and David Gerald. Mr. Rivenes has been much interested in fraternal work, and is now a member of the Independent Order of Foresters; Yellow- stone Homestead No. 791, Yoemen; the Scandinavian Brotherhood of America; Camp No. 5979, Modern Woodmen of America; and Gate City Lodge No. 37, I. O. O. F.

THOMAS A. GRIGG, M. D. In the sciences of med- icine and surgery there are definite branches which alone may properly challenge the entire thought and attention of any one man for the full period of his life, and thus it is that practitioners of marked ability in general lines have seen fit to direct their course to specialties, perfecting themselves in knowledge per- tinent thereto and in the practical work implied. Among these may be mentioned Dr. Thomas A. Grigg, who has made a specialty of the study of the eye, ear, nose, throat and lungs, and in these lines finds ample scope for his endeavors. In his finely equipped offices in this city may be seen the most modern appliances and accessories utilized in the treatment of the diseases to which he devotes his attention, and from this head- quarters his professional services have been requisi- tioned by patients from distant parts of Montana and contiguous states.

A native of Prince Edward Island, Dr. Grigg was born on February 11, 1861, the youngest child of Dr.

William and Willame (Daugherty) Grigg, the former of whom was born in England, and educated in Lon- don. In 1826 he immigrated to America, locating on Prince Edward Island, where in connection with his medical practice he became concerned in ship-building, a business in which he accumulated a fortune. He was twice married and had nine children by his first mar- riage and two by his second. He died in 1881, at the age of eighty-one, and his second wife passed away when fifty-six years of age.

Thomas A. Grigg, after a high school education, studied medicine under his father and other able phy- sicians, continuing in technical reading until 1883, when he entered the University of Pennsylvania and after four years was graduated therefrom with honors. It has been said of this period of his life: "The doctor spared neither time nor money in acquiring a thorough knowledge of his profession, as is shown by letters of recommendation he has from Professors R. A. F. Pen- rose, D. Hayes Agnew, Provost William Pepper and others,-men of worldwide renown with whom he had the good fortune to be associated during his student and after life. In the fall of 1887 the doctor located in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania, where he had a very extensive and successful practice as a physician and surgeon for over four years, during which time he kept up his studies at the Philadelphia hospitals, much of his time being spent in the Will Eye Hospital and that of the University of Pennsylvania. In 1891 he received a special diploma on his specialties, the eye, ear, throat, nose and lungs, from the Philadelphia Polyclinic. In 1892, at the suggestion of Dr. Pepper, on account of failing health as a result of overwork and study, he came west and spent six months on Lake Chelan, Washington. In October, 1892, the doctor located per- manently in Butte. The people of this place, who are not slow to measure the worth, ability and integrity of strangers, soon found him to be a man well trained in his profession, possessed of skill, good judgment and ability. He soon built up a lucrative practice, having the confidence of both the profession and the laity. The doctor is now well known throughout this great state, as well as in the adjoining states, having success- fully performed some of the most difficult operations in his branch of surgery."

Dr. Grigg is a member of the American Medical Association, the Rocky Mountain Interstate Medical Association and the state and county organizations, and is also identified with the State Medical Society of Pennsylvania and the alumni association of the uni- versity of that state. He is one of the collaborators of the Montana State Medical Association in contribu- tions to the Medical Sentinel, published in Portland. Oregon. He is a close student, original and advanced in thought and action, giving much attention to in- dividual investigation and research, keeping well in touch with the advances made in the sciences of med- icine and surgery.

Dr. Grigg has valuable investments in mining prop- erties and also owns real estate in Butte and in the state of Washington, his holdings being of unmistak- able worth. He is interested in ranching in Silver Bow county and owns a large ranch south of Miles Crossing.

For some time Dr. Grigg did professional work for the government, and in 1900 he was appointed a mem- ber of the board of United States examining surgeons for the pension department in Silver Bow county, be- ing president of the board now. He is also examining physician for the Des Moines Life Insurance Company of Des Moines, Iowa, and of the National Life In- surance Company of the United States, with head- quarters in Chicago.

Dr. Grigg has ever been a supporter of the Repub- lican party in his political activities. but he has repeat- edly declined public office. In 1910, however, he was

J. a. My high D.O. Tel.s.

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elected to the board of aldermen, to represent the Sixth ward, and was reelected in 1912. He is a prominent member of that body and is a strong advocate of the principle of conducting the affairs of the city on a strictly business basis, and in accordance with the methods required by the successful conduct of any up- to-date corporation or business enterprise.

Fraternally Dr. Grigg is identified with the Masonic order, and was made a Master Mason at Port Hill, Prince Edward Island. He also is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Woodmen of the World and the Fraternal Union of America, being examining sur- geon for the two latter named societies.

On August 20, 1888, Dr. Grigg was united in mar- riage with Miss Joanna S. Miller, who was born in the town of the doctor's nativity, she being the daughter of John Miller, a prominent shipbuilder. Mrs. Grigg is past president of the Woman's Club of Butte and is now serving as a member of the board of trustees of that organization. She is a woman of unusual artistic talent, and is a member of the Academy of Fine Arts of Chicago, and is an acknowledged connoisseur on the subjects of art, ceramics, etc. Three children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Grigg: Elmer Roy is a graduate of the Butte high school and is now at- tending the Jefferson Medical School at Philadelphia; Leon Allison, also a graduate of the Butte high school, is now a student at the North Pacific Dental College, in Portland, Oregon; and Joanna Ethel, who grad- uated from the Butte high school in June, 1912. The family home is located at 915 West Galena street, and the doctor and Mrs. Grigg are active and prominent as leaders in the social life of the city.

NAT SIMON. The old pioneer is justly entitled to a prominent place in the history of Montana for it was that class that laid the foundation, but in writing of the class that are today making history in the "Treas- ure State" there will be found many men of middle age, the younger, whose push, energy, enterprise and business foresight have not only been important fac- tors in Montana's development, but the stimulus from their operations is bound to play an important part in the state's future greatness. Probably no better type of this class of the younger business man, will be found in the state, than what is represented by Nat Simon of Butte, the well known ranchman, dairyman and mine owner.

Mr. Simon is a native of Switzerland, Canton of Ticino, and born December 25, 1875. He attended the Normal school in his native place completing its course of instruction by the time he was fourteen years old. He then remained at home three years longer, variously occupied, and in 1892, when he was but seventeen, came unattended to the United States to seek an ardently desired improvement in his estate in life.

On his arrival in this country he journeyed direct to Butte, where his uncle, Talby Simon, was conducting an extensive and active dairy business. He worked for his uncle until 1901, then bought the business and also a one-half interest the uncle owned in a large ranch near Brown's Gulch. With all his energy employed and all his faculties wide-awake and alert he then kept the business going on his own account, and is still conduct- ing it, but on a much larger scale than his uncle had ever thought of. The milk, butter and other dairy prod- ucts for the enterprise, The Western Creamery Co., come from his ranch and six wagons in Butte supply the trade, which is extensive, and its increase is steady and continued.

Knowing something of mines and mineral properties, also, Mr. Simon has been on the lookout for accre- tions to his resources from the mining industry from the time of his advent in the state, and has acquired

some of the most valuable mining lands in this part of country. The most prominent of his mines are located in Deer Lodge county on Dry Cottonwood creek, and are rich in deposits of gold and sapphires. He spares no expense needed for their full development, and pushes the work in them with very commendable and profitable energy. Recently he installed a dredge in the sapphire mines which alone cost $85,000, and has found it a good investment.

Eastern syndicates, always on the lookout for good things in industrial production, have offered him large sums for his mineral properties, but he has declined all offers, and has gone on developing and working the mines himself with an earnestness and enterprise that show his settled determination to hold on to them. He is the sole proprietor of the properties, and through their wonderful output is fast becoming very wealthy, and sees no reason why he should not have their full yield for his own advantage, since they have passed beyond the domain of hope and expectation into that of actual present results, and he knows how to manage them as well as any other person so as to make them as profitable and enduring in value as possible, and at the same time enjoy all their benefits.

Mr. Simon is also extensively interested in ranching and farming. On his big ranch at Brown's Gulch, he raises all that is required for his large dairy business, including the feed for his live stock, and has a consider- able surplus for the markets. He is a progressive rancher, and all his operations in the agricultural depart- ment of his business are carried on with the utmost system and with close attention to all the latest discov- eries and improvements in the science of agriculture. At the Montana land show held in St. Paul, Minne- sota, in the latter half of December, 1911, he had an exhibit of both his ranch and his mine products that made a great impression on the thousands who visited the display because of the marvels in Montana wealth which it revealed.

Mr. Simon is a son of Jerry and Kate (Brantine) Simon, natives of Switzerland, where the mother passed the whole of her life and died in 1879, when her son Nat was but four years old. She was born in 1842, and the father's life began in 1834. In 1899 hie came to this country and to Butte to try to persuade his son to return to his native land. But he liked Montana so well that he did not go back himself, and is now managing the Brownsville ranch for his son, and is well pleased with the work.

Mr. Simon has never married, and has no family con- nections except his father and his three brothers: Aleck, who resides at Brown's Gulch in this state; Pas- quel, who is also a resident of Brown's Gulch; and Edward, who is still living in Switzerland, where all the sons were born. Their grandfather, Anton Simon, was prominent in the early wars of Switzerland and died in that country at the advanced age of ninety-two years. The race is a hardy one, and the burden of years rests lightly on its members. Mr. Simon's father is now seventy-eight, and is one of the most vigorous and active men in the neighborhood of his home.

In the local affairs of his county and state Mr. Simon has always taken a very earnest and helpful interest, giving his cordial and stimulating support to all worthy undertakings for their advancement, and directing his efforts in this behalf with broad intelligence and excel- lent judgment. In fraternal circles he is connected with the order of Woodmen of the World, his religious affil- iation is with the Catholic church, and in political faith and allegiance he belongs to the Republican party. All classe's of the people regard him as an excellent citizen, and all esteem him highly. Incidentally, it is pleasant to state that Mr. Simon is very fond of hunting and is an expert shot. He never goes on a hunting expedition

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without bringing back with him trophies of his skill with the rifle, however badly other hunters may fare at the same time. He is wise as to where game is likely to be tound and how to reach it, and his advice is much sought in reference to the requirements for success in the chase.

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A history of Montana, Volume III, Part 62

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