A history of Montana, Volume III, Part 68

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

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Mr. Pauline is a member of various fraternal so- cieties, among them being the Masons, in which he is a member of the Shriners, the chapter, the commandery and the blue lodge of Spokane. He is likewise a mem- ber of the Kalispell and Leiderkrong clubs. Mr. Pau- line was elected in April, 1912, to the office of alderman from the Third ward, and it is anticipated that his

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wholesome influence and character will reflect a gen- erous measure of good in that capacity, as well as in his daily life as a citizen. He is a Republican.

On June 30, 1897, Mr. Pauline was united in mar- riage with Miss Alcie Gates of Kalispell. Three chil- dren have been born to them,-Agnes, born October 6, 1898; Donald, born February 22, 1900; and Lorna, born April 1, 1909. The two older children are in attendance at the Kalispell schools.

FRED M. PLUMMER. The activity and enterprise of a growing center of population is most clearly indicated by the class of its business men. Fred M. Plummer, who is self-made in the most significant sense of the term, has been a resident of Libby, Montana, since 1892, and here he holds distinctive prestige as a banker and merchant. He likewise is the owner of extensive farm- ing and timber lands in different sections of the state.

Fred M. Plummer was born in Clifton, Wisconsin, August 15, 1860. His father, Josiah Plummer, was a native of Maine, whence he removed to Wisconsin in the early '50s, there becoming a pioneer settler. In Maine he was engaged in the timber business for a number of years and in Wisconsin he followed general merchandising and conducted a lime kiln. He met his death by accident with a horse at Menasha, Wisconsin, in 1892, at the age of eighty-seven years. His wife passed away in 1871. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Plummer, Fred M. having been the youngest in order of birth. Two sons, Charles and Jef- ferson, were gallant soldiers in the Union army during the Civil war. They were both taken prisoners and con- fined in Andersonville prison, where they contracted a certain disease which resulted in their respective deaths soon after they had been released.

To the public schools of Menasha, Wisconsin, Fred M. Plummer is indebted for his primary educational train- ing. At the age of sixteen years he secured a position as a clerk in a general store in Menasha and for his services received a salary of twelve dollars per month. He followed clerical work for one year and at the age of seventeen years came west, locating in the Black Hills, where he was engaged in the freighting business for a short period. Thence he went to Great Falls, Montana, and in September, 1892, he came to Libby, then in Missoula county. Here he immediately en- gaged in the general merchandise business, having as- sociated with him as a partner, J. B. Neff. In the beginning things were conducted on a very small scale, but with the passage of time the business has developed until the Plummer Store now ranks as one of the lead- ing general stores in Lincoln county. In addition to his mercantile interests, Mr. Plummer is financially interested in the First National Bank in Libby, being vice-president of that substantial institution. He also has extensive farming and timber lands in this section of the state and is reputed as one of the wealthiest men in Lincoln county.

In politics Mr. Plummer gives a staunch allegiance to the principles and policies for which the Republican party stands sponsor and while he is deeply and sin- cerely interested in community affairs he has never been prevailed upon to run for public office of any description, although frequently urged to do so. He is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Libby Chamber of Commerce.

In the city of Spokane, Washington, January 15, 1902, Mr. Plummer was united in marriage to Miss Sivoli Neff, a daughter of John Neff, who was born in Virginia, whence he came west in 1880, locating in Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Plummer have no children. They are devout Universalists in their religious faith and are generous contributors to various charitable organizations. They are decidedly popular in connec-

tion with the best social affairs of Libby and are every- where honored and esteemed for their exemplary lives and innate kindliness' of spirit.

FRANK P. BROWNE. Opportunity and enterprise are the two elements that have spelt success in the career of Frank P. Browne, Polson's wealthy merchant and property owner. To his Celtic inheritance is doubtless due the aptness that is one of his conspicuous character- istics. He was born in Wheatland, Minnesota, on St. Patrick's day in 1870. His father, Richard Browne, was a native of the Emerald Isle, from which he emi- grated while yet a boy. After a series of adventurous experiences as a miner in California, he settled in Minnesota, being one of the early pioneers of that state. It was there in 1854 that he took an active part in quelling the Indian uprisings of that period, and from time to time he exercised an important influence in preserving order in that state in its formative years. In 1892 he adopted as his home the developing common- wealth of Montana, locating at Columbia Flats. After a season of prosperous farming there, he removed to Polson, where he and his wife now reside with their son. At the age of seventy-six he looks back with satis- faction on a long life of varied fortunes. His wife, who as a girl was Julia Maloney of New Brunswick, is a comely woman, who, because of her fine health and spirits, may well be said to be "sixty-six years young." Of the family of twelve children, Mr. Frank Browne is the eldest. One brother, David, is a well-known Alaska miner, located at Dawson. Another brother, James, is a Chicago architect. John Browne is a mer- chant in Oregon. Miss Katharine, a sister, and T. C. Browne, who live in Polson, are connected with the business owned by the subject of our sketch.

Frank Browne's educational life was begun in the country schools near Wheatland and was continued in the high school of St. Paul. Completing this era of his life, he spent a year in the capital city of Minne- sota learning and practicing the mercantile business, losing no opportunity of fully understanding all the features of the business. Then, yielding to an impulse to see more of the glorious West and its possibilities, he sought the Yellowstone, viewing the profitable as- pects of Wyoming and Montana. Being particularly interested in the Flathead valley, Mr. Browne proceeded to Columbia Flats and near there began developing a ranch, which pursuit has until the present time con- stituted one of his vocations. He has at the same time prosecuted mining operations as far as British Colum- bia, becoming so well known through these and other operations that in 1898 he was appointed deputy clerk and recorder for Flathead county. He thereupon changed his residence to Kalispell. His office continu- ing until 1902 he presently made use of the business experience gained in St. Paul, by opening a general store at Jennings, Montana, in February of 1903. In 1911 he sold his interest in this successful business, and, in partnership with F. L. Gray, bought out the trading post at Polson, which they remodeled and developed into a general store. The hotel and other properties of the post were also purchased and improved by this enterprising firm. Their expansion of the store, how- ever, is the most effective work of improvement which they have accomplished; from a small supply house in a crude unsightly building has been evolved a large modern establishment, complete in all departments. A full line of dry goods, an adequate grocery and meat market and an extensive stock of all varieties of farm implements are among its features. In 1912 Mr. Browne bought out all his partner's interests and is now sole proprietor of the store and accessory business. His affairs are flourishing in every line and his pros- pects as owner of the Grandview subdivision are also most gratifying.

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On January 4, 1912, Mr. Browne was united in mar- riage to Miss Nan E. Stafford, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. J. Stafford of Omaha, Nebraska. His energetic personality attracts to him a large circle of friends. A member of the B. P. O. E., a faithful son of the Catholic church, a determined and enthusiastic Democrat, a participant in the out-door sports so much in vogue in this region, Mr. Browne's individuality is pronounced and his popularity wide throughout this region.

GEORGE F. BROWN. A man of excellent business abil- ity and judgment, George F. Brown, a well-known merchant tailor of Helena, holds a position of note among the useful and substantial residents of the city. He was born, January 4, 1855, in Norfolk, England, where he was reared and educated. His father, George F. Brown, Sr., a native of Norfolk, England, spent his ninety-four years of earthly life in the vicinity of his birthplace, passing away in January, 1910. A farmer by occupaton, he was engaged in agricultural pursuits dur- ing his active career. He married Jane Calver, of Nor- folk, whose death occurred shortly after his decease, in IgIO. Ten children were born of their union.

After completing his studies in the common schools of Norfolk, George F. Brown there served an appren- ticeship of five years at the tailor's trade. Then, on account of poor health, he secured temporary employ- ment in the Norfolk post office, serving as rural mail carrier for a year. Immigrating to Quebec, Canada, in the fall of 1874, he followed his trade there a year. Going then to Denver, Colorado, Mr. Brown worked as a journeyman tailor for about seven years, after which he was in business for himself as a merchant tailor until 1891, in the meantime having made three trips back to his old home 'in Norfolk, England. Dis- posing of his interests in Denver in 1891, Mr. Brown traveled for two years in the northwest, visiting impor- tant points in Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. Loca- ting at Helena, Montana, in 1893, he became associated with C. M. Batch, a merchant tailor, working for him for two years, and for two years being in partnership with him under the firm name of Brown & Batch. The partnership being then dissolved, Mr. Brown has since continued the business alone, and is meeting with well deserved success, having the patronage of the better class of Helena's residents. His establishment, advan- tageously located on Main street, is well equipped and well stocked, being one of the best of the kind in the city.

Politically Mr. Brown is Independent in politics, vot- ing for the best man and measures without regard to party preference. Fraternally he is a member of Excel- sior Lodge, No. 5, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has held all of the offices and of which he has been treasurer for the past sixteen terms; has also membership in the Royal Highlanders and the Wood- men of the World. Mr. Brown is domestic in his tastes, being strictly a home man and is very fond of reading, his favorite study being history.

Mr. Brown has been twice married. He married, first, Mary Boice, a native of Michigan. She died in Den- ver, Colorado, and the two children born of their union are also dead. Mr. Brown married for his second wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Swendemann, widow of Xavier Swende- mann, of Helena, Montana.

ROBERT L. LOWREY. Some men seem destined by na- ture to succeed; no matter what obstacles appear in their path they are able to overcome them, if for no other reason than that of a persistent determination. Montana's best citizenship is made up of men who were handicapped in their earlier years, and whose latent ahilities have been brought forth through the necessity to labor hard and faithfully, thus being developed a full measure of success that under different conditions might

never have attended their efforts. Robert L. Lowrey, ranchman and cattle raiser of Dawson county, belongs to the class of men who have gained enviable positions through constant and praiseworthy endeavor. He is a native of Webster county, Georgia, and was born May 29, 1868, a son of Robert H. and Sarah E. (Harrell) Lowrey, both born in the Empire state of the south, the former January 9, 1842, and the latter January 17, 1846. Robert H. Lowrey has been a farmer and stock raiser throughout his life. In December, 1868, he moved to Texas, and at this time resides at Lubbock, Lubbock county, Texas. He and his wife had four sons and two daughters, Robert L. being the second in order of birth.

Robert L. Lowrey received his education in the com- mon schools of Texas, to which state he had been taken in infancy, and remained on his father's ranch until he was twenty-two years of age. At that time he went up the cattle trail to Indian Territory, and after remain- ing there about two years, in 1893 came to Montana, settling first in Miles City, where he went to work for the Capital Syndicate Cattle Company, the "X. I. T." brand. After remaining with this concern for five years and thoroughly learning the cattle business, he removed to Glendive and engaged in a butcher business, but two years later became a full-fledged rancher, on a property seventeen miles southeast of Glendive, where he has a homestead of 350 acres and leases two extra sections of land. The greater part of Mr. Lowrey's attention has been given to the raising of horses and cattle, in which he has been eminently successful, but he also carries on farming to some extent, and in 1912 had over 100 acres in oats and feed. At all times he has maintained a reputation for integrity and fair dealing, and no man in his part of the county is held in higher esteem. Each year has found him adding to the improve- ments on his property, and he has continually broadened the scope of his operations and extended his activities. His improvements are of the most modern kind and his methods and ideas progressive, this giving him a well- earned reputation as a man of enterprise and energy.

On September 15, 1903, Mr. Lowrey was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Mitchell, of Cayuga, On- tario, Canada, daughter of Alexander Mitchell. They have had no children of their own, but have an adopted . son, Alcimus Lowrey, who is an interesting lad of five years. Fraternally Mr. Lowrey is connected with Glendive Lodge of Odd Fellows. His politics are those of the Democratic party, but he has not been active in public matters, taking only a good citizen's interest in matters affecting his community or its people.

FRANK MARSHALL SMITH. At present the manager of the East Helena plant of the American Smelting & Refining Company, has been identified with the smelt- ing industry of Montana for nearly twenty years.

Frank Marshall Smith was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on August 16, 1866, being the eldest son of William Marshall and Mary (Beath) Smith, both of whom were born in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Mr. Smith's boyhood days were spent in Buffalo, New York, where he attended the public schools. In 1881 he moved with his parents to Brooklyn, New York, where he entered the high school, graduating in 1884. In 1885 he matriculated at the School of Mines of Columbia University, New York City, from which in- stitution he was graduated in June, 1889, with the de- gree of Engineer of Mines. Immediately after grad- uation Mr. Smith entered the employ of the federal government, doing geologic work in Virginia and Maryland in the service of the United States geological survey, being later (in 1890) assigned to hydrographic work in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon. During the latter part of 1890 he was in charge of the primary triangulation of the Boise City (Idaho) sheet, the work

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of which had just been undertaken by the topographic branch of the United States geological survey.

Mr. Smith severed his connection with the govern- ment survey in December, 1890, to accept a position as assayer with the Colorado Smelting Company, at Pueblo, Colorado. Beginning his duties on January I, 1891, he was advanced to the position of assistant superintendent in October, 1892, which he held for a year, when he resigned to accept the position of super- intendent of the United Smelting & Refining Company, at Great Falls, Montana, in October, 1893. This plant was known locally as the "Silver Smelter," due to the fact that its ore supply was largely obtained from the then booming silver camps of Neihart and Barker. In 1898 Mr. Smith was promoted to manager of this plant, and he continued in this position until April, 1901, when the plant was permanently closed down on ac- count of the decadence of the silver camps of Neihart and Barker-due to the decline in the price of silver.

In the meantime, in April, 1899, the old silver smelter had passed into the hands of the American Smelting & Refining Company, and with the closing down of the Great Falls Plant, Mr. Smith was transferred to Salt Lake City, as assistant manager of the Utah depart- ment of that company, where he remained for one year. In September, 1902, he was again transferred to Mon- tana, being sent to Helena as assistant manager of the East Helena plant of the American Smelting & Re- fining Company. In July, 1905, he was appointed manager of the East Helena plant, which position he has occupied up to the present time.

Mr. Smith has been a member of the American In- stitute of Mining Engineers since 1892, and a member of the Montana Society of Engineers since 1897, being elected president of the latter society in 1910. He has taken an active part in the social and business life of Helena, being a member of the Montana Club and of the Helena Commercial Club.

In June, 1893, Mr. Smith was married to Clara Thatcher Everhart, of Martinsburg, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Marshall H. and Mary T. Everhart. 'Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, one son, Aldridge Everhart, and two daughters, Dorothy Alice and Marjorie Helen.

WILLIAM B. SHEPHERD, manager of the C. A. Thurston Horse Ranch, on the north fork of Bad Route, has been identified with his present line of busi- ness for upwards of twenty years in Montana, and in addition to ably conducting the activities of this well- known enterprise, has carried on operations on his own account in the same business, and is well known to stockmen all over this part of the state. Mr. Shep- herd was born in Lincolnshire, England, January 9, 1864, and is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth Shepherd, who spent their lives in England, both being now deceased.

The ninth in order of birth of a family of ten chil- dren, William B. Shepherd received a public school education, and grew to manhood in his native country, where he remained until he was twenty-three years of age. At that time, having decided to try his fortunes in the United States, he embarked for this country, and after landing at New York made his way to Michigan and spent six years at Greenville. He came to Dawson county, Montana, in 1893, as manager for the C. A. Thurston Horse Ranch, and has been the active direct- ing head of this great industry to the present time, extending its operations materially and adding to its holdings. Some time after coming to this locality Mr. Shepherd homesteaded a claim of 320 acres, ad- joining the Thurston property, and here raises horses and cattle of his own, in addition to leasing a section of land. Like all other active ranchers of a few years ago, Mr. Shepherd is now devoting a part of his time

to agricultural pursuits, and has shown himself to be quite as able and successful a farmer as he is a stock- man. He is known as a shrewd, capable business man, whose connection with enterprises of a strictly legiti- mate nature has given him a high standing among his business associates, and during his long residence in Dawson county he has made and retained a number of warm friendships.

On October 7, 1911, Mr. Shepherd was united in marriage with Miss Nellie Nickerbocker, daughter of David Nickerbocker, an early settler of Michigan. Both of Mrs. Shepherd's parents are deceased. Mr. Shep- herd's political views are those of the Democratic party, but he has never entered the public arena, having pre- ferred to give his entire time and attention to his numerous business interests. The pleasant family home is located on the ranch, and Mr. Shepherd's postoffice address is Terry.

ARCHIBALD MAHON. Among the more influential men of Valley county, Archibald Mahon takes prominent rank as one who has been connected with public affairs since he first came to Montana in 1893. As state en- gineer, to which office he was appointed in March, 1911, he has added to an already state-wide acquaintance, gained a state senator for a period of eight years be- tween 1898 and 1906. He was county surveyor for five years, and has ever been a foremost figure in the politi- cal life of his community.

Born in Monroe county, New York, in 1869, Archi- bald Mahon is the son of A. D. and Jeannette S. (Janes) Mahon. The former was born in Indiana in 1844, but in his young manhood removed to New York where he remained until the time of his death, which occurred in 1906. He was a veteran of the Civil war, enlisting with an Indiana Regiment and serving with honor and dis- tinction throughout the entire struggle. He was a printer by occupation. The mother was born in Michi- gan state in 1846; she is still living and resides hap- pily with her son at Glasgow, Valley county, Montana, where he makes his home.

Following his early training in the common schools in the town in which he was raised in New York, Mr. Mahon took up a course of study in engineering in that state, coming to Montana in 1893, and locating at Glas- gow, Valley county, Montana, where he carried on a private practice. His natural ability in the line of his profession was great, and he has prosecuted his en- gineering labors with an enthusiasm born of a genuine love for the work, as a result of which he has realized an almost phenomenal success. He has prospered ma- terially, as well as in the more abstract things of life. Always active in public affairs, he has been an import- ant factor in the political life of his district, and has been, as stated, the representative of his district in the state senate between 1898 and 1906. He was county surveyor from 1893 to 1898, always serving with the fullest efficiency in the offices to which he was called by the people. At present, Mr. Mahon is occupying the office of state engineer, his appointment taking effect in March, 1911. He is of the Democratic persuasion, and is an ardent supporter of the party and its prin- ciples. He is a director of the Glasgow National Bank and is a prominent stockholder in that institution.

Mr. Mahon was made a master Mason in North Star Lodge, No. 46, F. & A. M., at Glasgow. He is a char- ter member of Glasgow Chapter, No. 17, R. A. M. in which he has been through the chairs; also is a charter member of Glasgow Commandery, No. 13, Knights Templar, at Glasgow, of which he is past eminent commander, and is an officer in the Grand Commandery, of Montana. He is now serving ( 1912) as illustrious potentate of Algeria Temple, Mystic Shrine at Helena. In Scottish Rite Masonry he has attained the thirty-

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second degree in Helena Consistory No. 3. He is also a member of the Montana Club.

Mr. Mahon was married (first) March I, 1904, to Frances G. Hoyt, of St. Paul, Minnesota. She died August 22, 1907. Two children were born to them: Archie W., born January 10, 1906, and Hobart, born August 8, 1907, both at Glasgow.

On January 12, 1909, Mr. Mahon was married (sec- ond) to Miss Osie M. Hagzard of St. Paul, Minnesota.

JUDGE WILLIAM CLANCY. A distinguished jurist, now living retired at Butte, whose career in public and pro- fessional work reflects great credit upon his intellect and his character, is Judge William Clancy, who has recently served for eight years on the bench of the Second judicial district of Montana. In military and legal life, in political journalism, as well as in his legal capacity, Mr. Clancy has an enviable record, which it is of special interest to peruse.

Judge Clancy's keenness of mind may be in part attributed to his Irish ancestry, for both his parents, David Clancy and Ellen (Hennessy) Clancy were born in Ireland, the father in County Cork. The father was sixteen years of age and the mother fifteen, at the time of immigration to America, and their marriage took place in Somerset, Perry county, Ohio, and there Wil- liam Clancy was born, May 30, 1842. His father was a canal and railway contractor for many years and later occupied himself in agricultural pursuits in Knox county, Missouri, where his death occurred in 1878. Mrs. Clancy lived to a rather wonderful old age, hav- ing very nearly reached her ninety-sixth birthday at the time of her death in 1898. Of the five sons and one daughter of David and Ellen Hennessey, all are deceased except one or two, at the present date.

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A history of Montana, Volume III, Part 68

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