A history of Montana, Volume III, Part 91

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

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Mr. Joyce gave hand and heart to the men and meas- ures of what its admirers are pleased to call "The Grand Old Party," but he is a strong Roosevelt man and is now a stanch Progressive partisan. He has al- ways been very active in political affairs and has been influential in party ranks, but he is wholly without aspiration for public office. He is essentially public- spirited and any measure which in his opinion is likely to result in the advancement of the general welfare is sure of his support. He is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus and for two years was at the head of the local society, his term of office expiring on January 8, 1912. He likewise belongs to the Woodmen of the World, the Knights of the Maccabees and is a very

albert Kircher

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busy member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a communicant of the Catholic church. Mr. Joyce was happily married at Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on May 12, 1889, his chosen lady being Miss Margaret Hager, daughter of John Hager, a native of Atlanta, Georgia. They share their pleasant and hos- pitable home with one son, Harold Hager Joyce, born at Colfax, Washington, July 17, 1894. Their residence is maintained at II South Benton avenue, while Mr. Joyce's office is situated at 218 Power Block.

GEORGE R. ALLEN, county attorney of Madison county, Montana, and well known to the legal fraternity of the state, has been a resident of the Treasure state for fourteen years, and is one of the most enthusiastic advocates of the well remembered advice of Horace Greeley to the youth of the land. Early in life he acted upon the admonition of that worthy gentleman and he has never regretted his action.

Mr. Allen was born in Winamac, Indiana, on March 15, 1873, and that state represented his home until he was six years of age. He is the son of George R. Allen, Sr., and Nancy (McCoy) Allen. The father was a native Indianan and lived there the greater part of his life, in late years taking up his residence in Daviess county, Missouri, where he still lives. He has followed the life of a farmer, and lived quietly and uneventfully since the close of the Civil war, in which he took an active part. He enlisted from Indi- ana and saw much hard service during the term of his enlistment. Mr. Allen has been for years a member of the Christian church, and is a devout and faithful adherent to its principles and doctrines. His wife, the mother of the subject, died in Indiana in 1879, when she was in the forty-fourth year of her life and she is buried near the old home in the Hoosier state. They were the parents of four children, of which number George R., Jr., is the youngest born.

When six years of age Mr. Allen accompanied his father to Daviess county, Missouri, and there he lived until 1892. In that year he went to Idaho, remaining there for three years, during which time he taught school. He next returned to Valparaiso and entered college, resuming his scientific course, and for two years remained in close and careful study, and grad- uated in 1897, then returning to the west and locating in Montana in the spring of 1898. He again resumed his teaching labors, and for two years was engaged in that work. In 1900 he returned once more to Val- paraiso, Indiana, there entering the law school of the University, from which he was graduated in 1902, receiving his degree at the same time. He immediately made his way back to Montana where he began the practice of law at Twin Bridges, and this city has represented the center of his legal activities since that time. He has won a deal of prominence and popu- larity in his profession with the passing years and has been city attorney of Twin Bridges since 1903, as well as city clerk since 1903. His citizenship is of a high order, and has been a telling factor in his steady advancement in the profession during the years of his residence in this locality.

On July 23, 1902, Mr. Allen was united in marriage with Miss Lurana Black, the daughter of William J. Black and his wife, Ebeline M. Black, of Daviess county, Missouri. They have two children, a daughter and son named Lois E. and Robert H.

Mr. Allen is a young man who has made the most of every passing opportunity, and has achieved a pleasing success where an average individual would have ac- complished but mediocre things. His education was secured as a result of his own unaided efforts, his teaching labors paying all the expenses of his university course, and from his boyhood he missed no oppor- tunity to better himself educationally and to advance his preparation for the profession to which he has been

for several years devoted. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Elks, and as a member of the blue lodge has filled all chairs, being secretary of the lodge at present. He is also fraternally identi- fied with the Maccabees. He is a Republican and takes an active interest in the political affairs of the county.

ALBERT KIRCHER. To efficiently perform the duties of such an office as register of United States lands in Montana, a man of tact, good judgment and wide experience is required and such an one is found in Albert Kircher, who is one of the large land owners of Custer county and a leading citizen of Miles City, Montana. Mr. Kircher was born April 8, 1865, at Valley Falls, Kansas, and is a son of Michael and Romana (Albus) Kircher.

Michael Kircher was born in 1835, in Wurtemberg, Germany, and died at Miles City, Montana, in October, 1906. He came to the United States on a sailing vessel in early manhood, landing at New York and going from that city to points in Pennsylvania. Shortly afterward he made his way to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he entered the employ of the United States govern- ment as a teamster. In this capacity he traveled over- land with the first government train that reached Pike's Peak, in 1860, after which he enlisted for service in the Civil war. At the battle of Bull Run he was made a prisoner and was taken to Richmond, Virginia, where he was incarcerated in an old tobacco warehouse. From this exceedingly undesirable place he managed to escape through his ingenuity in twisting his bedding into a rope to let him down from the roof to the ground. A storm made the night dark and full of noise and thus he was able to slip by the guards, and not far from the prison he was fortunate enough to find a friend in an old German saloon keeper. The Ger- man ran a great risk in helping his countryman, never- theless he provided the escaped prisoner with clothing, gave him money with which to buy shoes and called in a barber, also a German, who so changed his appear- ance by shaving him and cutting off his long hair that there remained little danger of his captors recognizing him. To these good German friends he owed food and shelter until he was able to make his way back to the Union lines, and after rejoining his company served out his full term of enlistment and received his honor- able discharge at Fort Leavenworth.

Michael Kircher then married and settled on a farm at Valley Falls, Kansas, where he remained until 1876, when he moved to Missouri, where he continued until 1881. On April 18th of that year he left Missouri for Dakota, where three or four weeks were.spent in the neighborhood of Spear Fish, and from there came on into Montana, arriving at Miles City with his family on June 15, 1881. He immediately embarked in farm- ing and dairying and continued to be thus engaged during the remainder of his active life, retiring in 1895. He was well known in this section and was respected for his sturdy integrity. Prior to 1896 he was identified with the Republican party but afterward was a Democrat.

At Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Michael Kircher was married, in 1864, to Romana Albus, who was born in J840, in the province of Baiern, Germany. She sur- vives and now resides at Los Angeles, California. Nine children were born to the above marriage, the four survivors being: Albert; George, who is also a resident of Miles City, Montana; Michael, who resides at Warwick, Australia; and Emma, who is the wife of P. E. Coffin, a resident of Los Angeles, California.

Albert Kircher attended school at Miles City and completed a commercial course in the Helena Business College. In 1898 he took up a homestead in Custer county, Montana, near Miles City, and at the present writing owns 280 acres of land, 200 of which is under

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irrigation. In 1892 he took up his residence in Miles City, erecting here an attractive home and making other investments. For six years he served as jailer, under Sheriff Savage, and also served one term as public administrator and on April 1, 1907, became register of United States lands. He is known to be one of the responsible, reliable men of this section and enjoys the confidence of his fellow citizens both in business transactions of a personal nature and in his public relations. Politically he is a Republican.

On July 6, 1898, Mr. Kircher was united in marriage with Miss Bertha C. Rhode, who was born at Fort Laramie, Wyoming, and is a daughter of George and Bertha (Kruger) Rhode. The father of Mrs. Kircher was born in Germany and came to America in early manhood. Subsequently he enlisted in the United States cavalry and was a member of the body guard of General Crook and was on the Rose Bud engaged in fighting the Indians until 1880. After his military life was over he engaged first in farming in Custer county, Montana, and later in Dawson county, and at present resides with his wife at Ridge Lawn, where he has been a justice of the peace for some years. He is a Democrat in his political views. Mrs. Kircher has two brothers, George and Fred Rhode. Mr. and Mrs. Kircher have one daughter. Helen, who is attending school at Miles City. Mr. Kircher is identified frater- nally with Custer Lodge, No. 13, Odd Fellows, and with Aerie No. 885, Eagles, in both organizations being exceedingly popular.

PHILO C. HANSON. President of the McPherson- Hanson company, incorporated, one of the prominent. enterprising and successful corporations in Butte deal- ing in real estate, mining prospects and properties and investments and in all parts of Silver Bow county and those which adjoin it well and favorably known as a progressive, broad-minded and patriotic citizen, Philo C. Hanson has risen to his present standing and sub- stantial prosperity wholly by his own efforts and well- applied ability. He has had no favors of fortune or especially propitious circumstances to aid him in his progress, but has steadily forged ahead from his young manhood, making his way step by step by his per- sistent industry and good management.

Mr. Hanson was born in Racine, Wisconsin, on Jan- uary 3, 1883, and is a son of Lars and Anna B. (Jacob- son) Hanson, the former a native of Sweden, where his life began in 1834, and the latter born in Christiania, Norway. They came to this country in early life and were married in Chicago. Soon afterward they located in Racine, Wisconsin, where the father engaged at lum- bering and remained in the trade there for a number of years. The family then moved to Butte, Montana, where the father died in April, 1899, and the mother is still living.

They were the parents of seven children, six of whom are living, and all but the last born natives of Racine. The last child was born in Butte, where all six now reside. They are: Philo C., Nathan, Ruth, Christine, Alida and Charles. They all stand well in the community of their home, are upright in their lives, energetic and progressive in business, devoted to the welfare of their city and county, and faithful in the performance of every duty.

Philo C. Hanson began his education in the public schools of Racine, Wisconsin, and completed it in those of Butte, Montana. He passed to the high school here and began its course of study, but left before complet- ing it to attend the Butte Business College for a spe- cial course of training as a preparation for mercantile life. He was graduated from this institution in 1903, and at once found employment in the office of the Thompson Investment Company, then prominent in the mining and investment lines of trade. Mr. Hanson remained with that concern until 1909, when he bought

the business in partnership with Mr. McPherson. The business was then incorporated under the title of McPherson-Hanson Company, and it has since gone on from year to year with increasing prosperity and prom- inence until it is now one of the leaders in its line in Butte. The company handles a great deal of real estate, a considerable quantity of mining prospects and property and a large aggregate of investments, and as the gentlemen at the head of it are wise and knowing, alert and enterprising, and at all times closely attentive to their business, their success is easy to account for as a logical result of persistent industry and good judg- ment.

On March 23, 1909, Mr. Hanson was united in mar- riage with Miss Edith Terry of Butte, a daughter of Elmore and Sarah J. (Boatman) Terry, prominent residents of that city. One child has been born of the union, a daughter named Dorothy Racine, whose life began in Butte on February 5, 1910. Mr. Hanson is a member of Mount Moriah Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and has attained the thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite; a member of the Butte Lodge of Elks, and also belongs to the Woodmen of the World in Butte. He is a Methodist in church connection and a Republican in politics. He is a great hunter and an expert shot, and fond of all outdoor sports. He is prominent in Butte and popular in all parts of the city. Young yet in years, vigorous in health, impelled by a lofty ambition to make the most of his opportunities and with the power to do it, he faces a very successful future.

DR. HENRY H. SWAIN. One of the most noted of the educators of the west is Dr. Henry H. Swain, of Dillon, president of the Montana State Normal College and professor of economics and sociology in that in- stitution, which stands as one of the best of its kind in the United States. For over a decade, or since 1901, Dr. Swain has been at the head of the college and under his administration a wise and progressive lead- ership has brought the school on towards the accom- plishment of its purpose and realization of its high mission. He is a man of great power and personality, combining the practical with the idealistic and making realities out of fine projects. Nothing could be more gratifying than the growth of the institution under his management and his prestige is high throughout the length and breadth of Montana, he being frequently called into consultation in matters educational all over the state.

Dr. Swain was born in Providence, Rhode Island, March 29, 1863. He lived there until about six years of age and then went to Iowa, where he remained until about sixteen, when he removed to Wisconsin, which state was the scene of his residence for about six years. He had received his earlier education in the public schools of Iowa and had graduated from the high school of Beloit, Wisconsin, following which he took a four year's course in Beloit College. He began his pedagogical career as a teacher in the schools of various towns in the Badger state, and for eight years was professor of economics in Yankton College, South Dakota. Subsequent to that he continued three years in graduate study in the University of Wisconsin, re- ceiving the degree of Doctor of Philisophy, and then (in 1898) came to Dillon, where he became connected with the Montana State Normal College and here he has ever since remained. In 1901 he was appointed president of this institution and has filled this posi- tion continuously ever since. It would be impossible to overestimate the value of his services or the salu- tary effect of his high ideals and splendid methods.

Dr. Swain was married in Denver, Colorado, July 31, 1889, his wife being Mira L. Olmsted. They share their hospitable home, with its atmosphere of culture and charm, with two children, both sons, Joseph Ward, born December 16, 1891, is a graduate of Columbia

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College of New York City, and now a graduate student at Harvard University, and Albert F., born March 4, 1894, is a student at the Montana Agricultural Col- lege.

Dr. and Mrs. Swain and their sons are communi- cants of the Episcopal church, and Mrs. Swain is an active worker in its several departments. Dr. Swain is a Democrat in politics. He finds his favorite recrea- tion in reading, and is the possessor of a fine library, which reveals a discriminating taste in literature.

The subject is a son of Rev. Leonard and Julia M. Swain. The father, a Congregational minister, was born in the state of New York and died in 1869, when about forty-eight years of age. His demise occurred in Rhode Island and he is interred in Providence. The mother was born in New Hampshire and died in Provi- dence, Rhode Island, when about forty-two years of age. Dr. Swain was only about three years old when his mother was called to the Great Beyond and when six the death of his father made him an orphan indeed. There were five children in the family of Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Leonard Swain, the subject being the young- est in order of birth.

The act of congress under which the state of Mon- tana was admitted to the Union, set aside one hundred thousand acres of public domain for the establish- ment and support of a state normal school. In pur- suance of the same plan the legislative assembly of Mon- tana has passed acts establishing the State Normal School, locating it at Dillon, providing for the erection of buildings, and appropriating money to defray its expenses. The first building was completed and the school opened in 1897. Two principal courses of study are offered. The degree course leads in four years to the degree of Bachelor of Pedagogy, offers abundant preparation for the technical work of teaching, and also gives the teacher a fair equipment of general culture. The three years' course includes most of the professional work of the degree course, but less of general culture and of the more advanced pedagogical study. The Master's degree is not granted indiscriminately, but is a mark of distinction conferred for special merit, the minimum requirements being that a candidate shall already have a Bachelor's degree from the Montana State Normal College, or from some other college or university of recognized standing, and must spend at least one year in resident graduate study at the Montana State Normal College. The law of Montana reposes in the College the sole power to issue certificates authorizing persons to teach in public kindergartens.

The faculty consists of the following: Henry H. Swain, Ph. D., University of Wisconsin, Beloit Col- lege. University of Chicago-president and professor of economics and sociology. Joseph E. Monroe, B. A., Kansas Normal College, University of Glasgow, New York University-vice-president and professor of phy- sics and chemistry. Lucy Hamilton Carson, M. A., University of Illinois, Illinois State Normal Univer- sity. University of Chicago-professor of English. Mrs. Anna W. Owsley, matron. Laura M. Kress, B. L., University of Wisconsin,-professor of Latin and German. Robert Clark, M. A., Amherst college, Clark University, New York University-professor of psy- chology and biology. Theodore Shoudy, Adelphi Col- lege,-instructor in manual arts. Grace Graeter Cin- cinnati Conservatory of Music, instructor in piano and pipe organ. E. Ray Mosher, M. A., University of Minnesota, Western Reserve University, professor of mathematics. Addie E. Bettes, Grand Rapids Training School, University of Michigan, University of Chicago, supervisor of primary training. Harriet A. Dunning, Herrick Studio (Chicago), Valley City State Normal School, instructor in physical culture and expression. Grant E. Finch, M. Ph., Sc. D., Upper Iowa Uni- versity, University of Chicago, superintendent of the training school. Frank H. Garver, Ph. D., Iowa State

University, professor of history and civics. Nina M. Nash, Madison State Normal School, Teachers' Col- lege Columbia University, supervisor of intermediate training. Lucy E. Herrick, teacher of vocal music. Lilian R. Free, Wisconsin Library Commission, li- brarian. E. Agnes Scott, assistant in physical culture.

The college is housed in an elegant and imposing structure. There is a summer school in addition to the regular terms. The social life is of a delightful and elevating nature and every pains is taken to make the life of the student agreeable, as well as profitable. The aim of the college is to teach its students to be of quick perceptions, broad sympathies, and wide affini- ties; responsive, but independent; self-reliant, but deferential; loving truth and candor, but also modera- tion and proportion ; courageous, but gentle; not fin- ished, but perfecting.

CHARLES L. HARRIS. The present register of the United States land office at Billings, Montana, Charles L. Harris, is a member of the Yellowstone county legal profession whose career has demonstrated what may be accomplished by the man of industry and ability in this rapidly advancing community. Elected to a position of high honor and trust even before he had been admitted to practice, his activities in the field of law have won him a place among the eminent men of his profession, and his executive ability has been evidenced by the capa- ble manner in which he has discharged the duties of his official positions. Mr. Harris is a native of the state of Washington, and was born at Port Ludlow, February 5, 1872, a son of Frank and Elizabeth Skillbeck (Wal- ters) Harris.

Frank Harris was born in New York state, where he received his education, and as a young man came west. He had been educated to follow the profession of law, but chose the vocations of millwright and machinist. and was the builder of some of the first mills on Puget Sound. Subsequently he took an active part in the building and operation of the Dr. Backer railroad from Umatilla to Walla Walla, Washington, with the old strap rails, the headquarters of this road being at Whitman Center. Leaving the service of the company, he went to the Blue Mountains and for some time interested himself in operating sawmills. He then became one of the heads of the mechanical department in the Northern Pacific shops at Ains- worth, Washington, and after several years spent at that place went to the Coos Bay country, in Oregon, and was the contractor and builder of a log- ging railroad. Mr. Harris then returned to the Puget Sound district, and there his death occurred about 1891. He was not only prominent in business matters, but was well known to public life, and in 1873 was elected on the Republican ticket to the territorial legislature of Wash- ington, in which he was very influential, acting as a member of a number of important committees .. Fra- ternally he was connected with the A. O. U. W., and was a member of the Masonic order. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Skillbeck, was born at Stockton-on-Lees, County Durham, England, and was first married to James Walters, by whom she had one son, James W. She still survives.

Charles L. Harris was the only child born to his parents, and his early education was secured in the public and private schools of his native state. He read law under the preceptorship of Judge N. T. Caton, of Sprague, Washington, and in 1892, while still studying law, was elected county attorney of Franklin county, Washington, but could not qualify as he had not attained his majority, nor had he yet been admitted to the bar. After he had passed his examinations, in 1893, he began the practice of his profession at Pasco, Washington, where he continued until February, 1898, and the 28th of that month saw his advent in Billings. His arrival here was at the time of the trial of William C. Brooks,

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on trial for killing his wife. Brooks was without coun- sel, as he had no funds, and the young attorney volun- teered to defend him. The trial which followed gave Mr. Harris a substantial reputation and stamped him as a lawyer who would go far in his profession, for, although the very cold-bloodedness of the murder pre- cluded the chance of an acquittal, the strenuous defence made by the accused's attorney caused wide-spread com- ment and gave evidence that Mr. Harris was a master of law and jurisprudence. Subsequently Mr. Harris became deputy clerk of the court of the thirteenth judicial district, and in 1902 was nominated and elected county attorney, serving one term in that position. On December 16, 1908, was appointed register of the United States land office at Billings, hy President Roosevelt, entered upon duty January 15, 1909. He has since acted in that capacity and has shown himself to be an excellent executive.

Mr. Harris is a Republican in political matters, and his fraternal affiliations are with the Knights of Pythias, the Eagles, the United Workmen, the Royal Highlanders and many other orders.

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A history of Montana, Volume III, Part 91

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