A history of Montana, Volume III, Part 96

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

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Michael P. Mahoney was born near Dubuque, Iowa, on the 5th of January, 1880. His parents are Eugene and Maggie (Lynch) Mahoney, both of whom were natives of Iowa and are still living on the old home- stead near Dubuque. The Mahoneys are among the oldest families of Iowa, the grandfather having settled in that state in 1835, his trip being made with ox team. This settlement occurred eleven years before Iowa be- came a state, and while most of the present state was still Indian domain. The Lynches settled in Illinois in 1833, so that they too were pioneers of the middle west. Eugene and Maggie Mahoney had ten children, four of them now deceased, named as follows: Mary, living with her parents; Henry, a farmer near Dubuque; Ella, deceased; Michael; John, a farmer of South Dakota ; Jean and James, deceased; Joseph L., who is a book- keeper at Dyersville, Iowa; Jean, a clerk at Dubuque; and Bruce, of Dyersville, Iowa.

During the first sixteen years of his life Michael P. Mahoney spent most of his time in the public schools. He then continued to live at home on the farm for three years, and in 1899 came out to Montana, where he entered the employ of the A. C. M. Company at Ana- conda. In various capacities he remained with this company until 1908. During these few years he was identified in increasing degrees, with the organized welfare of his labor associates and with the general public interests of the community. In 1906 he was elected president of the Anaconda labor organization, an office he held two years, and in 1908 was chosen to fill the office of county clerk and recorder of Deer Lodge county. His election was on the Democratic ticket, and for a number of years he has been active in his party and a delegate to all the city and county con-

ventions. Among his friends and business associates Mr. Mahoney's reputation for honesty and integrity is solidly founded, and he is one of the leading men of his city and county at the present time. His career is a record of progress from humble beginnings, and with determination, and relying altogether on his own ef- forts, he has worked his way to influence and useful service.

Fraternally, he is a member of the Elks, the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians and is president of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Amnong his diversions fishing has first place, a sport of which he is an ardent follower.

FREDERICK WILLIAM BARKER. Connected with the cattle business for many years in Montana, in ventures in which he has both lost and made money, and now the owner of 1,580 acres situated thirty-eight miles north of Glendive, Frederick William Barker has had a career the vicissitudes of which are typical of those of some of Montana's leading citizens. He has accumu- lated and lost several fortunes, but has kept steadfastly ahead in his chosen field, so directing his energies as to finally gain the goal of success and his coveted posi- tion among the leading stockmen of his state. Mr. Barker was born in Wapello county, Iowa, and is a son of J. M. and Rachel (Stant) Barker. His parents, natives of Indiana, were children of North Carolinians, and came to Iowa in 1852, J. M. Barker being a farmer and stock raiser all of his life. He and his wife still reside in Wapello county, and in 1909 celebrated their golden wedding at their home in Ottumwa. They had a family of six children, as follows: Josephine, who makes her home in Austin, Texas; Ida and Stella, of Iowa City, Iowa; Cora, who lives at Ottumwa, Iowa; Frederick William; and Nellie, living near Central, lowa. All of these children have grown to maturity and are married.

Frederick William Barker grew to manhood on the old farm near Ottumwa, and was given a common school education. He was reared to the life of an agri- culturist, but at the age of twenty-one years embarked in business on his own account, going on the trail for the H. S. Cattle Company and helping to drive 3.500 head from Wyoming to the Redwater, in Montana. He continued with that firm for one year, and then began to work on a sheep ranch for Charles Krug. Subsequently during that same year he returned to his old home, where he remained for one year, returning thence to Anaconda, Montana. He was then employed by Walker & Blandinburg to go into the Big Hole Basin, and after spending fourteen months in their big cattle run, again returned to Iowa, spending the next two years in that state and Missouri. While there he was married to Miss Minnie Bridges, daughter of J. M. and Susan (Clark) Bridges, and they have had six children: Grace, Earl, Marjorie, Frederick, James Newton and Fern, all of whom live at home with their parents.

On February 15, 1899, Mr. and Mrs. Barker re- turned to Montana, he taking a position as engineer in the placer mine of W. R. Allen, in French Gulch, where he remained until winter. Following this, he invested his earnings in a prospecting outfit, but this did not prove successful, and he was compelled to re- turn to Anaconda and find employment in a meat market. During the following spring, however, Mr. Barker came to his present location, going to work on the McCone ranch, where he and his wife each leased 600 head of cattle. They were not through with mis- fortune, however, for a hard winter followed and they lost nearly all of their stock, but from what was left, about 100 head, they built a new herd, and last year (1911) shipped about 500 head to the markets, as well as 1,280 head of sheep. Mr. Barker filed on a claim of 320 acres, thirty-eight miles north of Glen-

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dive, and to this he has since added from time to time, being now the owner of 1,580 acres, of which 450 acres are under cultivation and now devoted to wheat, flax and oats. At this time one of his wheat-fields, a tract of sixty acres, is supposed to be one of the most highly cultivated ever grown in any country in the world. He has made numerous improvements of various kinds, and is preparing to replace the old ranch house with a modern residence. In fraternal matters Mr. Barker is connected with Iowa Formal Lodge, No. 442, at Kirksville, Iowa, and in politics he is a Democrat. His wife is a member of the Christian church, but Mr. Barker is not connected with any special denomina- tion, although he is at all times ready to donate to movements of a charitable or religious character. A public-spirited, reliable citizen, with faith in himself and the future of his community, he has deserved all the success that has come to him, and is recognized as one of those whose activities are benefiting the com- munity and its interests.

REV. CHARLES L. BOVARD, D. D. The life work of Rev. Charles L. Bovard, D. D., in the service of the Methodist Episcopal church, has been of unbroken activity since he first entered the ministry in 1882, following his schooling in Hanover College. His labors have called him from one state to another, and in the years that have elapsed since he entered upon his life work he has done duty in many places and among all classes of people. As president of the Wesleyan Uni- versity at Helena, Montana, he has been called to a most responsible position-a position that not only expresses the highest confidence of his church, but one in which he may find the opportunity for a perma- nent service to humanity.

Dr. Charles L. Bovard was born in Alpha, Scott county, Indiana, on October 10, 1860. He is the son of James Bovard, born in Steubenville, Ohio, in 1824. In early manhood he removed to Indiana, where he died in 1889 at the age of sixty-five years. He passed his life as a farmer and was a veteran of the Civil war, through which he passed unscathed, although he saw much of its hardships and was a participant in many bloody conflicts of that period. He served as a private in the command of General Thomas, and was later with General Sherman at Atlanta. He was in active service from 1862 until 1865 and was mustered out at the close of the war, after which he returned to his farm in Indiana, and there passed the remainder of his life. His wife was Sarah Young, born at Little Miami, near' Cincinnati, Ohio. She died in 1888 at the age of sixty years. She and her husband were both well known and prominent in their community, and were highly respected of all who were privileged to claim their acquaintance. They reared a family of twelve children, many of whom have attained unusual promi- nence in their vocations. It is worthy of mention here that five of their sons are today occupying high places as presidents of colleges or clergymen-a circumstance which is exceedingly rare and at the same time reflects no little honor upon the parents who produced a family of so much excellence. Charles L. Bovard, D. D., is the ninth in order of birth. Other members of his family are: M. M. Bovard, D. D., founder of the University of Southern California, died in 1891 ; F. D. Bovard, Ph. D. D., editor of the California Christian Advocate, San Francisco; Melville Y. Bovard. Ph. D. D., pastor Summerfield church, Brooklyn, New York; George F. Bovard, D. D., LL. D .. president of the Uni- versity of Southern California, Los Angeles ; Wm. S. Bovard, D. D .. vice president of the University of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Morton M. E. Bovard. Ahing- ton, Illinois; A. C. Bovard, St. Joseph, Missouri; S. G. Bovard. Dupont, Indiana ; one sister, Mrs. M. J. Grif- fith. and two brothers, all deceased.

Charles L. Bovard was educated in the public schools

of the community in which he was reared, following which he attended Hanover College, but left this famous old institution in 1882, before graduation, tak- ing a course in the Normal Collegiate Institute, Lexing- ton, Indiana. Later he was graduated Ph. B. from the Illinois Wesleyan University and received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Moore's Hill College. He entered the ministry of the South East Indiana Con- ference of the Methodist Episcopal church soon after his college career was finished, and his first charge was at Holman, Indiana. He remained there for two years, and his next charge, North Vernon, Indiana, held him for the space of three years. From there he went to Vevay, Indiana, and was sent thence to Tucson, Ari- zona. He was next sent to the superintendency of the New Mexico English Mission with headquarters at Albuquerque, New Mexico, spending six years in this field, and returned from there to La Porte, Indiana, where he was stationed for two years. In 1899 he was transferred to Helena, Montana, remaining there for four years, following which he spent three years at Montana View, Butte, and then was sent back to Oxford, Ohio, where he was retained for four years. His next charge, Minot, North Dakota, he shortly quitted, return- ing to Helena, Montana, in 1910. After serving one year as district superintendent, he was elected to the presidency of the Montana Wesleyan University at that place. The labors of Dr. Bovard have already been rewarded by worthy accomplishments in his new capac- ity, and the church has an able advocate in control of the affairs of the University in the person of the present incumbent. Through his efforts a movement was started for the improvement and extension of the present uni- versity quarters, and in a few weeks he had received by popular subscription over $100,000 for that cause. His former acquaintance in Montana makes him a par- ticularly valuable man to the University, and his popu- larity and prominence is the direct result of his unselfish and honest efforts in the work to which his life was dedicated three decades ago. Dr. Bovard is a Pythian Knight, having served as prelate of that order as well as pro tem chaplain of the Masonic order, in both of which societies he is prominent and active.

On January 30, 1883, Reverend Bovard was married to Miss Clamenta Smith, of Lexington, Indiana. She is the daughter of Charles W. and Sarah Jeannette (Fitch) Smith, prominent residents of Lexington, now deceased. Mr. Smith was connected with the hard- ware trade for many years in his community, as a mer- chant. Mr. and Mrs. Bovard have two sons: William Zelman Bovard, born April 1, 1886; he is an architect and is a married man, living at Helena, Montana. He is the father of one child. Carl Vincent Bovard was born October 29, 1889, at Vevay, Indiana. He married Miss Erma Becker and they are now residents of Long Beach, California.

THOMAS EDWIN LEWIS, superintendent of schools in Cut Bank. Teton county, Montana, was born in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, on July 20, 1879. He is the son of John Alfred Lewis, a native of Cardiff, South Wales, and the grandson of a Welch land owner. When he was eighteen years of age John Alfred Lewis entered the English army, where in ten years of service he ad- vanced by successive steps to the rank of lieutenant, in which capacity he served for four years, and then resigned to come to America. Mr. Lewis arrived in the United States in the autumn of 1867 and settled on a farm in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, in the follow- ing year. there remaining until his death in 1895. For years when he first settled in Stevens Point he main- tained a school on his farm, which was open to the public, and he was largely instrumental in the building of a community church. Prior to leaving England John Alfred Lewis married Sarah Jane Wilson, born at Sarmarshire, South Wales. She was educated in a

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private school, as was her husband, and they were married in 1865.

Thomas Edwin Lewis lived the life of the average farmer boy until he was sixteen years of age, and between the ages of sixteen and nineteen he served as a telegraph operator on the Wisconsin railroad. There- after, until he was twenty-two years old, he taught school, and then for two years attended the Stevens Point Normal, then one year at Lawrence University of Appleton, Wisconsin, followed by three years of study at the University of Wisconsin, where in 1908 Mr. Lewis received his B. A. degree. The two years fol- lowing his graduation from the University of Wiscon- sin were spent in teaching in the Flathead county high school, and the next years he spent in research work in California. In 1911 he took charge of the schools of Cut Bank, and his success in the work is already assured. His acknowledged aim is to build up a high class industrial school system and to train the youth of the town so that they may be able to successfully meet the practical problems of life.

Mr. Lewis is a progressive Republican and an ardent supporter of Senator LaFollette. His politics are based upon principle, rather than party affiliations, and he will cast his vote for Woodrow Wilson in Novem- ber. While in Wisconsin Mr. Lewis was a member of the Portage county committee representing the LaFol- lette faction. Mr. Lewis is deeply interested in the civic affairs of Cut Bank, and takes his full share of the responsibilities of citizenship in his community. In the spring of 1912 he was chairman of a committee which created a new city park, built a pavilion and a Chautauqua building. He was also chairman of the Fourth of July celebration committee.

On April 27, 1910, Mr. Lewis was united in marriage with Miss Emma May Robinson. She was educated in the city schools of Maustoon, Wisconsin, after which she spent several years in study at the Chicago Con- servatory of Music. She was a teacher of music in Milwaukee for two years prior to her marriage. One son has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lewis, Thomas Gordon Lewis, born in California on April 5, 191I. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

GEORGE W. LANSTRUM. Among the present genera- tion of young and middle aged men in Montana is George W. Lanstrum, the present efficient and popular postmaster of Helena, who has held that position since May 17, 1910.

J. M. SCANLAND. An excellent type of the aggres- sive and progressive business and professional man of the present era in the Treasure state is seen in the per- son of J. M. Scanland, superintendent and directing head of the State Asylum for the Insane, at Warmsprings, Montana. A resident of the state since 1899, Dr. Scan- land has, by his force of character and genuine worth, taken a prominent place among its well-known and valued citizens.

A native of Boosier Parish, Louisiana, he was born March 11. 1874, the son of a fine old Southern family that, with its allied connections, included professional men and planters who have for years been prominent in the business life of the south. The advantages of hreeding and education which are characteristic of his locality accrued to J. M. Scanland and culminated in his graduation, in 1897, from the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, Maryland.

Shortly after his completion of his studies the young physician accepted a position on the staff of the City Hospital in the Maryland metropolis. While he was there engaged in his professional activities. inquiries were sent hy Dr O. Y. Warren. then superintendent of the asylum at Warmsprings, Montana, to Dr. J. W. Chambers, professor of surgery at the Baltimore Col-

lege of Physicians, regarding the immediate need of a competent physician to act as assistant in the Montana institution. Dr. Scanland was recommended for the place and on May 30, 1899, he arrived at Warmsprings, where he at once entered upon the duties of his posi- tion.

For nearly five years Dr. Scanland continued as Dr. Warren's assistant, concluding that relation in Decem- ber of 1904, at which time he removed to Butte, where he began the practice of his profession, in association with Dr. M. G. MacNevin. This connection was re- tained until the elder physician went to New York City. The private practice of Dr. Scanland was carried on in Butte until April 1, 1907. On that date he returned to Warmsprings and there entered upon the extensive and arduous responsibilities as manager of the institution and interests of which Doctors Mitchell and Musigbrod were the sponsors. In that work Dr. Scanland has since remained. Diversified and extensive as these interests are, he by the able methods of handling which he has applied to them, has shown himself to be a man of rare business capacity and unusual foresight.

Under the management of Dr. Scanland the Warm- springs asylum has been greatly enlarged and improved, until it now enjoys the status of the best equipped in- stitutions of its character in the country. The beautify- ing of its grounds, with their superb landscape effects ; the complete system of fire protection; the installing and developing of various new departments-all these improvements originated with and were accomplished by Dr. Scanland.

Despite his heavy responsibilities as the director of large and important interests, he manifests keen inter- est in public affairs and is invariably found a supporter of any movement of benefit to the community. A prom- inent member of the Democratic party, he has served on the county central committee of that organization and is one of the party's advisers and counsellors in that section of the state. His presidency of the Deer Lodge County Fair Association is another of his public activities, while his business and professional ability is also called into requisition in his capacity as a director of the Montana Life Insurance Company and is presi- dent of the Montana State Medical Association.

Both individually and with his family, Dr. Scanland is a leading figure socially in this section of the country. Mrs. Scanland, nee Marie Adele Mitchell, is a daughter of the noted Dr. A. H. Mitchell, that pioneer physician of Montana who founded the Warmsprings Sanitorium. The children of Dr. and Mrs. Scanland are Marie Mitchell. Scanland, Douglass Downs Scanland, and Elen Adele Scanland. The Scanland home is dis- tinguished as a center of refinement and culture in the community.

The formal affiliations of Dr. Scanland's social life include his membership in the Masonic order, in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and in the Fraternal Order of Eagles. In the organization of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons he has attained the thirty-second degree; he is also a Noble of the Mystic Shrine, being a member of Algeria Temple at Helena. His hosts of friends far outnumber his fraternal con- nections and include the leading men of Montana. Personally popular, he is distinguished for his courteous manner, his gentlemanly bearing and his never failing loyalty as well as for his executive and scientific acu- men.

JAMES B. FINLAY. A Canadian by birth, a Scot by descent, and a citizen of Butte by choice, Mr. James Brown Finlay is widely and favorably known in this city of his adontion. His father was James Finlay, born in Farfar, Scotland, where he married Miss Annie Brown, and their oldest son, the subject of this sketch, was named for both of his parents. There were four children in the family. all born in Canada. The father

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was a farmer and a contractor and is still living in Manitoba, though he he has retired from active work, and for the past twelve years has been enjoying the fruits of his early industry. Shortly after their mar- riage, James and Annie Finlay came from Scotland to Huron county, Ontario, and here James, Junior, was born on April 24, 1874. When six years old he moved with his parents to Manitoba and remained there until 1896. He was educated in the public schools of Can- ada, graduating from both the high school and from the normal school. After finishing his course, he taught for three years in Canada, and for one year in Cascade county, Montana.

Mr. Finlay had learned the carpenter's trade from his father, and after four years of teaching, he decided to give up educational work and devote himself to his trade, as he preferred a life which brought him into contact with those actively engaged in commercial en- terprise. Accordingly, he joined the Carpenters' Union in Great Falls, in 1900, and has ever since been an active and a prominent member of that body. Various offices in this organization have been filled by Mr. Finlay, and in 1910 he was elected to that of financial secretary, a position which he still holds. Another post which he ably fills is that of secretary of the Building Trades Council. Ever since 1908 he has been a delegate to this association. Mr. Finlay owes his prominence in these bodies to his excellent education, his energy, his executive ability, and his talent for leadership. The influence of the leaders of trade or- ganizations is one which is of the greatest consequence to the welfare of the community at large, and it is fortunate indeed when this power is in the hands of an able and enlightened man. Politics is not one of his occupations nor diversions, though he is somewhat inclined to be a Republican. In the fraternal orders he belongs to the Odd Fellows' lodge.

Mr. Finlay was married in Canada in 1895. Mrs. Finlay was formerly Miss Sara Fisher, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Fisher. They are both natives of London, England, but have lived in Canada since their marriage, and now reside at Red Deer, Alberta, where Mr. Fisher is in the real estate business. Mr. and Mrs. Finlay have five children, as follows: Sylvia Dreda, Maxine, Loye and Bryson. Since 1905 the fam- ily have made their home in Butte, residing at 2021 Second avenue, South. They have many friends among the leading citizens of the city, among whom Mr. Finlay holds a place.

CLARENCE R. FULLER. One of the business men of Anaconda whose success and sterling citizenship are important factors in the general prosperity of the city is the proprietor of the Fuller Drug Company. His establishment is one of the best of its kind in the city, and he is also half owner in the Fuller Drug Company store at Wisdom, this state.

Clarance R. Fuller was born at Pendleton, Oregon, February 16, 1881, a son of R. A. and Annie (Bryant) Fuller, both natives of Oregon. The father is now a carpenter at Missoula, and the mother died in 1883. when her son was about two years old. The latter received his primary education at Corvallis, Oregon. to which place his father had removed, and the home was afterwards moved to Idaho, in which state he finished his early schooling.

When he was fifteen years old he began learning pharmacy at Wallace, Idaho, and four years later was promoted to the degree of registered pharmacist. The death of his mother was one of the early handicaps to his career, and throughout his early years he struggled hard and determinedly in finding the route to success - ful accomplishment, and the position he has won in the business world is due entirely to his own ability and efforts.

Locating in Missoula in 1899, he was a drug clerk

there for six months, then went to Butte, where he was in the employ of J. T. Finlen and W. E. Webb, two years with each. He then became manager for the Burke Drug Company at Burke, Idaho, and some time later, with F. H. Richardson, bought the business. In 1906 Mr. Fuller sold out to his partner and came to Anaconda, which has been his home since that date. Here he bought the Charette Drug Company, and has built up this establishment to conform with his own progressive ideals of mercantile success. Though still a young man, and having at an early age been put on his own responsibility, he is now the owner of a first- class business, a pleasant home and enjoys the esteem of his associates and fellow citizens.

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A history of Montana, Volume III, Part 96

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