An illustrated history of the state of Montana, containing biographical mention of its pioneers and prominent citizens, Part 118

Author: Miller, Joaquin, 1837-1913. cn
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Chicago, The Lewis pub. co.
Number of Pages: 1216

USA > Montana > An illustrated history of the state of Montana, containing biographical mention of its pioneers and prominent citizens > Part 118

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ing ten Democrats and six Republicans. No further fears of a lack of quorum were enter- tained.

The members of the house of representatives mnet in two bodies, as at previous sessions, and effected independent organizations. Governor Toole promptly recognized the Democratic honse, which was likewise recognized by the senate. The senate and Democratic house met in joint session and listened to the reading of the governor's annual message. But while the two honses of representatives had changed their relations to the State senate, legislation under the new order of things was impossible by reason of a lack of quormm in the Democratic house and the certainty that the Supreme Court, having already determined the status of the Republican house of representatives, as a legal body would not sustain the validity of a law passed by an illegal body. The Democratic house could have no standing in a legal sense, and the partisan action of a Democratic senate and a Democratic governor could not enable it to acquire the dignity of a law-making power. Therefore the dead-lock was continued.

Under snch conditions, and with no senatorial ambitions to intervene, talk of a compromise

and often made as high as $50 a day, but later worked in poorer places, where he lost a part of his savings. After spending four years in the placer mines he engaged in the butcher business in Washington, Nevada county, where he made money rapidly. Three years later he re- turned to Missouri with a fair supply of the gold for which he had risked so much, and at Stony Point, that State, conducted a store until the great Civil war burst upon the country. From that cause he lost both his goods and money.

Mr. Hendricks sympathized with the South, and en- listed in the Confederate army under Quantrell. Their operations were principally from Missouri to Texas. He was in many skirmishes and hard-fought battles, suffered many hardships, was slightly wounded three times, and at the battle of Prairie Grove was wounded in the leg and had his horse killed under him. IIe enlisted as a private, but by meritorious conduct was promoted at dif- ferent times, and at the close of the struggle was First

began early in the session and was freely in- dulged by both Republicans and Democrats, un- til finally that desideratum so essential to the welfare of the State was realized. Conserva- tive men in both parties more interested in se- curing legislation to relieve the pressing neces- sities of the State than in party advantages or the conservation of political pride, made every effort to devise equable plans for breaking the dead-lock. A point had been reached in the history of the new State when the pressing ob- ligations of Statehood must be respected or lasting injury inflicted upon the commonwealth.

Caucuses were held and committees appointed by both houses with a view to effecting a com- promise, and plans and suggestions innumer- able emanated from both parties. It became clear, however, that party pride and prejudice and the subtlety of leadership were almost in- surmountable barriers to the attainment of an end so earnestly desired by the people. When it became evident that the State was bordering on a condition of anarchy, and that the bitter prejudices that inspired the Democratic leader- ship would hesitate at no extreme, the Repub- lican house made a formal offer to the effect that all the Democrats and all the Republicans

Lieutenant of Shelby's brigade. In 1864 Mr. Hendricks and two companions received a furlough and returned home, and all were married and returned to Texas with their wives on horseback.

Our subject's marriage occurred October 11, 1864, to Miss Ellen Gregg, a native of Missouri, and her brother was one of the soldiers married at that time. Mrs. Hen- dricks was with her husband in Texas when the war closed, and in July, 1866, they returned to Missouri. Our subject was then engaged in farming and raising mules for four years, then crossed the plains with a drove of cattle to Golden City, Colorado, sold his stock and returned to Missouri. In 1883 he came to Marysville, built the residence where he still resides, was engaged in freight- ing from Helena to Marysville until the railroad was built, and since that time has been practically retired from business life. Ile has held the office of Constable for a number of years, and also served as Sheriff. Mr. IIendricks has lived a life of varied and eventful experi-

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whose seats in the house of representatives were undisputed meet together in joint confer- ence and devise a plan of compromise, leaving out of this conference the five Democrats and the five Republicans whose seats were in dis- pute. To this the Democrats would not agree.

Finally, Senator Goddard (Republican) and Senator Thornton (Democrat), bothi representa- tive party men, zealous workers for the welfare of their respective organizations, yet able and distinguished citizens, were mutually agreed upon as a senate committee to devise a basis of agreement between the two honses of repre- sentatives. The plan outlined by those gentle- men was fully debated in each house, modified in some respects and finally adopted as follows: Three of the Republicans and two of the Den- ocrats whose seats had been disputed were to be seated as members of the house of representa- tives, and the Democrats were to name the of- ficers of that body. This compromise involved the surrender of party pride on both sides, but was in response to a demand that towered above all party considerations. Although the legality of the Republican house had been fully estab-

ences, is now in the sixtieth year of his age, but is still hale and hearty, and is considered one of Marysville's most honorable and reliable citizens.

Mr. and Mrs. Hendricks have had the following chil- dren: Lydia G., wife of J. M. Halterman, of Marysville; Riley E., engaged in the milling business in Utah; Clar- ence E., a business man of this city; and Charles J., Arthur J., Harry C., Carrie E. and Bessie, at home.

HENRY DUNSCHEN, a successful farmer of the Bitter Root valley, was born in Germany, June 11, 1827. In 1854 he left his native land for America, and for the following ten years was engaged in farming in Illinois. He then made the long and hazardous journey with horses and mules across the plains to Montana, where he followed mining at Alder Gulch abont one year, and then, in 1865, secured 240 acres of Government land at his present loca- tion in Bitter Root valley. 1Ie built a small cabin and began the improvement of his place, which he has since converted into one of the finest farms in the family. He has now a good bearing orchard, a comfortable dwelling, where once stood his little cabin, and has made many other improvements.

lished by the court of last resort and the senate of the United States, it assented to the retire- ment of two of its members and the surrender of the organization of the house in patriotic re- sponse to the necessities of Statehood which could be met only by the prompt enactment of much needed laws.

At high noon, January 28, 1891, the two honses met together on the basis of the com- promise that had been agreed to and the dead- lock was broken. It was an event in the his- tory of the State that ranked second in import- ance only to the Sth day of November, 1889, when, by virtue of a proclamation by President Harrison, Montana was admitted into the sister- hood of States.

ELECTION OF 1892.

In the election of 1892 the Republicans were victorious in Montana all along the line, sweep- ing the State with their electoral ticket, elect- ing a representative in Congress and suffering the defeat of but one man on their State ticket. In this election it was clearly demonstrated that the Republican party had been greatly strength- ened by its attitude in the Precinct 34 contro-

In 1871 Mr. Dunschen was united in marriage with Mrs. Mary Ford. By her former marriage Mrs. Dunschen had one daughter, now Mrs. Andrew Logan. Our subject and wife are members of the Catholic Church. The for- mer has been a life-long Democrat, has always taken a deep interest in the welfare of his county, and is well and favorably known by many of the early settlers of Montana.

JOHN MURRAY, County Commissioner of Jefferson coun- ty, was born in county Tipperary, Ireland, June 6, 1843, a son of Bartholomew and Emma (Bowen) Murray, natives also of that country. The parents were married in their native land, where seven children were born to them. In 1846 the father and eldest son came to America, locating in Fulton county, Illinois, where they were joined in the following year by the remainder of the family, and there the eighth child was born. They resided on the farm a number of years, but their death occurred at Macomb MeDonough county,-the father in 1886, and the mother in 1889. Of their eight children, two sons and fonr daughters are still living.

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versy and the legislative dead-lock. Wm. E. Hall, a leading member of the Silver Bow can- vassing board, and chiefly responsible for the rejection of the alleged returns from Precinct 34, was nominated and elected as a Harrison elector, while Lieutenant Governor John E. Rickards, who presided over the State senate during the dead-lock and thwarted the Demo- cratic conspiracy to secure two United States senators, was nominated and elected governor of the State of Montana by a splendid major- ity. The entire State ticket was elected with the exception of Henry N. Blake, nominee for chief justice, whose defeat was brought about by a combination of the Democratic and Populist parties, which united on Judge Pemberton for that position. For Congress Charles S. Hart- man (Republican) defeated W. W. Dixon (Democrat).

THIRD LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY.

Upon the legislative assembly convening in January, 1893, devolved the duty of electing a United States senator to succeed Wilbur F, Sanders, whose term expired March 4, 1893. There was but one contested seat in the assem- bly. The claim was made by the Democrats

John Murray, the fifth child in order of birth, erossed the ocean to America at the age of five years, was raised on the farm in Illinois and attended the public schools during the winter months. In 1865, filled with the spirit of adventure, he crossed the plains to Montana with a freight train, under the direction of Captain Nasby. They had a large train of oxen, and there were twenty- seven men in this particular outfit, but they were joined by several other trains in crossing the Indian country. At Polo Creek, one of the tributaries of the Platte, they were attacked by Indians, who captured one of their wagons, wounded an ox through the neck, but the emi- grants then succeeded in driving them off without further loss. After arriving at Virginia City, Mr. Murray engaged in mining, but, meeting with poor success there, two weeks later he went to Warm Spring creek, and after spending one month there went to Confederate Gulch, where he found all the claims taken. In the early spring he engaged in prospecting at New York Gulch, where he worked the first successful drain, and during the two years spent at that place took out about $15,000.

that E. E. Leech, member of the house from Chotean county, was elected by illegal votes cast at a certain precinct in that county, where- upon his Democratic competitor, A. B. Hamil- ton, appeared as claimant to the seat. When it became the duty of the State auditor to ad- minister the oath of office to the members of the house Mr. Hamilton stood up to be sworn in. The auditor, Mr. A. B. Cook, refused to administer the oath collectively, but upon roll call, the result being that Mr. Leech, the duly accredited representative from Chocteau county, was sworn in and sook his seat. Having failed to secure the seat through a technical maneuver, Mr. Hamilton made no effort to lay his case be- fore the house on its merits, and the contest ended practically with a confession that it was not made in good faith or with a view of push- ing it to a conclusion upon the facts. The in- cident excited little interest in either party, and Mr. Leech's title to his seat was never seriously questioned.

The House of Representatives comprised fifty-five members, of whom twenty-six were Democrats, twenty-six Republicans and three were Populists. One of the Populist members,

They then supposed the mine was nearly exhausted, but it has yielded an abundance of gold since. Mr. Murray next followed mining and merchandising at Indian Creek, in St. Louis, and three years afterward returned to Warm Spring District, where he has ever since remained. In 1884 he beeanie interested in mining with Governor Han- ser and A. M. Holter, of Helena, and they have bought the entire distriet, consisting of about 600 acres. They work from sixteen to twenty-two miles, and during the past ten years have taken out $125,000 in gold. They ex- pended $30,000 in putting in the Beaver Creek diteh, and $10,000 in building the Indian Creek diteh. It is now one of the most valuable properties in the State. Mr. Murray is also interested in quartz mining, his principal mine le_ ing the Iron Mask, from which they have shipped large quantities of ore, and ten car loads lately shipped by them netted from $300 to $889 a car. They have devel- oped the mine to a drift of 335 feet In addition to his mining interests, our subject owns 349 aeres of land in the Missouri valley, where he now resides.

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Daniel W. Beecher, of Cascade, posed as the product of a combination between the Demo- crats and Populists. This was nrged in justi- fication of his early desertion of the Populist triumvirate and strict adhesion to Democratic interests throughout the great senatorial fight of that session. The State senate stood, Demo- crats nine, Republicans seven. Thus, with the aid and co-operation of Beecher, the Domocrats had a clear majority of three votes on joint ballot, and were able to name not only the successor to Senator Sanders but absolutely control legislation as well.

In their senatorial caucus the Republicans natned Senator Sanders as their choice for sen- ator, the Democrats named W. A. Clark, and the Populists named Samuel Mulville. Ten Democrats, however, under the influence of Marcus Daly, who had again undertaken to de- feat and humiliate his old-time enemy, as in the Clark-Carter Congressional campaign, re- fused to enter the Democratic senatorial caucus or be a party to its action. These ten Demo- crats resolutely refused to vote for Clark, the choice of the party caucus, when by so doing they would have made his election possible any day during the session. Mulville was soon

In November, 1876, he was united in marriage with Miss Annie Sullivan. They have seven children, all born in Montana, namely, Mary, Regina, Maud, Bertha, Silvian, Lessie and -. In political matters, Mr. Murray has been a life-long Democrat, and in 1889 was the choice of his party for County Commissioner, in which he is now serving his fourth year.

JUDGE ORREN EMERSON, County Treasurer of Deer Lodge county, dates his arrival in Montana in June, 1865, and for nearly three decades has been identified with its interests.

He is a native of the State of Maine, born June 21, 1831, a descendant of English ancestry. Daniel Emerson his grandfather, emigrated from England to this country at an early day and settled in Maine, where the Judge's father, Samuel Emerson, was born in 1789. Samuel Em- erson married Fanny Parlan, also a native of Maine, and they reared their family and spent their lives in that State. Eight of their ten children are still living, Orren

dropped, two of the Populists aligning them- selves with the Daly forces, the other (Beecher) swinging in line for Clark. With twelve mem- bers of the joint session voting steadfastly for W. W. Dixon, the candidate of Marcus Daly, the election of Clark with Democratic votes became an impossibility. The Republicans were not strong enough numerically to elect their can- didate, while the split in the Democratic party prevented their political opponents from scoring a victory. This condition of affairs prevailed throughout the entire session. Clark remained the caucus nominee of his party during the session, but the Republicans decided to drop Sanders, when it became evident that his election was impossible, and in a caucus called to consider the senatorial question it was, after due deliberation, determined to substitute the namne of Lee Mantle as the choice of the Re- publican party for senatorial honors. This was accordingly done, but did not result in the acquisition of new votes. On the contrary, the total Republican vote could not be held to Mantle as it had been to Sanders. Mr. Mantle, however, remained the official choice of his party until the final ballot in joint session was taken.

being their third-born. The father died in 1849, at the age of sixty years, and the mother passed away in 1875, at the age of seventy. Both were members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church and led consistent lives, honored and respected hy all who knew them.

Judge Emerson grew up on his father's farm, in Maine, and received his early education in the commou schools, attending school during the winter only. When he reached his majority he started out in life for himself. For two years he was employed in sawmill work in the State of New York. Then, in 1854, he went to California, making the journey by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and for eight years thereafter followed the fortunes of a miner in the Golden State. Next we find him in Boise City, Idaho, where he remained two years, mining and also doing a blacksmith business, having a partner in the latter.

In 1865, as already stated, the subject of our sketel ar- rived in Montana. He brought with him a blacksmith

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When it became evident that Clark could not control enough Democratic votes to insure his election, and that the session was likely to terminate withont the selection of a senator, the friends of the Democratic nominee put forth the most extraordinary efforts to secure a decisive vote in his favor.

At noon upon the last day of the session the house and senate met as usual to ballot in joint session for a senator, meeting in the audito- rium, which was crowded with spectators who came to witness the last and most exciting chapter of the great political drama. A ballot was taken; the six Republicans voted for Clark, creating a tremendous sensation. But this ac- quisition of strength by the Clark men was not sufficient to elect. Three more Republican votes were needed to insure the success of Clark, and it is by some believed that a second ballot would have given him that additional number. This belief, however, has never been confirmed and cannot be treated with historical accuracy, for the second ballot was not taken; and if any other Republican contemplated vot- ing for Clark he had no opportunity of doing so and has never confessed his purpose.

outfit, came by way of Walla Walla, and first located at Elk Creek and later at Blackfoot City, carrying on the blacksmith business at both places. In those days he re- ceived good prices for his work. For making a miner's pick he got $16, and for shoeing a horse, $12. From Blackfoot City he removed his business in 1867 to Phil- lipsburg, where he purchased property and built both a residence and shop, and where he met with great pros- perity. He was also engaged in quartz mining success- fully for a number of years, and while there was one of the discoverers of the Speckled Trout mine and of the Poor Man, and he owned an interest in the Princetown. He parted with his interest in these mines for a few thou- sand dollars, and they afterward yielded large dividends.

In 1870 Mr. Emerson came to Deer Lodge. Here he soon afterward engaged in business, which he success- fully carried on for a number of years. On one occasion while prospecting in the mountains he had the misfortune to lose his right arm, the result of an accidental discharge from his rifle. Finding himself thus disabled he turned

As soon as the result of the ballot was an- nounced, Senator Matts, as spokesman for the Daly wing of the Democratic membership, made a speech in advocacy of adjourning the joint session sine die. Upon this proposition the Republican members united with the Daly men and the motion to adjourn carried, thus ending the prolonged controversy without the election of a senator to succeed Wilbur F. Sanders.

SENATORIAL VACANCY.

Two days after the adjournment of the legis- lative assembly the term of Senator Sanders expired, throwing upon Governor Rickards the responsibility of appointing an ad-interim sen- ator. In deference to the will of the Republi- can party, expressed in the final action of the Republican members of the legislative assem - bly in senatorial caucus, and in response to let- ters and petitions of similar import from prom- inent Republicans in all quarters of the State, Governor Rickards appointed Lee Mantle a senator to fill the vacancy caused by the failure of the legislative assembly to name a successor to Senator Sanders.

Upon technical grounds which reversed the

his attention to the study of law, and in 1880 was admitted to the bar. About that time he was elected Probate Judge of the county, in which capacity he served efficiently for six consecutive terms of two years each, and in 1892 he was elected to his present office, that of County Treasurer. He has all his life been a stanch Republican, and his election to official position has been a fitting recognition of his worth and ability. His whole public career has been characterized by the strictest fidelity.

Judge Emerson was married some years ago to Miss Elizabeth Vestal, a native of Iowa and a daughter of Taylor Hughes. Esq., of that State.

DENIS HAMEL, a prominent farmer residing on the Mullan Road, a short distance west of Frenchtown, was born in Quebec, Canada, in 1837, and is of French de- scent. He was raised in his native city, and is a self- educated man. In 1856 he came to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he remained two years; spent six months in Ten- nessee; was afterward employed by the American Fur Company in St. Louis; came up the Missouri river to

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precedents that had been established by the sen- ate of the United States, Mr. Mantle was denied a seat in that body. Two causes operated to bring about his rejection. First, his pro- nonuced views in favor of the free coinage of silver, which were distasteful to the reigning influences in the senate; and, secondly, to the belief entertained by some of the Democratic members of that body that his rejection would impel the governor of Montana to reconvene the legislative assembly of this State to elect a senator and that such action would eventuate in the selection of a Democrat who would strengthen the party in the forthcoming contest on the tariff.

The rejection of Mantle was followed by a strong effort on the part of Democratic leaders to induce the governor to convene the legisla- tive assembly in extraordinary session. The Clark forces were abnormally active in this di- rection, and every possible argument and effort was brought to bear to this end. Responsive to the best public sentiment in the State, and with a clear comprehension of the best inter-

Montana; during the first winter in this State worked al Fort Benton; worked on a farm one year in Walla Walla; followed mining at the Oro Fino mines in Idaho; six months afterward returned to Walla Walla; in the fol- lowing spring went to Boise Basin, and while at the lat- ter place, with three others, often took out from $300 to $400 a day. Mr. Hamel was afterward engaged in freight- ing from Walla Walla to Boise Basin and other places, for which he received twenty five cents per pound. When gold was discovered in Cedar creek, he went to that place, but met with poor success. IFe next mined at Boise Basin for wages, and in 1876 located on 120 acres of his present farm, three miles west of Frenchtown. Mr. Hamel has since added to his original purchase until he now owns 260 acres of fine farming land, where, in addi- tion to general farming, he is engaged in stock-raising, for which he has a large free range.

In 1874 our subject was united in marriage with Miss Emily Courtwell, who was born in this State, a daughter of one of Montana's earliest pioneers. By this union have been born three children,-Clara, who resides with her father; and Florence and Napoleon, deceased, the former dying at the age of nine years, and the latter at seven years. The wife and mother departed this life January 24, 1881, and her loss proved a severe one to her

ests of the commonwealth, Governor Rickards refused to convene the legislature. The wisdom of the course pursued by the executive became apparent when events demonstrated later on that another senator from Montana would have added nothing to the final determination of the silver question, while involving a great expense for an extra session which the condition of the State treasury did not warrant.

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An illustrated history of the state of Montana, containing biographical mention of its pioneers and prominent citizens, Part 118

Author: Miller, Joaquin, 1837-1913. cn Publication date: 1894 Publisher: Chicago, The Lewis pub. co. Number of Pages: 1216

Author: Miller, Joaquin, 1837-1913. cn
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Chicago, The Lewis pub. co.
Number of Pages: 1216