An illustrated history of the state of Montana, containing biographical mention of its pioneers and prominent citizens, Part 42

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 42

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Treasurer, and this position he held during the Colonel's incumbency of the office, to 1892, when Mr. Hill was chosen by the Republican party as its candidate for the office, for which in the election he ran considerably ahead of his ticket, his majority being about 600. He has now served in this office for five years, and has given the most entire satisfaction, being painstaking and oblig- ing.

October 12, 1892, he married Miss Mamie Palmer, a native of Virginia City, Nevada, and a daughter of Charles M. Palmer, now of Butte City. Mr. Hill is a member of the society of the Sons of St. George, a Master Mason and First Lieutenant of Company F, National Guards of Mon- tana. He stands high in the estimation of the people of Butte City.

DAVID J. BAILEY, Treasurer of Missoula county, was born in Butts county, Georgia, January 16, 1844, and is of English ancestry. His maternal great-grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and on the pater- nal side the family were early settlers of the South. Ilis father, James Bailey, was born in South Carolina, iu 1804, was a planter by occupation, and spent his entire life in the South, his death occurring in 1848. He married Eliza Iliggins, a native also of South Carolina, and they had ten children, six of whom are now living. The mother died in 1848. The parents were members of the Baptist Church.

D. J. Bailey, the sixth child in order of birth in the above family, attended school at Indian Springs, Georgia, at La Fayette, Alabama, and at Princeton, Kentucky. Ilis first business experience was that of a clerk in a store at the latter place: afterward he followed the same occupation at Evansville, Indiana, and came from that place to Montana August 23, 1865. He took a ranch thir- teen miles from Virginia City, but after a year and a half there sold his property and moved to that city, where he conducted a boarding-house during the winter. In the following spring, in company with Lott & Jones, he

was shot twice ---- one ball entered at the lowest rib on the left side and lodged just under the skin on the right side; the other ball entered near the kidneys on the left side and came ont near the thigh joint. D. Underwood was shot once, but the ball made six holes; it first passed through the left arm above the elbow, just missing the bone, and then passed through both breasts, which were large and full, and just grazing the breast-bone. H. T. Geery was shot in the left shoulder-blade with an arrow, but not dangerourly hurt. George Ives was shot in the hip with a ball -- a flesh wound; S. T. Hauser in the left breast with a ball, which

opened a store at Twin Bridges, Madison county, where he remained a year and a half, and then conducted a dairy business at Corinne, Utah, a short time. In 1870 Mr. Bailey brought a band of cattle to Bozeman, Mon- tana; was afterward appointed deputy Treasurer of Gal- latin county, under his brother, William H. Bailey, held that position two years; next taught school for about two terms; was also a bookkeeper for a time; in 1874 opened a store at St. Louis, Jefferson county; in the following year engaged in the same occupation at Springville same county; was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace: followed farming three years in Meagher county; purchased and improved a farm of 160 acres in Jefferson county; and in 1884 accepted the position of clerk in the old Rogers House in Missoula, and held that position five years.

October 5, 1889, he was elected Treasurer of Missoula county, and he is now serving his second term in that office. He is now the Democratic nominee for Clerk and Recorder. (The State Constitution does not allow one to be County Treasurer more than two consecutive terms.) He has identified himself with all the interests of this city, has invested in property, and has built a good resi- dence in Missoula.

July 24, 1864, Mr. Bailey was united in marriage with Miss Rosa Pierce, a native of Kentucky. They had one daughter, Bertha, now the wife of E. J. Owenhouse of Bozeman. The wife and mother died in 1871, when the daughter was only nine months old. The loss of his be- loved wife proved a sad affliction to Mr. Bailey. June 14, 1876, he married Miss Josie M. Pauley, a native of Wis- consin. To this union have been boru four children, William Warren, James Edwin, David J. and one deceas- ed in infancy. Mr. Bailey has been a life-long Demo- crat, has given close attention to the duties of the office, and is one of Missoula's most reliable citizens. More than $1,400,000 have passed through his hands during his terms of office, and he has performed the great trust in a most satisfactory manner.

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passed through a thick memorandum book in his shirt pocket, and stopped against a rib over his heart, the book saving his life. Several others had one or more ball holes through their clothes. We held a council of war; concluded that it was impossible to return through the Crow coun- try, now that they were openly hostile; there- fore, determined to strike for the emigrant road on Sweetwater river, throwing away all of our outfits except enough provisions to do us to the road. Watkins was still breathing, but happily insensible. Poor Bostwick was alive and sen- sible, but gradually failing and in great agony. With noble generosity he insisted on our leav- ing him to his fate, as it was impossible to move him, and equally impossible for him to recover if we remained with him, and which, he said, would only result in all of us falling victims to the fiendish savages. He asked us to hand him his trusty revolver, saying he would get even on the red devils when they came into camp. We gave it to him and a few moments later were startled by the report of his pistol, and filled with horror when we saw he had

JOHN S. MILLER, one of Helena's most prominent young business and professional men, was born near Freeport, Illinois, the son of Eli W. and Catharine (Devore) Miller, who gave him as good common-school education as was in their power. The ambition of the young man demand- ed something better, and at the age of sixteen he began teaching school, hoping thereby to earn sufficient means to secure for him a collegiate course. He succeeded in entering the University of Missouri, where he attended the academic department and graduated in the medical department. Afterward he took a special course in the American Medical College at St. Louis, Missouri. After receiving his diploma he practiced his profession in Iowa some six years, meanwhile studying law, and was ad- mitted to practice in the same State where he resided until 1889, in which year he moved to Montana. Since coming here he has continued in the practice of law, obtaining recognition not only as a thorough, able and conscientious lawyer, but also as one of the most competent business men of the State, who has by his own endeavors attained success.

In 1892 he organized the Merchants and Miners National Bank of Phillipsburg, in which he is at present a stock-

blown out his own brains. Oh, noble soul! May yon sit in judgment on your murderers on that great Last Day! Bell, who declined to have his wounds probed, saying he was mor- tally wounded (as we all thought he must be from where he was struck), now said he would try to ride, and we put him on a horse and started, leaving camp a few minutes before twelve o'clock. We traveled slowly on account of the wounded, and eamped to get supper be- fore sundown, having traveled nearly five miles nearly southeast. Started again 4.30 p. m., and went east five miles, thence south ten miles to camp, at 10 P. M., on the Big Horn mountains. " May 14, 1863-Traveled twenty miles toward nearly all points of the compass; general course west, 25 degrees south. Very rough mountain all the day; had difficulty in getting throngh the snow. After going five miles we stopped at a spring for breakfast, and then went twelve miles more and halted for supper. Here poor Geery shot himself accidently. He and another man laid their rifles on the ground, and while unpacking the horses some blankets were

holder and director; and he is also the president of the Queen City Mining & Developing Company. He is a half owner in the Merrill-Miller Mining Company, which among other possessions own the Liverpool and Washing- ton mines, valuble properties near Clancy, Montana; and and he is also one of the owners of the Diamond Gold Hill properties.

Mr. Miller was married at Correctionville, Iowa, to Miss Abigail M. Kellogg, a daughter of Morris and Sarah A. Kellogg, a highly esteemed lady, and he has three daughters, namely, Zula E., Stella A., Mckinley (Maxie), and a son, Merrill Angus.

In political principles Mr. Miller is a thorough Repub- lican and in hearty sympathy with all the measures of that party, and he has done a great deal of work for the advancement of the cause. While he is constantly at- tending to his private affairs, laboring for a material in- come, he is, nevertheless, looked upon as a man capable of attaining success in whatever enterprises he may undertake, or position to which he may aspire. He is a thorough home man, devoted to his wife and children, not being a member of any secret organization or lodge, spending evenings and spare time from business at home with his family.

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thrown down upon the guns, and Geery shortly after, going to get his, took it by the muzzle and drew it toward him. The blankets, or something else, drew back the hammer suffi- ciently to discharge the rifle, and the ball struck him a little above the left nipple, shattering his shoulder and giving him a mortal wound. In spite of our united entreaties, he shortly after blew out his own brains, so that we could bury him and leave the place before dark. This was the most heart-rending scene on the whole trip. We buried him, and went three miles, and camped long after dark, hiding our horses among the pines. The travels of May 15 and 16 were

MOSES CLEMENS, deceased, was one of the successful farmers of Missoula county. He was born in Canada, November 14, 1833, of French descent. Ilis father, Isaac Clemens, was born in Canada in 1813 He married Miss Harriet Guinie, who was born in that country in 1817, and they had sixteen children, all of whom grew to years of maturity, and thirteen are still living. The mother died at the age of fifty-nine years, and the father departed this life at the age of sixty-four years.

Moses Clemens, the subject of this sketch, was raised to manhood in his native place. May 25, 1855, he went to Wisconsin, where he followed Inmbering five months, followed the same occupation at Black River eight years, and in 1864 went to California, via the isthmus. After a few months spent at Sarsville, in the Redwood country, Mr. Clemens followed mining at Centerville, Idaho, for which he received $6 per day. He arrived at Freneli- town, Montana, July 28, 1865, where he was among the pioneer settlers, and purchased a squatter's claim for $800. Mr. Clemens was an industrious, reliable and sue- cessful farmer, and added to his original purchase until he finally owned 600 acres of the finest land in the county. He erected a good residence, and finally had a village of farm buildings. He died April 6, 1894.

December 17, 1877, our subjeet was united in marriage with Miss Susan Miller, a native of Canada, but came to Montana in 1874. She is a daughter of William and Janet Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Clemens had five children: William, Charles M., Annie, John C. and Henry R.

Mr. Clemens was a Democrat in his political views, and held the offices of Justice of the Peace, County Commis- sioner and County Assessor. The family are members of the Catholic Church. They are people of the highest in- tegrity of character, and are widely and favorably known by all the early settlers of Montana.

JERE SULLIVAN, proprietor of the Choteau House at Fort Benton, came to Montana in 1865, and has since been one of her active and influential citizens.

uneventful save the discovery of Indian smoke signals on the 16th and plenty of rattlesnakes. Went out with Blake in search of a place to cross the canon; but failing to find a crossing, returned to camp. Shortly after starting east, I noticed what I took to be an Indian smoke signal. Seeing it a second time I was satisfied that it was a signal, and called the attention of the party to it, and shortly after we all saw several distinct signals, which I knew were in- tended to gather the Indians together for an attack on us. Yet there was no other route possible for us but the one right up the ridge and trail along which the signals were inade.

He was born in the village of Millstreet, county Cork, Ireland, March 4, 1843, of Irish ancestry. His father, Jeremiah Sullivan, was born and brought up in that country, and married Miss Johanna Clifford, a native of his own country. He was a small landholder, and had three sons and three daughters. They were enjoying a competency when the great potato disease and famine occurred, and while they were not starved to death they lost most of their property in that fearful calamity, and in 1850 the family emigrated to America, locating in the southeast corner of Ontario near the New York State line and six miles from the village of Dunnville. The coun- try there was new and unimproved and times were hard, and they found it difficult to sustain themselves. There being no educational advantages there for the children, Mr. Sullivan sold out and moved into the village, where he worked at whatever he could find to do to support his family. They were devout Catholies. Mr. Sullivan was a quiet, modest man, possessing a loving heart and the habit of honesty and industry, living and toiling for his family until 1889, when he died, in his eighty-sixth year. Such had been his life that all who knew him esteemed him highly; indeed, too high a tribute cannot be paid to his memory. His wife still survives, being now seventy- six years of age. They had four children in America, making ten in all, and six of these are still living.

Mr. Jere Sullivan, the fourth child in order of birth and the eldest son, was seven years old when the family landed in America. At the age of sixteen years he be- came a clerk in a store, at $10 a month. James Buchanan was then President of the United States, and times were fearfully dull, the financial panie of 1857-8 occurring dur- | ing this period; and the merchant failed, and Mr. Sullivan was thrown out of employment.

He then went to Buffalo, New York, to look for work, but found the task difficult. At length he engaged in steamboating between Buffalo and Chicago, having the Į osition of porter, which he filled for two years. One of

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HISTORY OF MONTANA.

Reaching within half a mile of the mountain on the side of which the signals had been seen, saw that the trail ran right along the edge of a chasm, the mountain to the left being quite rocky and steep, and at one place there was a large perpendicular bunch of rock almost hang- ing over the trail. Back of and near these rocks was where we had seen the smokes. There was a faint trail that ran around behind this point. We all felt certain that we would have to fight our way past this point. So we called a halt for preparation, all dismounting ex- cept the badly wounded, who were to bring up the rear. All of the extra ammunition was

his sisters having married and settled at St. Louis, he visited her, in the antumn of 1860, and remained there during the winter. Returning to his home he followed the lakes in different capacities until 1864, when he again went to St. Louis. March 1, 1865, he boarded the steamer Benton to make a voyage up the Missouri river, and tried his luck in the gold mines of Montana. He reached Ilelena August 3, after a voyage of seventy-six days; and there for six long years he dug with piek and shovel for gold in the various gulches and mining camps. It was a hard life, but he made some money.

In 1871 he became interested in the Payne hotel at Ilelena, and conducted it until 1874. Then he went to Fort Shaw and opened and conducted a restaurant there till 1879, at which time he sold out and came to Fort Ben- ton, purchased the Choteau hotel, and condneted it with success. In 1888 he leased the Grand Union hotel at Fort Benton, refitted it and ran it three years. He has con- tinued his interests in mining to some extent, and has in- vested in real estate at Fort Benton, Great Falls and Kalispell.

Mr. Sullivan has also taken an active interest in the politics of the country, and has been a zealous and effi- cient worker for the Republican party. Has been elected Mayor of Fort Benton for two terms in succession. In 1889 President Harrison appointed him Collector of Cus- toms, in which capacity he served four years, and was an efficient and successful officer. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and at present is the Master Workman of his lodge. In religion he is a Catholic, and he is a kind- hearted and good citizen.

In 1880 he married Mrs. Mary Savage, widow of John Savage. They led a most happy life together; had five sons and two daughters, and at the birth of the last child Mrs. Sullivan died. She was a most faithful and loving wife, an indulgent mother and devout Christian, being a member of the Catholic Church. She was greatly be- loved by all who knew her. Her death was a severe

packed on a mule and placed in the rear in York's charge. He was armed with Bell's shot- gun, and instructed to kill the animal as soon as the firing began in front, so that our aminu- nition could not be lost by a stampede of the animals, and we could fall back to the mule when we needed a fresh supply. I felt that it would be much better to send one or two men on the dim trail aronnd behind the rocks, but did not like to order any one to go, as they would receive the whole fire of the Indians, if they were there, as we supposed. After we had prepared ourselves for battle and advanced a few steps, Hanser came up and said: 'Jim,

affliction to her husband and children. Words cannot give any adequate idea of her loss to the family. The children were all born in Fort Benton, namely: Nora J., Jere J., George H., Early D., John F., Eugene A. and Mary Agnes.

WILLIAM JASPER LINDER, another one of Montana's pioneers, and now one of her successful farmers and stock men, dates his birth in Greene county, Illinois, August 2, 1836. Of his life and ancestry we make record as follows:

Mr. Linder's great-grandfather Linder was born in Ger- many and his grandfather, Jacob Linder, was born in the State of Tennessee. Jacob Linder removed from Ten- nessee to Illinois at an early day and settled in Greene county, of which county he subsequently became Sheriff. His religion was that of the Baptist Church. He reared a family of five sons and two daughters, and lived to he eighty years of age. His eldest son, George Washington Linder, the father of our subject, was born in Tennessee, May 14, 1803; married his cousin, Miss Mary Linder, a native of Tennessee, born October 4, 1802. They had a family of six daughters and two sons, of whom five are still living. Early in their married life they removed to Greene county, Illinois; later to Iowa, and in 1864 to Mon- tana. In Beaver Head valley, Montana, August 28, 1881, George W. Linder died. He was a veteran of the Black Hawk war, and in every respect was a man of the high- est integrity. His wife survived him until December 24, 1889. She was a Methodist.

Their son, William Jasper Linder, is the third of their seven children. He was reared to manhood in Des Moines county, Iowa, and remained with his parents un- til after he had attained his majority. April 7, 1859, he was married in Iowa to Miss Catherine A. Bayles, a na- tive of Adams county, Ohio, and they continued to reside in Iowa until 1864, where two children were born to them -Cordelia C. and Hattie N. April 16, 1864, accompanied by his wife and children, he started for Montana, making

HISTORY OF MONTANA.

if we all go under these rocks in this way, they will kill the last one of us the first fire.' To which I replied: ' I know it would be better to send two men above and behind those rocks, but as it would be nearly certain death, I don't feel like sending anybody, although I think it it would enable most of us to get through; but I feel that we might as well all take the chances together.' ' If you think it will increase the chances of tore getting through, I'll go,' was Hauser's answer; and, sure enough, he mounted his pony, cocked his rifle, and spurred off. Underwood, seing him start, said: 'If Sam's going. I'm going too;' and as his left arm was

the journey in a train composed of 154 wagons and 300 men. They reached Powder river on the 7th of July, were there attacked by the Sionx and Cheyenne Indians, and a brisk fight was kept up all day, the result being that ten whites and abont seventy Indians were killed. After this the emigrant train proceeded on its way, and without further molestation landed safe at Virginia City, September 15, 1864.

For five years Mr. Linder was engaged in mining at Alder Gulch and during that time took out large quanti- ties of gold, but the expense of operating the mines was great and although he took out a deal of gold he saved but about $1,100. He then moved to Beaver Head valley, just below Point of Rocks, where he pre-empted 160 acres of land, homesteaded 160 aeres and took a timber- culture elaim of 200 aeres. This property he still owns. He lived there, engaged in raising hay, grain and stock, until March, 1887, when he came to his present ranch of 400 acres, located six miles southwest of Twin Bridges. Here they have since resided in a most delightful home. Their children, born in Montana are as follows: Lewella F., wife of C. A. Dillet, of the South Bowlder valley; Anothy Vernon, Idaho; William Wesley, engaged in the stock business on Milk river; and Austin Arthur, with his parents. Their oldest daughter, Cordelia C., became the wife of Leander Goetschins, and had two children, one of whom is deceased. The other, Edna May, resides with her grandparents, Mrs. Goetschins having died May 31, 1883. The other daughter who crossed the plains with them is now the wife of Charles Green and lives in Ana- conda.

Until recently Mr. Linder has affiliated with the Demo- eratie party, hut on account of its action on the silver question he has severed his connection with it and now gives his support to the Populist party. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, are kind-hearted and hos- pitable, and are as highly esteemed as they are well- known in the valley where they have so long resided.

useless because of the wound he received in the night attack, he took his bridle in his teeth, and with his cocked revolver in his right hand, spurred after Hauser. When they disappeared behind the rocks, a pang passed through my heart, for I felt that they would probably never reach the other side. We all hurried along, ex- pecting every instant to hear the firing at Hauser and Underwood, and then at ourselves; but we reached the opeu ground beyond, where they joined us, without a shot being fired. Why they did not attaek us here is a mystery, and I can only account for it by supposing that they failed to collect in sufficient force to

PRESTON B. Moss, Cashier of the First National Bank of Billings, Montana, was born in Paris, Missouri, in 1860, a son of David H. and Melville E. (Hollingsworth) Moss. The paternal family were of English ancestry, and emi- grated from Virginia as pioneers to Kentneky. They were also among the early settlers of Missouri. David H. Moss practiced law for several years and was elected to the office of Prosecuting Attorney, but, preferring a business and home life, resigned that position. He in- vested his wealth in the banking business in Paris.

Preston B., our subject, attended the public schools and the Kemper Family School at Boonville, Missouri, and also spent one year at Harvard University, After com- pleting his education he spent a short time with his father in the bank, after which he engaged extensively in the lumber business, owning yards in various towns in south- western Missouri. Mr. Moss came to Billings in 1892, placed considerable money in the First National Bank of the city, became its vice-president, and in March, 1893, assumed the duties of cashier, succeeding W. A. Evans. The bank was organized in 1884.

In 1889 Mr. Moss was united in marriage with Miss Mattie Woodson, a daughter of George W. and lantha (Jackson) Woodson, of Paris, Missouri. The father was . a merchant by occupation, and was related to ex-Gover- nor Jackson, of Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Moss have two children-Woodson J. and Cullie. In his social relations, our subjeet is a member of the Masonie fraterity, Billings Ashlar Lodge, No. 29, Chapter No. 6, and Aldemar Com- mandery No. 5. Politically, he supports the Democratic party. Mrs. Moss is a member of the Christian Church.

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An illustrated history of the state of Montana, containing biographical mention of its pioneers and prominent citizens, Part 42

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