Montana, its story and biography; a history of aboriginal and territorial Montana and three decades of statehood, Volume II, Part 173

Author: Stout, Tom, 1879- ed
Publication date: 1921
Publisher: Chicago, American Historical Society
Number of Pages: 1126

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years ago, and Mr. Trueman remained a widow until her marriage to Mr. Collins in 1916.

Mr. Collins relates many thrilling incidents of the pioneer days, and one in particular is worthy of note here. While returning from a trip to Ravalli, Mon- tana, he met Mr. Trueman, who was returning from Missoula. The stage, which made but one trip a week, had gone, and their only alternative was to walk the distance home, fifty miles. They two and another man, Thomas Stanton, started to walk, but before the journey was completed Mr. Collins be- came exhausted. They walked far into the night, but at length Mr. Collins could go no further and told his companions to go on and he would follow as soon as he had rested. It was getting cold, so before leaving him they built a fire. When they had traveled several miles farther they were overtaken by a horseman who reported that he had passed Mr. Collins, who was still lying by the roadside where they had left him. Mt. Trueman, uneasy over leav- ing his friend alone, asked the stranger for the temporary loan of his horse that he might go back and look after Mr. Collins. The horseman declined to loan his horse, claiming that Mr. Trueman might be a horse thief. After some parleying Mr. True- man finally pulled the rider off his horse, told him to go ahead to a certain stopping place and await his return. Riding back, he found Mr. Collins lying where he had left him, but in so deep a sleep it was difficult to arouse him. It was getting bitter cold, and it was with considerable difficulty that Mr. Trueman got Mr. Collins up on the horse behind him, in which way he got him safely to the next stopping place, where he returned the horse to its owner.

Mrs. Collins has a vivid recollection of the early days of Butte, when it was but an embryo mining camp. Mr. Trueman was a participant in many of the stirring events of the early days in the North- west. He went all through the Nez Perce war, acting as guide to the United States troops. They marched from Assiniboia, under Captain Norwood, to the Big Hole country, thence to the Snake River and the Yellowstone, and was on the Gibbons battle on Big Hole River, that being the battle in which Captain Logan lost his life. When Trueman left his family to go with the United States troops to battle with the Nez Perce Indians he left his butcher business in charge of his wife who con- ducted it during his absence. There were some 200 men employed at Dewey's Flats who were dependent on Mr. Trueman for their meat supply, which supply ran short, and as the cattle were in the vicinity in which the Indians were giving so much trouble there was great danger in going after the cattle for a fresh supply of meat, the men refusing to take the necessary danger, so Mr. Trueman in company with a boy seventeen years old agreed to take the risk, which they successfully accomplished in two days and one night and received a royal welcome on their return to camp with the much needed supplies. Mrs. Collins remembers when she was living in the Black Hills that the Sioux became troublesome and were driven back from the settlement to Laramie City.

Mrs. Collins is a consistent member of the Chris- tian Church at Kalispell and is a member of the Woman's Woodcraft. Mr. Collins was reared a Catholic. They are both hospitable and generous, and an hour spent in their comfortable home, listen- ing to their stories of the early days, is a genuine pleasure. They look upon the world with optimistic eyes, rejoicing that they have had so large a part in the wonderful development of the Flathead coun- try, and secure in the love and esteem of all who know them.

Mr. Trueman was sheriff of Elks, Nevada, and also was sheriff in Beaverhead County, Montana.

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FRANK O. WHEELER. It is a well authenticated fact that success comes not as the caprice of chance, but as the legitimate result of well-applied energy, unflagging determination and perseverance in a course of action once decided upon by the individual. Only those who diligently seek the goddess For- tuna, find her-she never was known to smile upon the idler or dreamer. The subject of this sketch clearly understood this early in life, so he did not seek any royal road to success, but sought to direct his feet along the well beaten paths of those who had won in the battle of life along legitimate lines. In tracing his life history it is clearly seen that the prosperity Mr. Wheeler now enjoys has been won by commendable qualities, and it is also his personal worth that has gained for him the good standing among his fellow citizens in Great Falls, which he now enjoys.

Frank O. Wheeler was born in Burlington, Ver- mont, on May 2, 1887, and he is the second in order of birth of the three children born to his parents, Charles F. and Louise (Olmsted) Wheeler. Charles F. Wheeler was also a native of the Green Mountain State, and died in 1897. He was reared and edu- cated in his native state and then engaged in the clothing business at Burlington. He was appointed postmaster of that city by President Garfield and served onė term. Politically he was a republican ; fraternally, a member of the Independent Order ot Odd Fellows, and his religious affiliation was with the Congregational Church. His wife, who also was born in Vermont, died in 1902, at the age of forty- five years.

Frank O. Wheeler was reared under the parental roof and secured his education in the public schools of Burlington. On completing his education he en- tered a drug store and thoroughly learned the busi- ness. In 1907 Mr. Wheeler came to Great Falls and entered the employ of La Peyre Brothers, with whom he remained about three years. He then formed a partnership and engaged in the drug busi- ness under the firm name of Kenyon & Wheeler, the business being prosperous from the start. In 1918 Mr. Wheeler became the sole owner of the business, which is now conducted under the style of the Wheeler Drug Company. The store is most eligibly located on Central Avenue, between Third and Fourth streets, and enjoys a large and representa- tive patronage. Mr. Wheeler carries a large and well selected stock of goods such as is usually found in an up-to-date drug store, and because of his courtè- ous treatment and prompt service he enjoys a well- deserved popularity.

On September 23, 1912, Frank Wheeler was united in marriage to Josephine Farrell, who was born and reared in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and to this union two children have been born, Frederick F. and Dorothy L.

Politically Mr. Wheeler gives his earnest support to the republican party, though not in any sense a seeker after public office. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic Order, belonging to Euclid Lodge No. 58, and to Great Falls Consistory (thir- ty-second degree), Scottish Rite, and is also a mem- ber of Great Falls Lodge No. 214, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Because of his genial personal qualities and his active interest in every- thing that tends to the upbuilding of his adopted city he richly deserves the confidence and esteem of the people which are unreservedly accorded to him.

ARTHUR P. HEANEY is one of the best known busi- ness men in Great Falls, for, though a resident of this city only since 1915, he has already gained a wide reputation for progress and fair dealing.

Though he has labored indefatigably for the ad- vancement of his own interests, he has not been neglectful of his duties as a citizen of one of the choicest sections of the great Treasure State. There- fore he is held in high regard by all classes in his home community, enjoying the confidence and good will of all as a result of his public spirit, fair and straightforward business methods and his exem- plary character.

Arthur P. Heaney was born on his father's farm- stead in Renville County, Minnesota, on April 12, 1872, and is the son of Owen and Margaret ( Percey) Heaney. Owen Heaney was born in Ireland in 1820 and died in October, 1898, at the age of seventy- eight years. When but twelve years of age he was brought by his parents to Canada. He spent his youth and received his education there, and in 1867 came to Rochester, Minnesota, near which place he engaged in farming for about two years. He then located in Renville, that state, to which place he traveled with an ox team, and there literally hewed a farm out of the wilderness, being one of the pioneer settlers in that locality. He was a success- ful farmer and also became a successful breeder of Durham cattle and Percheron horses. He became prominent in local public affairs, and served for twelve years as chairman of the board of county commissioners and for many years was a member of the school board. Nominally a democrat in his political faith, nevertheless he took a broad view of local affairs and always voted for the men whom he considered best fitted for the offices to be filled. His wife was born near Quebec, Canada, and her death occurred in 1912, at the age of eighty-one years. They were married in Canada and became the parents of nine children, seven sons and two daughters, of whom five are living.

Arthur P. Heaney secured his educational training in a log cabin schoolhouse in his native county and later was a student in the public schools of St. Paul, Minnesota. The first money he ever earned was for picking potato bugs on the Fourth of July when eight years of age. When but ten years of age he drove plow horses and did other farm work of like nature. He lived at home until nineteen years of age, when, in partnership with his brother William J. Heaney, he engaged in the hardware and agricul- tural implement business at Olivia, Minnesota. This business was continued for four years. In 1897 he came to Great Falls, Montana, and obtained employ- ment with the Great Northern Railroad Company in the train department for two years. He then re- turned to Minnesota, and engaged as a traveling salesman and collector for the McCormick Harvester Company, later the International Harvester Com- pany, with whom he remained for eight years. In 1906 he was elected clerk of the District Court, serving one term of four years. During the last year he engaged in the automobile business in Min- neapolis and Aberdeen, South Dakota, continuing these two enterprises up to August, 1915. He then came to Great Falls as state distributor for the Velie automobiles, trucks and tractors. This reliable car has under his able direction found many buyers in the state, and he is building up one of the best automobile agencies in the Northwest.

On May 5, 1905, Mr. Heaney was married to Pearl V. Smith, who was born in Ellsworth, Wisconsin, and they are the parents of two daughters, Lola Elaine and Gladys.

Fraternally Mr. Heaney is a member of Great Falls Lodge No. 214, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, having been a member of the two last named organizations for

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more than twenty years. He is also a member of the Illinois Commercial Travelers' Association. He was one of the organizers of the Montana State Auto Distributors' Association, which he served as presi- dent in 1917, and is chairman of the State of Mon- tana for the National Auto Association. He is also a member of the Great Falls Commercial Club, in the various activities of which he takes a leading part. Politically he is a stanch supporter of the democratic party. He is recognized as one of the live, energetic business men of Great Falls, and he enjoys the confidence and good will of those he has been associated with either in a business or social way.

ANDREW JOIIN SULLIVAN. The life of Andrew J. Sullivan, the well-known merchant of Great Falls, has been such as to elicit just praise from those who know him best, owing to the fact that he has always been true to the trusts reposed in him and has been upright in his dealings with his fellow men, at the same time lending his support to the promotion of any cause looking to the advancement of the inter- ests of the community at large.

Andrew J. Sullivan was born in Petersboro, New York, on the 31st day of March, 1860, and is the son of Jerry and Mary Sullivan. Jerry Sullivan was born in Ireland, and died in 1906, at the age of eighty-eight years. In young manhood he came to the United States by sailing vessel, and after arriv- ing in this country first followed his trade, that of a shoemaker. Later he located in Madison County, New York, where he engaged in farming. and there spent his remaining days. In politics he was first a whig and on the dissolution of that party and the formation of the republican party he aligned himself with the new party. Jerry Sul- livan was married in Petersboro, New York. His wife was a native of England, and died in 1912, at the age of eighty-two years. They became the parents of three children, all of whom are living and of whom the subject is the eldest.

Andrew J. Sullivan was reared on the home farm and attended the district school during the winter months. When eighteen years of age he engaged in teaching school in New York State, after which he took up teaming on railroad contract work. In March, 1890, Mr. Sullivan came to Great Falls and was first employed in carrying brick. Later he en- gaged in teaching school and was employed as an instructor in Mckay's Business College. He then entered into a partnership with W. G. Stark, and from 1892 to 1906 they were engaged in the hard- ware and furniture business, enjoying a large pat- ronage and carrying a large and well selected stock of goods. In the year last mentioned Mr. Sullivan bought his partner's interest in the business, of which he has since been sole owner. His courteous treat- ment of his customers and the high quality of the goods he carries have attracted to his store a repre- sentative patronage and he is now conducting one of the leading stores in his line in Great Falls.

On January 21, 1896, Mr. Sullivan was married to Catherine McCarrick, who was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, but whose death occurred in 1908. They became the parents of two daughters, Helena and Florence.

Politically Mr. Sullivan has been a consistent supporter of the republican party and has taken an intelligent interest in local public affairs. He served three terms as alderman from the Second Ward, and since 1918 he has been giving efficient service as police commissioner. Fraternally he is a member of the Woodmen of the World, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Knights of Columbus. The record

of Mr. Sullivan, as outlined above, contains no ex- citing chapter of tragic events, but is replete with well-defined purposes which, carried to successful issue, have won for him an influential place in busi- ness circles and high personal standing among his fellow citizens.

JAMES RUSSELL HOBBINS. Golden opportunity, awaiting a Midas-like touch of genius and ability, is not necessarily metropolitan in its abode, but is resi- dent, too, far from the commercial turmoil of big cities. Upon the plains and benches of an immense western empire and in the busy municipalities of a newer domain has it beckoned to the capabilities of able and talented men. There are many such men who have wrought in the evolution of the Treasure State, evolved vast businesses consistent with com- munity growth, and wrested fortunes from a resilient opportunity that yielded easily to their power. Among the adopted sons of Montana who have con- tributed of their ability to the development and growth of this state is the gentleman whose name appears at the head of these paragraphs.

James Russell Hobbins was born in Madison, Wisconsin, on August 19, 1883, and is the son of Joseph W. and Minnie ( Mears) Hobbins. Joseph W. Hobbins was born in England in March, 1847- and was brought to the United States when eleven years of age. He received a good public school edu- cation and then attended the Wisconsin State Uni- versity at Madison. His first business engagement was as general agent and appraiser for fire insurance companies, but in 1881 he engaged in the banking business, having been one of the leading spirits in the organization of the Capital City Bank of Madison. He was elected president of the bank, which is one of the strong and influential financial institutions of that city, and is still serving in that capacity. He is also an extensive holder of real estate in Madison. Politically he is a republican. He married in Madi- son Minnie Mears, who was born at Madison in 1857, and they became the parents of eight children, all of whom are living and of whom the subject of this review is the sixth in order of birth.

James R. Hobbins attended the public schools of Madison, completing his educational training in the University of Wisconsin, where he was graduated with the class of 1904. On leaving school he became identified. with the fire insurance business as a spe- cial agent and adjuster, in which capacity he was employed for six years, his territory covering the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois, where he represented a number of companies. He then became identified with the Hydro Electric Com- pany, operating in California, New Mexico and Colorado, being employed in plant construction and operation. Then he made surveys and planned con- struction work for the Federal Light and Traction Company, of which he was general engineer. In 1912 Mr. Hobbins came to Great Falls and joined the construction department of the Great Falls Power Company having in charge the transmission line conduits and the development of its commercial interests in Northern Montana. Subsequently he became commercial manager of this company. For about a year he was transferred to the main office of the company at Butte, where he had charge of the lands department and of the right of way. On April 1, 1916, Mr. Hobbins came to Great Falls as manager of the Northern division of the Great Falls Power Company, and of the Great Falls Dis- trict of the Montana Power Company, in which capacity he is still rendering efficient service.

On August 3, 1908, Mr. Hobbins was married to Bertha Bollinger, who was born in Davenport, Iowa,

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the daughter of James and Alice Bollinger. To this union have been born two children, James R., Jr., and Mary Alice.

Politically Mr. Hobbins gives his support to the republican party. He is identified with a number . of local institutions. He is a member and past president of the Great Falls Rotary Club, and is district governor of the Twentieth District of Rotary clubs, including Utah, Idaho and Montana. He is a past president of the Commercial Club and at the present time is a member of its board of directors. He is a member of the Cascade County Board of the Red Cross and also of the executive council of the Home Service Society of the Red Cross. He is also a member of the Greek-letter college fraternity Kappa Sigma. A man of forceful in- dividuality and marked initiative power, Mr. Hob- bins has been well equipped for the duties of citi- zenship, while his probity of character and his genial personality have gained for him universal esteem and friendship among those with whom he has been associated.

ROBERT E. MCCARTEN, M. D. The man who de- votes his talents and energies to the noble work of administering to the ills and alleviating the suffer- ings of humanity pursues a calling which in dignity, importance and beneficial results is second to no other. If true to his profession and earnest in his efforts to enlarge his sphere of usefulness, he is indeed a benefactor of his kind, for to him more than to any other man are entrusted the safety, the com- fort and in many instances the lives of those who place themselves under his care and profit by his services. Of this class of professional men is Robert E. McCarten of Great Falls, who stands with few peers and no superiors among the physicians and surgeons of Montana.

Robert E. McCarten was born at Viroqua, Ver- non County, Wisconsin, on September 1, 1884, and is a son of James and Margaret (Harkness) Mc- Carten. James McCarten was a native of the north of Ireland, and his death occurred in 1885, about eleven months after the birth of the subject of this review. He came to the United States with his mother by sailing ship when he was a young man. He was a pioneer settler in Vernon County, Wisconsin, having been one of the first settlers in that now favored locality, and there he literally hewed him a farm out of the wilderness, and there he spent the remainder of his life and died. He was survived many years by his widow, who was born in Waukegan, Illinois, and who died on December 24, 1918, at the advanced age of eighty-one years. The subject of this sketch is the youngest of the eleven children born to these parents, of whom four sons and four daughters are still living.

Robert E. McCarten secured his elementary educa- tion in the public schools of his native town, and then became a student in the University of Minne- sota. Having determined to make the practice of medicine his life work, he then matriculated in the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, Pennsyl- vania, where he was graduated with the class of 1910. The following year he spent as interne in St. John's Hospital at Lowell, Massachusetts, where he gained some valuable experience.

In I911 Doctor McCarten came to Great Falls and entered upon the active practice of his profession. and here his talents and abilities were quickly recog- nized, so that for several years he has heen recog- nized as one of the leading medical practitioners in this section of the state. During this time he has not only gained a good name in his chosen vocations but has also established a sound reputation for up-

rightness and noble character in all the relations of life. He early realized that to those who attain determinate success in the medical profession there must be not only given technical ability, but also a broad human sympathy which must pass from mere sentiment to be an actuating motive for helpfulness.

On January 4, 1916, Doctor McCarten was mar- ried to Ann Shannon, a native of Helena, Montana.

Doctor McCarten is a member of the Cascade County Medical Society, the Montana State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. In 1917 he was appointed city physician of Great Falls, serving two years. Politically he is independent. Genial and unassuming in manner, nevertheless Doc- tor McCarten possesses to a pronounced degree those qualities which attract, and he enjoys a large circle of warm and loyal personal friends.

EARLE F. ANGELL. The alert city attorney of White Sulphur Springs, Earle F. Angell, is attract- ing attention by his masterly handling of the legal problems of the community, in which he displays a thorough knowledge of the law and its proper in- terpretation. Mr. Angell was born at Washington, District of Columbia, January 24, 1890, a son of Albert E. and Sarah F. (Fiske) Angell. Albert E. Angell was born at Providence, Rhode Island, January 12, 1854, and died September 13, 1914. His widow, who was also a native of Providence, was born in that city on January 3, 1858, and is now living in it. She and her husband had two daughters and one son, the latter being the second child. For thirty-five years Albert E. Angell was a clerk in the United States war department. In politics he was a republican, and in religious faith a Universalist.

Earle F. Angell was reared at Washington, and attended its schools, being graduated from the high school course. He then entered the law department of Georgetown University, from which he was graduated in 1913, and in October of that same year came to Montana and was admitted to the bar of that state at Helena, where he was engaged in the practice of his profession until 1916. In the latter year he located permanently at White Sulphur Springs, and that same year was appointed city at- torney, and has been reappointed each year since that date. Mr. Angell was elected attorney of Meagher County in 1918 and was equally efficient in that office. In politics he is a democrat. He main- tains fraternal connections with Lewiston Lodge No. 456, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.

On June 24, 1913, Mr. Angell was united in mar- riage with Edna Louise Groff, born at Washington, District of Columbia, a daughter of Hector and Rosa Groff, she being the younger of the two children born to her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Angell have two children, Jane Hamilton and Robert Fiske. Mr. Angell is a young man of great initiative, and is bending every energy to improve the conditions of his community, as well as to protect its interests. Possessing as he does a strong personality, he is able to put over plans he knows will work out for the best and exerts a powerful influence among his fellow citizens, who, recognizing his ability, are very willing to have him assume leadership, for they know that he will not promote any movement that will not meet with the approval of the better element.

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Montana, its story and biography; a history of aboriginal and territorial Montana and three decades of statehood, Volume II, Part 173

Author: Stout, Tom, 1879- ed Publication date: 1921 Publisher: Chicago, American Historical Society Number of Pages: 1126

Author: Stout, Tom, 1879- ed
Publication date: 1921
Publisher: Chicago, American Historical Society
Number of Pages: 1126