Montana, its story and biography; a history of aboriginal and territorial Montana and three decades of statehood, Volume III, Part 2

Author: Stout, Tom, 1879- ed
Publication date: 1921
Publisher: Chicago, American Historical Society
Number of Pages: 1144

USA > Montana > Montana, its story and biography; a history of aboriginal and territorial Montana and three decades of statehood, Volume III > Part 2

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In 1900 Mr. Thorson was united in marriage with Miss Josephine Lee, born at Fairfax, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Thorson have a son, De Los Russell, who was born on October 14, 1907. Since coming to Townsend Mr. Thorson has identified himself with the best class of its citizens, and is interested in contributing toward its advancement in every way possible, both personally and through the medium of his business, which as one of the industrial plants of Broadwater County is a valuable asset to this region.

JOHN DOHERTY. While collegiate training may not be absolutely essential in the practical field ot business, it cannot be denied that its broadening influence is desirable from every point of view. Commercial relations all over the world at the pres- ent day are problems that must be thought over and solved through well balanced judgment. In every line of trade these problems arise and the ability to treat them satisfactorily often makes the differ- ence between profit and loss in the enterprise involved. In John Doherty, a graduate of St. Pat- rick's College, Dublin, Ireland, the O. K. Hardware Company of Townsend, Montana, has as manager an able, competent and discriminating business man.

John Doherty, familiarly known as "Jack," was born February 14, 1865, in County Antrim, Ireland, and bears the name of his grandfather, who spent his life in County Antrim, a farmer and school teacher. Mr. Doherty's parents were. Michael and Sarah (O'Raw) Doherty, lifelong residents of County Antrim. The father was born in 1838 and died in 1918, and the mother, born in 1840, died in 1910. Of their children John was the first-born, the others being as follows: Mary, Patrick, James, Michael and Sarah, all of whom still live in County Antrim.

After completing a course in the National School in his native county, Mr. Doherty entered St. Pat- rick's College at Dublin, where he continued his studies until his graduation in 1887. For two years afterward he taught school in County Antrim. determining then to emigrate to America where the field of opportunity seemed wider, and in 1890 he landed in the harbor of New York City. From there he traveled westward to Montana, visiting on the way Chicago, Illinois, and Denver, Colorado, and arrived at Townsend in April, 1891. Shortly after- ward he began work as a miner and continued in the mining business until 1900, when he accepted a position with the Berg Hardware Company, begin- ning at the bottom in order to thoroughly learn its every detail, and continued with that concern until it went out of business in 1907.

In the meanwhile, as Mr. Doherty became well acquainted with his fellow citizens, his sterling character and educational qualifications impressed them with such favor that in 1908 he was elected county clerk and recorder, and entering upon his duties in January, 1909, served six years, being re- elccted in 1910 and again in 1912. After retiring

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from office he returned to the general hardware business for one year, and in 1916, when the O. K. Hardware Company was established, he was invited to become its manager and has efficiently filled this office ever since. This company, with commodious quarters on Broadway, is one of the two largest hardware concerns in Broadwater County, and does an immense business in hardware and farm imple- ments. The officers of the company are: John James Macdonald, president; W. S. Thompson, vice president; W. L. Cronk, secretary and treasurer, with John Doherty as manager.

At Townsend, Montana, in 1899, Mr. Doherty was married to Miss Ada Van Voast, whose parents now deceased, were John G. and Florence (McFad- den) Van Voast. Her father was a pioneer farmer near Townsend. Mr. and Mrs. Doherty have three children, namely : Doris, who is in the senior class of the Townsend High School; Florence and Emmett, both of whom are at school. Mr. Doherty owns the HENRY W. HARDY. Eastern Montana has good comfortable, modern residence on Cedar Street . reason to congratulate itself on the presence of which is the family home. With his family he such substantial men of enterprise as Henry W. Hardy of Sidney. Mr. Hardy came to this sec- tion of the northwest as a cattle man on the open domain, and has gradually transformed his efforts into practical farming, and his homestead ranch is a fine example of what can be accomplished in that line. belongs to the Roman Catholic Church. In politics he is a democrat, but in matters pertaining to the public welfare of the city he is liberal-minded and notably public-spirited, entirely aside from political bias. He belongs to Helena Camp, Modern Wood- men of America, and to Thrifty Homestead Lodge No. 717, Brotherhood of American Yeomen.

FRANK T. Hooks is one of the rising young at- torneys of Townsend who has returned to civil life after a period of service overseas during the great war, and is winning laurels in his profession, for he is a brilliant lawyer and fine citizen and a valuable adjunct to any community. He was born at Clinton, Iowa, on May 25, 1889, a son of Pat- rick Hooks.

Frank T. Hooks attended the parochial schools of Clinton, Iowa, and the Clinton High School, from which he was graduated in 1906. After be- ing engaged in various lines of work, Mr. Hooks was connected with the Clinton Advertiser for one year. He then entered Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, in the fall of 1910, and was graduated therefrom in 1914 with the degree of Doctor of Laws, and as a member of Delta Chi, a Greek letter fraternity. From June, 1914, until March 3, 1915, he was associated with Congressman Vollmer of Iowa in a law practice, but on the latter date he became confidential agent, traveling for the Department of Commerce of the United States Government, but resigned in Oc- tober of that year and came to Townsend, Mon- tana, where he entered upon a general civil and criminal law practice, in which he was succeeding very well when he left it to enlist in May, 1918, in the Intelligence Corps of the United States Army, and was overseas for thirteen and one- half months, serving in France, Belgium, Germany and Luxemburg. He took part in the Saint Mihiel drive, September 12-17, 1918, the Argonne drive of September 26, 1918, and was at the front until the signing of the Armistice put an end to active fighting. He then accompanied his command, the Seventh Army Corps of the Army of Occupation into Germany. From March 1, 1919, until June 7, 1919, he was a professor of the American Expedi- tionary Force University at Beaume, France. On the latter date he was ordered home, and was mus- tered out of service on July 17, 1919, and resumed his law practice at Townsend in August, 1919. His offices are located in the Power Block. By inheri- tance and conviction he is a democrat and Roman Catholic. He belongs to Washington Council No. 262, Knights of Columbus, in which he is a Third

Degree Knight. In addition Mr. Hooks belongs to The Neighbors of Woodcraft of Townsend, to the American Legion and the Broadwater County Bar Association. He maintains his residence on Broadway. He is not married. A man of en- thusiasms, Mr. Hooks knows the struggles of the poor and sympathizes with the claims of humanity against the heartless demands of avarice and greed. His experience abroad has broadened him and made him appreciate his own country and be glad that he was given the opportunity to serve under its flag. In his profession he is recognized as one of the men destined for great things, for without doubt the future holds many rewards in store for him, and assuredly whatever honors are conferred on him he will prove worthy of them, and then, as now, uphold the rights of the people to individual expression.

Mr. Hardy was born in LaCrosse County, Wis- consin, November 25, 1870, son of William Hardy. Further mention of the Hardy family will be found on other pages of this publication. Henry W. Hardy was educated in public schools, and lived at home to the age of twenty. He then went out to North Dakota, and for nine months was employed as a hand at Dwight for the Dwight Farm and Land Company. Returning to Wiscon- sin, he worked as a wage earner at different oc- cupations until 1900, when he came West and went through Montana as far as Anaconda. He was a year at Anaconda cooking for contractor Jen- nings. He had learned the art of cook by various experiences in the lumber woods of Wisconsin and on ranches.

After these experiences thus briefly reviewed he identified himself with the early settlement of the lower Yellowstone Valley, entering his homestcad on the North Dakota side of the line and below Fairview. The settlers ahead of him there were very few in number, including Benoit and Meadows and A. F. Nohle. Mr. Hardy and his brothers Charles and Samuel Hardy came together, travel- ing by railroad to Buford. They brought all their available cash with the intention of engaging in the stock business, and all of them made their home in the shack on Samuel Hardy's claim. The brothers were active as associates until 1913.

As cattlemen their first bunch comprised a hun- dred twenty head of Dakota range cattle. Their brand was "lazy EH." There was no limit to the range, and while the stock were eating the grass Henry and Charles were employed as cooks on ranches, by railroads, restaurants or hotels for sev- eral years, Sam remaining at the ranch and looking after the interests of the company. They reached their climax as stockmen when the country was set -- tling rapidly, and for that reason had to dispose of their stock and take up general farming. They had bred up their cattle into good grades of Herefords and their chief market was Chicago.

After abandoning stock and beef production the brothers took up grain farming. Much of their combined domain was brought under cultivation and they did unusually well at "dry" farming. Some of the results obtained by them would compare

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favorably with the best results in eastern states. Mr. Hardy feels that luck attended their efforts occa- sionally and accounted for remarkable yields. On one occasion a quarter section sown to flax yielded twelve bushels to the acre with but a single rain. There was also a yield of forty bushels of wheat and eighty bushels of oats to the acre. In 1904 the brothers sowed their first alfalfa seed, and this matured a good cutting the second year, and succes- sively two cuttings were obtained on the dry land.

Henry W. Hardy sold his land holdings in that region and moved to the Sidney locality, where he bought the Louie Josephson farm. The improve- ments here are most substantial, and the enlarge- ment of the home has been made by the present owner. Here he resumed grain farming and for a short time was in the sheep business, feeding and finishing lambs, with such good results as to jus- tify his continuation of the industry. His farm comprises all told a half section and he eventually planned to make it an alfalfa farm.

Mr. Hardy was one of the organizers of the Bank of Fairview, became one of its directors and is still a stockholder. He has also helped build up the town, he and his brothers erecting the building which is the home of the Montana Hardware and Furniture Company. In his school district Mr. Hardy helped haul the logs for the construction of the first schoolhouse located in Mckenzie County, North Dakota, and the first school was taught by one of the neighbor girls, Miss Morrill.

Mr. Hardy cast his first presidential vote in Wis- consin for Mr. Cleveland in 1892, supported Roose- velt in 1904 and in 1908 voted for Mr. Taft and has ever since been a regular republican. At Sioux Pass, Montana, at the home of William Lewis on Novem- ber 26, 1913, Mr. Hardy married Miss Catherine Flynn. She was born near Stockbridge, Michigan, September 19, 1876, daughter of James and Sarah (Brogan) Flynn. Her parents were natives of Mul- lingar, Ireland, where they were married, came to the United States in 1871, and her mother died in 1884 and her father in 1898. The Flynn family were farmers in Ingham County, Michigan. Mrs. Hardy was one of the following children: Mrs. Ernest Dakin, of Lansing, Michigan: Thomas. of Detroit; Mrs. Margaret Kelley, of Detroit; Mrs. Hardy; Christopher, of Fowlerville, Michigan; and Patrick, of Detroit. Mrs. Hardy was educated in a country district in Michigan and also at Bell- oak, and she came to Montana in 1910, joining some Michigan friends. She entered a homestead at Sioux Pass in Richland County, and is one of Montana's women who proved up a claim. Mr. and Mrs. Hardy have one son, William James, born January 6, 1916.

JOHN NEUBERT. The history of Montana reveals the handiwork of many a great and noble soul who wrought heroically and unselfishly. Her smiling fields and splendid homes, her high-grade institutions, her happy, prospering people, speak volumes of someone's steadfastness of purpose, of someone's strength of arms, activity of brain-of someone's sac- rifice. But time, that grim obliterator, before whose destroying fingers even the stubborn granite must in the end succumb, is ever at his work of disin- tegration. Beneath his blighting touch even memory fails, and too often a life of glorious achievement is forgotten in a day. "Lest we forget," then, this tribute to the late John Neubert is penned. Pioneer, early trapper, prospector and freighter, a public spirited, brave, kindly, generous man, it is the de- sire of the biographer, as it must be of all who knew him, that his deeds and his character be re-

corded for the, benefit of those who follow after. By no means rich, as mere worldly possessions are estimated, his record was rich in a thousand throng- ing incidents of the rugged days, long gone, when hardy men stood shoulder to shoulder and fought to conquer the western wilderness.

John Neubert was a native of Germany, where he was born on October 8, 1838, and his death occurred at Fort Benton, Montana, on the 20th of August, 1914, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. In 1847, when nine years of age, he accompanied his parents on their immigration to the United States. The trip was made in a slow-sailing boat, requiring more than one hundred days to make the journey to New Orleans, where they landed. A short time after- ward they removed to Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where he attended school, securing a good practical edu- cation. As soon as large enough the lad entered a furniture factory to learn the business, remaining there until 1855, when he started West with a party of men, their objective destination being Fort Benton, Montana. It was a long and tiresome jour- ney, one which would not have been completed by men of less heroic mettle, for their trip was charac- terized by toil of the severest kind and by dangers and obstacles untold. They were compelled to pull their boats by hand up the Missouri River all the way from Sioux City, Iowa, to Fort Benton, an entire year being consumed in this journey. Ar- riving at Fort Benton, Mr. Neubert entered the employ of the old American Fur Company, which had been organized in 1809 by John Jacob Astor. He remained with that company until 1862, when he went to Alder Gulch and engaged in prospect- ing and staking out a claim. However, during his absence in Bannock another man jumped his claim. Mr. Neubert spent a number of years in prospect- ing and mining in various localities, and then re- turned to Fort Benton and again became connected with the American Fur Company. Some time later he engaged in the restaurant business, in which he was successful. Mr. Neubert was numbered among the pioneer Indian traders of Montana, and came in contact with the red men many times in various relations, some of which were not of a pleasant nature. At one time he entered into a big contract with the United States Government for cutting hay. It was during an uprising of the Indians, who were · on the war path frequently, and Mr. Neubert found it necessary at times to keep constant guard for the protection of the men who were engaged in the cut- ting of the hay. The experiences of those early days can hardly be fully appreciated by the present gen- eration, who today see no indications of the' con- ditions which actually existed a half century ago, therefore it is hard for them to full appreciate the demands that were made on the courage, re- sources and energies of the pioneers. Those men and women who came here in those early days, in- spired by the vision of the glorious days which were to follow, are entitled to the eternal gratitude of those who today enjoy the fruits of their sacrifices.

On June 20, 1871, in Leavenworth, Kansas, Mr. Neubert was married to Theresa Pander, who sur- vives him She was born in Germany on October 28. 1848, and is the daughter of Joseph and Helena (Myer) Pander, also natives of Germany. Mrs. Neubert is the fourth in order of birth of the five children born to her parents, who never left their native land. Mrs. Neubert came to the United State in 1865, being twenty-one days on the ocean, and landing at New York City. To Mr. and Mrs. Neubert were born three children, namely: Lucy is the wife of Charles H. Brinkman, a cattleman, and they have one daughter, Ruth. Cyrus Teton,

JOHN NEUBERT

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HISTORY OF MONTANA

who was born five miles from Fort Benton, being the first white child born in that locality, married Adaline Lapine. Albert John died at the age of four years. Ruth Brinkman, Mrs. Neubert's grand- daughter, became the wife of John Taylor, and they have one daughter, Lillian Ruth, of the fourth liv- ing generation. Mrs. Neubert, who has passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, is in the enjoyment of her health to a remark- able degree and her mental faculties are as alert and keen as ever. She takes a live interest in pass- ing events and delights to entertain her friends with narrations of the stirring events of the pioneer days. She refers to the fact that when she first came to Fort Benton there were more Indians here than white persons, and she has witnessed the pass- ing of great herds of buffalo through the streets of that town. Deer and other wild game were plen- tiful and constituted a large part of the daily bill of fare.

Politically Mr. Neubert was a stanch adherent of the democratic party. His religious membership was with the Lutheran Church. He was a man of kindly impulses and earnest character, and as a broad-minded and upright citizen enjoyed to a notable degree the respect and esteem of all who knew him.

ARTHUR TUTTLE belongs to an influential pioneer family of Montana, one that came originally from England and established its home on the shores of the United States in New York. David Tuttle, the grandfather of Arthur, founded the family in Mon- tana, where he was a pioneer of 1864. He was first engaged in placer mining at Alder Gulch, and in 1866 removed to Fishcreek in Jefferson County, where he was a rancher until his life's labors were ended in death, his demise occurring before the birth of his grandson Arthur.

A son of this worthy Montana pioneer, Sherman F. Tuttle, now resides at Boulder, Montana, one of its best known and most influential citizens. Born in Indiana in July, 1848, he moved with his parents to Des Moines, Iowa, in 1849, where he spent the years of his boyhood and youth up to the age of sixteen, coming then with his father to Alder Gulch, Montana, near Virginia City, and in this new min- ing country he completed his educational training. He began earning his own way in the world when still a youth, and until he reached his majority as- sisted in the support of his father's large family. After a time he took up ranching at Fishcreek in Jefferson County, and in his home there all his children were born. He proved successful as a rancher and in his cattle raising, and in 1878 he drove his cattle to the Judith Basin, although still retaining his home on the ranch.

In 1896 Mr. Tuttle removed to the Town of White- hall and became manager of a mercantile establish- ment there, and while carrying on his mercantile interests also conducted a ranch which he had pur- chased near the town, continuing the dual occupa- tions until he was elected the treasurer of Jeffer- son County in 1900, taking the oath of office in March of the following year. In October, 1900, Mr. Tuttle removed to Boulder in the discharge of his official duties, and he remained in the office for one term of two years, retiring then to a ranch he had purchased near the town and removing his stock there. This property has since been sold to the state as a part of the grounds for the State School for the Deaf and Blind.

In 1906 Mr. Tuttle left that ranch and purchased the Bank of Boulder, thus entering upon a career

in which he is perhaps most intimately known and in which he has achieved his greatest success and prominence. He has since served the Bank of Boulder as its president, and the other officers at the present time are Ed Ryan, vice president, L. Q. Skelton, cashier and secretary, and Arthur Tuttle, assistant cashier.

The Bank of Boulder was established in Febru- ary, 1888, as a state bank, was afterward a national bank for a time, and was again given a state charter. It is capitalized at $50,000, has surplus and profits amounting to $27,000, and its deposits are $600,- 000. Its president, Mr. Tuttle, is also the vice president of the Whitehall State Bank, and he has membership in the Bankers Life Company and in the State Bankers Association.

Throughout the period of his residence in Mon- tana Mr. Tuttle has been keenly alive to its best in- terests, and as a business man and citizen he has been influential in upholding its high standards and assisting in its development. He was a representa- tive to the Legislature in 1910 from Jefferson Coun- ty, elected by the democratic party, and as a state official he proved his true worth and ability. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a member of Boulder Lodge No. 41, An- cient Free and Accepted Masons, and was especially active in war auxiliary work.

Mr. Tuttle married Derinda J. Butts, who was born in Missouri in 1854, and a large family of chil- dren has blessed their union, of whom Arthur Tut- tle was the first born. Cora, the oldest daughter, married a Mr. Kincaid and is now a widow residing in California. Her husband was a clergyman in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Sherman Tuttle is a physician and surgeon in San Francisco. He re- ceived his medical degree in the College of Phy- sicians and Surgeons of that city. Claude H. Tuttle, who resides at Helena, Montana, is in the office of the internal revenue collector. Earl R. Tuttle re- sides on a ranch between Boulder and Whitehall. Ada married Joseph D. Moore, who is a miner resid- ing at Boulder. Lulu married Gus Wellin, a butcher at Boulder, and Julian Errett, the youngest of the family, is a miner living in Butte.

Arthur Tuttle was born in his parents' home at Fishcreek' in Jefferson County, Montana, March 22, 1874, and as a business man and citizen is proving worthy of the name he bears, one of the oldest and most influential in this section of Montana. From the rural schools near his boyhood's home he en- tered the State Agricultural College at Bozeman the same year the institution was established, 1893, and remained there as a student for one year. From that time until 1895 he was employed on the home farm, then for two years worked for his uncle, James Gordon, on his ranch in Madison County, returning at the close of that period to the home farm and remaining there until appointed deputy treasurer under his father, a position he also filled for two years and for a similar period served as the deputy under County Treasurer E. W. Burdick, afterward serving as an extra man in the court- house until July, 1906.

At that time Mr. Tuttle embarked in the bank- ing business as an employe in the Bank of Boulder. starting in at the very bottom of the business and gradually working his way up to the position he now occupies, that of assistant cashier. He has adopted the political faith of his father and votes with the democratic party. He is a member also of the Methodist Episcopal Church and one of its of- ficial board, and belongs to Boulder Lodge No. 19, Knights of Pythias, and is a past chancellor com-

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mander. He also belongs to Basin Aerie No. 874, Fraternal Order of Eagles. At the present time he is serving as clerk of the Town Council.

At Butte, Montana, in March, 1908, Mr. Tuttle was married to Miss Adeline Jacques, who was born in France but was reared and educated in the United States. She died at Boulder in 1911. Mr. Tuttle has an adopted daughter, Garnet, who is a student in the Montana Deaconess School at Helena. The Tuttle home is a modern residence in Boulder.

COL. CORNELIUS B. NOLAN. Among the active, able, and influential members of the Montana bar, Cornelius B. Nolan, of Helena, has won unmistak- able prestige in his professional career, his success being due to his comprehensive knowledge of law, his devotion to his work, and his ability to properly apply his natural and acquired forces to the cases in which he has been retained. A native of Ireland, he was born December 25, 1856, in County Limerick, where the days of his boyhood and youth were spent.

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Montana, its story and biography; a history of aboriginal and territorial Montana and three decades of statehood, Volume III, Part 2

Author: Stout, Tom, 1879- ed Publication date: 1921 Publisher: Chicago, American Historical Society Number of Pages: 1144

Author: Stout, Tom, 1879- ed
Publication date: 1921
Publisher: Chicago, American Historical Society
Number of Pages: 1144