Montana, its story and biography; a history of aboriginal and territorial Montana and three decades of statehood, Volume III, Part 60

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 60

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Robert J. De Mers had the misfortune to lose his good father when he was only a lad, but he still remembers his teachings, and has shaped his life according to the admirable precepts of that excel- lent man. He first attended school in a French set- tlement in Montana, and completed his educational training at Missoula. He then entered the Mis- soula Mercantile Company, and remained with that concern until he was twenty-two years old, at which time he went to Butte and engaged in a grocery business, which he conducted until his location at Hot Springs, at which time he bought the stock of the Hot Springs Commercial Company, and continued the business under the same name.

Robert J. De Mers was married to Lynetta A. Little, born at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Dunlop) Little. Mrs. De Mers was educated in the schools of Pittsburgh, and took a course in stenography and typewriting. Desiring to acquire something she could fall back upon, she came West and filed on a homestead, much against

the will of her family, who felt that she was too venturesome in leaving home for what they regarded was a wild, western country. She came here with the intention of only remaining until she had proved up her homestead, but found more than she im- agined was awaiting her in this land of promise, an excellent and devoted husband, a happy home, and, as the years went by, three children, Jacques, Margaret Dunlop and Martha Elinor. Mr. De Mers is a Catholic, and Mrs. De Mers an Episcopalian. In politics he is a stanch republican, although he is the only one of his family to espouse its principles.

The store of which Mr. De Mers is the virtual owner is one worthy of the most metropolitan cen- ter. A full line of timely goods is carried, includ- ing dry goods, hardware, clothing, boots and shoes, implements, furniture and similar commodities, so that new settlers are able to outfit themselves with everything they need, and the old ones to replenish their homes and ranches.

Mr. De Mers possesses in a large measure those qualities necessary to secure success in a mercantile undertaking of this nature. He is genial, whole- souled and progressive, and a worthy son of a most worthy father. Mrs. De Mers is a highly educated and capable lady who supports her husband in his undertakings and his encouragement of civic improve- ments. They have gathered about them a circle of very congenial people, and enjoy social relaxation in their company, entertaining and being entertained as only westerners can.

M. M. HORI, proprietor of Hori's Hotel and Cafe at Whitefish, is one of the leading hotelmen of this part of Montana and a man widely known and every- where respected. He is a native of Japan, who when twenty-four years old came to the United States, and for the past fourteen years has been engaged in the hotel, bakery and restaurant business in the same place. Twenty-three years ago he came to Montana, and for eight years was at Kalispell, and then came to Whitefish. In 1919 he completed a $50,000 hotel and cafe, artistically and luxuriantly furnished and supplied with every modern comfort. The service is perfect, the cuisine excellent and Mr. Hori is a past master in making his guests thoroughly comfortable. In the beautiful lobby of this modern hotel are to be seen some of the most magnificently preserved specimens of elk, buffalo and deer heads to be found on the western coast. The entire establish- ment is spotless, and the affairs of the hotel are conducted in an efficient manner. Mr. Hori has the hotel supplied every day with fresh fruits and vege- tables from his own ranch, and his registered herd of Holstein cattle supply the milk, cream and butter con- sumed by his guests.

In addition to his hotel property Mr. Hori owns a fine ranch property one mile east of the City of White fish, and takes great pride in his fine herd, one of the best of the Holstein strain to be found in Mon- tana. In addition to supplying his hotel Mr. Hori maintains a fine dairy with the product from this herd.

Mr. Hori was married after coming to the United States to M. Aya. An excellent business man, he has known how to put his natural talents to good use, and his success, while remarkable, is not to he won- dered at, for he has steadily and quietly progressed, and has fairly earned all he today possesses. He is one of the most popular landlords in this part of the country, and his natural courtesy and unfailing ef- ficiency have won for him a large and constantly in- creasing patronage not only from the traveling pub- lic, but those of Whitefish and the surrounding country who prefer to shift to his shoulders the

Tolix & Semere

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HISTORY OF MONTANA

responsibilities attendant upon home making in these days of high prices and shortage of household serv- ants. The people of Whitefish are very proud of the prestige an establishment of this high class con- fers upon the community, and hold Mr. Hori up as an example of what can be accomplished by one pro- vided he is willing to exert himself and make use of the talents given him by nature.

F. P. SCOTT, surveyor of Flathead County, and a man very widely known and universally respected, belongs to that class called self-made, for he owes his present position in his community to his own ef- forts and uprightness of character. He was born at Boulder, Colorado, a son of W. T. and Alta (Green) Scott. Both were born in Iowa and became the par- ents of three children, of whom F. P. Scott was the youngest.

After attending the public schools of his native state F. P. Scott was graduated from the State Col- lege of Colorado, following which he secured the position of civil engineer for the Huntley reclamation project in the service of the United States govern- ment, and was at Huntley for four years as civil and irrigation engineer, and then for two years was with the Saint Mary's storage unit of the Milk River project, which added a large and valuable amount of land to the state. Mr. Scott then came to Kalispell, where he was employed as deputy surveyor for three years, and then, in the fall of 1908, was elected to the office of county surveyor, which he still holds. While with the Huntley project Mr. Scott was canal superintendent, and had charge of the field work as acting division engineer of the Milk River project. Since coming to Kalispell he has been mainly engaged in concrete construction work on the bridges and roads of Flathead County, very much improving all of them, and making this section one of the best in the state.

Mr. Scott was married to Miss Angeline McIntyre, of Fort Collins, Colorado, a daughter of John C. McIntyre. Mr. and Mrs. Scott became the parents of two children, namely : Helen Elizabeth and Flor- ence Elinor. In politics Mr. Scott is a republican. He is a Mason and a member of the college frater- nity Alpha Kappa Epsilon. Mr. Scott has used his knowledge and experience to forward public im- provements, and is an expert in his line. His inter- est in the bridges and roads of Flathead County is a warm and living issue with him, and he takes pride in what he has already accomplished and has plans for many other changes in the near future. Such men as he are a decided asset to any community and Kalispell is to be congratulated in the acquisi- tion of him and his experienced services. Both he and Mrs. Scott are popular and have gathered about them a delightful and congenial circle of friends.

S. C. BIBEE, clerk and recorder of Flathead County, is one of the representative men of his community, who has proven his worth as a man and a citizen. He was born near Shibley's Point, Missouri, a son of James P. and Sarah E. (Brooks) Bihee, being the eldest in a family of five children. After attending the rural schools of his native county S. C. Bibee took a course in the Kirksville State Normal School and fitted himself for office work during the time he was attending the school, spending 312 years in the United States postal service to provide himself with the necessities of life. In 1910 he came to Mon- tana and became a clerk in the Polson First National Bank, and later became assistant cashier of the Security State Bank of the same place. In 1910 he came to Kalispell to become deputy clerk and re- corder of Flathead County, and in the fall of 1918

was elected to the office on the republican ticket, and is still holding it.

Mr. Bibee was married at Browning, Missouri, to Miss Mayme E. Holding, a daughter of LeRoy Hold- ing. Mr. and Mrs. Bibee have one son, Donald Brooks, who was born June 1, 1911. Fraternally Mr. Bibee belongs to the Odd Fellows. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bibee are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in whose good work they take an active part.

Mr. Bibee is a fine type of American manhood, pro- gressive, studious and cultivated. Possessing the confidence of an appreciative" public, his advance- ment is watched with interest and other gifts within the power of his constituents are likely to be made him in the future if he cares to remain in public office, for his .worth is recognized and voters want him to have charge of their affairs, for they know that if he has they are certain of receiving a fair deal in every way. In his two- fold office Mr. Bibee is discharging his duties in a worthy and efficient manner, which is creditable to himself and his locality. He has made good in every position he has ever held, and has followed the rule of his life to live within his means, to always save something and to render a faithful service to the public. Such men are rare, and when found are ap- preciated and their services are eagerly sought. Per- sonally Mr. Bibee is pleasant and accommodating, and his friends are legion and enthusiastic with reference to his abilities.

LESLIE DUNCAN. A man of recognized business and executive ability, Leslie Duncan, manager of the Helena branch of the National Biscuit Company, holds a position of responsibility and trust, having full charge of the firm's interests in this city. A son of J. H. Duncan, he was born January 30, 1880, in Cooper County, Missouri, of thrifty Scotch lineage, his emigrant ancestor having emigrated from Scot- land to Missouri in pioneer days.

Born in 1858 in Missouri, J. H. Duncan was there bred and educated. Engaging in agricultural pursuits when young, he was engaged in farming in Cooper County until 1884, when he removed with his family to Saline County, Missouri, where he was similarly employed for four years. In 1888 he came to Helena, Montana, which has since been his home. Until 1892 he was in the employ of Sanford & Evans, pioneer merchants of this city, and for several years thereafter worked in the Helena Flour Mill. Making a change of occupation, he was employed for some time by the old Montana Lumber Company, after which he was employed by John T. Murphy, a pio- neer grocer of Helena, remaining with him until he sold his business to Bach, Cory & Company. Ac- cepting a position with the new firm, he was manager of its wholesale grocery department until the part- nership was dissolved. The following four years he was janitor at the State Capitol, after which he served as jailor during his son Rolla's term as sheriff of Lewis & Clark County. He is now custodian at the State Capitol. He is a stanch republican in poli- tics, and for many years has been an active member of Red Cross Lodge No. 32, Knights of Pythias.

J. H. Duncan married in Missouri Amelia Susan McMahan, who was born in that state in 1861, and to them children have been born as follows: Leslie, the special subject of this sketch; Rolla, engaged in the theatrical business at Lewiston, Idaho; Thomas, who died at the age of two years; Stella, living in Helena, is the widow of Charles ne Flette, formerly superintendent of the Lewis & Clark County Poor Farm; Elmer lived but two years; Mabel, wife of Emmett McMahan, an oil promoter of California ;

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HISTORY OF MONTANA

Lillian, wife of E. C. Kempter, who has charge of the State Nurseries at Helena; John, who died at the age of two years; Rowena, wife of James Hix, who was until recently engaged in farming at Rox- bury, Idaho, is now living in Helena; Irene, attending the Helena Business College; and Grayce, who is with the M. S. T. & T. Company of Helena.

Completing the course of instruction in the public schools of Helena, Leslie Duncan took a business course at the International School of Correspondence at Scranton, Pennsylvania. At the early age of four- teen years he began life as a wage earner in the clothing and dry goods store of L. Manheim, serving as a clerk, and when, about 1896, his employer trans- ferred his business to Anaconda, Montana, Mr. Duncan accompanied him and helped him establish his new store. Returning.then to Helena, he clerked six months for Mr. Manheim's successor, P. J. Shell- horn. The following eight years Mr. Duncan served as a clerk in the grocery of C. G. Stubbs, who then sold out to Weinstein & Company. Forming a part- nership then with C. G. Stubbs and D. E. White, the firm thus formed established a grocery in the Sixth Ward of Helena, under the name of the Helena Trading Company. Selling his interest in the busi- ness at the end of three years, Mr. Duncan accepted a position with the National Biscuit Company, as- suming charge of the candy shipping department. A year later, he was made superintendent and city salesman, a position of importance, and proved lıim- self so competent in every respect that in May, 1916, he was made manager of the company's largest estab- lishment in Helena. Under the efficient supervision of Mr. Duncan the business of the Helena branch of the National Biscuit Company, whose plant and offices are located at 1308-22 Boulder Avenue has grown with surprising rapidity, its trade being exten- sive and highly lucrative.

Religiously Mr. Duncan, true to the faith of his Scotch ancestors, is a stanch Presbyterian. Politically he is identified with the republican party. Frater- nally he is a member of State Treasure Camp No. 6306, Modern Woodmen of America; and of Helena Aerie No. 16, Fraternal Order of Eagles. He re- sides at 660 North Ewing Street, his home being a center of social activity.

Mr. Duncan married in 1897, in Helena, Miss Myrtle Fowler, a daughter of D. D. and Ida (Gran- die) Fowler, residents of Seattle, Washington, where Mr. Fowler is actively engaged in mercantile pur- suits. Three children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Duncan, namely: Wesley, born July 4. 1899, was graduated from the Helena High School and is now bookkeeper for the National Biscuit Com- pany; Russell, born August 2, 1900, is employed in the packing department of the National Biscuit Com- pany ; and Raleigh, born March 22, 1907. In 1918 Wesley Duncan, the eldest child of the parental household, enlisted for the World war in the Marine Corps, and after special training at Mare Island, Cali- fornia, was qualified as a sharp shooter. He was sent then to Quantico, Virginia, and was ready to go overseas when the armistice was signed.

ELMER L. CAIN, of Vandalia, Valley County, came into Montana in 1890 and began his career with the state at Saco. He has spent the last twenty years on the Valley Ranch on Milk River, where for some years he has been identified with stock raising and farming. He is essentially a stock man, one of the old Texas trailsmen who from 1890 to 1893 made trips across the plains from the Lone Star State to Montana.

Mr. Cain was born in Schoharie County, New York, August 25, 1869, a son of Anson and Lora

(Phillips) Cain. During his early life the father was a farmer, but finally became a railroad shopman at Utica, New York, and it is believed he spent the remainder of his life in that vicinity. Mrs. Cain subsequently married a Mr. Miller, and she died at Starrucca, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Cain had but two children, Elmer and Minnie.

Elmer L. Cain was reared as an orphan lad and lived in various homes while growing to mature years, and finally fell to the care of his maternal uncle, Joshua Phillips, one of the earliest settlers of Ness county, Kansas. Mr. Phillips went into that region with the New York State Colony, but he sub- sequently went back east, and when he returned to Kansas in 1883 he brought his nephew with him. The latter attended school at old Schoharie, Ness County, during the winters and rode the range herd- ing cattle during the summer months in Kansas and later in Colorado, for which he was given a man's wages when yet but a boy in years. He and his uncle separated at Las ·Animas, Colorado, the uncle going to Aspen. For several years afterward they lost track of each other, until by accident the uncle saw the announcement of his nephew's marriage in a Montana paper, and he came down into the Milk River Valley at Vandalia from the west end of the state to visit him. Mr. Phillips is now a neighbor of the Cain ranch.

Elmer L. Cain went from Ness County, Kansas, to Texas in a spring wagon, in company with Clar- ence Broadbrook, of Saco, and becoming connected with the "N-N" Cattle Company they started north with a trail herd from White Deer, Texas, to Mon- tana, loading the cattle at Panhandle City and un- loading them at Windover, Wyoming, trailing them from there on to Prairie Elk, and south of Oswego, Montana. Returning south, Mr. Cain and his partner went to Kansas City, where they remained during the winter, and in the following spring con- tinued the return journey to Texas, from whence they started for another trip over the trail from the same locality and for the same company, but this time drove the entire distance and delivered the stock three months and twelve days after starting. The cattle were delivered to the N-N ranch on the Little Dry, between the Missouri and the Yellow- stone rivers, and Mr. Cain spent the remainder of the season with that company with its beef wagon.

Mr. Cain then located north of Hinsdale, and in the following year took a bunch of cow horses to Orin Junction, Wyoming, but went on himself to Trinidad, Colorado, trailing a herd of cattle back to Dodson, Montana, for the Circle Diamond people, the Bloom Cattle Company, completed the season with them, and then returned to his old employers, the "N-N." In the fall of 1894 he began work for Kennedy & Broadbrook, one of whom was his old partner, continuing with them while he worked for wages, a period of about five years, and then entered stock raising for himself on Milk River, at the site of his present ranch.

Although Mr. Cain entered his homestead north- west of Saco, he abandoned it after proof was made, at the end of seven years, and took up his desert claim east of Vandalia, which was the nucleus of his ranch here. While engaged in the cattle business he raised range stock and run them under the brand "U quarter circle 9" on the left hip, and the few cat- tle he still owns hear this brand. He shipped an- nnally during many years, and during his shipments encountered the panic year of 1907, when there was practically no market for cattle. This particular consignment of seven cars met so stringent a money market that he received hut $100 cash on the entire shipment and settled the halance with paper.

a. m. Embry

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HISTORY OF MONTANA

Mr. Cain has developed a ranch of 800 acres, which represents public lands taken up by both himself and his wife. His home is the old-fashioned log building of five rooms, and his barn is the real conspicuous improvement of the ranch, a building 30 by 40 feet, with a leanto 16 by 40 feet. He is raising both grain and alfalfa, specializing in maccaroni wheat, which has yielded him forty bushels to the acre, and his rye has yielded thirty bushels to the acre. An irri- gation system for his valley lands, one of the large private systems of the county and providing a reser- voir area of 160 acres, is one of the features of his farming of first importance.

Mr. Cain has manifested a deep interest in the community schools, and for ten years was a member of the school board, during which time he helped to build five school houses in the district, buildings which are standard and reflect the spirit of progress of the community. In politics he is a democratic voter, casting his first presidential ballot for Mr. Cleveland in Glasgow in 1892. He is also a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity, belonging to Glasgow Lodge.

At Harlem, Montana, August 25, 1902 Mr. Cain was married to Miss Georgie L. McConnell, who came to Montana from Wilmington, Ohio. She was a teacher for a number of years in Savoy, Culbert- son, Saco and Hinsdale. She is a graduate of the Wilmington High School, and became a first grade teacher in Montana as early as her teaching experi- ence permitted. She was born in Ontario, Canada, February 28, 1878. She is a relative of Judge Mc- Connell of Helena, Montana. Her mother's name before marriage was Margaret Carruthers, and she bore her husband ten children, namely: Samuel, of Helena; Mrs. Mary Holiday, of Washington, D. C .; Belle, of Wilmington, Ohio; Fred, who died at Butte, Montana; John, of Manitoba, Canada; William, who is with his brother John; David, of British Columbia; Rev. Thomas H., a Presbyterian minis- ter in Florida; Mrs. Cain; and Robert G., of Wil- mington, Ohio. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Cain, Elmer Earl, Edith Margaret, Grace Belle, Bertha Louise, Fred Maxwell and Philip Rex.

AUSTIN MORGAN EMBREY from boyhood to the present has found his business experience chiefly in groceries and provisions. He is widely known as a commission merchant in Montana, and at Great Falls is managing head of the Dairy Products Com- pany of that city.

Mr. Embrey was born at Bealeton, Fauquier County, Virginia, November 12, 1878, a son of Charles O. and Samantha E. (Colbert) Embrey. His father was born in Virginia in 1837 and his mother in West Virginia in 1850. Charles O. Embrey was a Confederate soldier during the Civil war and was a member of Pickett's famous division in the battle of Gettysburg and in other campaigns. After the. war he occupied his energies with general merchandising, farming and saw milling at Bealeton. He retired from business in 1909, and he and his wife now make their home at Washington, D. C. He is a Baptist and a democrat in politics. The Embreys are a virile and long-lived family. All the twelve children, seven daughters and five sons, born to Charles O. Embrey and wife are still living.

Austin M., sixth in age among these children, ac- quired his early education in the public schools of Virginia, but at the age of fifteen left home and went to work in the grocery store of his uncle, Austin Colbert. During the next four years he gained a great deal of detailed knowledge of mer- chandising and he also carefully saved his earnings

to complete his higher education. He finished his education in Wood's Commercial College at Wash- ington. Mr. Embrey had charge of a retail commis- sion business at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and also managed a wholesale butter and egg business at Pittsburgh. In November, 1906, he came to · Mon- tana, and at Butte was associated with the Henning- son Produce Company as salesman and superin- tendent. In July, 1907, he opened a branch of this establishment at Great Falls, and had a financial interest in the concern. In 1916 he reorganized the business under the name of the Great Falls Dairy Products Company and has since been manager, secretary and treasurer of the corporation.

Mr. Embrey is affiliated with Euclid Lodge No. 58, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and the Great Falls Lodge of Perfection. He is a Rotarian and has been a director in the Great Falls Commer- cial Club for nine years. Politically he is a demo- crat and is a member of the Baptist Church.

June 23, 1910, Mr. Embrey married Elsie A. Bower, a native of Montana. They have one daugh- ter, Faith Thurston.

EDWARD ENGEBRITSON. It is possible to say of Edward Engebritson, of Redstone, that he has done a man's work in whatever sphere and relationship destiny has placed him. Work has been the primary outlet for his energies and ambitions, and many persistent years have brought him a degree of suc- cess and community esteem thoroughly justified.

Mr. Engebritson, who is in point of service one of the older merchants and citizens of Redstone, was born in Chippewa County, Minnesota, February 19. 1876. His father, Christ Engebritson, was born near Christiania, Norway, and came to the United States at the age of eighteen, just after the Civil war. His first settlement was near Stockholm, Wis- consin. He had been trained as a gunsmith, and there being few opportunities to make a living in that oc- cupation he turned his skill to blacksmithing. From Wisconsin he became a pioneer in Minnesota, con- ducted a shop at Lake City, and finally settled on a homestead in Chippewa County and devoted many years to farming. He died in 1915, at the age of seventy-six. He married Christina Rolighed, a native of Norway who died in early life. Their children were: Annetta, wife of Thomas Holte, of Chippewa County ; Edward; and Dina, wife of Christ John- son, of Swift County, Minnesota. By a second mar- riage Christ Engebritson had children named Peter. Carl, Even, Alfred, Fritjof, Otto and Stella.

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Montana, its story and biography; a history of aboriginal and territorial Montana and three decades of statehood, Volume III, Part 60

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