Progressive men of the state of Montana, pt 1, Part 132

Author: Bowen, A.W., & Co., firm, publishers, Chicago
Publication date: [19-?]
Publisher: Chicago : A. W. Bowen & Co.
Number of Pages: 1374

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years, coming thence to Montana by steamboat up the Missouri river to Fort Benton. From thence Mr. Gilleland proceeded to Helena and later to the town of Wickes, where he worked at his trade for one year, and then spent some time in search of a permanent location. He finally located on his present farm, situated fifteen miles from the mouth of the Madison river, and turned his attention to the sheep business for five years, when he sold his sheep and began to raise horses upon an extensive scale, keeping an average of 250 head. He has recently reduced the number of horses to a suf- ficient complement to carry on the work of the ranch and has directed his attention more partic- ularly to the raising of high-grade cattle, Herefords being his favorite type. He has 2,000 head of Herefords and other fine stock and a number of excellent shorthorns. Our subject's ranch com- prises 1,600 acres, and of this 320 acres are under effective irrigation, hay being the principal crop raised. He secures an abundant yield, and usually sells large quantities. The ranch is improved with excellent buildings, and on every hand are evi- dences of the care bestowed by a progressive and discriminating owner. Mr. Gilleland is a man of sterling character and genial personality, and he not only has the respect of the community but has gained a wide circle of friends, and is one of the popular citizens of this section of the state. In politics he renders stanch allegiance to the Re- publican party. He still clings to a life of celibacy, and his home is an attractive "bachelor's hall."

A RCHIBALD GRAY .- The long tenure of ser- vice with the Great Northern Railway system of this efficient and accomplished railroad man, and the high esteem in which he is generally held throughout the territory in which he operates form the best proof of the value of his services. He was born near Glasgow, Scotland, August 12, 1863, the son of William and Isabella (McVicar) Gray, also natives of Scotland, where the former was born in 1837 and the latter in 1839. The father came to the United States in 1880 and to Montana in 1883, and since his arrival has been extensively engaged in the sheep industry in the Highwood country, in Choteau county, being one of the largest ranch owners and wool producers in that part of the country. His wife died at the Highwood home in 1900. Mr. Gray received his

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education in the elementary and high schools of Glasgow, and after his graduation served for a time as a pupil teacher there. In May, 1881, hẹ came to this country, locating at Minneapolis, where he at once entered the service of the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba Railroad, now the Great Northern, and has been a trusted employe of this great railway system ever since. He re- mained in Minneapolis until 1893, when he went to St. Paul for three years. In 1896 he was trans- ferred to Butte to take charge of the freight traffic department of the Montana Central, a part of the Great Northern system, in reality having charge of the freight traffic business of the system in Montana. He enjoys a well-deserved popularity with the business public throughout his territory and holds a high place in social circles in Butte. In addition to his railroad work Mr. Gray is oc- cupied in developing and promoting some land and stock interests in connection with his father in Choteau county. Whatever has felt the impulse of his forceful hand has been quickened and en- larged, improved in quality and multiplied in use- fulness. The railroad company has learned this to its advantage, and the stock industry has learned it by observation. Mr. Gray was united in mar- riage with Miss Mabel Jones, a native of Racine, Wis., the marriage being solemnized at Minneapo- lis in 1891. They have one child, a daughter, Florence, born in 1892. Mr. Gray is a valued member of Butte Lodge of Elks.

J AMES GREEN .- Orphaned in early life and robbed of his guardian by death before he was grown, James Green, of Willow Creek, had his full portion of bereavement while struggling toward manhood far from the scenes and associations of his native land. He was born in Worcestershire, England, May 1, 1830, a son of William and Sarah (Foley) Green, natives of England. While James was yet an infant his father, a prosperous farmer living about nine miles from Birmingham, died, and he was reared by his grandfather, Joseph Green, who in 1843 joined the Mormon church and emigrated to America, bringing his grandson with him. They landed in New Orleans during the first half of May in that year, and from there came up the river as far as Nauvoo, Ill., where the church had established itself, and remained there until 1846, when determined opposition compelled the entire body to leave the state. They then moved

into Iowa, at a point some ninety miles west of the Mississippi, his grandfather dying on the trip, and being buried at the town of Farmington. Mr. Green then went under the guardianship of a Scotchman named Miller, with whom he remained in the neighborhood where they had stopped un- til 1851. In that year they started west to the Missouri river, and in the spring fitted up for a trip across the plains to a new home, mak- ing their own boats with which to cross the rivers. When traveling the Mormons always or- ganized in parties of fifty, which were subdivided into companies of ten. During that year, 1852, fifty-two parties of fifty each made the overland trip to the northwest. The cholera was very bad among them and a large number died. Only one of Mr. Green's company of ten died, but that was his guardian. The survivors finally reached Salt Lake City October 16. After re- maining there for a short time he removed to Provo City, Utah, and engaged in farming until May 22, 1864, when he came to Montana, arriv- ing at Alder gulch July 10, and some weeks later locating on the Jefferson river, near his present home. Since then he has never left the neigh- borhood, and he now has a homestead of 400 acres, and in company with his sons several sec- tions of grazing land on the Madison. Together they have large herds of cattle, usually as many as 300 to 500 head, Herefords being the favorite breed. The homestead is one of the most desirable in the county and shows plainly that it is in the hands of a capable and progressive farmer.

Mr. Green was married July 27, 1851, to Miss Margaret Wellwood, a native of Canada and the only daughter of William Wellwood, who died while she was an infant. The marriage was sol- emnized while they were on the way from Iowa to Utah. Mrs. Green died January 18, 1869, leav- ing seven children, as follows: Mary Jane, the wife of Thomas Reese, of Bozeman; J. William, in the stock business at Sixteen-mile; Eliza is the wife of M. Enkes, of Reese creek; Joseph, living in Bozeman; Melissa, living at home; An- drew J. and Charles. Mr. Green is a member of the Mormon church of the branch known as Jos- ephites, and is highly esteemed throughout the entire region where he is known, both for the uprightness of his life and the advanced and in- telligent methods he pursues in business and all the relations of citizenship.

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F REDERICK GILBERT, who is one of the sterling pioneers of Montana and now post- master at Lolo, Missoula county, commands the respect and confidence of the community and is one of those worthy citizens of the state who are en- titled to distinct recognition in this compilation. He is a native of the town of Morris, Otsego county, N. Y., born on February 3, 1845, the son of Norris and Lucy (Todd) Gilbert, both natives of Connecticut, whence the father removed to New York with his parents about 1800. He was a son of Elijah Gilbert, who, born in Connecticut, was a valiant soldier in the Continental army of the Revolution in a Connecticut regiment. He lived to attain ninety years and his wife was nearly as old at her death. Both died in New York, where the father was a farmer. Norris and Lucy Gilbert passed most of their lives in the Empire state, where the father was a farmer until his death. They had two sons, Frederick, of this review, and Bishop Gilbert, of Minnesota, who was for some time in charge of St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal church, in Helena, Mont., and who died in St. Paul, Minn., in 1900, a man of distinguished ability and for a long term of years bishop of the diocese of Minnesota. Frederick Gilbert received his educa- tion in the public schools of New York, growing up under the invigorating discipline of the parental farmstead. In 1870 he came west to Ogden, Utah, and later to Cheyenne, Wyo., being for two years clerk in the freight department of the Union Pacific. He then returned to New York, two years later coming again to Cheyenne, where he re-entered the employe of the Union Pacific, and still later was a local reporter on the Cheyenne Sun. In 1878 he located in Butte, Mont., where he had charge of the circulation department of the Butte Miner, as the first incumbent of this posi- tion. He was thereafter engaged in merchandis- ing for five years, when he disposed of his business and purchased a ranch where the village of Lolo now stands. Here he has since devoted his atten- tion to fruit culture upon an extensive scale, being very successful in this industry, and he has at the present time 4,000 trees that are bearing. He was appointed postmaster at Lolo on January 1, 1900, whereupon he there opened a small mercantile store, while he is also agent for the Northern Pa- cific Railroad. He was census enumerator in this district in 1900. In politics Mr. Gilbert is allied with the Republican party, and in 1889 he served as secretary of the first Montana state senate. At

the previous election he was chosen county super- intendent of Missoula county, and served one year. He has been a Mason since 1871, and has ever maintained a deep interest in this time-honored order. His religious faith is that of the Protestant Episcopal church.

In Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1874, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Gilbert to Miss Antoinette Croch- eron, who was born in that state, of Holland line- age. Mrs. Gilbert died in 1887, leaving one son, William M. In 1890 Mr. Gilbert consummated a second marriage, being united with Miss Sophia Levette, who was born in Ohio, and this union has produced one child, Fredericka.

G REEN BROTHERS .- Andrew and Charles Green, sons of James Green, of Willow creek, and engaged with him in extensive farming and stockraising operations, are among the most thrifty, progressive and successful men in their business in the county. Andrew was born in Utah, January 13, 1863, and Charles at Willow creek, February 19, 1865. They were educated at the schools in the vicinity of Willow creek, and remained on the homestead with their father until 1884, when they took up in part and pur- chased in part their present property, which in- cludes nearly 1,000 acres. They with their father have in addition some 7,000 acres of grazing land, which is almost exclusively devoted to cattle. Of these they raise great numbers and of superior breed. They are gentlemen of great activity and industry, giving their personal attention to every detail of their business and making every day and every element of strength count in its prof- itable development. Andrew is still a bachelor. Charles was married December 6, 1893, to Miss Teria Tinsley, a daughter of William Tinsley, of Willow creek. They have two interesting chil- dren, Lester and Teria.

S ISTER IRENE .- A brief review of the life of Sister Irene, one of the noble and devoted Sisters of Charity whose labors have been fruit- ful and grateful in the work of the Catholic church in the state, will be read with pleasure. As a representative of the sisterhood at Leaven- worth, Kan., Sister Irene came to Montana in

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the pioneer days and her life of consecration has here found ample field for goodly works. She is now sister superior of St. James' Hospital in Butte, and is a native of Indiana, whence she accompanied her parents to Kansas when a mere child. Her education was received in St. Ann's Academy, at Osage Mission, Kan., and in 1876, shortly after taking her vows, she came to Vir- ginia City, Mont., in company with two others from the sisterhood in Leavenworth. They trav- eled overland from Corinne, Utah, making the trip in the familiar stage coach of the day. Sis- ter Irene closed her work in Virginia City in 1880, and returned to Kansas for a year, after which she went to Leadville, Colo., which was the field of her labors for eight years.

In 1889 she was called to Anaconda, Mont., where a private hospital, St. Ann's, was purchased and enlarged and placed under charge of the sis- ters. During the nine years of Sister Irene's incumbency as sister superior about $85,000 was expended in improving the hospital buildings and service. Her strength did not prove equal to the increasing demands and her health failed from overwork, rendering it necessary for her to have rest and recuperation. She accordingly passed two years at Las Vegas, N. M., but within this time was by no means idle, though she spared no efforts to reinforce her strength and power for further service in the cause of the Master and of humanity. On May 31, 1901, Sister Irene was installed as sister superior of the St. James' Hos- pital in Butte, this being the largest institution of the kind in the state, and she entered upon the duties with devoted zeal and true enthusiasm, ever aiming to make her services a power in aid- ing and uplifting human kind. Extensive improve- ments are being made upon the hospital build- ings, and in their equipment as occasion demands, and the institution is regarded by all as one of the noblest and most useful in the state.

BRYAN IRVINE, who is recognized as one of the prominent mining and business men of Butte, Silver Bow county, and a sterling Demo- crat, was born in Kentucky, September 17, 1847. His father, Thomas H. Irvine, was also a Ken- tuckian, born in 1811. He removed to Montana in 1865, coming to Butte in 1879. He was heavily interested in stock and mining enterprises and

died at Butte in 1881. His mother, Sarah (Bryan) Irvine, was born in Kentucky in 1817, and died at Deer Lodge in 1870. The ancestry of both parents was Scotch Irish. Having obtained a fair business education in the public schools of his native town, at the age of eighteen years, in 1865, our Mr. Irvine came to Deer Lodge with his parents and for three years longer devoted him- self to his studies and then engaged in the stock business and mining at Pioneer, Yam Hill, in company with his father and brothers. They constructed a large mining ditch in 1874 and the following winter he passed in Phillipsburg. In 1875 he came to Butte and has remained here ever since engaged extensively in mining enter- prises. He has been interested in the Switzer, L. E. R., Narrow Gauge, Enterprise, Rarus and Belle of Butte mines. On May 20, 1886, he was married to Miss Belle B. Bryan, a native of Mis- souri and daughter of Milton E. Bryan, of Bryan Station, Ky., who was born on December 31, 1806, and died in Wathena, Kan., in 1889. Her mother, Zeralda E. (Moss) Bryan, was a native of Ken- tucky. Her father was of Irish descent and her mother was of English ancestry. She was the fifth of a family of eight children. Mr. and Mrs. Irvine's only child died in infancy.

E A. IRWIN, M. D .- During the past few years Montana has witnessed an influx of brilliant professional men. Many of them, having gained high honors in the colleges and universities from which they were graduated, have come here splen- didly equipped for the work of advancing this pro- gressive young state. To this important class belongs E. A. Irwin, M. D., of Boulder, Jeffer- son county. He was born at Indianapolis, Ind., on May 24, 1874, a son of Oliver A. Irwin, M. D., who for the last twelve years has enjoyed a most successful practice in Sheldon, Ill. He was born on August 31, 1847, and in 1871 was united in marriage to Miss Laura Ayers, a native of Indiana, where she was born in April, 1848. They are the parents of five children, James H. Irwin, M. D., now practicing in the Presbyterian Hos- pital of Chicago; Clara S., Francis, Oliver Lloyd and Dr. E. A. Irwin.

The parents moved from Indiana in 1875, and located in Donovan, Ill., where the Doctor re- ceived his early education. In 1889 the family

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removed to Sheldon, in that state, where he en- tered the high school. On being graduated there- from he was matriculated at Eureka (Ill.) College, in 1891. There he received his degree of B. A. in 1895, and then entered Rush Medical College, affiliated with the Chicago University, remaining until he received his diploma (M. D.) in 1898. Having been eminently in the competition, in which there were entered some fifty students, Dr. Irwin on leaving college entered the Cook County Hospital as a resident physician, remain- ing until December 1, 1899, and the next six months he was instructor of anatomy in Rush Medical College. On the termination of this en- gagement he removed to Boulder, Mont., where he has built up a large practice in a comparatively short time, and is highly esteemed by all, having the promise of a brilliant future on account of his abilities and attainments.

M ARTIN JACOBY .- It is always gratifying to note the success which has been attained through personal effort ; and the title of self-made man, so peculiarly American and so often mis- applied, is one of which any person may well be proud, for it implies energy, application and in- tegrity of character. Among the younger class of men who have attained a very appreciable success in Montana is Mr. Jacoby, a native of the state of Missouri, having been born in Gentry county, on January 30, 1861, of sterling German lineage. His parents, John and Frederica (Barbuer) Jacoby, were both born in Germany, and the paternal grandfather of our subject was the owner of a large vineyard. John Jacoby came to America in 1848 and located in the state of Indiana, where he remained four years and then took up his abode in Gentry county, Mo., where he engaged in agricultural pursuits, maintaining his home on the original farmstead for forty-eight years, until the time of his death at the age of seventy-three years, his demise occurring in January, 1901. He was a soldier in the Union army during the war of the Rebellion, having been discharged on ac- count of disability contracted while in the ser- vice. He was a man of spotless integrity and commanded the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. His wife is still living in Missouri on the old homestead.

Martin Jacoby, the subject of this record, grew to maturity in his native county, early becom-

ing inured to the duties of the homestead farmi and having such educational advantages as were afforded in the public schools. He remained on the farm, devoting his attention to stockraising, until the spring of 1883, when he started for Mon- tana and located in Gallatin county, where he engaged in ranching until the fall of 1885, when he entered into partnership with David Corbett, under the firm name of Corbett & Jacoby, and the following year they purchased cattle and thus gave inception to the enterprise with which they have since been identified, the partnership contin- uing to the present time. The first winter was a very rigorous one and entailed a loss of fully two-thirds of their live stock; but they are not of the type to be baffled or discouraged by so- called ill-luck, and they continued to put forth their best efforts and have attained a success worthy the name. In 1888 they purchased a tract of land located twelve miles from the mouth of Madison river, and to this they have since added until they now have a valuable and finely improved ranch of about 3,500 acres. They give special attention to raising cattle of the Hereford type, breeding from thoroughbred stock, and their herd has reached an aggregate of 600 head at various times. A portion of the ranch is covered by an effective system of irrigation, so that the firm are also enabled to raise large quantities of hay annually, the average crop reaching an aggregate of 500 tons. Our subject is thoroughly alert and progressive, and he and his partner bring to bear the most approved methods in the conducting of their business, and enjoy the confidence and re- gard in the community where they have labored to such goodly ends.

In politics Mr. Jacoby is independent, but takes an interest in whatever makes for the advance- ment and material prosperity of his county and state, though never aspiring to the honors or emoluments of public office. Fraternally he is a member of Logan Lodge No. 64, A. O. U. W., at Logan. The postoffice address of Messrs. Jacoby and Corbett is Hyde, this hamlet being located twenty-two miles south of their ranch. On June 17, 1893, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Jacoby to Mrs. Frances Hutchinson, who was born in Ohio, being the daughter of Riley Mix, and the widow of George Hutchinson, with whom she came to Montana in 1876. Their at- tractive home is a center of genial hospitality and they have a wide circle of friends in the community.

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H ON. CHARLES A. JAKWAYS .- The record of this gentleman's success in life is a story of patience and tireless energy developed in a strug- gle for competence and is an object lesson in the battle of life well worth the perusal of every schoolboy in the land. Charles A. Jakways is a prosperous merchant, rancher, sawmill and cat- tleman, and United States commissioner, residing at Ovando, Powell county, Mont. He was born at Cassopolis, Mich., in 1866, the son of Rev. Wil- liam L. and Electa Maria (Bell) Jakways. The father was born in the state of New York, studied for the ministry and afterward became a Methodist minister. He removed to Michigan in 1843 and for a number of years continued to preach in that state, and subsequently in Nebraska, but is now retired and living in northern Indiana at the age of eighty-three years. The mother of our subject was born at Auburn, N. Y., and is yet living.

At the age of fourteen years Charles A. Jak- ways began life as a messenger boy for the Mich- igan Central Railroad at Cassopolis, Mich. He then applied himself to the study of telegraphy, acquired proficiency, became an operator and fin- ally train dispatcher, one of the most responsible positions in the railway service. In the latter line of duty he subsequently worked for the Bur- lington, the Wabash, the Chicago & Northwestern and the Northern Pacific Railways. It should be recorded that he was the operator at the front of the first construction train that ever went into the Black Hills. The initial railway work was performed by Mr. Jakways in Montana on the Northern Pacific. He became the first station agent at Bonner; thence went to Elliston in the capacity of agent, remaining one year. Subse- quently he was sent to Arlee as agent, remain- ing two years, and transferred thence to Drum- mond, remaining two years. At this period young Jakways felt that working for others was not the surest, nor the swiftest way of acquiring a com- petency, and determined to strike out for him- self. Accordingly he went to Ovando, and in company with Mr. H. J. Faust, a young and enter- prising German, he engaged in the mercantile busi- ness under the firm name of Jakways & Faust. This was in the fall of 1892. Since then the en- terprise has evolved into a flourishing business of $30,000 a year, freighting goods forty-five miles distant from Drummond, the nearest railroad point. In 1896 the firm determined to engage in the ranch and cattle business as a side line.

They purchased a ranch in the Cottonwood val- ley, where they now have a splendid property of 2,000 acres of land, and where Mr. Jakways is building a handsome residence to serve as a home for himself and family. At this ranch the two enterprising partners make a specialty of fine live stock, in which profitable industry they are emin- ently successful. On this property the firm also operates a saw mill supplied with logs from an adjacent piece of timber land. At the present time Mr. Jakways is commissioner of the United States court for the district of Montana. At the fall election of 1900 he was a candidate for the state legislature, but was defeated. A brother of our subject, Hon. W. B. Jakways, is a representa- tive from South Bend in the Indiana legislature. Fraternally Mr. Jakways is a member of the or- der of Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Mr. Jakway's wife was a Miss Mabel Faust, a native of Minnesota and a sister of her husband's business partner, H. J. Faust, a sketch of whom appears in another por- tion of this work. They have two children- Gladys and Mabel.

M YRON D. JEFFERS .- A man of marked intellectuality and business ability, one who stood four square to every wind that blows, or- dering his life upon a high plane and ever ani- mated by the ideals of a true and lofty man- hood, Mr. Jeffers was born in Saratoga county, N. Y., September 16, 1833, the eldest of the nine children of Jefferson and Pattie (Burton) Jeffers, who were natives of the same state, where they passed their entire lives, the father being a farmer. After securing early mental discipline in the public schools Mr. Jeffers completed his edu- cation at the excellent academies of Cooperstown and Charlottesville, finishing with a technical course in civil engineering. About 1854 he removed to Allamakee county, Iowa, a year later going to Rico, Colo., where he was a civil engineer; re- moving at length to Nebraska, he was there em- ployed on a government survey. In 1859 he spent some time in mining at Pike's Peak, and could then have purchased Denver himself with- out assistance. His next move was to Montana in 1864.

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Progressive men of the state of Montana, pt 1, Part 132

Author: Bowen, A.W., & Co., firm, publishers, Chicago Publication date: [19-?] Publisher: Chicago : A. W. Bowen & Co. Number of Pages: 1374

Author: Bowen, A.W., & Co., firm, publishers, Chicago
Publication date: [19-?]
Publisher: Chicago : A. W. Bowen & Co.
Number of Pages: 1374