Progressive men of the state of Montana, pt 1, Part 27

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

USA > Montana > Progressive men of the state of Montana, pt 1 > Part 27

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Mr. Davis was associated with his brother-in-law until he was twenty-six years old, when he came to the Gallatin valley and purchased a farm of 160 acres at Spring Hill, twelve miles north of Boze-

man, the ranch lying on Ross creek. In 1880 he made a homestead entry of an adjoining quarter section, and later purchased eighty acres, so that his present estate aggregates 400 acres. The land is all arable and of inexhaustible fertility, and raises magnificent crops of wheat, oats and barley. The ranch is under effective improvement and highly cultivated, being one of the most valuable places in this favored section. In 1893 Mr. Davis leased his Spring Hill farm, having taken by lease a farm of 240 acres, within a mile and a half of Bozeman. He made his home in Bozeman, and devoted his attention to the cultivation of this farm. In 1893 he erected a handsome residence at 603 Mendenhall street, Bozeman, of modern architectural design and the latest equipments, and here he now main- tains his home, retaining supervision of his agricultural interests, bringing to bear the most progressive and effective methods.

Mr. Davis, as a stalwart Republican, has served continuously in the city council of Bozeman since 1895, with the exception of 1898. In 1900 he was elected a member of the board of county commis- sioners, and in this responsible office he is render- ing efficient service. He is known as one of the county's most public-spirited citizens, having execu- tive ability and business judgment. Mr. Davis is identified with Western Star Lodge No. 4, I. O. O. F .; with Bozeman Lodge No. 5, A. O. U. W., and with Bridger Camp No. 62, Woodmen of the

THOMAS J. DAVIDSON, ex-sheriff of Lewis and Clarke county, Mont., is one of the leading citizens of Helena. He was born in Franklin county, Mo., in March, 1856, and was reared and educated in Missouri, where he was a farmer until 1882, when he came to Helena. Here he associ- ated himself with his brother, A. J. Davidson, in the sale of agricultural implements. In 1883 he re- moved to Fort Benton, but soon returned to Helena

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where he has since made his home. In March, 1893, Mr. Davidson was made deputy United States marshal under Marshal William McDer- mott and served as such until his election as sheriff of Lewis and Clarke county, in 1896. Politically Mr. Davidson has been a lifelong Democrat, and is a prominent and influential worker in the interests of that party. Fraternally he is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and of the Knights of Pythias. In the course of his offi- cial duties it was the lot of Sheriff David- son to execute Joseph H. Allen, who was hanged on September 14, 1899, for the murder of J. S. Reynolds. In 1886 Sheriff Davidson was united in marriage to Miss Aurora Roy, also a na- tive of Missouri. They have two sons, Samuel R. and Harold A. Mr. Davidson is popularly known in the state and numbers a wide circle of friends in the community in which he resides.

" ILLIAM H. DAVIS, treasurer of Gallatin county, Mont., is a resident of Bozeman, and a mian highly esteemed by all. He was born in Pottawattamie county, Iowa, May 15, 1850, a son of William Davis, a native of Wales. In 1848 he came from Wales to the United States, locating in Pottawattamie county, where he engaged in the business of mining coal. Being convinced of the more favorable possibilities of the West in 1852 he started with his family for Utah, but died en route. The mother, Elizabeth (Charles) Davis, was born in Wales, and on the death of her husband she proceeded to the place of her destination in Utah. Here she was again married, and settled permanently in Montana in 1863, but died in Oregon, June 29, 1886, at the age of seventy-five years. She was the mother of fifteen children, of whom seven are still living. The subject of this biography, William H. Davis, was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools. On the death of his father he was a mere babe, and early in life was compelled to shoulder responsibilities that would have weighed down a much older person. Right manfully did he come to the assistance of his bereaved mother, working a portion of the old homestead near Bozeman, a part of which he still owns with other valuable realty holdings, and this fine property he has accumulated with the assist- ance of his estimable wife, his noble sons and daughters. Practically he is a self-educated man,

if there is one in Montana. Throughout the days of his early youth and manhood he was engaged strictly in agricultural pursuits, and enjoyed but scanty school privileges ; but to such good use did he apply his talents that in 1898 he was nominated by the Democratic party for the office of county treasurer, was endorsed by the Independent party, and elected by a most flattering plurality. He is still satisfactorily filling the position. The first vote cast by Mr. Davis was for Grover Cleve- land, following the admission of Montana as a state.

The marriage of Mr. Davis occurred October 12, 1871. He was then united to Miss Mary Githens, who was born near Chillicothe, Mo., October 13, 1856, a daughter of John M. and Rebecca (Cooper) Githens. The father of Mrs. Davis was a native of Kentucky, and died in Gallatin county, October 14, 1878, at the age of sixty-five years. Her mother was a native of Ohio, and died Janu- ary 27, 1890, at about the same age as her husband. She was the mother of twelve children, six of whom are still living. The paternal grandparents of the wife of our subject were of the early "Daniel Boone" days. Her maternal grandparents were among the pioneers of Ohio. Mrs. Davis is a lady of great refinement and high intelligence, and is an important factor and earnest worker in the field of Christian Science, which has contributed so greatly to her general health. To Mr. and Mrs. Davis have been born four children, one of whom died when quite young. Of the living, John Walter was born October 2, 1872. He resides at home, and · is in attendance at the College at Bozeman. Laura B., born in 1876, married Mr. Clyde Corbly, deputy treasurer of Gallatin county under his father-in-law. To Mr. Corbly great credit is due for the very efficient manner in which the financial affairs of the county are conducted. He is a bright and scholarly young man. William L., the young- est child of Mr. Davis, was born in 1879, is mar- ried and the father of one child. He is at present the general manager of his father's ranch in Gal- latin county, and is a practical agriculturalist. This promising family of children were all born on the old farm, near the city of Bozeman. Mr. Davis and his step-father raised the first wheat ever grown in the famous Gallatin valley.

The prominence and honorable standing of Mr. Davis in the community is worthy of the highest tribute. He is a man who has honorably won his way to the confidence of all of his personal friends

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and business associates. He is a man of the highest integrity and the father of a most lovable and in- teresting family.

D AVID DAVIS .- The subject of this memoir was numbered among the pioneers of Montana and his life was one of signal honor and useful- ness. No man in Gallatin county was held in higher esteem, for he was guided by the purest principles and was true in every relation of life. As to his genealogy we refer the reader to the life sketch of his brother, W. H. Davis, the present treasurer of Gallatin county. . Mr. Davis was born in Wales, August 19, 1843, and accompanied his parents to America. He received a common school education in his youth, and early in life began to depend on his own resources. In 1864 Mr. Davis and his brothers made the long and weary trip across the plains to Montana, and in 1869 took up a tract of land in Gallatin county, the same being a portion of the present fine homestead which now comprises 234 acres, located four miles north of Belgrade. He was a member of the company that explored Yellowstone National Park in 1874. In connection with his ranching industry Mr. Davis brought to bear keen discrimination and business ability, being known as a progressive and enterpris- ing farmer. He served for a number of years as trustee of Farmers' Grange, Patrons of Hus- bandry, and ever maintained a deep interest in all that concerned the moral and material advance- ment of the community. He was for several years a school trustee, and also a trustee of the East Gallatin Methodist Episcopal church, giving his in- fluence and aid in promoting the work of the Mas- ter's vineyard, and having a deep appreciation of the responsibilities which environ human life.

On December 23; 1875, Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Candace Wakefield, who was born in Louisiana, the daughter of George W. and Emily (Gillett) Wakefield, natives of Lawrence county, Ohio. Their marriage was solemnized in the old Buckeye state, and thence they removed to Louisiana, where they passed the residue of their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Davis were the parents of five children : Thomas Gardner, who married Miss Maud White, is a Gallatin valley farmer; Mary Elizabeth is the wife of Samuel Gee, a successful ranchman of this county; David Wilbur married Celia White and lives with his mother on the old

homestead; Bertha E. is a student in the State University, at Bozeman ; and George Wesley Wake- field is at home.

The death of Mr. Davis was very sudden and came as a shock to the entire community. He passed away on September 5, 1891, and the manner of his death is shown in the following extract from the Bozeman Avant-Courier of September 12, of that year: "The threshing machine was at work upon Mr. Davis' ranch, on the East Gallatin, on Saturday, and one of the feeders having his hand crippled, Henry Davis took his place. Being a little rusty at the business, his brother David remarked to him in a joking way that if he would get down from the platform he would show him how to feed a machine. It was no sooner said than done, and when Davis took hold of the first bundle that came to him, he spoke to one of his men near by, calling him by name as if he had something to say to him, and immediately fell backward from the platform to the ground. The man rushed to his side and asked, 'What is the matter, Davis?' Davis, gasp- ing, said, 'I don't know,' and was dead." Mr. Davis was a man of genial temperament and kindly nature and in consequence of his sterling character made friendships that were lasting. He was a gentle- man of much intellectuality, and his business abil- ity enabled him to accumulate a fine property. Mrs. Davis still makes her home on the ranch, the place being hallowed by memories and associations that can never be obliterated.

L ESTER DAVIS .- Among the native sons of Montana who are proving worthy of her fos- tering care and capable of taking advantage of the opportunities she offers for successful individual effort is Lester Davis, son of the present county treasurer of Gallatin county, and recognized as one of the alert, progressive and energetic young farm- ers of Gallatin valley. Mr. Davis was born on the homestead where he now resides, February 6, 1878. The genealogy of the family is set forth in the sketch of his father, William H. Davis, on another page of this volume.

Our subject passed his entire life in Gallatin county, growing up under the sturdy discipline of the farm and receiving his educational training in the public schools. In 1898, when his father was elected to the office of county treasurer and took up his residence in Bozeman, Lester Davis leased

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the old homestead of 250 acres, located on East Gallatin river, three and one-half miles northeast of Belgrade, and his father's other ranch of 250 acres, located two miles east of the home place. The land is of the most fertile and valuable in the valley, being well watered by East Gallatin river, which obviates the necessity of irrigation. The soil yields magnificent crops of hay, oats and wheat, seven tons of clover hay having been secured from a single acre. Mr. Davis has thoroughly familiar- ized himself with all the details of farm work, having been identified with it from childhood, and it is gratifying to note the ability he shows in the management of the farm and its incidental business details. In national politics he gives his allegiance to the Democratic party, but in local issues votes for the man most suited for the office.

On November 1, 1890, Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Chesna Florence Hamilton, who was born in Gallatin county, the daughter of A. Taylor and Alicia Florence (Young) Hamilton, natives respectively of Ohio and Iowa, her father being now one of the prominent ranch men of Gallatin county. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have a winsome little daughter, Loie Fay, who was born November 15, 1900. Mr. Davis and his wife are members of the Society of the Sons and Daughters of Montana Pioneers.

R E. LEE DAWES .- The descendant of two families long distinguished in old Virginia, and himself having seen many phases of life under novel conditions in different places, Robert E. Lee Dawes, of Central Park, Gallatin county, although a native of the Gallatin valley, where he was born on January 31, 1871, and where he now resides, may be almost considered an importation into the state. His father was Benjamin M. Dawes and his mother Mary Chrisman, both Virginians, whose ancestors for many generations had lived

and died in the Old Dominion. The father removed in 1859 to Missouri, and after a four years' stay came to Montana with an ox-team, having no adventures worthy of note on the way. He reached the Gallatin valley in 1864 and engaged in freight- ing, continuing in this until 1879. In 1865 he sent for his family, who started by boat up the Missouri, escaping many perils, but finally the steamer sunk in the river and the passengers and crew had to wait the coming of another. On this

they proceeded without further mishap and joined Mr. Dawes in the Gallatin valley. Here, in 1879, he took up the land on which his son Robert E. L. Dawes is now living, having occupied and cultivated it since his father turned it over to him in 1900 and went east to pass the remainder of his days among old friends, making his home in Frederick county, Va.

Robert E. Lee Dawes not only passed his school days in the Gallatin valley, growing there to man- hood, but he has never lived elsewhere than on the homestead, and all his life is identified with its growth and development. He was united in mar- riage on November 23, 1897, with Miss Jennie Smith, a native of Pennsylvania, who came from that state to Montana in childhood with her par- ents, Alexander and Rebecca (Salisbury) Smith, settlers in the Gallatin valley in 1882. They have one son, Ernest. The home farm of Mr. Dawes is a typical product of the efforts of a man of his make-up. It shows the advantage of skill and in- telligence in farming, industry and good judgment in managing, taste and commendable pride in ar- rangement and ornamentation and marks him as one of Montana's progressive agriculturists. Oats in his principal crop, but he raises large yields of wheat and hay. The house is not merely a shelter from inclement weather, it is a cozy, comfortable home, supplied with modern conveniences and many artistic adornments. The same neatness and pro- priety is manifested in the construction and equip- ment of the outbuildings, which provide shelter for his flocks and herds and storage for his crops. Socially Mr. Dawes is recognized as a leading citi- zen and he has the good will of all his friends and neighbors.

JOHN E. DAWSON .- "Major" Dawson has long been identified with important railroading interests and is at the present time general agent for the Great Northern Railroad Company in Mon- tana, maintaining his headquarters in Butte. He is a man of executive ability and unfailing courtesy, and his friends are in number as his acquaintances. Maj. Dawson also has been longer in consecutive service with the Great Northern than any other man in the employ of the company, while he is one of the oldest and best known railroad men in Montana. John E. Dawson is a native of Carroll county, Ireland, born on February 20, 1841, the son of Rev. George B. and Ellen (Hill) Dawson. both

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of whom were born in that same county of the Emerald Isle. His father was a clergyman of the Church of England, a graduate of famous old Trinity College, of Dublin, and devoted his entire life to his high calling. He was an influential man in the church and possessed fine intellectual gifts. His father was likewise a clergyman of the same church. Rev. George B. and Ellen Dawson had eight daughters and four sons, and of the survivors two are residents of America,-John E., the "Major," and Charles E., who lives in Canada.

John E. Dawson completed his educational dis- cipline in Brown College, at Kilkenny, from which celebrated school he was graduated in the class of 1856, after which he joined a cousin in England, and became there identified with railroad work. In 1860 he came to the United States, remaining for a time in New York city and thence proceeding to Niagara Falls, where he entered the employ of the Great Western railroad, in a clerical capacity, and continued with that company for twenty-three years, winning successive promotions by his able services and his fidelity to his duties. He was stationed in turn at London, Canada; Detroit, Mich., and Windsor, the little Canadian city just across the river from Detroit, and for twelve years he was superintendent of the main line between Detroit and Niagara Falls, holding this important office when the Great Western and Grand Trunk railroads were merged. In 1888 Maj. Dawson came to Montana and assumed the charge of the Montana Union railroad, whose lines extended from Garrison to Butte and Anaconda. In this capacity he superintended the changing of the road from narrow to standard gauge. Eighteen months later Maj. Dawson entered the service of the Great Northern company, this being before the lines of this system were brought into Butte, which was done in 1890, and from that time he has been the general agent of the road.

In politics Major Dawson gives allegiance to the Democratic party, and for four years he served in the city council of Butte. His religious faith is that of the Protestant Episcopal church, and he is a communicant of St. John's church, in Butte. Fraternally he is identified with the Royal Arcanum, the National Union, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Order of Pendo, belong- ing to California Lodge in the last mentioned fra- ternity. On August 30, 1864, Maj. Dawson was united in marriage with Miss Jane Lougheed, who

was born in Ireland, the daughter of Dr. Joseph and Frances (Maddox) Lougheed, who came to America when she was a child, locating in Prince Edward county where she was reared and educated. Maj. and Mrs. Dawson are the parents of two children-Joseph George and Daisy L.

ALFRED CAVE .- The Cave family was estab- 4 lished in Virginia in the early colonial epoch, and thence its members have located in many sec- tions of the Union. Alfred Cave, one of the repre- sentative men of Missoula county, which he has served as treasurer, was born near Columbia, Boone county, Mo., on October 5, 1829, the son of Richard and Colma B. (Williams) Cave, natives of Woodford and Franklin counties, Ky., where the father was engaged in farming and in operating a flouring mill. They removed to Missouri in 1820, locating in Boone county, where the father followed farming until 1850, when, with his son Alfred, he started for California, making the long trip over the plains and up the Platte river to Salt Lake, thence down the Humboldt to the Rough and Ready mining camp near Nevada City, Cal., where they remained the first winter, later engaging in mining operations for a few years, after which they conducted milling and stockraising. In 1859 Richard Cave met his death from highwaymen in the northern part of the state. Within the year after this tragedy occurred the mother and the other children came west by the Isthmus of Panama to join Alfred. The mother resided in California until her death, in Humboldt county, in 1882. Al- fred and one of his brothers were the only members. of the family to locate outside of the Golden state.

In Iowa, whither his parents removed when he was six years old, Alfred received a common school education, also assisting in the work of the farm and growing vigorous through this sturdy discip- line. He remained in California until 1865, en- gaged in merchandising and in freighting by pack trains between Humboldt bay and the north and south forks of Salmon river. In 1865 he came to Montana, remaining for a year in the Prickly Pear country, near Helena, and then going on to Bear gulch and Elk creek, again engaged in moving pack trains between Walla Walla and the Columbia river and Montana points, buying supplies and sell- ing them in the mining districts of Montana. In 1870 he opened a general store on Cedar creek and

Very Respectfully Abend leave!

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later one on Nine Mile creek, conducting the enter- prise until 1879, when he located in Missoula, his present home. In 1876 he was elected to represent Missoula county in the state legislature, serving one term, and in 1894 he was elected county treasurer, being chosen his own successor in 1896. For three years he held the office of public administrator, bringing to bear in the discharge of all of his duties a marked executive ability and an unswerving in- tegrity. He was also a valued member of the building committee of the Montana State Univer- sity.

In the declining years of a useful life Mr. Cave is living in that retirement so justly due him, one of the honored pioneers of the state. In 1863 he and his brother lost $10,000 worth of cattle through the depredations of the Humboldt Indians, while three of their men were killed in one day. Mr. Cave was one of the first men in the state to engage in the raising of fruit, giving a distinct impetus to the development of those marvelous resources that had hitherto passed almost unnoticed. In politics he has given a stanch support to the Democratic party, having done much to advance the cause. In Montana, in 1871, Mr. Cave was united in mar- riage to Mrs. Carrie Hackleman, nee Nicol, who has one son, Will Cave.

EDWARD C. DAY .- Among those who have achieved a position of prominence at the Montana bar and have wielded a distinct influence upon public affairs, is Edward Cason Day, a mem- ber of the firm of Cullen, Day & Cullen, attorneys and counselors at law in Helena. Mr. Day is a native of the south, born in Harrison county, Ky., March 20, 1862, the son of Alfred and Mary F. (Cason) Day, both of whom were born in the same Kentucky county. The paternal grandfather of Mr. Day was Lewis Day, whose father likewise bore the name of Lewis, emigrated to Kentucky from Virginia in 1782, becoming the progenitor of the family in that state. Lewis Day, Jr., married a Miss Hawkins, who died of the cholera in the 'forties. The maternal grandfather of Edward C. Day was Edward Cason, a man prominently iden- tified with the early history of Kentucky, whither he removed from Virginia. Both families were of English origin, the emigrant ancestors coming to this country in the early part of the seventeenth century, and settling in the old Dominion, where 9

was cradled so much of our national history. A1- fred Day, the father, las for many years been en- gaged in agriculture in Harrison county, Ky., where he still has his residence. Of his three children, two sons and a daughter, all except Ed- ward C., are living in Kentucky, where all were reared to years of maturity.

Edward C. Day received his early educational discipline in the public schools of his native county, graduating from the high school at Cynthiana as a member of the class of 1878. He was thereafter af- forded exceptional advantages for the attaining of a higher education in famous old Washington and Lee University, located at Lexington, Va, where he was graduated in 1880, with the de- gree of Bachelor of Arts, taking the prize for the best oration in his class. A young man of self- reliance and definite purpose, during his school days he had decided on his lifework, and after leav- ing the university he began the reading of law un- der the effective direction of Judge Ward, later a justice of the supreme court of Kentucky, thus con- tinuing until 1882, when he was admitted to the bar of Harrison county, his alma mater conferring upon him the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1883. In 1884 Mr. Day was admitted to the bar of Ohio, upon examination before the supreme court, while in 1890 he became a member of the bar of Mon- tana, a state which he has honored by his ability and professional labors. Mr. Day began active legal practice in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he re- mained until 1887, gaining distinctive recognition even in that city of able lawyers. In 1887 he went to St. Paul, Minn., and associated himself with the West Publishing Co., having editorial charge of the publication of law reports, and was thus engaged until 1890. This work gained him reputation as an able writer and as one thoroughly versed in the science of jurisprudence and in the literature of the law. In 1890 Mr. Day came to Livingston, Mont., and formed a professional alliance with Judge J. A. Savage, and was there engaged in the practice of law until 1896, when he came to the capital city, where, in January, 1897, the present firm of Cullen, Day & Cullen was organized. This soon took a foremost position among the law firms of the state, being concerned in important litigation and retaining a clientage of signally representative character. An able exponent of Democratic prin- ciples and policies, Mr. Day has been an active worker for them and is one of the party's most zealous advocates. In 1892 he was nominated for

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Progressive men of the state of Montana, pt 1, Part 27

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