Progressive men of the state of Montana, pt 1, Part 72

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 72

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ning down from a small canyon, now known as Bottle Hollow, in which the monument to those who met death in this battle has been erected. Here the men were ordered to entrench themselves. This was a fatal mistake, for the Indians were thus enabled to surround the troops, and behind these breastworks the greatest loss of life occurred. The volunteers, not being aware that Gen. Gibbon in- tended to fortify himself as noted, were endeavoring to fight their way to higher ground, in company with a few of the soldiers. When Capt. Catlin's attention was called to the fact that breastworks were being thrown up Gen. Gibbon was standing not far distant. The Captain remembered the unceremonious query the General had asked a short time before in criticism of his order to take the vantage point mentioned, and he now evened up the score by inquiring of the General, "Who in h-1 had given orders to stop there." They hastily constructed rifle pits and prepared to make the best of a bad matter. The Indians worked their way to the rear and poured a murderous fire into the troops and volunteers, who returned these "friendly courtesies" with sufficient vigor to maintain their position during that day and the following night. The Indians then withdrew, having lost 108 killed and many wounded, while the troops sustained a loss of sixty-seven killed and wounded. After Joseph withdrew his forces Gen. Gibbon formed his troops in dress parade, and an elaborate and formal order was read to them, commending them for their bravery, but no reference was made to the volunteers. The same evening, however, the Gen- eral sent for Capt. Catlin and personally thanked him for the part he and his men had taken in the fight, and admitted that had it not been for the in- tervention of the volunteers he and his command would have been obliterated.

Many examples of personal bravery could be here reverted to, but prescribed limitations render this impossible. Of the thirty-five citizens of Montana who went into that bloody conflict five were killed and several wounded. Capt. Catlin had taken part in some of the hardest fought battles of the great Civil war, but he states that the battle of the Big Hole was the "warmest" fight in which he ever participated. The company returned to their homes as quickly as possible, and later a generous and appreciative government allowed them a month's pay each at one dollar per day. It will perpetually stand to the discredit and unfairness of both Gens. Gibbon and Howard that no official mention was

made of these valiant volunteers in their reports to the war department. History, however, will not fail to accord just appreciation and honor in the premises.

T HOMAS BENTON PERSELL .- Among the daring and resolute pioneers of Montana and potential factors in her development, Thomas Ben- ton Persell, a well known citizen of Helena, has an exalted place. He is a scion of a prominent and long honored family of Lawrence county, Ala., where he was born on October 4, 1837, but in his childhood accompanied his parents to Bedford county, Tenn., where they remained until he was thirteen years old, when they took up their abode in Washington county, Ark. Mr. Persell attended the public schools of Tennessee and Arkansas, improving such advantages as were thus afforded. He left Arkansas on April 1, 1860, on his way to Colorado, and just forty-one years later, on Sunday, April 1, 1901, he arrived again on the old Arkansas ground and visited old time friends. On November 8, 186q, he left Denver with the Baker stampede for the San Juan mountains in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. The region was a wild one, and to this expedition belongs the credit of blazing the first trail made through it by white men. The trip extended 600 miles to the southwest into New Mexico, and, the prospecting resulting in failure to locate any pay- ing ground, Mr. Persell arrived in Denver the next May penniless, without a pair of shoes on his feet, and after very rough and trying experiences, although he had started with about $800 in money and a good equipment. He, however, then en- gaged in placer mining in Russell gulch, Colo., with fairly good success until the next July, when he outfitted, and on July 16 started for Salmon river, Idaho. During the journey he had thrilling experiences with the Indians, members of his party being killed at various places. Owing to the lateness of the start and delays en route. Mr. Persell did not go to his intended destination, but to California, and from there, in the spring of 1863, to Nevada, where he was mining for nearly two years. He came to Montana in the spring of 1865, locating at Washington gulch, and follow- ing mining until 1866. He then removed into the Prickly Pear valley near the site of Helena, se- cured a large tract of land and engaged quite extensively in stockraising. He remained upon

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this ranch until 1875, when he brought his family to Helena, and went to the Black Hills, where he prospected and mined until 1877, then came to Hel- ena, which has ever since been his home.

Mr. Persell has always retained mining inter- ests, but has turned his attention to other enter- prises. In 1897 he contracted to supply the smelt- ers at East Helena and Great Falls with the lime required for their operation, from the great lime- stone quarry he had opened at Helena. This quarry is supplied with improved facilities and its output reaches an enormous annual aggregate. The business is conducted by the Persell Lime- stone Company, and has an important bearing on the industrial prosperity of the capital city. Mr. Persell is recognized as a capable and pro- gressive business man, fertile in resources, quick in perception, vigorous and prompt in action, ready for any emergency. These qualities he inherited in a measure from a long line of distinguished ancestors, but he has improved his heritage by the force of his own characteristics. His parents were Tubal and Jane (Holland) Persell, and they were born in Alabama in the first decade of the nine- teenth century. They were owners of large plan- tations and numerous slaves, being typical repre- sentatives of the old Southern regime, and his father was an active participant in the Mexican war. On July. 5, 1862, Mr. Persell was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca T. Thompson, born in Simpson county, Ky., the daughter of Simeon and Margaret Thompson. Six children have blessed their union, of whom only two, William E. and Laura, are living. William was born in Prickly Pear valley on November 17, 1867, re- ceived his education in the public schools, then he learned the plumbing business and was indepen- dently engaged in it from 1887 to 1897, when he became associated and is now connected with his father in the Persell Limestone Company. In August, 1891, he was married to Miss Bertha Gambill, a daughter of G. W. and Nancy (Wilson) Gambill, natives of Benton county, Ark., where she was also born and reared. Her father served in the Confederate army during the Civil war. A son, Clinton, is the only child of Mr. and Mrs. William E. Persell. Laura, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas B. Persell, was born in Prickly Pear valley in 1872. She is the surviving one of twins, Lottie being the other. In1 1898 she was mar- ried to W. M. Rice. They have two children and reside in Minneapolis, Minn. Mr. Persell's other

deceased children are Emma, Irene, Thomas Harry and May Belle. He and his wife have adopted a son, Grover Cleveland, born December 14, 1884, in Helena. In political convictions Mr. Persell affiliates with the Democratic party, but is not an active worker, and both he and his wife are identified with the Methodist church South.

'ILLIAM PERKS .- This prosperous rancher in that most prosperous county, the far- famed Gallatin valley, was born in Sheffield, Eng- land, on March 20, 1833. His parents, William and Jane (Wilson) Perks, were natives of Wor- cestershire, England, as was his grandfather, Sam- uel Perks. In 1851 William Perks, Sr., who was a blacksmith, came to the United States and set- tled in Council Bluffs, Iowa, but after one year's residence removed to Salt Lake City, and in 1853 was joined by his family and there they resided until his death. William Perks, Jr., was early apprenticed to learn shovel and spade making at large iron works in England. In 1853 he came to the United States with his father's family and here he has engaged in farming, also working at the blacksmith trade, which he had acquired while manufacturing shovels and spades. On his jour- ney to Salt Lake City he had considerable trouble from the Indians, at one time the party being sur- rounded and their supplies cut off.

He remained in the vicinity of Salt Lake City until 1865, when he removed to Montana, arriv- ing at Virginia City on June 22, 1865. That was an era of sensational gold strikes and "stampedes," and joining one of these Mr. Perks located on German gulch for one year, enjoying a fair de- gree of success. Thence he removed to French gulch, but was not fortunate there, so he went to Butte where he stayed five years. Here in 1868 his wife presented him with a daughter, Ada Carolina, the first white child born in the city of Butte. She died in April, 1900. Removing to Gallatin county, near Manhattan, Mr. Perks se- cured a homestead and purchased land, thus ac- quiring a ranch of 230 acres, where he is en- gaged in farming, hay being his principal and most lucrative crop. In November, 1855, he mar- ried Miss Annie Young, a daughter of Isaac Young, of Bristol, England, who came with his family to the United States with William Perks, Sr. Mrs. Perks died on July 28, 1894. Of her

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eight children, two; Matilda Jane and Ada Caro- lina, are dead, the survivors being Samuel Henry, Annie Jane, now Mrs. Oyler, George, living on Middle creek, Elizabeth, now Mrs. William Pot- ter, residing at Manhattan, and William Isaac living on the home ranch.

F 'REEMAN PHILBRICK .- The subject of this sketch is a native of Maine, town of St. Albans, where he was born January 10, 1863, the son of Freeman and Frances (Merrill) Philbrick, also natives of Maine, where the former died in 1887. The latter is now living with her son Edwin near Forsyth, Mont.

Mr. Philbrick, our immediate subject, received an education in the common schools of St. Albans, Somerset county, and Fort Fairfield, Aroostook county. After leaving school at the age of twelve, he remained at home until he was twenty-one, work- ing on the farm. In 1884 he came to Rosebud val- ley, Mont., and for eighteen months worked on A. D. Howard & Company's ranch, then followed sheep herding for Peter Wyley on the Cheyenne reservation for eight months. In January, 1887, he took up a squatter's claim in Rosebud valley, fifty miles from the railroad, which he afterward homesteaded. In 1891 he bought 640 acres of rail- road land, and in 1899 6,000 more, adjoining his former purchase. In 1901 he made an additional purchase of 6,000 acres on Armells creek, so that he now has about 12,800 acres in all, covering a long stretch of water way on both Rosebud river and Armells creek, and a vast expanse of pasturage on the adjoining uplands. He makes a specialty of highgrade Merino sheep, running an average of some 7,000 head, and has in addition about 150 head of cattle. His land yields immense crops of hay also.

Mr. Philbrick carved out his own fortune by good management and hard work, getting a start in the sheep business by purchasing a bunch of about 300 head. In politics he is a Republican, and in the spring of 1901 was appointed acounty commissioner of the new county of Rosebud at its formation, but soon after resigned the office that he might give his exclusive attention to his private business. He was married at Miles City in 1887 to Miss Mary Howard, daughter of A. McC. Howard, of the firm of Howard & Co. They have three children, name- ly : Francis, aged twelve, Eugenie, ten, and Mal- colm, eight.

HOMAS PIERCE was one of those brave men who came to Montana when it was on the very frontier of civilization, and assisted in lay- ing broad and deep the foundation upon which has been reared a magnificent commonwealth. He was a worthy pioneer and a prominent citizen of Beaver- head county at the time of his death. Mr. Pierce was a native of the Emerald Isle, having been born in Queens county, Ireland, in the year 1833, the son of William Pierce, who passed his entire life in Ireland, his death occurring when his son Thomas was a mere child, the youngest in the family. The maiden name of his mother was Lamb, likewise born in Ireland, where her death occurred. Thomas Pierce immigrated to America when a youth, lo- cating first in Massachusetts, thence going to Cali- fornia, where he passed several years, being one of the pioneer goldseekers in that state. He came to Montana in the early 'sixties, and devoted his atten- tion to prospecting and mining for some time. In 1866 he located on Horse prairie, Beaverhead county, where he took up a tract of land, to which he subsequently added until the area of his ranch aggregated 1,200 acres. Here he became promi- nently identified with the cattle business and was successful in his efforts, being known as one of the representative men of this section. He was an ac- tive participant in the Nez Perces Indian war, the warriors of this tribe having passed his ranch on. their way to Idaho. In politics he was a supporter of the Democratic party, and his religious faith was that of the Catholic church.

On January 18, 1897, Mr. Pierce was united in marriage to Miss Adele Merchesseault, who was born in Canada, of pure French lineage. Of this marriage one son was born, Thomas Richard, the date of whose birth was March 9, 1898. Mr. Pierce had gone to California for the benefit of his health, and there his death occurred on March 14, 1899. He died in the beautiful city of Los An- geles, and his remains were brought to Dillon, Mont., for interment. In addition to the homestead ranch already mentioned Mrs. Pierce owns 680 acres, which she acquired prior to her marriage, and since the death of her husband she has person- ally managed both ranches; she has also about 2,- 000 acres in the vicinity of Red Rock, and raises cattle upon an extensive scale, usually running about 2,000 head. Excellent crops of hay are also secured, and the estate is one of the valuable ones of the county. Mrs. Pierce has shown exceptional business and executive ability, and has successfully

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carried forward the enterprises inaugurated by her husband. She is a devoted member of the Catholic church, a liberal supporter thereto, and is held in the highest esteem in the community.

G EORGE W. PIERSON .- Prestige in the pro- fession of law is not attained as a matter of chance or accident, nor is it begotten of mere fortuitous circumstances. On the contrary, it comes as the result of indefatigable study, appli- cation, singleness of purpose and a mental and moral equipment of intrinsic character which will countenance no perversion of the great science of jurisprudence, which must manifestly stand as the stern conservator of right and justice. Thus, it may well be said sterling manhood, definite preparation and constant study are the essentials of success worthy the name. In the case at hand we are permitted to take briefly under re- view the life history of another of the representa- tive and highly honored younger members of the bar of Montana, and one who dignifies his pro- fession by his services.

Mr. Pierson is a native of the state of Mich- igan, having been born on the parental farm- stead in Genesee county, May 21, 1869, the fourth of the six children of Joseph W. and Hannah (Davenport) Pierson, the former born in the prov- ince of Ontario, Canada, and the latter in Lapeer county, Mich. The Pierson family was founded in America in the early Colonial epoch, and many representatives of the name have attaind dis- tinction in the various walks of life in the several generations. John Pierson, the grandfather of our subject, was born in the state of New York, with whose annals the name has long been prom- inently identified, and also with those of New Jersey. He removed to Ontario, Canada, where he remained for a brief time, during which his son, Joseph W., was born; thence he proceeded to Michigan, becoming one of the pioneers of that commonwealth, where he passed the residue of his life engaged in agricultural pursuits and giving special attention to the raising of highgrade live- stock. He was a man of distinct individuality and strong mentality, and gave to his children the best educational advantages which the place and period afforded. Robert Davenport, uncle of Robert Davenport, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was one of the three mien who es-

caped from the memorable Indian massacre at Wyoming, Luzerne county, Pa., in early days. Joseph W. Pierson continued his residence in Michigan until his death, which occurred in 1895, just three months after the demise of his wife, after a life devoted to the great basic art of agriculture. Their six children survive them at the present time.

George W. Pierson, the immediate subject of this review, received his educational discipline in the public schools of Lapeer county, Mich., where the family removed in his childhood, and after being graduated in the high school in Hadley he put his scholastic acquirements to practical use by engaging in pedagogic work, to which he devoted his attention for a period of two years, when he matriculated in the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and was graduated therefrom with the class of 1891, re- ceiving the degree of Bachelor of Laws, while the next year his alma mater conferred the degree of Master of Laws. In July, 1892, Mr. Pierson located in the city of Chicago and entered upon the active practice of his profession, becoming a member of the law firmn of Wanless, Pierson & Knudson, and continuing this professional alli- ance about two years, when he withdrew from the firm and came to Montana, taking up his abode in the city of Red Lodge, Carbon county, on April 24, 1894. Here he opened an office, and public recognition of his ability was soon forth- coming, his novitiate in the new field being of short duration. He has secured a large and repre- sentative clientage and his services have been demanded in connection with much of the im- portant litigation in the courts of this section of the state. He is thoroughly well read in the law, has a ready power of applying his knowledge, and in the preparation of his cases has that great- est of all genius, the "infinite capacity for taking pains." He has gained precedence in his profes- sion and holds the confidence and esteem of his confreres and of all with whom he comes in con- tact in the various relations of life. In 1894 Mr. Pierson was appointed city clerk and attorney of Red Lodge, retaining the incumbency about two years, while in the bill presented in the leg- islature and providing for the erection of Carbon county, previously a portion of Park and Yel- lowstone counties, he was named as county at- torney. In 1896, as the candidate of the silver wing of the Republican party, he was appointed

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county committeeman and was also a delegate to the state convention of the party in that year. In the same year he was the choice of his party for county attorney, but met the defeat which at- tended the ticket in the state. In 1897 he was ap- pointed to the office of United States commis- sioner, which he still holds. His political alle- giance is given to the Democratic party, and he has been an active and enthusiastic worker in the cause, ever manifesting the courage of his con- victions and being thoroughly fortified for their defense. He is identified with the Benevolent Pro- tective Order of Elks and the Woodmen of the World, and in the former has served as exalted ruler of Bear Tooth Lodge No. 534, at Red Lodge.

On the 27th of October, 1892, Mr. Pierson was united in marriage to Miss Loretta Mann, who was born in Lapeer county, Mich., the daughter of Earnest and Clara Mann. The father now de- ceased, his widow is still a resident of Lapeer county. Our subject and his wife are prominent in the social life of Red Lodge and their pleas- ant home is a center of gracious hospitality.

IMEON R. BUFORD .- Among those who S have been conspicuously identified with old Virginia City from the time when it was one of the most bustling and prosperous gold mining camps known, and also among those prominent in the public and industrial life of Montana, is Mr. Buford. His career has been one in which business activity has been blended with unbending honor and unflinching integrity, and success has come to him as the result of indefatigable energy, keen business acumen and straightforward dealing. He was born in Lewis county, Mo., on March 2, 1846, the son of Wellington and Amanda (Staples) Buford, both of whom descend from prominent old southern families, and were born in Virginia, whence they removed to Missouri about 1840. The father was a brick mason, but became a farmer in Missouri, where in due time both passed to the grave. They had ten sons and four daughters, and thirteen are now living. Simeon R. Buford was reared on the parental farmstead in Missouri where he attended the public schools, and gave his atten- tion to farm work until 1865, when he drove an ox team across the plains from Canton, Mo .. to Virginia City, Mont., reaching that camp on the 5th of September. Here he was eventually to be-

come one of the leading business men, and here he has ever since maintained his home. He has the distinction of being one of the very few who have consecutively retained residence in famous old Alder gulch from the early days until the present. Mr. Buford stood guard at night on the trip across the plains, which was by the South pass, while the com- pany were encamped, and though menaced by Indians on several occasions no serious encounter occurred.

Mr. Buford did not follow the plan of the aver- age new-comer by searching for gold in the placer mines, and his case is exceptional, for he has never conducted mining during his long residence in Montana. He engaged in freighting between Fort Benton and Virginia City with an outfit of ox teams, and, after the Union Pacific Railroad was completed to Corinne, Utah, he made that place his base of supplies for his successful freighting en- terprise. In 1872 he became clerk in a local store and remained in this position until 1878, when he engaged in merchandising for himself, associating himself with Henry Elling as S. R. Buford & Co. He has ever since conducted merchandising in Virginia City, and is undoubtedly the oldest busi- ness man of the city. During the Nez Perces war Mr. Buford was a member of a company organized in Virginia City, and was with Gen. Howard at the memorable battle on Camas creek, of which he was a witness and one of the four who brought the wounded to Virginia City.

Mr. Buford has shown marked executive ability and a capacity for affairs of broad scope and im- portance, having been prominently concerned with various industrial and business interests. He was one of the organizers of the Enting State Bank, in Virginia City, and is president of the institution. which is one of the solid financial concerns of the state. He also has extensive ranching and stock interests, owning several thousand acres of land in the Madison valley, on which he cuts about 1500 tons of hay annually-this is one of the finest ranches in that favored section-and he also is iden- tified with sheep growing in Madison county, con- ducting operations on an extensive scale, and is in- terested in the raising of high grade cattle and horses in Custer county. He has always had the management of the stock interests of his firm and has conducted them with consummate ability. Of his friend, and longtime associate, Henry Elling, a sketch appears elsewhere in this work.

Democratic in his political proclivities, Mr.

ARBuford

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Buford has long been one of the wheel-horses of the party in Montana, taking prominent part in its councils and being an active worker in its cause. He was a member of the constitutional convention of 1889, which framed the present admirable con- stitution of the state, and he was a member of the state senate during the Second and Third sessions of the legislature. For ten years he was chairman of the Democratic central committee of his county, and always has shown a lively interest in the ad- vancement and material prosperity of the state. He is an honored member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, having "passed the chairs" in each and being now exalted ruler of Oro y Plata Lodge No. 390, B. P. O. E. On January 4, 1877, Mr. Buford married with Miss Katie Cooley, who was born in Iowa, the daughter of William A. Cooley, an honored pioneer of Montana, where their marriage was solemnized. Of this union four children have been born: Henry W., now in the livery business at Norris, Madison county ; Effie, attending school in New York city; Simeon R., Jr., and Ruth, who remain at the parental home.

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Progressive men of the state of Montana, pt 1, Part 72

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