Progressive men of the state of Montana, pt 1, Part 85

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 85

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force of character among his ancestors. And such in fact they were. Jan Cannon, the founder of the Cannon family in America, was a French Hugue- not, who sought refuge from religious persecution in his own country after the edict of Nantes was revoked, by immigating to America as early as 1692, and settling in New York city, where he was for many years a prominent merchant and leading citizen. His descendants have dignified and adorned the annals of his adopted country in every line of manly strength and womanly grace, in peace and war. One of them, George Cannon, the father of our subject, was the son of James LeGrand Cannon, of Stratford, Conn. He mar- ried Miss Marguerette White, daughter of Dr. White, of Albany, N. Y.

Charles W. Cannon, their third son, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, July 1, 1833, and at an early age removed with his parents to Iowa, which was at that time a part of what was known as the terri- tory of Michigan. The father established himself as a merchant in Dubuque and there the son passed his boyhood, receiving his education in the com- mon schools. Upon the failure of his father's health, the merchant's entire business devolved upon Charles, at that time but sixteen years of age. Thus care and responsibility, which usually comes with mature years, proved in this case, as it has done in the career of more than one successful man, a severe but most valuable schooling. The boy showed enterprise and ability in the conduct of the business and became rich in experience.

In 1859 he entered into partnership with George B. Smith, and under the name of Cannon & Smith the firm became one of the largest and most successful in the state of Iowa. In 1863, soon after a double bereavement by the death of their father and only sister, Mr. Cannon and his younger brother Henry determined to leave the scene of their sorrow and identify themselves with the far west. Mr. Cannon sold out his business to advantage, and in the spring of the year the journey was begun toward the mining region. The young men crossed the plains with their own team and wagon, taking the route via Omaha, north Platte river and Lander's cutoff. The trip was tedious, for the most part, occasioned by hardships and privations during the five months consumed in reaching Virginia City, Mont. But they were exciting and perilous episodes. Twice they were attacked by parties of Sioux Indians and barely escaped with their lives.

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Arriving in Virginia City, they immediately be- gan merchandising under the firm name of Cannon Bros., but upon the announcement of the discovery of the extensive gold mines in Last Chance gulch (Helena) the following spring, Charles W. Cannon immediately set out for the new Eldorado, and opened another business house under the name of Cannon & Quade. Out of this firm, later on, grew that of Kerchival, Cannon & Co., which as a wholesale grocery and depot of mining supplies, became one of the largest establishments in the ter- ritory. In 1867 they paid one freight bill (sixteen cents per pound) of $67,000 from St. Louis, Mo., via Fort Benton to Helena. Mr. Cannon with keen discernment foresaw the bright future of Helena, and retired from mercantile pursuits in 1882, to give his entire attention to real estate and the mining business. In both these directions he was uni- formly successful and in a few years became wealthy. To-day he is one of the largest taxpay- ers in the counties of Lewis and Clarke, Cascade and Silver Bow, and one of Helena's most enter- prising citizens. He has platted and sold several additions to the city of Helena, and is now a large owner of real estate in Helena, Butte and Great Falls, besides mining properties in Montana and Idaho, some of which are very rich. He was prac- tically the father of gas, electric light and street railway system of Helena, his son having driven the first nail in one enterprise and his daughter having lighted the first gas lighted in the city, and he owning, in connection with Col. Broadwater, two-thirds of the assets of each of the companies. He was president of each, also vice-president of the Montana Central Railroad and director in the Montana National Bank for several years. In all of his business ventures Mr. Cannon has been emi- nently successful. Prosperity has always attended him and he has become one of the moneyed men of the state.

Outside of his enterprises in these directions, Mr. Cannon and his brother, Henry, under the firm name of the Cannon Sheep and Cattle Con- pany (incorporated), are among the largest wool- growers in Montana. The wool from the Cannon flock demands the highest prices for Montana wool in the local and eastern markets. Their ranch comprises 16,000 acres, requires forty-seven miles of fence to enclose it, and is stocked with nearly 20,000 sheep, besides cattle and horses. This establishment- is thoroughly equipped with the latest improved farming implements, a beautiful 28

dwelling, large and commodious barns and out- buildings and is a model of its kind. This valua- ble property is under the direct and able manage- ment of Henry Cannon.

In March, 1868, Mr. Cannon was united in mar- riage to Catherine B. Martine, only daughter of the late Capt. W. W. Martine, of Ithaca, N. Y. Mrs. Cannon is a lady of rare culture and refine- ment, a leader in society, her home being open for the entertainment of their friends who never fail of a most hospitable welcome. Two children have blessed their home, but one of them, Bernice Martinique, a beautiful girl, died in 1889, at the age of eighteen years. William LeGrand, the son, received his early education in France and Ger- many and was prepared for college at St. Paul's School, Concord, N. H. The family has traveled extensively in Europe and generally spend a con- siderable part of the winter in New York city. Both Mr. Cannon and his accomplished wife are members of the Episcopal church. Mr. Cannon is one of the trustees of St. Peter's Hospital, and is a member of the Montana Club, the Masonic fra- ternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows. Mr. Cannon is a stanch Republican in poli- tics, but his business enterprises have so complete- ly engaged his time that he has uniformly refused to hold any public office. But in developing the resources of his adopted state, he has probably contributed more effectually toward the prosperity of that section and the entire country than he could have done in a whole lifetime in a political career.

G 'EORGE M. STAFFORD .- Among those whose enterprise and well directed efforts have lent to the industrial prestige and substantial progress of the thriving little city of Lewistown, Fergus county, is the gentleman whose name in- itiates this review and who is there engaged in the harness and saddlery business.

Mr. Stafford claims the state of Wisconsin as the place of his nativity, having been born in the town of Warren, Marion county, on the 31st of March, 1850, the son of Joseph V. and Minnie B. (Nash) Stafford, natives respectively of Ohio and Vermont and now residents of Canyon Ferry. Mont. (For more family details see sketch of Joseph V. Stafford elsewhere in this work). Our subject's parents removed from Wisconsin to Mon- tana in 1867 and Mr. Stafford received his early

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education in Wisconsin and Montana, going there- after to Dartmouth College, N. H., where he was graduated as a member of the class of 1881. In 1883 he located in Lewistown, where he purchased his present business, which he has successfully conducted, with an excellent trade. He has the personal esteem of the people of this section of the state.

In politics Mr. Stafford is a stalwart supporter of the Republican party and the principles for which it stands. With the exception of an inter- regnum of four years he has consecutively been retained in the office of county surveyor of Meagher county and its successor, Fergus county, since 1886. His work in this connection is well and faithfully performed. He is not identified with any secret orders.

On the 8th of November, 1892, Mr. Stafford was united in marriage to Miss Alice E. Watson, and they have three children, Reginald W., Made- line H. and George M., Jr.

H ON. G. W. STAPLETON .- From one of the historic old plantations of South Carolina, in her palmy days the proudest of all the states, came the American ancestry of Hon. George W. Stapleton, of Butte, one of Montana's most eminent legal counsellors, whose name is a household word throughout this and adjoining states. Under a laudable migratory spirit which kept impelling them to the outlook for new worlds to conquer, the family went on leading the march of civili- zation westward from the shores of the Atlantic, appearing always on or near the frontier-now in Kentucky, where Mr. Stapleton's parents were horn, then in Indiana, where he himself first saw the light of day, later in Illinois, in Iowa, and so on until in Montana he planted his own domes- tic shrine, which his offspring came to sanctify and brighten.

Mr. Stapleton was born in Rush county, Ind., November 28, 1834. As has been noted, his par- ents, Cyrus S. and Margaret (Scott) Stapleton, were natives of Kentucky. They moved from that state into Indiana soon after their marriage, then after some years to Illinois, and later still to Iowa. The father was a physician, renowned, in every locality where he practiced, for his ex- tensive professional learning and skill and his

charming benignity of disposition and manner. The mother died at the early age of forty-six, leaving six children, of whom three are still living.

The public schools of Iowa and an excellent academy at Fort Madison in that state, furnished Mr. Stapleton his scholastic training, and in 1852, when he was eighteen years old, he began the study of law in the office of Hon. Joseph M. Casey, at Lancaster, Iowa, pursuing it with such diligence and success that he was admitted to practice in November, 1855, when he was barely of age. He attended the courts of Iowa for four years, then crossed the plains to Colorado, and opened an office there, practicing his profession and looking out for good business opportunities until 1862. In that year he removed to Montana, and finding the market neither large nor active for legal attainments, turned his attention to min- ing, which proved more remunerative, as he was among the first to discover gold in paying quan- tities in the territory. This discovery was made at Grasshopper creek, and there he founded a town which is a thriving entity to-day, and which, but for his modesty and, it must be added, superior judgment, would now bear his name. It was the earnest desire of the miners along the creek to call the new town after him, but, as it was in the country of the Bannack Indians, Mr. Staple- ton saw greater propriety in naming it after them ; and so it is "Bannack" now instead of "Staple- ton." Here he followed placer mining diligently, and at different periods successfully too, taking out sometimes $20 a pan from selected dirt. About a mile below the camp he purchased a claim, where with a crude, hand-made, wooden rocker he took out gold at the rate of from $200 to $500 a day -fit revenue for imperial majesty it would seem, and yet provisions and living expenses were so high that he was considered only moderately suc- cessful. In 1863 Alder gulch thrilled the western world with its golden music, and, like others, lured by the voice of the siren, Mr. Stapleton "stam- peded" for that favored spot. But with a pru- dence and forethought unusual in times of great excitement, he halted the expedition at Beaver- head river on the way, long enough for him to write a code of laws for the government of the new camp-probably the first codification of any kind made in the territory. He accompanied the expedition on to the gulch, arriving in the first wagon, carrying his laws with him, as Caesar did his commentaries. He and Col. McLean together

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secured a number of valuable claims from which considerable quantities of gold were extracted.

In 1865 Mr. Stapleton removed to Last Chance gulch, now Helena, and again took up the prac- tice of law, finding great demand for his pro- fessional services. Five or six months later he removed to Ophir gulch, and again engaged in mining. Later he went to Argenta, Beaverhead county, and remained there until 1879, pursuing quartz mining and practicing law; then he lo- cated at Butte, where he has since resided, and here, turning resolutely away from every other attraction, he has given his time and attention almost exclusively to that jealous mistress, the law. who has rewarded his devotion with the guerdon of her brightest smiles. He first asso- ciated himself in practice in Butte with Judge Pratt, and the partnership continued until the death of the Judge in 1881. The firm of Robin- son & Stapleton was then formed, and this lasted until death again robbed him of his partner in 1898. Since then his son, Guy W. Stapleton, has been associated with him as junior member of the firm of Stapleton & Stapleton. Of the son it is enough, and not too much, to say, that he is a thorough exemplar of the social amenities, business thrift, progressiveness and public spirit which his father has shown in so marked a degree. and is a worthy follower of that commendable example. He received his academic education at Deer Lodge, Mont., and his technical profes- sional training in the law department of the Uni- versity of Virginia, from which he was graduated in 1895. He has since served as county attorney of Silver Bow county, and also as a member of the state house of representatives.

Politically the elder Mr. Stapleton has always been identified with the Democratic party. He was elected to the territorial legislature four times -as often as he would serve-and during his tenure was first speaker of the house and then president of the senate. He was also a member of the judiciary committee of each house. When it was found necessary to codify the laws of the territory, all eyes turned to him as a proper person to head the commission for the purpose. As such he was the leading force in giving clearness and consistency to the body of the statutes and proper trend to the course of subsequent legislation. He also served conspicuously in the convention of 1889 that formulated the constitution on which Montana was admitted into the Union as a state.

He has had, moreover, the refusal of every office in the gift of the people-governor, attorney-gen- eral, supreme court justice, member of congress, and all the rest, and has resolutely declined then all. Notwithstanding the exactions of his profession. he has found time to develop extensive mining interests, and to contribute his share of inspira- tion, counsel and substantial aid to every public improvement and social enterprise of merit. He is an interested and zealous member of the Ma- sonic fraternity, and was one of the organizers of Virginia City Lodge No. I, the first lodge char- tered within the present limits of the state. In 1870 Mr. Stapleton was married to Miss Cora E. McIntoshı, a native of Missouri. Their only son is Guy W. Stapleton, previously referred to. The courageous pioneer, indefatigable miner, conserva- tive civic force, learned counsellor and high- minded citizen, whose struggles and achievements, public services and private virtues are herein brief- ly suggested, is nearing the limit of human life as fixed by the sacred writer. He has lived in full vigor to see the fruit of his labors in the pros- perity and happiness of the people he has so faith- fully served, and the established success of valued public institutions to whose creation and devel- opment he has so essentially contributed. It is high praise but only a just meed to merit to say that he deserves in full measure the public es- teem he so richily enjoys.

D R. C. J. B. STEPHENS, the leading dentist of Great Falls. Mont., was born in Genesee county, Mich., on March 16, 1864. His parents were also natives of Michigan and the father was a farmer. The boyhood days of Dr. Stephens were passed in Michigan. He received his early education in the public schools of that state and began the study of dentistry at Flint under Dr. C. E. Root, and later under Dr. B. F. Miller. Ambitious and enthusiastic in his chosen profes- sion, Mr. Stephens was early determined to go to the top, and accordingly on advanced standing he entered the dental department of the University of Michigan, from which he was graduated in 1887 as D. D. S., and with the highest honors of his class.

Dr. Stephens began the practice of his pro- fession at Owasso, Mich .. continuing there until 1893, and in that year he came to Montana, lo-

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cated at Great Falls, and, with Dr. G. H. Chase as associate, has since enjoyed a most successful and lucrative practice. He has the most elabor- ate, best equipped and beautiful dental parlors in the city, and is a member of the Michigan State Dental Society. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America and the Eagles. Dr. Stephens is still a young man, and has apparently a brilliant future before him, professionally and socially. Although in the state but a comparatively short time, he has made a host of friends. In 1888 Dr. Stephens was united in marriage to Miss Alice B. Pormley, of Michigan, who bore him one son, J. Herold. She died in 1892, and in 1893 he married Miss Mary M. Balcom, also a native of Michigan.

JUDGE FRANK P. STERLING, ex-probate judge of Lewis and Clarke county, and one of Helena's successful attorneys, was born in Elk- horn, Walworth county, Wis., on March 24, 1843. He is of Scotch descent and his grandfather, Eph- riam Sterling, came to the United States in 1780. He first located in Pennsylvania, and subsequently removed to Barre, Vt. There Henry H. Sterling was born, on January 11, 1813. On October 5, 1834, he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Perrin, the mother of Frank P. Sterling, and in 1837 the family moved to Wisconsin, settling thirty-five miles west of Milwaukee. Here they resided until 1866. The father had here taken up a piece of government land, which he developed into a valuable farm, and upon this farm Frank P. Sterling was brought up and in the neighbor- ing schools he received his elementary education. In 1866 the father sold this place and removed to lowa, where in 1868 his wife died, and where he engaged in merchandising until his death on August 7, 1878. Of their five sons and four daughters, six are living.

Frank P. Sterling was the fifth child of his par- ents, and had just completed his freshman year at college when the Civil war was inaugurated and he relinquished his studies in answer to the presi- dent's call for volunteers and patriotically enlisted on September 13, 1861, in Company A, Tenth Wisconsin Infantry, and as a member of that regi- ment he participated in the severe engagements of Bowling Green, Ky., first battle of Nashville, Huntsville, Woodville, Paint Rock bridge and Ste-

vensville, Perryville, Crab Orchard, five days' fight at Stone river, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Burnt Pine, Peach Tree creek and Kenesaw Mountain.

After the battle of Chickamauga Mr. Sterling, then the senior officer, took command of the regiment, and accompanied Gen. Sherman on his march to the sea as far as Jonesville, Ga., and he participated in all the engagements leading up to and including the fall of Atlanta. Mr. Sterling was slightly wounded three times during his ardu- ous military service. He entered the service, a mere boy, as a private soldier and was mustered out as sergeant major of his regiment. In the battle of Perryville his regiment lost in killed and wounded 148 out of 496 men. In the sanguinary battle of Chickamauga on September 19 and 20, 1863, his colonel ordered his men to cut their way through the enemy's lines. The regiment was then entirely surrounded by Confederate troops. With a rousing cheer the command obeyed but out of 468 men 442 were killed, wounded or cap- tured. Three of those who escaped were wounded and Mr. Sterling was one of the three, being shot through the hand. It was at that time that he took command of the regiment, and he was not yet twenty-one years of age. It was then a com- mon expression that the "Bloody Tenth Wisconsin lived on the line of battle."

On Mr. Sterling's return home he settled down industriously to the study of law at Shellsburg, Iowa. In 1874, on account of failing health, he removed to Helena, Mont., and engaged in con- tracting and building and had charge of the lum- ber yard of A. M. Holter & Co. In 1876 he was appointed receiver of public money in the Hel- ena land office by President Grant. President Hayes appointed him to the same position in 1877, and his total service was four years and seven months. On his retirement from this office he began the practice of law before the interior de- partment and the same year he was appointed public administrator of Lewis and Clarke coun- ty. In 1882 he was elected probate judge and creditably discharged the duties of this office for two years. During that period he was admitted to the practice of his profession, a profession which he has lived to adorn, and of which he is an emi- nent member, and at present he occupies the office of president of the Helena Bar Association. Judge Sterling has prominent connection with the G. A. R .; he is a past commander of Woodworth Post,

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past deputy commander, and, on April 18, 1901, he was elected district commander of Montana. He is a past grand in the order of Odd Fellows and is a valued member of the Masonic fraternity. He was married on September 17, 1861, to Miss Florana L. Rosecrans, of Wisconsin. Their two sons are Fred J. and Harry H. Judge Sterling has always been an active member of the Republi- can party, and takes a warm interest in its suc- cessive campaigns. He is a man of liberal views, broad-minded and progressive, and has served three years as a member of the Helena board of education. His military record is one of the finest in the country. He is highly esteemed in local circles, and he is also well and favorably known throughout the state. His personal character is of the highest.

CHARLES STIERLE .- The thrift, endurance and patient perseverance of the German race is often exemplified in America, in every line of life. A notable example is found in the record and successful career of Mr. Stierle, who was born in the Fatherland May 5, 1857. His parents were Modesta and Mary (Weiler) Stierle, both na- tives of Germany, the former having been born there in 1817 and the latter in 1823. They emi- grated to the United States in 1866 and settled at Indianapolis, where the father followed his trade of carpenter and builder until 1880. In that year he came to Montana and settled at Newlon in Dawson county, where he was engaged in suc- cessful farming until his death, which occurred in 1897. Mrs. Stierle now makes her home with her son, Charles. Mr. Stierle attended school for three years at Asen, Baden, and for five years in Indianapolis. Leaving school when fourteen, he learned and worked at the trade of a house painter for three years. On July 23, 1874, he enlisted in the Sixth Infantry of the United States regular army, at Indianapolis, and accompanied his regi- ment to Standing Rock (now Fort Yates), Dak., where he remained one year. The next year he was at Fort Buford, Dak. He was in the expedi- tion of 1876 against the Sioux Indians, and was only fourteen hours march from Custer at the time of the massacre. In 1877 he was one of the command in pursuit of Chief Joseph, and finally aided in capturing him and over 100 of his band at Cow island, in the Missouri, on June 26, 1877.

Then until 1880 his regiment was doing escort duty between Forts Buford and Keogh. He was discharged from the service at Fort Buford in 1880, and for seven years thereafter was hunting, trapping and "wood-yarding" on the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers. In 1887 he took up a 'home- stead on Fox creek, in the Yellowstone valley, and has since that time been farming and raising stock, at which he has been successful.

Mr. Stierle is an ardent and active Democrat. He was the nominee of his party for county com- missioner in 1900, and although unable to quite overcome the large adverse majority in the county, he made a very close run, being beaten by only a small vote. In fraternal affiliation he is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen as a member of Gate City Lodge No. 37, at Glendive. He was married at Newlon, Mont., to Miss Nora · Sarten, a native of Fort Hayes, Kan., where she was born in 1870. They have four children, Charles, Jr., aged thirteen, Ilene, eleven, Alice, nine, and Annie, six.

In affairs of importance to the community Mr. Stierle exhibits a keen interest. He is earnest in performing all the duties of citizenship, and meets with cheerfulness and cordiality the social claims upon his time and substance. Throughout the section in which he lives he and Mrs. Stierle are well esteemed and have a large circle of friends.

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Progressive men of the state of Montana, pt 1, Part 85

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