Progressive men of the state of Montana, pt 2, Part 100

Author: Bowen, A.W., & Co., firm, publishers, Chicago
Publication date: [19-?]
Publisher: Chicago : A. W. Bowen & Co.
Number of Pages: 1092

USA > Montana > Progressive men of the state of Montana, pt 2 > Part 100

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Prince Edward Island, where he was long a pros- perous farmer, passing away in 1886. The mother came to Canada in 1825, and died there in 1885. William Bruce received his education in the gov- ernment schools, but when fourteen years of age began to work for himself, later serving a three years' apprenticeship at shoemaking in Montague, Canada. For a year he worked as a journeyman at Whinwood Cross, and the next year was en- gaged in railway work in New Brunswick. Then, after a year passed at his home, he started a tan- nery and a shoe shop on Prince Edward Island, continuing in that business five years.

Selling his business in the autumn of 1881, he started in April, 1882, for Montana, arriving in Fort Benton in May, 1882. The same summer he went to Sun River, remaining there until 1885. While there he and a partner erected the large stone barns of Hon. T. C. Power and James Adams in 1884 and 1885. He also had the contract to build the Eldorado and Burton irrigating ditches in 1890 and 1891, and in 1886 he straightened Sun river by cutting a new channel at the crossing. The same year he graded a section of the Montana Central Railroad, and the next year, in partnership with Mr. John Ellis, of Great Falls, he filled a wood con- tract at Fort Shaw. In the meantime, in 1885, he had taken up a pre-emption claim two and a half miles from Choteau and later, in 1890 and 1891, he secured homestead and timber claims and pur- chased adjoining claims which gave him a ranch of 1,300 acres with a free range, upon which he is now extensively engaged in sheep and cattle rais- ing. In December, 1893, at Choteau, Mr. Bruce was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Elliot, born in Nova Scotia in 1870. They have three children, Willena, aged seven; Neil Robert, aged four, and Jessie, aged ten months. Mr. Bruce is an active and influential worker in Republican cir- cles, and fraternally is a member of Choteau Lodge No. II, I. O. O. F., and Cottonwood Lodge, Woodmen of the World. He is highly esteemed and considered a man of great force of character and unimpeachable integrity.

P ATRICK B. BUCHANAN, one of the most extensive as well as most successful sheep growers of Cascade county, is a native of Glasgow, Scotland. He was born on August 21, 1859, the son of George S. and Elizabeth Buchanan. His

parents are of Scottish birth and sterling Presby- terians, and the father is a calenderer by vocation, while fraternally he is a Freemason. Patrick re- ceived a superior education under competent in- structors in Holland, Switzerland and Germany. At the age of eighteen he began the read- ing of law, but after pursuing his studies eighteen months he abandoned the profession. Soon after this he immigrated to the United States and in 1879 came to Oregon and, 111 - der the influence of the free, wild western air, en- gaged in herding sheep at $40 a month for two years. He then removed to California where he was foreman for J. B. Haggin, the well-known Cali- fornia horse breeder. Mr. Buchanan remained on Mr. Haggin's noted horse ranch for three years, his experience and observation here being valuable in- structors to him in the line of industry which he was preparing to enter, as they had been before in his lone vigils with the sheep on the plains of Oregon and bringing commensurate results.

Having thus reinforced his technical prepara- tions for stockraising, Mr. Buchanan came to Mon- tana in the spring of 1884, and with C. D. Elliott purchased a band of 500 sheep, and, making his home on the ranch where he still resides, threw the whole force of his strong personality into the de- velopment of a successful stock business. The part- nership continued until October, 1898, by which time their flocks had increased to 10,000 sheep. The business has since been conducted by Mr. Buchanan with the same relative prosperity, his realty having been increased from the original 160 acres to· an estate of 5,000 acres. His home ranch lies on Willow creek, seven miles northeast of Belt, and is an imposing property, adinirably located for its purposes, and with substantial buildings and im- provements. On August 15, 1900, Mr. Buchanan wedded Miss Sarah Conner, daughter of Rev. Abijah and Margaret (Waddell) Conner, Virgin- ians. The father, an exemplary and talented min- ister of the gospel, died at an early age. Mr. Bu- chanan is affiliated with the Masonic order and with the United Workmen, and is a Republican in po- litical adherence. Both himself and wife are com- municants of the Congregational church. Their home, in its surroundings, in the air of refined taste and culture everywhere in evidence, and in the charming hospitality so bountifully extended, is truly an ideal country seat of a representative Mon- tanian, having a pleasing individuality that con- trasts strongly with Scottish homes.

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JOHN WILLHART .- Although now a resident of Salt Lake City, Utah, Mr. Willhart holds large interests in Montana, was one of its pioneers and has been for many years conspicuously identi- fied with her development. He was a native of Mengshausen, in Kreis-Hersfeld, of Hesse-Nassau, Germany, September 28, 1838, the son of Philip Willhart, a farmer who died in January, 1886. Philip Willhart married Miss Anna M. Dietz, and John was the second of their four children. John Willhart received his education in his native land, and in 1854 came to the United States, locating near Buffalo, N. Y., where he remained two years, and removed to Whiteside county, Ill., where he continued farming until the spring of 1858, when he started with an ox-team on a trip through Iowa and Kansas as companion to a wealthy young man. He remained in Kansas during the winter and in the spring of 1859 returned to Illinois and · later set forth for Pike's Peak, Colo., arriving in Denver in March, 1860. He prospected for gold on Gold creek, and from Pike's Peak went on a prospecting tour into New Mexico, returning to Golden City, Colo. In 1861 he engaged in gar- dening there and found a ready demand for his vegetables at good prices.

On March 17, 1863, Mr. Willhart started across the plains for Montana, arriving in Bannack on the 14th day of May and there remaining until the 8th of June, when he engaged in prospecting and min- ing at Virginia City. William Clark, a leader of the vigilance committee of southern Colorado, who was instrumental in driving Mexican bandits out of that territory and later a strong factor in the maintenance of law and order in Montana, had in his employ an honest German, "Nick" Theobald, who had long served him faithfully. One night "Nick" stayed at Mr. Willhart's cabin on his way down the valley in search of some missing mules. He did not come back, and certain men of the community, afterward known to belong to the road agents, reported that "Nick" had stolen the mules and fled the country. Mr. Clark did not believe this, and said that he had $3,000 that he would spend to find the boy. Mr. Willhart started down the valley on a prospecting trip a few days later and met two men bringing in the body of Theo- bald, who had been killed at the Dempseys' ranch. The body was buried at Nevada, and a prompt in- vestigation demonstrated that Theobald had been killed by George Ives, one of the desperadoes who was later hanged through the assistance of the

vigilance committee for this and other crimes. In March, 1864, Mr. Willhart was encamped at the head of Whitetail creek, and started to prospect near where is now Basin, Jefferson county. His supplies became exhausted and he returned for more to Basin. While here a man named Riley stole a mule from Roe Dorsett's herd near Vir- ginia City. Finding that Riley was at Basin, Dor- sett and John White, a prospector, came and ar- rested Riley and started for Virginia City. They camped the first night on the left fork of White- tail creek, and while they slept placed their pris- oner between them. In the night Riley murdered his captors, stripped the clothes from them and car- ried off the blankets. When they failed to return a search was instituted and the bodies were found and later buried at Virginia City. James Dorsett followed Riley to the Pacific coast, but he had caught a vessel outward bound and escaped.

Mr. Willhart continued prospecting until May, 1864, when he came to Twin Bridges, constructed a boat and ferried his goods across the Jefferson river about four miles below this town, and he also took up a land claim near the village. One day he sent his partner, Thomas Sowers, after his ox team, which was on the range. Sowers soon re- turned and said a stranger was driving off the oxen, and both started in pursuit. Several shots were exchanged, the thief was shot in the hip with a rifle ball, while Sowers was wounded in the mouth and breast. The oxen were recovered, the thief arrested and taken to Nevada where he died. During 1865 Mr. Willhart prospected in the Black- foot district, and passed the winter in Twin Bridges. In 1866 the grasshoppers destroyed all of his crops. In the fall Mr. Willhart engaged in dairying, in which he continued until 1873, when he began raising stock and was connected with this industry in Madison county until July, 1899, when he sold out, and after passing nine months in California, removed to Salt Lake City, where is now his residence.

Mr. Willhart is still interested in the cattle busi- ness in Choteau county as a stockholder in the Bear Paw pool association. He is also a stock- holder and trustee in the Twin Bridges bank. He donated the twenty-eight-acre plat in Twin Bridges on which the State Orphans' Home is lo- cated. In politics he belongs to the Democratic party, but has never aspired to office. He was a member of the Independent Order of Good Tem- plars, the only fraternal organization he ever

John Willhart

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PROGRESSIVE MEN OF MONTANA.

joined. On May 2, 1886, Mr. Willhart was mar- ried with Mrs. Melvina Drehmer, born in Illinois, the daughter of Daniel and Catherine Henney, who removed to Illinois from Ohio in 1853. Mrs. Willhart received excellent educational advantages and is a woman of gentle refinement. She has two daughters by her first marriage, Pearl, educated in Geneseo, Ill., and Mills College, Cal., and now a teacher of music in the high school of Salt Lake City; and Flora, who attended the high school in preparation for teaching in the public schools. Mr. and Mrs. Willhart have one son, John Harold, who was born in 1897.

JULIAN F. BURD .- Among the prominent and successful business men of Teton county is Mr. Burd, who is a valued citizen of Choteau and who has passed the major portion of his life in Montana. He is a native of Grand Rapids, the "Valley city" of Michigan, having been there born on January 18, 1853. His father, Myron H. Burd, was born in Oneida county, N. Y., and came from Michigan to Virginia City, Mont., in July, 1864. He soon removed to Helena and engaged in freighting between that point and Fort Benton for five years, removing then to Illinois, where he was engaged in bridge building until his death in 1876. His original American ancestors came from the north of Ireland. The maiden name of his mother was Elizabeth Phillips, and she was born in Canada, her lineage tracing to German origin. The found- ers of the family in America located in Massachu- setts as early as 1630. Her marriage to Myron H. Burd was solemnized in Grand Rapids, Mich., where her death occured in 1863.

Julian F. Burd was educated in the public schools of Grand Rapids and vicinity and in a busi- ness college in that city. He came when ten years of age with his father to Montana in 1864, and in 1867 returned to Grand Rapids, where he re- mained until 1872. Then he came again to Mon- tana, locating on Sun river, twelve miles above Fort Shaw, where he remained a year, returning again to Grand Rapids, where he completed a two years' course in a commercial college. He then traveled through the middle and western states for five years, in 1878 locating in Kansas City, where he was for four years engaged in business. In the spring of 1882 he pre-empted a claim of 160 acres on Dupuyer creek, on the site of the present vil-

lage of Dupuyer, where he laid out the town site and erected a store, conducting trade until 1888. In the following year he located in Choteau, where he purchased a lot on Main street, and erected a store. Here he was engaged in general merchan- dising for ten years, simultaneously conducting operations in cattleraising. He still owns his store property in Choteau, and has real estate in- terests in Kalispell and Cut Bank. In politics Mr. Burd is strongly Democratic, being always a dili- gent worker in the cause, taking an active part in local affairs and being known as one of the leaders of his party in his section of the state. He has been chairman of the Democratic county central committee of Teton county almost continuously from the time of its segregation from Choteau county, and was a member of the committee which secured its organization. He has been an active worker in all matters which tend to aid in advanc- ing the prosperity and welfare of the community.

Fraternally he is a member of Cottonwood Camp and also of the circle of the Woodmen of the World in Choteau. In 1882 Mr. Burd was united in marriage in Kansas City, Mo., with Miss Mathilde Kalm, who was born in Illinois. They have a pleasant home in Choteau, where they en- joy marked popularity.

LION. ALEXANDER BURRELL .- Upon the development of the mines of Montana and the wealth which they have produced yearly during its existence, has been built its present prosperity. Stockgrowing and agricultural pursuits have con- tributed their share to the general fund of prosper- ity, but mining is the foundation stone of Mon- tana's wealth and progress. Without her mines her growth would have been many years delayed, and the Indian and the buffalo would still roam where now stand prosperous towns. Among those who have been foremost in this industry in the state, one whose position at the head of one of the largest mining corporations of the west has given him opportunities far beyond those allotted to most men, is Hon. Alexander Burrell, the gen- eral manager of the Montana Company (Limited), of London, England. Coming to Maryville, Mont., where the great Drum Lummon mine of that company is situated, in 1888 to accept a sub- ordinate position, he was frequently and steadily promoted until now for many years he has had

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the control and management of all the extensive operations of that company in the state, and the supervision of all of their interests in America.

Mr. Burrell was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, January 14, 1851, the son of Archibald and Eliza (Telfer) Burrell, both natives of Scotland. The family came from Scotland to Chicago, Ill., in 1856. Here the father wrought as a coppersmith, his oc- cupation in his native country. Soon after his ar- rival in Chicago, however, he was attacked by fatal illness and died when Alexander was but a child. Although the lad's education in the schools was very limited, he was a natural student, and self- taught, he has become liberally educated, especially in scientific subjects. He has been a diligent reader of good and scientific books all of his life, works on geology and ore formations, mines and mining and the treatment of ores, and is consid- ered one of the best informed practical miners of the west. Early thrown upon his own resources, he became a coal miner in Illinois, and subsequent- ly individually engaged in mining in that state with fair success, and for a short time, in partnership with a brother, he was engaged in the manufacture of building material in Chicago. Disposing of his interests in Illinois in 1888, he came to Marysville in the employ of the Montana Company. Here has since been his headquarters, and the location of his office, although for several years his home and family residence has been in Helena.

Mr. Burrell is one of the trusted leaders of the Republican party of Montana. In the fall of 1892 he was elected a member of the Third legislative assembly of the state from Lewis and Clarke coun- ty. He served with marked ability in the commit- tee on mines and mining, and much important leg- islation affecting the mining interests of the state was then enacted through his intelligent energy. He is often seen in the county and state conven- tions of his party, and is ever active in public af- fairs, but since 1893, although often solicited, he has declined to accept office, his business interests and responsibilities fully occupying his time and attention. On April 8, 1879, Mr. Burrell was united in marriage to Miss Abbey Kiersted, a na- tive of Morris, Ill., the daughter of George K. Kiersted, a prominent citizen of that place. Their six children are George L., Alexander A., Grace, Sidney, John and William D., and the Helena home is one of the most attractive in that city of beautiful homes. Mrs. Burrell is a communicant of the Protestant Episcopal church, and takes a deep in-

terest in church and charitable work. Fraternally Mr. Burrell is affiliated with the Masonic order as a member of Helena Lodge No. 3, and also be- longs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

Few mining men hold a higher position than Mr. Burrell. His thorough practical and scientific knowledge of mining, his careful and conservative judgment and his unquestioned integrity, unite to make his services of great value and they are in constant demand by those seeking mining invest- ments. He believes in attaining results, and in in this has been very successful. A strict dis- ciplinarian, firm in his views of the relations that should exist between employer and employed, he is yet fair and generous, tactful and diplomatic, and has never in his long experience as an employer of large numbers of men experienced friction or met with serious difficulties. His fine control of the men in his employ, even when confronted by serious complications, and the superb management of the properties in his care, have called forth res- olutions of appreciation from the board of man- agers of his company in London on more than one occasion.

JOHN J. CARMICHAEL .- There is scarcely any class of men or any phase of human life which is not served at some time or other by a good livery stable. It waits upon the needs of the commercial tourist, readily helps the hurried man of business, favors the votary of pleasure, and at- tends with becoming solemnity the burial of the dead. To all these, and others, John J. Carmichael, of Philipsburg, Mont., has ministered since he opened his extensive and well conducted livery busi- ness nearly ten years ago. Mr. Carmichael was born at Aberdeen, Nova Scotia, January 27, 1865. He was the fifth of nine children, and his parents were John and Christina Carmichael, also natives of Nova Scotia. He attended the public schools of his native town until he was eighteen years old, and then, longing to see something of the world and breaking away from the restraints of home, lie went to sea for two years. After he came back, with his longing for adventure still unsatisfied, he made a trip into the northwest territory of Canada and remained there two years engaged in teaming. The next year he came to Montana and teamed for a few months at Helena and Butte, after which he made a brief visit to his old home in Nova Scotia. Returning to Montana he located at Philipsburg and

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ran a stage line between Granite, Combination and Anaconda for a period of five years. At the end of that time he started a livery business in which he has since been profitably engaged. Applying with zeal and intelligence the information gathered in his varied experience, he is furnishing the people of the community with the best service in his line attainable, conducting a business which is not only up to date, but which exhibits an enterprise and knowledge of requirements that will keep it always in the front rank.

In politics Mr. Carmichael is an active Republi- can, always manifesting an earnest and intelligent interest in the welfare of the party. In fraternal relations he is identified with the Odd Fellows, the Red Men, the Woodmen of the World, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Independent Order of Foresters. In all of these he finds much pleasure, and is esteemed as a valuable and useful member. He was married December 31, 1896, at Stevensville, Mont., to Miss Marie Theresa Jenkins, daughter of the well known and popular Methodist minister who died at Marysville in the fall of 1901, and was buried at Philipsburg. Mr. and Mrs. Car- michael have two children : Alice Ruth, born Octo- ber 12, 1898, and Milburn Murrell, born September 17, 1900. They fill the pleasant home with the sun- shine of their presence, and add much to its attract- iveness for their large circle of admiring friends. It is not inappropriate to add that in the matter of his business Mr. Carmichael is well prepared for its best results. His stable is supplied with fine horses in sufficient number for almost any demand, and vehicles for every livery purpose and all kinds of weather, among them a beautiful hearse for adults and another for infants. The service fur- nished by him and his help is all that is implied in the terms courtesy, accuracy, promptness and fair- ness, and the rates charged are always reasonable.

T HE CATRON BROTHERS .- Owning and utilizing nearly 3,000 acres of land in Cascade county, where they figure among the most success- ful and extensive breeders of and dealers in live stock that the county musters on the roll of those devoted to this important branch of industry, the Catron brothers, John W., Andrew E. and Gard- ner D., have achieved a notable success through their associated efforts and are numbered among the worthy and progressive men of the state.

They are natives of the Old Dominion, sons of Philip W. and Delilah E. Catron, likewise born in Virginia, where the father was a successful planter. He also took an active part in political affairs, hav- ing served as deputy sheriff and constable. His death occurred in March 30, 1859. The brothers were born at Abingdon, Washington county, Va., the respective dates of nativity being as follows : John W., January II, 1850; Andrew E., March 16, 1852, and Gardner D., May 6, 1857. Each of the sons received excellent educational advantages, and John W. was an advanced student and gave his attention to teaching in his native state for a period of four years. Andrew and Gardner at- tended the public schools in their youth, and each passed a year in Liberty Hall Academy in Wash- ington county, Va., near the homestead. Since the death of their father the three brothers have been continuously associated in their business and home life, and have cared for their mother with deep filial solicitude ; and she now has her home with them, having attained the venerable age of seventy-six years. From their state of Virginia the brothers removed to Springfield, Mo., where they remained for a time, after which they located on a farm of 320 acres, which they had purchased, located not very far from Rich Hill, Bates county, Mo. Here they devoted their attention to agricul- ture and to the raising of livestock, giving particu -. lar attention to the rearing of horses and mules ; and so well directed were their efforts that success was assured. They still own this valuable property in Missouri. In 1890 the Catrons determined to try their fortunes in the new and progressive state of Montana, where they arrived in the fall, taking up a squatter's claim. In the spring of 1892 they came to their present ranch, located thirty-five miles southeast of Cascade, which includes four home- stead claims, three desert claims and 1,280 acres of railroad land purchased for a consideration of $2,240, together with a 320-acre desert claim, thus giving to their ranch an aggregate area of 2,720 acres, all improved with 400 acres available for cul- tivation. On this fine ranch the brothers are en- gaged in the raising of cattle, horses and mules, special attention being given to cattle. At the time of the present writing (1901) they have 450 head of cattle, 100 head of horses and mules, and 3,500 head of sheep, including sixty-five fine bred bucks. They have done much to improve the grade of stock during their residence in the state, and are recog- nized as enterprising and up-to-date in their meth-

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ods. For their ranch property they have received an offer of $20,000, while half that amount has been tendered them for a fourth interest, but the gentlemen are too appreciative of the value of their property and business to accept such over- tures. They had but slight financial resources when they arrived in Montana, and their success is all the more gratifying on that score, showing what the commonwealth offers to those who are energetic and industrious, and who conduct oper- ations according to correct business principles. The family are held in the highest esteem in the community and are worthy acquisitions to the cit- izenship of the state. The three brothers give their support to the Democratic party. John W. is a member of the Methodist church; fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order.

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Progressive men of the state of Montana, pt 2, Part 100

Author: Bowen, A.W., & Co., firm, publishers, Chicago Publication date: [19-?] Publisher: Chicago : A. W. Bowen & Co. Number of Pages: 1092

Author: Bowen, A.W., & Co., firm, publishers, Chicago
Publication date: [19-?]
Publisher: Chicago : A. W. Bowen & Co.
Number of Pages: 1092