Progressive men of the state of Montana, pt 2, Part 117

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 117

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)ICHARD KANE .- Recognized as an able R

and discriminating official and the under sheriff of Valley county, Mont., Mr. Kane is one of the popular and progressive young men of this section of the state, which has been his home for more than a decade past, having come here in the service of the Great Northern Railroad Company, serving in various capacities.

Mr. Kane is a native of the state of Illinois, having been born in Sheffield, Bureau county, August II, 1872. His father, John Kane, was born in the Emerald Isle, whence he migrated when a young man, locating in Bureau county, Ill., and

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engaged in agricultural pursuits, being one of the prosperous fariners of that locality. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Cole, was likewise born in Ireland, coming to the United States with her parents. John and Mary Kane became the parents of six sons and four daughters, the sub- ject of this sketch being the first in order of birth. To the public schools of Sheffield he is indebted for his early education, leaving the high school at the age of seventeen, well equipped with a good practical education.

In the month of November, 1890, Mr. Kane came to Glasgow, Mont., where he secured employment in the engine department of the shops of the Great Northern Railroad. Later he was promoted to the position of fireman, in which capacity he gave such excellent service and gained such technical pro- ficiency that he was finally made an engineer, run- ning an engine on the lines of this railroad from 1895 until 1900. He then accepted a position as bookkeeper for W. S. Griffith, holding this office for a period of eight months, and when his em- ployer was elected to the office of sheriff of Val- ley county, in the fall of the same year, he showed his appreciation of the character and ability of Mr. Kane by appointing him under sheriff. He entered upon the duties of his new office in Janu- ary, 1901, and has made himself a valuable factor in connection with the executive work of the shrievalty of the county. In politics Mr. Kane is a stanch advocate and supporter of the prin- ciples and policies of the Republican party. Fra- ternally he is identified with Ellendale Lodge No. 35, K. of P., at Havre, and with Division No. 392, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.

JOHN C. WOODS is one of the venerable and honored residents of Lewis and Clarke county, where he has resided for nearly a score of years, devoting his attention to farming and stockgrow- ing, but having retired from the more active pur- suits of life, he has given the management of his ranch properties to his sons, capable young business men. Mr. Woods was born in Howard county, Mo., on September 4, 1818, the son of Adam C. and Elizabeth Woods, natives of Kentucky. The father went to Missouri in 1816, and being fa- vorably impressed, took up his permanent abode there two years later and engaged in farming and stockraising, continuing therein until the time of

his death, which occurred on August 7, 1849. In politics he was an old-line Whig, fraternally was a master Mason, and in religion both he and his wife were members of the Christian church, living useful and exemplary lives, in harmony with the faith which they professed. The death of our sub- ject's mother occurred May 26, 1856.

John C. Woods grew up under the invigorating life of the farm, and his schooling was such as was afforded in the very primitive institutions of learn- ing of the period. He attended the schools during the winter months, while in the summer his time was demanded in the work of the farm. At the age of twenty years he assumed charge of the home- stead farm, his father being in impaired health, and in the meanwhile he purchased 160 acres, devoting his attention to the operation of the same until 1852, when he disposed of the property and pur- chased 320 acres, paying therefor $4,800. He suc- cessfully engaged in farming and stockgrowing until 1865, when he rented the place on shares and went into the mercantile business, in which his suc- cess was only nominal. He disposed of this in 1869, resumed farming, and continued to be identi- fied with that industry in Missouri until 1883, and then came to Montana. He rented a ranch of 160 acres, located eight miles north of the village of Augusta, Lewis and Clarke county, which has since been his home and field of industry. Securing good crops the first two seasons, he met with poor returns the third, owing to the drought of that year. In 1884 he took up claims in the same locality and has since added to the area of his estate until he now has 800 acres, of which 200 are available for cultivation. He raised good crops for six years, when the scarcity of water rendered it inexpedient to continue the raising of grain, and the ranch has since been given over to the growing of cattle, the average maintained being about 200 head, while excellent crops of hay have been secured each year. In politics Mr. Woods gives allegiance to the Democratic party; fraternally he is a Royal Arch Mason. All of his sons support the Demo- cratic party. On February 23, 1848, Mr. Woods was married to Miss Anna E. Haston, who was born in Missouri, the daughter of Jesse Haston, who emigrated from Kentucky to Missouri in early years, where he was engaged in farming until the outbreak of the Civil war period, in which he met his death in the spring of 1864 by a bullet fired by a member of the Federal state militia while Mr. Haston was returning from a visit to the Union

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headquarters. Of this union one child was born, Anna E. Mrs. Woods died on December 15, 1849, and on January 23, 1851, Mr. Woods consummated a second marriage, being then united to Miss Emilie J. Dicken, who was born in Missouri, the daughter of Richard and Jane Dicken, natives of Kentucky, whence they moved to Missouri in 1825, her father there engaging in agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred there in 1869. His widow sur- vived him until 1879. She was a zealous member of the Christian church, to which Mr. and Mrs. Woods also belong. Of the six children of our sub- ject and his estimable wife five are living, the one deceased being Jennie, who became the wife of R. H. Wellman, and whose death occurred Febru- ary 18, 1900. The other children are Arthur, Liz- zie, Emma, John C., Jr., and William P. Woods. Mr. Woods has one of the finest ranches in this section of Montana and here he and his faithful wife are passing the twilight of life surrounded by all of the comforts afforded by the results of indus- trious and useful lives.

LION. CORNELIUS F. KELLEY .- One of the most prominent of the younger members of the bar of Montana is Hon. Cornelius F. Kelley, of Butte. No young man in the state has been more active or deserving of commendation for the advocacy of measures calculated to benefit the commonwealth. Gifted as an orator, his talents have ever been at the service of the public on every fitting occasion. As a lawyer he has already been conceded a high place. He was born at Mineral Hill, Nev., on February 10, 1875, where his father, Jeremiah C. Kelley, was engaged in mining. Jere- miah C. Kelley was an early settler in Nevada, where he operated mines for many years with suc- cess. In 1881, he came to Butte as the friend and associate of the late Marcus Daly, and was connected with mining operations until his death in 1901. He lived to see his son recognized as one of the leading lawyers, orators and politicians of Montana.

Cornelius F. Kelley attended the public and high schools of Butte as a preparatory course of study, and entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in 1895. He was graduated from the law department in 1898, and immediately opened a law office and began legal practice in Butte. In the fall of 1898 he was elected as a member of the

Sixth legislative assembly of Montana from Silver Bow county. He was one of the leaders of that body, and served on the judiciary committee, one of the most important committees. He was chair- man of the committee on state buildings and of- ficers, and in that capacity rendered able service to the state. In 1899 he was appointed chief depu- ty county attorney of Silver Bow county, and served two years. Much important litigation was conducted by the office during Mr. Kelley's in- cumbency, and he was generally recognized as an able, painstaking and courteous official.

In 1900 Mr. Kelley was the candidate of the In- dependent Democratic party for member of Con- gress, and made a brilliant canvass of the entire state. His party being in the minority, he was not elected, but the vote he received showed the high place he holds in the regard of the people of Montana. In legal practice he has been remarka- bly successful, and is now retained by many of the largest corporations of the state, among them the Anaconda, The Parrott, Boston & Montana, Butte & Boston and the Washoe mining companies. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Modern Woodmen of America, and of other orders. He is also a member of the Silver Bow and Overland clubs, and is prominent in the social life of Butte. Mr. Kelley is a bache- lor and resides with his mother, to whom he is a most devoted son. Great honors in the political field are in store for Mr. Kelley if he chooses to be diverted from the exacting duties of his profession.

EDWARD KEASTER, an eminently successful rancher of Choteau county, Mont., was born in Saline county, Mo., January 1, 1849. He is the son of Eli and Mary Keaster, the father having been a stockman and general farmer in that county. He remained with his parents and attended the public schools of that vicinity until he was six- teen years of age. At the early age of fifteen he enlisted in the Forty-fifth Missouri Volunteer In- fantry, and remained in the service until the close of the war. In 1865 Mr. Keaster went to Fort Walsh, Colo., where he was engaged in driving, hauling freight from Fort Wallace and Fort Hays for the government. In this occupation he re- mained six months and then returned to Missouri, and remained a year. It was in 1890 that he arrived at Fort Peck, Mont. The Missouri river

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was at a low stage and the steamers could not reach Fort Benton at that season of the year. Having reached Fort Benton overland he engaged in driving team for the Diamond R Company until 1871, his route being between Fort Benton and Helena. Subsequently he purchased two teams and began freighting on his own account until 1876, when he disposed of the outfit and went to Deer Lodge. At this place Mr. Keaster pur- chased 100 head of cattle and drove them to the south fork of Shonkin creek, and there engaged in the business of stockraising. This he prose- cuted very successfully for twenty years. He still owns this original ranch, but in 1897 he purchased another at Highwood, upon which he now re- sides with his family.

In 1883 Mr. Keaster was married to Miss Mamie Smith, daughter of Richard Smith, of Fort Ben- ton. To them have been born five children, of whom Richard, aged sixteen, is the eldest. The others are Walter, Mabel, Nettie and Harry. Mrs. Keaster's father came to Montana in 1869 as com- missary sergeant and saw exciting service against the Indians. Politically Mr. Keaster is a Demo- crat, and takes a lively interest in the welfare and success of his party, although he is in no sense of the word a politician or a seeker after office. As a prosperous business man he is well and favorably known, not only by the people of his immediate community, but throughout the state.

THOMAS WILEY KING .- Having come to the state when but six years old, reared and educated within its boundaries, and having passed his life and devoted his energies to the develop- ment of her resources, Thomas Wiley King, of Pease's Bottom, for many years successfully en- gaged in raising high-grade horses, may not inap- propriately be considered a product of Montana and a good exemplification of her citizenship. He was born in Atchison county, Mo., on February 15, 1858, the son of Samuel and Louisa (Stone) King, the former born in Virginia in 1826, and the latter in Atchison county, Mo., in 1838. The father migrated in early life to Missouri, and in 1859 went to Pike's Peak during the mining ex- citement. In 1864 he brought his family to Mon- tana and engaged in prospecting and mining at Alder and Diamond gulches until 1867, when he removed to Gallatin valley, where he followed

farming for a number of years. In 1873, in com- pany with Bud McAdow, he built a brewery at Bozeman, which he conducted for one year. He then removed to Sacramento, Cal., his present home. His wife is now living at Bozeman. Thomas Wiley King was educated in the public schools of Bozeman, remaining at home until 1877. In that year he went to Pease's Bottom and was employed for a year by John C. Guy in his freight- ing outfit. The next year he drove a stage on the line between Bozeman and Miles City. In 1879 he located on a ranch in Pease's Bottom which he aft- erward traded to Mason Guy, and then bought the one he now occupies, which is in the western end of the valley and on which he has an average of about 100 head of horses. In politics he is a Dem- ocrat, and deeply interested in the welfare of his party. He also takes an active interest in all enter- prises which promise to advance and develop the community and promote its best interests.

W TILLIAM F. KING is a native son of England who came to Montana and now ranks as one of the representative stockgrowers of Cascade county, his well improved ranch being located seven miles southwest of Evans. Mr. King was born in Worksop, England, on November 1, 1831, his parents being John and Katherine King. They were devout members of the Catholic church, in whose faith the father passed away in 1850, his widow surviving him until 1870. They were hon- orable, upright and God-fearing, and their lives were in all relations exemplary. William F. at- tended the public schools until 1843, when he went to work in the mines, so continuing until 1849. He then became an employe in the rolling mills, thoroughly mastering the trade and becoming an expert workman.

In 1852 he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza- beth Hardy, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Hardy, natives of England, the father being en- gaged in mine work; he and his wife being mem- bers of the church of England. The mother died in 1869, and the father in 1874. In the year 1862 William F. immigrated to America and located in the city of Philadelphia, where he was employed in rollingmill work until 1863, when he went to Pittsburg and there engaged in coal mining until 1867, at which time he removed to Morris, Grundy county, Ill., where he continued in mining work

Clarence Mr. Goodell

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until the spring of 1889. Determined to establish himself in an independent occupation, he came to Sand Coulee, Mont., and was employed in the mines until 1892, when he realized his ambition by taking up his present homestead of 160 acres, whereon he has since successfully conducted stock- raising operations, although seventy-five acres of his ranch are available for cultivation.

In politics Mr. King gives his support to the People's party, taking an active interest in the questions of the day, and fraternally he is identified with the Order of Foresters. He and his wife are members of the Catholic church, and to them have been born thirteen children, of whom five are de- ceased, namely : Mary A., John T., Lizzie, Minnie and Starless. Those surviving are : Mary A. H., Katherine, Elizabeth, Maggie J., Isabelle, William, Thomas and John R.

LARENCE M. GOODELL .- Born March 2, C 1857, at Oswego, Oswego county, Wis., and when he was three years old crossing the plains to California with his parents, Clarence M. Good- ell began in his very childhood the life of adven- ture which is so characteristic of the far West. His father was Dwight T. and his mother Cath- erine M. Goodell, natives of New York state, who, on their way westward to the Pacific slope, halted for a time in Wisconsin, and then started on the long journey across the prairie to California, where they arrived after three months of toil and trouble, being harassed by the Indians at many places along the route, until soldiers appeared and drove them away.

The father had devoted his attention to the saw- mill business in Wisconsin and in his new home gave his time to farming for a year; then moved to Salem, Ore., and carried on the same industry there for some years. In the spring he went to Idaho, where he followed mining and also made "shakes," as split shingles were termed in that section. In this latter vocation he prospered for two years and a half. At the end of that time he removed to Helena, Mont., and later took up a homestead where the Broadwater hotel and plunge now stand. There he gave his attention to market gardening, with excellent results, making money and winning golden opinions from all by his man- ner of conducting business. He was a Republican in politics, and held the office of road supervisor.

His death occurred December 23, 1898; that of his wife on October 14, 1901. Their two children survive them, Phebe (Mrs. E. H. Train) and Clarence M.

Clarence M. Goodell, who is one of Fergus county's most popular and progressive ranchmen, received a very fair education, at the age of twen- ty-one was given a half interest in his father's gar- dening, farming and stock-raising enterprises, and in 1881 he set out for himself, locating the ranch he now occupies in the Judith basin, at Philbrook, Mont., using all his rights in securing land, and subsequently purchasing 2,500 acres and Icasing in addition 960. Of what he owns about 1,200 acres are cultivable, and on this portion he pro- duces good crops and has raised cattle and horses extensively with fair profits. In 1898 he disposed of the cattle and began the rearing of fine grades of sheep. In this his success has been steady and substantial, and he has recently engaged in the rearing of mules with gratifying results. In 1880 he went from Helena to Dillon and brought back with him two swarms of Italian bees that were shipped to him from Ogden, Utah. These were probably the first domestic bees in this state.

Mr. Goodell is a member of the Masonic Order and of the Order of Odd Fellows. In politics he is an active Republican, and as such was elected to the legislature from Fergus county in 1893. He has also served as county commissioner. He was united in mariage on the fifteenth day of August, 1880, to Miss Millie C. Priest, a native of Decatur, Ill., daughter of Celestin B. and Valen- tine T. Priest, New Yorkers by birth who emi- grated to Illinois early in their married life. In that state her father engaged in various pursuits -milling, mercantile business and keeping a hotel. In 1864 he was brought to Montana on a cot, an invalid almost dying from consumption, in the hope that the change of air would benefit his health, which it did to a remarkable degree. He got well and strong, and engaged in mining with good results until 1874, when he removed to Hel- ena and followed various pursuits until his death, which occurred January 8, 1890. He was sur- vived by his widow until March 8, 1898, when she too passed away. Both were members of the Methodist church. He was a Mason and a Demo- crat in politics. His name is perpetuated in Priest's Pass over the main range of the Rockies between Helena and Decr Lodge. This was constructed by him in 1878.

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Mr. and Mrs. Goodell are the parents of four children, namely, Homer T., Ruby A., Garnet A. and Myrtle C. They are both Presbyterians in religious preference. Mrs. Goodsell was postmis- tress of Philbrook postoffice three years, until her resignation of the office in the fall of 1901, and both she and her husband are highly re- spected. She represents the finest elements of New England culture and is in line with the best intellectual thought of the age, herself and hus- band being lovers of the best literature.

The oldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Goodell, Homer T. Goodell, a youth of nineteen years, is possessed of a strong physique. He is a vigorous and active youth, and is a valuable assistant of his father in the conducting of his extensive opera- tions. Homer was also a charter member of Judith Camp No. 392, of the Woodmen of the World at Utica, Montana, and in many and various ways he is connected with progressive movements.

J OSEPH MOOSER, familiarly and affection- ately called "Old Joe" by all who have the pleas- ure of his acquaintance, a partner in stockraising and ranching of Herman Bruns on Clear creek, was born on July 10, 1840, at Strasburg, in the province of Alsace-Lorraine, now a part of Ger- many, but at the time of his birth belonging to France. When he was six years old his parents came to the United States and located in Kentucky. He was educated in the public schools of Cincin- nati, and when he was a young man he enlisted in the United States navy, serving the closing years of the Civil war on the steamer Tyler of the Mis- sissippi river squadron.

In 1868 Mr. Mooser came to Fort Benton, and was engaged in the wood business on the river until 1872. From that time until 1888 he lived around the vicinity of Benton and the Belknap reservation, engaged in a variety of occupations, and then located on his present ranch on Clear creek in the Bear Paw mountains, twenty-eight miles from Havre. There he devotes his time and energies to farming, stockraising and entertain- ing his numerous friends, who never fail to visit him when in the neighborhood. He was married at Havre in 1896 to Miss Lizzie Staff. They have one child, a son named Norman, four years old. Both Mr. and Mrs. Mooser stand high in the com- munity and are well esteemed by everybody who have the pleasure of their acquaintance.

ENRY KUHR, one of the prominent and most successful sheep and cattle growers of the Bear Paw mountains, was born February 3, 1868, at Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, the son of Henry and Abel (Schuack) Kuhr, who immigrated to America in 1882, settling in Crawford county, Iowa. There the father died on his farm in 1885, leaving the care of the family and the business largely to the son, who was thus enabled in early life to acquire much of the self-reliance and re- sourcefulness which have distinguished him since. His early life was passed and his early education was secured in Germany. He came as a boy of thir- teen with his parents to this country, and remained upon the homestead in Iowa until 1889. He then removed to Montana, and found employment as a laborer and cattle-tender on various ranches until 1896, when he settled on the ranch he now owns, consisting of 320 acres. He has put many improve- ments thereon and brought it up to a high state of cultivation. Besides rearing cattle and sheep, he is engaged in general farming on a large scale.

In politics Mr. Kuhr is a stanch Republican and takes a deep and earnest interest in the success of his party, but does not seek reward for political activity in the honors or profits of official station. His religious affiliations are with the Lutheran church. In 1897 he was married to Miss Elsie, the daughter of William Miller. Their family consists of their son Walter and daughter Sarah. Mr. Kuhr is universally regarded as one of the most enterprising, most progressive and most intelligent young ranchmen of the Bear Paw mountain re- gion, and is held in high esteem by all who know him, being in a direct line for wealth.

JOHN S. LANE is one of the enterprising and successful farmers and stockgrowers of Teton county, where he has maintained his home for sev- enteen years and gained a position among its worthy and public-spirited citizens. Mr. Lane was born in Constantine, St. Joseph county, Mich., on March 22, 1861, the son of John S. and Almina Lane, both of whom were natives of New York, which sent so many pioneers to Michigan in the early days. John S. Lane, Sr., came to the Penin- sular state when a young man and followed agri- culture in St. Joseph county until his death in August, 1874, his wife dying in 1869.

John S. Lane, of Teton county, received his edu- cation in the public schools but early began to aid

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in the work of the old homestead. He left school at the age of eighteen years, and in 1884 came to Mon- tana, and to Teton county, then a part of Choteau county. He took up a squatter's claim on Willow creek, proving up on it and also on a desert claim when the survey was completed. To these original claims he has since added 600 acres of adjoining land, making the aggregate area of his ranch 920 acres. Here he has made the best possible improve- ments and has been very successful. He raises horses and cattle and secures good yields of hay from certain portions of his land. In political ad- herency Mr. Lane is· stanchly arrayed in support of the Republican party, and at all times takes an active interest in public affairs, both general and local. His postoffice address is Saypo.

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Progressive men of the state of Montana, pt 2, Part 117

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