Progressive men of the state of Montana, pt 2, Part 28

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 28

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JOHN McCOURT .- This gentleman was one of the honored pioneers of Montana, who ren- dered to the nation the valiant services of a loyal son when the integrity of the Union was menaced by armed resistance, whose life was one of unbend- ing honor and integrity, and who has left the price- less heritage of a good name. He was prominent- ly identified with Fergus county, where the family home is still maintained. Mr. McCourt was a na- tive of the state of New York, having been born at Mooer's, Clinton county, on the 21st of January, 1840. His parents were James and Margaret (Young) McCourt, the former of whom was born in the north of Ireland, June 24, 1814. He came to America when a lad and settled in Clinton coun- ty, N. Y., where in 1839 he was married to Mar- garet Young. With his family of ten children he located in Polk county, Wis., in the spring of 1860. He was a member of the Presbyterian church from early manhood. In politics he was first a Whig, and, after the death of that party, a stanch Repubi- can, having voted for William Henry Harrison for President and twice for his grandson, Benjamin Harrison. He died at his home at Sand Lake, Wis., July 20, 1893, aged seventy-nine years. Mar- garet McCourt, his wife was born in Glasgow, Scotland, December 14, 1819, and came to Ameri- ca when a child, residing with her parents in Can- ada until her marriage. She was always a Pres- byterian and died in that faith May 20, 1888, in her seventieth year. Their children were John (de- ceased), Mary, Thomas, Matthew L., James H., William H., Charles (deceased), Anna A., Freder- ick and David A.

John McCourt received a common school edu- cation and assisted his parents until he had at- tained his legal majority. Just at this time the dark cloud of the Civil war obscured the national

horizon, and Mr. McCourt manifested his loyalty by enlisting as a private soldier in a Wisconsin reg- iment in November, 1861, and continued in service until honorably discharged at the close of the war. He then returned to his home, and in 1866 made the long trip across the plains to Montana in Capt. James L. Fisk's train. He located near the pres- ent site of Helena, and devoted several years to successful placer mining. Thereafter he engaged in stockraising in the Missouri valley until 1883, when he came to Fergus county and took up his abode on the ranch which is still the family home. The ranch is located one mile northeast of Garneill, and comprises 360 acres. Here Mr. McCourt was for a number of years engaged in raising horses and cattle. In politics he was a Republican, and in all the relations of life commanded confidence and high regard. When Fergus county was created he was appointed one of its first commissioners, hold- ing this office by appointment for one year until the first election, when he was chosen to serve three more years. His official duties were faith- fully discharged. His death occurred on February 21, 1901, and the community then sustained the loss of one of its most honored citizens.

The 30th day of November, 1884, witnessed the marriage of Mr. McCourt with Mrs. Elizabeth Currier, a native of New Brunswick, and the daughter of William and Mary Steeves. They continued their abode in New Brunswick where Mr. Steeves was a farmer until his death, which occurred in 1891. His widow is now residing on the old homestead in New Brunswick. Of their seven children all are living save one, who died in infancy. Their names are: William, Elizabeth, Mary J., Roderick, Peter W. and Sarah L. Mr. McCourt is survived by his widow and their three children-Edna Z., Clarence W. and Edward V. Mrs. McCourt's first marriage was to George E. Currier. They resided at Belfast, Me., and had three children, of whom two are dead, and the other, Garnette, is now the wife of W. T. Neill, of Garneill. (See his sketch elsewhere in this vol- ume.)

E LIAS J. McCALLUM .- This gentleman also is one of the prosperous ranchers and stock growers of Fergus county, where he has main- tained his home for nearly a score of years and attained success.

Elias James McCallum was born in Caldwell

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county, Missouri, on the 29th of November, 1858, being a son of Andrew J. and Mary J. (Bradley) McCallum, the former a native of South Carolina and the latter of Missouri. The father early emi- grated to Missouri and there married. He located in Caldwell county and was there a farmer until 1882, when he removed with his family to Mon- tana, and located on Cottonwood creek in Fergus county, two and one-half miles east of the village of Cottonwood. He has ever since been engaged in farming and stockgrowing on his homestead of 160 acres. He is a Democrat in politics, and both he and his wife are members of the Christian church. Of their seven children, two have passed away, Nathaniel and one who died in in- fancy. Those living are Elias J., William F., Lucia F., Samuel D. and Mollie J.

Elias J. McCallum began to work on the honte- stead farm at an early age, and his educational ad- vantages were those of the public schools of his na- tive state. He remained at the parental home un- til he was twenty-one, when he engaged in farming for himself in Caldwell county, Mo., until 1882, when he accompanied his parents to Montana. Three miles south of the town of Cottonwood, Fergus county, he located a homestead ranch of 160 acres, and from this as a nucleus he has ex- tended his holdings until he now has a valuable ranch property of 1,100 acres, of which 600 acres are available for cultivation. Mr. McCallum, however, gives special attention to the raising of cattle, handling a high grade of stock. His suc- cess has come as the result of good management and industry. In his political allegiance he is a supporter of the Democratic party, and fraternally he is identified with the Woodmen of the World.

On the 25th of February, 1885, Mr. McCallum was united in marriage to Miss Frances R. Gilder- sleve, who was born on Long Island, N. Y., the daughter of Platt L. and Sarah (Darling) Gilder- sleve, who were likewise born in New York and who emigrated to Missouri in an early day; the father, in early life a ship-builder, became a farmer in Missouri. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and his po- litical support was given to the Republican party. He resides in Stone county, Mo., surviving his wife, who died on the 27th of August, 1891. Their nine children are still living, their names being: Isabella, Alice, Bradford L., Truman P., Nellie, Sarah J., Frances R., Amanda E. and Mary E. Mr. and Mrs. McCallum were the parents of eight

children, one of whom died in infancy, the surviv- ors being: Ernest, John L., Elias J., Frances R., Grace D., Jennie M. and Morris H. Mr. and Mrs. McCallum are members of the Methodist Episco- pal church.

R LEE McCULLOCH .- As a representative member of the bar of Montana, actively en- gaged in the practice of law in Ravalli county, with residence and headquarters at Hamilton, Mr. Mc- Culloch well deserves attention. He is a scion of fine old southern stock, and in all the relations of life has proved himself worthy of his race. Robert Lee McCulloch was born in Tipton, Moniteau county, Mo., on January 29, 1869. His father, Gen. Robert McCulloch, was born in the Old Do- minion, the original American ancestors having located there in early Colonial days. Gen. McCul- loch rendered distinguished service in the Confed- erate army in the Civil war, commanding the Sec- ond Missouri Cavalry, under Gen. Nathan B. For- rest. He took up his residence in Missouri as a pioneer where he has been an agriculturalist and very prominent in local politics. He served as county collector and later as sheriff of Cooper county, and thereafter held the office of state regis- ter of land for three consecutive terms. He is now living retired, at Booneville, Mo., at the vener- able age of eighty-one. His wife, whose maiden name was Louisa Waite, was born in Missouri, and attained the age of seventy-six. They were par- ents of two daughters and one son, the daughters being Bettie McCulloch and Mrs. George M. Wil- liams, now residing at Dallas, Tex.

In his early educational privileges R. Lee Mc- Culloch was signally favored. He attended pri- vate schools in Booneville, Mo., continued his studies at McCune College, at Louisiana, and at an academy at Pilot Grove, while at the age of seven- teen he matriculated in the Missouri State Univer- sity at Columbia, pursuing his literary studies here until he was twenty, when he entered the law de- partment and completed the prescribed course, graduating as a member of the class c' 1891, being simultaneously admitted to the Missouri bar. In October, 1891, Mr. McCulloch came to Montana, locating in Missoula, where he entered into legal practice and soon secured his due quota of legal business. After four years he entered into an alli- ance with John M. Evans, which continued only six months, for then, in the early part of 1896, Mr.

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McCulloch came to Hamilton, Ravalli county, and entered into partnership with Charles M. Crutch- field, with whom he was associated in practice un- til January 1, 1899, since which time he has con- ducted an individual practice, retaining a clientage of distinction and being known as a thorough legist and an able advocate.

Mr. McCulloch has been an active and efficient worker in the cause of the Democratic party, one of its wheelhorses in his county. In the fall of 1894 he was a candidate from Missoula county for representative in the lower house of the legislature and in 1898 he was the Democratic candidate for county attorney of Ravalli county, meeting defeat at the polls in each instance from natural political exigencies. Fraternally he holds membership in the Masonic order, the Improved Order of Red Men, and his college Greek-letter fraternity, the Sigma Nu. In March, 1901, Gov. Toole conferred distinguished preferment upon Mr. McCulloch, making him adjutant-general of the state militia and thus a member of the gubernatorial staff. He has organized five companies of the National Guard since his induction in office, and is rapidly increasing the prestige of the organization of citi- zen soldiers in the state. On April 19, 1899, at St. Louis, Mo., was solemnized the marriage of Mr. McCulloch to Miss Lenore Barnard Miles, a daughter of Dr. D. D. Miles and Mary (Jones) Miles, the former of whom is a distinguished mem- ber of the medical profession in St. Louis. Mr. and Mrs. McCulloch have one child, Robert Miles, born on May 18, 1900.

H ON. JOHN KINNA .- Among the leaders of thought and commercial enterprise, the found- ers of cities and builders of commonwealths, none were more respected in their lives or more honored after they had passed away than the Hon. John Kinna, the first mayor of the city of Helena. He was a strong man, of positive character, a leader in business and in public life, who impressed him- self upon the community in which he lived and did much to influence and direct the affairs of his fel- lowmen. John Kinna was one of those rare men whom everybody liked and respected. He was a man of decided opinions, of strong likes and dis- likes, but with all so sincere and honest, so manly and outspoken, that he compelled the admiration of all with whom he came in contact. He was al-

ways and everywhere a manly man. His faults were manly, and his life was an open book to his family, his neighbors and his friends. He meant what he said, and he said what he meant. No one knew him but to like him, no one ever justly breathed one word derogatory to his sturdy char- acter as a man and a citizen.

Mr. Kinna was a native of Ireland, having been born in Dublin in February, 1838, and he inherited the light heart and sanguine disposition of the Irish race. His parents were Michael and Mary Kinna, both natives of Ireland. In 1852 they came to America, like so many others, to better their condition in the new world, and with their little family located in the city of Carthage, state of New York. The parents, who were devout mem- bers of the Catholic church, had a family of four sons and two daughters, Mr. Kinna being the youngest. He received a common school educa- tion, and learned the tinner's trade at Rome, N. Y. He remained in Rome, following his occupation of journeyman tinner until 1859, when the discovery of new gold fields in Colorado induced him to seek his fortune in the west. In Denver he engaged in the hardware business with John A. Nye and D. T. Smith under the firm name of John A. Nye & Co., and remained with them until 1864. During his residence in Denver he was united in marriage to Miss Janet McGavran, the daughter of Judge Thomas McGavran, one of the leading old time citizens of that city.

In 1864 Mr. Kinna sold his business interests in Denver and soon purchased a large stock of hardware merchandise and started overland to the new placer mines of Alder gulch, at Virginia City. Arriving there with his little family and wagon-train loaded with hardware, in the summer of 1864, he opened the first hardware store in what is now the state of Montana. In the year 1866 the discovery of rich placer mines in Last Chance and Grizzly gulches having created a stampede to that section, Mr. Kinna removed his stock of goods to Helena, and there also he established the first hardware store in the present capital of Montana. Mr. Kinna remained in business here the remainder of his life, being associated during nearly all the time with Hon. William Jack, now a prominent citizen of Los Angeles, Cal., under the firm name of Kinna & Jack. Their business was very extensive, and they maintained a large branch store in Butte City. where Mr. Jack was in charge.

Mr. Kinna had, like other enterprising men, his

John Kinna

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ups and downs in business, although he fortunately never sustained any serious reverses. The caprice of fortune, changeful as the lights and shadows of a summer's day, has made and wrecked the lives of thousands. But the pioneers of Montana were a hardy and determined set of men, and no reverses of fortune could break their spirit. They were filled with hope and enthusiasm and borne up by an unconquerable pluck and resolution which never gave up to anything but death. John Kinna never bowed his head in defeat before any man or before any circumstances of fortune until the "old man with the sickle" came his way. It was this spirit which leveled mountains and bridged rivers, which vanquished the savage and brought a new and vigorous civilization into the waste places.

During the early history of Lewis and Clarke county, Mr. Kinna served two years as county treasurer, and declined a renomination. In the year 1881, upon the organization of Helena as a city, he was elected its first mayor. He assisted ma- terially in establishing economical and conservative municipal government in every department of the city's affairs, and the people of Helena owe much to the able and careful conduct of public business at the beginning of the city's history under the guid- ing hand of its first mayor. In politics Mr. Kinna was always a Republican, giving loyal and unfailing support to the principles and candidates of that party. He served for several years as chairman of the Republican territorial committee, and also took a leading part in the councils of his party in the city, county and territory. In the early days both in Virginia City and Helena, he was a member and one of the leaders of the Vigilance Committee, which did so much to drive out crime and criminals and make Montana a safe and lawful place of resi- dence for law-abiding citizens. Fraternally he was a member of the Masonic order.

Mr. Kinna, like many of the prominent and en- terprising men of Montana, was largely interested in mining. Among the large properties in which he was a part owner was the celebrated Elkhorn mine, which for many years was operated by Mr. Kinna and his associates at a handsome profit, and was then sold to the London Exploration Society of England. While yet a comparatively young man, Mr. Kinna died on October 4, 1888, but he had crowded into the period of his short life ac- tivities and achievements far beyond what fall to the lot of most men. He left a considerable for- tune to his surviving widow and children, of whom

there are six. Of these, Clarence J. is now a suc- cessful merchant at Lowry, Mont .; Norma is the wife of Hon. William Flowerree, of Teton county, one of the leading stockmen of Montana; John is in mining business in the state of Colorado; Janet is the wife of Prof. Mr. Payden, of Chicago; Thomas is deceased; and Elizabeth, the youngest daughter, is residing with her mother at. the family home in the city of Great Falls. Mrs. Kinna is a member of the Episcopal church.

In every station, whether in public position or public life, Hon. John Kinna was respected and honored by all who knew him. He lived a success- ful, useful and generous life. He was devoted to his family and his home. He was very charitable, and many successful men now residing in Mon- tana owe their start in life to the kindly helpfulness of John Kinna. His name will live in the grate- ful recollection of those men, as well as in the mem- ory of all. Of him it may be said with truth that at the close of life he could "wrap the drapery of his couch about him and lie down to pleasant dreams." Men such as he have been in every age the pride and glory of the state.

CLARENCE J. KINNA, of Lowry, Teton coun-

ty, is a Montanian by birth and one of the suc- cessful, enterprising business men of the state. He was born at Alder gulch, now Virginia City, March 4, 1865, the son of John and Janet (Mc- Gavern) Kinna. The father, who came from Ireland in 1852, played quite a prominent part in the development of the new territory during his lifetime. It was in 1864 that he made his initial visit, locating at Alder gulch, then famous for its productive placer mines, and here engaged in the hardware business. (See preced- ing sketch.)

The foundation of an excellent education was obtained by our subject in the public schools of Helena, and this was greatly amplified by a two- years business course at Ann Arbor, Mich. On his graduation he devoted his time to bookkeep- ing in his father's store until the death of the lat- ter, when he became manager of the establish- ment and retained that position until 1891. He then disposed of his interest to Thomas Goff, and removed to Denver, Colo., where, until 1896, he was actively engaged in the real estate business. On his return to Montana he located at Sun river,

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and for one year he was in the employment of the Sun River Mercantile Company. Since 1897 he has been connected with a general store for W. K. Flowerree near Lowry, Mont., the enterprise being eminently successful. Fraternally he is a mem- ber of the Knights of Pythias, being past chan- cellor of his lodge. Politically he is an influential Republican and has represented the party in numerous important conventions in Lewis and Clarke county. He is a young man of superior ability and wide experience in business affairs, and one who has won and holds the esteem and confi- dence of a large circle of acquaintances.

STERLING McDONALD .- The subject of this review is one of the honored citizens and able officials of Choteau, Teton county, where he has served as clerk of the district court since the time of the organization of the county. Mr. McDonald: is a native of the old Buckeye state, having been born in Columbus, Ohio, October 22, 1836. His father, John McDonald, was born in Tennessee, whence he accompanied his parents on their re- moval to Ohio, they being members of a Scotch colony which was then established in Madison county. He passed his boyhood days on the pa- rental farmstead and later learned the blacksmith trade in Columbus, and followed this vocation un- til his death on August 13, 1851. In the city of Columbus, in 1834, Mr. McDonald was united in marriage to Miss Mary O'Conner, who was born and reared in Ireland, whence she came to the United States in 1825. Her death occurred in Clark county, Mo., in September, 1881.

Sterling McDonald received his early education in the public schools of his home, near Columbus, attending the same during the winter months and assisting in the work of the homestead during the summer seasons, his father having been engaged in agricultural pursuits in connection with work at his trade. In 1857 our subject removed to Scot- land county, Mo., where he devoted his attention to farming until June, 1861, when he responded to the call to arms and enlisted in the Union ranks as a member of Company A, Second Missouri Cavalry, with which he served until February 27, 1865, doing duty in Arkansas and Missouri.

In May, 1865, Mr. McDonald was appointed clerk of Scotland county, Mo., and was in tenure of office until January 1, 1879. He then moved to Breck-

inridge, Colo., near Leadville, and was there en- gaged in prospecting and mining for a period of four years, when he returned to Missouri and was employed in a grocery for a period of three years. In November, 1888, Mr. McDonald went to Santa Barbara, Cal., remaining until the following spring, when he took up his residence in Choteau county, Mont., and in this vicinity was employed on a sheep ranch for four years.

Teton county was organized by segregation from Choteau county, in 1893, and in the enabling act Mr. McDonald was named as clerk of the dis- trict court, and has been chosen to the office at each election as the candidate of the Republican party. He has shown fidelity and ability in con- ducting the affairs of the court, and has gained the endorsement of all classes, regardless of political affiliations. Fraternally he is identified with Cho- teau Lodge No. 44, A. F. & A. M., while he keeps alive his interest in his old comrades in arms by retaining membership in Sheridan Post No. 18, G. A. R., of Great Falls.

In 1859, near Memphis, Mo., was solemnized the marriage of Mr. McDonald to Miss Electa Sum- merlin, who was born in Keosauqua, Iowa, on August 22, 1837. Of this union five children have been born, namely: Lola B., the widow of Frank V. Sleeth (deceased), of New York city; Charles S., a successful sheepgrower of Teton county ; Mary A., the wife of John B. Oliver, of Paradise, Cal .; Jennie M., who is the wife of Philip G. Rimell, of Teton county, and Catherine I., the wife of Ken- neth G. McLean, of Augusta, Mont.

E THEODORE LUTZ, M. D .- In the subject of this review the blood of the sturdy Ger- man and the versatile and adaptable Irishman are commingled. His father was R. Lutz, a na- tive of Baden in the Fatherland, and his mother was Mary Hungerford, a native of Dublin, Ireland. The father came to America in the 'fifties, and settled in Pennsylvania, where he remained a num- ber of years, removing from there to Illinois and later to Ottumwa, Iowa, where he was profitably engaged in contracting and building until a few years ago when he retired on account of increasing age. He is still living in that city and is now eighty-three years old, but still vigorous, healthy and active. Dr. Lutz was born at Ottumwa, Iowa, May 29, 1870, and received his elementary edu-

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cational training in that town. Later he attended a preparatory school at Beloit, Kan., and was grad- uated in 1891, after which he spent a year at Camp- bell University, located at Holton, Kan., and then entered the University Medical College at Kansas City, where he was graduated very high in his class at the end of a three-years course. He fin- ished his professional training with a post-graduate course at the Polyclinic Institute connected with Bellevue Hospital in New York city, but before doing so spent some time at Bannack, Mont. On his return to the state he located at Red Lodge, where he has since been actively engaged in gen- eral practice which has been steadily increasing in volume and value, and raising him professionally in the estimation of the people of his county.

In addition to his general practice the Doctor is the medical examiner for a number of fraternal organizations, among them the Modern Wood- men of America, the Woodmen of the World, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Select Knights and Ladies, the Scottish Highlanders, the Brotherhood of American Yeomen, and for the Northwestern Life Insurance Company and a number of others. He holds membership in the Modern Woodmen, the Woodmen of the World, the United Workmen and the Order of Elks. Pro- fessionally he has diplomas from the states of Mis- souri, Idaho and Montana. He has built up a large and profitable practice in Carbon county, where he is highly respected for his worth as a man by a host of warm friends drawn to him by his engaging so- cial qualities. His future is full of promise pro- fessionally and otherwise, and he is contributing essentially and substantially to the progress and de- velopment of his county.

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Progressive men of the state of Montana, pt 2, Part 28

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