Progressive men of the state of Montana, pt 2, Part 74

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 74

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In the year 1819 Jeffrey Truman, the father of the subject of this review, removed from Pennsyl- vania to Waynesville, Ohio, where he engaged for a time in teaching school, being a man of marked ability and sterling character. He was a silversmith by trade, and eventually opened a store in Waynes- ville, and in 1844 he assisted in repairing guns used in the American army. his services being in frequent requisition. From 1845 to 1848, during the pro- gress of the Mexican war, he was assistant pay- master of Ohio troops, with headquarters in the city of Cincinnati, and was held in high esteem as a man and as a pioneer of the Buckeye state. His death occurred on January 1, 1851, and his widow passed his school days in Spring Valley, Ohio, where venerable age of eighty-four years.

Arthur Truman, whose name initiates this review, passed his school days in Spring Valley, Ohio, where he secured such advantages as were afforded by the public schools, in addition to those supplied by a

cultured and refined home. He was not yet twenty years of age when the thundering of rebel guns against the ramparts of old Fort Sumter aroused in him a loyal and responsive protest, and on the 24th of October, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Seventy-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, command- ed by Col. Moody. He enlisted at Xenia, Ohio, where the organization of the regiment was per- fected, and proceeded to Camp Chase, Columbus, where the command remained six weeks, going thence to Nashville, Tenn., where they arrived just after the battle of Fort Donelson. The duty as- signed to Company B was principally in the line of scouting. They pursued Forrest and the famous raider, John Morgan, participating in a number of skirmishes. On December 16, 1862, Mr. Truman received an honorable discharge from the service, being incapacitated by physical disability. He there- upon returned to Ohio and remained on the old homestead until 1869, when he started for the west, coming by railroad to Sioux City, Iowa, and thence up the Missouri river by steamer to Fort Benton, Mont., the trip being a pleasant one, although daily anticipating difficulty with the Indians; one party followed the boat for two days, but failed to make an attack. From Fort Benton Mr. Truman went to Helena, and two days later made his way to American gulch, where he devoted about two months to prospecting and mining, after which he returned to Helena and thence came to Gallatin valley in company with Paul McCormack and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. In 1870 he pre-empted a claim, and thereafter engaged in farming on his ranch for a period of about seven years, after which he disposed of his farm and devoted the following two years to the lumbering business. He then took up a homestead claim of 160 acres, which constitutes a portion of his present valuable ranch, the same being located at. Spring Hill, his postoffice address. To the original home- stead Mr. Truman has since added by purchase until he now has a fine property, the area of his ranch aggregating 320 acres, and the greater por- tion of the same being under effective irrigation. He gives special attention to the raising of fall wheat, in which he secures magnificent yields, while he also raises large quantities of oats and hay. The farm is most eligibly located near the mountains in the eastern portion of Gallatin valley, and being thus protected from the conditions which might other- wise impair or injure the crops in both winter and summer. The family home is a commodious and

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attractive residence of modern architectural design and facilities, while all other permanent improve- ments are of the best order, the entire place giving unmistakable evidence of the scrupulous care and attention bestowed by its progressive and able owner. Mr. Truman is a man of superior business ability and in all the relations of life he has so borne himself as to comamnd the confidence and esteem of his fellow men, enjoying marked popularity in the community where he has made his home for so many years, while the family occupy a position of prominence in connection with the best social life of this section.

In politics Mr. Truman renders stanch allegiance to the Democratic party, and in 1892 he was elected to represent Gallatin county in the state legislature, serving in this capacity with marked ability and to the entire satisfaction of his constituency. He has served as a member of the board of school trus- tees for his district, maintaining a lively interest in all that contributes to the good of the community.

On January 19, 1888, Mr. Truman was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Crouse, who was born in Clark county, Ill., being the daughter of Samuel and Melinda (Applegate) Crouse, both deceased. The family home of Mr. and Mrs. Truman has been brightened by the presence of their two children : Joseph K., who was named in honor of Gov. Toole, and Ida Ruth.

H ON. EDWIN K. CHEADLE .- Among those who as prominent jurists are conferring dignity and honor upon the bench and bar of Montana. Hon. Edwin K. Cheadle, who presides on the bench of the Tenth municipal district of the state, which comprises Fergus county, where is his home in the attractive little city of Lewistown, must certainly be mentioned. He was horn near Roann, Wabash county, Ind., in October, 1858. His parents, Rev. Henry C. and Emma (Keyes) Cheadle, were born in Meigs county, Ohio, and the former is a clergy- man of the Presbyterian church, who has for many years distinguished himself in the work of his noble calling in Ohio and Indiana. In 1872 he removed to southern Minnesota, where he now resides, still sustained and cheered by the bride of his youth, who has been a faithful companion and helpmeet during the many years of their married life. The Cheadle family traces its lineage back for many generations in England, and the original American

representatives of the name came to this country within the Colonial epoch in our national history. In the family of Rev. Henry C. and Emma Cheadle were three sons and one daughter, of whom Hon. . Edwin K. Cheadle received his education in the public schools and at Carleton College, of North- field, Minn., from which he was graduated with the class of 1883. He then engaged in the work of teaching in Minnesota for ten years and was a successful instructor. During this time he gave careful and well directed attention to the study of the elementary principles of the law, and was well grounded in the science of jurisprudence when he arrived in Montana. In 1893, feeling him- self in a position to gratify his long sustained de- sire to become a member of the legal profession, he came to Lewistown and became a student in the law office of Hon. Rudolf Von Tobel, one of the lead- ing members of the Montana bar. There he de- voted his attention exclusively and unremittingly to the technical reading and the study of the law until he was admitted to the bar in 1894. He was immediately associated in practice with Mr. Von Tobel as his partner until 1897, showing himself a thoroughly capable advocate and counsellor and gaining prestige as a reliable attorney, so that his eligibility for official preferment found recognition in that year, when he was elected county attorney of Fergus county. In this capacity he served until May, 1898, when he resigned his office to tender his services to his country as a soldier in the Spanish- American war. He enlisted as a member of Com- pany I, First Montana Infantry, was made orderly sergeant of his company, and with his regi- ment was ordered to Manila in July, 1898. He was in active service in the Philippines until August, 1899. He participated in the twenty-seven engagements in which his regiment took part, and underwent with the others the deprivations and suf- ferings incident to campaigning in the field among the malarious and malodorous marshes of that un- healthful country. He escaped injury in any of these battles, but was for a short time incapacitated by illness for services in the field. The regiment made an enviable record and reflected credit on the state from which it had gone forth with so much of patriotic enthusiasm.

After his muster out as second lieutenant Mr. Cheadle returned to Lewistown an honored vet- eran and served one year as city attorney of Lewis- town. While acting in that capacity he was elected in November, 1900, to fill the high judicial office

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of district judge of the Tenth judicial district of Montana. In this distinguished station he has steadily won new honors to those acquired in war. He has shown that he possesses a truly judi- cial mind, presiding over his court with dignity and ability. His rulings are prompt, fair and im- partial, showing a thorough knowledge of the evidence presented, the technical legal principles connected therewith and also of the authorities in the case. It is not always that his rulings and decisions give pleasure, for he is a strong man, and his course as a judge indicates that he does not consider that his high office was given to him to use in winning popularity, but for the advancement of justice, and plausible sophistries, unjust procedures and manifest subversions or sup- pressions of the facts or law in a case meet with scant courtesy and no toleration. Judge Cheadle has been an active worker in the Republican cause, both in Minnesota and Montana. His advancement has been fairly earned by reason of his ability, legal knowledge and high character, as well as his patri- otic devotion to the public welfare.

A LLEN KIMERLY .- It would seem that in- telligent industry, combined with pluck, energy and western hustle were capable of accomplish- ing the most flattering results in Montana. An illustration of this is found in the personality of Mr. Allen Kimerly, the subject of the following mention, who, in the face of many discouraging obstacles has gone steadily forward until he has built for himself and family one of the finest ranch homes in Powell county, near Avon. Our sub- ject was born in Hastings county, Ontario, Can- ada, October 16, 1838, the son of Andrew and Hannah (Mason) Kimerly, the former a native of Lennox and the latter of Prince Edward county, Ontario. The paternal grandfather was born in New York, of German ancestry, but removed with his parents to Canada during his boyhood. The Mason branch of the family came, originally, from Scotland to Ontario.

Allen Kimerly received an excellent common school education, remaining at home until he was twenty-five years of age, and in the fall of 1863 he located in Missouri where he obtained a lucrative contract to make ties for the Missouri Pacific Railway Company, the first line to build into Kan- sas City, Mo. Subsequently he went to Kansas and

was in Lawrence in October, 1863, immediately after that place had been looted by Quantrell and his band of guerrillas. Mr. Kimerly describes the town as a sorry looking spectacle at that period. The following winter he returned to Jackson county, Mo., where he completed his tie contract, and in March, 1864, went to Atchison, Kan., and joined a train en route for Montana. While on the plains, 100 miles out from Atchison, a mutiny occurred among the drivers, and Mr. Kimerly took the place of one of them, and afterwards served as night herder at $100 per month. The train com- prised 160 wagons, and the party were ninety-one days from Atchison to Virginia City, Mont., where they arrived after an eventful trip. Until the spring of 1865 he worked in the mines at Virginia City, going thence to Butte and Pipestone, Sil- ver Bow county, where he prospected and mined for several months, and at that period Butte con- sisted principally of prospect holes. The follow- ing summer he removed to Ophir camp, in what is now Powell county, and here Mr. Kimerly re- mained twelve years, during ten of which he worked a claim on Nelson Hill, where, despite a loss of $3,000 in litigation, he made sufficient money to engage in ranching. In 1873 he began in a lim- ited way to engage in the sheep business, continuing his mining operations during the summer seasons, until 1878, when he secured homestead and desert claims of 320 acres of land in the Little Blackfoot valley, two miles above Avon. There our sub- ject has since resided and increased his business to large proportions, having at various times added to his holdings 3,000 acres of railroad land, and leasing 600 acres. He now has 4,000 head of sheep and 100 head of cattle, and although he has suf- fered a loss of $14,000 since engaging in ranch- ing, he is still comfortably well off and eligibly located. The greater portion of this money was swallowed up in lumber and sawmill operations.

Mr. Kimerly started life in Montana with, prac- tically, no capital save a good constitution and a capacity for hard work and an almost inexhaustible fund of energy. On March 19, 1873, he was mar- ried to Miss Julia Spencer, of Lennox county, Ontario, Canada, daughter of John W. and Cath- erine (Miller) Spencer, also natives of Ontario, and where they lived and died. To this union have been born six children, of whom the living are Charles Gilford, Rosa Irena, Elizabeth Ethel and George Allen. John Wesley, at the age of nine- teen, was called away on January 12, 1891, and

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Ethel Lucretia died April 15, 1901, at the age of twenty-three. Although Mr. Kimerly has never never sought political office, he invariably mani- fests a lively interest in the issues of the day, re- garding them from a Republican view point. His energies are directed principally to improvements of his valuable ranch, comprising twenty miles of fence, eight miles of ditches, and another in pro- cess of construction eleven miles in length. Ile has about $3,500 invested in comfortable and com- modious buildings.

TICKOLAS KESSLER (deceased) will long be N remembered by the pioneer residents of Hel- ena as one of the remarkable men whose pro- gressive spirit and energy were always in evidence, whether in business or social circles. He was born in Luxemburg, Germany, May 26, 1832, the youngest of six children. His father, whose name was also Nickolas, owned a small farm near Befort, in the grand duchy of Luxemburg, and there, amid picturesque surrounding, young Nickolas was reared and received his early education. At the age of twenty years Mr. Kessler came to the United States, landing at New York on January 10, 1854. His stay in the metropolis was brief, and he pushed westward as far as Detroit, Mich., and obtained work in a grocery store. Mr. Kessler was em- ployed in several towns of northern Michigan and at one time worked in the lumber districts. Reach- ing Chicago, he was for three years quite profit- ably employed in the commission and feed busi- ness in partnership with James McPherson. In the winter of 1859-60 news of the gold discoveries at Pike's Peak floated eastward, and Mr. Kess- ler quickly arranged his affairs and started for Colorado. His small capital was invested in a mine at White gulch, which proved to be only a pocket, and he emerged from his initial experience in mining penniless. After experience in a num- ber of other mining camps without profitable re- sults, in August, 1863, with a few others, he started for Bannack, Mont. The trip was long and dan- gerous, and after roughing it for many days he arrived in Virginia City, September 22, 1863, when the boom was at its height and everything in a prosperous condition. Eatables were selling at fabulous prices and Mr. Kessler opened a small bakery and restaurant which he conducted with some profit during the remainder of 1863 and the

following year. It was so successful that Mr. Kessler accumulated sufficient money to enable him to make a trip to Germany. While enjoying himself amid the scenes of his youthful home he received a letter from a Montana friend in Diamond City informing him that the writer had staked a splendid mining claim for him in Confederate gulch, and also informed Mr. Kessler that if he would return the claim would be held until his arrival. Mr. Kessler did return as fast as steam could convey him across the Atlantic, but on his arrival he found that his friend had been unable to hold the property and that it had been "jumped." Then came the Blackfoot city mining boom, still remembered by many Montana pioneers. To that point repaired Mr. Kessler with the intention of building a brewery for Charles Beehrer, of Ne- vada, with whom he had become associated. Work on the building was at once begun, but before its completion it was discovered that the mines were limited in their wealth and the outlook would not warrant its completion. Mr. Kessler then went to Helena and took charge of a brewery owned by Mr. Beehrer, which he purchased in 1865, and from that date the business has been known as the Kessler brewery. From time to time the plant was enlarged until now it is one of the largest and most perfectly equipped brew- ing establishments in the northwest.

In 1866 Mr. Kessler engaged in the manufacture of brick, and later added sewer pipe and tile, the only establishment of this kind in the state. The business has now grown to be one of the largest industries that Helena can boast of, manufacturing from 2,500,000 to 4,000,000 brick per year. The extensive plant also manufactures paving brick, fancy and ornamental flower pots and vases. These goods are sold largely in this state and Idaho. Besides these interests Mr. Kessler was also a large holder of realty, mines, farms and stock. He was a director of the recently reorganized Na- tional Bank of Montana and president of the Cas- cade Land Company.

Politically Mr. Kessler was a Republican and served in the territorial legislature in 1873. Fra- ternally he was a member of the Masons, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Sons of Hermann, and was president of the Mon- tana Pioneer Society for one year. In 1873 Mr. Kessler was married to Miss Louisa Ebert, a na- tive of New York city. Mrs. Kessler's death occurred in 1880, leaving two sons and a daughter,

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Charles N., Frederick E. and Matilda. The death of Mr. Kessler occurred on December 11, 1901, and was a sad blow to the city of Helena as well as to his immediate friends and relatives. Few men have contributed more to the industrial prog- ress of Helena than did Nickolas Kessler. The personal characteristics of Mr. Kessler were gen- iality, kindness of heart and a strong sense of private and public duty. The following tribute to his memory taken from the Helena Independent is a truthful reflex of public sentiment over his untimely death :

"The saddest news Helena people have heard in many a long time they received yesterday, when it became known that "Nick" Kessler (as every- one knew him) was dead. For some time Mr. Kessler had complained of not feeling well, and he planned to make a visit to California this winter. About a week ago he was too ill to come into town, and while many of his close friends knew that he was sick, it was not thought he was dangerously ill. His immediate family did not think so either. His sons and daughter have been untiring in their attentions to him while he was confined to his home, but they could not realize that his condition was serious. But yes- terday morning about 6 o'clock the end came. Four hours previously he had a bad attack, and his physician, Dr. Wm. Treacy, was summoned. But his skill was unavailing. After the first at- tack Mr. Kessler became unconscious, then ral- lied a bit, relapsed again into unconsciousness and then went off into a quiet sleep from which he never awoke, and it was such a passing away as seemed fitting to the ending of a good man's life-quiet, painless, peaceful.

"It is probable that the death of no other inan in Helena would have occasioned such universal regret as has that of Nickolas Kessler. For thir- ty-eight years he lived in this community and dur- ing all of that time he was a potent factor in the business life of the community. In every rela- tion of life-husband, father, business associate and man of affairs-he was tried, and in each of them he acquitted himself so well that yesterday the unanimous voice of the people was that Hel- ena had lost one of the best citizens she had ever possessed. In all of the years he lived in this community it is doubtful if he made an enemy. Honest in every dealing, considerate of others, and always willing to take his share of the mis- fortunes which came to those who take an act-

ive part in affairs, his was a proud record. He was an old-timer, and with them he was popular and well-beloved; the new-comers always found him ready to lend his assistance in any legitimate en- terprise. He saw many of the boys and girls grow up into manhood and womanhood, and they liked him because he always had a pleasant word for them.

"It is the men who have been associated with him in business enterprises who realize what a loss to the city his death is. In all of the years he lived in Helena he was ever foremost in every- thing that looked to the upbuilding of the city. When it was proposed to build branch railroad lines from Helena, Mr. Kessler was among the leaders who were ready to subscribe money for the enterprise, and a most liberal contributor. When the hard times came and the men who had been the most progressive and enterprising were the hardest hit, Mr. Kessler did not escape, but he always had a cheerful smile and he did not try to save himself by putting his burden on others. Instead he was lenient with those whom leniency would assist in giving a chance to recoup, and he went ahead doing all in his power to bring about good times in the community again. When Col. C. A. Broadwater was a loyal and enthusiastic worker for Helena, and where the dollars of one went for the upbuilding of the city, there the dol- lars of the other could be found."

J ARTHUR HALL .- In the business life of the thriving little city of Big Timber, Sweet Grass county, Mr. Hall occupies a postion of prominence and influence. He is president of the Big Tim- ber National Bank, and the principal factor in its organization. He is yet a young man, but is recognized as an able financier and enjoys the respect and confidence of the public by reason of the honorable and straightforward business policy which he has ever followed. He possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution. Mr. Hall is a native of Nashua, Chickasaw county, Iowa, where he was born on March 24, 1862, being one of the seven children of Jacob D. and Anna M. (Brooks) Hall, both of whom were born in the old Empire state. In 1856 the father removed with his family to Nashua, Iowa, where he erected the first frame building in the town.

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He engaged in farming near the little pioneer village, wherein he retained his residence, and witnessed the progress of the place to an at- tractive town of considerable importance. In the public schools of his native town J. Arthur Hall received his preliminary education and continued his studies until 1878, when he matriculated in the Upper Iowa University at Fayette, and there completed his education. Mr. Hall entered upon his business career by taking a position in a lum- ber and grain commission house, but at the ex- piration of six months he resigned to accept a position in the Commercial Bank at Milford, Dick- inson county, Iowa, where he remained three years and thus acquired a thorough and intimate knowl- edge of banking methods and the details of count- ing-house operations. He was then offered a posi- tion in the Sac County State Bank, at Sac City, which he accepted and served efficiently as cashier for three years. In 1891 he came to Big Timber, Mont., effected the organization of the Big Timber National Bank, and served as cashier until 1898, when he was elected president and has since been at the head of the institution. As chief executive he has administered the affairs of the bank with signal ability, giving to the institu- tion prestige as a solid and well conducted mone- tary establishment. The bank began operations in a somewhat modest way, but its business has steadily increased and it now carries deposits amounting to more than $300,000. In 1893 Mr. Hall became prominently identified with the sheep industry in Sweet Grass county, having had at times as many as 20,000 head on the range. He is also president of the Midland Coal & Lumber Company, with headquarters at Big Timber, the corporation being of recent organization but one that contemplates extensive operations. The bank building is one of the finest structures in the town, having been specially erected therefor in 1897. The building is of stone and is thoroughly metro- politan in design and equipments.

In politics Mr. Hall renders allegiance to the Republican party, but has never sought or desired official preferment. When in 1895 the bill was passed creating Sweet Grass county, Mr. Hall was one of the chief supporters and promoters of the act. In 1896 he received the nomination for state senator, but refused the honor on the grounds that the exactions of his business would not justify the acceptance. In 1899 he was ap- pointed one of the commissioners to whom was as-

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Progressive men of the state of Montana, pt 2, Part 74

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