Stories and Stones

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MISSOULA CITY CEMETERY

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STORIES AND STONES

Photo Courtesy of: Vicki Correia

A historical journey through Missoula's past.

This booklet was compiled and printed by Missoula City Cemetery as an informational booklet for individual use. Missoula City Cemetery is a department of the City of Missoula in Missoula, Montana.

Questions and comments should be directed to: Missoula City Cemetery 2000 Cemetery Road Missoula, Montana 59802 Phone: (406) 552-6070

Email staff to: [email protected]  Request information from burial records for genealogy purposes.  Contribute life histories and photos. Note: Items submitted to the cemetery become public record and may be published on our website, guidebooks, or used in future tours.  Inquire about grave or niche purchases, annual flower boxes or beds, and monument services.  Arrange for future or at need interments.

On our website you’ll find: http://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/91/Cemetery  Interment and memorial registries and maps of grave locations.  Biographies, tour guidebooks, photos, and links to video presentations (as available.)  Grave and niche purchase information, fees, and cemetery regulations.  Services offered such as monument cleaning and leveling, site repair, annual flower beds and boxes.

Additional cemetery tour guidebooks available:  Missoula County Sheriffs. Thirteen colorful stories of taming Missoula’s Wild West.  Missoula Mayors. Twenty-six stories of Missoula’s leadership and development.

Video story presentations (as available):  MCAT has provided online video presentations of stories. Visit the Missoula City Cemetery website for the link.

Thank you for your continued generous donations that make Missoula City Cemetery’s historical tours possible.

Contents NOTABLE HISTORIES ...... 6 Missoula City Cemetery (1884-present) ...... 6 Missoula Burial Sites (1800s-present) ...... 7 Symbolism ...... 12 Cemetery Traditions...... 13 Cemetery Folklore – The Lighter Side of the Grave ...... 14 Funeral Directors ...... 15 Fun Facts ...... 16 Storyteller Map ...... 17 LIFE HISTORIES ...... 18 Jacob Alles (1868-1937) ...... 18 Daniel Edward Bandmann (1840-1905) ...... 19 Henry "Hank" Butler Beaman (1848-1897) ...... 21 Harry Oscar “H. O.” Bell (1884-1971) ...... 23 Forrest V. “Red” Bex (1924 - 2003) ...... 24 Golden Bibee (1884-1976) ...... 25 Edward L. Bonner (1834-1902) ...... 27 John B. Catlin (1837-1917)...... 28 Will Cave (1863-1954) ...... 30 Civil War and the Grand Army of the Republic ...... 31 Jean Clark (1910-1997)...... 32 Hazel Simonton (1912-1997) ...... 32 Wallace Nichols Clark, Sr. (1916-1990) ...... 33 Oscar J Craig (1846-1911) ...... 35 Jerrold “Jerry” “Hog” Daniels (1941-1982) ...... 36 Deschamps Family ...... 37 Emma Slack Dickinson (1838-1926) ...... 38 William H. H. Dickinson (1840-1910) ...... 39 Joseph Moore Dixon (1867-1934) ...... 40 Josephine Dukes (1835-1903)...... 41 Louis Fred Effinger (1878-1921) ...... 42 Lee Elliott (1892-1964) & Bessie Elliott (1894-1980) ...... 43 Jim Flansburg (1904-1988) ...... 44 Garnet, Montana (est. 1895) ...... 45 Albert John “A. J.” Gibson (1862-1927) ...... 48 3

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Mary Bown Gibson (1870-1927) ...... 49 Mary Gleim (1845-1914) ...... 50 Greek Community ...... 51 Thomas Greenough (1852-1911) ...... 52 Juliet M. Gregory (1896-1990) ...... 53 Haakon Kristian Hauge (1862-1912) ...... 54 Christopher P. Higgins (1830-1889) ...... 56 Kirby Grant Hoon (1941-1985) ...... 57 William H. Houston (1853-1937) ...... 58 Japanese Railroad Burials ...... 59 Jewish Community...... 61 James Henry “Nez Perce” Jones (1844-1926) ...... 62 Daniel Kendall (1847-1898) ...... 63 Joseph Kogan (1910-2006) ...... 64 John Henry “Jack” LaShell (1854 - 1910) ...... 66 John Lehsou (1840 - 1921) ...... 68 Thomas Lewis (1843-1911) ...... 69 Clara Maclean (1872-1952) ...... 70 John William Martin (1922-2005) ...... 71 George Thomas McCullough (1858-1938) ...... 72 Leah H. Smith Strothman Mott (1861-1903) ...... 73 Louis Henry Mott (1855-1904) ...... 74 Wayne Nance (1955-1986) ...... 74 Norwegian Community ...... 75 Anna Lester O’Keefe (1834-1900) ...... 76 Edgar S. Paxson (1852-1919) ...... 77 Nels C. Peterson (1878-1969) ...... 78 David Polson (1826-1900) ...... 79 Emma Hansen Randolph (1877-1956)...... 80 William Henry Randolph (1872-1956) ...... 81 Jeannette Rankin (1880-1973) ...... 81 Paul Albro Read (1899-1933) ...... 82 Rodney Salisbury (1888-1938) ...... 84 Frederick Scheuch (1871-1954) ...... 86 Herman Schnitzmeyer (1879-1939) ...... 87 Nels Seadin (1875-1939) ...... 88 Ralph Starr (1895-1961) ...... 89 4

Josephine Graf Stepanzoff (1905-1993) ...... 90 August Trautwein (1862-1885)...... 91 Rosanna Ireland Miller VanAlstine (1853-1936) ...... 91 Hezekiah Vandorn (1823-1903) ...... 93 George Ernest Veuve (1843?-1916) ...... 93 Wilma Theatre History ...... 94 Frank H. Woody (1833-1916)...... 96 Sarah Elizabeth “Lizzie” Countryman Woody (1853-1919) ...... 96 Francis “Frank” Worden (1830-1887) ...... 97 ACKNOWLEGEMENTS ...... 99

**Note: Information provided in this booklet was compiled from family members, cemetery records, funeral records, obituaries, newspaper archives, and public documents located at Missoula County Records Management, Missoula County Clerk and Recorder, Missoula Public Library, Mansfield Library collections, and various archival websites. All effort was made to note the individuals who have donated research and/or photos to make these histories and biographies as complete as possible.

Individual written and video histories can be found on the Missoula City Cemetery website (www.ci.missoula.mt.us/cemetery) Video presentations of these stories are also available for sale or play request at MCAT (406) 542-6228.

NOTABLE HISTORIES Missoula City Cemetery (1884-present)  1884-Missoula Valley Improvement Company. On December 1, 1884 four prominent area businessmen formed a corporation named Missoula Valley Improvement Company. The Certificate for Incorporation said the corporation was established for the purposes of “buying and selling lands and laying out same for cemetery and other purposes.” The corporation was formed with $10,000 in capital stock divided into two hundred shares valued at $50 per share. The 1905 Stone Gates original document noted the corporation was to exist for twenty years and was to be managed by a four member board of trustees listed as and signed by: Frank H. Woody, William H. H. Dickinson, Dr. Isadore E. Cohn, and Judge Thomas C. Marshall. Dickinson and Cohn soon sold their interests to Frank L. Worden and Andrew B. Hammond. The corporation dissolved in 1901 shortly after selling the cemetery to the city.  1884-Railroad land sale. On December 6, 1884 the Montana Division of Northern Pacific Railroad Company sold a portion of land “lying north of the Right of Way of the Northern Pacific Railroad of S17-T13N-R19W” consisting of “14 acres, more or less” to Frank H. Woody for $168. (No corporate minutes can be found to specify why this deed of sale was made to Woody instead of the corporation but speculation is simply the timing of incorporation in conjunction with the timing of the land sale.)  1884-Woody land sale. On January 24, 1885 Frank H. and (his wife) Lizzie Woody re-sold the purchased railroad land to Missoula Valley Improvement Company for the original purchase price of $168.  1885-Survey and plat recorded. Missoula County Surveyor, H. V. Wheeler, was commissioned by Missoula Valley Improvement Company in December 1884 to survey and plat the proposed cemetery land. His official record was filed with Missoula County on January 21, 1885. The plat showed a triangular section of land. The location was stated as approximately three miles northwest of the city center of Missoula in the Montana Territory. The cemetery was listed on the survey as Missoula City Cemetery; however, other references at this time show the name as Missoula Valley Cemetery.  Design. The initial survey plotted the land into block sections. Roads were placed along the outside boundaries with one set at a diagonal angle through the middle of the cemetery. Numerous alleyways were placed in each block. The alleyways were designed to accommodate horse and carriage including some larger square and circular hitching stations. As the cemetery expanded, many of the alleyways were abandoned and separated into additional gravesites. It is believed the cemetery also used those original alleyways for irrigation lines due to pieces of black piping found during some grave preparations.  Naming roads and alleyways. From the inception of the cemetery, roads and alleyways were given a very clear, distinct naming structure. • Virtues. The original triangular section of cemetery land is bordered by roadways named for the three Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope, and Charity. Two perpendicular roadways within this border follow the religious naming convention with Laurel and Rose streets. • Trees. Roadways laid out from west to east were named after trees. (Beech, Pine, Spruce, etc.) • Flowers. Alleyways for accessing various cemetery sections laid out north to south were named after flowers. (Daisy, Lilac, Hyacinth, etc.) Over time these alleyways were omitted and used for additional burial sites. • Directional. By the 1917 plat map a new section of land to the north was surveyed for cemetery purpose. This section was bordered using directional names: South, West, and North. The tree and flower naming convention was still in use at this time, however, the cemetery was evolving in other ways: • Graves, roads, and alleyways were eliminated to form a plaza in the original triangular section. Today that plaza is home to a large fountain, columbarium walls, and flower gardens. • “Hitching squares” were placed on the plat map designating where visitors were to tie their horses and buggies. By 1925 automobile accommodations were made by eliminating the hitching squares and incorporating large circular roundabouts at various road intersections throughout the cemetery.

 1901–Garden City Cemetery. On March 16, 1901 the cemetery land was sold to the City of Missoula for one dollar. The City Council passed Ordinance #109 of acceptance and appointed the first Board of Trustees to manage the care of the cemetery. An undated letter prior to this transfer required the current cemetery trustees to “raise by public subscription the money necessary to place a permanent supply of water to said cemetery.” Newspaper clippings show this was accomplished in conjunction with the fairgrounds water line. At that time the fairgrounds were located west of the cemetery toward the entrance to the Grant Creek Valley.  Board of Trustees. The City of Missoula appointed six trustees to govern cemetery operations. Those trustees were Samuel Bellew, Harriet Keith, Lizzie Mills, E. A. Winstanley, Lizzie Woody, and Lucinda Worden. (Most of these original trustees forever reside in the cemetery today.) One of the first actions of business taken by this group was to change the cemetery name to better reflect the growth and importance of the city. The cemetery would forevermore be known as Missoula City Cemetery. The Missoula City Cemetery Board of Trustees is the longest active board in the history of the City of Missoula. The City also recognizes Mary Lou Cordis for over 45+ years of service on the Cemetery Board of Trustees. A memorial bench in her honor sits in our new columbarium plaza on North Avenue.  1905. Stone pillars with rod iron gates mark the original cemetery entrance. One pillar is engraved “1905.” No records have yet been found regarding their placement or dedication. The width between the pillars is quite narrow as it was designed for horse and wagon to pass through.  Size. Numerous purchases, exchanges, and donations of land occurred between 1884 and the mid-1950’s. Missoula City Cemetery now consists of approximately 40 acres developed and 40 acres undeveloped land. The cemetery holds over 21,000 interments and memorials. Missoula City Cemetery remains one of the largest cemeteries in the state and is at the forefront in beauty, maintenance, customer service, record automation, and public access to records..  Availability. Missoula City Cemetery offers a variety of graves for casket and/or cremation interments that accommodate a flush or upright monument. An economical option for cremation is a niche in one of our columbarium walls. We also offer a dedicated veteran section for veterans and their spouses, and an area for custom-built mausoleums. Please contact the cemetery office to review all the available options.  Services. Missoula City Cemetery continues to expand service options that keep this historic cemetery relevant, usable, and sustainable for future generations. The public has been highly receptive to the monument cleaning and leveling services implemented in 2018. Watch for other new service projects coming in the near future.  History Interpretive Sign Project. Missoula City Cemetery is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. In 2019, The Montana History Foundation awarded Missoula City Cemetery a matching grant to install six interpretive signs along with a cemetery information sign. The interpretive signs were chosen from stories within this guidebook. Missoula City Cemetery hopes to expand this project to include more interpretive signs in the near future.

Missoula City Cemetery belongs to the public and is rich with history of the land, the people, and the development of Missoula.

Researched by Mary Ellen Stubb, Missoula City Cemetery Administrative Manager. Information sources: original land transaction documents, original surveyed plat maps, and historical cemetery documents on file with Missoula City Cemetery, City of Missoula, Missoula County, and the Mike and Maureen Mansfield Library.

Missoula Burial Sites (1800s-present) Prior to establishing formal cemeteries in Missoula, burials occurred throughout the valley alongside wagon trails and rail lines, on the family homestead, and in outlying areas near town. By 1884 Missoula City Cemetery was formally established as Missoula’s public cemetery option and St. Mary’s Cemetery, established in the same year, was the Catholic congregation cemetery option. Some families disinterred Burial marker found in field off Mullan Rd. individuals from their original locations and moved them to one of the two newly established cemeteries. Many others buried throughout the valley remained in place

7 and their gravesites have simply disappeared with time. As development grew, many times bones were unearthed denoting a burial site of some kind. Records of early burials are scarce if documented at all resulting in many “unknowns”.

Missoula City Cemetery has a similar mystery. A common question remains unanswered, “Who was the first person buried in the cemetery?” An undated stone lies within the cemetery inscribed “In Memory of John R. Reynolds, First Person Buried in This Cemetery.” To date, no record of this individual has ever been found.

Below are a few of the more well-known burial sites in the Missoula valley:  Prescott School – Prescott School sits at the base of Mount Jumbo and the entrance to the Rattlesnake Valley. Early Missoula had a substantial population of Chinese immigrants who lived and established businesses in this location. Chinese have profound and legendary respect for their ancestors which led them to choose an area with a clear and prestigious view of the Missoula valley for their final resting place. Records state the Chinese regularly buried in this location as early as 1883 and maintained a secondary burial site a short distance away on Poplar Street. No documentation has been found to determine the exact number of gravesites that were “covered up” with the later development of the area. Likewise, no documentation has been found showing any of those bodies were ever moved elsewhere. In 1937 excavation work to level Cherry Street unveiled a silver handled casket which contained silk trousers, kimono, shoes and a brick that read “Foo Lim is buried here” written in Chinese. It is unknown what happened to that casket.  Rattlesnake School – Rattlesnake School sits about two miles up the Rattlesnake Valley and is located above a documented burial ground. Missoula County’s Poor Farm and Pest House regularly buried there. It is believed some of the buried were removed from the site and re-interred in the Missoula City Cemetery; however, this information has not been fully researched. Today, a memorial plaque sits outside the school in Pineview Park to pay tribute to the sacredness of the site. • Poor Farm / County Hospital – In the early 1880s, Missoula was developing as the ‘Garden City’ and a major industrial hub. Along with the industry came transients and local poor who could not always care for themselves. As these indigents grew in number, citizens petitioned the County Commissioners to find a place to house them so as not to deflect from Missoula’s ‘quality of life’. Henry C. Hollenbeck sold the County 40 acres in the lower Rattlesnake to develop housing and care facilities for this group. A Pauper’s Application for County aid was necessary for admittance onto the farm. Length of stay depended on individual circumstances. Most residents had physical, emotional, or addiction disorders. Residents were given three meals a day, shelter, and medical attention. Able workers assisted the resident superintendent with chores on the farm. Those who died on the property were buried there. Funeral records in 1987 stated approximately 1,000 individuals were buried under the current school baseball field. Burials ceased in the mid-1920s. The Poor Farm burned down in 1936 and was not re-built. • County Pest House – was virtually the only public health program in early Missoula. Small houses were used to quarantine people with contagious diseases, small pox being the most dreaded. The walls were built of two thicknesses of brick with iron shutters on the windows. The purpose of the precautionary measures can only be surmised since most of the patients sent there were too weak to need such restraints. Family members left food and supplies outside the doors. Upon death the rooms were quickly and completely scrubbed and disinfected in preparation for the next resident.  Missoula County Cemetery – The current Rimrock Apartment buildings on Missoula’s north side were once the site of Missoula County Cemetery. This cemetery was established December 1, 1939 as a replacement option for pauper burials after the Poor Farm burned down. Missoula City Cemetery trustees did not want this new cemetery so they took action by sending a letter to the county commissioners agreeing to lower pauper burial rates and accept the re-interment of the few bodies buried in the county’s cemetery. Terms were accepted and Missoula County Cemetery was vacated on December 3, 1940 by Missoula County Commissioners: H. P. Glasscock, L. M. Felton, and J. D. Finefrock. Stucky Bricker Funeral Home handled the dis-interment, transfer, and re-interment of the cemetery’s eight bodies to Missoula City Cemetery in July 1940.  Safeway Store on West Broadway Street – During 1950 a small Indian bone skeleton packed in a wooden box with a pocket full of tiny white beads was found. The moccasins were of a three-piece type worn by Indian tribes of the interior and eastern Canada according to the Montana State University anthropologists. It is estimated that the burial preceded the founding of Missoula by several decades. Local legend notes many other Indian burial grounds located throughout the Missoula valley. 8

 South Higgins Avenue and Pattee Creek – At the base of Whitaker Hill was ranch land owned by Christopher P. Higgins. The family fenced a small section of pasture land and meticulously cared for their private family cemetery for many years. Eventually Higgins descendants began selling ranch land for continued development of Missoula. The bodies of Higgins family members were dis-interred in 1914 to their permanent resting site in Missoula City Cemetery. A large monument inscribed with “Higgins” sits in the middle of the gravesites surrounded by small cement markers depicting where each member lies. • Left Behind. One body from the Higgins cemetery was “left behind” in 1914. Eighteen year old Alfred McConnell worked on the ranch. He was bitten by a tick while plowing and died from Rocky Mountain spotted fever on May 20, 1889. He was buried in the Higgins family cemetery. The McConnell family cared for Alfred’s gravesite until the war caused the family to leave Missoula. Around 1950 Alfred’s headstone was found in a shed at the local city hall. How it arrived there was a mystery. The headstone remained unclaimed until the 1960s when McConnell relatives arrived in Missoula for the funeral of Alfred’s brother, David S. McConnell. Upon learning of Alfred’s forgotten grave, these descendants set out to correct the situation. Their original plan to dis-inter Alfred’s casket after almost 80 years was discouraged by local officials. Instead, a bucket of earth was taken from the original grave location, the wayward headstone retrieved from city hall, and both were ceremoniously placed between the graves of Alfred’s parents who were already buried in Missoula City Cemetery.  Fort Missoula Post Cemetery – Missoula’s oldest cemetery still in operation today lies at Historical Fort Missoula. Fort Missoula Post Cemetery consists of one acre and was established in 1878. At that time Fort Missoula was a bustling military post full of soldiers and their families. An acre of land was set aside for the cemetery and outlined with a crude wood corral fence. In 1905 the military took action to care for the cemetery after the local newspapers ran a story stating the cemetery was a disgrace to the military. At that time, the army replaced the crude post fencing with the wrought iron fencing that exists today. Fresh soil was spread over the weeds, boulders, and shallow gravesites. Trees were planted, grass was sown, dilapidated board markers were replaced with marble stones, and eventually water lines were placed. The cemetery was deeded to Missoula County in 1939 as the army believed Fort Missoula would soon be no longer in operation. Once again the cemetery fell into disrepair. The army reclaimed ownership and care of the cemetery in the 1960s through present day. As of 2011 there were 264 individuals buried there. Fort Missoula Post Cemetery will continue to bury veterans until it reaches its quota of just under 500 graves. Those eligible for burial in the cemetery must be veterans with a lifetime of service or who died in active duty or who are documented with a 100% service-related disability. Historians and researchers have placed historical documentation regarding the cemetery and its residents on file at Fort Missoula Historical Museum and the Mike and Maureen Mansfield Library. • Unknown Soldier. An unnamed marker dated 1860 places a soldier’s death before the cemetery was established. It is believed this soldier was originally buried at Fort Ellis near Bozeman, Montana. If the date is correct, this soldier would have served in the War of Mexico (1846-1848). Upon military orders to abandon Fort Ellis, the final 37 unclaimed bodies were unceremoniously exhumed, shipped, and re-buried in Fort Missoula Post Cemetery. It was March, 1887, when this soldier’s casket and wooden head board arrived at its final resting site. The soldiers brought from Fort Ellis can easily be detected in the post cemetery because all their monuments list their service in the Second Cavalry whereas Missoula was not a cavalry post. • Sergeant Bozo - the dog. One small broken marker in the cemetery has caused great controversy. Some believe it to be the final resting place of Sergeant Bozo – the dog. Sergeant Bozo was three weeks old when he was commissioned into service as the mascot for Fort Missoula. At four years old he was promoted to the rank of honorary master sergeant and adopted by the men of the Fourth Infantry. Sergeant Bozo tragically was killed October 23, 1940 when he was struck by a Conservation Corps truck near the guardhouse. Local newspapers throughout the state ran tributes to the dog. The military stated the beloved dog was given full military honors and laid to rest “in a place of honor” at the post. His footprints and name are scratched into the cement step in front of the powder magazine. No proof has been found that the small broken marker is the actual site of the dog’s burial. Disagreement continues as to its possibility. Government officials remain firm that rules were followed and no animal burials were ever allowed in the cemetery. Researchers define the description “a place of honor” at the fort would have been in only one of two places: under the flag pole or in the post cemetery. Then again, could the beloved dog have been placed near his name and prints? No documentation has ever been found to confirm or refute the burial location. The government has its own mystery as there remains no record of a 9

burial in this site, yet it clearly has a marker. The small broken marker has few clues to aid in solving this mystery except the signs of its longevity on this sacred location.  St. Mary’s Cemetery – is the only cemetery in Missoula devoted to the Catholic congregation. It was established in 1884. When Father L. B. Paladino arrived in Missoula in 1873, he was intent on “solemnizing” life’s major passages of birth, marriage, and death. Father Paladino was revered for establishing the first Catholic school and Providence Hospital in Missoula. The Catholic Diocese officially purchased the cemetery on February 11, 1901 for $100. Original restrictions allowed burial rites for only those in good standing with the Catholic Church. In fear of filling the historic cemetery, the diocese purchased additional cemetery land from the City of Missoula. St. Mary’s Cemetery old and new annex actively conduct burials today. A few notable names from the 7,600 interments in St. Mary’s Cemetery are: • Frank Cooney (1872-1935) - Montana’s 9th Governor noted for reforming state liquor laws and establishing a water conservation program. • Richard Hugo (1823-1982) – A renowned poet and author who taught creative writing at the University of Montana. • Cornelius “Baron” O’Keefe (1827-1893) – A most colorful pioneer and self-proclaimed royal who was exiled from his home country, removed from office as Montana Territory commissioner, and who pioneered land near Evaro Hill, Montana.  The University of Montana – This area was an active Indian camping ground so burials were common across the campus area. In 1952, boys were digging a cave in an embankment west of Maurice Avenue when they unearthed the remains of a 35-year-old Indian woman buried with tribal ritual from around 1850. The local newspaper reported, “Hundreds of ornamental beads, some brass jewelry, and fragments of dyed buckskin clothing accompanied the body. A portion of the woman’s hand was mummified by a large ring of coiled brass wire wrapped about a center finger. A piece of abalone shell was also found near the body, indicating that the woman’s tribe was in contact with west coast inhabitants. Tribal ceremonial burial was apparently indicated by several small animal bones found near the head of the Indian skeleton.”  Grant Creek – This area was a well-known Indian burial ground. Prior to the development of the area, the hillsides were littered with Indian relics and signs of burial rituals. As late as 2005 Missoula City Cemetery was notified of the unearthing of ancient bones by contractors during excavation on the site of the new Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation headquarters.  Sunset Memorial Gardens – is located west of Missoula on Mullan Road. It is Missoula’s only privately owned cemetery. It sits on a rise overlooking the Missoula valley adjacent to the location of the first trading post established in 1860 by C. P. Higgins and Frank Woody. Sunset officially opened for business on December 31, 1953 with its first interment for Mary Van Houten. From inception, Sunset Memorial Gardens envisioned a new type of cemetery service for the Missoula area. • Flush cemetery. Sunset broke with tradition and is dedicated to lawn level markers instead of the traditional upright monuments found in most cemeteries. • 1978-Crematory. Sunset opened the first crematory in western Montana. Prior to that, funeral directors transported deceased individuals to Spokane, Washington for cremation. • 1984-Columbarium. Sunset built its first columbarium for niche interments. • 1986-Mausoleum. Sunset built the first mausoleum building in western Montana designed for crypt entombments. • 1988-Funeral Home. A funeral home was opened on-site at the cemetery. A few notable names from the 8,200 of interments in Sunset Memorial Cemetery are: • Doolittle Raiders. David Thatcher, an Army Air Force gunner who was decorated for helping to save the lives of four severely wounded fellow crewmen in the Doolittle Raid on Japan of April 1942, America’s first strike against the Japanese homeland in World War II died on June 22, 2016 in Missoula, Montana. He was 94 and the next –to-the-last survivor among the mission’s 80 members. Corporal Thatcher, a 20- year-old from Montanan, manned a pair of .50-caliber guns in the raid, retaliating for Japan’s bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Like all the raiders, he volunteered for what was described only as “a dangerous mission, the details to come later.” Returning from the raid, the bomber crashed into the sea just off an island on China’s eastern coast. The crewmen survived, in no small part, because of Corporal Thatcher’s aid. The ordeal was recounted in the 1943 bestseller Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo by Lt. Lawson. As cited in James M. Scott’s book Target Tokyo (2015), Colonel James H. Doolittle told Corporal Thatcher’s parents that “all the plane’s crew were saved from either capture or death as a result 10

of this initiative and courage in assuming resonsiblity and in tending the wounded himself day and night.” Corporal Thatcher was awarded the Silver Star for valor. David Jonathan Thatcher was born on July 31, 1921 in Bridger, Montana. • Country Legend. Lloyd D. “Doug” Dugger was buried at Sunset on June 1, 2005. As a Missouri youth he sang and played banjo. In 1946 he left naval service and moved to Missoula, Montana. His musical break came when he attended a show by country artist T. Texas Tyler and was asked to come on stage to play with the band. He was hired and toured with the band until 1956. Doug joined the ABC television network as the host of the talent search show “Ozark Jubilee.” Doug was an old-time country crooner and songwriter whose religious style of music led him to be dubbed the “Chaplain of Country Music.” In 2003 Doug Dugger was inducted into the Country Legends Association Hall of Fame as a “living legend.” • Baha’i Sect. Dr. Leland Jensen was buried at Sunset on August 8, 1996. Dr. Jensen was a third generation Baha’i. In 1960 he was excommunicated from the mainstream Baha’i community. He formed his own sect “Baha’i’s Under the Provisions of the Covenant” (BUPC). In 1959 Dr. Jensen served a short prison sentence. While incarcerated he believed he was chosen by God. His religion focused on natural and manmade disasters in the Bible. He believed he had been gifted with the ability to predict the end of the world. One such nuclear holocaust prediction made national headlines in 1980 when Dr. Leland led a group of followers into a fallout shelter in Missoula to await the end of the earth. Dr. Jensen believed all of his predictions came to fruition. His explanation was “the prophecy was fulfilled spiritually or physically but simply not in the manner expected.”  Western Montana Veterans Cemetery – is located in the Target Range area on Tower Street. WMVC is Missoula’s newest cemetery. A September 11, 2008 dedication ceremony, filled with an abundance of military pomp and circumstance and attended by hundreds of individuals, marked the opening. The State of Montana owns and operates two other veteran cemeteries, one in Helena and one in Miles City. WMVC consists of 14 acres developed and 10 acres undeveloped and is currently home to 1,226 veterans and their spouses. All major military conflicts since World War One are represented there:

1 - WWI (1914-1918) 289 - Vietnam War (1955-1975) 8 - Iraq War (2003-2011) 415 - WWII (1939-1945) 13 - Operation Desert Storm (1990-1991) 4 - Afghanistan (2001-present) 260 - Korean War (1950-1953) 260 – Served during peace time 353 – Spouses & 3 Children *Data updated on 7/22/2019

The establishment of WMVC was a long awaited dream of area veterans. In fact, numerous veterans left written instructions over the years for their families to hold or move their remains to Missoula once the cemetery became a reality. The cemetery contains numerous niche walls but it is the white marble military markers in direct alignment that bring a sense of real pride to the community.  First Burial. One month after the grand opening the very public first burial occurred. Steve Koski was 83 years old when he began writing letters to petition the military and Montana politicians to establish a veteran cemetery in Missoula. Koski was a veteran of WWII and served with the Army’s Merrill’s Marauders. He passionately believed that Missoula’s size and military history warranted a veteran cemetery for western Montana. Prior to his death, he left written instruction to hold his remains until his vision came to fruition and he could be placed in Missoula’s very own veteran cemetery. Koski was given honorary placement in the first niche on the top row of the first columbarium wall known as Plot A-1.  WWI Burial. William A. Hover was a WWI veteran and had died almost thirty years prior to the opening of WMVC. That did not prevent his family from placing their family veterans in the new prestigious veteran cemetery. In January 2009 Hover descendants placed the remains of William A. Hover (WWI veteran), his spouse Ercell G. Hover, and their son, William G. Hover (WW II veteran) alongside each other in a touching ceremony of honor.

Researched by Mary Ellen Stubb, Missoula City Cemetery Administrative Manager.. Information sources: Historian - Wally Long, original plat maps, local historical researchers, archived news articles, and historical cemetery documents on file with Missoula City Cemetery, Western Montana Veterans Cemetery, Sunset Memorial Gardens, City of Missoula, Missoula County, and the Mike and Maureen Mansfield Library.

Symbolism Cemeteries are a rich source of information and art. Most historical information is located in the form of paper documentation maintained in the cemetery office. Historical artwork, however, is depicted throughout the cemetery grounds in the shape, size, and engravings found on each monument. Monuments shapes and their engraved symbols each tell a story about the deceased individual: ethnicity, religion, association membership, occupation, genealogy, hobbies, cultural beliefs, and historical events.

Missoula City Cemetery contains a plethora of symbolism in its monuments and street names. Watchful eyes will find poetry, short stories, letters, genealogy lineage, photos, hobbies, scripture, occupations, culture, religion, statues, and more. Some symbols are commonly found throughout the cemetery along with two very unique monuments. The meanings of these symbols vary depending on cultural and religious belief. Symbolic meanings that stand out in Missoula City Cemetery are:

 Street Names – Faith, Hope, Charity, Laurel, and Rose each represent special meanings. o Faith – Belief in God. o Hope – Belief in not despairing with expectation of something better waiting. o Charity – Selfless, unconditional, and voluntary loving kindness. o Laurel – Tokens of peace, quiet. o Rose – Love, beauty. Five roses in a bunch signify the five wounds of Christ.  Monument Symbols o Cross - Belief in God, salvation, redemption, sacrifice o Praying Hands – Prayer o Open Book - the Holy Bible, the Word of God o Ivy - Memory, fidelity o Star of David - Eternal divine protection o Dove - Peace, purity o Wheat sheaves - Eucharist, the body of Christ o Lamb - the Lord as the Good Shepherd, innocence (commonly denotes the grave of a child) o Lily - Purity, marriage, Christ’s resurrection  Occupations and Labor Organizations – each represented by their individual symbols.  Veterans are represented by military monuments noting rank, title, and war service and can be found near the veteran’s monument as well as throughout the grounds.

Missoula City Cemetery is home to many unique monument styles that depict history of events, religion, status, and culture.  Cement markers – Small flat cement markers can be found throughout the cemetery. Cemetery staff poured small flat slabs of cement, roughly stamped a surname and year of death into the cement and then placed the marker on a gravesite for identification purposes. Over the course of the life of the cemetery many of these markers have become overgrown with sod and are only recovered after light probing with a shovel. These markers can be quite deceiving in the stories they tell. The majority of these markers tell tales of poverty, epidemics, or class status. However, others represent the expiration of an entire family, a feud carried to the grave and wealthy individuals forgotten by their descendants. Today many descendants are replacing these old markers with new monuments.  Above ground burial crypts – These burial sites contain the full casket of an individual within a multi-chamber system above ground. Historically, these monuments were built for those with high status or wealth. Many older cemeteries have quite elaborate mausoleum crypts including elaborate buildings the size of many smaller homes. These buildings are decorated with symbolism inside and out. Missoula City Cemetery is home to three relatively modest above ground crypts; two directly across from the cemetery office and one along the north fence line.  Iron cross – An iron cross is located directly across from the cemetery office. This marker was common among the Germans from the Russia area. The Germans migrated to the steppes of Russia where there were no trees; therefore, they made iron markers. No two markers were the same. Generally, markers never noted personal information on them. Only the family was to know who was buried under the cross. This cross is unique because

it has a ceramic plate noting in German that August Trautwein lies there. The iron cross in Missoula City Cemetery is the only one of its kind found in western Montana.  Victorian monument – Missoula City Cemetery is home to only one Victorian momument belonging to Daniel Kendall (1847-1898). Victorian monuments were known for their elaborate symbolism and were placed on graves of highly esteemed or greatly loved individuals. This monument is located directly across from the cemetery office. Its symbololic meanings represent the cultural and religious beliefs of an 1800s family. The monument is covered in the following symbols: o Ivy – eternal memory o Lily – Eve’s tears as she left the Garden of Eden o Anchor – another symbol of the cross o Dove – peace, love o Nest - home o Eggs in nest – rebirth, Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) o Fern – renewal, rebirth o Rope – ladder to Heaven o Tree Trunk – renewal, rebirth o Drapery on urn – mourning, sadness o Forget-me-nots – remembrance o Scroll – petition to God to accept this soul

Researched by Mary Ellen Stubb, Missoula City Cemetery Administrative Manager and Paulette Parpart, Missoula City-County Library genealogist. Information sources: “Stories in Stone” by Douglas Keister and historical cemetery documents on file with Missoula City Cemetery.

Cemetery Traditions Many cemetery traditions have been passed down through generations based on religious and cultural beliefs. The foundation for these traditions was to show displays of respect and honor for the dead. The following are some cemetery traditions found in Missoula City Cemetery.  Not walking on graves. This tradition is still upheld by many of the older visitors to the cemetery. This was thought to be a way to show respect of the dead. However, it actually was more of a cemetery rule than a tradition as the cemetery was designed with wagon roads between each row of graves. People were requested to walk on the roadways rather than on the graves themselves. In early cemeteries the graves tended to be rather ‘shallow’ so it was a wise decision not to walk on the graves just in case a soft spot in the soil caused you to ‘sink’ into the grave somewhat. Walking directly on a grave today is no longer a cardinal sin nor is it a major safety factor as cemeteries are better maintained. This tradition remains one of personal preference.  Indian sagebrush. In areas where sage is available, many traditional Indians still practice this custom. Prior to entering the cemetery grounds, an Indian would take a small piece of sage and stroke it along each side of their face and across their forehead. The scent from the sage provides a calming aura. It is meant to allow an individual to leave all life’s stresses and troubles behind them for the moment and enter the cemetery grounds with a clean, peaceful spirit to pay tribute to their past elders. This custom truly does put you into a calm spirit; maybe we should all start growing sagebrush in our homes and workplaces.  Stones on monuments. The Jewish traditions of placing stones on monuments each time a person visits a grave dates back to the beginning of time when shallow graves were mounded with rocks to protect the site from wild animals. Each time family visited a grave they would bring a bucket of stones with them to repair any damage to the grave. Today, the more traditional Jewish families still maintain this custom by bringing a stone(s) with them and placing them on the monument. Please refrain from removing these stones as they have been placed with care onto their loved one’s grave.  Japanese incense and white carnations. The Japanese tradition of paying homage to their past elders involves the burning of incense sticks and the placing of a white carnation onto the gravesite. Incense sticks are lit and waved across the grave to chase away ill spirits and cleanse the area. A white carnation is placed on the grave as a sign of purification and peace. The Japanese have long standing traditions of visiting known Japanese graves and paying homage to them even though they are not directly related to the individuals buried in the cemetery. The act of respect is applied across all past Japanese individuals. When walking through our Japanese section, the

air at times will smell wonderfully scented after families have visited. Please refrain from removing these items as they have been placed with care onto their past elders’ graves.  Laying flowers on graves. Flowers have traditionally been laid on graves in memory of the dead. In Victorian times flowers were symbolic and had specific meanings. The use of symbols and gestures were a common form of silent communication. Today, however, most flowers are placed as a sentimental gesture rather than for their symbolic meaning.  Other tokens. A watchful eye may see numerous other types of offerings left on a gravesite. You may see toys left on a child’s grave, a local biker’s friends leave beer and cigarettes, a hiker has hiking boots left on his grave, a skier has a ski pole stuck in the ground at the head of his grave. The cemetery has strict regulations as to what is allowed on the grounds and regularly clears the gravesites, however, if you should happen to see items such as these or others, please refrain from removing them as they have been placed with care onto a loved one’s grave and have special meaning for that family.

Researched by Mary Ellen Stubb, Missoula City Cemetery Administrative Manager.

Cemetery Folklore – The Lighter Side of the Grave One man’s superstitions are another man’s beliefs. Many old world traditions and beliefs strictly followed in the past have fallen out of common practice in today’s society. Although some of these beliefs have been dismissed as superstition, others may still be followed but in a more relaxed manner.  Passing a cemetery. A person must hold their breath when passing a cemetery or they will breathe in the spirit of someone who has recently died. Tuck your thumbs into your fists when passing a cemetery to protect your parents.  A bird in the house. If a red-breasted robin flies into a room through a window then death will follow shortly.  A clock. If a clock which has not been working suddenly chimes there will be a death in the family. You will have bad luck if you do not stop the clock in the room when a death occurs.  Open a window. All windows should be opened at the moment of death so the soul may have a speedy journey to the other side.  Lighting of candles. On the night after November 1st a candle should be lit for each deceased relative and placed in a window.  Mirrors. Mirrors in the house with a corpse should be covered or the person who sees himself will die next. If a mirror should fall from the wall and breaks itself then someone in the house will die soon.  Eye twitching. If a person’s left eye twitches there will soon be a death in the family.  Thunder. Thunder following a funeral means the person’s soul has reached heaven.  Pregnant women. Pregnant women attending a funeral and walking on the grave will result in a child with club feet.  Grave. If the person lived a good life, flowers will grow on the grave. If the person was evil, weeds will grow.  Photograph. If three people are photographed together the one in the middle will die first.  Thirteen. If thirteen people sit down at a table to eat one of them will die before the year is over.  Umbrella. Dropping an umbrella on the floor means there will be a murder in the house.  Hearse. A hearse stopping at someone’s door on the way to the funeral is a death omen for the householder.  Collecting epitaphs. Collecting epitaphs from tombstones is unlucky and will result in losing your memory.  Cures. Being near or in an open grave cures all manner of illness including toothache, boils, and incontinence.  Order of burial. The first person buried in a cemetery is unlucky. The last person buried in a cemetery must forever have their spirit stand watch over all the others.  Plants. Tying a piece of black ribbon around plants on someone’s death will prevent the plant from dying too.  Speaking ill of the dead. Never speak ill of the dead or their spirit will come back to haunt you.  Witch. A witch must be buried face down to prevent the community further supernatural spells. If this doesn’t work, unbury them and turn their clothes inside out, then re-bury them face down. This should do the trick.  Crows. One crow = Bad luck. Two crows = Good luck. Three crows = Health. Four crows = Sickness. Five crows = Death.

 Dog howling. If a dog howls three times it means someone is going to die. If a dog howls at night when someone in the house is sick it is a bad omen. This omen can be reversed by reaching under the bed and turning over a shoe.  Bell ringing. When a bell rings it means an angel received their wings.  Dish. An old Mexican belief is that if a dish or pot falls and breaks for no reason, someone in your family is dead.  Removing a corpse. A corpse should be removed from the house feet first to prevent their spirit from looking back into the house and beckoning another member of the family to follow.  Bells on grave. The fear of someone being buried alive led coffin makers to design caskets with an internal chain attached to a bell on the grave. If the person should awake they would pull the bell and alert the community to their premature burial. Hence the saying “For Whom the Bell Tolls.”  Wakes. Bodies were watched over every minute for 3-4 days after death to prevent a premature burial for someone who might simply be in a coma rather than actually dead.  Placement of burial. The deceased lies with their head to the West and their feet to the East. This very old custom comes from both the Pagans who worship the rise and setting of the sun and the Christians who believe the final summons of Judgment will come from the East.  Yawning. Always cover your mouth when yawning to prevent your spirit from leaving and the devil entering.  Procession. It is bad luck to meet a funeral procession head on. If it cannot be avoided then hold onto a button until the procession passes. A funeral procession should never return from the cemetery the same way they came to prevent the spirit of the deceased from following them home again.  Three knocks of death. If you hear three knocks and no one is there it means someone close to you has died.  Spine chills. When you experience a chill up your spine someone has just walked over your future grave site.  Shoes on the table. Leaving shoes on the table will bring sickness and possibly death by hanging.  Hen. Hearing a hen crow means death unless you kill the hen. (Who knew a hen could crow!)  Coffee grounds. If coffee grounds in the bottom of a cup form a long straight line you can anticipate a funeral.  Touching the deceased. If you touch a loved one who has died you won’t have dreams about them.  Tombstones. Some cultures believe placing a tombstone on the grave keeps the ghosts weighed down.  Mazes. Mazes were placed at some cemetery entrances to prevent spirits from returning to the world as it was known that ghosts could only travel in a straight line.

Researched by Mary Ellen Stubb, Missoula City Cemetery Administrative Manager. Funeral Directors The funeral business has changed drastically over the past 100 years. The greatest and most improved area is in record keeping. Missoula is currently home to numerous funeral homes but is very fortunate to have all historical funeral records dating back to the mid-1800s located in one facility. The pre-1900 records, however, are very sketchy and brief. The further into the 1900s, the more family information was recorded. Today, those original paper records remain intact and are being automated for permanent preservation of information.  A good example of record keeping at the funeral homes was in 1901. The records show there were 120 deaths that year with 36 of those being children. The cause of death ranged from pneumonia, infantile (historical medical terms list an “infantile paralysis” or in modern terms “polio” but many records simply note “infantile” with no further description), and meningitis. Many older people died of typhoid fever, Bright’s disease, cholera, spotted fever, and even suicide.  The railroad was a large employer in the community and, of course, had many accidental deaths occur due to the dangerous line of work. Records show the railroad paid funeral expense for all their workers.  Records also show the large number of Missoula men who died defending our country during World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and into today’s modern wars.  In the early days of the funeral business, the funeral director was usually part of another business. For example: Horse drawn hearse • J. M. Lucy. He owned the Lucy Furniture and Carpet store and

served as coroner and funeral director. The store advertisement noted they were “The Largest Wholesale & Retail Furniture Store in the Northwest” with “undertaking in connection.” • C. H. Marsh. He owned Eclipse Livery, Feed & Sale Stables and served as funeral director and embalmer. C. H. Marsh was one of Missoula’s first funeral directors.  Past Funeral Homes. Past funeral homes and funeral directors familiar to Missoulians were: Lucy Funeral Home, Lucy & Sons, Marsh & Powell Mortuary, Lucy-Hayes Funeral Home, Geraghty Funeral Home, Squire- Simmons & Carr, Stuckey Funeral Home, Livingston Chapel, and Livingston-Malletta & Geraghty. Historical burial records from these funeral homes and others have been preserved and are now held in a library collection located at Garden City Funeral Home at 1700 West Broadway Street in Missoula, Montana.  Funeral Services. The majority of early funeral services were held in individual homes. Smaller numbers of services were held in churches. The majority of burials were traditional caskets, however, cremations were found in early funeral records. Bodies were carried to the cemetery in horse drawn hearses. The average service consisted of one hearse unless the individual was very prominent. In that instance, the funeral procession would include two to four carriages.  Until the 1960s the closest crematory was located in Spokane, Washington.

Information provided by Steve Davolt, Funeral Director at Livingston, Malletta, Geraghty Funeral Home. To access historic funeral records, please contact one of the local funeral homes for information.

Fun Facts  Mount Jumbo. The first circus came to Missoula on August 19, 1886. Between shows an elephant escaped from its chains. The giant beast proceeded to curiously explore the surrounding area. A great hunting expedition pursued until the elephant was finally caught. The animal was tied to a tree near the house of Frank Worden. The Worden home was located at the base of the mountain. The mountain was later named Mount Jumbo.  Bathtub. The first bath tub was installed in the home of John Rankin who lived at 134 Madison in Missoula.  Secret Room. Hiram Knowles designed a house full of rooms of many colors at 900 S. 1st in Missoula. He had blue rooms, green rooms, and red rooms but the room that received the most attention was his ‘secret room.’ The ‘secret room’ was for his grandchildren. It was actually a wine cellar that had to be reached by using a dumb waiter.

Researched by Mary Ellen Stubb, Missoula City Cemetery Administrative Manager.

Storyteller Map

LIFE HISTORIES

Jacob Alles (1868-1937) A German Russian who escaped the persecutions of the Russian monarchy by immigrating to America only to find much of the same fear driven society with the outbreak of WWI. Jacob persevered to successfully own and operate one of Missoula’s first garbage services.

 Historical Note: On July 9, 1762, Catherine II assumed leadership of Russia upon the assassination of her husband, Peter III. She became the longest ruling Jacob Alles in later years female leader of Russia and was dubbed “Catherine the Great.” Catherine set out to modernize Russia. Embracing her German heritage, Catherine recruited Germans to settle and develop land along the Volga River. These Germans came to a blank landscape and endured great hardships as they began to shape the land. They were a tight knit group, consisting mostly of farmers, who built churches, homes, and schools. Catherine II’s successors disagreed with many of Catherine’s visions. Upon her death on November 17, 1796, Catherine’s son, Paul I, inherited the throne and immediately set in motion the retraction of many of Catherine II’s policies. One of his first orders of business was to reclaim Russian land for Russians, not Germans. He invoked heavy taxation, then began outlawing everything German including the speaking of the German language. To escape the persecution, those Germans, who were able began, to flee the area.  1868-Birth. May 23, 1868 in Walter Russia in the state of Saratov. Jacob’s parents were German farmers who raised hops, wheat, barley, rye, potatoes, and sugar beets. His family came to Russia in 1768.  1890s-Army. Jacob was one of many young German men drafted into the Russian Army. He was ordered to serve in Poland as part of a Russian peace keeping force. It is unknown Jacob's military photo when or how he left that service.  1894-Marriage. Jacob married his first wife, Katherine Giesick. Together they had four children.  1898-United States. Persecution of the German Russians became intolerable for this young family. Jacob, Katherine, their baby son, George, and one of their nieces immigrated to the United States. They went directly to Lincoln, Nebraska, where Jacob worked for a railroad company that served all the Midwestern states. (The Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad had extensive tracks from Sheridan, Wyoming to St. Louis, Missouri to Chicago, Illinois.)  1906-Death and Marriage. Jacob and Katherine’s family had grown to four children when tragedy struck. Their one-year-old baby boy died from sickness; then soon after, Katherine died of tuberculosis. As a widower left with small children and a need to care for them, he soon married Anna Marie Luft Froesheiser. Anna was a widow with two children of her own. Together, Jacob and Anna would have another six children.  Taxi Business. Jacob acquired a horse and surrey and entered his entrepreneurial stage-running a successful taxi business. His horse was known for its beauty and his surrey for its fringe on the top. Unfortunately, luck was not with him for long.  1910-Fire. Jacob’s entire livelihood literally went up in flames. It is believed a local drunk dropped a lantern at the livery barn where Jacob rented space for his horse and surrey. The entire building was lost including all livestock and equipment housed there. Jacob lost the means to support his ever growing family.  Farming. Jacob returned to his farming roots. He joined a brother in Vassar, Michigan and worked the sugar beets. He later attempted to establish a farm in Glendale, Arizona but soon realized the arid environment was not conducive to sugar beet growing. He moved his family again. This time to Portland, Oregon for four years.  1916-Park City, Montana. Jacob moved his family to Park City, Montana in one final attempt to homestead a farm. Unfortunately he found there was little land to be had and was forced to work for others to support his large family. None of Jacob’s attempts at farming proved successful. Sugar beets required irrigation and a large labor force, of which he had neither.  1918-Flu and WWI. The onset of WWI found Jacob once again a target. This time it was a target of social fear. Germans were viewed as anti-government and strict codes were enforced to ban their language, customs, and beliefs. His children would tell chilling tales of retribution for the slightest offense. Jacob’s English was limited

which now cut off his communication to the outside world. It was his children who taught him to write English from their primers at the dining room table each evening. The tragedy that dogged Jacob soon dealt him a double dose. The flu epidemic of 1918 did not leave his household unscathed. Anna was a strong woman with a large heart. She took it upon herself to aid her fellow neighbors by tending to their illness. Unfortunately, she contracted the disease herself and died on December 14, 1918. Jacob was once again left alone with a houseful of children.  Depression. Throughout the next decade Jacob followed the beets. He moved his family to Billings, Montana and worked in the beet factory. As a second job, he hired out to local farmers. A hard life but needed for his family to simply survive. One by one the children married and left home. As they left, however, they often took one or more younger siblings with them to alleviate some of their father’s burden.  1927-Missoula, Montana. Jacob and his remaining three daughters arrived in Missoula, Montana. The girls were placed in area homes where they worked for room and board until Jacob finally sent them to live with their older married sisters.  1929-Garbage Business. In the year of the great stock market crash, Jacob purchased a horse and wagon. He opened a garbage hauling business. For 25 cents a household could have their garbage hauled, their furnace cleaned, and the ashes disposed. At last Jacob prospered. He purchased his first home on Fifth Street which still stands. He sent word for his young daughters to return home. Eventually, Jacob bought a Ford truck from H.O. Bell. He employed his son Emmanuel (E.J.) Alles, son-in-law Henry Wittman, along with Peter Stickney and Mr. Raymond. The dump was located along the Clark Fork River on the north side of the Orange Street Bridge where the old Fox Theater resided.  1937-Death. Jacob died on October 14, 1937 at his home on Fifth Street in Missoula, Montana. The garbage business was divided and sold. Peter Stickney purchased the service on the south side of the river and Mr. Raymond purchased the service on the north Grave 6 - Lot 12 - Block 44A side of the river.

Information and photos of Jacob Alles provided by Jacob’s granddaughter, Brenda Holland. She wrote “Jacob Alles was a typical American immigrant. He was not a spectacular success and in fact spent much of his life dealing with tragedy and failure. He knew only one thing - work. He was not educated or particularly ambitious. In fact, he was not special at all. But he supported his family and he was courageous enough to come to a new country he knew little about. He was known as an honest hardworking man of faith. When he died at age 69, he was a respected citizen of Missoula and he had established a home and a business in spite of revolution, war, disease, and drought. He was not special at all. He simply managed to survive. He lost two wives, a son, and two businesses. He became proficient in reading and writing three languages – German, Russian, and English. His descendants prospered. Many of them remain citizens of western Montana. They became teachers, nurses, carpenters, policemen, farmers, engineers, editors, and more. Jacob was nothing special but he and millions like him made America a great nation.” Historical note provided by Mary Ellen Stubb, Missoula City Cemetery Administrative Manager and great-granddaughter of Jacob.

Daniel Edward Bandmann (1840-1905) A renowned Shakespearean theater actor who lived his life on and off the stage to its fullest dramatic potential. As a local rancher he was credited with horticulture milestones. Daniel’s fortune, ranch, and reputation came crashing down alongside the stock market crash of 1893.

 1837 or 1840-Birth. Daniel was born to German parents in Cassel, Germany. The exact year of birth has long been questioned.  1858–New York City, New York. As a teenager, Daniel arrived in New York City traveling with a German theater group whose productions were completely in the German language. Daniel was struck with the wonder of this bustling city and left the German troupe to pursue an acting career in America. He enrolled at Cooper Union to learn English. It is said his English teacher was a little known man named Alexander Graham Bell. It was another thirteen years before Bell invented the telephone and became a household name.  1863–Theater. On January 15, 1863, Daniel made his first American theater performance at Niblo’s Garden in New York City as Shylock, the miserly Jewish moneylender in Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice.” Daniel evolved into one of the 19

most famous names in American theater during the 1870s – 1880s. He traveled around the world twice with extended stays in Canada, England, the United States, Australia, and the Far East.  1863–Marriage. Daniel met and married his first wife, Alice Henchel, during his acting tenure in New York’s theaters.  1869–Marriage. Daniel’s second wife, Millicent Palmer, was an actress from Lancaster England. They had one daughter and one son, Maurice (1877). Their divorce was the first of many of Daniel’s marital debacles.  1879–Tour. Daniel launched a five year theatrical tour of Australia and the Far East.  1884–American adaptations. Throughout the late 1880s Daniel introduced stage adaptations of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. These productions were so skillfully done they produced sell out performances throughout the United States and London theaters.  1884–Missoula, Montana. Daniel’s first role in Missoula, Montana was a performance at the opening of Maguire’s Opera House which was located on the south side of West Main Street. Throughout the years, Daniel performed in numerous Montana theaters including the Empire Theater in Missoula, the Margaret Hotel in Bonner, Ming’s Opera house in Helena, and the Grand Opera House in Butte. He was dedicated to labor union rights and conducted numerous benefit shows.  Daniel’s first Montana land investment was in the early 1880s. He entered into a short-term partnership with Robert Childs. They purchased an 80 acre ranch near Florence, Montana.  1885-Book. Daniel penned and published a book titled “Seventy Thousand miles with Shakespeare.” It focused on his worldwide theatrical tour and detailed both his professional and personal life. Daniel’s troublesome life on and off the state was great fodder for the book.  1887-Bandmann Flats. Daniel purchased two ranches totaling 320 acres in Hellgate Canyon east of Missoula. The area has long been known as Bandmann Flats and is now the home of Canyon River Golf Course. At the time he purchased the ranch, Daniel knew nothing about livestock or ranching, however, he would later establish himself as an innovator in the horticultural field. He was a co-founder of the Montana Board of Horticulture. Daniel introduced the first McIntosh red apples to Montana. His orchards were said to be one of the finest apple orchards in the state. In 1902 his orchard yielded 2,500 boxes of apples. Daniel worked with Dr. Morton Elrod of Montana State University to stamp out pests common to apple orchards.  Livestock. Daniel introduced exotic breeds of cattle, pigs, and poultry to Montana. He originated the first Holstein cattle and later sold 13 head of the livestock to Bitterroot “Copper King” Marcus Daly. Daniel imported the first Percheron horses from France. He incorporated pigs as a tribute to his fellow man of which he felt were all “greedy pigs” himself included. Daniel’s pride was his exotic line of Royal chickens.  1889-Race. Daniel loved attention. In June 1889 a discussion with some of the locals soon turned into a wager of means. He bet he could walk from downtown to the top of Mount Sentinel and back within two hours. The newspaper reported the distance as roughly six miles total. Daniel set out at the Higgins Avenue Bridge at 6:30pm. It was documented that hundreds of people turned out downtown and the excitement of the race grew so exponentially that many side bets were made. At one hour and forty minutes Daniel crossed the finish line. It was not reported whether anyone accompanied him or verified the completion of the course nor was it noted who resulted in the greatest financial gain.  1892 – Marriage. Daniel met and married his third and final wife, actress Mary Therese Kelly of California, when she and her acting troupe visited his ranch. Together they had four children: Eva (1892), Susan (1893), Hebe (1895), and Daniel E. (1905). After Daniel’s death, Mary re-settled her family to the Spokane, Washington area. Their youngest son, Daniel, was born three weeks before his father’s death and later changed his surname to ‘Bandman’ with only one ‘n.’  Louise Beaudet. Daniel’s marriage to Mary Kelly caused quite a commotion. It seemed another woman by the name of Louise Beaudet was already known as “Mrs. Daniel Bandmann.” Louise was a student and ward who had lived with Daniel since his worldwide tour (1869-1884). It was Louise who traveled the world with Daniel as his professional and personal partner. When Daniel suddenly married Mary Kelly it came as quite a shock to Louise. Daniel’s memory served him well in the theater but he seemed to have great difficulty keeping track of his marital status and to whom he was married at any given time. Louise sued Daniel in a very public display and she claimed ownership of the ranch. When the dust settled, all the proper divorce and marriage documents were said to be in order but Daniel’s assets were considerably lowered.

 1893-Money lost and found. Along with the melee of public proceedings with Louise Beaudet, the stock market crash of 1893 left Daniel practically penniless. Ever resourceful, Daniel concocted a new source of income. Daniel had previously purchased the old Northern Pacific Railroad trestle bridge that was located on his ranch and served as the main public connection between Bonner and East Missoula. He initiated a toll for use of the crossing. The new fee was accepted by most of the locals as it allowed them to avoid the more treacherous climb over Marshall Grade. The native Indians however, refused the toll. They had accessed this area prior to Bandmann and would continue their traditional route uninhibited. The band of Indians set up camp near the bridge to wait out this decision. This did not bother Daniel until his flock of Royal chickens dwindled in number. He realized that when one of his free roaming chickens roamed into a teepee they did not come out. He devised a plan. When the next group of Indians arrived to settle in his yard he stepped out of his door in a terrifying costume which included a black stove pipe hat, a red shaggy wig, bushy waxed facial hair, and a double barrel shotgun. He approached the Indians waving the shotgun and reciting theatrical lines at the top of his voice switching languages from German to English to French throughout his oration. The Indians were spellbound. At the end of Daniel’s act he abruptly turned around and re-entered his home. He and a friend watched from the kitchen window as the Indians gathered round in consultation then systematically packed up and moved on never to use his yard as a camping spot again.  Montana Theater. Daniel was the first major theater artist to live and work in Montana. Even after his retirement, Daniel remained a huge influence and supporter of local theater. It was said young actors who played Missoula’s stage were “frequently impressed with the figure of a grim, shaggy-haired, stern-browed old man sitting in the first row who watched their performances with a keen and penetrating interest.” After each performance Daniel would venture backstage to offer theatrical suggestions and reminisce of bygone days in the theater. It was Daniel Bandmann who prodded The University of Montana to launch its theater.  1905-Death. Daniel died on November 23, 1905. He was reported to have “dropped dead from heart failure superseded by acute indigestion” at his ranch near East Missoula,

Montana. Grave 7 - Lot 17 - Block 23

Researched by Kim Briggeman-reporter for The Missoulian, Marcia Porter – retired records manager supervisor for Missoula County, and Mary Ellen Stubb – Missoula City Cemetery Administrative Manager. Information and photos sources: National library archives, world-wide newspaper archives, public land documents, public court documents, and local legend.

Henry "Hank" Butler Beaman (1848-1897) Sheriff of Deadwood, South Dakota, friends with Calamity Jane and was represented in the HBO miniseries “Deadwood”. He was a landowner and fireman who invented the fire towers much like the one used by the Forest Service today.

 1848-Birth. Henry was born on February 22, 1848 in Morgan Township, Owen County, Indiana to Isaac Beaman and Martha “Patsy” Langdon. Beaman Children  Married: February 22, 1879 in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa to Mary Jane Munger who was the daughter of Simon Peter Munger and Elizabeth Wilkinson. Mary was born May 30, 1856 in Essex County, Ontario, Canada. They had 10 children with 5 surviving to adulthood. (Melvin – 1880, Stella – 1881, Cleaveland – 1883, Lafayette – 1885, David – 1890, Ruth – 1892, Ethel – 1894, Clarence – 1897, Clark – unknown, infant – unknown)  1860: Both parents having passed away, Hank is found at age 12 living with the family of John and Elizabeth (Beaman) Halton in Washington Township, Clay County, Indiana.  1876: The first known record of Hank in Deadwood, South Dakota Territory, is found in the local newspaper dated August 19, 1876, a few weeks after the death of Wild Bill Hitchcock. However, it is likely he went there with thousands of other men when gold was discovered in the Hills in 1875. The newspaper itself wasn't in business until 1876 with many of the early articles written on paper bags which were used for a variety of purposes by members of the community. Many of these did not survive and those that did were extremely difficult to read.  Community. Hank quickly became an esteemed member of the community. He was employed in various occupations; carpenter, fireman, deputy sheriff, landowner. He would earn a reputation for being honest, fearless 21 and hardworking, contributing many hours to labor, as well as his talents to the social events of the day.  Businessman. Hank was also known as an astute businessman. He was the owner of several prime lots of real estate, including the lot he and his partner would sell to Seth Bullock and Sol Star. Located on the corner of Sherman and Lee Streets, it was sold for $800. It would house Bullock and Star's hardware store. These two men were not only Hank's friends, they would play a huge role in the history of Deadwood both politically and economically. Their lives would eventually become the basis for the popular HBO mini-series, "Deadwood", which was based loosely on the history of Deadwood. Other properties owned by Hank would be sold, or built on and rented out. Many of these were simply known as "Beaman's building". Just as miners contended with claim jumpers, land owners in town contended with lot jumpers. Hank experienced this problem, being both the jumper and the jumpee, having attempted to "inch" his way onto another man's property.  Fire Protection. Building codes were literally unheard of in Deadwood. Lot owners built as close to the next building as possible. Often times the main streets were so loaded with lumber, wagons could not pass through. The demand for lumber was so great; it was often used raw in building. All of these factors created an immediate concern for the citizens of Deadwood - FIRE! The Deadwood Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 was formed. Hank was a member of this group from its inception. He held various positions within the company. These included finding the right type of equipment to be used, revamping the building that would house the equipment, raising funds for various uses by the company as well as building the hooks and ladders. This of course led to the need for water. It was up to Hank to see that all was well. Another of his duties was to inspect fireplace flues. He would institute the construction of brick chimneys as well as inspect those that already existed to insure they were up to code. The code was entirely based on his knowledge of construction. He also instituted the idea of look-out towers, much like those used by the forest service of today. There were many fires in Deadwood that destroyed large portions of the town during the years Hank was there. He would lose 5 houses in one such fire. He also fought fires in the surrounding towns as well. It was in one of these fires that Hank would be injured. It would eventually affect his entire family.  1877-While in Deadwood, Hank was a member of the Knights of Pythais, as well as the Knights of the Silver Cross of Cyrus. He was a stout Democrat and was a delegate to the Democratic County Convention in 1877. He would also campaign for the local politicians, as well as taking an interest in the politics of Indiana, his home state.  1880: During the time Hank spent in Deadwood, he was elected deputy sheriff. He arrested both men and women for a variety of crimes. He also transported prisoners from Deadwood to other prisons as well as insane asylums. He himself would be arrested on more than one occasion. Most of the crimes he was charged with were of no consequence with charges often being dropped. However, on May 4, 1880, while in a saloon, Hank shot a man. He was charged with ‘assault with a deadly weapon with the intent to kill.’ He was required to post $3,000 bond, which was provided by his friends, including Seth Bullock. Members of the community wrote letters to the judge in the case stating what a decent man Hank was. His physician testified Hank had been receiving the medication morphine for injuries received while fighting a fire. This in combination with drink had been the primary reason for Hanks' actions, something which Hank would have had no control over and therefore could not be held responsible. Hank was released of all charges, but would immediately resign from his positions with both the police and fire departments. He would later be reinstated. Costner, the man Hank shot, would eventually recover from his wounds.  1882: Hank left Deadwood and headed for Montana. He and his family resided in the areas of Livingston, Gardiner, and Helena before arriving in Missoula in June 1894. Hank is said to have held a variety of positions along the way, including that of stagecoach driver into Yellowstone. Hank died in Missoula in 1897, likely due to the effects of morphine from his back injury. He left his wife pregnant with their youngest son who was born in August of that same year. Mary Jane's family now literally lived hand-to-mouth. An audio recording tells of their living in a Conestoga wagon for a time. A kindly neighbor would eventually allow them to live free of charge in a home he normally rented. The children would go through town collecting cardboard, sticks, etc. to burn for heat and to use for cooking. The older children would do odd jobs to support their mother and younger siblings. They sold newspapers, ran errands, etc. until they eventually found

more stable employment. Grave 6 - Lot 4 - Block 053  1897-Death: April 17, 1897 in Missoula, Montana at 49 years old.

Information and photo provided by Jane Short, the wife of Henry and Mary’s great-grandson. 22

Harry Oscar “H. O.” Bell (1884-1971) Bought the first Ford car dealership in Missoula in 1915. In 1929 he opened the first modern sales and service building on South Higgins Avenue. He was an avid aviation enthusiast and played a principle role in the development of Missoula’s airport.

 His beliefs for success: • You have to love what you are doing. • There isn’t a thing you can’t learn if you want to and are willing to work at it hard enough.  1884-Birth: December 4, 1884 in Coshocton, Ohio. Parents were William Jefferson Bell, a general insurance agent, and Susan Mullett Bell, a teacher.  1909-Marriage: 1st Wife. Grace in 1909. Two daughters: Dorothy and Betty. Grace was killed in an automobile accident in 1950 when a fraternity student rolled her vehicle after a dinner out.  Harry’s father died when he was nine years old. His mother was left with four children and a farm mortgage, so all the children were required to help run the farm. Harry never attended school again after his father’s death. His formal education amounted to about a 5th grade equivalent. Rivalry between Harry and his older brother drove his mother to send Harry to live with an uncle and aunt on a farm near Fort Wayne, Indiana to work on their farm.  1899. Harry’s Uncle Daniel Mullett bought the first car in that part of the country – a Milwaukee Steamer. This laid the foundation for Harry’s love of automobiles and his future destiny. He would take the car, and future cars, apart then put them back together and drive them around the country roads.  1901. Fascinated by a Winton automobile owned by his uncle, Harry went to the Indianapolis agency where it was purchased and sought employment. He was hired at a dollar a day and remained working for the Carl Fisher Automobile Company for five years.  1901-1906. Harry spent these years tearing apart and re-building the many race cars owned by Carl Fisher. (Carl Fisher eventually built the Indianapolis Speedway and Miami Beach Florida Speedway.) Long distance auto racing was thought to be the ‘way of the future’ and was used to gain insight into improvements in design and construction of automobiles. Through Harry’s experimenting, he successfully invented a safety plug used in acetylene tanks to illuminate early headlights.  1904-1905. Harry traveled the race car circuit throughout the Midwest as Carl Fisher’s mechanic. At one point, Harry was the relief driver for Jap Clemmons who was driving at a National stock car. The 1905 Model C Nationals stock cars were on a run to set the world’s record for distance covered in 24 hours.  1906. His love of fishing brought him west to Spokane, Washington. His friend, Lou A Rose, had an uncle in the car business in Spokane who offered a line of credit to the boys to open a new store. The business closed after one year. Other ventures were tried but also failed.  1909. Hired by Jack Stoner who owned the Stoddard-Dayton Reo Dealership. Harry did most of his racing at this time. Harry won the Wemme Trophy race in Portland, Oregon driving a Studebaker at 56 mph for 100 miles. The 100 mile race was driven on a 14-mile consisting of dirt measuring 4-5 inch deep in spots and 4 right angle turns along with one “S” turn every 14 miles.  1910. Harry ventured back East. He had his first balloon ride over Indianapolis but due to lack of wind, three hours later they were only 40 miles from their take-off point and had to wait for a motorist below to grab the drag rope and tie it to a tree to let them down.  1912. Became a wholesale manager traveling Washington, Idaho, and Montana, establishing new dealerships.  Note. There were no show rooms in the early years of car sales, only garages. Everything but the body of the car was considered an accessory and cost extra such as the lights, windshield, and tops. Early car owners didn’t care

about style but performance was the key. Gas tanks were located under one of the seats. Automobiles brought issues needing the City of Missoula’s attention such as: • 1906. Ordinance limiting the speed of an auto to eight miles per hour and requiring it to stop if frightening the horses. • 1907. Ordinance requiring two lights in front and one in back of every auto.  1915. Harry was offered financing to open the Ford dealership in Missoula. $30,000 in cash and an equal amount of credit was provided by his boss, under the terms of a contract written by the 30-year-old Bell. He owned this business for 55 years.  1927. Harry was an avid aviation enthusiast. He was elected chapter president of the local chapter of the National Aeronautic Association and served on the board of directors for over 30 years. Their goal was to foster aviation progress in the Missoula area. They wanted to secure a feeder line from Missoula to connect with a proposed Butte-to-Salt Lake City air-mail route. They also wanted Missoula designated a stop on the New York- to-Spokane route of the 1927 National Air Races. Placing Missoula on the race route was extremely important to advertise the 80 acres of land southwest of Missoula near the fairgrounds. (The site of the UofM College of Technology) Harry and local businessman, C. H. McLeod, lead the effort and the county soon acquired the land for its first airport. In the mid-1930s the airport would be named Hale Field in honor of Missoula County’s aviation minded county surveyor, R. J. Hale.  1952-Marriage. 2nd Wife. Mary E. Mista Bell.  U of M athletes. A firm supporter of The University of Montana athletes, Harry sponsored many an athlete. He assisted with their tuition and even housed some at his own home. The students worked odd jobs for him in exchange for their financial support.  Rancher. Harry and Mary loved their Bar Lazy B Ranch near Ronan. They raised Arabian horses and Hereford cattle until the day Harry died. Mary then sold the ranch and moved into Missoula.  Harry was very successful and much credit is given to the two women who loved and supported him through the years and every one of his endeavors. He was a community servant and loved Missoula and Montana with a passion. He firmly believed in everything our country stands for and loved the history of such things as the Constitution and Declaration of Independence.  Poem written by Harry Oscar ‘H O’ Bell depicting his spirit: The power to choose the work I do, To make my own career begin. To grow and have the larger view, To serve the world in my own way, To know and feel that I am free, To gain in wisdom, day by day, To stand erect, not bow the knee, With hope and zest to climb, to rise, To dare, to risk, to lose, to win, I call that PRIVATE ENTERPRISE.

 Death: October 22, 1971 in Missoula, Montana.

Information provided by: Betty Skibsted, daughter.

Forrest V. “Red” Bex (1924 - 2003) A colorful and legendary Missoula icon. Red was a self-proclaimed preacher on the streets of downtown Missoula known for his fiery preaching of hell, damnation, and love.

 1924-Birth. December 15, 1924 in Dayton, Ohio. Red’s mother brought him to Montana when he was 18-months old.  Childhood. Red had a hard life. His mother died of tuberculosis when he was small. As a result, Red lived with his grandmother and other relatives. He received only a third-grade education, however, the one book he knew and read was the Bible.  Marriage. Rex was married three times. His first marriage ended in divorce. He married Ida Lorraine in 1954 and they had three children, Eula Mae, Forrest (Butch) Jr, and David. Ida died of cancer in 1974. He married Shirley Joy in 1979 who was killed in 1992 by a

drunk driver.  Jack-of-all-trades. Red owned a seven-acre wrecking yard and recycling business located outside Missoula near the Wye junction. He staked and worked a mine claim near the town of Garnet, Montana. Some of his other jobs included: baking bread for Eddy’s Bakery, hauling garbage for Raymond Stickney, hauling metal antenna scraps off the mountains for the two local ski resorts, and driving Lowboy Dump Trucks from Frenchtown to Philipsburg during the interstate construction.  Kids and animals. Red loved kids and animals. The kids he took hunting or fishing and later gave them credit slips for parts so they could fix up their cars. Animals were everywhere on his property including two types of spider-faced monkeys and some deodorized skunks.  Boxing. Red was an avid weightlifter and amateur boxer. He started the Southside Boxing Club where his students won the Northwest Golden Gloves Tournament. His bulging biceps at age 70 attested to his continued two to four hour daily weightlifting routine.  1977-Calling. Red was a heavy drinker and barroom brawler. All this changed in 1977 when, as a regular patron of the Missoula County Jail, Red saw a shaft of light in his cell one night that he believed was an angel calling him to preach the Word of God. Upon his release, Red stopped drinking, grabbed his Bible, and headed to the streets.  Pentecostal Street Preacher. “Some nights I’ll preach demons, some nights I’ll preach hell, some nights I’ll preach love.” Red became one of Missoula’s most colorful and memorable characters. He was a self-proclaimed street preacher who could be found on any downtown street corner at any time. Although his clothing was tattered and he had very little money, he possessed a wealth of spirit and goodwill that he extended to all. Red would gyrate and scream one-line messages to motorists and pedestrians as they passed by, stretching the words for attention. “You got to have the L-O-O-O-V-E, the J-O-O-O-Y, the P-E-E-E-A-A-C-E!” Some people were afraid of him, but most loved him and watched out for him. Business owners made sure he had a hot meal, locals made sure he stayed warm, and teenagers protected him from out-of-town ruffians. Red never accepted any money for his sermons but was known to give money or clothing to anyone who needed it.  1992-Lawsuit. Although Red never touched alcohol after his calling, Shirley Joy was unable to kick the drinking habit. She left a bar late one night in 1992 and walked into the street where she was struck and killed by a drunk driver named Thomas Noel Thompson. Red sued the driver, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison. (Red filed an additional lawsuit against the bar, its owners, and the car-dealership who loaned Thompson the car.)  2003-Death. March 18, 2003 in Missoula, Montana at 78 years old.

Information and photo provided by Missoulian archives, Missoula City Cemetery records, and Red’s daughter Eula May Zarling.

Golden Bibee (1884-1976) Local poet and songwriter. He arrived in Polson in 1910 after a harrowing trip through the forest fires. He was the caretaker at the Flathead State Park until late into his 80s. His writings paint a picture of the Montana ranch life in vivid color.

 1884-Birth. February 3, 1884 in Kirksville, Missouri.  1906-Marriage. Hattie Gordon in Denver in 1906. They had 3 daughters. Hattie Golden Bibee died in 1953.  1910-Fire. Golden came to Polson, Montana with his parents and brother, Sylvester, during the area’s most disastrous fire season ever recorded. There were 2,500 small fires and 50 large blazes in northeastern Washington, the Idaho Panhandle, and western Montana. The winds gusted up to 70 miles per hour. Within 48 hours some three million acres and between seven to eight billion board feet of timber burned. Eighty-five persons died, 78 of them firefighters. The advancing walls of flame gobbled up the eastern third of Wallace, Idaho, all of the Montana communities of Belknap, Taft, Deborgia, Haugen, parts of Noxon, Trout Creek, 25

Heron, Tuscor and Whitepine, then skirted around Mullan, skipped over Avery, and stopped just west of Thompson Falls. Golden E. Bibee was among early settlers who arrived at the north end of Flathead Lake via the Great Northern Railroad and then came to Polson by boat from Somers. He recounted the train trip from the southern edge of the new Glacier National Park. Forest fires raged on all sides. He wrote: “It looked like the world was on fire. A pilot engine ran ahead of our train. The night was dark but most of the way the forest fire lighted the coaches like day. "Somewhere in the middle of the burn, the train stopped and several people came aboard. One young mother apologized to my wife because her children had whooping cough. She said they had a very narrow escape and were very thankful to get away from the fire alive." The boat trip to Polson was no less hazardous. The Bibees were aboard the City of Polson when the boat became lost in the smoke. As if the smoke weren't bad enough, a windstorm struck as they were half-way down the lake. "The winds grew wilder and the wind stronger, causing the smoke to sting the eyes intensely. My little family clung together and hung on. My wife was too seasick to care whether the ship went down or not and the crew seemed uneasy. There was much consultation -- we were facing the storm, bouncing like a cork on the waves. For some time we barely held our own. Then the squall stopped as suddenly as it had begun. The sun disappeared behind a mountain and darkness came on sudden and intense. "Then came the search for the shoreline and the Narrows. How this was accomplished I'll never understand. I couldn't see the bow of the boat. The squall seemed to have thickened the smoke rather than clear it." The boat crept throughout the narrows safely, sped up and pretty soon slowed down again, as the captain groped for the dock, guided by the electric plant's whistle.” Golden’s mother died soon after arriving in Polson. She was the second person to be buried in the Lakeview Cemetery.  Jobs. Golden worked at the Cline flour mill in Polson, Montana for six years then at a local harness shop. He homesteaded in the Big Arm area.  1955-1968. As the caretaker at the Flathead Lake State Park near Big Arm, Golden gained worldwide fame for his kindliness and hospitality. During this time he also had a thrice weekly radio program on KOFI. At 84 years of age his application for renewal of the caretaker job was turned down. Golden put an editorial in the Flathead Courier in response: “I was born on a farm in Missouri at a time when wood was our only fuel so my father chopped the wood for our stove and fireplace. We children had the job of picking up chips for fuel. As soon as I was able to walk I too picked chips. I don't remember but I feel sure that I enjoyed the labor and I almost got my name from it for the first three-sentence word I spoke was 'pick up chips'. Thus began by life as a laborer and the habit has stayed with me through life... …To my friends who expect to see me next season I am sorry to miss seeing you. But do go on, get together, shake hands, go fishing, sleep in the cool shade, gather around the campfire, tell some good yarns, enjoy every hour of your stay. Welcome the stranger, be happy, and plan to return.”  Poet. Golden was well known for writing poetry books and Rowing songs. He published what he called the "Pony Express" series of Row along, row along, row along, limericks and poems. The volumes included "In the Realm of Flathead Dripping oars, keeping time with my song; Lake," "Golden Treasures," "Golden Harvest," "Ranch Ramblins," and Little waves tippy tapping the prow, "A Peep at People," which was a collection of poems about local All appear to invite me somehow. people he knew and admired. His songs were "Montana Means Home And the sun and the breeze seem to say: "We're so glad you came rowing today." to Me," "Say a Good Word for the Master,” and "Ridin' Alone".  After retirement Golden lived in La Grande, Oregon and then There's a melody down in my throat, Olympia, Washington. In Olympia he frequently appeared with the So I sing to the lake and the boat; Apple Jam Young Peoples Group where he told stories, recited poetry, Gleaming water so crystal and clear and danced the jig. Seems to be far away yet so near;  1976-Death. Golden died on May 6, 1976 in There the clouds do reflect tenderness Olympia, Washington from complications following surgery. I am rowing to Heaven, I guess.

Three Bears I would like to tell a story Al declared, with less assumption Now his tail was right there handy One you haven’t heard before, Than his big ten-gallon hat, And he had his greasy nose And I’ll start at the beginning “In a very pronto order Pushed with wild determination Sixty years ago or more. We shall put a stop to that.” ‘Gainst the boss’s sleepin’ clothes.

In the hills of old Wyoming Now Al was sleeping soundly Al was not a man of silence Just a lad, named Albert Fly, To the patter of the rain, But he’d not a word to say, Was learning every detail When his wife called, “Al, the bear, When with very slight resistance Of the West, as time passed by. They have broke a windowpane.” All the buttons gave away.

Then he drifted to Montana Al was up in just a minute At the finish of the ruckus And he brought what serves the best, And with set determined frown, Albert dropped the slippery ham, Judgment, guts and brains and honor He was opening up the warehouse And he grabbed with desperation Underneath a man-sized vest. In his long-tailed sleeping gown. At the swiftly passing jamb.

Now the camp at “Many Glaciers” There was bruin, he was chewin’ Al was clinging to the doorway, Needed someone that was tough, On a precious picnic ham Like a flash the bear was gone, One the people could depend on, Al he grabbed the ham and slapped him And he took into the darkness And that Grizzlies couldn’t bluff. With a big hay-maker wham. All the clothes that Al had on.

For the bear were making trouble And again in that same instant Now the whole camp was alerted ‘Til it went beyond endurance, Whacked him soundly on the rump, Bright beamed lights began to play, And a man to put ‘em runnin’ Like a flash he cleared the threshold And the gruff old captain ordered, Would be very good insurance. With a swift and mighty jump. “Turn them lights the other way.”

So the need was circulated And behold there was another Those two bear had met their master, And tho’ many did apply, Coming from the pickle kegs, As I’m sure you will agree, The job without a question And he made his dash for freedom And the camp’s own supervisor Was assigned to Albert Fly. Right between the boss’s legs. He became bare number three!

Though the bear with supper plenty Al had rode some tough old broncos At the garbage pits were blessed, But them rides could not compare, They would often raid the warehouse With that fraction of an instant Just to mutilate the rest. Ridin’ backwards on a bear.

Edward L. Bonner (1834-1902) Pioneer merchant, railroad baron, and lumber magnate; namesake of Bonners Ferry and Bonner County, Idaho; Bonner, Montana; and Bonner Park in Missoula.  1834-Birth. August 18, 1834, in Orwell New York.  1865-Marriage. Carrie Kenyon on January 27, 1865 in Lewiston Idaho Territory.  Children. Five were born to the Bonners. Two died in infancy. Of the three remaining children: Son Charles died at age 34 in Dubuque, Iowa on March 28, 1902, six weeks before his father’s death; daughter Lenita (Spottswood) was 25 and daughter Bessie was 14 when Edward died.  Boyhood. Edward grew up in a lumber town in northwestern New York. He was the son of a lumberman and farmer. At 13 he became a clerk at the original Lord & Taylor in New York City. He later worked at a store in Boston.  1857. He traveled by way of Panama to the Pacific Coast and settled in Walla Walla, Washington Territory. There

he farmed, ranched and later acted as agent for the Oregon Steam Navigation Co. in Lewiston Idaho.  Dec. 22, 1864. An act by Idaho Territory authorized Bonner, Richard A. Eddy and John Walton to establish and maintain a ferry across the Kootenai River on the route to gold fields in British Columbia. The town sites that grew up in the area were named Bonners Ferry in 1899.  1866. Bonner, Eddy and Daniel Welch formed a partnership to bring merchandise from Walla Walla Washington to Missoula Montana by 125-animal pack trains; opened a trading post about 100 feet west of the Florence Hotel and called it Bonner & Welch. It later became the Missoula Mercantile Co.  Nov 3, 1870. Bonner was quoted in Missoula as saying that Montana would have rail connections with the east sometime in 1872.  1870’s. Welch left the business, which was renamed E.L. Bonner and Co. Branch stores serving mining camps and farming regions began springing up in western Montana. Bonner moved to a busier Deer Lodge Montana in 1872 and established a store there. He opened another branch in Butte in 1873 or 1874. A.B. Hammond was hired to work at the Missoula store in 1873 and became Bonner’s business partner in 1876.  1880’s. Bonner made his fortune building railroads for the Northern Pacific, usually in partnership with Hammond and Samuel T. Hauser of Helena. They typically supplied all labor and materials except the steel rails to build the mainline through Bonner Mansion 1900 western Montana and branch lines from Butte to Garrison, Drummond to Philipsburg, Rimini to Helena and Missoula to Darby.  1882. He became president of the newly formed Montana Improvement Co. (MIC) The MIC’s purposed was to harvest and market timber in western Montana. Bonner, Hammond and the MIC established one of the nation’s largest lumber mills on the banks of the Big Blackfoot (Bonner Montana). As the mill neared completion in 1885, the Northern Pacific established a signal stop nearby and named it in Bonner’s honor.  1890’s. With Hammond, Bonner continued to build a mercantile empire in western Montana that became known as the Missoula Mercantile Co. in 1885. Bonner was President of the Montana Real Estate Association and a co-owner of the First National Bank in Missoula.  July 10, 1902. While driving one of Missoula’s earliest automobiles around the streets of south Missoula, Bonner was struck by a heart attack and fell from the car, dying instantly. He was Montana’s representative to the National Republican Committee at the time.  1902-Death. July 10, 1902 in Missoula, Montana.

Information researched by Kim Briggeman, news reporter for Missoulian.

John B. Catlin (1837-1917) Montana pioneer, Civil War veteran, businessman, and highly respected lawmaker.  Born. June 21, 1837 in Cleveland, Ohio. He was the oldest of five children born to Arod and Mary (Babcock) Catlin. His parents moved to Porte County, Indiana when John was two years old.  August 4, 1862. John enlisted in the Civil War under Capt. Sabin of Union Mills in the 87th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. John studied infantry tactics so hard that his first promotion was to 5th Sergeant. In front of Atlanta he was promoted to Captain and commanded his company to the close of the war. He was in the Grand Review at

Washington, D.C. at the close of the war, and was mustered out of the service at Indianapolis in the summer of 1865.  1866-Wagon train to Montana. John was hired as a bullwhacker with the Nelson Story wagon train and large herd of cattle as they crossed the Plains to Bozeman, Montana. Near Fort Reno the wagon train was attacked by Indians who drove off some of the cattle. John was in the party of men that followed the Indians into the Badlands and retrieved the cattle. The wagon train was stopped at Fort Phil Kearney by General Carrington who forbade them to go on because of hostile Indians. After waiting two weeks for permission to proceed and not getting it, they left in the night, and by so doing escaped the December massacre at Fort Kearney. The wagon train traveled by night to Fort Smith on the Big Horn before fording the Yellowstone River and successfully arriving in Bozeman, Montana.  1868-Bitterroot Valley. After traveling the Pacific Northwest, John settled in the Bitterroot Valley where other families from Indiana had located. These families built an outside fence around their homesteads which was known far and wide as the “Big Corral.” He sold the ranch in 1880.  1870-Marriage. On December 6, 1870 John married Eliza Taylor in Waterloo, Iowa. They had three children: Fred, Belle, and Wilbur. Fred died from spinal meningitis when he was 11 years old.  1877-Battle of the Big Hole. John led a company of citizens who joined the battle. His family was sent to a hastily constructed fort south of Corvallis.  Businessman. In 1880, John and a partner purchased the Bell Brothers Hotel. He later purchased a livery stable which was burned by a fire spread from the saloon. John filed many placer mining claims in Bitterroot streams and was an incorporator of the Mountain Chief Mining Company. He later would serve as Collector of Internal Revenue.  1889-Agent. John was appointed as Agent to the Blackfeet Indians and moved his family to the reservation north of Great Falls, Montana.  1890-Land Office. John was appointed Receiver of the U.S. Land Office in Missoula.  Orchard Homes. John was associated with Cobban and Dinsmore in their development of the Orchard Homes area.  Chief Charlo. When the Flathead Indians were moved from the Bitterroot Valley to the reservation, John assisted in this operation. Chief Charlo consented to a photo with John because of their friendship and mutual respect.  Political. John was a staunch Republican. He was a member of the Republican Central Committee, a delegate to the Republican conventions, and a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1883. He also served as election judge, school trustee, and ran unsuccessfully for county assessor. He was one of the incorporators of the Interlake Publishing Company which published a Republican Weekly.  GAR. John was the longtime head of the Fred Winthrop post of the G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic)  John raised his children in a very soldierly way always admonishing them to “stand up straight” and to “keep step.” He was highly respected throughout his entire life. His closest friends were Dr. Parsons, Edgar Paxson, and Arthur Stone. John was not above suggestive critiques of Paxson’s paintings. Arthur Stone interviewed and wrote about John’s life in the book “Following Old Trails.”  1917-Death. John died on July 30, 1917 in Missoula, Montana.

Information was provided by great-grandson, John Catlin Coffee, who submitted a biography of John B. Catlin which was written by John B. Catlin’s daughter, Belle C. Hershey, in the year 1943.

Will Cave (1863-1954) Missoula resident for more than 80 years; Missoula and Western Montana historian; organizer of first U.S. volunteers in the Spanish American War in 1898; Missoula County’s first auditor.

1863 - Birth. December 8, 1863, on the Laurin Ranch near the mouth of Alder Gulch to George Hackleman and Caroline Nicol Hackleman. He was reportedly the second white child born in the Alder Gulch area after the discovery of gold there in May of 1863.  Marriages. 1890 - Married Beatrice L. Hunt O'Gorman. They had one daughter, Irene, born in May 1891, who died at age 16 in July 1907. Beatrice died in February 1897. Will married Elizabeth Sneed Adams in September 1901. His final marriage was to Lulu Munday Goodrich in April 1908. They remained married until her dead in 1939.  1870. George Hackleman left Caroline and 6-year-old Will at her brother’s ranch in the Bitterroot Valley. He never saw his wife again; he was reunited with Will 42 years later.  1871. Caroline received a legal separation from George Hackleman and married Alfred Cave, a freighter and teamster from Missouri and a childhood playmate of Samuel Clements.  1872. The Caves moved to Missoula from Cedar Creek for the winter, returning to Cedar Creek the following spring and to Missoula in the fall, where Alfred bought 160 acres near Fort Missoula and what became the family home at 321 E. Front St., what’s now a bank parking lot across from the Missoula Public Library.  Late 1870s, early 1880s: Will finished high school in Missoula and a two-year course at the Montana Collegiate Institute in Deer Lodge. Alfred Cave, was elected to the territorial legislature from Missoula County in 1876.  1884. At age 20, Will went to work at the Missoula Mercantile.  1885. January – By act of the Montana territorial legislature, James William Hackleman’s name was changed to William Cave.  1891. Will was appointed Missoula County’s first auditor by Gov. Joseph Toole. He later served as deputy county clerk for eight years, as well as county assessor, deputy state humane officer and justice of the peace.  1897. Feb. 28 -- Cave’s first wife, Beatrice, died. She was buried at St. Mary Cemetery in Missoula.  August – Cave left Missoula for the Klondike. He returned later in the year, intending to go back after tending to some business with Kansas City investors.  1898. January – Will left Seattle to return to the Yukon. His steamship “Corona” wrecked off Lewis Island on the British Columbia coast, midway between Vancouver and Juneau. No one was injured, but the passengers were shipped back to Seattle.  March 30 – Will secured more than 50 signatures for volunteers in a few hours, 22 days before the U.S. joined the Spanish-American War. He has the distinction of being the first volunteer in the U.S. Spanish-American war. He was lieutenant and drillmaster of his troop, which trained in Georgia but was mustered out later that year without deployment overseas.  1901. Oct. 29 – Cave’s mother, Caroline, died in Missoula. She was buried in the city cemetery.  1907. July 17 -- Irene A. Cave, Will’s daughter with first wife Beatrice, died at age 16.  1909. March 17 – Alfred Cave died in Missoula. He was buried in the city cemetery.  1912. Will found his birth father, whom he hadn’t seen since 1871 and thought had long been dead. After leaving the family George Hackelman had changed his name to Harland, which was his own biological father's name. The story of their reunion was published in The Missoulian on Dec. 23, 1912. Harland died in Missoula in November 1918 at age 93.  1921. Aug. 7 – Cave’s long, second-hand account on the Battle of the Big Hole in 1877 was published in the Sunday 30

Missoulian under the headline “Most Bitter Indian Battle Near Missoula.”  1922. Wrote an in-depth, four-part series on Missoula history and place names in Western Montana.  1939. After a long association with the Society of Montana Pioneers, Cave served as president .  1943. At age 80, Will sold the abstract business he owned for many years. He lived at the Elks Club on East Main at the time.  1954. On the night of Feb. 28, Will died at the Veterans Hospital at Fort Harrison, Helena.

Researched by Kim Briggeman-reporter for The Missoulian

Civil War and the Grand Army of the Republic A social and political force that consisted of Union Veterans of the Civil War restricted to individuals who had served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Revenue Cutter Service.

 1861-1865. As part of the Dakota, Idaho, and Montana Territories, the area provided 206 Union recruits which was equivalent to 8% of the territory population. Six of these would be killed, mortally wounded, or die of disease.  May 26, 1864. President Abraham Lincoln creates the Montana Territory  April 10, 1865. With the end of the war, thousands of both Union and Confederate soldiers from all parts of the nation would head west to the Montana Territory. The post-war boom in mining, farming and ranching, then the coming railroad and the service trades provided the lure for these soldiers.  Thomas F. Meagher. One of the best known soldiers was Thomas F. Meagher. Meagher served the Union Army as a U.S. citizen. As acting Major he led Company K of the 69th Regiment (which would be known as the "Fighting 69th") of the New York State Militia at Bull Run (1st Manassas). He returned to New York to form the Irish Brigade and led it at as Brigadier-General. He resigned in May 1863 over the army's refusal to let him return to New York to raise reinforcements for his battered brigade: 4,000 strong in mid-May 1862, by late May 1863 the brigade had only approximately 500 combat-ready men left. After the war, Meagher was appointed Secretary of the new Territory of Montana, and soon after arriving in the territory was designated the Acting Governor. In the summer of 1867 he traveled to Fort Benton, Montana, to receive a shipment of guns and ammunition sent by General Sherman for use by the Montana Militia. There he fell off a boat on the Missouri River and drowned. Meagher's death is still considered to be suspicious, however; and as he was outspoken, there could have been numerous persons who would have wanted to murder him. He is remembered for his service to Montana with a statue on the front lawn of the Capitol grounds in Helena, Montana, and with another statue in Billings, Montana. Meagher County, Montana was also named in his honor.  Many of the common soldiers who also came west are buried in the Missoula City Cemetery. Some are marked with the White Government Memorial Stone and may also include a GAR Marking.  November 8, 1889. Montana becomes the 41st State of the Union.  Grand Army of the Republic (GAR)  Early 1866. The United States of America, now securely one nation again, was waking to the reality of recovery from war. Groups of war veterans began joining together, first for camaraderie and then for political power. Emerging most powerful among various organizations would be the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR).  April 6, 1866. This fraternal organization was founded in Decatur, Illinois by Benjamin F. Stephenson. The organization was based partly on the traditions of Freemasonry and partly on military tradition, being divided into “Departments” at the state level and “Post” at the community level. Military-style uniforms were worn by its members.  1890. It reached its largest size with 409,489 members. There were posts in every state in the U.S. and several overseas.  March 10, 1885. The local Missoula GAR post was the Frederick Winthrop Post #11 and chartered with 21 31

members.  The GAR Auxiliary Monument is located at the Missoula City Cemetery old Entrance. Its inscription reads: “ERECTED IN THE YEAR 1919 IN HONOR OF OUR HERORIC AND UNKNOWN DEAD UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE WOMENS RELIEF CORP No 7 DEPARTMENT OF MONTANA AUXILIARY TO THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC” Information researched by: Jim Sims, retired Sgt. 1st Class of the 379th Battalion.

Jean Clark (1910-1997)  1910-Birth. Jean was born on September 29, 1910 in Arbroath, Scotland to Thomas and Helen (Buick) Clark. She had four siblings: Margaret, Jenny, Joseph, and Thomas. Her mother died at her birth and her father died when she was 10 years old.  1920. Arrived by ship to Paterson, New Jersey to be raised by her aunt.  Education. Eighth grade, then went to work in a factory.  1930. Attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, graduating in 1932.  1935. Naturalized as an American citizen.  Ministry included conducting Vacation Bible School and Sunday School classes  1997-Death. October 14, 1997 in Missoula, Montana

Hazel Simonton (1912-1997)  1912-Birth. April 10, 1912 in Paterson, New Jersey to Walter and Mattie (Van Loo) Simonton. Brothers: Charles and Neilius. Sister: Jean Wyka.  Attended Columbia Bible College in South Carolina  Graduated from business college in New Jersey.  During WW II. Worked as a telephone operator for Curtis Wright Propeller Company.  1997-Death. January 3, 1997 in Missoula Montana.

Together, They…  1944. Accepted as a Bible Club missionary with the Bible Club Movement (BMC International Inc.) Jean and Hazel were introduced and assigned as a team. Together they were charged with starting Bible Clubs for children. They had no income as their mission was called a “faith mission” which meant they trusted God to speak to people to give. They arrived with $40 per month pledged between the two of them, numerous financial gifts given to them before Early days as missionaries they left, and ration cards that were being used during WW II.  December 1944. Arrived in Missoula, Montana. They had been in Montana for several months. They first arrived in Billings and worked their way westward until settling in Missoula.  January 1945. Established first Bible Club. Clubs were held in homes, community centers, and churches. Eventually clubs were conducted in schools also. The program consisted of songs, teaching a Bible verse, having a Bible drill (to see who could find the verse the quickest), and teaching a Bible lesson using a flannel board and flannel graph pictures.  Clinton. One of the places where they held Bible Club was in the Women’s Clubhouse in Clinton. Children would come there after school. Eventually they began holding Sunday services there. Clinton Community Church is an outgrowth of that work and today they are in the process of constructing their own building.  1947. The summer camp program began on a friend’s ranch at Salmon Prairie in the Swan valley. Then they rented camps on Flathead Lake each summer until they felt led by God to purchase their own BCM property. With just $100 down on a piece of choice lake property near Bigfork in 1961, they embarked on this new journey 32

in their mid-50s – Big Sky Bible Camp. Within a few months they would need a sizeable payment which would come from donors all over the country. Friends rallied and the money came in every year to make the annual property payment. Donations were provided for building materials and volunteers gathered to begin building the first building. The first camps were held in the summer of 1962. Since then, Big Sky Bible Camp has continued to grow on the shores of Peterson Lake, not only in buildings, but programs, which include a wilderness program, two weeks for campers with disabilities, and for several years sponsored a nine month Bible College level institute.  Today. Bible Clubs continue in the Missoula, Kalispell, and Bitterroot areas. Both ladies lived full and productive lives. They taught many children the Word of God and changed their lives. Both women went “HOME” to their God and Saviour in 1997 only a few months apart from each other.

Jean Clark and Hazel Simonton, missionaries who truly lived the life of faith. They came to Missoula as young women with no money, touched the lives of countless people, and grew the Bible Club Movement into a renowned organization in this area.

Information and photos provided by Karen DeVries , their apprentice and now Missionary with Bible Club Movement Inc.

Wallace Nichols Clark, Sr. (1916-1990) Missoula Municipal Court Judge was known for his unique form of justice and interpretation of the law.  1916-Birth. Wallace was born October 1, 1916 in Sweet Grass, MT to Agnes Shane Clark and Othniel Dee Clark. The Clark family came to Montana in the 1890s from Kentucky. The Shane family came to the Montana highline via Canada.  1946-Marriage. Wallace met Marybeth Emily Toney at a church social. They married and had three children. Marybeth’s father purchased a home in Missoula in 1905 which has been home to five generations of this family.  Wallace grew up in a law enforcement family. His father, Othniel was the sheriff of Toole County before retiring as a U.S. Marshall in Great Falls, MT. Wallace’s mother, Agnes, may have been very short in stature but was tough as nails and kept every family member in line right up until the day she died.  School. Wallace graduated high school from Shelby, MT then headed to Missoula, MT for college. During the summers of his college years, Wallace served with the Border Patrol on the U.S. / Canadian Border. He graduated from the University of Montana in 1940.  Military. Wallace enlisted in the MT National Guard in September 1940. Wallace’s mother was very patriotic and instilled a sense of duty to her son to join the military. In May 1941 Wallace joined the regular army where he received an officer’s commission. With the onset of WW II, Wallace served in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, then southern France. He served in the infantry prior to his transfer into a medical battalion. After the war, Wallace returned to Missoula, MT to continue his law education.  1947-1963. When Wallace graduated from law school at the University of Montana in 1947 he was torn between wanting to be a lawyer and joining the military. He found the solution in the newly formed (JAG) U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corp. His service took him around the world; to Turkey, Japan, and his final posting at the Pentagon. While stationed in Turkey, Wallace thought it would be fun to entertain the troops. He organized a

good old-fashioned Montana rodeo complete with bucking broncos and roping expeditions. On a more serious side, Wallace also had the reputation of taking care of the service men. When a service man landed in a Turkish jail he first tried to get them released. It that was unsuccessful then he spent the night outside their cell to assure their safety from the Turkish police. He was very proud of his service time and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.  Health. Wallace retired from the military after having cataract surgery. He never trusted his vision enough to drive again. His family lived downtown and he walked everywhere he went which aided him in staying in tune with happenings and people around town.  1963. The Clark family moved back to Missoula where Wallace started a private sector law practice and worked for the Missoula County Attorney’s office for a short while. He ran unsuccessfully for Missoula County Coroner.  Hobbies. Wallace was a life-long student of many subjects and a voracious reader. His favorite subject was history, especially the history of Montanans. He was always interested in people and their family histories. One day he and his friend, John Toole, who would later become Mayor of Missoula, were walking by the Missoula County Courthouse when they spied a huge amount of historical records in a dumpster. They took turns guarding the dumpster until they rounded up a pickup truck. They then climbed into the dumpster, salvaged the records, and took them to the Mansfield Library where they are preserved to this day.  1967. Wallace served as City Police Judge. This position mostly oversaw traffic citations. The city police department had a row of temporary holding cells where prisoners were held overnight awaiting their court appearance. Much like his time in the service, Judge Clark would get up at night, walk down, and check on the prisoners unannounced. He wanted to keep everyone, prisoners and law enforcement, on their toes knowing he was watching.  1977-1989. The Montana Legislature created the position of Municipal Court Judge. The first Montana city to have a Municipal Court Judge was Missoula. In April 1977 Wallace Clark was elected to the post. It was during these years that his name would become legendary in Missoula due to his unique forms of justice and interpretation of the law. Judge Clark had firm beliefs and opinions and was not shy in voicing those. He felt he was a judge and his job was to look at a case and make his own determination of the situation, treating each case uniquely. His forms of justice were based on numerous factors; the evidence, the individual’s ability to pay, the individual’s criminal and family history. Hate him or love him, everyone in Missoula had their favorite Judge “Wally” story. These few examples of Judge Clark’s unique sentencing show his personality and beliefs ranging from compassion to uncompromising: • Judge Clark wanted to know the person in front of his bench. A single mother moved to Missoula from Spokane after her boyfriend stole all of their belongings. The mother was arrested for shoplifting. She pled guilty and said she needed the items for her children. Judge Clark pulled the arresting officer aside and asked for a list of the stolen items. The list confirmed that all the items were for children. Judge Clark purchased all the items with his own money, gave them to the mother as a loan that had to be re-paid, and instructed her to stay out of trouble. Later when she came to pay the loan he thanked her for keeping her end of the deal and changed the loan to a gift. • Judge Clark was charitable to anyone down on their luck. He often took a defendant down the block to Hamburger Ace and bought them a meal. Many times that hamburger was the only meal some of the individuals had for the day. • Judge Clark gained the reputation of being a cantankerous cowboy who questioned people about their backgrounds and tailored his sentencing based on family ties. He openly dared lawyers to appeal, admonishing them that their clients would sit in jail for years before the case got to the Supreme Court. • He did not tolerate disobedience of one of his sentences. In 1979 a young Bonner man was brought before Judge Clark with the crime of digging a grave on the courthouse lawn during an anti-nuclear protest. The man was sentenced to 300 hours work at the city pound. When he refused to work, Judge Clark sentenced him to three days in jail to “re-consider his options.” The man agreed to work but didn’t want people to see him so Judge Clark sent him to the city cemetery where he worked one day but failed to appear the next. Judge Clark was furious and quoted as saying, “I’m going to put him in jail the first time I get my hands on him. I’m going to sentence him to six months in jail and then see if he’ll work. And if he won’t I’m going to sentence him to life imprisonment six months at a time.” Judge Clark changed his mind the next day when

the man came to him and explained that pressing business had forced him to miss work. Judge Clark quashed the arrest warrant and the man completed his work sentence. • One infraction never tolerated in Judge Clark’s court was fighting with the police. In 1977 a young man pleaded guilty to obstructing and injuring an officer and resisting arrest. Judge Clark ordered him to 30 nights in the city jail so he can “see what the police are up against.” The sentence was from 9p.m. to 6a.m. each night. “He is forced to see the police dealing with drunks, with them screaming and punching, to get them into jail,” Judge Clark said. “He sees what the police are up against, how much abuse they take.” Judge Clark said leaving the man free in the daytime will allow him to keep his job, saving the city $14 a day. “We don’t feed him. He has to go and earn his own food money during the day.” • In later years, Judge Clark no longer appreciated being called out at all hours during the night to sign a search or arrest warrant. His solution to a good night’s sleep was to have a small stack of signed warrants in his desk readily available for officers over a weekend. The officers would grab one as needed, make the arrest, and the warrant would be waiting on Judge Clark’s desk Monday morning.  1980s. He made an unsuccessful run at the Montana Supreme Court.  1990-Death. Wallace Clark was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1988 and died at his home surrounded by his family on November 26, 1990.

Information provided by Wallace’s son, Josh Clark, past law enforcement officers, and Missoula newspaper archives.

Oscar J Craig (1846-1911) First President of The University of Montana. He nearly single-handedly managed the university for its first thirteen years. “The University – it shall prosper”

 1846-Birth. April 18, 1846 in Madison, Jefferson County, Indiana. He was the son of Miles W. and Mary S. (Feather) Craig. The family was of Scotch-Irish descent. Oscar was the sixth of five sons and two daughters born to Miles and Mary Craig and raised on the family homestead in Indiana.  1875-Marriage. He married Miss Narcissa E. Gasaway on August 24, 1875 in Kansas. They had three children: Mary A. who graduated from Purdue University and became a librarian at The University of Montana; William O. who graduated from the University of Montana in 1902; and Vincent W. S. who was a member of the preparatory class of the university.  1863. At seventeen, Oscar enlisted in the First Indiana Heavy Artillery. His command was sent to the Department of the Gulf where he fought in the battles of Baton Rouge, Alexandria, and Fort Balow, Louisiana. He was honorably discharged in 1865.  School. Dr. Craig was a school man from Indiana and through his disciplines spent the next fourteen years gaining knowledge and education. He earned a Ph.D. from Wooster College, Ohio, where he was named Professor of History and Political Science. He furthered his career teaching and serving as academic president at Purdue University.  1895. Dr. Oscar Craig was appointed the as the first president of the newly established University of Montana on June 3, 1895. He moved to Missoula, Montana on July 1, 1895. He was the sole administrator with only four faculty to teach the fifty students duly enrolled. Missoula’s population was around 4,000 at this time.  President. Craig was the first and one of the longest standing Presidents of The University of Montana serving for thirteen years. His tenure as President of UM began when the doors first opened on September 11, 1895. His yearly salary at the time was $2,500. Imagine his shock of finding no buildings to conduct school and no land secured as a location for the university. Oscar Craig had a daunting task. He began by working with the City of Missoula to rent a three story public school building where offices, classrooms, gymnasium and dormitory living were located for nearly four years.  1896. Edward L. Bonner and C. P. Higgins donated the acreage for the university. Local groups gathered in celebration of Arbor Day and many of the mature trees you see on campus today were planted at this time. 35

 1897. Dr. Craig influenced campus and building design and was instrumental in the construction of the first two campus buildings: University Hall (Main Hall) and the Science Building. Both buildings broke ground that year. They soon became focal points for travelers going west.  1901. Craig’s concern for the safety and comfort of the growing number of women attending the institution resulted in the construction of the first dorm devoted exclusively to women: Craig Hall.  1902. By this time, Oscar Craig had worked to secure entirely through gifts to the university, a total of 640 acres of land along the Clark Fork River to the top of Mount Sentinel. He now had what he recognized as a “real campus.” He was truly an invested president organizing programs, administrating faculty, working with educators across the state and continuing to teach two or three classes each semester. He truly signified the dedication of the early, traditional, pioneer educators and leaders of these original academic institutions.  1908. Dr. Oscar Craig retired due to illness. He sadly died three years later.  Inspector of the Schools. Dr. Craig had a passion for equipping Montana school children for college. He traveled extensively to understand the needs of education in the Montana Territory. Working with Montana Superintendents, Dr. Craig labored persistently at the task of preparing curricula for both elementary and high schools for many years. He was named the official Inspector of Schools for Montana. By the end of his career in 1908, twenty six secondary schools were accredited to prepare pupils to enter college. This was a distinction he was most noted for and one that he cherished throughout his lifetime.  1911-Death. March 5, 1911 from nephritis in San Diego California.

Information researched by Pat Hossle.

Jerrold “Jerry” “Hog” Daniels (1941-1982) The youngest smokejumper in Missoula’s history and CIA operative. Jerry lived and worked directly with the Hmong General Vang Pao to rescue Hmong refugees, many of which were brought to the Missoula and Bitterroot area. Mystery surrounds his death, including whether he is really dead.

 1941-Birth. June 11, 1941 in Palo Alto CA. Parents: Bob and Louise Daniels. Four brothers: Ronald, Jack, Kent and Alan. Moved to Helmville MT in 1951. Graduated from Missoula County High School in 1959. Avid hunter and fisherman.  1958-1960. ‘Fudged’ application and became one of the youngest smokejumpers in Missoula’s history at barely 17 years old. Attended fires in Montana, New Mexico, and California.  1960-1963. While a smokejumper, the CIA asked him to be a ‘cargo kicker’ based out of Thailand. Cargo kickers were often smokejumpers as they had such familiarity with parachutes and jumping and surviving in rough terrain. Planes were loaded with cargo, flown into areas accessible only by plane, and cargo was then ‘kicked’ out the door and parachuted to drop off points on ground.  1963-1969. Student at University of Montana, required for his job in Laos. Divided time between classes and job duties as a CIA Junior Case Officer in Laos for the Hmong people. Graduated in 1969. Promoted to a full Case Officer in Laos upon graduation.  1970-1975. Personal Case Officer for General Vang Pao. Worked closely with the General on front-line military operations: battle plans, support of troops, equipment needs, finance needs, etc. The area had intense fighting. The Long Cheng airstrip was the stronghold for General Vang Pao and one of the busiest airport in the world at that time, moving troops and equipment. The only access to this area was via this airstrip. The airstrip was a mile long and handled C130, C47, and C46 planes. This airstrip was a top secret joint operation between Laos and the United States. CIA worked directly with the Hmong without government interference.  1973. Cease fire called but existed on paper only. The Pathet Lao (Communist) and the Royalist (pro-American) troops continued to fight heavily through 1975. 36

 1973–1975. With U.S. funding, one of Jerry’s tasks was to aid in the post war reconstruction projects and job development for the thousands of Hmong soldiers living in the Long Cheng area.  5/01-14/1975. The United States rapidly began airlifting people and troops out of Vietnam prior to the fall of Saigon to Communist forces. Jerry was left to orchestrate secret air evacuations of Hmong from Laos to Thailand. He single-handedly was responsible for saving 2500 Hmong officers, soldiers and their families.  1975-1982. Jerry returned to Thailand and worked for the State Dept. as an Ethnic Affairs Officer. The Hmong did not have a written language so screening for possible refugee status was done visually and verbally to determine a person’s loyalty to the United States. Jerry’s position in the Hmong community gave him great insight in this area. Many Hmong refugees were sent to the Missoula area to be near General Vang Pao’s farm in the Bitterroot during this time period.  4/29/1982-Death. Mysterious death in Bangkok. Official report: At 40 years old, Jerry Daniels died of asphyxiation from a propane water heater in his apartment. A badly-disfigured body was found in his apartment, said to be dead a few days. Without visual confirmation or DNA testing, the body was declared by the U. S. Embassy to be that of Jerry Daniels. The casket was sealed with explicit instructions and security to guarantee it not be opened. The family was told Jerry was in the casket but no verifiable proof has ever been submitted. Upon the casket arriving in Missoula, the Hmong were allowed to honor him with a full formal three-day traditional Hmong funeral celebration. Never has any non-Hmong been paid such tribute.  To this day, Hmong around the world claim to have seen Jerry in Laos, the United States, and Europe. Many of the Hmong believe Jerry was placed into protection and continues his work.  10/25/2017. The coffin of Jerry Daniels was quietly exhumed from the Missoula City Cemetery. A post-mortem examination of the contents of the casket was made by Dr. Robert Kurtzman, Montana state medical examiner. A few hours later the coffin was reburied.  May 2018. Post-mortem and toxicology reports were released by Dr. Kurtzman. The reports confirm that there is a body in the casket that appears to match the description of Daniels, and that there is no obvious trauma to the body. Nevertheless, questions about the circumstances of his reported death remain. In part, the toxicology report states: “No definitive conclusion can be made and the original cause of death cannot be supported or invalidated.”  August 2018. The results of a DNA test have not yet been released.

Information and photos provided by Kent (Dan) Daniels - brother of Jerry, Kim Briggeman – Missoulian reporter, Gayle L. Morrison – author of Sky is Falling and Hog’s Exit: Jerry Daniels, the Hmong, and the CIA, Hmong soldiers who worked directly with Jerry, various newspaper clippings, and interviews with acquaintances and friends.

Deschamps Family The Deschamps family was a prominent pioneer family of ranchers and politicians. The French Canadians homesteaded the Frenchtown area. The Deschamps family has played a prominent role in the growing and changing economy of the Missoula area.

Grave 5 - Lot 6 - Block  ‘Deschamps’ means “of the fields” in French. 15A  1700. The family came to North America and settled in Quebec in French Canada. The leader of the St Louis French river boatmen who brought Lewis and Clark up the Missouri River was a Deschamps.  Early descendants were Antoine Deschamps (1805-1893) and Julia Marca Deschamps. They had three children all born in Canada: Antoine, Gaspard, and Joseph. All three sons settled in the Missoula area in the 1870s.  Gaspard Deschamps (1846-1920). He arrived in Cedar Creek gold camps in 1870. He soon moved to the Flathead where he ran cattle and was one of five white men living with the Salish Indians. In 1877 he moved to

Frenchtown and married Denise Cyr (1856-1934). Over time they came to operate a 2,500 acre ranch in Grass Valley and had 12 children.  Joseph Deschamps (1851-1935). Joseph bought Gaspard’s interest in a Missoula blacksmith shop called Hamel & Deschamps, located on W Main Street, which he continued to operate until the 1920s. He married Louise LeBeau (1863-1912) in 1879. They had five children.  Antoine Deschamps (1836-1911). He was the oldest son and bought Gaspard’s Lavalle Creek ranch in 1882. In 1883, his wife, Pamela Courtreau (1837-1915), and their daughters, and two youngest sons arrived. Two of their oldest sons had already come to the Frenchtown area in the 1870s.  1883. Antoine and Julia moved from Quebec to join their growing family in Missoula. Both died in Missoula and are buried at St. Mary’s cemetery along with most of their children and grandchildren.  Until after WW II, the French-Canadian immigrants maintained their heritage and spoke only French until they entered the school systems. The French Catholic holiday of St. John the Baptist Day was the town’s major holiday complete with parades and celebrations.  Today. The 8th generation of Deschamps continue living in the Frenchtown and Missoula areas. Over the years, the Deschamps family has played a major role in the growing and changing economy of the Missoula area. Many members of the family have been active in state and local politics, education from grade schools to the University, community and civic activities, and the arts.

Information and photos provided by Robert ‘Dusty’ Deschamps III, direct descendant and Montana. District Court Judge.

Emma Slack Dickinson (1838-1926) The first teacher in Missoula who not only pioneered education in town, but also was required to live under very strict rules.

 1838 - Birth. Emma was born on December 4, 1838 in Baltimore, Maryland to Andrew and Mary Ruff Slack who were of German and Scottish descent.  1863. She and several other Baltimore girls nursed the wounded soldiers.  1868. Her brother, John (Jasper) Slack, who had settled in Montana after eleven years of wandering, sent letters that aroused Emma’s desire to see the western wilderness. John sent money for Emma and her half-brother, Lamar Kelly, to come to Montana.  1869. They left Baltimore by rail to Sioux City, Iowa, then by boat to Fort Benton. The trip was to take three weeks but the Missouri was so low (the boat kept hanging up on sandbars) that it took six weeks. At Bismarck, North Dakota, a war party of Crow Indians, who had just finished an encounter with a Sioux tribe, were having a war dance. They demanded to be allowed to board the boat to travel to their next destination. They brought two captive Sioux women and numerous Sioux scalps on board with them. Their war dance was continued on the boat. They ate all the food they wanted. This was very frightening, but the Indians left everyone alone and disembarked at their destination without incident. John waited at Fort Benton for three weeks for them to arrive, then took them by wagon to the Bitterroot Valley. Emma was not fond of camping or buffalo meat. Accustomed to Southern comfort, this was quite an adjustment.  1869. John took her to Missoula where the school board had just been formed. Since there were no teachers in the area, she was given a teaching certificate with no questions asked and offered $100 a month salary. Upon her acceptance, she was given the school board’s list of rules for a teacher: RULES FOR SCHOOL TEACHERS 1. You will not marry during the term of your contract. 2. You are not to keep company with men. 3. You must be home between the hours of 8pm and 6am unless attending a school function. 4. You may not loiter downtown in any of the ice cream stores. 38

5. You may not travel beyond the city limits unless you have the permission of the chairman of the board. 6. You may not ride in a carriage or automobile with any man unless he is your father or brother. 7. You may not smoke cigarettes. 8. You may not dress in bright colors. 9. You may under no circumstances dye your hair. 10. You must wear at least two petticoats. 11. Your dresses must not be any shorter than two inches above the ankle. 12. To keep the classroom neat and clean, you must: a. Sweep the floor at least once daily. b. Scrub the floor at least once a week with hot, soapy water c. Clean the blackboards at least once a day d. Start the fire at 7am so the room will be warm by 8am  1869 to1871. The first school was a frame building on east Front Street in Missoula. She had 16 pupils including two of the Higgins children. School terms were three months in length. There were only about 25 families in the Missoula area at that time. Her friends consisted of the Higgins, Woody, Worden, and Hammond families.  1871-Marriage. William Henry Harrison Dickinson on November 5, 1871. They had five children. Their wedding is believed to be the first performed by a Protestant minister in the area. According to the rules, Emma was forced to resign her teaching position once she became a married woman.  1872. Her husband, William, was commissioned postmaster and they lived behind the post office for many years. (This building was across from the old Mercantile in downtown Missoula) William was the first photographer and established himself in real estate and mining. They made their fortune by subdividing 160 acres of land near the city and selling it for residential property. Gold dust was used for payment at this time and Bitterroot residents had to travel to Missoula to get their mail.  Emma walked with a cane and distinct limp after falling early in their marriage and breaking her hip. Even doctors in Baltimore who re-broke the hip could not help her limp.  She began the first protestant church, the Methodist / Presbyterian.  She was a woman of character and strength, kind, courageous, adventurous, self-reliant, and yet shy. She learned to sew out of necessity but once she discovered Erick’s mail order catalog (Chicago based company) her sewing ended. She dressed differently than local women of her time as she preferred clothes with more stylish flair.  She was always interested in education and world events such as the Sufferance movement and Women’s suffrage.  1926-Death. Emma died on December 31, 1926 from pneumonia at her son’s home in Missoula at age 88.

William H. H. Dickinson (1840-1910) One of Missoula’s early Post Masters. Missoula’s first photographer, a teacher, and businessman.

 1840-Birth. October 23, 1840 in Salem, Ohio. (William Henry Harrison Dickinson – named after General Harrison)  1871-Marriage. Emma Slack on November 5, 1871 near Corvallis, Montana. Emma was the first teacher in Missoula history and their marriage is believed to be the first performed by a Protestant minister in the area. They had five children.  1910-Death. September 4, 1910 in Missoula from heart failure.  The Dickinson family was originally from the English countryside. At an early day, they settled in the New Jersey area. William was the youngest of seven children.  July 30, 1861. Paid his own way to Kansas and was one of the first to sign up for war during the Rebellion as he loathed slavery and oppression. He enlisted under Colonel Montgomery and Lieutenant Coppie, one of John Brown’s men. He served three years until August 21, 1864. 39

 1865. William was employed by the government in Leavenworth Kansas. He made three trips to Montana, the first in the spring of 1865.  May 31, 1869. He began his journey to live in Montana. At Fort Peck the water was so low, the journey ended with some people proceeding on foot while others (Dickinson included) remained until teams could be procured from Fort Benton some 500 miles north. Indians were extremely hostile all around the fort and men exited the fort at the risk of their own lives.  September 13, 1869. William left the fort early one morning to hunt for game and was attacked by four Indians on horseback. He killed one, drove the others away, and reached the fort with his face besmeared with blood after he had been shot in the cheek. Upon arriving back at the fort, he found the teams had come for the other passengers and freight. A group of men tried to follow the Indians and upon finding the dead Indian, William took the Indian’s scalp, gun, and pony to keep for himself.  October 23, 1869. He arrived in the Bitterroot Valley near Corvallis. He was the first school teacher in the Bitterroot valley.  1870. William opened the first photography business in Missoula. He conducted business as the first photographer in all of Western Montana. Miners were especially fond of having photos of themselves with their mining stakes.  1872. Commissioned as a Republican Post Master of Missoula for $240 per year. By the end of his service his salary had increased to $2400 per year in 1886.  Invested in real estate and mining businesses. His wealth came when he subdivided 160 acres of land near the city of Missoula for residential development.  Affiliations – (not all inclusive) • Republican – strict member since the party’s inception • Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) • Intl Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF)

Joseph Moore Dixon (1867-1934) Senator, and Montana’s seventh governor. Joseph was a man before his time due to his far reaching proposals in tax reform. He openly battled the giant copper companies who eventually ruined his political career.

 1867-Birth. Joseph was born on July 31, 1867 in Snow Camp, North Carolina to Quaker parents who operated a farm and a small factory.  1889-Graduation. Joseph graduated from the Quaker school of Guilford College in North Carolina. He excelled at history, debate, and oratory.  1891-Law School. Joseph moved to the western frontier town of Missoula, Montana to study law.  1893-Attorney. He first served as assistant prosecuting attorney and was then promoted to prosecuting attorney for Missoula County.  1896-Marriage. Joseph married Caroline M. Worden, daughter of Missoula’s co-founder, Frank Worden. They had seven children: Virginia, Florence, Dorothy, Betty, Mary, Peggy, and Frank. (Frank Dixon died on February 24, 1912 in Washington, D.C. as an infant only three days old.)  Wealth. Joseph’s law career led to his financial ability to invest in real estate, newspaper ownership, and dairy farming. All of his ventures led to great financial success.  1900-Missoulian. Joseph Dixon purchased a local newspaper named the Missoulian at a time where political views were interwoven into stories. It would not be until much later that he would concentrate on this newspaper to further his progressive political views.  1900–Representative. Joseph was elected as Montana’s lone representative to Congress and served two terms. He promoted development and expansion of Fort Missoula, helped create Glacier National Park, assisted in giving Missoula a regional headquarters for the U.S. Forest Service, and passed legislation for the National Bison Range. 40

 1907–Senator. He supported measures such as a federal graduated income tax, inheritance taxes, protectionist tariffs, and direct election of U.S. senators.  1912–Bull Moose. Joseph was an ardent admirer of President Theodore Roosevelt. He abandoned the mainstream Republican party to join the Republican progressive wing party named “Bull Moose.” Joseph managed Roosevelt’s re-election campaign and shared the Bull Moose ticket for his own senate campaign. Both he and Roosevelt were unsuccessful in their re-election efforts.  1912-Missoulian. Out of office, Joseph returned to Missoula, Montana to concentrate on his newspaper investment. He quickly entered into battle with the Amalgamated Copper Company which dominated both political parties through their corrupt spending. The copper giant would battle Joseph through the use of their own rival newspaper, the Missoula Sentinel. It appeared Joseph had beaten down Amalgamated when they sold him the Sentinel. In an ironic twist Joseph sold the paper in 1917 to three businessmen from Chicago: Martin J. Hutchens, Lester L. Jones, and George B. Rice. They reportedly had ties to Joseph’s arch rival, the copper company, and in turn sold the newspaper back to Anaconda Company in 1926.  1920-Governor. Joseph pushed for reform and won election as governor by a landslide only to face drought, low crop prices and a $2 million deficit. He enacted one of the nation’s first old-age pension programs and spearheaded efforts at tax reform. His attempts to raise taxes on mines, however, led to a systematic opposition from Amalgamated Copper Company and eventually to Joseph’s political demise. He was defeated for re-election as governor in 1924.  1928–Senate. His final run for political office was as an unsuccessful candidate for U.S. Senate.  1929-Appointment. Joseph was appointed by President Hoover to First Assistant Secretary of the Interior. He was devoted to developing water power on the Flathead Indian reservation along with a complex network of water rights.  Joseph Dixon left a living legacy in Montana when residents elected to name their town in his honor. The town of Dixon is a farming community located in northwestern Montana off U.S. Highway 200.  1934-Death. Joseph died on May 22, 1934 in Missoula, Montana from heart Grave 8 - Lot 2 - Block 036 failure.

Researched by Mary Ellen Stub, Missoula City Cemetery Administrative Manager. Information and photo sources: National library archives, worldwide newspaper archives, and public legal documents.

Josephine Dukes (1835-1903) One of Montana’s women pioneers. It is said that she had the unique record of having lived in four states without having moved out of her original house. The four states were Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana.

 1835-Birth. 1835 near St Louis IL as Josephine Pelkey (Peltier, Pelletier, Pelky)  1861-Marriage. Josephine married her first husband, Peter Meininger, who drowned in 1861 in the Snake River near Fort Hall, ID (Pocatello, ID today). They were on their way west with their small son, Thomas.  1861 - She arrived in Missoula in October with her young son, Thomas, and her brother, Robert A. Pelkey and his wife Adaline, and their mother. Adaline gave birth (January 13, 1862) to the first white child born in what is /would become the state of Montana.  1862-Marriage. Josephine married her second husband, George P. White. They were the first white couple married within the present boundaries of Montana. They had five children: The oldest three George H (1863) Washington Territory, William (1864) Idaho Territory, and Richard (1866) Montana Territory who were all born in the same house but in three different Territories. They had two other children, one of whom died as an infant. Josephine and George had a butcher shop on East Front Street in Missoula until 1870. George died in 1871.  1872 or 1873-Marriage. Josephine married her third husband, Edward D Dukes. Josephine and Edwin had three

children, one died as an infant. Edwin died in 1882.  1903-Death. Josephine died on April 7, 1903 at her home in Hellgate from ‘apoplexy’ (possible stroke).  It is believed that Josephine is the first white woman to reside continuously in what is now the state of Montana. There are two or three documented other women, however, like Josephine’s mother and sister in law, these women moved in and out of Montana through the years.  Hells Gate (Hellgate on Mullan Road today) – was barely a settlement when Josephine arrived and settled on a ranch in the area.  Historical items Josephine witnessed: • The first church for whites, St Michaels, built by the Catholic priests. • The migration of Indians as they camped below her home on their way from the Bitterroot Valley to the Mission Valley. • The first saloon in Hellgate as it became a courtroom. • The road agents from Henry Plummer’s gang hanging the morning after the Vigilantes did their work at the Higgins and Worden store. • 1865 Higgins and Worden moved their business to Missoula Mills (about where the Holiday Inn is today) • 1860 – 1865 the population of Hellgate never exceeded 14. During this time there were nine or ten violent deaths recorded. Perhaps that is why George P. White was a Probate Judge and also Coroner.  During Josephine’s lifetime in Hellgate, she lived in three Territories: Washington, Idaho and Montana; and in the State of Montana.

Information researched and provided by Marcia Porter, retired Missoula County Records Supervisor.

Louis Fred Effinger (1878-1921) Missoula farmer accused and convicted of Montana’s harsh sedition laws of 1918.

 1878-Birth. April 27, 1878 in Indiana.  1921-Death. July 3, 1921 from obstruction of the bowels in Missoula Montana.  Louis Fred Effinger was a bachelor German farmer who labored to conquer the

Grave 8 - Lot 14 - Block 4 rocky soil of the upper Rattlesnake Valley, continuing his father’s legacy. His short life— he died in 1921 at age 43—was testament to the backbreaking work of immigrant homesteaders. But it may also have been shortened by an unjust conviction for sedition in 1918, an incident that revealed the community’s fear of all things German in World War I.  History. Born in Indiana, Louis was the youngest son of Sebastian and Matilde Effinger. Sebastian, born in 1850 in Bavaria, had immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island in 1870. The family headed west when Louis was a toddler and became the first settlers in the upper Rattlesnake Valley. Sebastian and his family did everything possible to tame the rocky lands they claimed as their own. Sebastian filed homestead claims on both sides of Rattlesnake Creek near Spring Gulch beginning in 1882 and built a two-story log cabin on the east side of the Creek that still stands. To irrigate some of the 1,000 acres he owned, on which he grew crops and fruit trees, he filed for numerous water rights and dammed several lakes high in the Rattlesnake range, breaching the dams in summer to feed the parched land below with flumes that he and his sons built. Sebastian also filed mining claims in the Homestake and Rattlesnake lodes.  Family. Louis may have had three siblings. The eldest may have been Sebastian, known as Bostie. A Bostie Effinger is on the rolls of the University of Montana in the 1895-96 school year, along with Missoula names such as Craig, Evans, Higgins, Knowles, Woody and Jeannette Rankin. Another brother, Charles, worked as a teamster. He and a sister, Mary, are buried in the Missoula City Cemetery along with Louis and their parents. Louis Effinger never married. His father died in 1916, leaving him to take care of Matilde and the homestead.  1918. The U.S. geared up to send troops to Europe, domestic “radicals” such as the I.W.W. threatened the American war effort, and irrational fears of German spies swept the country. To silence war critics, the Montana Legislature passed a law on Feb. 23 punishing sedition, which it defined as occurring when "any person… shall

utter, print, write or publish any disloyal, profane, violent, scurrilous, contemptuous, slurring or abusive language about the [U.S. form of government constitution, soldiers or sailors, flag or uniform].”  The incident. Exactly one month after the law was enacted, Louis Effinger ran afoul of it. According to newspaper and court records, he and another Rattlesnake farmer, L.E. Tucker, were standing outside Don Oliver’s store in Missoula, talking about farming and Effinger borrowing a seed cleaner from Tucker. A newspaper boy came along, hawking the Saturday evening Missoula Sentinel. Tucker bought the paper. A headline read, “British Line is Broken by Drive. Germans Take 25,000 Men—700 Guns.”  According to Tucker’s testimony later, he remarked, “That is too bad,” to which, he said that Effinger replied that “he wished the Dutch would take every son-of-a-bitching one of them.” (By “Dutch,” he meant the Deutsch or the Germans.)  Tucker punched him in the face. Bystanders ran to a nearby hardware store to fetch a rope for an impromptu lynching. Only the intervention of Patrolman Kingston stopped the mob. But Effinger was charged with violating the new sedition law, the first person in Missoula County to be arrested on that charge.  On Sep. 12, Effinger and hundreds of other men in Missoula County registered for military service. Three weeks later, at his sedition trial on Oct. 1-2, before Judge Asa L. Duncan, Effinger sought to clarify his remarks, but his testimony that he didn’t care who won the war did nothing to endear him to the 12-man jury. His lawyer argued that the sedition law was invalid, because only the federal government could enact such laws. It was a good argument, but well ahead of its time. Jury instructions stressing that Effinger was an American citizen and that his German descent shouldn’t have any prejudicial effect were refused.  The jury found Effinger guilty of sedition and fined him $800, a sum that today would amount to more than $11,500. He was one of 79 men and women in Montana convicted of sedition in 1918-1919, 41 of whom went to prison*.  On July 1, 1921, when Effinger was 43, he “just dropped over dead one day when he as working out in the fields,” according to one recollection. Bostie, who had gone east to work for Golden Rule Store Co., came home and sold the family farm. The buyers were Edward and Minnie Ray from Grass Valley. They established the Sun Ray Dairy with a herd of 40 cows.  In May 2006, Gov. Brian Schweitzer posthumously pardoned Louis Effinger and his fellow sedition convicts, following a successful campaign by UM law and journalism students.

This information was provided by Professor Clemens P. Work, Journalism Professor at the University of Montana, author of “Darkest Before Dawn: Sedition and Free Speech in the American West,” and force behind the Montana Sedition Project. *See http://www.seditionproject.net . A brief sketch about Louis Effinger is included in my 2005 book, “Darkest Before Dawn: Sedition and Free Speech in the American West.” Many thanks to Albert Borgmann, who writes of the Effinger homestead in “Holding on to Reality: The Nature of Information at the Turn of the Millenium.” Professor Borgmann also passed on to me sources that he used: Comer, Daniel S.,“Historic Settlement of the Rattlesnake Drainage.” (M.A. Thesis, 2005); Mendel, Nancy, “The Rattlesnake Valley: The Land and its People,” (academic paper, 1973); and Poe, Forrest and Flossie Galland, “Life in the Rattlesnake,” Mark Ratledge, editor, 1992.

Lee Elliott (1892-1964) & Bessie Elliott (1894- 1980) One of the Clinton and Rock Creek valleys’ pioneering families. When not fishing the Rock Creek, Lee could be found ranching or working to bring electricity to the Bonita / Clinton area. Bess was often flying down the railroad tracks as “a midwife is always on the ready.” Together, they built the Rock Creek Lodge by sawing logs from their own land. Five generations of this family have continued operating service businesses in the Clinton and Bonita area to this day.

 182-Birth. Lee was born on February 20, 1892 in Bonita, Montana; Bessie was born on September 12, 1894 in Chicago, Illinois.  1915-Marriage. Lee and Bessie were married November 1, 1915.  Deaths. Lee died November 7, 1964 and Bessie died July 22, 1980.  Lee and Bess's Children. They had five children: Bruce, Jean, Doris, Ross, and Joann.

 Bess’ Family. Bess's parents Robert and Ida Thompson moved to Montana in 1910. They came on the train from Chicago to Clinton with their three children - Bessie, Blanche and Monte. Clinton seemed to them to be the end of the earth.  DuPont Powder: Bess's family ran the DuPont Powder Company in Clinton for several years. It supplied blasting supplies for the local miners and farmers.  Lee's Family. Lee's parents, Stephen Lee Elliott and Hulda Elliott, were Bonita pioneers. They had two children, Lee and Florence. His father, Stephen, had attended school at the Bonita school house traveling by horseback or foot, and then attended the business college in Missoula. Stephen ended up in the saw business at Taft, Montana. Stephen died in a saw accident in 1907 when Lee was 15 years old.  1913. Bess entered nurses training at St Patrick School of Nursing. She attended for two years. When she married Lee, she became the neighborhood midwife. When word would come of a birth soon to happen, she was often put on a railroad speeder and sent flying down the tracks.  1915-1947. Lee and Bess ranched and farmed in Bonita. They raised cows, chickens and hogs which they sold from Bonita to Missoula. At one point there were 21 cows to be milked. Quite the chore it was, twice a day, once in the morning and once in the night and all done by hand. The hogs were often taken to town to John R Daily’s for slaughtering. Lee was president of Missoula County Farm Bureau.  1937. Lee was elected Vice President of the original board of the Missoula Electric Cooperative. He did a lot of traveling to Helena, attending many meetings, to bring electricity to the Bonita/Clinton area.  1947-1972. One of Lee and Bess's favorite pastimes was fishing Rock Creek. With the help of their children, they built and started the Rock Creek Lodge. All the timber for the building was sawed from their land. They operated Rock Creek Lodge for 25 years, their children continued on with the business after Lee and Bess's retirement.  1972. They retired to a new home built just for them where the sawmill had once stood.  1975. Lee and Bess's daughter, Doris, and her husband, Jim, followed family tradition building Ekstrom Stage Station, a restaurant and campground along Rock Creek, still a popular stopping spot to this day. This family has been in the service industry in the general area of the Clark Fork and Rock Creek Valleys for Grave 5 - Lot 2 - Block 21 five generations, from 1883 to the present.

Information provided by Doris Elliott Ekstrom, daughter of Lee & Bessie, owner Ekstrom Stage Station.

Jim Flansburg (1904-1988) A Clinton logger and rancher who owned and operated the first gas station and grocery store in the Clinton area. A logging accident left 19- year- old Jim with a crippled leg. A true rugged pioneer, Jim saw this as an “inconvenience” and persevered on through many successes, failures, and the survival of the Great Depression era.

 1904-Birth. On February 8, 1904 in Calgary, Canada, Jim Flansburg was born. His mother named him Lelan Lawrence Flansburg but his father called him Jim. Later on when he married Eunice Winifred Mueller, she would sometimes call him James (often preceded by a “now” at those peak moments in a marriage.)  Jim’s father, Olin Mattison Flansburg, was a stone mason and a wanderer. He traveled to where the work was. Olin would follow a job and send for the family. Jim’s mother, Alice Elizabeth Clark, would then bundle the herd of small children, hop aboard the train and travel the long trips to rejoin her husband at the next promise of work. Consequently, nine children were born all over the country; from Missouri to Oklahoma Territory, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Canada. The Flansburg family settled in Montana, first

around the Bonner-Milltown area, then Clinton at Connick Gulch and finally in Dixon on an 80 acre ranch up behind the old school house.  At the age of eight, Jim started logging with his father. School was hit and miss around Evaro, MT. “Because he was gypoing he didn’t want to waste the little time it would take to go back and get his good ‘cant’ hook. “This’ll do for this one load anyway,” he said to himself. He climbed onto the deck and kicked some logs loose. With his good hook he could have caught and guided the logs as they rolled down, but the old one didn’t hook right and didn’t hold. Jim ran backwards until he ran out of room to go, then fell onto his back on the far side of the dray. About three thousand feet of logs bounced clear over the top of the dray and landed on top of him. The size logs were in those days, three thousand feet probably amounted to two or three big logs plus the ‘little one’ on his chest. He was broken and pinned down and fully conscious. (‘Tough, Willing, and Able’, pgs. 2-3)”  Jim moved to Clinton and started a garage and service station there following his logging accident. It was in Clinton at the town dances that he met the local school teacher fresh from Missouri and the teacher’s college in Dillon. Jim and Eunice took the train to Deer Lodge MT on July 7, 1928 and were married. They returned home to Clinton; Eunice went back to her boarding house and Jim went back to his garage. They kept their marriage a secret for fear of what Eunice’s family would think of her marrying a tough old rawhide like Jim. Eunice like Jim’s smile and sense of humor in spite of his bum leg. She liked his spirit of hard work and tenacity.  When it became obvious that a child was on the way, Eunice had to quit her teaching job and become a full time wife and mother. Women simply were not allowed to teach in that condition.  The young couple stayed in Clinton, worked hard, and started ranching while running the local gas station, garage, and driving the school bus. Eunice raised a truck garden, canned, and cooked for the men and extra hay crews every summer. It was hard work and long days. When times got tougher on the ranch, Jim started logging to make ends meet. He logged outside of the ranch for about twenty years.  Jim Flansburg endured several more injuries to his bum leg over the years until eventually it was amputated. This never slowed Jim down. He got more done on a wooden leg than most people could in three lifetimes. Disabled was NEVER in Jim or Eunice’s vocabulary.  Jim and Eunice Flansburg were married fifty-six years ending with Eunice’s passing in 1984. Jim followed in 1988. During their life together they had three children: Margery Lois, Rex James, and George Robert. Baby George died at five and one half months old.  Lois married and had two daughters, Ruth and Laura. All three live in the Missoula area. Rex never married and still lives on part of the original ranch in Clinton at the head of Flansburg Gulch (formerly Connick Gulch).

Information provided by Flansburg family and in book by Lois Flansburg Haaglund “Tough, Willing and Able – Tales of a Montana Family”.

Garnet, Montana (est. 1895) Garnet is Montana’s best preserved ghost town. The Garnet district is managed by The Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This once booming mining town remains a treasure- trove for historical and educational opportunities.

 1865 - Montana Gold. The 1865 gold strike on Bear Creek in the Garnet Range spawned Beartown, a rowdy, lawless camp that drew prospectors from far and wide. With choice sites quickly claimed, fortune seekers searched for the “mother lode,” the source of Beartown’s placer gold. The character of the gold washed down from First Chance Gulch indicated the promise of rich quartz veins. Without a road and dependent on snow melt for placer mining, prospectors eked out a living for the next three decades. Finally, with road construction allowing access to heavy equipment, the transition from placer to hard rock mining took place.  1895 – Garnet established. In 1895 Dr. Armistead Mitchell and Dr. Charles Mussigbrod developed a stamp mill

and the camp of Mitchell at First Chance Gulch. When Samuel Ritchey struck a rich vein of gold at his Nancy Hanks mine, just west of the mill in 1896, a new camp called Garnet sprang to life. While men dominated Montana’s earlier mining camps, Garnet miners brought their families. A school served forty-one students. Dances, hay rides, quilting bees, sewing circles, and picnics provided family oriented social activities. Garnet supported numerous saloons, but its family emphasis tempered usual mining camp vices. Cordial relations between independent mine owners and the miners union contrasted with single company towns such as Butte and Philipsburg, prompting the Garnet Mining News to proclaim the town a “poor Man’s paradise.”  Through boom and bust, Frank A. Davey’s steadfast belief in the future of Garnet while owning a general store, the hotel and the stage line, gained him the status of Garnet’s most prominent resident. His death in 1947 and the sale of his holdings in 1948 marked the beginning of Garnet as a ghost town.  Today, the remaining commercial false-front and log dwellings reflect Garnet’s life span from 1895 to 1948.  1972 – BLM. Since 1972, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has stabilized many of the town’s buildings and vigilantly oversees its historic resources.  Garnet Preservation Association. The Garnet Preservation Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to protect and preserve Garnet Ghost Town. They work in partnership with BLM to enhance the education of Garnet and assist with the stabilization of the town and its remaining buildings.  2010 - Garnet Ghost Town was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Garnet Residents documented as buried in Missoula City Cemetery:  Frank Davey. Frank owned and operated Davey’s General Store and the Garnet Stage line, owned a hotel, a mining claim, and a blacksmith shop. Frank always wore a buffalo robe when he drove the stage and was known to have an ample supply of buffalo robes available to keep the women passengers warm on their ascent into the Garnet range. At the time of Frank’s death in 1947, Frank Davey owned the entire town. By 1948 the majority of his leftover store merchandise, personal belongings, and mining claims were auctioned. His Garnet Lode claim, which consisted of most of the land where the town had been built, was donated to the United States Government by Davey’s heirs.  James & Lillian Boles. James was a miner. He and his wife Lillian lived in Garnet.  Gus & Anna Dalberg. Gus and Anna were both Swedish immigrants. Gus came to Garnet to work the mines for other mine owners. Anna rode the train as far as Minneapolis where she worked in a bakery and learned English. She eventually saved the train money needed to reach Bearmouth only to find the stage had left and she had to walk the twelve steep miles to reach Garnet. She worked in the Wells Hotel serving breakfast to the miners who boarded there until she married Gus. In 1905 Gus partnered with Sam Ritchey and purchased the Garnet Water System. They pumped water from a reservoir to many homes. In 1907 the Dalbergs purchased a large parcel of land and built a four room house with a covered passageway to outdoor buildings. In 1907 the Dalbergs purchased a large ranch in the lower Bear Gulch.  Myrtle Dalberg Hamilton. Myrtle was the daughter of Gus & Anna Dalberg. She was born in Garnet with Mrs. Murphy serving as midwife.  Henry & Maude Lehsou. Henry was the oldest son of John Lehsou. He was born in Beartown, Montana. He grew up in Garnet and graduated from The College of Montana at Deer Lodge, Montana where he won state honors as a tennis champion. Henry served as the Assayer for Garnet and in 1898 he also

served in the Legislature as the representative for Granite County. In 1902 he became the “long-time director” of the Western National Bank in Missoula, Montana.  John & Dora Lehsou. John was a German immigrant. He first arrived in the Bitterroot valley when he brought a load of freight from Nebraska. He settled on land near today’s Bearmouth, Montana. John opened a stage line “up the mouth of the Bear.” In 1879 John partnered with Charles Kroger to file the first placer mining claim in the heart of what would later become Garnet. John owned a cabin at the mining site but his main residence was at Beartown, where he was appointed postmaster in 1888. He served in that position for four years. Dora and her sister were on vacation in Montana visiting their friends, Mr. and Mrs. Morris Bein, who ran a store in Deer Lodge where miners bought supplies. John Lehsou and Charles Kroger were invited for dinner to meet two young girls from their hometown. John married Dora and Charles married her sister, Anna. In 1897 he filed the first of many mining claims. In 1892 John and Dora bought a large ranch outside of Missoula, Montana where he established a fruit orchard. John became a principal stockholder in the Western National Bank. Part of John’s land was transferred to Missoula City Cemetery where his family and mining friends were buried. In 1990 the Montana Revenue Department’s Abandoned Property Bureau discovered a small cardboard box in the bank vault. When the Lehsou heirs opened the box they found a cache of 77 gold nuggets and a vial of gold dust along with a note directing them to keep the gold in the family.  John Elfers. John was a miner on Top O’Deep.  Donald Angus MacDonald. Donald owned the Garnet Hotel.  Philip Newman. Philip owned a large steam engine powered sawmill located on Anderson Hill near Garnet. Lumber for Garnet’s buildings, mines, and mills was processed at his sawmill. Philip fell in love with a woman from a red light district. He built a house dubbed by townsfolk as “Gingerbread House.” There was no detail too trivial in design and construction of this labor of love. He even hauled a piano up the extremely sharp grade and purchased a new Majestic range from the Missoula Mercantile so his bride would have every luxury. Unfortunately, prior to the completion of the house, the woman hopped the stage for Helena, Montana never to return to Garnet. Philip stopped construction and lived in the unfinished home by himself. In 1971 arsonists destroyed the building. Philip also had built the Joseph Fitzgerald house up Dublin Gulch. That house was the only one in Garnet with a concrete foundation. The architectural designs and outstanding craftsmanship were a masterpiece.  Tom Tonkin. In 1912 a massive fire broke out in Garnet that almost wiped out the town. The fire started in the Joe F. Fitzgerald’s saloon around 4:00 a.m. and spread rapidly. The business section of town was destroyed except for the Davey Store, the hotel, and Kelly’s saloon. All buildings on both sides of the street below these buildings were destroyed including residential buildings. Tom Tonkin was the only person injured. He suffered severe burns and was brought to Beartown on the stage. Tom died four years later from internal infection from the burns and the antiseptics used to coat them.  William Heard. William was a miner. He, his wife, and their children lived in a cabin near the school.  Nels & Lena Seadin. Nels and Lena Seadin were Swedish immigrants who came to Garnet in 1905. Nels was a miner. The Seadin family would move from Garnet many times throughout the years following work opportunities. In 1930 they returned to Garnet for the last time. Nels was hired as the postmaster until his death in 1939.  Tor Seadin. Tor was the son of Nels and Lena Seadin. He was born in Garnet. Tor graduated from high school in Missoula, Montana. In 1923 he enrolled in the Butte School of Mines which specialized in science and engineering. Tor spent the summer before college started at the Elm Orlu mine in Butte where he was killed in a mine explosion.  Margaret Seadin. Margaret was the daughter of Nels and Lena Seadin. She was born in Garnet. She was born with Spina Bifida and spent her entire life in a wheelchair. She was a beautiful girl with bouncing blonde curls. The entire town of Garnet adored her. She died from her disease when she was 25 years old. 47

 Leslie & Jessie Lewis. Leslie was a miner at Garnet.  Robert & Elizabeth Hart. Robert was a placer miner on Elk Creek, near Garnet.  John & Christine Kohr. John Kohr was a miner who originally settled in the small town of Coloma, adjacent to Garnet. In 1945 he worked as a miner in Garnet. It was during this time that he met Christine. Christine was born and raised just over the hill from Garnet in the farm lands of Potomac, Montana. The Kohr family lived in Garnet until the 1950s. They would return to Garnet to oversee John’s mining claims. John and Christine purchased a summer cabin in Garnet, located next to the Dahl house, which their children still visit. The Kohr family is also related to the McDonald family, also Garnet residents.  Glen Kohr. Glen was the son of John & Christine Kohr. He was born in Missoula, Montana. He traveled across the nation but always considered the Garnet cabin home. He died unexpectedly in 2010 and is buried with his mother, Christine Kohr.  Margaret Olson Cummings. When Margaret was widowed, she became a cook at a boarding house in Garnet.  George & Murrel McDonald. George was the son of Margaret Cummings. He and his wife lived in Garnet.  Clarence McDonald. Clarence was the brother-in-law of Margaret Olson Cummings.  Robert & Agnes McMahan. Robert was a miner. He and his wife, Agnes, came to Garnet during the mid 1930 gold rush. Agnes was picked up the town’s mail in Drummond, Montana and used a section of Davey’s General Store to distribute the mail to Garnet residents. It was on one of her mail runs that she found Frank Davey unconscious alongside one of his claims. She went for help but Frank had lain there unassisted for an unknown number of days. He did not survive.  Henry Eppel. Henry was a miner. He never married.  John Donlon. John was a miner. He never married.  John H. Toole. “Johnny,” as he was called, spent his teenage years working his family’s mines in the Top O’Deep district and Garnet. His experiences are recorded in his book The Baron, the Logger, the Miner, and Me. John graduated from The University of Montana, fought with the army in WW II, opened an insurance company in Missoula, and was Missoula’s 47th mayor. He wrote many books about his family and the Missoula area.

Information was provided by the Bureau of Land Management archives, Garnet Preservation documents, and Missoula City Cemetery records. The Seadin family information and photos were provided by Sharon Seadin Baldwin, the granddaughter of Nels & Lena Seadin.

Albert John “A. J.” Gibson (1862-1927) The Missoula architect who designed the Missoula County Courthouse, The University of Montana’s Main Hall and many beautiful Missoula homes. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson’s lives are remembered with unusual grave markers.

 1862-Birth. April 1, 1862 on a farm two miles from Savannah in Ashland County, Ohio.  1889-Marriage. Maud Lockley on January 30, 1889. She was the daughter of Frederick Lockley, a veteran of the Civil War and a pioneer newspaperman.  Education. A few months a year in a country school. However, he was a genius with the use of tools, but the problem to be solved was how to obtain the tools. To purchase his first set of tools, he trapped mink and sold their furs. Building and mechanics came naturally to him, according to Helen F. Sanders, an early biographer.  1880. At age 18, A. J. hand cut the family barn where every log and timber fitted perfectly. This was the first witness to neighbors of his talent.  1883. He arrived in Butte Montana after his father’s death.  1889. A. J. arrived in Missoula to enter into the carpentry business, opening a short-lived partnership with E.C. Selander. Later he partnered with Robert Mentrum, but this partnership also was short-lived.  Projects. (not all-inclusive) • St Patrick Hospital—built, but not designed by Gibson; demolished • The Greenough Mansion—lost to fire 48

• The first five buildings on The University of Montana campus—two of which have been demolished. • Numerous private homes and commercial buildings in downtown Missoula, Hamilton, and Stevensville. • Hawthorne School • Lowell School • The Sacred Heart Academy-demolished • The Carnegie Public Library—now the Missoula Art Museum • The Missoula County Courthouse • Hellgate High School—only its central core is by Gibson • The Daly Mansion near Hamilton—the last major remodeling of the largest home in the state of Montana • First Presbyterian Church  Purchased many business lots and constructed the Gibson Block made of brick on the NE corner of North Higgins Ave. and Broadway (then Cedar). This was considered quite a folly in a time of economic depression. It was demolished in the 1950s.  1909. He retired to travel with his wife in one of the first automobiles in Missoula. As an automobile enthusiast, he helped form the local automobile club. They traveled extensively on the west coast, but also visited Washington D.C.  1910. They were the first Montanans to drive across the Canadian and Mexican borders. He and his wife made the first cross country trip by automobile from Montana to New York, although some of it was done by rail. This was quite remarkable as automobiles were novelties and roads were no more than trails.  1927-Death. December 31, 1927. A. J. and Maud were killed instantly when their automobile was struck by a train in Missoula. The local Missoulian newspaper reported that A. J. was partially deaf at the time, preventing him from hearing the oncoming train and the windows of the automobile were frosted over, preventing him from seeing the train approaching. Information provided by: Jim McDonald, historical architect. For more Gibson history and to see photos of his architectural masterpieces, read Raphael Chacon’s book: The Original Man: The Life and Work of Montana Architect A. J. Gibson.

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Mary Bown Gibson (1870-1927) Niece of Missoula’s Madame, Mary Gleim, and is responsible for the legend of Mary’s infamous large monument turned sideways.

 1870-Birth. February 19, 1870 in London, England to John Bown of England and Johanna Gleason of Ireland.  1891-Marriage. John Randolph Gibson on March 10, 1891 in Butte, Montana. They had eleven children, all born about two years apart from each other. Three of her children died: two stillborns and one daughter fell off a wagon near Anaconda and was run over by a team of horses. That daughter, Cassie, is buried in the Anaconda cemetery.  Education. She was highly educated in England. Elizabeth attended a convent school and learned eight languages which served her well in later life. She helped miners read and write letters back and forth to their relatives in their homelands since most miners did not know how to read or write.  1890. Elizabeth came to America to live with her aunt, Mary Gleim. It was her Aunt Mary who had directed and financed her education. Elizabeth came to America at her aunt’s insistence that she could provide a better life for her niece. Elizabeth’s younger brother, Benjamin, came to America in 1891 as well. In 1892, Mary Gleim applied for and received guardianship of Benjamin, as he was quite a trouble-maker and Aunt Mary believed she could handle the child. Mary was also very loyal to and cared very deeply for the future of her family.  Legend. Elizabeth is responsible for the great legend surrounding Madam Mary Gleim’s stone. When her Aunt Mary died in 1914, she left Elizabeth and Benjamin her fortune consisting of $100,000. Elizabeth wanted to do 49

something special for her aunt and ordered a beautiful stone that cost $10,000. When the stone was delivered to the cemetery however, it was so large that it would not fit in the normal grave head space, therefore, the monument had to be placed sideways. However, the turning of the stone developed into quite the local legend that the infamous madam had noted in her will that her cemetery stone was to be turned so she could forever wave to her ‘boys’ from the railroad. Mary Gleim left no provisions in her will except that her fortune be given to her niece and nephew. So, little did Elizabeth realize the kind of folk lore her tribute would become.  After Mary’ death, Elizabeth and her family moved to Front Street and lived their remaining life in one of Mary’s buildings. Elizabeth and Benjamin sold off all Mary’s assets and she lived a very comfortable life.  1927-Death. May 23, 1927 in Missoula, Montana.

Information provided by Kim Kaufman, historical re-enactor.

Mary Gleim (1845-1914) A woman with a controversial role in Missoula’s history. Mary Gleim was known as the Madame of Missoula and a business woman “suspected” of some businesses slightly on the border of legality.

 1845-Birth. 1845 to Irish parents. Her father was a ‘squire’ landowner, but not of the nobility kind.  Marriage. John Gleim from St. Louis, Missouri.  Highly educated in England. Conversant in all of the Latin languages and liberally educated in English.  She came to Missoula in 1888 with her husband to begin a new adventure.  Mary was a picturesque, unforgettable, full-figured woman. Few persons in Missoula have not heard of her and to the old-timers, she was very well known. She was a very large woman and it was rumored she could – and did – whip any man or woman that crossed her.  She was a woman of mystery. She was of the underworld from the time of her arrival in Missoula until her death.  Mr. Gleim was interred in St. Louis near his family homestead. Mary Gleim sought to establish a right of inheritance; however, the will stated that ‘in case he left no issue, the property should revert to other relatives’. They had no children so Mary Gleim lost the suit. Her husband’s family homestead was one of the picturesque points in the city of St. Louis. The property was in the Gleim family by Indian inheritance. Mr. Gleim’s grandfather had married a Wisconsin Indian and this property was her share of a tribal allotment. At the time of the suit, the old homestead stood in the business district of St. Louis, surrounded by lofty business blocks.  She was extremely wealthy, worth over $100,000 at the time of her death. She handled and invested all of her husband’s money, which, of course became HER money upon entering into marriage. Mary did have money of her own prior to the marriage. She owned much property, not only in Missoula, but in outlying western Montana.  “Alleged” Business Ventures. (not all inclusive) • Standard Brick Company – was the only business investment where she lost money (approx. $135,000 lost at that time) • Smuggling laces and diamonds • Brothel Madam indulging in ‘rollicking sin’. • Underground railway transporting Chinamen and their opium into this country • Real estate throughout all of Western Montana • Twice tried to get a footing in Alaska and left here to engage in business there, but as she was under suspicion of the British and American customs officers, she was unsuccessful.  1894. She was accused of hiring two hit men to blow up Bobby Burns in his residence. One of these men squealed and was released. The other went to prison for 14 years. Mary, lacking $15,000 bond, was thrown into the Missoula jail (Sheriff Ramsey’s boarding house) with enough booze to keep her happy for a few days. She promptly drank it all and spent the night hollering at another female prisoner confined in the cell opposite her 50

own. Mary then railed against the judge that this was a conspiracy by her enemies to get her. Once she found her manners, she was allowed to be escorted by deputy during the day to attend to her business affairs. Found guilty by jury trial, she accepted a 14-year prison sentence. ‘Took it like a man’, ‘the Heavyweight Champion of Gleimville’, it was reported. Thirteen months later, she returned to trial by the Montana Supreme Court. The Missoulian doubted she could be convicted again because the evidence against her, ‘came from a class of people who have no particular homes.’ According to record, some of Missoula’s leading citizens came up with the money for the $7,000 bond. It is rumored ‘she must have had something on everyone’. Before the re-trial even took place, she was charged with second-degree assault on French Emma, one of her girls. She won both cases for in Bobby Burn’s instance, two of the original jurors were convicted felons and were of questionable sincerity, and in French Emma’s case, a $100 fine plus court costs were found sufficient.  Very charitable. It was rumored that Mary was very generous to most causes. However, she also was a ‘relentless hater’.  Monument Legend. It is legend that Mary’s will stipulated her monument must face the railroad tracks so she could ‘wave to her boys’ as they went by. The railroad ‘boys’ were her best customers. The Gleim monument is extremely large and is the only one to face East and West in the cemetery. However, it is believed that her only known survivors (a niece, Elizabeth Gibson and a nephew, Bennie Bown, purchased this huge monument for $700 and it was simply too large to place on a grave normally so had to be turned sideways to fit. Mary left no will of record.  All her holdings were shared between her niece and nephew. Bennie, however, married a woman who set out to ‘steal his money’. She claimed abuse and due to her physical handicaps was able to convince a judge it was true. Bennie and Elizabeth were forced to liquidate almost all of the asset holdings and the money was ordered to go to Bennie’s ex-wife. Bennie worked until the day he died at the Missoula Mercantile. Elizabeth Gibson and members of her family are buried in the Gleim plot.  Benjamin ‘Bennie’ Bown and his second wife, Ella, are buried elsewhere in the Missoula City Cemetery. Bennie’s first wife, Catherine Somers, who ran through all his money in the early years, is also buried in the Missoula City Cemetery in a plainly marked grave.  1914-Death. February 22, 1914 from ‘Influenza’ (rheumatism was also thought to be a contributor)

Information researched by Kim Kaufman, historical re-enactor.

Greek Community Discover what brought families from Greece to Missoula, how they earned a living, and how they continue to maintain a strong community within Missoula to this day.

 1800s. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, railroad construction brought numerous southern European laborers to western Montana. Included in this work force were men from Greece. Most of these workers were unmarried and seldom stayed longer than the work lasted. A few decided to remain for a variety of reasons, but mainly because they liked the environment or saw business opportunities that could make them a decent living.  1900s. Marrying local women, Greek men quickly integrated into American society, tried to learn the language and to become literate enough to get along. Those who decided to marry within their ethnicity waited until they had established themselves enough to return to Greece and bring a Greek bride to Missoula. This resulted in less than a dozen families with both husband and wife being Greek. Many of Missoula’s Greek families arrived in the early 1900’s.  Railroad workers. Among those who made careers with the railroads and stayed till retirement were Andrew George, Gus Datsopoulos, Peter Pappas and Gus Papanaoum on the Northern Pacific and John Kafentzis, and 51

Peter Robbins on the Milwaukee Railroad.  Business owners. Greeks that didn’t stay with the railroads branched out into a variety of small business, usually with partners. In many instances these partners were relatives. Typically these businesses included restaurants, fruit markets, floral shops, candy stores with soda fountains and shoe shine parlors with shoe repair shops. A short list would include: o Garden City Floral…Jim and Sam Caras o Park Hotel…Peter and John (Jocko) Lambros o The Grill Café…Sam and Bill Poulos o Sunshine Candy…John and Mike Pappas o High School Candy…George and Nick Papantony o Pallas Candy…John Gogas and George Koures o Missoula Shoe Shine…Christ Callas and Jim George (They also cleaned and blocked felt hats.) o Pony Café…Harry Bates and Tom Theros o Jim’s Café…Jim Zakos  AHEPOA. Greek immigrants to the United States, realizing the importance of education as well as integration, formed a nationwide fraternal organization: The American Hellenic Education Progressive Association. The association’s objective was to develop more informed, responsible American citizens. Missoula had a very strong AHEPOA chapter in the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. Annual rotating conventions were hosted with Butte, Great Falls, and Billings. The ladies association was called the Daughters of Penelope. The youth auxiliaries were the Sons of Pericles and the Maids of Athens.  Orthodox Church. For centuries the Orthodox Church has been an integral part of Greek culture. Greek immigrants, if they could afford it, usually established a community church. In Montana, the first church was built and maintained in Great Falls. Missoula had no church of its own until 1957. Thus, if the priest in Great Falls could not travel to Missoula for religious services - baptisms, weddings, funerals, etc., - then local Greeks had to go to Great Falls.  Greek immigrants continued to come to Missoula into the last half of the 20th century, usually sponsored by a family member who had been here for some time.  The makeup of the Greek community, however, has changed considerably as the first generation has passed on and the second and third generations have scattered. Yet, a few of the old family names linger on with considerable importance in law, real estate, and landscaping. Information provided by Greek pioneer descendants and local businessmen George Gogas and Bill Caras.

Thomas Greenough (1852-1911) A major businessman in Missoula’s lumber history, providing the ties for construction of the railway between the Dakotas and Washington. He built Missoula’s first and largest mansion, which was an icon of the valley for many years. His Christmas gift of Greenough Park to the City of Missoula remains a Rattlesnake area treasure.

 1852-Birth. About 1852 in Davis County, Iowa but raised in Kansas.  Marriage. Spouse was Tennessee.  Although not one of Missoula’s earliest families, the Greenough family was among its most important.  He left home to work in railroad construction and gold mining. He worked in the Black Hills of Dakota Territory prior to coming to Missoula and homesteading in Clinton.  1882. Thomas arrived in Missoula and began a wood-cutting business. His business grew rapidly and he went on to purchase land and build the lumber mill at Bonner, Montana.  Lumber. He contracted with Northern Pacific Railroad to provide them with the ties for the railroad’s line from the Dakotas to what is now the Idaho-Washington state line. The tamarack trees of the lower Rattlesnake Creek proved to be one of the best stands of timber so Greenough harvested these to fulfill his lumber contracts.

 Mining. His next major business venture was mining in the Missoula, Butte, Anaconda, and Idaho areas. It seemed whatever he touched turned to gold.  Banking. Thomas was on the board of directors for many of the largest banks throughout Montana, Idaho, and Washington.  1894-Greenough mansion. As he had now amassed a great fortune, he wanted a home befitting a family of such wealth. He hired Missoula architect, A. J. Gibson, to design and build the “Mansion” situated on the Rattlesnake Creek near the Van Buren interchange of I-90. The home was decorated by an Englishman, Willie Morris. Wrought iron fencing surrounded the grounds. The home had 22 rooms with six baths and two fireplaces.  1902. As a Christmas gift, the Greenough family donated land adjacent to their mansion to the City of Missoula for a public park. Greenough Park still remains one of the most cherished, beautiful, and well-used picnic and park land in Missoula.  After Thomas’ death, his wife and children continued to live in the mansion and the home was used for many local social events. Eventually, the home was sold to a family member, Arthur and Ruth (Greenough) Mosby in the 1960s. The Mansion suffered fires and moves. A replica of the original mansion now sits on the south side of Missoula and is a bed and breakfast stop.  1911-Death. July 23, 1911 in Spokane, Washington. Note: The Greenough monument is one of the largest in the entire cemetery. Thomas also ordered individual monuments shaped like cash registers for himself and his wife which sit in front of the large Greenough monument..

Juliet M. Gregory (1896-1990) Missoula’s first and only female mayor and very active in the community. While she was mayor, the first park and planning boards were established as well as downtown corner streetlights and parking meters. She went on to serve on the U.S. commission for UNESCO.

 1896-Birth. 1896 in San Francisco, California to Isabella B. and John T. Minson.  1919. Juliet graduated from San Diego State College after obtaining an elementary teaching certificate. She taught school for two years in the San Diego, California area.  1921-1925. She worked as a social worker for the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA).  1925-Marriage. Horace W Gregory on December 10, 1925. Horace was the Director of Highways in Boise, Idaho. They had two sons.  1932. Juliet’s husband accepted a job transfer which landed them in Helena, Montana. During those years, Juliet worked as a full-time homemaker.  1935. Following Helena’s earthquake of 1935, the Gregory family settled in Missoula, Montana.  WWI. Juliet worked as a hostess at many serviceman camps, on naval ships, and military hospitals. She literally ‘danced her way through WWI.’  1947-1949. Elected as Missoula’s 31st mayor and received a congratulatory phone call from Jeanette Rankin. Juliet made a notable re-entry into the workforce. After 22 years of work as a homemaker, she ran for Mayor of Missoula when she was unable to convince then Mayor Dwight Mason to start a City-County Planning Board. Unable to find anyone willing to run against him, she became Missoula’s first and only woman mayor to date. Her campaign slogan was: “I am Running for Mayor of Missoula on a Firm, Fearless Platform with a Plan”. Juliet was known as a ‘woman with very strong convictions who wasn’t going to just go in there and sit in the Mayor’s chair. She was going to get things done.’ Her direct nature, as she administered her duties as Mayor, cost her the bid for re-election. Her major accomplishments were many: • Installed parking meters • Purchased first police motorcycles

• Trained sanitarians to inspect restaurants, bars, markets, dairies • Developed parks and purchased playground equipment • Hired recreation director to supervise programs of play and street dances • Fired the Fire Chief for false inspection reports • Paved Higgins Avenue • Established the bid process for City projects • Pushed development of the Missoula City Cemetery • Purchased sorely needed new road equipment • Annexed land into the City and imposed a 6% liquor tax revenue source • Initiated police training programs • Added additional street lighting to downtown  1949. Juliet returned to school at Montana State University in Missoula, Montana. She also returned to teaching elementary school while she worked toward a degree.  1952-1955. DACOWITS. Upon the request of President Dwight Eisenhower, Juliet served on the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services. This Commission was established in 1951. Civilian men and women are appointed to provide advice and recommendations on matters and policies relating to the recruitment and retention, treatment, employment, integration, and well-being of highly qualified professional women in the Armed Forces. The Under Secretary of Defense may act upon this Committee’s advice and recommendations.  1955. She received her Bachelor Degree with honors.  1962. Juliet retired from teaching.  1964. Gregory served on the Montana Republican delegation for the 1964 Republican National Convention.  Civic Duties. Juliet’s civic commitment is too large to list. Examples are: President of Missoula County Republican Women’s Club, Parent Teachers’ Association, Daughters of the American Revolution, Business and Professional Women, Missoula Women’s Club, League of Women Voters, Red Cross Board – World War II, Episcopal Church and St Hilda’s Guild, Montana Education Association, Missoula Teachers Association, Missoula County Board of Museums – she was an originator of the Missoula Museum of Art, and Chairman of the Missoula City Cemetery Board of Trustees for ten years.  1985. Mayor John Toole presented Juliet the mayor’s award for civic achievement. He stated, “She carried a standard of integrity in her private and public life. She marched into controversial matters with vigor, yet I can remember seeing her in her office gray with fatigue over the frustrations of the job she held. She’s always been on the side of people who want to do something progressive.”  1990-Death. December 6, 1990 at her home in Missoula, Montana from natural causes.

Juliet Gregory is not interred in the Missoula City Cemetery. It is unknown where she and her husband are buried. On May 30, 1971 Juliet placed a memorial plaque on the cemetery grounds in honor of her late husband.

Haakon Kristian Hauge (1862-1912) An American railroad engineer and Norwegian immigrant made famous 97 years after his death. An exercise in psycho-genealogy led to a letter written to a dead man, a cryptic message etched on a cardboard token, and clues to the past.

 The Letter. Missoula City Cemetery received a letter on October 28, 2009 addressed to Haakon Hauge, a man buried in the cemetery who had died 97 years earlier. There was no return address. The envelope was mailed from France. A letter was written on pink note paper and inside the neatly folded paper was a cardboard token with writing on each side. The letter was written in Norwegian and read: 54

Colmar (France), 15/Oct/2009 Dear Haakon Kristian Hauge, I have for a long time admired you and wanted to know more about your life in America. You have done much, been part of many exciting events, and been brave to start new things. I think you should have made it, for it has been very difficult for your wife Henna and your daughters to make it alone in Oslo. They have missed you very much. They have made it at last, because they have been both hardworking and skilled in all ways. You never came back from America, died of (unable to translate word) it’s said in the family. But why can one find no sign, tracks of you there? Who took your stuff? Have someone killed you and stolen all from you? I cannot believe that you ran from the family, but if you did, then it is just like that and you get to be in peace. You have chosen the wrong card and made the wrong decision, but this card is not mine. Therefore I send it back to you with this letter. The card is no longer mine, it belongs to you, I shall now live free and easy without being scared of losing everything, make the wrong decision at the wrong time. Goodbye. Annick Dorsdal Levillain, your great-granddaughter Dubbed “The Loser Card” story in the local newspaper, the letter garnered national attention as Haakon’s life story was pieced together through the diligence of cemetery staff, local historians and researchers, and eventually, the author of the mysterious letter, Haakon’s great-granddaughter. The letter was written as an exercise in the scientific study of psycho-genealogy.  1862-Birth. Haakon was born in 1862 in Skien, Norway to Andreas and Gabrielle Hauge. Andreas was a parish state-church minister. Gabrielle was 15 years younger than her husband. Research shows the Hauge family had only one horse which seems extremely conservative because the local minister basically ran the town at that time which should have placed them in a solid financial position.  Education. Haakon was highly educated and by 1878 he had received numerous technical degrees.  1883-America. Haakon brought his wife, Henna (Svendsbakken) with him to America. He worked as an engineer for various railway companies in the western and northern states and also in British Columbia. Haakon and Henna would make numerous trips back and forth to Norway. They had four daughters: Ella (1902), Karen, (1905) who only lived seven weeks, Anna (1906), and Kirsti (1908). The oldest and youngest girls were born in Norway and the two middle daughters were born in America.  1890. He became the “first engineer” with the Montana Midland Railroad, probably the Montana Central.  1895-Norway Stone Quarry. Haakon and Henna traveled back to Norway where he owned and operated a stone quarry for a few years.  1901-America. They returned to America where Haakon secured a position as division engineer with the Northern Pacific. In the next few years he engineered for railroads in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Virginia.  1905-Arizona mine. Haakon worked for a short time on a southern railroad line. In 1905 he made an investment by partnering on a purchase of a mine in Arizona. He helped manage the mine for less than a year then left his partner in charge to run the operation.  1906-Norway Peat Bog. Henna did not like this new country and insisted upon returning to Norway to raise their family. Haakon loved everything about America but obliged his wife and returned to Norway with his family. He purchased and operated a peat bog in Hjuksebo. Until now, Haakon’s business adventures had proven to be very successful. Not much is known about what happened in this final venture except that everything went wrong. His entire fortune was lost and he found himself and his family penniless and forced to move into the home of his in-laws. There was only one thing left to do. He must return to America to cash in his holdings in the Arizona mine.  1910-Final trip. Haakon made his final trip to America alone. He promised Henna and his daughters that he would be gone no longer than one year and would write to them regularly. Family lore says the gold mine was dried up and his business partner had taken the money and disappeared by the time Haakon returned to the mine. Henna never heard from her husband again. A few years later it was rumored that he had left Arizona and traveled north to Missoula, Montana and died there.  1912-Death. Haakon Hauge died on July 12, 1912 in a rear room of the Stockholm Saloon in Missoula, Montana. The coroner’s report said he died of a protracted spleen due to alcoholism. His obituary noted he had been hired as a cook on the Deschamps ranch the day before his death.

**Note: Missoula City Cemetery Administrative Manager, Mary Ellen Stubb, headed the research on this project and contacted the great- granddaughter from France who wrote the mysterious letter. The letter was an exercise in psycho-genealogy: the belief that our lives run parallel courses to a specific ancestor and in order to stop any future destruction in our life course, a person must break free from that ancestor. 55

A letter is written, and typically burned, on the gravesite to complete the process. In this case, the letter was mailed to the only cemetery found for Missoula after an internet search. Mary Ellen Stubb authored a narrative of the events in the American Cemetery trade magazine in September 2010. Some Hauge family members came to Missoula a few years after these finding to visit the gravesite. The great-granddaughter continues to piece together the events that led Haakon to his death in Missoula. Maybe one day those answers can be added to this information to complete the puzzle and allow the family a sense of closure.

Researchers who worked on this project: Annick Drosdal-Levillaine (author of the letter and Haakon’s great-granddaughter, Mary Ellen Stubb (Missoula City Cemetery Administrative Manager), Jane Plummer (Missoula City Cemetery receptionist), Betty Wing (Sons of Norway, Missoula Chapter President), Simon Roaldset (University of Montana Norwegian student), Marcia Porter (Records Management Supervisor, Missoula County), Steve Davolt (Funeral Director, Missoula Funeral Homes), Kim Briggeman (News Reporter, Missoulian), Janet Barnes (Records clerk, Missoula County), Paulette Parpart (Library genealogist, Missoula County)

Christopher P. Higgins (1830-1889) A captain in the arm, he worked on Indian treaty negotiations. He co-founded Missoula in 1862 and erected one of the first lumber mills in the vicinity. He was a bank president and helped build the Higgins block in downtown Missoula.

 1830-Birth. March 16, 1830 in Ireland. Parents were Christopher and Mary Higgins.  1848. At age 18, he came to the United States and went immediately west. He enlisted in the army to defend his new-found home.  1853. At age 23, he joined Governor Stephens, the famous Indian fighter of the northwest. Under Governor Stephens, C. P. Higgins assisted in the original survey of the Northern Pacific. In 1855 the treaty was drawn up with the Nez Perce Indians. This treaty led to the final peace covenant with the Flatheads and the Pend d’Oreilles. Crossing a swollen river in 1855 on a raft, C. P. Higgins saved the life of Governor Stevens by jumping into the river, swimming to shore, and securing the raft to a tree. The following year in 1856, the party went to Fort Benton, where they negotiated with the Blackfoot Indians. Their mission completed, the company disbanded at Olympia, Washington.  1856. He was commissioned as a captain in the Army and charged to carry on his work of subduing the Indians. For four years more he served his country, two years of which he was acting as government agent in Walla Walla, Washington.  1860. C. P. Higgins resumed his life as a civilian and purchased Mr. Isaac’s interest in the mercantile business of Wooden & Isaacs in Walla Walla, Washington. Loading his share of the merchandise on the backs of 75 pack animals, he went through Hell Gate Canyon and set up in business with a partner, Francis L Worden. The hired clerk was Frank Woody. They established the first settlement in the Missoula area at the Hellgate Trading Post (located on Mullan Road today).  1863-Marriage. Juliet P. Grant on March 30, 1863. Juliet was the daughter of Missoula pioneer Richard Grant (Grant Creek area) C. P. and Julia had nine children.  1865-Missoula Mills. C. P. built one of the area’s first lumber and flouring mills (Missoula Mills) on the Clark Fork River located where The Holiday Inn currently sits in Downtown Missoula.  1870. He built the Higgins-Worden block (Higgins Ave downtown block today).  Commissions. One of Missoula County’s original county commissioners, a member of Montana’s first Territorial Legislature, an incorporator of the Montana Historical Society, one of the founders and first president of the First National Bank of Missoula, commissioned a city block in downtown Missoula, member of the Masonic fraternity. In politics, he was a Democrat. In church, a more ‘modern’ Catholic – with a high regard and reverence for the essential ethics of the church, yet tolerant in his judgment of his fellow man, and generously charitable.  Ranching. C. P. had a passion for raising cattle and horses. He had large real estate holdings in Missoula, Portland, and Seattle. He donated 20 acres for the construction of the University of Montana.  University area streets named after the children of C P Higgins: Francis, Maurice, Arthur, Helen, Hilda, Ronald, and Gerald. 56

 1889-Death. October 14, 1889 at age 59 after a fall between his home and his new bank construction site.

Kirby Grant Hoon (1941-1985) An actor and Hollywood star known as “Sky King.” From 1951-1962 Skyler King was an Arizona rancher-pilot who fought bad guys and rescued people in trouble using his airplane,’ Songbird.’ Hoon did little acting after the show but bought and traveled with the Carson and Barnes circus. The grave of Sky King brings many visitors from around the world each year.

 1911-Birth. November 24, 1911 in Butte, MT to Henrietta and Kirby Hoon Sr.  Marriage. Kirby married Carolyn and they had three children.  Actor. A long time B-movie actor. Kirby was most notable for his lead role in ‘Sky King.’  Music. He was a child prodigy violinist and singer and at one time led a dance band.  Education. Attended elementary and high schools in Helena, Montana, college at The University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, and The American Conservatory of Music in Hammond, Indiana.  Employment. Kirby’s first jobs were as a radio and supper club entertainer. By the 1930s he began playing cowboys and mounties. He seldom sung and mostly acted in forgettable films.  1945-Name Change. He used the name "Robert Stanton". That name was also used by actor Robert "Bob" Haymes.  1951-Sky King. Kirby took the role of Schuyler or Skyler (Sky) King. The show was filmed in black-and-white during three periods as sponsors changed: 1951-52, 1955-56 and 1957-62. It continued in syndication for years afterward and Grant became an icon to the aviation community. In it he played Arizona rancher-pilot Sky King, who fought bad guys and rescued people in trouble using his airplane. In the series the plane was named the "Songbird." Sky King's ranch was named the "Flying Crown."  Grant did little acting after the show ended although he and co-star Gloria Winters were in demand for personal appearances at fairs and aviation events.  1965-Circus. He bought and traveled with the Carson and Barnes circus.  In real life Grant was a pilot and in the first few years the series used Grant's personal plane.  1970-Retirement. Kirby retired and moved to Florida from California where he and his wife founded the nonprofit Sky King Youth Ranches of America, which provided homes for abandoned or orphaned children.  He had plans to resurrect the Sky King series with the Flying Crown Ranch becoming a home for throwaway kids and telling their stories, but it never materialized.  During retirement he also took many lead parts in local theatrical productions.  1979. He was appointed Good Will Ambassador for Sea World of Orlando, Florida.  1985-Death. Kirby Grant was killed in a car accident near Titusville Florida on October 30, 1985. He was on his way to watch the launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger at Cape Canaveral, where he was also to be honored by the astronauts for encouraging aviation and space flight.  Montana always remained his ‘home of heart’ where he returned regularly to enjoy his favorite sport of fly fishing. He was buried in a family plot with his sister, Janice, and alongside his parents, aunt, and uncle. Kirby’s wife, Carolyn, died in 1989 and was buried in Payne Cemetery in Illinois.  Kirby’s gravesite is visited regularly by people from all over the world. His gravesite is a popular Montana stop for cyber treasure hunters in a practice known as Geocaching. Some information was obtained from Hoon family members living in Great Falls, Montana. There seems to be no contact information available for any of Kirby Hoon’s children. 57

Grave 8 - Lot 1 - Block 002 William H. Houston (1853-1937) He was the 17th and 29th Missoula County Sheriff. A friend of Wild Bill Hickok and a railroad conductor, Houston became one of Missoula’s most colorful and controversial sheriffs. He was known for capturing renegade Indians (sometimes in very nonconventional ways), hanging the murderer of young Maurice Higgins, trimming the City Police Department budget down 60% due to lack of criminals, which, ultimately could have led to his being kicked out of office for supplementing his budget through the making of moonshine.

 1853-Birth. May 17, 1853 in Logansport, Cass County, Indiana.  1880-Marriage. Married Mary Quigley on April 8, 1880 in Omaha, Nebraska. They had one child, Harvey A Houston.  William received a very limited education. Experience served as his education. When he was a young lad four of his brothers were called to fight in the Civil War, leaving William to tend to business at home.  In his early years, William was a guard on a stage coach from Cheyenne, Wyoming to Deadwood, South Dakota. He obtained this job on the reference of Wild Bill Hickok. Years later it was said that William pistol-whipped Wild Bill after an altercation in town and ran him out of Missoula.  1878. His first job was with the railroad as a brakeman on the Panhandle. He traveled west with the railroad working his way up until he was promoted to conductor of passenger trains.  1883. When the Northern Pacific railroad was built, he followed it to Missoula. At that time, he ventured into the hotel business by purchasing the Grand Central Hotel.  1885. Northern Pacific offered him the conductor position, so he ended his hotel business and served in that position until 1889.  1889. William was elected as the 17th Missoula County Sheriff. He was known for capturing the many renegade Indians in the area. The unfortunate criminals who shot at the Sheriff received a direct hit with each bullet that left his gun.  1892. Sheriff Houston was responsible for the arrest and hanging of John Burns. Burns murdered Maurice Higgins. On the night of August 14, 1892, one of Missoula’s worst fires broke out in the main area of downtown off Front Street. At that time, all the wooden buildings were lined with boardwalks which added fuel to the fire. Building after building was destroyed. Practically the entire male population turned out to battle the blaze. One of the volunteers was Maurice Higgins, the son of Missoula’s co-founder, C. P. Higgins. In the early morning after the fires had been squelched, the men were gathered on a corner surveying the remains. Meanwhile, John Burns was outside the local saloon down the street from this gathering. Burns and his partner had recently robbed a jewelry store in Spokane, Washington. The loot was not being distributed as Burns wished so he came downtown expecting to be able to easily shoot his partner in the crowd during the fire and take the loot for himself. Unfortunately, he didn’t find the man he was searching for until after the fire and the crowds were gone. Needless to say, Burns shot the man, hitting him in the side. Burns immediately shot again. This time, however he hit young Maurice Higgins in the forehead. Burns fled but Sheriff Houston caught him a short time later. Maurice died early the next day. Burns was tried, found guilty, and hung on December 16, 1892. Case closed. Or was it? The Missoulian reported on December 31, 1892: “The Body of Burns is Not in the Grave”. The story goes on to say that his body stands in the ‘mystic chamber of the Hijis at their hall on the Eastside.’ The reporter alone, supposedly, entered the strange place to find what he described as ‘Burns’ body embalmed and fastened to a steel rod to hold it upright. Scalpel marks were clearly evident,’ stated the reporter. This report was never verified according to another article by Deane Jones which ran in the Missoulian on January 31, 1971. Mr. Jones ran a follow up article on May 21, 1971 when a man from Cummings, North Dakota claimed to have a pair of moccasins made from the skin of this same John Burns. Interesting…  Indian hangings. A group of four Kootenai tribal Indians committed numerous infamous murders in the region during 1887 - 1889. They were all captured by Sheriff Houston and hung at the same time on the same gallows. 58

This was the only recorded multiple hanging of its kind. Those gallows now sit at the Fort Missoula Historic Museum. (Left to Right: Pierre Paul, Pascale, Lala See, Antley) Each Indian declared their innocence right to the end.

 When a man named Lamb robbed the Northern Pacific of $5,000 and escaped to Mexico, Sheriff Houston trailed him. He then hired a Mexican to chase Lamb across the International Bridge right into Sheriff Houston’s hands. The man was brought back to Missoula for trial.  1894–1920. He served with the United Sates Land Office and as City Commissioner. He was applauded for reducing taxpayer burden by trimming expenses in these offices. William claimed to have cut the $20,000 per year cost of running the City Police Dept. down to a trim $9,000 per year and simultaneously collected $9,400 in fines for the same year.  1920. William was elected as the 29th Missoula County Sheriff. This term lasted only eleven months. William was removed from office and charged with incompetency, connivance with bootleggers, and his deputies were accused of making moonshine.  Upon retirement, William was instrumental in the continued development of Missoula. He partnered with C. P. Higgins and T. L. Greenough to build the Union Block.  William was one of wealthiest men in Missoula. He invested heavily in real estate throughout the Missoula area.  Politically, William was a progressive Republican. Socially, he was a member of the Masonic Lodge.  A few days before his death, William Houston was quoted as telling an old friend, “I made the greatest cleanup the West ever had. I hanged five men, shot one on the street, and sent more than one hundred men over the road to the penitentiary for different crimes.”  1937-Death. April 14, 1937 of prostate disease in Missoula, Montana.

William H. Houston was buried in the Houston family plots alongside his wife Mary, his son Harvey, and his brother John Allen. Researched by Willis Hintz, retired Captain in the Missoula County Sheriff Department.

Japanese Railroad Burials Between the years 1880-1920 about 2,000 Japanese men came to Missoula to work, sending their paychecks back home to support their families. The men buried here were all railroad workers who died on the job. Little is known about them.

 1880-1920. Roughly 2,000 Japanese men came to Missoula to work, sending most of their paychecks back home to support their families. They relied on Japanese contracting companies for initial employment in America. Many of these men worked in agriculture, railroad, lumber, fishing, and mining industries.  1903. Northern Pacific Railway purchased two whole blocks consisting of nearly 400 grave sites. These graves were used to inter 100 bodies of Japanese laborers moved from the area around Paradise, Montana to make room for the new rail line. Most of these sites 59

remain unmarked to this day. Little is known of their origin, their names, or their history. A small few monuments written in Japanese have been placed. Many remain unmarked to this day  Many of these men died from disease, accidents, and weather. Coming from the much warmer climate in Japan, Montana’s cold winters were very difficult for some.  Tradition for the railroad was to bury workers that died alongside the rail lines. Missoula City Cemetery’s Japanese railroad workers were originally buried along the rail lines around the Thompson Falls and Plains areas. When the railroad expanded and altered the lines, these workers (400 of them) were basically, dug up, hauled to Missoula and re-buried in the new city-owned cemetery. The railroad followed through on their promise to these workers and set stones written in Japanese noting the individual’s name, death date, and Japanese township if known. Some stones have both Japanese and English translations on them.  When walking through this area, you may at times smell incense and see white carnations placed on the graves. This is a Japanese tradition of paying respect to their past elders. The incense is lit to remove any ill spirits and the white carnation signifies the cleansing of the area and peace.  1994. Masako Kuriyama, the wife of Japan’s ambassador to the United States, visited the Japanese section of the cemetery on a trip across the state. She learned of the Japanese section from former Senator Mike Mansfield who was appointed to serve as U. S. Ambassador in Japan in 1977. She was surprised and sad to see so many Japanese burials in Montana. She noted the young men were not accustomed to the bitter cold Montana winters but were working the railroad as a means of support for their families left in Japan.  1991. Kazuo Watanabe placed a monument for his grandfather, Tashichi Watanabe, who had arrived in Missoula in 1904. Kazuo was unable to locate his grandfather’s gravesite as Japanese records noted his place of death as ‘Mobra, MT’. The Missoulian reported: “…Tashichi had married the daughter of a prosperous farmer, but in his fondness for gambling had lost most of the family’s land. His decision to head for America came out of a sense of shame and a desire to recover the money he had lost. Tashichi landed a job as a cook for the Northern Pacific Railroad. He felt America was a grand place as noted in a letter he wrote to his wife who remained in Japan: ‘The food that I get to eat would be considered high class in Japan. The amenities here are amazing. There is no comparison between Japan and the United States.’ Tashichi’s last letter was postmarked from Avery, Idaho, and dated December, 1912. A year later, word came from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs that Tashichi, at age 41, had died on Oct. 13, 1913, in Mobra, Mont…” When Kazuo Watanabe retired from his job as school principal, he decided to find his grandfather’s burial place. Through many letters to government and railroad agencies, the pieces of his grandfather’s last days were compiled. Tashichi was working with the railroad outside Butte, Montana when he became ill and decided to return to Japan. When his Seattle bound train reached Missoula, his illness was so severe, he was placed into the Northern Pacific Hospital where he died the next day. His body was brought to the Missoula City Cemetery for burial. Kazuo’s search was documented in the local newspapers and his search was documented by the Mansfield Library in a publication titled ‘About Our Ancestors’. In 1993, Kazuo returned to Missoula bringing family members of two others buried here. A formal ceremonial blessing was held by Buddhist priests for all the Japanese resting here.  2007. Jay and Shoko Kakigawa of Japan visited the cemetery. They paid homage to their descendants by burning incense and placing white carnations on the graves. They volunteered to interpret the Japanese inscriptions on the monuments. Donna Syvertson, a local journalist, accompanied them and wrote down their dictations. Donna then gathered further research from the Missoula Public Library. The information noted that the majority of the men were married, probably sending money back to Japan to support their families. The stones list the deceased name, sometimes the rail worker ‘gang’ they were in, the name of their village or County in Japan, their age, and sometimes cause of death. o Wajiro Kumagai. He is buried in Grave 41 of this section. His monument notes that he was decorated on the national 8th grade level by Japan. It does not say why although Jay Kakigawa suggested he had been honored when serving as a soldier in the war with Russia in 1904 – 1908. Jay said, “It was very important for them (the people in the cemetery). He might have been a leader.” o Toyotaro Watari. His monument bears his family coat of arms. All Japanese have coats of arms but this is the only one that Jay noticed on a tombstone.

Jewish Community Missoula’s Jewish community has had mixed success in organizing itself and in many ways has been an interesting combination of pioneers and dreamers who often put their energies into the broader community of their own creative impulses. Several important citizens are highlighted.

 1870 – Jacob Leiser. Within 10 years of the establishment of the Missoula community, Jewish citizens found their way to Missoula. The first known Jew, Jacob Leiser, was from Germany and immigrated to California for a number of years before moving to Helena, Montana. He lived in Helena until he lost his business in a fire. Jacob returned to California to save money for his move back to Montana. Legend has it that Jacob walked from the California Bay area all the way to Missoula, MT. He established a “general store” on Front Street, married and raised a family. An important part of his business was with the Salish people of western Montana.  1879 – Herman Kohn. Herman Kohn was Bohemian and established himself first in California before moving to Missoula via Helena. Initially, he worked as a harness maker, and quickly established himself as a hard working business man. He opened a jewelry and loan store in 1883 known as Kohn’s Jewelers. Herman invested heavily in downtown Missoula properties. One of the original founders and investors in the Missoula City Cemetery, he was an active, community-minded citizen, serving on several boards, including the school board. He helped found Lowell School, the oldest of the present public schools in Missoula. The Kohn family kept the jewelry store until 1955 when they sold it to Oz Stoverud. Kohn’s clock at the northwest corner of Front and Higgins streets was a landmark at the location of the historic “Free Speech” Corner, made famous by the “Wobblies.”  Colorful Jewish citizens are part of the fabric of Missoula history. Some were business men, some professionals, and some were professors at the university.  1929 – Henry Silver. Henry Silver moved to Missoula in 1929. When Henry’s Philadelphia business was destroyed by a suspicious fire, it seems he took the insurance money and quickly headed west. Big Broadway, a dry goods store in the best of Jewish tradition, was his Missoula reincarnation of the Philadelphia business and the store was an anchor retail business on West Broadway for decades.  University of Montana. As the university grew, so did the number of Jewish faculty. Among these were: o Louis Levine. Louis Levine was a young economist hired by the university in the late 1910s. The Board of Regents requested he write a report on mine taxation in Montana. The report caused such an outrage on the part of the mining interests that pressure was put on the Board of Regents to fire him. Despite support for Levine by the faculty and administration, he resigned. He left Missoula and changed his name to Louis Lorwin. He went on to become quite famous as a noted economist and labor historian and wrote for many professional journals and books. A teachers union was formed in the early 1920s in response to his treatment in Missoula. o Robert Houseman. Robert Houseman was the first person in the world to receive a doctorate in journalism. He wrote an article for the Atlantic Monthly in 1941 describing his marriage to a gentile. The article launched many lively discussions over inter-faith marriages, which were quite uncommon at the time. o Leslie Fiedler. Leslie Fiedler was a literary critic, professor of English, and author of many challenging works on a variety of subjects. He was a cornerstone of the Missoula Jewish community from 1941 until 1964. His writings were widely read, though often not accepted. He was known as a national voice of Jewish intellectuals with an international following.  1920-1950 Sam Rivin. Sam Rivin was a local union and Jewish community organizer. Sam worked as a retail clerk in Hudson, New York until the company expanded and transferred him to Browning, MT. He stayed a short time in Browning, moved to Butte, Montana until his daughter’s health necessitated his final move to Missoula, MT. Sam and his wife, Fannie, hosted many local Jewish gatherings and celebrations from the mid 1920s through the 1950s.  Torah. Missoula held religious services and was home to at least two Torah scrolls (the five books of Moses) over the years. The present Torah was a gift from the Helena community.

 1970s. The Har Shalom congregation was established in the 1970s and remains the center of local Jewish life today. The Missoula Jewish community purchased a building in 2007 and finally has a home of its own. Information provided by Har Shalom President-Emeritus and Missoula Jewish community descendant, Bert Chessin. Cemetery historical note: in the early 1880s, Missoula Jewish community representatives purchased the entire front section of the newly formed Missoula Valley Cemetery. Those representatives were Jacob Leiser, Herman Kohn, and Joe Solomon. Jewish custom dictates only members of the Jewish faith may bury in a designated Jewish cemetery. An expectation of posterity for the Jewish community in Missoula prompted the purchase of these hundreds of graves. Eventually though, the Jewish community dwindled to such a small number that a designated Jewish burial section was no longer realistic. Over time, the originally purchased graves sold back to the cemetery with a small number remaining for the use of designated Jewish family members.

James Henry “Nez Perce” Jones (1844-1926) Sole survivor of the 1878 Rock Creek massacre, prospector, Indian fighter, freighter, and pioneer. His story is told in many local history books.

 1844-Birth. January 31, 1844 in Carthage Missouri.  Married. His wife’s name was Rosa. James and Rosa did not have any children of their own but they did rear eight children, six of them before coming west and two others after arriving here.  James remained in the mid-west until the lure of gold and the intangible something that makes pioneers of mere men called him and he answered the call. He and Rosa crossed the plains to Colorado by ox team, then north along the Mullan trail to Helena and from there to Philipsburg where he was known as a placer miner.  July 11, 1878-“Nez Perce” legend. James earned a nickname in 1878 that followed him to his grave. A group of renegade Nez Perce Indians broke away from Chief Joseph set on revenge against the white man. This band of Indians were looting lonely cabins and murdering solitary prospectors throughout that section of the country. The band of Indians had followed Willow Creek down to where it empties into Rock Creek and set up camp on the West Fork of Rock Creek. That evening, the Indians went to John Hays’ cabin, about ¾ of a mile below Jones’ camp in McKay Gulch. The Indians took everything John Hays owned and left him for dead.  July 12, 1878. Jones and three other men were panning the gravel along the Ross Fork of Rock Creek about 35 miles from Philipsburg. The Indian group came upon these men unaware. The Indians began firing shots, killing each of Jones’ companions and slightly wounding him. Upon the realization of what was happening, Jones knew his only chance of survival was to flee the area so he started running through the woods toward Philipsburg, 35 miles away. The Indians followed in pursuit, reveling in the thrill of a hunt and anxious to add his scalp to the other three bloody scalps hanging from their belts.  Jones was weaponless and dodged from tree to tree and rock to rock to avoid the rifle shots being fired at him and stopping occasionally to throw rocks at the savages. Jones continued quickly through the woods toward the town and help. The fierceness of his attack, his courage, and his woodsmanship soon convinced the Nez Perce band that they were following a man of unusual character, and they gave up after several miles of fruitless chasing.  Jones reached the Schuh ranch, outside of Philipsburg, while the family was at dinner and began knocking on the door. After several minutes and many questions, the family realized he was not an Indian and opened the door to allow him inside. He quickly re-told his story and the rancher gave him a horse to ride into town and spread the alarm. At 11:00 p.m., the old miner rode into Philipsburg tired, dirty, and covered with blood from his wound to sound the Indian alarm.  A group of townsmen set out to recover the bodies of the slain miners and give them a proper burial. The town was placed on alert. The newly christened ‘Nez Perce Jones’ directed defenses, planning reprisals on the Indians as calm and cool as he had been during his retreat from the savages.  1926-Death. April 5, 1926 in Philipsburg, Montana. Visit Philipsburg, MT to see a statue of Jones and historical artifacts in the museum. 62

Daniel Kendall (1847-1898) Daniel Kendall’s marker is an amazing collection of Victorian symbolism and the only one of its kind in Missoula City Cemetery. Take a look at the stone and try to unveil the meanings of each hand carved symbol.

Do you know what these symbols represent: anchor, dove, drapery, eggs in a nest, various fauna, rope, scroll, tree, and wood? Here are the answers:

Anchor: another symbol of the cross

Dove: peace/love

Drapery on the Urn: mourning/loss/sadness

Eggs in the nest: rebirth/The Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost Fern: renewal/rebirth

Forget-Me-Not (flower): remembrance

Lily: Eve’s tears as she left the Garden of Eden

Nest: home Rope: ladder to Heaven

Scroll: petition to God to accept this soul

Tree trunk: renewal/rebirth

Are you interested in more symbolism? Try this book at your Missoula Public Library: Stories in Stone, by Douglas Keister. The book can also be found in the Library’s Genealogy Collection. The call number is 731.549 KEISTER. Researched by Library Genealogist: Paulette Parpart, Missoula City-County Library

Joseph Kogan (1910-2006) Jewish immigrant who lived through Stalin’s political purges, two years hiding behind enemy lines as an escaped prisoner, over a year under suspicion as being an enemy spy, three years as a refugee, and years of hardship in this country learning a new language and re-claiming his career. He was an engineer. His greatest accomplishment was the spring loaded cables used to help launch and catch jets taking off and landing on aircraft carriers, and developing and implementing many of the early concepts of computer time sharing.

 Joseph Kogan was born August 16, 1910 near the city of Vinitza in Ukraine. He grew up as Czarist Russia was overturned by the Bolshevik Revolution and the Soviet Union was formed. Left fatherless at the age of six, his character was molded by the responsibility of having to help support his mother, three sisters, and younger brother through times of famine and severe hardship. After a youth coping with the economic collapse and chronic food shortages brought on by communist mismanagement, he lived through Stalin’s political purges, two years hiding behind enemy lines as an escaped prisoner, over a year under suspicion of being an enemy spy, three years as a refugee, and years of hardship in this country learning a new language and starting a career. Through a combination of intuition, fortitude, and luck, he survived calamities that caused over fifty million deaths, imprisoned millions more, and left a trail of devastation which is difficult for us to imagine or comprehend.  Math came easily to him and from it came odd jobs unusual for someone so young. While in high school he worked as a surveyor. College had to be postponed so he could help support his mother and siblings by working in road construction and helping collective farms repair their equipment. Finally in his late twenties with his siblings grown and the worst of the famines over, he was able to attend the Kiev Polytechnic Institute and in 1941 he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. On the day of his oral thesis presentation and defense the Germans began bombing Kiev as part of their invasion of the Soviet Union. The professors judging the thesis, ordinarily a very difficult and critical group seemed somewhat distracted. Joseph’s thesis went unchallenged, no questions were asked, his thesis was approved, and he marched out of the Institute and headed to the recruiting office to enlist.  When the German invasion known as Operation Barbarosa began, it overwhelmed everything in its path and proceeded eastward into the Soviet Union at a record pace along three fronts. Within months over a million Soviet troops were captured. It was into this behemoth assault that Joseph’s troop of fresh recruits was sent. As they drove westward, all they saw were Soviet troops retreating, but they had their orders. His official war service lasted less than a month. It was spent mostly sitting around the campfire waiting to be captured by the German infantry mopping up behind the Panzer tank divisions that had long since pushed eastward. During that time of waiting, soldiers in his troops each told about their lives in intimate detail. Little did he know at the time how critical these talks would be to his survival.  Eventually his troop was found, surrounded and captured. The pleasant campfire conversations were over. Quickly the Germans screened all prisoners for anyone looking Jewish. These prisoners were immediately shot. 64

Joseph was a Jew without stereotypical Jewish features. This saved his life. But there were also surprise bathroom checks looking for anyone who was circumcised. He managed to avoid or sneak out of several of these, but they were very close calls. So he knew he would not survive as a prisoner for very long. One day on a work detail he found a moment when he was untied and no guards were near and none were watching his general area. He dropped into the vegetation, crawled, ran, and successfully escaped.  Now on the loose in his own country, but behind enemy lines in unfamiliar villages and rural areas, he decided to travel toward the village of one of the soldiers who had described his home and family around the campfire. Learning quickly enough that Germans paid rewards for any Jews who were turned in, he traveled on back roads, begging and working for food. When he felt he was the object of glances that looked too suspicious, he would change his route or hide. Steadfastly, he made his way to an isolated farm house occupied by a mother and her daughter whose only wish in life was that their son/brother would return alive from the war. The details of how Joseph made it to that house and exactly where that house was are lost, but he did make it, and after he told them all that he knew about their son, and about the love, devotion, and heart-break that filled their son’s stories, that mother and her daughter welcomed Joseph as if he was their own flesh and blood.  For over a year he took on the life of the family’s son. Because he was helping with the farm chores, his “sister” got a job in town largely to be able to keep aware of rumors of where the Germans policing the area were, and who they might be looking for. Joseph maintained a low profile, and managed to stay through two winters. Still it was impossible to keep rumors about the strange man at the farmhouse from spreading, and like a hunted animal he developed a wariness and intuition that somehow repeatedly saved him from making a fatal misstep. One key was the way people he barely knew looked at him. There was a certain kind of look which told him he should not stay much longer. He had seen several of those looks and took to returning to the farm house in round about ways from which he could survey the surrounding area without being seen. One day there was a German military vehicle parked at the house. Joseph turned around, resumed his wandering and never returned.  At least three other times, that weird intuition or sense of discomfort saved his life as he traveled from village to village, staying where he could find work, moving on when he felt it was time. In one village where he stayed for several weeks he regularly followed a path along a small creek when returning from the place he worked to the farmhouse where he ate and slept. There were paths on both sides of the creek, but he had always walked on only one of them. One day he just decided to cross the creek and follow the other trail. Five minutes later he saw a group of German soldiers come down the path he would have been on. In another village he found a small car repair shop that needed his help. The owner was very friendly, and wanted him to start work the next day. The following day, he started to go there, but felt uneasy and decided not to. When he did return a day later, the garage was destroyed. Someone had identified the owner as a Jew, and the Germans came and shot him. And lastly there was the Soviet Reoccupation. It should have been a time of great celebration, but apparently in the army there were rumors of too much collaboration between Ukrainian villagers and their German occupiers. Joseph tried to stay relatively hidden during the reoccupation, but during those first days he saw more civilians killed than he had seen at any other time in his wanderings.  Surfacing as an escaped prisoner of war would raise questions about how he had escaped. Was he really a prisoner of war, or wasn’t he more likely just a deserter? Or even worse, he could be a spy. In the time of Stalin evidence was not necessary. Such questions alone would be enough to send him to the Soviet’s own slave labor camps. So Joseph waited until the front line troops had passed, then found a Captain of an Engineering Corps he felt he could confide in. The Soviet Army badly needed engineers to rebuild bridges that Germans were destroying as they retreated. Joseph had been in an Engineering Corps and his offer of assistance was gratefully accepted. For over a year he stayed with the Corps, but as the war was winding down, and victory was assured, the political commissars attached to each unit, began to inspect the credentials of soldiers much more carefully. Unfortunately Joseph’s credentials were highly suspect. It was his captain who realized the commissar was asking too many questions about Joseph and who knew what the likely outcome of those questions would be? Quickly he managed to find a reason to justify sending Joseph away from the front back to Kiev for a brief assignment. His parting advice was that coming back after the assignment was completed might not be too smart of an idea.  In Kiev, tens of thousands of civilians who had fled prior to the German occupation were now returning. There was horror at the discovery of what had happened to their loved ones and to their beautiful city, but there was this 65

overwhelming sense of joy at the realization that the war was almost over and that they had survived. And in Kiev, Joseph had the good fortune of bumping into a friend who knew the whereabouts of a woman Joseph had just begun getting to know prior to the war, and had thought about and dreamed of through all his travails. Soon to be classified as a deserter and as a prisoner of war who had escaped under suspicious circumstances and should be treated as a German spy, he knew he had to get out of the Soviet Union. He found that woman, Dora Knyazhitskaya, expressed his love and devotion and convinced her to abandon her family and country and join him in his journey to what he hoped would be a better life. With false military papers they flew to Poland and from there embarked on a difficult four month journey through war ravaged eastern Europe until they arrived in Italy. There they stayed in camps and housing for war refugees for almost two and a half years until they received permission to emigrate to the United States with the help of Joseph’s older sister who was already a U.S. citizen. Their time in Italy was difficult, but not in comparison to the war they had survived. Just the fact that they were alive was cause for celebration. In many ways these were the best days of the little that remained of their youth. Just as permission to immigrate to the US came, Dora gave birth to their son in Rome. She had an emergency caesarian section, but the hospital then informed Joseph that there were no antibiotics. Dora survived because of Joseph’s resourcefulness in finding the necessary medicines on the black market, and getting them quickly.  Joseph and Dora’s first decade in the US was a very difficult and frustrating time. First there was the struggle to learn and communicate with a new language. Though he had a degree in Engineering, in the U.S. he had to work as a draftsman because of his language limitations and because he had no way to prove he had a degree from a Soviet Institution. He knew it was futile for him to even attempt to communicate with institutions in the Soviet Union. Unfortunately, Dora had sent letters to her sisters telling about their journey and successful arrival in Italy, and subsequent arrival in the U.S. They later found out that as a result, her relatives were subject to many difficult interrogation sessions.  With a great deal of persistence and determination, Joseph finally managed to persuade professors at the University of Pennsylvania to allow him to enter an evening Master’s Program, and he spent six years of evenings and weekends pursuing his degree. By this time his language had greatly improved and he wound up tutoring and helping many other students in the program. One of those students happened to be the Chief Engineer at Lakehurst Naval Air Station, and it was there that Joseph finally got a real engineering job. His primary accomplishments at Lakehurst were his work on the spring loaded cables used to help launch and catch jets taking off and landing on aircraft carriers, and on developing and implementing many of the early concepts of computer time sharing.  He worked at Lakehurst for over thirty years until he was 83. He and Dora came to Missoula in 2001 to be closer to their son, Jerry, and daughter-in-law, Irena, and grandsons, Lewis and Clark. Their participation in Mall Walkers drew them into a sphere of caring and interesting people who made them feel very much at home in this community. Joseph died at home on August 6, 2006, just ten days prior to his 96th birthday.  Joseph’s generation of immigrants went through hardships few of us can imagine or comprehend. Through a long series of tribulations that changed but did not end even after he had arrived in the U.S., he displayed a resiliency and determination that one can only look at with awe. Everyone who got to know him realized what a truly unique man he was.

Information provided by Jerry Kogan, C K Software and only son of Joseph and Dora.

John Henry “Jack” LaShell (1854 - 1910) A wealthy man and elected official in the small town of Lothrop, Montana. John, known for his love of liquor and malicious temper, was murdered by his wife who claimed self- defense and was exonerated from all charges.

1854-Birth. John was born on October 26, 1854 in St. Anthony, Hennepin, Minnesota to William and Harriet Clifton LaShell who were of English descent. 66

 1866-Married. John married Julia Ann Burke on November 18, 1866 in Gallatin County, Montana. They had six children: Harriet Elizabeth (1894), Edwin Patrick (1895), Paul Sylvester (1898), John Henry (1901), Walter Allen (1905), and Frank Anthony (1908).  Early 1890s-Arrived. John and his family arrived in the lumber town of Lothrop, Montana in Missoula County. (Lothrop is located near Alberton, Montana at Petty Creek.) John was a wealthy man and owned a considerable amount of property around Lothrop. It is said that he was well liked and knew every man in the Coeur d’Alene’s.  1897-1900-School Clerk. John was the school board clerk of Lothrop.  1902. Reservoir Creek was renamed Lashell Creek.  1902-1906-Constable. John was the elected Constable of Lothrop.  1907-1909-Livery. John owned a livery stable in Lothrop.  January 28, 1910-Shooting. On Friday, January 28, 1910, John LaShell quarreled with his wife because she refused to give him money to drink away. When John eventually received $10, he immediately headed to the saloon. After a few hours, John came back demanding another $20. When Julia refused, John hit her with a chair. John then grabbed an axe and threatened to kill their son, Paul. At that point, Julia went into the kitchen, grabbed an empty bottle, and hit John on the head from behind. John was a bit stunned for a moment in which Julia gathered her children and went out of the house. She then sent her eldest son for the saloonkeeper.  When Mr. Bergset (the saloonkeeper) arrived, he looked a long time through the window at John who was running around the dining room with an axe in his hands. Julia insisted Mr. Bergset go inside and take the axe away from John because her daughter remained inside. Mr. Bergset said he was afraid to go in alone because John was brandishing a new double bit axe in his hands. Eventually though, Mr. Bergset did go inside and retrieve the axe but not without a struggle and John refusing to leave the premises. Julia insisted that John be handcuffed for the night. However, Mr. Bergset and a couple neighbor men hauled John back to the saloon to keep him away from the family and sleep the liquor off.  When Mr. Bergset stepped out to haul in some firewood, John snuck out of the saloon and returned to his house. John stayed only long enough to issue an ominous warning: John was never going to sleep in this house again until he killed his wife and children. He would return once Julia fell asleep and start the killing by dragging his son, Paul, to the river and strangling him.  This time when John left for the saloon, Julia nailed closed all but the dining room door and then hid the axe. John arrived at the house a few hours later to be told by Julia that there was a single bed in the dining room where he could sleep, as she was afraid of him and would not open any other door. John began pounding on the locked door and threatening to chop them all up. After a few moments of silence, John began chopping the door with another axe he found in the shed. Julia warned him that she had a bottle and would ‘break his head’ if he came in. The chopping increased in intensity. Julia then scrambled under the bed to find a cleaver when she saw her son’s gun. She grabbed the gun and shot John as he came through the demolished door brandishing the axe. Julia was distraught and immediately sent children to notify the neighbors and fetch the doctor.  January 29, 1910-Death. John died on Saturday, January 29 at noon from damage caused by the bullet lodged in his head. Members of the Eagles lodge arranged the service and burial.  Inquest and Verdict. Julia was very distraught over what she had done. She claimed self-defense and was not taken into custody. A formal inquest was held on January 31, 1910. The Constable testified that he was often called to the LaShell home when John became very quarrelsome and disruptive from liquor. He stated that John appeared to bear unusual animosity towards his boys who were always able to outrun him and avoid beatings. Neighbors testified that John had been drinking heavily for nine years and in their opinion, John was a good man to keep away from when he was in liquor. All witnesses testified that Julia LaShell was a fine woman known for her hard-work and family values, they all agreed that she deserved better than what she had. The jury exonerated Julia LaShell, stating she acted in self-defense.  Family afterwards. Julia married Conrad Brown in 1913 and died in 1934. Her grave sits on a hill in Lothrop, Montana. The LaShell children all scattered and left the area. Harriet lived and died (1971) in Spokane, Washington. Edwin was employed with Northern Pacific Railway Company and died (1945) in Sheridan, Wyoming. Paul died (1973) after having been imprisoned in Deer Lodge prison from 1947-1949 for forgery. John died (1969) in Oregon. Walter died (1956) California from a brain hemorrhage sustained in a fight. Frank died (1991) in Idaho. Information obtained from news articles in The Daily Missoulian and research provided by Dawn Dambach. 67

John Lehsou (1840 - 1921) A German immigrant who made his fortune in mining claims in the Garnet Mountain Range, a stage line operator, postmaster of Beartown, a Missoula ranch owner, and Vice-President of Western National Bank.

 1840-Birth. John was born in Holstein, Germany.  1873-Married. Dora and her sister were on vacation in Montana visiting their friends, Mr. and Mrs. Morris Bein, who ran a store in Deer Lodge where miners bought supplies. One source indicated that they worked for Konrad Kohrs. John Lehsou and Charles Kroger were invited for dinner to meet the two young girls from Holstein. John married Dora in 1873 and Charles married her sister, Anna, in 1870 in Deerlodge, Montana. John and Dora had two sons, Emil and Henry.  1865-Arrived. John arrived in the United States from Germany. He worked in Iowa and Nebraska for a year then went to work freighting with an outfit that arrived in Montana in 1866. Traveling over the infamous Bozeman cutoff, his train lost three men to hostile Sioux, as well as most of their horses. With what remained they went straight to the Bitter Root, delivering mining tools and groceries. He was working as a teamster for John Owen at that time.  1866-Stage Station. John opened a stage station on the Mullan Trail, near Bearmouth, “up the mouth of the Bear.” It was on Birmingham Flats near a new I-90 rest area. The actual stage station was moved to Rock Creek and reconstructed as today's Ekstrom's Stage Station Restaurant.  1870-Beartown. He settled in Beartown near today’s Bearmouth, Montana.  1879-First Placer Mining Claim. In 1879 John partnered with Charles Kroger to file the first placer mining claim in the heart of what would later become Garnet. They constructed numerous dams and dug miles of hillside ditches to bring much-needed water to placer operations in the Garnet Range. John owned a cabin at the mining site but he and his family lived in Beartown for 22 years.  1887-First mining claim. In 1897 John filed the first of many mining claims. His partners included Henry Eppel, John Elfers, and John Donlon. They were all members of the International Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF).  Recent research suggests that Lehsou and Kroger profited more from the water that ran through their claims than the gold that they dug out of the ground. Lehsou and Kroger owned all the water rights at the top of the mountain. All the other placer miners needed that water down below in order to run their sluice boxes. As water ran out for other miners, Lehsou and Kroger bought up all the mining claims.  1888-Postmaster. John was appointed postmaster in 1888. He served in that position for four years.  1892-Ranch. In 1892 John and Dora bought a large ranch outside of Missoula, Montana (reaching from Grant Creek to today's Missoula City Cemetery) where he established a fruit orchard.  1900-Bank. John became a principal stockholder and Vice President of the Western National Bank.  Cemetery land donation. 20 acres of John’s land was transferred to Missoula City Cemetery (for $1), where his family and three mining partners are buried. Eppel, Elfers, and Donlon were life-long bachelors, and the IOOF saw to their last rites. They have identical IOOF gravestones.  1921-Death. John died on April 27, 1921 in Missoula from myocarditis. He is buried in the Lehsou plot with his wife and sons.  1990-Abandoned Property. In 1990 the Montana Revenue Department’s Abandoned Property Bureau discovered a small cardboard box in the bank vault. When the Lehsou heirs opened the box they found a cache of 77 gold nuggets and a vial of gold dust along with a note directing them to keep the gold in the family. The gold was valued at $10,000.

Thomas Lewis (1843-1911) From a young boy who fought as a Confederate soldier to a bullwhacker on the SantaFe Trail to soldier resurrected from the dead to a Baptist minister to a rancher, this story could only be real life in the west. Here is a minister who commissioned the sheriff to keep the drunks in line during church services held, where else, but in the local saloon.

 1843-Birth. Thomas Lewis was born on April 5th, 1843, in a log cabin on homesteaded land across the Missouri River from Fort Leavenworth.  1871-Marriage. In 1871 while the pastor of a county church near Gallatin MO he met his wife to be, Martha Surface.  The Reverend Thomas Lindsay Lewis – that was Father. But to “Nell”, the youngest of his five daughters, he was always three distinct men. • "First was Papa a very hospitable and warm loving man, intensely interested in the pursuits of his children and never hesitating to get down on all fours to growl like a grizzly, sending us all to scatter, playfully shrieking and screaming with delight. • Second was the minister, who stood with dignity before his congregation; a man dedicated Nell Lewis Macgregor to God. He was handsome with a striking resemblance to the portraits of the Confederate Author of "The Long General, Robert E. Lee. As a working partner of The Almighty, the church stood between Tough Trail" us…and he was never exclusively our own. • Third was the man created in my imagination from the tales that he told. The young Tom Lewis of the Missouri River frontier, a two-gun Santa Fe trail-man shooting from the hip, Confederate cavalryman, Colorado logger and teamster, who became a struggling ministerial student in the “Reconstruction” days after the Civil War."  As a child Thomas was an avid reader, including “fiction” which Grandfather, “Ezekiel” did not approve of. “Tom” was a little too “bookish” for Ezekiel’s “hard-shell” Baptist views.  1861. The Civil War broke out and although neither Thomas nor Ezekiel held with slavery being “proper”, they were Democrats who strictly believed in “States Rights”, unlike Lincoln and those Republicans. So Thomas, at 19, joined the Missouri Militia Volunteers under General Sterling Price to support the South. During that first year Tom was devastated when his childhood friend, Jim Nugent, died at his side in battle. That same year Thomas had conversations with fellow-confederate, Frank James (Jesse’s brother) regarding their mutual interest in the William Jewell “Baptist” College where Frank and Jesse’s father had been on the Board of Directors.  While on furlough from the war, recovering from contagious measles, Thomas took work as a “bullwhacker”, driving ox-drawn wagons down the Santa Fe Trail. On one trip he was captured by Indians, who curiously offered him a woman and five ponies if he would join their tribe. Although he had to concede that this was a very fine offer, he bartered his freedom for the negotiated price of a nice four-cornered blanket and a hand mirror.  After re-enlisting with the Confederate cavalry under General Marmaduke, Thomas was shot in the back. From this he survived, only to be later captured and incarcerated in the infamous “Gratiot State Prison in St Louis where he remained until months after the war.  When Thomas returned home he was confronted by a very suspicious, new stepmother who believed that “Tom” had been killed, but when “Coon” the family dog, whimpering excitedly, wagged his tail and licked Tom frantically, his stepmother was convinced that this very sickly, disheveled young man must be her husband’s son Tom, who had somehow survived the awful war and found his way back home.  After regaining his health, Tom worked in Colorado at logging camps and silver mines in order to earn tuition for college.  1866. Thomas registered at William Jewell “Baptist” College in Liberty, Missouri, where he attained his education while he survived on a diet of corn-mush.  1886. While a Pastor at “Brush Creek” Mo. his wife, Martha, gave birth to their 5th daughter, “Nellie Nannie Ray Lewis”. Having names in common with the old family horses and cows, she would later settle for “Nell”, with hopes that others might think it was a derivative of something more glamorous. "Meanwhile poor “Papa” felt so deprived that he was not being blessed with a “son”, that he went on a 69

reckless binge, purchasing extravagant books about Ancient Monarchies, which were considerably out of the family budget. Years after his death, I realized that the date of purchase inside the books was also the day I was born! At that moment I sat on the floor, hugging the books to my chest and laughing aloud thinking how a man who had trustingly believed in his prayers for a son had been so let down by both his wife and The Lord."  Possibly these frustrations led to his request to move West, which was granted by the Baptist Missionary Board when they sent him to a brand new Baptist Church in Stevensville, Montana, a church that still stands today, in 2009, as the oldest of its kind in Montana. A Bible that he secured for the church in 1887 is still prominently displayed under the cross inside the church.  1887. Thomas found beautiful prairie land with timber next to Big Creek in Victor where the church members helped him build a two-story log cabin that still stands today as of 2009.  1889. The Baptist Mission Board transferred Thomas to Cheney, Washington, where a troubled congregation needed the strong leadership that the Rev. Lewis possessed. It was during this period that their family received an extraordinary “missionary box”. These boxes were often filled with items of old un-wearable clothes sent by other congregations to missionary families like the Lewis family. However in “this” box Rev. Lewis received a very nice suit, suitable to wear for preaching. The previous owner’s name, “John D. Rockefeller” was sewn inside - and the breast pocket contained a handsome $10.00 bill.  For the next several years the Mission Board sent Rev. Lewis to various congregations in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and back to Montana that were in need of his strong leadership.  Winter of 1897. Thomas and Martha Lewis sold the ranch and moved the family to Missoula where they bought an old two-story house on the corner of South 4th and Orange Streets, in order to take in student boarders from the new University - where their children Mary and Sue, and “Yes, my younger brother, Frank, who Papa had prayed for, would eventually attend and graduate." That old Missoula home somehow survived and still stands today as of 2009.  As the years passed, Thomas's health forced him to retire from his missionary work. He spent his last days in the Missoula home engaged in his favorite passions: classifying geological specimens and listening to Nell playing classic piano pieces or reading various biographies.  1911-Death. At the age of 69, in the winter of 1911, he passed away. The last almost illegible scrawl of words he wrote sang in triumph, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” Thomas was laid to rest in the Missoula City Cemetery. Later Martha, and Nell's first child who was still-born and eventually Nell would join Thomas all in the same grave site. Donald and Margaret, the parents of Nell’s husband, were also laid to rest in the Missoula City Cemetery.

All information taken from the "The Long Tough Trail" written by Nell Lewis Macgregor, daughter of Thomas & Martha.

Clara Maclean (1872-1952) Prominent minister’s wife and mother of Norman MacLean, author of “A River Runs Through It.” Clara was the rock that held the family together, an advocate for mission work, and the silent leader of the church.

 182-Birth. Clara was born August 17, 1872 in Chatham, Argenteuil, Quebec Canada. She was one of 12 children born to John and Cecilia Davidson of English/Irish descent.  1878. Clara’s family traveled by wagon and oxen to Manitoba to homestead. Her mother and sister were the first white woman and child born in the Manitoba township.  Education. All Clara’s brothers were given money for college but the girls were expected to marry. The Davidson girls bucked this expectation and were granted further education to become teachers. Clara’s first teaching position was at Mowbray near the United States border. 70

 1893-Marriage. On August 1, 1893 Clara married John Norman Maclean a Presbyterian minister and ten years her senior. They moved to the United States following John’s ministerial calling.  Children. Clara and John had two sons: Norman (1902) and Paul (1906). Norman was a professor at the University of Chicago and an avid storyteller who wrote many short stories and books including A River Runs Through It. Paul was a journalist and worked for many noted newspapers. After hours, however, Paul was a lady’s man, prankster, and nightlife carouser who was murdered in Chicago in 1938.  Epitome of 19th century women roles. Clara stood quietly and steadfastly behind her husband. She always referred to him in public as Dr. Maclean. She raised her boys and kept house in an era of brooms, scrub brushes, and hand washing. Clara was ‘stable boy’ for a large succession of Chesapeake Bay retrievers which the Maclean men used for hunting. The Maclean men tended to ‘forget’ about the dogs’ care until hunting season each year. Fly fishing consumed the men’s free time with casting lessons conducted from the dock at the Seeley Lake cabin using Clara’s metronome from her piano for the ‘proper casting timing’.  Sundays. Clara and John reserved Sundays entirely for religion and family. In the morning the boys went to Sunday school then to morning services to hear their father preach. In the afternoons the boys had to study and recite ‘The Westminster Catechism’ before they were allowed to go for a walk. In the evenings, family Bible studies were held then off to evening services to hear their father preach again.  1908. The Macleans moved to Missoula, Montana. John became the minister of the First Presbyterian Church in 1909. They arrived in time to have 33 days straight of rain and witnessed the great Missoula flood. They witnessed the wash out of the original Higgins Avenue Bridge.  Clara was determined to keep her boys from fighting as Missoula was a ‘wild, fighting’ town at that time and they had a tendency to be ‘wild’. Rev. Maclean only became concerned if the boys lost a fight. Affection was never displayed in the Maclean household. The Rev. Maclean stated once how he hated to ride on the train as he would be required to kiss his wife in public prior to boarding. Clara had a special fondness for Paul due to his mischievous nature and happy-go-lucky attitude which was so different from the staunch order expected in the household.  Clara tutored the children at home until 1913. School time was from 9am to noon. Each hour was divided into two parts: studying for 45 minutes in the room across from father’s study then 15 minutes to recite to him their studies.  Rev. Maclean conducted all sermons, baptisms, marriages, and burials in the church. All other church work was considered ‘woman’s work’. Clara tended her husband’s flock by caring for the sick and needy, listening to their problems, visiting new members, running charities for the reservation tribes, and running the Ladies’ Aid, Christian Endeavor, and Women’s Guilds to in state mission work. She was also expected to sing each hymn seamlessly and louder than anyone else in the congregation.  Every summer was spent at the log cabin built by Rev. Maclean at Seeley Lake, Montana. The logs used for this cabin were cut on one side of the lake and floated across to the family property. It remains a family gathering place to this day.  1952-Death. July 13, 1952 in Missoula MT. Contact the First Presbyterian Church in Missoula for more information on the MacLean family.

John William Martin (1922-2005) A member of the elite paratroopers group, Company E of the 101st Airborne. His life story was re- told in the HBO mini-series “Band of Brothers.” Easy Company played a pivotal role in the outcome of WWII. After the war, he formed his own construction company and became a prominent builder throughout Arizona and Missoula.

 1922-Birth. May 12, 1922 in Columbus, Ohio. The eldest son of William McCarthy and Ester McCombs Martin.  Marriage. Patricia Mary Mantell during training for Easy Company. Two children: Sharon Snavely in Missoula, Montana and Bill Martin in Phoenix, Arizona. 71

 In his early years in Ohio, John was always very industrious, working several jobs while attending high school. Upon graduation from North High in Columbus, he immediately enlisted in the Army.  He was selected to be an original member of the elite paratroopers group, Company E of the 101st Airborne. This group of military specialists was honored in the HBO mini-series ‘Band of Brothers.’ He was trained at Camp Taccoa, Georgia.  1944. As a member of the Band of Brothers, he parachuted into Normandy in advance of the Allied D-Day invasion force on June 6, 1944. During his World War II service, John also served with distinction in repelling the German tank forces at Bastogne, Belgium, which was an instrumental battle in turning the war in favor of the Allies and led to the eventual defeat of Germany.  After the war. John returned to Columbus, Ohio with his family. Always a ‘go getter,’ he worked for the C&O Railroad and built homes on the side.  1960. With $10,000 in his pocket, he moved his family to Phoenix, Arizona. He formed his own construction company and built numerous custom homes in the upscale Paradise Valley area of the Valley of the Sun. He later built commercial projects in Arizona and Montana which included nursing care facilities, shopping centers, and office buildings.  1970s. John visited and fell in love with western Montana. He eventually purchased a residence in Missoula, the Elk Horn ranch, and two ranches in Ovando, Montana.  Over the next 30 years, John and his wife, Pat, shared their lives between Phoenix and Missoula.  John lived a very full life and accomplished everything he wanted. He had a saying that he told his daughter, Sharon, many times – ‘You get out of life what you put into life.’  John and Pat died very close together and are buried together in Missoula City Cemetery.  Throughout his life, John remained very close with the members of Easy Company, annually attending their conventions for 58 years.  2005-Death. January 25, 2005 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Information provided by: Sharon and Don Snavely, daughter and son-in-law.

George Thomas McCullough (1858-1938) A pioneer doctor credited with early research and cure of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

 1858-Birth. George was born on November 22, 1858 in East Springfield, Jefferson County, Ohio to Alexander and Beth Ann McCullough. He was one of seven children. George’s father was of strong Scotch-Iris stock. George’s grandfather, John McCullough emigrated from northern Ireland to homestead in Ohio after the Revolution. Dr. George T. & Molli McCullough - 1912  1872-Missouri. Alexander and Beth Ann moved their young family to Howard County, Missouri to farm and raise livestock.  Early schooling. George attended public schools in Ohio and Missouri, and graduated from Central College at Fayette, Missouri.  Government Survey. George abandoned his pre-medical studies to assist with the government survey in New Mexico.  1866-Marriage. George married Mollie Massey in Missouri in 1886. They had two children, Massey (1888) and Maud (1890).  Medical Degrees. George returned his focus to medicine and graduated from the State University of Missouri in 1887. He earned his M.D. in 1889. He practiced for several months then entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College in New York City where he completed his post graduate course in 1890. Later he returned to New York to complete a post-graduate degree.  Mexico. George first practiced medicine as a doctor in Mexico.  1890-Missoula, Montana. George opened his highly successful clinic. He was revered for always keeping 72

abreast of the latest medical literature and advancements in science. George is credited with the early research and cure of Rocky Mountain spotted fever. He also held the position of county physician for many years  Rancher. George ventured into sheep ranching.  Organizations. George held membership in the State Medical Society, of which he was president in 1899, the Rocky Mountain Inter-State Medical Association and the American Medical Association. George was also a member of the United States pension examiners.  Political. George was a Republican.  1938-Death. George died of lobar pneumonia on May 18, 1938 in Missoula, Montana.

Information resource: “Progressive Men of Montana” from the University of Montana Library archives.

Leah H. Smith Strothman Mott (1861-1903) Local businessman’s wife who was murdered by her husband. Together the Motts built a successful laundry business. The success of the business led to the alcohol and drug addiction of Mr. Mott. This ultimately led to the tragic murder of a woman and the orphaning of four children with their father hanged for his crime.

 1861-Birth. Leah was born in 1861 in Iowa to Joseph and Adelaide E. Smith. She had eight brothers and sisters.  1870-Iowa. Leah’s family moved to Pleasant Grove, Iowa. Joseph was a farmer, and his farm was valued at $2,500 with $580 worth of personal property. That was about an average size for a farm in that area at that time.  1877-Marriage. At 16 years old, Leah married William Strothman on February 6, 1877. William was the son of Prussian immigrants Henry and Christiana Strothman. Leah and William would have two sons: Henry (1877) and Oscar (1880). The young family lived with William’s parents where he worked as a laborer on the farm.  1885-Westward. It is unknown if the Strothman marriage ended in divorce or the death of William. Leah and her sons moved westward to Whitman, Washington in Walla Walla County.  1888-Married. Leah married her second husband Louis Henry Mott in Seattle, Washington. The Motts moved to Missoula, Montana where they had two daughters: Alice (1893) and Ethel (1898).  Debt. The laundry was in Leah’s name and held a $1,400 mortgage. Leah unsuccessfully attempted numerous times to have Louis admitted to a hospital for treatment of his illness.  Sale of business. During one of Louis’ prolonged absences (rumored to be a run from creditors), Leah sold the laundry to Jones Brothers of Spokane, Washington.  1903-Shooting death. On Sunday, January 4, 1903 the family had their noon meal at their home above the laundry. The group included the new owners of the laundry and their cook. After the meal, Louis had continued to complain about the sale of the laundry. He sent their two daughters to another room. Leah decided to leave the house, and as she went down the steps, Louis shot her four times in the back. She fell to the bottom of the stairs. Two policemen were nearby, and came to the scene, where they took Louis into custody and removed him to the jail. Leah was taken to the Sisters’ Hospital. She was interviewed and named her husband as her attacker, saying that he was under the influence of drugs and liquor. Leah died a few hours later. Prior to her death, she testified to the circumstances and named her husband as the shooter. She requested her young daughters be looked after.

Ethel was one year old and placed with a well-to-do family in Missoula, Montana. Alice Grave 5 -Lot 6 - Block 53 was nine years old and sent to live with Leah’s sister, Anne Cardwell in Denver, Colorado. Her sons, Henry and Oscar, were adults.  Leah was buried in a family lot where eventually a son, daughter-in-law, and a grandchild were buried.

Louis Henry Mott (1855-1904) A successful laundryman whose love of alcohol and morphine led to the murder of his wife followed by Louis’ public trial and ultimate hanging.

 1855-Birth. Louis Henry Mott was probably born in Indiana, to Dr. Francis Asbury Mott (1814-1855) and Fidelia C. Browning (1826-c1861). He was raised by his uncle Lamoine Mott, a successful miller in Des Moines, Iowa.  1879-California. Louis went west against his family’s wishes to Oakland, California, where he worked as a laundryman – the career he held the remainder of his life. During his time in California, he spent 11 months in San Quentin for grand larceny.  1866-Montana. Under the alias of L. H. Browning (his mother’s maiden name), Louis started then sold a laundry in Miles City, Montana. Later in the year he started a laundry at Gardner, Montana near Mammoth Hot Springs at Yellowstone. In April 1888 Louis and his wife Leah planned to open a laundry in Fort Benton, Montana. Louise married Leah H. (Smith) Strothman on 17 November 1888 in Seattle, Washington. Leah was divorced and had two sons.  1890s–Montana, Idaho and Washington. Louis and his family lived in the Montana towns of Phillipsburg, Wickes, and Missoula; the Idaho town of Wallace; and the Washington town of Spokane. They operated laundries in each town. During this time, Louis and Leah had two daughters. Louis was described as good to his daughters but not nice to his wife even when sober, and angry and jealous if he was drinking. Louis was described as having a nervous disorder and attempted suicide by overdose at least once. He would disappear from the household and return acting oddly. Leah had the laundry business put in her name.  1903-The Murder and Trial. During one of Louis’ absences, Leah sold the business. Louis was very angry and on 4 January 1903 he shot and killed her. He stood trial for the murder, and his attorney attempted to use a defense of insanity. Louis rebelled against this strategy, arguing with the attorneys and his own defense witnesses, saying he’d rather hang than be labelled an imbecile. Louis was convicted and sentenced to hang. His original attorneys resigned and Judge Frank Woody handled his appeals. They requested a new trial based on juror misconduct, saying that two men had preconceived opinions that Louis was guilty and another was drunk during the trial. Both the trial judge and the Supreme Court denied the request. When first arrested, Louis had reached out to his family in Iowa for help. They at first refused to have anything to do with him, but when the appeals were denied, his rich uncle Lamoine came to Montana. The elder Mott met with the governor twice but the governor refused to intervene or commute the sentence.  1904-The Hanging. Sheriff Harry Thompson erected a 14’ fence around the yard at the jail and gallows were shipped in from Butte, Montana. Mott was hung on 18 March 1904. At his request, the hanging rope was burned so that it couldn’t be used as a souvenir. Although Louise requested to be buried next to Leah, her son Henry refused this request, and Louis is buried near the main entrance to Missoula City Cemetery.  Aftermath. Louis had sent a letter to Senator Joseph Dixon in Washington DC, reminding him of discussions they once had about the afterlife. Louis said he would appear to the senator 48 hours after his death. Senator Dixon reported two days later that Mott did not keep his appointment. Newspapers also reported that Mott had admitted to jailers a connection to a robbery of the Georgetown stage and was implicated in a murder in California. Mott had kept these stories secret for fear they would influence Governor Toole against a reduction of sentence. Researched and written by: Susan Hintz, retired Missoula County Undersheriff and historical researcher.

Wayne Nance (1955-1986) Serial murderer. A local boy who grew to become Missoula’s serial murderer beginning when he was a teenager. Law enforcement will tell the chilling tale of his crimes and of how clues were used to piece together some cold case murders that have been now linked to Nance through DNA.

 1955-Birth. October 18, 1955 in Missoula Montana. 74

 Education. Wayne grew up in the Milltown and East Missoula areas graduating from Bonner Elementary School and Sentinel High School class of 1974.

**Note: It may never be known exactly who or how many murders were conducted by Wayne Nance but this is what is known per law enforcement documentation as of today –

 1974 - Donna Pounds. On April 11, 1974, Donna Pounds, a minister’s wife was found dead in the basement of her West Riverside home with gunshot wounds. Nance was friends with the Pounds high-school-age children and lived nearby. All evidence found at the scene and at the Nance home leads to Nance as the murderer.  1984 – Unknown women. While Nance was a bouncer at the Cabin bar in East Missoula, women began disappearing. The following women are believed to be prey to Nance:  Debbie Deer Creek. A body discovered in a shallow grave on Deer Creek in December 24, 1985 with a gunshot wound to the head. This body was identified as Marcella Bachman in the spring of 2006 by DNA. After Nance’s death photos of him and Ms. Bachman were found in Nance’s belongings and hairs with Bachman’s DNA were found in Nance’s truck.  Christy Crystal Creek. A body found on Crystal Creek in September 1985 with a gunshot wound to the head. This body has not been identified to date.  Betty Beavertail. A body found in 1979 stabbed to death. This body was identified as Devonna Nelson.  1985 – Mike and Teresa Shook. On December 12, 1985 the Shooks were stabbed to death in their Hamilton area home. The killer tied up the couple, murdered both, and then set fire to the house almost killing four small children who were sleeping upstairs. Items missing from the house were a ceramic bugling elk and a kelgin knife. After Nance’s death both items were found at the Nance home along with a January 1986 photo of Wayne Nance’s father George Nance receiving the ceramic elk from Wayne Nance as a Christmas present.  1986 – Kris and Doug Wells. Kris Wells was manager of Conlin’s furniture in Missoula where Wayne Nance was a delivery worker in the warehouse. On the evening of September 3, 1986 Kris and her husband Doug were coming home and encountered Nance outside the home when Nance hit Doug on the head with a lead pipe and forced Kris to tie Doug to a support post in the basement. Nance then forced Kris into a bedroom and tied her to the bed. Nance then moved back and forth between Doug and Kris, cutting away Kris’ clothing and ultimately stabbing Doug in the chest with an 8-inch knife. Doug passed out but came to and despite his wound Doug escaped from the bindings, found a rifle and one bullet and made his way to the basement stairs where he made a noise to get Nance’s attention. Nance appeared at the head of the stairs and Doug fired his one shot, hitting Nance in the side. Nance staggered back towards the bedroom while Doug chased after him swinging the rifle at him. During the pursuit Nance retrieved his 22 revolver and shot Doug in the leg and fired two more rounds as they entered the bedroom. Nance eventually collapsed unconscious with a fatal bullet wound to the head from his own gun.  1986-Death. Nance was pronounced dead at St. Patrick’s Hospital emergency room on September 4, 1986.

Information provided from official records of the Missoula County Sheriff and County Attorney offices.

Norwegian Community There is a common perception from Norwegian folk storyteller, Garrison Keeler, that all Norwegian immigrants were farmers, many bachelors, and most inhabited Minnesota. Missoula maintains a strong Norwegian heritage with a highly diverse Norwegian community.

 1000s. Viking explorations began with a settlement at l’Anse Aux Medow in Newfoundland, Canada. 75

 1825. Only a few dozen Norwegians came to America prior to 1825. The Norwegian sloop boat, Restoration, although sometimes referred to as the “Norwegian Mayflower,” carried 52 passengers seeking religious freedom. Many of those settled in the Texas and Oklahoma areas. They were from strict Norwegian traditions and hoped to establish communities based on their principles.  1830s. The movement to America began in earnest in the 1830s. In Norway, farmland was scarce. Families with land in Norway passed the farm intact to the oldest son in order to keep the farm large enough to support a family. The rest of the siblings worked as tenant farmers with little to no opportunity to own their own land.  Norwegian settlements first sprang up in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota where homesteading land was readily available. As the lands in the Midwest were quickly taken by European immigrants, migration continued westward through the Dakotas and Montana, spurred by the Homestead Act and railroad expansion.  1900s. By the time Norwegians came to western Montana in the 1900s, all the free farmland was gone. Many Norwegians turned to work in the lumber mill, logging, masonry, carpentry, and railroad industries. Many of the women worked as cooks and housekeepers for the wealthier families in the area.  Church. Norwegians in western Montana tended to blend into their surroundings. While some groups settled together in areas like Bonner, Milltown, and Orchard Homes, most Norwegians spread throughout the community and blended in rapidly. While education and learning the English language was extremely important to them, the church was the focal point of maintaining their Norwegian heritage. Families originally met in homes to worship where all services, church records, and family histories were in Norwegian. In the 1920s the Norwegian community built the first church building which still stands today; St. Paul’s Lutheran Church is located on Brooks Street. The cornerstones of the church are inscribed: St. Paul’s English Church signified that all services and records were now in the English language.  1941 - Sons of Norway. Norwegians maintain a strong commitment to their heritage. Founding the fraternal lodges of Sons of Norway has been highly successful in continuing to pass that heritage to younger generations. Missoula members met at various locations over the years before building the current Nordic Pines lodge on Hwy 93 south of Missoula. In areas like Glendive, Montana, where speaking the Norwegian language was prohibited in public, the fraternal lodges opened the door to maintaining their heritage.  Norwegians are rooted in water and mountains so it was very common for many of Missoula’s Norwegians to have cabins on area lakes, rivers, and streams. Flathead Lake was the most popular water destination with many Norwegian families purchasing cabins next to each other.  Missoula Norwegians. Some of the early Norwegian families highlighted today are: o Louis and Dina Sorheim. Louis worked for the Northern Pacific Rail Road as an engineer. They lived on the Northside of Missoula. Dina worked as a cook and housekeeper for the Keith family. They worked hard and were very thrifty. They eventually bought a cabin on the south shore of Flathead Lake in Big Arm where they loved to fish and host gatherings. There were several Scandinavian families in a row there: Lang, Hallgren, and Solheim. o Oscar Marshall Moy. Oscar lived below the Marshall Canyon ski area between East Missoula and Bonner. He told tales of how he would walk down the mountain and catch the electric trolley to go to school. o Other recognizable Norwegian families buried here are: Nels Martin Andersen, S. J. Knudsen, Thorsrud, Garnaas, Egeland, Sude, Mathesen, and Andersen. All these families came to Missoula in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Information provided by Norwegian descendant, Rolf Tandberg.

Anna Lester O’Keefe (1834-1900) A descendant of Scottish royalty, she married an infamous Missoula baron only to be shocked by her new “palace.”

 1834-Birth. December 25, 1834 near Cashel, Tipperary County, Ireland to Richard Lester. (Her mother’s name has not been located.) Her family called her Annie. Anna was of English and Scottish descent. She was a descendant of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots.

 1844. At age eleven, she traveled by ship with her parents to America. On the trip her mother died from cholera after she took “a horrible black medicine.” Her mother was buried at sea. Anna and her father landed in Ontario, Canada then later moved to Iowa.  1863. Anna and a group of friends traveled by ox train to Montana. They arrived in Virginia City in Montana Territory after a three-month arduous journey. She became a seamstress for a short time before being hired to teach school. She taught until she married in 1865.  1865. Anna met and married Cornelius O’Keefe known as “Baron O’Keefe.” Cornelius was delivering potatoes in Virginia City when they met. He charmed Anna with his dashing gallant handlebar mustache and self- proclaimed nobility (hence the name ‘Baron’). He claimed to be a member of Irish nobility. They married after a whirlwind three day courtship. Cornelius told Annie if she would marry him he would provide her “a life of ease and plenty in a baronial palace back at (current day) O’Keefe’s Creek in Missoula, Montana. She was quite surprised to find the palace was a one room cabin with a dirt floor and the “Baron” was an Irish peasant, but a man with a sense of humor and Amidst the dark blue Mountains personal grandeur. It was a lonely time for Annie with very few other Of my Montana home women in the area to visit. Life was hard. The Baron could be generous I love its sunny fountains and kind but very cruel and frightful when he took to drinking. This As through its woods I roam. union produced two daughters, Mary (Mollie) and Margaret (Maggie).  Scrapbook. It was very important to Anna that her daughters grow up When wandering o'er its dark green hills I sometimes wend my way with an awareness of a more cultured world. Anna kept a scrapbook full I love to hear the murmuring rills of feminine niceties, sentimental Victorian valentines, faded photographs, Make music day by day. articles, and poems (many of which she wrote herself). The scrapbook showed the conflict between Anna’s love for the refined life she had and And oftentimes entranced I gaze her love for the wilderness she pioneered. Upon the setting sun  1883. The Northern Pacific Railroad was completed, and the main line Upon its gorgeous tinted rays was only a small distance from the O’Keefe’s Ranch. Anna was offered a When its days’ work is done. lifetime pass on the railroad when she averted a bad train accident. While out walking with Maggie, she noticed a broken rail and removed tie. She hurried up the tracks and flagged down an approaching train. She turned down the free pass down though, stating she had done what any good citizen would do.  Died in 1900. In her final years, Anna lived with her daughter and son-in-law, Mary Ross and Kenneth Ross in Missoula, Montana. She had lost her eyesight but not her vision of Montana’s beauty.

*Note: Cornelius “Baron” O’Keefe went on to become a successful rancher in the Missoula area. He was the first probate judge of the county and county commissioner for twelve years. He was a Democrat. His favor with people held him in high regards with the general public. So, although he slightly stretched the truth to gain Annie’s favor before they wed, he eventually provided her with a lifestyle of comfort. Anna’s ancestry would have made her a Catholic, however she is not buried with her husband in St Mary’s Catholic cemetery. It is believed that she possibly had joined the Scottish Presbyterian Church as both her daughters were Protestant. Her scrapbook and writings are on record at the Mike and Maureen Mansfield Library on The University of Montana campus. The O’Keefe history is noted in John Toole’s family history “The Baron, The Logger, the Miner and Me”.

Edgar S. Paxson (1852-1919) In his early years was a scout, guide and telegraph line walker in the west. His many encounters with Indians gave him many of the images and themes for his later paintings, several of which hang in the Missoula County Courthouse.

 1852-Birth. April 25, 1852 in East Hamburg, New York.  1874-Marriage. Edgar married Laura Johnson in 1874.  1919-Death. Edgar died on November 9, 1919. 77

 Paxson began work by painting signs and carriages for his father’s carriage-building business.  1875. He set out for the West empowered by a growing sense of the importance of the events transpiring throughout the American West, the injustices suffered by the Sioux in the Black Hills, and the ensuing battle on the Little Bighorn River in southeastern Montana.  Work. Edgar was a stagecoach guide, hunter for cattle ranchers to provide fresh venison for cowboys, scout, messenger, and artist.  1877. He arrived in Montana Territory where he experienced the trauma of the Bannock War, came to know long anxiety-filled nights while camped in Indian country, and lived through many face-to-face encounters with hostile Indians. He also experienced the camaraderie of high country hunting expeditions and shared campfires with both Indian and white companions.  1878. Edgar lived in Deer Lodge, Montana where he painted signs and scenery for theatrical backdrops.  1881. He moved to Butte, Montana where he painted scenery and established his first studio. He began to produce easel paintings of historical subject and portraits of Indians.  “Pistol Grip.” Edgar wrote articles about trapshooting and hunting for a sportsman’s journal under his pen name “Pistol Grip.”  1898. He was mustered into the Army and sent to the Philippines for active service during the Spanish-American War.  1906. Edgar moved from Butte to Missoula where he opened a studio in his home. The Paxsons were very involved in the social society.  Paxson was believed to be entirely self-taught in his art. His works were the most truthful to the appearance of the land and the people in the northern Rockies where he spent most of his life. They captured the essence of the fast-disappearing Old West which he personally experienced. Paxson was not merely an artist-illustrator but a documentary picture maker – an artist-historian. It is known that he studied other artists’ work and may have taken an art class in Chicago in the early 1900’s.  Some artwork examples: • 1899 Custer’s Last Stand. Twenty years of research, eight years of painting, and over 200 figures went into this 6’ x 9’ work during which he established friendships with both Indians and soldiers who had fought at the Little Bighorn. One year after the battle, Paxson toured the site with Major Reno who had helped bury the dead. • 1904. Edgar exhibited paintings at the Louisiana purchase Exposition in St Louis Missouri • 1905. He exhibited paintings at the Lewis and Clark Exposition in Portland Oregon • 1911. He was commissioned to paint six scenes of Montana history for the Senate chambers at the Montana Capitol in Helena. • 1912. Commissioned to paint eight paintings for the Missoula County Courthouse.  Friends. Charles Russell, Buffalo Bill Cody, Captain Jack Crawford, Granville Stuart.

Nels C. Peterson (1878-1969) Sheet metal worker by trade but musician at heart as a long-standing tuba player for Missoula City Band. 1878-Birth. Nels was born on October 19, 1878 in Peshtigo, WI to parents who were from Sweden and Denmark. Nels had two sisters, Lillian and Hannah.  Marriages. Nels married his first wife, Edla, in 1909. After her death, Nels married his second wife, Mabel, in 1924. Mabel died in 1949. Nels was married to his third wife, Grace, at the time of his death.  1910-Missoula. Nels came to Missoula and laid roots in his trade as a sheet metal and tin professional.  1911-Peterson Sheet Metal and Roofing. Nels owned and operated this business for more than 50 years. He worked on the new high school in Philipsburg, MT and installed the new ventilation system in 1911. That same

year, he worked on the bank in Drummond. In 1933, he put the sheet metal roofing on the Gallatin Brewing Company in Bozeman, MT.  Missoula City Band. A sheet metal professional by trade, Nels held another position that gave him great joy as a tuba player in the Missoula City Band. Nels joined the band almost as soon as he moved here from Wisconsin and continued playing for almost 50 years.  Great War. When Nels registered for the draft at the beginning of the Great War, he listed his occupation as musician first and sheet metal contractor second.  1969-Death. Nels died on March 30, 1969 in Missoula, Montana.

Nels Peterson’s story told as a segue to the history of the Missoula City Band and told by current band director, Gary Gillette. Missoula City Band established in 1900 is the longest standing performing musical ensemble in Missoula history. The original band venue was an antiquated bandstand located on the lawn of the Missoula County Courthouse. The band eventually gained funding and band shelter located in Bonner Park was built by the City of Missoula. Missoula City Band continues to offer weekly summer concerts for Missoula citizens

David Polson (1826-1900) The city of Polson was named after this pioneer rancher.

 1826-Birth. David was born in 1826 in New Haven, Connecticut. He was of Scottish descent.  1849: David joined the Gold Rush and migrated to California. He worked his way west with a string of pack horses. He then moved on to Carson City, Nevada.  1861: He traveled by pack train to Walla Walla, Washington before heading east into Orofino, Idaho.  1861-Marriage. David married Mary Kane in 1861. Mary was a Nez Perce Indian woman whom David met in his travels. They had one daughter named Agnes.  1863: David and his family crossed the Lolo Pass into the Bitter Root valley with a hunting party of the Nez Perce. He settled in the Bitter Root Valley.  1870: He and Mary packed up and moved to the Flathead Indian Reservation and located on a ranch five miles east of Lambert’s Landing. He raised stock and became very popular among the Flathead Indians. He was a renowned fiddler and was in demand at all the dances and pow wows.  Naming of the town. The Salish Indians called the area Pied d’lai or “foot of the lake.” Then in 1880 Harry Lambert settled at “the foot of the lake” and began operating a general merchandise store. At this time the area became known as Lambert’s Landing. Another settler was Batiste Eneas who established a ferry business. The ferry boat was constructed of long cedar poles and worked the river north of the current day Polson Bridge. Towns on the reservation began to grow rapidly from 1890-1897. Post offices were established in each town. One such post office had been approved for this settlement on the lake but needed an official name. The area settlers elected Batiste Eneas and David Polson to name the town. After much discussion, David Polson suggested they name the town Eneas. Eneas was honored but hastily declined and recommended they name the town Polson as he thought it was a more fitting sounding name for a town. Hence, Polson, Montana was named.  1900-Death. David died on December 14, 1900.

Emma Hansen Randolph (1877-1956)  1877-Birth. Emma was born on March 3, 1877 at Fort Logan, Montana. She was the oldest of eight children in an established ranching family in White Sulphur Springs, Montana.  August 28, 1900-Marriage. Emma married William Randolph in 1900 in White Sulphur Springs, Montana. They set off in a covered wagon to honeymoon in Lewiston, Idaho. They had three sons: Keith (1901), Robert (1903), and William Jr. (1911). Emma so desperately wanted a girl that she dressed William Jr. in rag curls and dresses until he was old enough to protest.  1907 - A dream come true. She trained as a teacher in the first class of students admitted to The University of Montana. However, her dream was to raise a family on her own farm. The dream came true after seven years of marriage, when the Randolphs bought an old homestead in the North Hills of Missoula, Montana and moved there with their two young sons. The ranch included a three-room cabin, a barn, and an orchard.  The family kept chickens (several hundred) and cattle, raised fruit and vegetables for Missoula markets, and were extremely generous in hard times. During the Great Depression, the farm Emma always wanted became a place with a reputation for generosity where there was always room and something to eat. For many years, when William would become restless and travel with a new work prospect, Emma and the boys ran the farm on their own.  Daily Accomplishments. Emma Randolph's accomplishments were mostly everyday duties that contributed to her resourceful character. She helped run the farm business specializing in milk products and eggs. She raised three sons and nannied a generation of grandchildren, including Keith's four daughters.  Religion. A strong-willed Seventh Day Adventist, Emma frowned on alcohol. Husband William was said to occasionally slip away to drink with hobos and Native Americans camped out on the verges of Missoula. She ran her household and her poultry business with brisk efficiency.  Emma Randolph's life was one of hard work, fresh air, and small rewards easily overlooked. She was an early version of the modern busy Missoula mother, trying to raise a family and do "her own thing" at the same time, all on a modest budget and with a restless, daydreaming husband to boot.  1956-Death. Emma died on January 3, 1956 from heart disease in Missoula Montana.

The Moon-Randolph Homestead consists of 470 acres in Missoula Montana’s North Hills. The homestead was purchased by the City of Missoula in 1996 as part of Open Space. Caretakers are employed to maintain, protect, and educate the public while continuing to actively work the homestead. Public trail systems access the property. For further information or to visit the homestead contact: [email protected]. Photo courtesy of Caitlin DeSilvey & Russell Johnston.

William Henry Randolph (1872-1956)  1872-Birth. William was born on February 6, 1872 in Holt County, Missouri.  Early 1890’s: As an adventurous, restless young man, William was instrumental in persuading his entire family to move with him to a brand-new state called Montana. The family made the trip by Missouri river steamboat. They landed in Billings, Montana where they ran a stagecoach stop for about a year before settling in White Sulphur Springs, Montana. There the Randolph family purchased a hotel that catered to the health-seeking tourists who came to soak in the town’s mineral springs.  1906: William was working as a laborer in Missoula, Montana. By 1907 he moved Emma and their two sons to Missoula for a fresh start. They entered into an agreement to

purchase over time an 80-acre property in Missoula's North Hills which was first homesteaded in 1889. During the depression they purchased additional acreage adjacent to their property. By 1944 the homestead consisted of 144 acres of working land. Today, their homestead is part of Missoula’s Open Space. Caretakers live and operate the homestead as an educational window to the past.  Farmer: By wits and hard work, William Randolph was able to eventually expand his holdings in the Hills and hang on to the family farm through the depths of the Great Depression. He made ends meet by selling mostly homestead products of vegetables, fruit, eggs, and milk from the back of a horse-drawn wagon he drove into town. Ranching takes water and it soon became apparent there was not enough. William hand dug an additional 30 foot well close to the house. William also discovered and worked a small coal mine on the property called "Little Phoebe" which kept many hard-hit Missoula families warm over the winter.  Inventor: Though he proved a decent farmer, William dreamt of being an inventor. In 1905, he took a train to Washington, DC to patent his idea for a mowing machine. The concept consisted of five different inventions, needing separate applications. William never found the money to re-draft his plans nor the time to complete the paperwork. However, he kept trying, even well into his later years, to find that golden- ticket invention that would make his fortune. He never did. His life is a tribute to the everyday hardworking class who dream big but must make do with what they have. He may not have become a famous inventor but William had a good life here. His homestead is now a Missoula treasure that will live in perpetuity.  1956-Death. William died in his sleep from natural caused on June 26, 1956 in Missoula, Montana.

Information provided by previous caretakers for the homestead: Andrew & Joann Smetanka and “Butterflies and Railroad Ties” by Caitlin DeSilvey.

Jeannette Rankin (1880-1973) Suffragist, feminist, pacifist, political reformer, battler for children’s rights, and economic justice for the poor. First woman elected to the U.S. congress. Her election took place before women had the right to vote. Learn about her childhood in Missoula and the other influences that shaped her life and made her an advocate for social justice.

 1880-Birth. Jeannette was born on June 11, 1880 on a ranch in the Grant Creek area of Missoula, Montana. Parents were John Rankin, a rancher and lumber merchant, and Olive Pickering, a former schoolteacher. The family was of Scottish descent.  1902. Jeannette graduated from Montana State University located in Missoula, Montana with a bachelor degree in science. She was a schoolteacher, seamstress, and

studied furniture design. When her father died in 1902, he left money to Jeannette which was paid out to her over her lifetime.  1904. Inspired by slum conditions on a trip to Boston, she took up the field of social work. She became a resident in a San Francisco Settlement House for four months then entered school in New York to gain her degree in Social Work. Upon completion, she returned to the west to become a social worker in a children’s home in Spokane, Washington. This lasted only a few weeks.  1910. She became involved in the woman suffrage movement while studying at The University of Washington. Visiting Montana, Rankin became the first woman to speak before the Montana legislature, where she surprised the spectators and legislators alike with her speaking ability. She organized and spoke for the Equal Franchise Society.  1912. She became a field secretary of the National American Woman Suffrage Association. She was among the thousands of suffragists at the 1913 suffrage march in Washington, D.C. before the inauguration of Woodrow Wilson.  1914. Jeannette returned to Montana to organize the successful Montana suffrage campaign.  1916. She was the first woman elected to Congress. She was a Republican. (This was three years before women were guaranteed the Constitutional right to vote.) She won the election even though the papers first mistakenly reported she had lost. She was the one of the first women in the world to be elected to a parliamentary body. She lost her bid for US Senate in 1918. She made history by voting against World War I. She violated protocol by speaking during the roll call before casting her vote. Her stand led to the Republican party pulling all support, leaving her as Independent.  The political reforms she worked on during her terms included: civil liberties, suffrage, birth control, equal pay, and child welfare, right to vote for women. At one point, her peace activist roles led her to be accused of being a ‘Communist’. In 1917 she opened congressional debate on the Susan B. Anthony Amendment, which passed the House and Senate to become the 19th Amendment. Other campaigns included were: 1922 Women’s Independent Citizenship; 1921 Maternity and Infancy Protection Act; 1924 Child Labor Amendment.  1940. Jeannette was elected to Congress. She cast the ONLY vote against World War II. Again, she violated protocol by speaking during the roll call before casting her vote, announcing “As a woman I can’t go to war, and I refuse to send anyone else”. She was then denounced by the press and her colleagues and barely escaped an angry mob. She believed that Franklin D Roosevelt had deliberately provoked the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.  1968. Jeannette led 5,000 women in a protest in Washington, D.C. demanding the US withdraw from Vietnam. She headed the group and it was called the Jeannette Rankin Brigade.  She lived in self-imposed poverty, spending the last half of her life traveling the world for peace and equality for women.  1973-Death. Jeannette died on May 18, 1973 in her sleep in Carmen, California. Her ashes were reportedly spread at sea.

Paul Albro Read (1899-1933) The 21st Federal Prohibition officer to die from intentional gunshot wounds. Special Agent Read was killed in the line of duty in Missoula, Montana.

 1899-Birth. Paul was born on April 8, 1899 in Hurricane Lake, Pierce County, North Dakota to Edward Delaus and Celia Brager Read. He was the second of thirteen children and the oldest son. Paul’s father was an English farmer who also delivered mail in the area around Leeds, North Dakota. In later life, his Norwegian mother would tell her grandchildren about the hungry Indians who would sometimes come to her back door looking for food.  Family. Paul’s family was active in the Lutheran church in Leeds, North Dakota. They had first settled in Maine then moved to Minnesota and operated a grist mill before homesteading in North Dakota. Paul’s parents managed

to scrape together money and purchased musical instruments. The children helped one another learn how to make music. They soon had a family band. Paul could play the pump organ as well as many other instruments.  1923-Marriage. Paul met his wife while on vacation to visit his Uncle Burt in Minnesota. He married Leona Ida Keeney in September 1923 at the Read family farm. Leona was the daughter of a Primitive Baptist preacher. They had two children who died in infancy during an influenza epidemic in 1929: Richard ‘Dick’ and George. Three children survived him: Katherine (1924), Barbara (1929), and Harry (1932).  Personal. Paul loved camping and hunting. He and Leona spent their honeymoon camping along the Old Yellowstone Trail as they traveled to their new home in Post Falls, Idaho. Leona never knew when Paul would come home with a different car than the one in which he had left home. He loved to “dicker” and regularly took advantage of the sale of confiscated vehicles the government sold. One such time he came home with a large touring car complete with extra rows of seats and a vase for flowers in a let-down shelf on the back of a seat. Unbeknownst to Paul, the shelf also contained a make-up kit. Leona was horrified when the family arrived at church to find the two girls in the back seat with smeared rouge and lipstick all over their faces.  Faith. Paul was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Missoula, Montana. For several years before his death he took his big touring car to Time for Sunday school. The car East Missoula each Sunday. There he would load as many children as would had only three rows of seats but, by fit into the car to take them to church for Sunday school. the grace of God, everyone was  Musician. Paul was an accomplished musician and squeezed in. Photo: Courtesy of could play many instruments. During the years of the Katherine Read Baeth, from the depression entertainment was often of the home-made Missoulian variety. On summer evenings Paul and his neighbors sat on their front porches. Paul would play his accordion or guitar welcoming requests for favorite tunes from those living close by. Voices from all sides of the street sang along to the tunes.  Neighbor. During the depression years, Paul often brought unexpected guests home for a meal. When Paul’s duties involved the arrest of a young bootlegger who had a wife and family to support, he and Leona would deliver groceries to the family’s isolated home. Paul had to be assured the family could survive while the man served his jail sentence. Paul also brought people home with him rather than leave them stranded along the highway.  Career. Read began his law enforcement career as a deputy sheriff in Wallace, Idaho. He also served as a traffic cop throughout the area between Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and the Washington state border. Read entered the prohibition service in 1925. His work encompassed the area between the Idaho border and Canada in western Montana. Much of the time his work entailed camping out while he searched for stills in isolated areas of the countryside.

**Note: The following information is public record. The reporting sources show conflicting events for what unfolded that night. Read was known not to carry his gun on his person. He normally left his gun locked in the glove box of his vehicle. The night of his murder, investigating officers found Read’s gun covered by clothing and other articles in his vehicle parked in front of the Palace Hotel, two blocks away from the scene of the shooting. The only weapon found on the scene was the one used by Cates. A gallon of moonshine whiskey was removed from Cates’ car. The convicted murderer, William Clarence Cates, maintained throughout his trial that he shot in self- defense. Cates is buried at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Missoula, Montana.

 United States Department of Justice: The Officer Down Memorial Pages “Special Agent Read was shot and killed in the line of duty in Missoula, Montana. He had gone to a location after receiving a tip that a bar at the corner of Broadway and Higgins was serving illegal alcohol during prohibition. He entered the bar 83

and purchased a beer. After being served he arrested the proprietor. Special Agent Read had locked his service weapon in the glove box prior to entering the bar and did not search or handcuff the suspect before placing him in his vehicle for the trip to the county jail. As they pulled up to the jail the suspect pulled out a concealed revolver and shot Agent Read three times.”  William Clarence Cates. Cates was previously convicted under state and federal liquor laws as a bootlegger. He had become a well-known sworn enemy of all prohibition officers. This is his account as reported in questioning by Sheriff J. R. Thompson, court records during his trial, and subsequent hearings, and in his lone interview with journalist Dean Jones of the Missoulian: “On the night of July 21, 1933, he was called from his home to deliver a gallon of moonshine, supposedly to a regular customer, but in reality to a prohibition officer, Paul Read. As he stopped his car in an alley behind the old Oxford, Federal Agent Read stepped on the running board, looked at the whiskey and told Cates he was under arrest. While Read stood on the running boards, Cates stated Read poked a gun in his face and told Cates to drive where he was told. Cates drove Read to the courthouse and a few feet from the driveway to the jail. Cates refused to be arrested and taken into the jail. Read reached for the keys to the ignition and the first shot rang out. During his trial, Cates stated he shot in self-defense. “It was either him or me.” Cates also made numerous allegations that Read was in regular dealings with the moonshiners and received a take to allow the operation to continue. Cates stated he “hated to be double crossed.”  Paul Read’s testimonial on his deathbed. In semi-consciousness at the hospital, Paul Read attempted to tell officers about the shooting but was unable to do so fully before succumbing to his wounds. “Read stated he had just arrested Cates for violation of the liquor laws. Read said the only item he was carrying that night was a flashlight. He stated his gun was locked in the glove box of his vehicle. Read stated he didn’t think Cates had the nerve to shoot him.”  Constable L. F. Harlow - The Witness. Constable L. F. Harlow viewed the scene from his front porch on Woody St. “The car turned onto Woody Street from West Broadway and stopped in the middle of the street in front of the courthouse. Read and the other man talked for a minute or two and as Read was getting out of the car two shots were fired. Read went behind the car, apparently for protection, and the man (Cates) got out on the left side and went after him. Paul started running towards the courthouse over the lawn and three more shots were fired. He yelled and dropped on the lawn.”  Sentencing. Cates always maintained self-defense and that Read regularly received bribes. Neither of these statements could be proven. Three different Montana governors became involved in the case during a series of nine stays of execution . The case was prolonged until 1937 when at that time Cates was convicted and sent to the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge, Montana. He was paroled in 1957. William Clarence Cates lived the rest of his life in Missoula and worked as a cabinet maker. He died on March 29, 1972 and was buried in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Missoula, Montana. His death certificate notes he was divorced and the burial informant was listed as Missoula County Welfare.  1933-Death. Paul died on July 12, 1933 from gunshot wounds in Missoula, Montana and was buried next to his two infant sons. He was the 21st Federal Prohibition officer to die in the line of duty from intentional gunshot wounds.

Personal information provided by daughter, Kitty Read Baeth. Testimonial information provided by newspaper clippings and law enforcement notes. William Cates information provided by newspaper clippings, cemetery records, and death certificate.

Rodney Salisbury (1888-1938) Radical Sheridan County sheriff who co-organized the strong socialist movement in Montana. He was suspected to have masterminded the robbery of the county payroll and area banks to fund socialist activities. He publicly raised two families: one with his wife and one with his mistress who happened to be married to another man! *Note: Knowledge of Salisbury’s early life is sketchy.

 1888-Birth. Rodney was born on May 2, 1888 in either Wisconsin or Center: Rodney Salisbury Brinsmead, North Dakota where the family homesteaded. He was the oldest of eight Photo courtesy: Glyn Deem, Deem Studios From The Red Corner by Verlaine McDonald children. 84

 School. He left school after the fourth grade to work on the farm. As a youth he also allegedly performed in a traveling road show where he danced for dimes and quarters and performed a comedy act with his grandfather.  Marriage. It was in Brinsmead where he met and married Emma Ryan. The couple soon moved to northeastern Montana where they homesteaded in the community of Raymond. They eventually had six children.  1920's. During the 1920s as homestead farmers in eastern Montana and the Dakotas were stricken by drought and low wheat prices, they increasingly turned to politicians offering radical solutions to their problems. This trend was especially strong in Sheridan County in Montana’s furthest northeast corner. Here voters throughout the decade elected self-proclaimed Communists to virtually every single public office.  1923-1928. He was Sheridan County Sheriff. He was one of the most prominent and probably the most radical of Sheridan County’s “red” office-holders during his tenure as sheriff.  Charles "Red Flag" Taylor. Salisbury was an early follower of Mr. Taylor, the charismatic Communist editor of Plentywood’s popular farmer-labor newspaper, The Producers News. With Taylor’s support, Salisbury won election to the county sheriff position as part of a slate of radical candidates who rode to office on a tide of farmer unrest. Taylor lauded Salisbury as a skillful organizer but also noted that he was “an extremist and kind of a Wobbly type.”  Controversy. Salisbury’s six-year tenure as Sheridan County Sheriff was controversial to say the least. Over the years he was accused of taking bribes from bootleggers, engaging himself in the illicit liquor trade, working in partnership with the owners of local brothels, and masterminding the armed robbery of the county treasurer’s office. It was rumors of Salisbury’s involvement in the treasurer’s office robbery in late November, 1926 that led to the loss of his re- election bid in 1928. The robbers made off with more than $100,000 and were never caught. Salisbury emphatically denied involvement in any of the crimes that his political enemies and rival newspapers accused him of committing. Meanwhile the Producers News noted that “newspapers under the control of the Bankers and Usurers in the county are making weekly assaults upon him.”  The Other Woman. Nor was Salisbury’s personal life above reproach. Sometime in the mid-1920s, he began a long-term affair with Marie Chapman Hansen, the wife of a local flour merchant. Marie was among the first women in the county to bob her hair and she shared Salisbury’s radical politics, having worked for the “Producers News.” Salisbury eventually fathered three children with Marie. The first two were born before she divorced her husband. The couple never attempted to hide their relationship which was well known throughout the county.  1932-Janis Salisbury funeral. The death of Rodney’s daughter, Janis, illustrated the conflict between religion and the Communist movement. It is believed this single event was the beginning of the end for the socialist movement in the area. Janis died of appendicitis but her funeral services drew national attention. It was well known that children were taught socialist ideals through school clubs. Janis’ funeral was described in detail on the front page of the Producers News. The service was conducted with full Bolshevik rites including her classmates marching in and singing revolutionary songs and reciting the pledge to the “Red Flag.” With such a public display of communism came a backlash of criticism from the public which would lead to the ousting of socialist candidates during the next upcoming election.  Following his tenure as sheriff, Salisbury remained active with the Communist Party and ran for governor of Montana on the Communist ticket in 1932. He received only a handful of votes and was buried in the Franklin D. Roosevelt Democratic landslide of that year.  Several years later, Salisbury, Marie, and their three children moved from Sheridan County to Billings and from there they soon relocated to Missoula. He remained a radical activist, serving as president of the Montana Farm Holiday Association, a group calling upon farmers to keep their crops off the market until prices went up. It was Salisbury’s involvement with this group that cost him his membership in the Communist Party, as party leaders regarded Association members as traitors to the red cause.  1938-Death. Taylor died on June 14, 1938, of a cerebral hemorrhage while visiting friends in Plentywood. Even his death was not without controversy. Rumors quickly circulated that he might have been poisoned by Marie. Others speculated that the hemorrhage was the result of a barroom fight. 85

Salisbury’s daughter attributed his death to a stroke. Upon Salisbury’s death, the Plentywood Herald observed: “Probably no other man in Sheridan County has been on the lips of friend and foe as Rodney Salisbury. His enemies and others bitterly condemn his past activities. Friends today said he was fearless in his convictions and that he was no lover of sham. His fight, they say, was for the underdog.” Information and photos of Rodney Salisbury gathered from Montana newspaper clippings and the book “The Red Corner: The Rise and Fall of Communism in Northeastern Montana” written by Verlaine McDonald. The happenings in Sheridan County during these years were swept under the rug by most residents and preferred to be forgotten. Sheridan County historians are now developing a documentary about their role in our nation’s political history.*Note: Janis Salisbury was originally buried at the Salisbury home in Plentywood, MT. When Rodney moved to Missoula, he dis-interred Janis and reburied her in the Missoula City Cemetery. Her grave lies across the street from his. Frederick Scheuch (1871-1954) He was a University of Montana professor and founder of Missoula’s fraternity of Sigma Chi. He was considered the “Father of Sigma Chi in the West” as he established the undergraduate program in five western states in the early 1900s. His wise and compassionate counsel led many young men to be successful leaders in business.

 1871-Birth. Frederick was born in 1871 in Lafayette, Indiana. He grew up in Spain where his father served as a U.S. Consulate.  Marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Scheuch had one daughter, Natalie.  Education. Frederick returned to the United States to attend Purdue. When he started at Purdue he could barely speak English and employed a translator to improve his language skill.  1892. Scheuch served as Purdue's undergraduate delegate to the Grand Chapter of Sigma Chi in Indianapolis where he was also appointed Kustos of his local chapter. At that time, the structure of the Fraternity was different, and such appointments were made at Grand Chapter.  Throughout Scheuch's lifetime, he attended 12 Grand Chapters. Before going west to Montana, he was Grand Praetor of the then-fourth Province in Indiana.  1895. Frederick arrived in Missoula, Montana to teach French, German and Spanish. Here he served as the Grand Praetor of what was then called the 17th Province. According to Scheuch there were only four Sigma Chis living in Montana - all of them on the staff of the university. There were no undergraduate chapters at the University of Montana. The nearest undergraduate chapters were 1,200 miles to the west in Washington and 700 miles to the east in Minnesota.  1930's. By the time Scheuch retired, he had actively worked on the establishment of the undergraduate chapters at The University of Montana and Montana State. After the establishment of the chapter at the University of Montana. Scheuch spent most of his free time in the chapter house. He often held court with students in the kitchen. He offered a cup of coffee and advice to all who sought his counsel.  In addition to Scheuch's Sigma Chi efforts in Montana, he also guided the establishment of additional chapters in the states of Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, and Washington.  During his career in Montana, Frederick served as interim university president on five separate occasions. When asked to assume the position permanently, he refused saying it would take him away from his daily contact with his students.  1939. In August, during the 44th Grand Chapter in Los Angeles, the Sigma Chi membership chose Scheuch to serve as 30th Grand Counsul.  1948. Frederick was among the first group of Sigma Chis to be inducted into the Order of Constantine, the Fraternity's highest honor.  1954-Death. Frederick died on January 17, 1954 in Los Angeles, California after a long illness.  Fall of 1954. The dedication of the Scheuch Memorial Planetarium took place on the campus of Montana State University, which is now The University of Montana, Missoula. Information provided by The Magazine of Sigma Chi – Spring 2008.

Herman Schnitzmeyer (1879-1939) A photographer who captured the homesteading and development of the Flathead Valley and the railroad infrastructure. Herman was a recluse and eccentric. Although once renowned for his photography, he died penniless and was buried at county expense. Today, his work is resurfacing as pictorial history masterpieces.

 1879-Birth. Herman was born on November 1, 1879 in Centralia Illinois to German immigrant parents.  1900. He developed a passion and skill for the art of photography. He operated a commercial photo studio in Nashville, Illinois.  1910. Herman moved to Montana upon successfully winning one of 300 lottery drawings for land when the Flathead Reservation opened for homesteading. He located his homestead of 160 acres on Wild Horse Island on Flathead Lake, naming it Apollo Heights. Here he envisioned the formation of a utopian society, The Apollo Club, whose goal would be to gain “further creativeness and a love for the great and wonderful out- of-doors”. This society would operate as a self-sufficient community engaged in agriculture and small manufacturing for the benefit of its members, selling any surplus to acquire needed supplies. Being more of a philosopher than a farmer, Herman’s vision never materialized and he returned to photography to supplement his income.  1912. Worked as an assistant for the Riggins Photo Gallery in Dayton, Montana. He formed a partnership with a fellow homesteader, Louise Desch, and began making postcards and photos documenting the homesteading boom and important events in the Flathead and Mission valleys. He continued to record his philosophical musings in handwritten journals and to seek inspiration from the beauty which surrounded him.

 1914. Sold his stony land on Wild Horse Island, re-located to Polson, and opened the Polson Studio photo gallery. He offered portrait and commercial photography. Many of his photos were used for real estate and business promotion in the rapidly growing reservation communities. Although he received much praise for the quality of his work, his main interest was in scenic photography which led him to wander the mountains instead of maintaining regular business hours.  1920. Northern Pacific Railroad took notice of his scenic photography and regularly hired him to do free-lance projects which further deteriorated his business. By 1922, he sold the studio to his apprentice, Julius Meiers, to work exclusively for the railroad. He traveled to Yellowstone Park, the Grand Tetons, and throughout the Pacific Northwest. For the next ten years he documented railroad infrastructure and scenic destinations for the railroad traveling as far as the Cascades but always returned to Polson.  1926. Short of funds, Herman sold most of his scenic negatives and some equipment to an acquaintance, Johan W. Rode, who in subsequent years moved to Berkley, California, put his own name on the prints, and sold them all across the nation as his own original work.  1930. Moved to Missoula and resided in the Penwell Hotel, the Great Depression having snuffed out his free- lance contract with the railroad. He stopped taking photographs completely and occasionally lectured at the University of Montana. 87

 By mid-decade his health began to fail. He became paranoid, suspecting that the British were trying to take over America. Although cared for by his close friends, Mr. and Mrs. Arceal Henri, Herman was impoverished and too proud to accept charity. A Missoula druggist and friend, Kenneth Vincent, visited Herman at the Thornton Hospital moments prior to his death. Mr. Vincent stated the aging photographer literally starved to death, having reduced his diet to bread and milk. Missoula County buried him in the city-owned cemetery in a section with other transients and poor.  1939-Death. Herman died on September 2, 1939 at the Thornton Hospital in Missoula, Montana.  During his lifetime, he was renowned for his photography. In death, he had faded into obscurity. Today, his work is resurfacing as one of the finest histories of the development of the Flathead valley.

In honor of Herman’s creativity and contribution to local history, the Missoula City Cemetery contacted a local monument company, Garden City Monument Services, owned and operated by Bob Jordan. Mr. Jordan enthusiastically donated a piece of granite for a monument, designed and inscribed it with Herman’s philosophical motto. Photo collection held by Denny Kellogg in Kalispell, MT

Nels Seadin (1875-1939) A Swedish immigrant who was a pioneering family of Garnet, Montana. He worked hard as a miner and retired as postmaster. The Seadin family were prominent in the history of the people in Garnet.

 1875 - Born. Nels was born on September 28, 1875 in Bjällsta, Indal, Sweden. He had three sisters. His birth name was Nils Olof Sjödin.  1892 - America. Nels and a cousin left Goteborg Sweden on May 24, 1892 for America. Both boys were 16 years old. Nels changed his name to Nels Seadin upon his arrival in America.  1899 - Marriage. Nels married Lena Linderman in Mullan, Idaho on May 31, 1899.  Lena. Lena was born in Sweden on June 27, 1874. Her birth name was Karolina Johansdotter. She left Kristiania, Sweden on November 2, 1897 with a destination of Wollmer (Troy), Idaho. She left behind her parents and three sisters to join her brothers who had already made the long journey to America. Many Swedes were living in Troy. There were so many with the name of Johnson that the mailman couldn’t keep mail delivery straight. John, Lena’s younger brother, decided he would change his last name to Linderman. When Lena arrived she could not speak English and wore a sign around her neck stating where she was to go. Karolina changed her name to Carolina (Lena) Johnson. She was not sure how the name Linderman fit in for her but it didn’t really matter as two years later Lena and Nels were married and her name changed to Seadin. Nels and Lena were anxious to start their family in America. They had six children: Mildred (1901), Tor (1903), Elsie (1906), Walt (1908), Margaret (1912), and Robert (1915).  1902 – Garnet, Montana. Nels was a miner and moved his young wife and infant daughter Margaret to Garnet, Montana in 1902. They lived in a small log cabin. Their family grew and all the children attended the one room school house in Garnet.  Tor. Children were only required to go to school until eighth grade. The nearest town of Missoula had high school opportunities if they wished to further their education. Tor was Nels and Lena’s second child. After completion of the eighth grade, Tor moved in with a Missoula family and continued his education in town. He was very bright and a star athlete. He graduated high school in 1923. He then moved to Butte, Montana to attend the Butte School of Mines, a technical college specializing in science and engineering. Tor spent the summer working at the Elm Orlu mine. He was working the last shift at the mine when he and another young man lingered too long after firing a blasting fuse. Their bodies were found by the next shift of workers. Tor was 19 years old when he died. He was buried in Missoula City Cemetery. 88

 1927 – Postmaster. Nels was 52 years old and physically unable to continue the hard work required of a miner. Opportunity knocked when Mr. Adams, the postmaster of Garnet, fell ill and had to move his family to Missoula. Nels became the postmaster. He moved his family to live in the Adams house. This was a much nicer house than the log cabin. This house had a wall making two separate rooms with a covered path leading to the outhouse. Only two of their children were still living at home at this time.  Margaret. Margaret was born with the birth defect of Spina Bifida. She spent her entire life in a wheelchair. She was a beautiful little girl with soft blonde curls. The entire town adored her. Margaret was featured in some of the printed postcards sold in Garnet. She was 25 years old when she died in 1937. Margaret was buried in a grave across the street from her brother Tor in Missoula City Cemetery.  Robert ‘Bob’. Bob was 21 years old when he set eyes on a beautiful girl with naturally curly platinum blonde hair, slender in build, and who had an outgoing personality. This beauty was Elsie Craddock. Elsie had been raised in the Twin Bridges Orphans Home and moved to Garnet in 1936 with her father, Ernie Craddock. When Bob saw Elsie, he immediately discarded his current girlfriend and vowed to married this new girl. They were married six months later in Missoula, Montana. Bob and Elsie settled in a small log cabin built by his father Nels. Bob worked for the McDonald mine and leased several other small mines on his own. Bob and Elsie had a son and a daughter. Bob developed siliceous from dry drilling in the mines wearing only his cap and lights with no face mask. He spent many years in and out of the Heart and Lung Hospital in Galen, Montana. Bob loved the town of Garnet so much that his family granted his last wish by returning to Garnet and spread his cremated remains.  Nels and Lena loved and enjoyed their grandchildren. Lena sent pictures home to her mother in Sweden. Lena was instrumental in teaching her young daughter-in-law how to cook and care for a baby.  1939 - Death. Nels fell ill with pulmonary pneumonia in March of 1939. He was taken to Butte, Montana to seek medical attention. Nels died two days later on March 6, 1939 at the age of 63 years old. He was buried near his two children. Lena moved to Butte, Montana to live with her oldest son Walt. She died at 80 years old and was buried in Butte, Montana. Lena never learned to read or write English but could speak her new language with a strong Swedish accent.

Information researched and provided by Sharon Seadin-Baldwin

Ralph Starr (1895-1961) He was the 32nd Mayor of Missoula. A well renowned Justice of the Peace, he was re-elected eight times and only left the position upon his election as mayor. Learn about numerous Starr family members all buried together in a family lot.

 1895-Birth. Ralph was born on August 8, 1895 in Anaconda, Montana.  Marriage. Ralph married Florence Smith. They had two children.  Education. Ralph attended Central Grade School and graduated from Missoula County High School.  WWI. He served in the U.S. Army in World War I. He saw action with the 11th Machine Gun Company 11th Infantry Regiment of the 5th Division. Ralph suffered being gassed during the war and received minor wounds.  1917. Ralph rode horseback all the way to Albuquerque, New Mexico. He stopped in Nevada to get a room and was run out of town because he had the same last name as Belle Starr. She was a notorious outlaw, known to run with the Jesse James Gang. Missoula County recruits pose outside of the courthouse 1918 89

 After the war, Ralph was employed with an electrical crew for Missoula Public Service Company. After seven years he was transferred to the street car service and served as motorman for six years until the street car service was abandoned in January 1932. At that time, buses replaced the streetcars and Ralph drove the last operating streetcar into the car barn.  1932. Starr was elected Justice of the Peace in Hellgate Township. He was re-elected 8 times and left the position only after receiving the bid for Mayor. During his service as Justice of the Peace there were many marriages performed in th Electric streetcars began operating on May 12, 1910. home on 4 Street.  1949. He was elected as Missoula’s 32nd mayor. He served for 62 months. At that time, Missoula changed to a ‘commission-manager’ form of government.  Ralph was Grand Marshal of many parades in Missoula and was joined many times by Indian chiefs from Salish Kootenai tribes.  1957. Ralph became a vendor for the state retail liquor in Missoula.  1960. Ralph retired.  He was an avid fisherman and an accomplished fly fisherman. He traveled to the coast, Rock Creek, Lolo Hot Springs and the Jocko many times, taking his family with him. Ralph also loved to hunt for duck and pheasant.  Mr. Starr bought the family cabin at Lolo Hot Springs in 1950, it is still in the family and owned by his son Ralph Starr, Jr. The Starr sign still hangs over the gate.  1961-Death. Ralph died on March 20, 1961 in Missoula, Montana.

Josephine Graf Stepanzoff (1905-1993) The daughter of a German baker who brought his family to America in premonition of WWI, Josephine was a founding member of the International Students Club at the University of Montana.

 1905-Birth. Josephine was born on March 30, 1905 in Bavaria, Germany to Eugene and Josephine Graf. Josephine’s father was an accomplished German baker who feared the onset of World War I. Mr. Graf moved his family to Bozeman, Montana where he established the long lasting Bon-Ton Bakery. The Graf family established bakeries in Montana cities of Bozeman, Billings, and Missoula along with a flour-mill in Bozeman that supplied all the bakeries with flour. Each bakery made 600 loaves of bread per day along with a full list of other baked goods.  1926-University of Montana. Josephine received her degree in English from the University of Montana. Language and writing were Josephine’s passions. She received numerous literary awards for her writings in many literary magazines. Josephine loved to write about real life; living, dying, trouble, tragedy.  Editing. Josephine also used her English expertise to edit speeches and papers for Austrian psychiatrist, Alfred Adler who was an early associate of Sigmund Freud.  Alex Stepanzoff. Alex Stepanzoff was a dashing young Russian. He originally came from Russia to California where he tended to socialize with other Russian families. One day Alex asked one of his professors to help him find a college where he would be the only Russian-speaking student. Alex felt this would force him to learn to speak English. He came to the University of Montana where he was instrumental in establishing the International Club.  1930-Marriage. Alex graduated and moved to New York City where he worked at a banking institute. Upon Josephine’s graduation, she followed him there and they were married. They loved the big city and all it offered in music, culture, and the arts. They also loved to travel and made numerous trips to Europe where they flourished in the experience of their cultural heritage. They loved to entertain and have long discussions on the state of the world, music, and travel.  1933-Missoula. In 1933 Josephine’s father offered Alex the opportunity to run the Missoula bakery. Alex and Josephine returned to Missoula where their only daughter, Allegra, was born.  Music. Music played a large part in their lives. Alex led a long career as Missoula City Band conductor. Josephine was a homemaker, raised their daughter, and focused on her writing. Josephine always had her lawn 90

chair in the front row at every band concert. They were both so proud when Missoula built the current shelter in Bonner Park.  1966. The Missoula bakery was sold.  1991. Josephine’s health deteriorated.  1992. Alex and Josephine moved to California to be near their daughter, Allegra. They were saddened to sell their home in Missoula’s university area and leave all their many friends behind.  1993-Death. Josephine died on December 16, 1993 in San Rafael, California. Alex brought her remains back to Missoula for burial. Alex lived a number of years later and died in California where his daughter holds his cremated remains. August Trautwein (1862-1885) A murdered German Russian immigrant.

 1862-Birth. August was born on September 27, 1862 in Deutschland.  1885-Death. August was murdered on September 16, 1885 in Big Flat Missoula at his homestead. (The death year on the marker is incorrect per all legal accounts.)  Translation of Marker: “Here lies August Trautwein born in Deutschland on 27 Sept. 1862, murdered in Big Flat on 16 Sept. 1886”  August was found at his home on Big Flat which was on the bend of the river about eight miles below town. He had been shot. Two sheaves of oats were lying by him which evidenced that he was returning from the field. He was 22 years old. His father was working at the Bennett ranch near Stevensville, Montana at the time of the shooting.  The murder investigation determined that August had probably been killed by one of the bands of Indians camped on his property. Initially, it was believed that the Indians may have stolen vegetables from his garden and then killed August after they were confronted. Citizen descriptions noted the group was of the Nez Perce Indians from Idaho. A posse was rounded up and headed after the Indians before they could arrive back at their reservation. The various Indian groups had separated with a small group going through the Bitterroot Valley and a much larger group heading through the Frenchtown Valley. The posse set out after the larger group of Indians. After a hard trek through the mountainous region, they came upon the Indian band only to find they were the wrong ones. These Indians were Flatheads, had all their papers in order, and did not match the citizen descriptions. The posse then backtracked to the Bitterroot Valley to find the trail of the smaller Indian band. The trail led them on an old trail leading from the Lou Lou (Lolo) to Mosse Creek ferry and then Grave Creek. They went as far as Dan Woodman’s ranch before they spied the Indians. Seven Indian men were arrested and held in captivity in one of Woodman’s outbuildings. Upon further inquiries, however, the Indians were released and no charges were filed. Other theories were discussed but the case is believed to have never been officially solved.

The iron sign was a marker used by the Germans from Russia. The Germans migrated to the steppes of Russia where there were no trees so they made iron markers. Most of these Germans were of Catholic faith. No two markers were ever alike. Most of these crosses are found in prairie areas throughout the states where ever these German pioneers settled. This cross is the ONLY one found in western Montana and is especially unique due to its enamel plaque. Information researched by Paulette Parpart, Missoula Public Library historian.

Rosanna Ireland Miller VanAlstine (1853-1936) In Minnesota, 1862 was a time of opportunity for the white settlers. But gain for the settlers and loss for the Dakota people meant conflict. Rose survived captivity and was rescued by ten young Lakota men who became known as the “Fool Soldiers.”

 1853-Birth. Rosanna was born on September 16, 1853 in New Bedford, Bureau, Illinois. She was the second of four daughters of Thomas Ireland and Sophia Walters Lake Shetek Survivors at Fort Randall, Dakota Ireland. Territory. November 1862 Rose Ireland on far left, her sister Ellen Ireland  1861. Like many other families of the time, her parents moved farther west, on far right. looking for better land and more opportunities. The family eventually reached Lake Photo from the Collections of South Dakota Shetek in Murray County, Minnesota. They lived in a cabin near the southeast corner Historical Society and Archive 91

of Owanka Bay.  The Great Sioux Uprising of 1862. Unfortunately a clash of cultures resulted between the settlers and the Sioux Indians who were trying to maintain their own ways. As a result of this conflict, a band of Indians determined to attack settlers and push them eastward.  August 20, 1862. When Rosanna was nine years old, attacks began at several locations in the area. The Irelands fled their cabin to seek safety with others at a nearby home. One group of Indians in the area told the settlers that they would not be harmed if they left immediately. The settlers left with women and children in a wagon, but the Indians pursued and shot at them. The settlers sought refuge in a slough that contained high grass. Rose’s parents were shot and injured as were many other adults and children. The Indians said that if the women and children would come out, they would not be harmed. The women came out with their children in tow. Along with other women and children, Rosanna’s mother was shot and killed as were her sisters Sarah Jane (11) and Julianne (3).  Captivity. Rosanna, her sister Ellen (7), four other girls, and two women were taken captive. The Indians travelled about 800 miles in three months, trying to stay away from pursuers. The captives had only the clothes they were wearing and worn out moccasins. When food was scarce they were not fed. Rosanna was the most favored above all the other captives and she was given some blue trading beads which she kept wrapped around her waist under her petticoat so that she would not lose them. She was given the name “Ondee” meaning “Rain.”  November 1862. In November 1862 a group of ten Teton Lakota Indians negotiated with the captors, risking their lives and traded their own horses, guns, and other goods for the release of the prisoners. Once freed, the two women and six girls were taken by foot about 100 miles in wintery November weather to Fort Pierrre in South Dakota then by stagecoach back to their homes. Some bands called this group of Indians “fool Soldiers” because of their efforts to bring about peace with settlers.  Reunited. When Rosanna and Ellen returned home they found their father had survived after being shot eight times. He lived another 35 years.  1875. By the time she was 16, Rosanna had moved away from Lake Shetek. By 1875 she lived with her father, step-mother Sally, and sister n Mankato, Minnesota.  1880. Rosanna was a servant in the household of a Presbyterian minister.  1885. Rosanna was hired as a servant for a Prussian couple. After the death of her stepmother in February 1885, Rosanna’s father moved in with her. Thomas died in 1897 in Mankato, Minnesota.  1898. Rosanna moved to Butte, Montana as a live-in domestic for the family of Thomas Buzzo, a mine superintendent in Walkerville.  1903-Marriage. At the age of 50, Rosanna married a widower, Joseph R. Miller in Butte, Montana. Joseph was a carpenter from Missoula, Montana where the couple resided after their wedding. Only 17 months later, Joseph died of heart failure at Orchard Homes on the outskirts of Missoula, Montana.  1906-Marriage. Rosanna married her second husband, Samuel VanAlstine. He had worked as a teamster in Lincoln, Montana. In 1909 they owned a farm in Orchard Homes. By 1915 they were living in town at 1117 Grand Avenue where Rosanna lived the rest of her life.  1915-Deserted. On about July 20, 1915 Samuel left Rosanna and apparently left the state. After four years of being deserted, Rosanna filed for divorce on April 10, 1919. The grounds for her petition were that Samuel willfully neglected to provide her with the common necessaries of life, namely food, clothing, and shelter. Rosanna said that from the time they were married, she had to work and earn money to provide for herself, and that Samuel had the means to do so, except for his idleness. The sheriff’s department tried to find him to serve the summons and the court sent a letter to the Missoula post office which was not deliverable. Finally, an advertisement was posted in the Missoulian with the text of the summons. Samuel was not to be found. The divorce records show no final action taken by the court, so it appears that the divorce was never finalized.  1917. The city directory listed Rosanna as the widow of Samuel so perhaps she did not want people then to know she had been deserted.  1920-Cook. Rosanna worked as a cook at the YMCA. In later years, the jobs were described as waitress at the YW and helper at the YMCA.  1936-Death. Rosanna died on April 16, 1936 in Missoula, Montana from heart disease. Her only surviving immediate relative named was her sister Ellen. Rosanna had no children of her own. Researched by Susan Hintz, researcher. Information resources: Legal documents, census reports, and library archives. 92

Hezekiah Vandorn (1823-1903) Missoula’s first blacksmith located in Grass Valley at Hellgate village. Hezekiah sought his fortune as a placer miner in California and Washington. He was gold partners with Mark Twain and noted in Twains’ book “Roughin it.” He served as County Commissioner in 1861.

 1823-Birth. Hezekiah was born in 1823 in Covington, Fountain County, Indiana.  Marriage: Spouse and six children.  1849. One of the many fortune hunters who crossed the continent and built his cabin in the placer fields of California. He worked north along the Columbia River into Washington and came into Montana in 1859.  1849. Mark Twain noted in his book ‘Roughin it’ that Hezekiah Van Dorn was a partner of his in the Gold Rush of ’49. The story notes that three young German brothers found ‘cement full of dull yellow metal’ in a mountain gorge in California. The brothers each took some of the ‘cement’ and headed back to town. Only one brother arrived with only a small amount gold. The man wanted nothing to do with the land again and gave his map and information to another miner. Hezekiah was one of a party that headed out to find this vein of ‘cement’ in the mountains. However, by the time they reached the general area, miners from all over the region had heard enough whispers of the vein that the area was well staked and too troublesome for the party. They instead traveled down to a lake known as the ‘Dead Sea of California’ and set up such a comfortable camp that they stayed and explored the area for quite some time.  1859. Hezekiah began farming in Grass Valley. He later located up Miller Creek.  Blacksmith. Hezekiah was the first known blacksmith operating his shop at Hellgate by the store owned by Higgins and Worden. He later re-located his shop into town when Higgins and Worden moved their store.  1861. Elected County Commissioner in 1861 along with Captain C. P. Higgins and Granville Stuart.  Legend. In The West magazine dated 1966, family members recall stories of Hezekiah: • Plummer gang. It was on his Grass Valley ranch that members of the Plummer gang were captured in the Missoula area, tried in the store at Hellgate village, and hung nearby, allegedly on the ranch operated by Hezekiah Van Dorn. The Plummer gang was a band of horse thieves and highwaymen whom the vigilantes of Virginia City chased across the mountains into Missoula County, finally exterminating the band. The members that night consisted of George Shears, Cyrus Skinner, Whisky Bill Graves, and men named Cooper, Zachery, and Carter. • Fort Fizzle. In 1877 Hezekiah was one of 100 volunteers to help stop Chief Joseph and his Nez Perce. Chief Joseph was leading his people on an escape from the required reservation. Captain Rawn was in charge of stopping these Indians from going any further. All the settlers were frightened that the Indians would conduct a major massacre here in Missoula so joined forces with the army to defend this area. When Chief Joseph sent word ahead that he had no quarrel with the volunteers, only with the army, the volunteers quickly deserted Captain Rawn. Chief Joseph left his campfires burning on the hillsides as a decoy and slipped through the pass and Captain Rawn’s army. The fort was then known as Fort Fizzle for its failure.

George Ernest Veuve (1843?-1916) Medal of Honor recipient. He entered the Army as a hired substitute for a wealthy man who was avoiding the draft. He won his medal for a hand to hand combat with a hostile Indian. The Historical Society has procured a military monument reflecting his prestigious award. The Missoula City Cemetery placed the stone in his honor.

 1843 or 1845–Birth. George was born on March 19, 1843/1845 (exact date is uncertain) in Neuchatel, Switzerland.  Education. It is unknown, however trained as a coppersmith.  Spring 1864 or 1866. George emigrated, arrived and lived in New York City until joining the Union Army.  Coppersmith. Army records state George was a coppersmith prior to entering the army.  Military History. He entered the Army as a hired substitute for a wealthy man who was avoiding the draft (legal 93

to do at that time). He enlisted in one of the German speaking regiments. He was wounded by a Confederate cavalryman during Sherman’s March to the Sea. (**Note: There is a discrepancy between dates of emigration and dates of this civil war event that may be contradictory.)  Following the Civil War, he chose to stay in the Army. His enlistments were: • 1866-1869. U.S. Infantry Regiment • 1869-1874. Co. A, 4th Cavalry • 1875-1880. Co. 14, 3rd U. S. Infantry Regiment  November 3, 1874 - Medal of Honor. While serving with the 4th Cavalry in Texas in the Red River War, Farrier Veuve won his medal for a hand to hand combat with a hostile Indian. This original medal is now part of the Historical Museum collection located at Fort Missoula.  1877. On or about November 14, 1877, he arrived at Fort Missoula as part of the escort for a 3rd Infantry wagon train coming to the fort. He remained at Fort Missoula as a sergeant.  1880. Married Anna McCarthy on January 22, 1880.  1880. Retired from the Army as Supply Sgt. When he started a wood business his military status secured him the contract for supplying fire wood to Fort Missoula along with private Missoula citizens.  1916-Death. George died on June 17, 1916 at his home at 608 East Pine St in Missoula, Montana.  1957. The local Army Reserve Center was named and dedicated to the memory of Sgt. Veuve on November 17, 1957.  2005. Medal of Honor Historical Society ordered Medal of Honor monument placed on Sgt. Veuve’s grave.

Wilma Theatre History The Wilma Theatre’s ornate architecture and colorful past keep this historic landmark alive.

 William A. “Billy” Simons. William A. “Billy” Simons was born in Kansas in 1864. When he was 14 years old, his father died in a logging accident leaving Billy, the oldest of six siblings, and his widowed mother to struggle making ends meet. Billy quit school and began work for a carpentry shop. Billy was a quick study and proved to be a very good businessman. It was not long before he became a proprietor of numerous, mostly all successful business ventures such as a dressmaking shop run by his mother, a railroad lunch cart, and a roller rink.  1886. Billy moved to Montana in 1886 with $5,000 in his pocket and almost immediately schemed putting together a Wild West Show so big that no tent could possibly contain it. He had hundreds of costumed participants, cowboys, Indians, shooting tricks, ponies, bison (which proved to be extremely uncooperative loading and unloading onto trains), and supposedly, a mountain lion trained to ride a pony. The venture did not work out. On July 5, 1887, the show arrived in Butte, Montana headed on tour to the Midwestern states. Unfortunately, a major summer blizzard with five inches of snow arrived in Butte simultaneously. Everything that could go wrong on that Midwest tour did and the Wild West Show plunged into obscurity.  1909-Marriage. Billy proved wise in his investments. He owned land and buildings in Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Because of his love of the entertainment industry, Billy began purchasing theatres and hiring touring and vaudeville groups. One vaudeville group hired was the Wilma Sisters. The Wilma Sisters were a very popular lite opera act that never made it big. Billy was smitten with one sister, Edna Wilma. They were married in Portland OR in 1909 after a year courtship. Edna also proved excellent in business ventures and worked alongside her husband, all the while continuing to perform.  1920-Missoula. The couple moved to Missoula, Montana in 1920 where Billy built the Smead-Simon Building known as The Wilma, named after Billy’s wife Edna. This building was Montana’s first skyscraper and was quite the sensation because it had Montana’s first indoor swimming pool, Crystal Plunge, in its basement. The south wall of the Wilma building formed a barrier for the Clark Fork River where the water line is visible today. The building claimed to be fireproof, a substantial asset because the movie industry was in full swing and the films used were made of nitrates that could spontaneously combust and burst into flames. 94

 1937-Death. Billy suffered a stroke in the 1930s. Edna took him by horse and wagon often to their cabin in Lolo Hot Springs where the sulphur was said to help heal his stroke-related injuries. Billy Simons died on March 27, 1937 leaving all his assets to his wife.  Businesswoman. At the time of his death, Edna became the most powerful woman in the U.S. theatre industry, especially in the Northwest, owning 31 theatres across Montana, Idaho, and Alaska. She built a large theatre in Wallace, Idaho dedicated to Billy. Edna was a shrewd businesswoman. She also owned a small interest in Daily Meat Co. and purchased several ranches where she raised livestock.  1940-Fox Corp. One of the largest film industries in Hollywood held firm control over theatres including The Wilma. The Fox Corp. reputedly practiced “block booking,” where they forced theatres to show their movies or no movies. In 1948 the Supreme Court passed the Paramount Consent that made this practice illegal and Fox Corp. was forced to leave The Wilma. Fox Corp. did not go quietly but stripped the entire inside of the theatre removing chairs and the organ, leaving bare walls and floors. Workers threw riggings, rope, and projector equipment into the river through the side exit door. Edna used her own money to restore the theatre to a state of grandeur including the installation of a perfume fountain in the lobby where women dipped their handkerchiefs before finding their seats.  1950-Ed Sharp. Edna met Edward “Eddie” Sharp just prior to WWII and corresponded by letter with him while he served in the Navy during the war. Eddie was 25 years her junior and openly homosexual, however, he and Edna married in 1950. Edna said she married her best friend whom she loved and with whom she had so much in common.  1954-Death. Edna died in July 25, 1954 in her Wilma building apartment in the arms of her beloved Eddie. Every year on the anniversary of her death, Eddie locked himself in his apartment for several days remembering and mourning, admitting no one. He maintained a gas flame at Edna’s grave in the city cemetery and a heated glass box set in her burial stone stocked with fresh flowers year round. There were rumors that a condition of her will was that he was to visit the grave weekly in order to keep the inheritance, however, no documentation has been found substantiating this.  Koro Hatto. Besides his love for Edna, Eddie loved birds. His famous companion was a pigeon named Koro Hatto. This bird was his constant companion, riding everywhere on Eddie’s shoulder. Koro Hatto had the reputation of loving money and always picked the higher denomination when asked to choose. The bird flew dollar bills across the drive-in to the cash register then flew the change back to Eddie. Koro Hatto lived to be 20 years old and was entombed with Eddie. Eddie also fed and maintained 300-500 pigeons on the roof of the Wilma building.  1982-Chapel of the Dove. Eddie built a chapel in the Wilma basement, which was a mirror image of the chapel in New York where he and Edna married. The chapel was famous for its Almond Roca candy and birds flying and hovering about the store.  1956-Robert Sias. Two years after Edna’s death, Eddie formed a partnership with Robert Sias. They would live and run the theatre businesses together over the next 40 years. Together they continued to expand the theatre business to include the Roxy and the Go West Drive-in theatres.  Rat Ranstrom. Rat Ranstrom was the face everyone saw each night when coming to the movies. Rat managed the theatre under Eddie and Bob for 26 years.  Deaths. Eddie Sharp died on December 12, 1993 in Missoula. Before his death, Eddie and Bob sold the Wilma Theatre. The theatre was in need of major repairs and a financing collaboration with Missoula Redevelopment Agency was unsuccessful. Eddie and Bob maintained ownership of their apartment until Bob died on August 5, 1999.  Ownership. The Wilma Theatre continues to show some films and continues to change ownership. Each owner has restored a small piece of its history. The future of the building is unknown.

Researched by Andy Smetanka, writer and researcher, cemetery records, and historical newspaper articles. Cemetery note: The Simons owned four burial sites which consist of (L to R) Edith Ketch (Edna’s sister), Edna Wilma Simons Sharp, Ed Sharp and Robert Sias buried together in one grave along with Koro Hatto entombed inside the stone, then William “Billy” Simons.

Frank H. Woody (1833-1916) Co-founder of Missoula, a member of one of Missoula’s most influential families, and Missoula’s first mayor.

 1833-Birth. Frank was born on December 10, 1833 in Chatham County, North Carolina. On the paternal side: Quaker descent; maternal side: old Revolutionary stock.  1871-Marriage. Frank married Lizzie Countryman in 1871. Lizzie was the daughter of Horace and Elizabeth Countryman, originally from California.  Early life. Farming with little educational advantages.  1851. Attended New Garden Boarding School (now Guilford College), a Quaker institute near Greensboro, North Carolina.  1852. He taught school in the east for a few years until he caught the fever to move westward. He worked his way through Kansas, Utah, and Washington before joining a party of traders coming to the Flathead country (now Ravalli and Missoula Counties).  Woody was paid $15 a month to drive an oxen team of supplies to Flathead country to trade with the Indians.  1856. October 15th arrived at Hell Gate River (on Mullan Road today). He noted there were on that day 300 lodges of Indians camped where Missoula now stands. Missoula was at that time Washington Territory.  Woody, Higgins, and Worden were three of the most prominent founding fathers of Missoula.  1866. Frank was appointed to serve an unexpired term as clerk and recorder. He was then elected to continue this seat until 1880 when he refused to continue any further. During his tenure, the office of clerk and recorder was combined with the office of probate judge, thus Judge Woody was virtually the incumbent of two offices at the same time, besides which for eight years he was deputy clerk of the Second Judicial District Court of Missoula county.  1877. He was admitted to the Montana Bar as Missoula’s first attorney. He built an extensive clientele and was noted as one of the leading lawyers in western Montana.  1883. Frank was Missoula’s first mayor elected April 19, 1883. He served for 13 months.  1892. He received the Democratic nomination for office of District Judge and was soundly elected and re-elected in 1896.  1893. First (temporary) chairman of University Committee that lobbied the 1893 legislature for legislation allowing the building of the University of Montana. Considerable amount of money was spent on whiskey and three different types of cigars by the 25 lobbyists in their efforts.  1916-Death. Frank died on December 16, 1916 in Missoula from ‘nephritis’ (inflammation of the kidney). At the time of Frank’s death, he had lived in Montana longer than any other white man.

Sarah Elizabeth “Lizzie” Countryman Woody (1853-1919)

She was wife of one of Missoula’s co-founders, Frank Woody. As a child, she traveled with her family by wagon train from Iowa to Montana. Sarah was a teacher in various Montana schools and organized the first Sunday school in Missoula. She was married to Frank Woody for 45 years.

 1853-Birth. Sarah was born on January 6, 1853 in Yuba County, California on Dry Creek. Her parents were Horace and Elizabeth (Payne) Countryman.  1855. The Countryman family moved via Isthmus of Panama to New York. Sarah was 1-1/2 years old.  1860. The Countryman family moved to Marysville, California. The trip took six months. There were 75 wagons, 5 women, 3 children. Horace Countryman was the captain of the outfit. According to a great grandson, Sara fell into a camp fire and was badly burned. She lost the end of her little finger and injured her hip so that she walked with a limp and had to use a cane for the rest of her life. 96

 1865. The Countryman family moved to Virginia City, Montana. During this time, Sara’s father put up the first quartz mill at Summit, built the Masonic Hall in Virginia City and a mill and Masonic Hall in Philipsburg. He rode from Stillwater, Montana (now Columbus) to Helena to carry the news of the massacre of Custer and his men.  1865. Sarah was a teacher in Philipsburg, Montana. She had few students but they were lively. In Iowa the teachers boarded with families on rotation. In Philipsburg, Sara lived at home but at noon she was besieged to go home with the students for lunch. She went with a different student every day so that no one would have hurt feelings.  1869. The Countryman family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah so Sarah and her brother could attend St. Mark’s Episcopal school under the care of Bishop Tuttle. The trip took three weeks. Sarah was ill at the time.  1870. Sarah and her father traveled to Deer Lodge, Montana. It was a bitter cold trip, so cold that on another stage, a group of Chinese men froze to death. The rest of the Countryman family joined them in June of that year.  July 5, 1870. Sarah accepted the teacher position in Missoula, Montana. It was the second term held at the school. In a letter written by Sarah Woody, she stated “There were 6 women in Missoula at that time.” This may be inaccurate. The women wore heavy, linsey clothing in the winter and calico dresses in the summer. Almost all the clothes were handmade, with calico selling at 50 cents a yard. Sunbonnets were the popular millinery wear.  1870. Sarah organized the first Sunday school. Among her pupils were Catholics, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, and Methodists. Adults as well as children attended her classes.  1870. Sarah’s mother died in Deer Lodge. Sarah returned to tend the family until the following spring of 1871.  1871-Marriage. Sarah married Franklin Hargrave Woody on December 10, 1871 in Missoula, Montana. The Rector from Deer Lodge came to town to perform the ceremony. Over the next twenty-eight years, nine children were born: Frank, Alice, Rose, Flora, Ruth, Rachel, Robert, Beth, and Rebecca. Five of these children died very young. Sarah and Frank were married for 45 years.  1919-Death. Sarah died on July 15, 1919 after a 3-month illness with a form of Parkinson’s Disease.

Francis “Frank” Worden (1830-1887) A co-founder of Missoula and our city was first called Wordensville. He started his trading post at Hell Gate. When he died in 1913, Frank Worden left his 36 year old widow, Lucretia Miller Worden and their seven children.

 1830-Birth. Francis was born on October 15, 1830 in Vermont of Welsh descent.  1844. At 14 years old he began clerking in Troy, New York upon completion of business education.  1852. Francis traveled to San Francisco CA as a clerk.  1854. He traveled to Oregon and dabbled in mining.  1855. He joined the Oregon volunteers in a war against the Oregon and Washington Territory Indians.  1856. Francis was clerk for the Indian department under Isaac I Stephens.  1877. He took a small amount of trade goods to Walla Walla, Washington. He was only the second person engaged in the merchandise business in that area. He soon bought out the other business man and became the sole merchant in that part of the country. He also was commissioned the Post Master of that territory.  1860. Francis formed partnership with Captain C. P. Higgins and arrived in Missoula at Hell Gate (Mullan Road today). The Worden family continues in business today in various locations in Missoula.  1862. Gold was discovered in Gold Creek. The partners built a store stocked with goods which continued until 1863.  1863. They moved all their goods to Deer Lodge MT to open the first mercantile in the area. This business was sold in 1868.  1864. Worden, Higgins, and David Pattee (Pattee Street) built a saw mill and grist mill in Missoula (about where the Holiday Inn sits today). The mill property was finished as one of the finest and most complete mills and workmanship in the valley.

 1864. Elected to the Territorial Legislature, representing the counties of Missoula, Deer Lodge, and Choteau. He was also elected County Commissioner and served as Chairman. He had a long political career on the Republican ticket.  1866-Marriage. Frank married 14 year old Lucretia Miller on November 29, 1866. Her parents were Henry and Caroline Miller of Pennsylvania. Their wedding was a community holiday attended by everyone. Their Pine Street home, where they raised their seven children, is where the first Elm and Maple trees and lilac bushes in Missoula were planted. Worden transplanted the trees from Vermont.  Worden, Higgins, and McCormick. The company laid out about 100 acres in town lots as an addition to Missoula city.  1883. Francis engaged in ditching and laying pipes for the purpose of supplying the city with water.  1886. He was the first chairman of the cemetery board. Mrs. Worden was also later on the cemetery board at a time when it was unheard of for women to be in such a position.  1887-Death. Frank died on February 5, 1887 in Missoula, Montana.

ACKNOWLEGEMENTS

The Missoula City Cemetery wishes to acknowledge all the volunteers who make this event possible. The storytellers truly make history come to life! Please take the time to thank each of those storytellers who believe in making history fun.

Storytellers. This event is made possible because of the many individuals who volunteer to tell the histories of individuals, families, or local history. Each of the individuals named in this guidebook is essential for providing this service to the public. Our hats go off to each of you and a HUGE thank you!

Cemetery. Board of Directors – For the enthusiasm and commitment to this program. Staff – For their hard work in putting this event together and their commitment to showcasing this beautiful cemetery for the public. The cemetery staff is very dedicated to creating a beautiful, peaceful, and respectful park setting as a final resting place for families. Storyteller Volunteer Coordinator – Jennie Pak portrays Sarah Woody and volunteered in 2015 to assist in coordinating storytellers for this event. Thank you Jennie for all your hard work and commitment!

Film and Photography. Ron Scholl – MCAT – For filming the event. Watch the MCAT public television channel during November and December to view re-runs of the programs presented here today. Or, contact MCAT to request special free re-runs of shows. YouTube – MCAT has posted all available video presentations on their YouTube channel. Videos include individual presentations and the one-time tours of Missoula County Sheriffs and Missoula Mayors. Search for: Stories and Stones. Vicki Correia. Since 2003, she has donated photos of this event for cemetery advertising purposes. Her personal photos have been published in several magazines, including Montana Magazine, as note cards and postcards for Travers’ Rest State Park, and she has her own line of note cards for sale in a number of local businesses under the name of Montana Magic Photography.

Food Vendors. Lighthouse Espresso – For providing hot coffee. Polka Dot Patties – For providing food and drinks.

Researchers. UofM Mansfield Library – Providing photos and historical documents. Missoula Public Library – Providing genealogy records and historical research assistance. Missoula County Records Management – Searching county records. Missoula County Clerk and Recorder – Providing missing vitals information. **Special Thanks to the numerous family members who contacted the cemetery office with photos, stories, genealogy, and articles relating to their family histories.

Services. Sweet Pea Sewer and Septic – Providing portable toilet facilities. UofM – Athletic Dept. – Providing club carts for transporting the public throughout the day.

And lastly a huge thank you to Steve and Betty Wing for their willingness to review and edit guidebook entries.