Madison County MT

Madison County, Montana 1870-1888

Madison County, Montana, between 1870 and 1888, encompassed 4,900 square miles with a population of around 4,000. It was famed for the Alder Gulch and abundant in minerals such as gold, silver, and copper, alongside a burgeoning agricultural sector. Virginia City, the county seat and former capital, boasted a thriving economy with telegraphic communication established by 1866. The town featured significant infrastructure including a public school and various churches, while its businesses handled substantial gold transactions, marking it as a pivotal center in the region.

1863 Settlers to Madison County, Montana

In 1863, several German and American settlers migrated to Madison County, Montana, bringing diverse backgrounds and experiences. John Willhard, Carl Rahmig, and O. W. Jay transitioned from mining to farming, establishing significant agricultural enterprises. Other settlers like Wilson Butt and Sanders E. Word also shifted from mining endeavors to farming, contributing to the region’s economy. Christopher Richter began brewing before settling into farming, showcasing the varied trades these pioneers engaged in as they developed their new home in Montana.

Biography of Thomas C. Fletcher

Thomas C. Fletcher, born on October 11, 1841, in Mercer County, Kentucky, emerged as a prominent figure in Malheur County, Oregon. Orphaned at six, he was raised in Iowa and enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War, serving as a bugler in numerous battles. After the war, he ventured westward to Montana and later engaged in various businesses, including ranching and freighting. Married in 1884, he eventually settled in Ontario, where he became influential in the sheep industry and contributed to the community through his political and religious engagement.

Biography of George L. Shoup

George L. Shoup, born June 15, 1836, in Pennsylvania, exemplifies the influential individual whose efforts have significantly contributed to the state of Idaho. A Civil War veteran and successful businessman, Shoup moved to Idaho in 1866, establishing his commercial and agricultural enterprises. He served in various political roles, including territorial governor and U.S. senator, where he prioritized the welfare of his constituents and the nation. Shoup’s commitment to public service and civic improvement has earned him enduring respect and admiration in Idaho and beyond.

Biography of Hon. Ruel Rounds

Ex-Senator Ruel Rounds, born in Vermont on September 3, 1841, served in the U.S. Army during the Civil War before pursuing various business ventures in the West. He established a trading post, worked as a stage guard, and engaged in mining and merchandising across multiple states. In 1890, he settled in Idaho Falls, where he played a pivotal role in local development and served as Bingham County commissioner. Elected to the state senate, he contributed to significant legislation and later became postmaster of Idaho Falls, earning widespread respect.

Biography of Charles W. Berryman

Charles W. Berryman, born on October 10, 1843, in Wisconsin, was a prominent figure in Blackfoot, Idaho. He co-founded the successful firm Berryman Rogers, specializing in stock-raising and finance. After a challenging start, including mining ventures and losses to Indian attacks, he established a successful packing business and later transitioned into ranching, owning over 3,000 acres. Berryman actively contributed to local public affairs and was married to Mary N. Toombs, with whom he had five children. He remains a significant figure in Bingham County’s agricultural history.

M’callum, Phillip A. – Obituary

Phillip A. McCallum, a prominent Baker businessman and civic leader, passed away unexpectedly on September 18, 1934, likely from heart trouble. Active in the community since 1918, he served as secretary manager of the Baker Abstract and Title Company and was vice president of the Oregon Title Association. A charter member and secretary of the Baker Kiwanis Club, he was also a member of the Baker Masonic Lodge. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, a son, his mother, and a sister. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday.

Simmons, Halroyd G. – Obituary

Halroyd G. Simmons, aged 88, passed away on August 8, 2004, in Vashon Island, Washington. Born in American Fork, Utah, he graduated from Montana State College in Mechanical Engineering. A World War II Navy veteran, he later became Mayor of Hayden, Arizona, where he contributed to the community’s development. An outdoorsman and a dedicated Boy Scout leader, Hal was awarded the Silver Beaver Award. He is survived by his wife Helen, four children, and several grandchildren. A memorial service is planned for October in Ennis, Montana.

Biography of Frank Petchner

Frank Petchner, a pioneer of Riverside, arrived in December 1870 after years in frontier life. Initially without means, he opened a blacksmith shop and later partnered to establish a successful carriage-making enterprise. Petchner contributed significantly to Riverside’s development, including building the first brick residence and donating land for the Loring Opera House. Born in Saxony, Germany, in 1839, he immigrated to the U.S. in 1856 and engaged in various trades. Petchner married twice, having four children from his first marriage.

Biographical Sketch of Henry Rust

Henry Rust, born in Germany in 1835, immigrated to the U.S. in 1860, where he served as a Union soldier during the Civil War, rising to the rank of captain in the commissary department after being wounded. Post-war, he moved to Virginia City and then established the first brewery in Clarksville, Oregon, later founding the Pacific Brewery in Baker City in 1870. Active in local politics, Rust contributed to the community through infrastructure projects, including Eastern Oregon’s first artesian well. He was a Republican and involved with the Grand Army of the Republic.

Biographical Sketch of John W. Thompson

John W. Thompson, born on February 18, 1837, in Vermilion County, Indiana, grew up in Iowa before embarking on a journey westward. After a brief stint in Utah, he mined in Montana for five years and later worked in Walla Walla County until 1880. Thompson then settled in Wallowa County, Oregon, where he engaged in trapping and hunting for eight years. In 1888, he established a homestead and later acquired additional timberland, focusing on stock raising and achieving success in his endeavors.