Forbis

Early Residents of Butte, Montana

Among Butte’s early residents, notable figures include Dr. E. D. Leavitt, a respected physician and health officer; John L. Murphy, a successful businessman in transportation; and A. G. Clarke, a prominent hardware merchant. J. S. Hammond brought his education to Butte as a physician, while George W. Irwin served as U.S. Marshal and sheriff. C. S. Warren, a military veteran and early lawman, contributed to local governance. Lee Mantle, a self-taught entrepreneur, held significant roles in the city council and the legislature, supporting Butte’s growth.

Biography of John D. Forbis

John D. Forbis, born in 1848 in Lincoln Township, Christian County, Missouri, is a notable farmer and stock dealer known for his integrity and industriousness. He comes from a lineage of early settlers, with his father, Joseph G. Forbis, contributing significantly to local agriculture. John served in the Civil War and married Sarah Lucy O’Bryant in 1873, with whom he had eight children. Over the years, he has successfully managed a 335-acre farm and is a stockholder in the Bank of Billings, though he avoids political office.