The Dirty Dozen

From Left to Right top Row: Percy Barney, Fanny Harris (lower Torso on Fence), Gus McDonald, Bob Kaiser, Big Mac McDonald, Walt Kaiser, Ed Kaiser (on horse). Bottom Row: Jim Young, High Pocket (Miles) Williams, John Schuh, Cecil Fessler, Pat Sharkey

A dozen young men of Granite County earned the nickname of the “Dirty Dozen” during the mid 1910’s. They were all born between 1885 and 1897. A group picture of them after they performed a rodeo at the Degenhart Ranch for the investors and relatives of the Granite Mountain Bi-metallic Mining Company shows very handsome spirited young men. It is assumed this picture was taken prior to World War I as research reveals most of them were drafted or signed up beginning in August 1917. Of interest, there is no record of any of this group graduating Granite County High School, probably secondary to lives of hardship and the War. 

While researching “Mettle of Granite County” books I read a story about a group of rough necks from Philipsburg desiring to attend a dance in Drummond and were unable to find transportation. Being ingenious they “borrowed” the Northern Pacific hand pump railroad car and quickly made it down the valley. When the pump car was missed Sheriff Fred C. Burks wired a notice to Drummond that the pump car was to be returned pronto or the men would be arrested. Finding it much harder to pump the car back uphill the clever guys hitched a saddle horse to the rig and made it back before charges were filed. The article did not mention any names, but “Pat” McDonald verified the story as one of the Dozen’s escapades. 

Research has failed to reveal Percy Barney. I did find a Percy Lawrence Brydon who was rejected for our Army June 1918 because he was a Canadian Citizen. 

I believe Fanny Harris was Frank B. Harris Jr. He was born to Frank B. and Charlotte Harris in 1898 and was one of seven children. He worked as a copper miner; married Agnes Murphy and had daughters Jean and Helen Harris. Frank died at Galen, Montana (Hospital) October 2, 1973 of lung cancer. 

John Schuh (1896-1953) was born to William and Ollie Schuh (who died in 1900). His father then married Jennie Porter with four children, in 1902. William died from blood poisoning in 1906 and I assume grandmother Mary raised Joe, his brother and two sisters. Mary sold 5,000 acres in 1910 and moved into Philipsburg where she died August 22, 1918. John was called by the draft for WWI August 16, 1918. In 1930 he was working in Deer Lodge as a Road Department Mechanic and married Esther Christopherson in 1940. He is buried in the East Helena Cemetery. 

Walt (1892-1980), Bob (1890-1982) and Ed Kaiser (1894-1977) were son’s of John and Jennie (Suppinger) Kaiser. Ed a veteran of WWI,WWII and the Korean Campaign served in the Navy. He worked many years for the State Highway department. Walt, drafted for WWI October 3, 1917, was co-owner of the Hardware store and involved with Charlie Carpp in the Sapphire Mines. He married Irene (McDonald) Bob received his draft notice for WWI August 24, 1917. In 1948, Bob married Beck Hess, Sandin. They are all buried in Philipsburg. 

Gus (Angus) (1897-1962) and Big Mac (John W.) (1895-1956) McDonald were son’s of John J. and Louisa (Kolkschneider) McDonald. Gus served both in WWI and WWII. He married Blanche Kneale in 1920 and Clarice Superneau in 1941. He served as a well loved County Sheriff from 1928 until he resigned to serve in WWII. Clarice (the only woman sheriff), served out the remainder of his term. They had two children: Darell and Colette. Big Mac, married Agnes Maehl in 1926 and continued running the original Schnepel/McDonald Ranch. They had two children: John W. “Pat” and Margaret “Peggy” (Collins). They are both buried at Philipsburg. 

Cecil Fessler (1895-1969) one of eight children born to Wilbur and Etta Fessler, moved to Oregon after WWI and became a logger. He and wife Velma (Abraham) had children: Gerald and Eva Faye. Cecil died in Grants Pass, Oregon. 

Pat Sharkey ( 1893-1975) born to Grace (McGee) and James Sharkey, married Ina Fessler in 1918 and they had a son: Cecil. He was a truck driver and died of Colon Cancer with burial in Philipsburg. 

Jim Young (1895-1956) the son of Sam and Annie (Carten) Young was listed as a Boarder age 15 in the 1910 Census in the John Carmichael household, working as a farm laborer. He received his draft notice August 16, 1918. He became a miner and married Ida Barker June 30, 1934. They had Evelyn and James W. He is buried in Philipsburg. 

High Pocket (Miles) Williams (1890-1942) parent’s were Grant S.(Frank) Williams and Nellie Jenkins. He was employed in grocery stores and as a chauffeur. In 1913 He married Gertrude Madigan and later Marie (Amelia?) Smeberger. He died in Seattle, Washington. 

Tough, spirited men they were!

Desperate Deed: Ball Murder

October 12, 1908 in Drummond was the scene of a shooting that killed Fanny Ball “a sporting woman” also known as Mrs. Laura Fuller. The story goes that Thomas W. Howell a pioneer of the area, who was a widower aged 69, became enamored with Fanny about two years prior to the shooting. By “degrees” she obtained almost everything the man owned. After his money ran out she “induced” him to deed over to her several lots he owned in Drummond with the promise that they would build a house on the property and live “as happy as doves.” 

Fanny apparently bought some lumber and put it on the property to convince Howell she was serious and then as soon as he gave her the deed she sold the lumber and lots, converting the deal to cash and prepared to leave town. He became very obsessed with the situation and friends became concerned, telling Fanny to get out of his sight and leave Drummond. 

She did not leave fast enough and on the evening of October 12, Howell went to her apartment and boarding house located over the Headquarter’s Saloon and shot Fanny in the back of the head. No one downstairs heard the shooting and the first indication that something was wrong was when someone yelled “fire.” Mr. Bryan ran upstairs where he confronted Mr. Howell who said “I give myself up. I consider myself under arrest.” Bryan ignored Howell and ran past him looking for the fire. Then he came to Fanny’s room and saw through the open door her lying on the floor and he realized she had been shot int the back of her head. A crowd was quickly gathering and Bryan ran downstairs to contain the onlookers and Howell who was standing in the Saloon door. Bryan at once ordered a team and started with his prisoner to Philipsburg. Fanny lived but fifteen or twenty minutes after the shooting. 

Howell, born in England September 29, 1838, was an esteemed resident of Drummond and had lived there since 1872. The people who knew him well said he was the last man who would commit murder if in his right mind. He had two sons: nineteen and seventeen years of age. His wife had died in March of 1904 at the age of 45. Thomas had worked for years as the pump supervisor for the Northern Pacific Railroad on the division between Helena and Missoula. 

Tom’s mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Howell died January 16, 1899 at Drummond with her sons at the bedside. She was buried in the New Chicago cemetery. Born in London and a member of the Church of England, Mrs. Howell on January 2nd had celebrated her 81st birthday in the company of her sons “and though quite feeble owing to her ripe age she enjoyed good health.” Survivors were her seven children including three sons of Drummond- T.W., A.J. and C.J. Howell, all respected citizens of the county. 

Fanny Ball aka Laura M. Fuller came to Philipsburg in 1891, and moved to Drummond at an undisclosed date. She was about 38 years of age and considered thrifty so “accumulated a considerable amount of money.” Coroner Allison went to Drummond the next morning and after holding an inquest brought Fanny’s body to Philipsburg. Her brother was expected to travel to Philipsburg and accompany her body back east to Moline, Illinois. 

 Judge F. D. Sayrs arraigned Howell, the next morning and set a preliminary hearing for the following Thursday. George A. Maywood represented the prisoner. On December 4, Howell’s bail was fixed at $7,500. County Attorney W.E. Moore and Judge D.M. Durfee would conducted the prosecution. 

The March 12, Philipsburg Mail announced four days transpired while the selection of a jury was attempted. On the morning of the 12th the twelve man jury was finally filled with M.R. Stairs, Pat McGarvey, J.H. Morgan, G.A. Schoonover, Martin Senty, P.S. Carey, S.B. Clark, D. Daigle, W.E. Hunter, D.R. Murray, Fred Geiger and L.C. Degenhart. 

The March 19, Mail stated 

“On account of being insane, Thomas W. Howell of Drummond, charged with killing Mrs. Fannie Fuller, has been acquitted. The jury before whom the case was tried returned a verdict to that effect at one o’clock today…It now rests with the court what further action is to be taken.”

 Several physicians from out of town were being contacted as all the local M.D.’s were disqualified to determine the level of insanity. Natives of the area say the Mason’s were responsible for getting the insane verdict and transported Thomas to Warm Springs where he stayed a short time before coming back to the area. He died September 8, 1918 in Helena after a cerebral hemorrhage with burial at Forest Vale cemetery.

First Class Building (First Rock Creek School)

Flint Creek Rural School House Date unknown

Public schools were established in Philipsburg in the 1890’s. This was great for the children living in town but for those living miles away education was difficult to obtain. Some ranchers found someone to board their children with in town, so they could attend school. Others bought a second home in town and the wife lived in town with the children during the school year. Because most of the population was just making enough to survive on the homesteads many children were not able to attend school. Therefore the families came up with the idea to set up rural schools. 

At first, a group of parents got together and pooled their resources to pay a teacher wages. One ranch would contribute a bunk house or cabin for the classroom. Another would set up a room for the teacher to live in. The logger would provide wood for the school house heat. Someone with a good garden and root cellar would provide food for the teacher, if she was not furnished board with her room. Usually a teacher lasted one school year and then married one of the local single men. It was against the law for a married woman to teach school. The school year in the country schools was at the most only six months. The children began school as soon as the snow started melting about April and they attended school until haying season around the end of July. During school break everyone worked in the fields until the hay was all stacked. School resumed after hay season until the weather set in and the children could not make it to the school house horseback. All eight grades were taught in a single room by one teacher. 

The first news article found about a Rural school was in the May 13, 1898 Philipsburg Mail: 

“The Rock Creek school house is situated where the Ross’ Fork road crosses Middle Fork. The building is 18x30 feet, is built of logs. It has four windows and outside shutters to protect them when there is no school and one door and storm door. The roof is double boarded and the building has a first class floor, and in fact, it is first class all through. The following names are those that contributed towards its erection: Wm Clawson $64.09; P.A. Schilling, $68.75; T.N. Schilling $4.80; John Kaiser $12.75; A. R. Dearborn, $12.75; Daniel Arms, $12.75; Bimetallic Mercantile Co., $4.50; A. McIntyre, $1.80; Fred Albert, $4.80; Herman Price, $6.30; D.N. McDonald, $2.50; John Clawson, $4.50; Harry Ungersum, $12.00; Smith & Kent, $13.80; Calhoun & Son, $8.40; Frank Young, $2.10; Eli Sage, and partner, $6.00; Chas. Porter, $8.10; John Bowen, $4.90; Lew Anderson, $3.00; Fred Helaine, $3.00; total $202.40. One can readily see these people have the American spirit in them to build such as house. Too much credit cannot be given them in their endeavors. Wm. Clawson and P.A Schillings certainly deserve credit for the amount of labor and their unceasing perseverance until they had the house completed. If all the citizens of our county were as loyal to the cause of education, all of our young Americans would have a chance for a fair education. Educate your children and peace and harmony will prevail; if not retrogression will follow.” 

Named the Rock Creek school originally, this was later renamed as the Middle Fork School and served all the children of Ross’ Fork, Middle Fork and for several years East Fork, and the last few years, also West Fork. When the School Districts were formed a minimum number of students were demanded to keep a school open. The Middle Fork School was closed at the end of the 1946-1947 school year as the only children on Ross’ Fork were Helen and Bill Christensen. 

The last one room school house was located in the Sapphire Ranch meadow on West Fork, in 1947-1948., taught by Jewell Ball. Jewell and Bill were allowed by the Walt Kaiser family to live in the Ewing Bungalow. I attended my first grade there with Helen Sanders age five; my half sister Rosalie and Helen Christensen in third grade; Bill Christensen in fourth grade; Wesley Sutherland sixth grade and Naomi Sanders seventh grade. 

The Sanders family moved then from the Amerine Homestead to the Tom Parks ranch at the mouth of Trail Gulch and no district could qualify for a rural school. The School Board gave parents a token fee for fuel and they transported their children as far as 15 miles to Porter’s Corner to ride on the School bus. By 1950 the school bus driven by Forrest “Buster” Merrifield, drove to the West Fork Bridge and turned around. The final route then became over the Marshall Creek Hill to Rock Creek and south to the Skalkaho Highway and back to Philipsburg via Porter's Corner and Highway 10 A, which is now Highway 1.

                                                Middle Fork School Class of 1928-1929

Top Row: Mary Helen Carey, Alice Christensen, Chloe Carey, Ceal Lyon, Fet Sandin, Jean Lyon, Walt Bentz (out of picture). Bottom Row: Bus Hess, Mary Sandin, Faye Lyon Harry Bentz.

 Community Involvement Brings Quality Education 

 In 1893 Miss Abbie Wilkinson the Superintendent of Granite County Schools compiled a school census, which comprised the following school districts and numbers: Philipsburg-358 between 6 to 21 and 278 under age 6; Granite 222 over 6 and 168 under 6; Rumsey 46 over 6 and 5 under; Trout Creek 31 over 6 and 13 under; Black Pine 14 over 6 and 16 under; Princeton 12 over 6 and 11 under; Stone Station 34 over 6 and 12 under; Flint 36 over 6 and 23 under; Willow Creek 29 over 6 and 9 under; New Chicago 30 over 6 and 22 under; Drummond 54 over 6 and 17 under; Hoover 4 over 6 and 1 under; Valley 22 over 6 and 8 under. 

As you can see there was no recognition of children on any of the Forks or Rock Creek at that date. In November, 1894 Stella Engle, Ona Dingwall, Edith Carnegie, Nettie McPhail and James Dingwall were recognized as honor students at the New Chicago School. By 1897 the school Boards of Granite county had passed the Free Text Book Act which gave each district the right to decide whether to buy books at a discount or have the students buy their own. M.E. Doe began advertising School Text Books for sale on a cash only basis.

By 1894 there were 17 voting precincts which consisted of the same population as the school districts. Hoover and Valley were no longer; Philipsburg had been split into North and South; Alps, Rock Creek, Sunrise, Quigley, Mammoth, Royal and Bi-Metallic had been added. By 1906 Porter’s was added (named for A.H. Porter who had owned the property on both sides of Spud Hills that separate East Fork and Middle Fork and was killed in 1897), changing the Rock Creek School to Middle Fork and the Spring Creek School served the Upper Willow Creek and Rock Creek students. 

In 1908 Moose Lake was added but it represented only the residents of Moose Lake and Zeke’s Meadows. 

School teachers had to be single and were not provided with any luxuries causing high turn over. In May 1898 Miss Mary Harrison was hired to teach for four months at the (Rock Creek later Middle Fork) school. By June, she was replaced with Miss Pearlette Scott. Miss Stella Achmire was hired in April 1899. Fred Baxter then began teaching May 4th 1900. Miss Nellie Fahey also began teaching at Lower Willow Creek in March 1900. Miss Mand Pennell (G.B. Ballard’s niece) began teaching at Middle Fork (Porter’s) school May 1901 and took a month long vacation due to extreme heat August 2, 1901. 

Research revealed a front page article concerning the Trout Creek School in the June 2, 1916 Mail that described an exemplary school system. The following is a synopsis of the news article: 

 “The Trout Creek School in District Number 4 was visited by the State Rural School Inspector C.W. Tenney and awarded the degree of Excellence. The award was needed to become the first school in Granite County to be named a “Standard School” on May 17, 1916. This meant the school met all the requirements of the state and county departments of education. The teacher of Trout Creek, Miss Edith Featherman (Horrigan, Seavert, 1894-1983), was presented the standard name plate while many local parents, students and county school superintendent Mrs. Lottie Irvine, looked on. Refreshments were then served to the group that had braved the storm, blowing outside the school building. The trustees: Mssrs. Shoblom, Barker and McCrea assisted with the work done on the school grounds after a new building replaced the old log building a year ago. The grounds were planted and swings and teeters were built for the playground. The games played were so interesting, with the teacher participating, that supervision was un-necessary. The attendance rate of the students was exhibited on an attendance board. This display had increased attendance to a level needed to meet the standard requirements. Participation with other schools was met by putting programs on in conjunction with the Rock Creek students. New lights, a ventilator system and a sanitary bubbler were installed, plus primary equipment and library books were purchased. The old school building was turned into a stable for the students horses and a “first class well was dug.” 

The teacher had visited all the homes of the current students during the school year. 

“Volunteers agreed to keep the grass and flowers alive, so visitors will become interested in this being used as a community park, thus increasing the value of every farm in the Trout Creek School District.”

Edith Featherman married Frank Horrigan and they had a son Sidney before divorcing. She died in Santa Clara, California.