In Memory of a Peaceful Man

 

“Of human life, history records mainly, the bloody aspect. She delights in and expatiates on the doings and daring of violent men. The victor of marathon, the passage of the Granicus, the defense of Thermopile, the exploits of Hannibal, Achilles, Caesar, Napoleon, Enoch; these and the like are the staple of her theme. Heroes of destruction are preserved in bronze and stone (how else are we to remember them?) From this basis not even the sacred page of history is free. ‘Saul has slain his thousands, but David his tens of thousands’ and this shout of blood, of battle and triumph has rung echoing down the ages. Where then is the peace loving man’s place in the sun? Allen McPhail. Montana Pioneer, 94 years of age, departed this life at New Chicago last week. Civilization for one brief moment was halted while Time recorded the fact that a peaceful man’s work had been completed. In the interval every beating heart in the little community wailed. Stand Aside! while a monument to a man was being moulded to remain forever in memory! Thus as this warrior used the moment for his trumpet, the peaceful man uses the human heart. Here then is his place in the sun and death perpetuates it.” 

This statement was published in the January 31, 1930 Philipsburg Mail. Someone desired to let the history books know that a peaceful man had left this earth on Saturday January 25th. Born at Harrison’s Corners Ontario, Canada on August 8, 1836, Allen migrated to the gold fields of Colorado at the age of 24; then to Denver, and Boise, Idaho. In 1865, he arrived in Montana and settled in the fertile Flint Creek valley where he remained for 60 years. He first engaged in placer mining and in 1871 turned to ranching and had lived continuously on that homestead since. He was an esteemed member of the Society of Montana Pioneers and many attended his last rites. Pallbearers were: John Dingwall, Chester Hoover, Jesse Henderson, Daniel Atwell, John Brogan and Earl Dingwall. Survivors were his wife ( Rozenia Gasper), son Emery, three daughters: Miss Nettie, Mrs. J.R (Annie) Enman and Mrs. (Christie) Nakken and three grandchildren. 

He was laid to rest in the Valley cemetery..Sadly I do not have a photograph of this pioneer.