The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1881-12-28

ABOUT l.UUO,UUO via Helena. This wear
owing to the unfavorable boating season
tnelr freight did not all get through, bat the
number Of pounds received will, nevertheless.
run far into the Millions Messrs. I. G. Bak-
er q Co., have extensive branch houses al
Fort Macleod and at Fort Calgary, lin
the Northwest Territory, and have bu,
recently disposed Of a large establishment
at Fort Walsh. They have 100 teams
OF their own which are constantly on the
road during the freighting season, giving en-
ployment to some 300 men. They are also
owners of the steamer Red Cloud. one of
the largest boats on the Missouri river, and
part owners Of the gallant Benton, which
made such good record the past season
Their wonderful facilities for transpf rtation
give them great advantage. Having so
much land transportation their principal bus
mess consists in filling contracts and freight
ing to the Northwest Territory The present
year their purchase Of single article for this
| trade, -four, was 1000 sacks
The business house of I. G.. Baker 81 Co..
in this city, is one among the largest and most
convenient in the Territory 1t is substan-
| tial brick, two stories high and Of dimen-
sions sufficient to give ample place to stock
OF goods worth several hundred thousand
dollars, and numerous warehouses in con
nection multiply their storage room many
fold. When it is known that their sales the
present year amount to half million dollars
it will be readily understood why SO much
space is needed.
W. G. and c. E. Conrad now constitute
the widely known firm of l. G.. Baker s. Co.,
and for several years they have managed the
business in Benton and other points in the
northwest. The rapid growth Of the busi-
ness and the successes won il SO many fields
are the best indications Of their fitness to
stand at the head of such q house. The re-
cord is one that as business men they can
point to with no small degree Of pride.
r. G. POWER 1 BRO.
During the summer Of 1867 Mr.. T. G.
Power brought stock Of goods to Benton
and began his business operations in Mon
tana. destined to prove of infinite advantage,
not only to Benton, but to the Territory at
large. This initial venture did not bring into
rcquisition any large amount Of capital, as
perhaps forty or fifty tons Of freight would
be liberal estimate Of his first years stock,
most of which consisted Of goods suitable
for the Indian trade Benton being at that
time the ''head center" for this traffic But
the venture was profitable, and from year to
year Mr.. Power enlarged his stock and faciIi- |
ties until in 1869 he established various
branches, or trading posts along the river,
which added not little to his income, and
enabled him afterwards to embark in enter
prises that have aided largely il the develop
ment Of Northern Montana. Some Of these
posts yet remain and are perhaps the nuclei
of future cities and settlements on the lower
river.
In 1870 the Helena branch house was es-
tablshed, devoted almost exclusively to min
ing goods and farming implements Of all
kinds. Like every other enterprise set on
foot by Mr. Power, this one prospered, and
the Helena house is to-day one Of the leading
establishments of the Capital
In 1875 Mr.. Power engaged in the steam
boat business and it was then that his pluck
and determination were put to the severest
test. He did not have 'seasy sailing" by any
means. The Benton" was the first venture
on the river, and hardly had she commenced
% ploW the muddy waters Of the Missouri,
1iro ~ !
with land transportation com
oany, the primary object being to crush out
Benton and build commercial metropolis at
Carroll. Freight rates were cut in a reckless
way and the carrying trade on the river be-
came brisk and improbable. The opposition
allied signallF il the object they set out to
Iccomplish-as Benton lives and prospers,
While Carroll has been washed away by the
lood, only few cabins remaining to indi-
ate there ever was such place. After this
he river business promised better returns,
nd Mr.. Power came to the front in rs with
be Helena" III 70 with the t'Butte," and
ast year the ssB,ack Hills 1t is due to his |
ersistent efforts in no small measure that the I
lVer business has assumed such mammoth ]
to the same source Benton
,ust ascribe much of credit for her present
and bright prospects. His steam {
oating experience won for Mr.. Power the s
obriquet of the Commodore f
In 1869 John W. Power became a partner h
ith his brother and is the present shead D
ad front, Of their extensive Benton house,