The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1881-02-23
A sPEOI MEN OF RAPID GROWTH.
Four Years Of Enterprise and Business
Tact Making Heavy and Success
full Commercial Venture.

|
The widely known and extensive mercan-
tile house Of Murphy, Neel s. o. began in
business here il 1876, which makes five ex-
tensive houses which that firm have in the
various large cities Of the Territory. It was
removed to this point from Carroll when it
was becoming evident that Benton had fu
ture before it which every indication fore
shadowed would be prosperous and brilliant; !;
for the country was beginning to settle up
with white people whose attention was only
Just beginning to be draWnto Montana as q
place for homes, and not q mere refuge for
traders without commerce aand hunters for
precious metals which were scattered here
and there through the Territory The fugi-
tive aspect of things was changing, the Indian
was being gradually pushed further and fur
ther from refuge which seemed to be his
last and trade built upon their simple wants
and rude merchandise gave 10 hope Of ever
Frightening into life again. Therefore it was
with no hope Of immediate reward that this
| firm added another to their already numerous
establishments, but with faith, which the
points of which the natural advantages were
among the things lasting, and certain of great
development.
The business was then in charge of MIR. W.
| 81. Todd, who has ever since managed it,
and who last year was admitted into part
nership in the Benton branch The building
which they have just vacated was rented of
W. S. Wetzel & Co., and shortly afterward,
when it became evident that the venture was
not mistake, it was purchased, and several
important additions were made from time 20
time as the business grew upon them, among
which was warehouse on the same lot be-
hind the store.
In 1877 they bought the leVee property in
block g. and erected thereon the first levee
warehouse in Benton, which dimensions are
25x100, for the receipt and safety of their
forwarding interests, which were large and
rapidly growing. In that year they handled
all the goods that came through the old
Diamond 'sR'5sIline r. line, as well as all those for
Murphy, Neel s. Co.'S branch houses in the
interior. In 1878 the 6Em boul LII other levee.
property in block 8, and erected an additional
tlreproof, iron-roofed warehouse, 40x12O feet
in dimensions. La the spring Of 1880 they
purchased the property on the corner Of
Front and Benton streets, which runs through
to Main street and has an area Of 7ox250 feet,
and proceeded to erect the new building
they occupy today.
The parent house has been in existence in
Helena since 1865, when the firm was Tut,
Murphy & Neel, but was soon afterwards
changed BY the retirement of Mr.. Tut, since
which the style has been Murphy, Neel 6 Co.
The connections of the house are at Helena,
Deer Lodge, Butte and Benton. The first is
Murphy, Neel & Co.; at Deer Lodge, it is
Murphy, Higgins & Co. at Butte, it is John
Caplice & Co., and at Benton is the original
name. All the branches are among the very
first mercantile houses in Montana, and in
the various locations are noted for their pub
lie spirit and enterprise
Last year there were received 500 tons of
freight for their Benton house alone, which
is q very aattering increase for four years
showing.
Among the improvements which they add
ed to their old property was the putting in of
force-pump and 800 feet of hose, which
requires twelve men to operate, and which
has throwing capacity about equal to
hand fire engine. It proved effective ia
the only emergency which has occurred in
the upper end Of town, and has shown a
usefulness which should be generally fol-
lowed
1t was in the spring Of 1880 that the firm
decided to build the new store which has just
been completed and entered. To this meas
ure they were absolutely driven By the great
increase il their business, and the diversity
of the lines they carried, the old quarters be-
ing so contracted that it was impossible TO do |
business longer in them, or make any display |
of their large stock of goods. The building
is of brick, and the area on the ground is
44x125 feet. It is one story and basement,
but, notwithstanding this, it does not present
that low, squatty appearance which was an
ticipated by many before it was built. This
is due to artistic ornamentation OF the win
doWs. and the ornamentation above, and the
height Of the basement, which, for
al practical purposes, equals another story.
The business room, as finished, is really mag
nifcentin its proportions, il the arrangement
Of the light and the disposition Of the long
line of counters and shelving, and It is in our
,Dinion the handsomest business room in the