Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1903-09-30
COL. SAM. WORD DEAD.
Came to Montana In 1868 and Has
Been Prominent in State Affairs.

(Helena Record, Sept. 25).
Colonel Samuel Word, one of the
pioneers of Montana and well known
throughout the northwest. died at
$3.50 o'clock last night at the family
residence on Clarke street in Hel.
ena.
Colonel Word had been in failing
health for a long time. A week ago
he suffered from an attack OF paraly.
sis, and since then had been confined
to his bed. His condition grew worse
gradually until the end came last
night. A few months ago he was SER
iously i'll and was taken to st. Peters
hospital. At that time his family was
In California, but on their return he
Improved and had been about not a
little since up to the day he was
stricken with paralysis.
Colonel Word joined the rush to
the Klondike soon after the stampede
to the new land of gold began. He
spent several years in the far north.
While at Dawson he engaged in sew
eral enterprises the most notable of
which was the construction of the
water works system by which the
camp is supplied with water.
While in the north Colonel Words
health seemed to be excellent. He
endured many privations incident to
a trip over the mountains and down
the Yukon in those days, and the
rough life seemed to agree with him
He returned to Helena and his many
friends generally congratulated him
on his improved appearance. On 60
ing back to Dawson he was not so
well. More than year ago he return.
ed from Alaska. He spent last win.
ter at Los Angeles with his family
and while there he suffered from an
affection Of one eye. An oculist in
sisted on an operation as the only
means of relief Although suffering
intensely Colonel word refused to
take an anesthetic. The operation was
performed with the use Of cocaine
Although the operation was success.
full and Colonel Word experienced
great relief from it, his sufferings had
apparently broken his health to no
small degree. He returned to Helent
last March, believing that the change
would be of benefit to him. He SEEM
ed to be somewhat improved for a
time, but recently II was noticed by
his friends that he was growing more
feeble. A few days ago he suffered
stroke of paralysis, and since then
his condition had been extremely
grave.
Samuel Word was born in Barbours.
vile, Knox County, KY, January 10,
1887. He spent his boyhood days in
the blue grass state and later went
to Missouri. He left st. Joseph In
that state for Montana in 1863 He
crossed the plains to Salt Lake and
arrived in Virginia City September
9th.
Colonel Word was a member of the
constitutional convention of Montana
In 1866. and was a member of the
house of representatives of the fourth
and extra sessions in 1857 He be-
longed to the territorial counsil in
1856 and 1870; he was member of the
house in the ninth session. 1876, and
the tenth session, 1877, and was
speaker Of the eleventh and extra ses
sions of 1879 in the territorial legis-
lative assembly.
He was an honored member OF the
Society of Pioneers and was president
Of that body during the years 1872.
Mr.. Word leaves widow and four
children-William Word, former as
sociate justice r. Lee Word, Charles
F. Word and Miss Mae Word, all Of
whom reside in Helena. For many
years Colonel Word has been promi-
nent in mining circles in Montana,
having owned and operated valuable
properties in Madison county and 9TH
er parts of the state.