The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1908-10-13

HON. FRANK B. coNNELLY.
Loyalty to Yellowstone county, and particularly to Billings
by it's citizenship in general, has been 50 marked that the
words billings Boosters have become a common saying
throughout the entire state of Montana.
Well may Billings and entire Yellowstone county be proud
Of the growth they have made in the past quarter of q century
and the excellent standing they now have as 9 part OF the
great state of Montana.
To those who realize the conditions existing in this locality
% years ago, and who also realize the conditions existing
today, there cannot help but be a feeling Of high regard for
the perseverance and ability Of those who piqaeered this
section in those days and helped to build up ana bring about
the state of civilization which now permits us to be called
Billings Boosters Now men of talent, good judgment and
perseverance are to be found on every hand; then such men
we're scarce and conditions were such that only those OF a
perseyering nature had the couraget to do the things necessary
to develop such a state Of civilization in this community
as has brought forth the results which we now enjoy.
In December, 1885, Frank B. Connolly, who is now classed
as one of those who assisted in the pioneering OF eastern
Montana. came to Billings, which was then 2 SINAI town. He
was at that time a young man Of % years, who mad been Dorn
near Burlington, Iowa, and, after having been employed BY
some Of the largest hardware companies in the city q
Chicago, resolved to come west and launch his ship of fortune
among those who helped to build up this community. MI.
Connelly's business training at that time had been OF such
high class that he was Immediately employed by the frm OF
Babcock & Miles, who were then engaged ~ the hardware
business, and who, by the way, were one OF the first hrms
to distribute hardware and farming implements to the early
settlers Of the community. Realizing the keen business
judgment and sterling integrity Of Mr.. Connolly, the hrm
employing him, in less than one year from his first appearance
in Montana, made him buyer and business manager. MT.
Connolly, realizing the opportunities for development IN all
lines, was not satisfied with the business then being conducted
in the then small town OF Billings, but proceeded 70 explore
the various portions OF the state and induce people living ~
remote localities to make Billings their general trading point.
Mr.. Connolly, being so successful in this line, WAS i'm
portuned by the business interests OF Billings to make q tour
Of the adjacent country, with q view to establishing q wool
market in this city. In this he was also successful in fact 20
successful that IN only . short time Billings boosted justly
of being the greatest inland wool market in the world.
In 1892 Mr.. Connolly became q member Of the a. =.
Babcock Hardware company and was largely instrumental In
making that one Of the most successful institutions which has
ever existed In eastern Montana, not only from the standpoint
Of a general hardware concern, but by building and operating
an excellent Touring mill and making 9 home market Tor me
adjacent wheatgrowers.
In 1904 Mr.. Connolly severed his connection with the a. I.
Babcock Hardware company and became engaged IL dealing
in farming Implements and general construction supplies IN
q Wholesale way throughout the entire state Of Montana. and
this as his previous ventures, has proven SO successful that
he now conducts one Of the largest wholesale businesses in
the state Of Montana. and enjoys the perfect confidence Ct the
largest manufacturers OF these various lines in the United
States. There is not q man in the state Of Montana who
enjoys a larger and more high classed acquaintance than Mr.
Connolly, or who is more conversant with the needs and
requirements Of the various people located in Montana. This
is largely due to the fact that Mr.. Connelys business calls
hin to all portions of the state and he comes in contact with
persons engaged in the actual upbunding OF the country.
Mr.. Connolly has always been an afduous worker for the
benefit of the community in which he has resided. and the
&H 6kNkOA ~ oNAA~A AW%NVM NNNCEM
accept positions of public trust, and on one occasion his
friends persuaded him to accept the position Of alderman Of
his ward in the city of Billings, and in this position he main
tanned the reputation which he had for loyalty, honesty and
public advancement.
Again, in convention assembled in the month OF September,
1908, the Republican party of Yellowstone county unanimously
demanded OF Mr.. Connolly that he represent Yellowstone
county in the legislative assembly Of this state for the two
years ensuing. Mr.. Connolly has always been 2 consistent
believer in the principles OF the Republican party, and has
rendered much valuable assistance to that party in times past.
During all Of these times Mr.. Connelly's domestic life has been
one Of which he might point with pride. In December. 1885,
Flora E. Hart was united in marriage with Mr.. Connolly, and
the two have lived happily together and became parents of
eight children, four of whom are now living with them In the
city OF Billings. the oldest being associated with his father in
business in this city.
In all OF his business career Mr.. Connolly has not neglected
the social side Of life. He Is q member OF Ashlar lodge No.
20, A. +. & A. NJ, and Billings Chapter No. s. Royal Arch
Masons, and is also an enthusiastic member Of Billings Lodge
No. 1894 Of the Benevolent and Protective Order OF Elks, and
no one can say that he h4s ever violated any Of the principles
Of either Of these organizations, or failed to respond at any
and all times to carry out the teachings OF these orders.
There never has been a man in Yellowstone county more
thoroughly equipped to represent the people in this locality
in a legislative assembly than Mr.. Connolly. To those who
know him, success for him at the polls on November 8 means
success and triumphant advancement to the entire community
during his incumbency In ONCE. SAJ