Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1909-12-23
CAMMONS' DEATH
BRINGS SADNESS
WELL KNOWN ATTORNEY OF NIN01
WAS A MEMBER OF KEN
TEMPLE

Minot, N. D.-The death Of Attorney
L. w. Gammons of this city has cast
genuine regret over the entire north
western section of the state, as he
was one of the best known residents
of this section.
Leonard w. Gammons was born in
Middleton, Dane county, Wisconsin.
on March q, 1858. His father was
the owner of a large farm, on which
Mr.. Gammons worked until it became
time for him to enter college. For
three years he was student at the
Wisconsin university. later going to
the normal school at Oshkosh, from
which he graduated in due time. His
first school was at Racine, Wis,
where he accepted the principalship of
the Third ward school. During his
days in the teachers chair Mr.. Gam.
mons diligently studied the legal
profession and after but few years
of teaching he entered the law ofnces
Of Lish & Dodge of Racine. where he
worked until admitted to the bar.
In 1883 with young man by the
name of Henry Van Pelt, Mr.. Gam
mons came to North Dakota, locating
in Lisbon, then a growing frontier
town. He was Immediately entrusted
with the 500 roads business in that
vicinity and has been their valued
employe ever since. After six months
of active practice he returned to Ra.
cine, where he was married to Miss
Francis Barr on Christmas day, 1888,
just twenty-six years ago. In 1892
Mr. and Mrs. Gammons left Lisbon
and removed to Minneapolis, where
Mr.. Gammons entered into a partner
ship with Frank Larabee, one of Min
.nesota's most noted attorneys. Their
practice was eminently successful
and Mr.. Gammons came west, where
he had been working on 500 cases
for several years. Though he first
took up his practice in Minot in 1901,
it was not until 1903 that his family
was brought out to join him. He
was first associated with M. ]. Bar
rett and later with George A. MCGEE.
In business life he has been active
in municipal activity prominent and
in family and social life ideal.
"Mr. Gammons was the most learn
ed man in Masonic circles in Minot
and second to but few in the state"
was the expression among the Minot
Masons when they learned of the
death of their brother. Mr.. Gam
mons first joined the order at Middle
ton, Wis, taking the Blue lodge de-.
gree. He is member Of the Con-
sistory at Milwaukee, the Shrine at
Grand Forks and his other degrees
have been taken here. At the time
of his death he was a thirty-second
degree Masop, grand junior warden
of the grand commandry, with emf
nent commander of the state but
three years distant. He has held i'm
portant Offices at various times
in the local branches, and has been
identified in Masonic
circles all over the state. 1t was his
aim to reach the top in the Masonic
order, and no better start could be
imagined than that obtained by Mr..
Mr.. Gammons las during his resi-
dence in Minot been exceptionally &C.
tive in public-spirited affairs. He was
the organizer and one of the first
Of the Commercial club.
No meeting was too trivial for him
to attend. He was always deeply
in Minot's advancement,
and did all in his power to help its
growth. A few years ago he was ap-
pointed city attorney and was active
In the drawing up of the new ordi-
nances which now stand on the city's
books. ...".
He enjoyed an excellent practice,
the 500 road in their
cases in this part Of the country and
snjoying reputation in railroad law
IN this part Of the state. He was a
valued member Of the Ward County
Bar association. t-....
Though a success in professional
ife, active in Masonic work, in his
amily and social life Mr.. Gammons
vas ideal. A gentleman Of the old
,chool whose law does not allow any
me in distress to remain uncared for,
,or any kindness to go past unre-
urned. His many acts will live and
,e cherished In the hearts Of Minot
)eople. His courtly bow, his kindly
reeting and the kind. warm heart
Continued on page ~