Belding banner., 1910-01-13
NEWS FROM MONTANA
Former Pioneer Resident Shot Him
self, w. S. Stocking, on His
Western RanchI


The following from Wright Green,
who is residing in Fort Benton, Mon
tana, refers TO w. $. Stocking, a
former old resident well known to
older citizens in this locality.
Mr.. Stocking shot himself last week
Tuesday on his ranch near Fort
Benton, but whether accidentally or
purposely is not known. If it was
suicide no motive can be assigned for
the deed. The only other person in
the house at the time was his son
John Mr.. Green's letter says
81 enclose a clipping | think you
would like to publish, because in the
'40's Mr.. Stocking lived on six acres
of land where the brickyard is, at the
west end of Broas' bridge.
81 had long visit with him Sun
day, and yesterday L showed him the
Banner in regard to Loren Fales
death. He said, My goodness, we'll
remember Eliza Russell NOW Mrs.
Fales). l played many times with
her and the Demorest children on the
Big Rock near the river on their place..
He well remembered my father and
mothers wedding in the Red House
now on Upson place. He also in
quired about r.. II. Cook, j. l.. Morse,
Joe and Nat Fisk, Geo. Cooley, Dea
Shaw, Gilbert and Amos Russell, the
Ellis and Belding families, f. II.
Chase, of Smyrna, and others.
"Mr. Stocking was brother of the
Stocking who had carding machine
shop one mile south of Belding or
Broas bridge, east side of the river,
and also brother to the Stockings at
Lowell. L said danced many times
after his music. We had quite an
old pioneer visit.
'My 160 acres joins his 320 acres
three miles west of Fort Benton. This
morning the fatal shooting occurred.
1--WE appreciate the Banner out
here 1000 miles west and 2000 feet
near heaven, higher than Belding
This is beautiful land and climate
So far we have had 4-inch of snow,
and all cattle, sheep and horses run
ming out, not, not been yet. Bright
sunshine everyday. We like it fine
so far. Lots of Indians and many
buffalo horns and bones to be seen.
Government landseekers are here by
the hundred from all states and coun-
tries every day, crazy looking for
claims. Yours, III. Wright Green"
Winfield 5. Stocking was a native
of Michigan, and was about 10 years
of age. He came west in 1860, attracted
by the gold mining excitement in
California, and spent two years on
the Pacific coast. The mining stam-
pede TO Alder Gulch and other Mon
tana camps brought Mr.. Stocking TO
this part of the country, but he soon
realized that ranching and stock grow
ing promised to become a lucrative
occupation, and 1866 he came TO north
ern Montana with view TO engaging
in those pursuits.
Mr.. Stocking located ranch on the
Teton, about four miles from Fort
Benton, and in 1868 harvested the first
grain crop on the Teton. The same
ranch is under cultivation at the pres
ent time, and is considered one of the
best pieces of farm property i'm this
OF Montana. In addition to the rails
ing OF grain and forage crops, Mr..
Stocking engaged in the cattle and
horse industry, and made substantial
success in these departments. He was
also an extensive owner of city real
estate in the early eighties, comfort
able income being derived from these
investments. Mr.. Stocking was one
of Choteau county, and was identi-
fled with public enterprises connected
with the development of this part OF
Montana.
The deceased is survived by his
wife, a son and daughter, to whom
the sincere sympathy of their neigh
bors is extended.
L