The river press., 1912-12-18
NEW TOWN OF SHONKIN.
Milwaukee Railway Secures Miner
Ranch For Townsite.

Milwaukee Railway Secures Miner
Ranch For Townsite.
Rumors of the sale of the Miner
Cattle company's Shonkin ranch to the
Milwaukee railway for townsite pur-
poses are confirmed by NJ. E. Miner,
who is among the visitors in town.
The transaction has been pending
several weeks, and has just been clos.
ed at conference between Mr.. Mil
ner and the officials of the railway
company.
The sale of this we'll equipped and
attr actively located property 10 an
important incident in local history
a. striking illustration OF the change
10 conditions tn at is 10 progress. The
price paid for this property is also
feature Of general interest, as 1t es-
tablishes basis of value for other
lands th at may be similar In charac-
ter and approxim ately as desirable in
location.
The old-time owners of the Miner
ranch were naturally reluctant to dis
pose of their holdings but realized
that the purpose for which it was
originally acquired and improved no
longer exists. The cattle business in
tn at immediate vicinity has been dis
placed by the farming industry, and
lands adapted to agriculture are more
valuable for that purpose than for
grazing livestock.
Mr.. Miner came to Fort Benton in
1879 by the Missouri river route, and
was accompanied by J. M. Boardman,
hunting and adventure being the pur-
pose of their trip. The freedom of
western life, however, appealed to
them to such an extent lat they stay.
ed through the winter aud the follow
ing spring built log cabin on what
has since been the Shonkin ranch.
This cabin remains today, incorpora-
ted in the handsome residence of pio.
neer style which adorns the property.
The surroundings have been improved
from time to time, and visitors whose
business calls them to all parts of the
state regard the Miner ranch as one
of the best improved and most attr ac-
tive in Montana.
In 1882, Mr.. Miner incorpor ated
his business for the purpose of admit
ting two of his eastern friends, the
firm name becoming the Miner Cattle
company. 10 1890, Mr.. Boardm an
retired from the business aud Mr.
Milner proceeded to enlarge aud ex
tend its operations until 1t became one
of the few really big cattle outfits
in northern Montana, its larges,
herds being on the Milk river range
Mr.. Miner, with keen business
foresight, accumulated number o
large ranches for the accommoda atiol
of his business as the public dom all
passed into the possession of home
steaders. The building of the Mil
waukee railway through three of then
has caused him to change his business
plans, and regarding the building o
the track through his home ranch a.
a vandal invasion, he entered init
negoti ations for its sale to the rail
, way people who from the first desired
it for townsite. 1t is understood
tn at special price was paid for th'
townsite area and $40 per acre for the
remainder. The entire tract com
l prises 1854 acres.
According to statement made by
railro ad official, 1t is intended to m ak
Shonkin the most attractive town OF
the Milwaukee route through this par
of Montana. A complete water an.
electric light system can be developed
there, and bungalows and other &C
commod ations for tourists will b.
built. The Miner ranch residence
and it's other buildings will be convert
ed into country club of the highes
class, q purpose for which they ar
adapted without alteration. About
hundred acres OF the most scenic por
tion of the premises will bs maintain
ed as park and club grounds,
feature that will contribute to the at
tractiveness of the town.