The Bozeman courier. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1919-1954, 1925-10-16
JOHN E. EDWARDS,
BUILDER, BANKER,
TAKEN BY Death
Was One of MOntana's Most
Prominent Business Men and
Political Leaders

John E. Edwards, one Of MOntana's
most prominent business men and
political leaders, died early Monday
morning at his home in Forsyth.
Death was due to bladder trouble,
frOLa which he had suffered acuteIy
for several months.
Funeral services were held Wednes-
day afternoon at 2 o'clock from the
Forsyth Presbyterian church with the
Rev. H. G.. Klemme, pastor of the
First Presbyterian church of BOze-
man and a lifelong friend of the dead
man, officiating.
Business Career
Former State Senator Edwards was
a man of energy and possessed bust
ness and political ability Of an unsus-
ual character. In his younger days
he was identified with some Of the
largest cattle outfits of the south
west, operating in the Panhandle of
Texas. After coming to Montana In
1889, he worked for the Niobrara Cat
tie company, the original Bar N cut
fit with headquarters and range IN
Fergus county. In 1890 he joined the
Thomas Cruise cattle concern, which
a about $4,000 head, and remained
with them nine years.
In 1902 Senator Edwards was APP
pointed by President Roosevelt as
personal representative Of the secre-
tary of the interior in the Indian
field with jurisdiction over the Indian
reservations Of the Northwest. This
position he resigned in 1903 to inter-
est himself in irrigation projects in
Yellowstone and Big Horn counties.
With his removal to Forsyth, Sem
ator Edwards became identified with
banking and merchandising. He was
one Of the partners in the Richardson
Mercantile company; organized the
Bank of Commerce and became its
president; built the Forsyth electric
light plant; became a director Of the
Treasure State bank at Hysham ana
of the Bank Of Ashland, and at n
time was principal owner Of the Bill
lings Gazette and president Of the Ga
zette Publishing company. During the
World War he was a member Of the
Montana Council Of Defense and was
active in promoting the war program
Of this state.
Leader In Politics.
In the political field, Senator Ed
wards was equally prominent. he
served as chairman Of the Republican
state central committee in 1912 and
1914. He entered the state senate
during the term of Lieutenant Gov
ernor Norris and served under Lieu
tenant Governor Allen and Lieutenant
Governor Story. He was for five
terms president pro tenn Of the state
senate and on several occasions was
acting governor of Montana. He was
leader of the Republican majority IN
that body during the time that party
was in control of the legislature, and
was regarded as one Of the most able
and astute public men in the Treas
ure state.
John E. Edwards was born in War
saw Ills, July II, 1866. He was the
son Of General Oliver Edwards q
Civil War fame and a member Of the
famous Edwards family which has
been prominently identified with the
history of New England since colon
iaI days. After being graduated iron
Hanover college, Ind, he went to Col
Orado and began his career as a cattl
man. At one time ne was in charg'
of the Crow Indian agency and wa
instrumental in persuading that trlb
to consent to the opening for settle
ment Of 1,25O,OOO acres Of agricul
tural land.
November Is, 1892, Nh. Edward
married Miss Julia Anderson of Fer
gus county who, with two daughters
survives him.