The Bozeman courier. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1919-1954, 1925-02-25
Saturday Gala Day for Those
Who Settled in Valley in
Early Days
Continued From Page One)
ay since our last meeting.

away since our last meeting.
THE list Of those whose death has
been recorded since the last reunion,
February %, 1924, includes, J. j.
Reeves, who died in California, Archie
Macdonald, who was not only a "a
p|icneer but a member Of the famous
Yellowstone Expedition; Walter Coop
er, first president of the Pioneers
Society Of Gallatin County; Mrs. Lu-
ella Ferguson. widow of Ben Fergu-
son, an early pioneer; Mrs. Catherine
Waterman, widow Of Christopher H.
Waterman, a former president of the
western part of the valley for sixty
years; Charles Francisco, who died
at Judith Gap; ]. Newell Brooks, who
died in Florida; John j. Thomas, who
died in Washington, and Miss Melissa
Green, who died at Willow Creek.
Walter Cooper
1T seems fitting on this occasion
that special mention should be made
Of Walter Cooper, who rendered valu-
able sl1vice to this society and to the
community during his residence here.
He was one of the organizers Of the
Pioneers Society of Gallatin County
and was elected first president, when
the organization was completed, No
vcmber %, 1898. He served later at
two periods as president, being at the
head Of the society in 1919 at the
time Of the Golden ard Silver Jubilee
cf the state, when the Montana Pho
neers were entertained here. He was
largely responsible for the erection
Of the monument at that time on the
college hill. Mr.. Cooper always kept
in close touch with this society, being
faithful at the business meetings as
well as at the social reunions. While
historian for two years, he contribut-
ed some interesting historical stories.
Mr.. Cooper was one of the early
pioneers Of the territory, locating at
Alder Gulch in September, 1853. He
came to Bozeman in the fall of 1869,
and made his home here until his
death, April %, 1924. For several
years he was engaged in the mercan-
tile business and later in numbering
operations.
He was very public spirited, and
was n of the organizers of the
Bczeman Board CT Trade in 1883, be-
ing the first president and serving
two years. He helped to organize the
BOzeman WaterwOrks company that
constructed one of the most perfect
systems Of waterworks in the north.
west, now belonging to the city. Mr.
Cooper was one of the incorporation
Of the City Of Bozeman in 1883, anC
served as a member cf the first city
council. He was nominated at ont
time for mayor of the city but de
clined.
"He was a member of the constitu
tional convention in 1889, when Mon
tana vas made a state, and there al
at present only 20 Of the IS member
of that convention living. He serve
in the state Legislature from Gallati
county in 1895 and SO, and served 81
years as a member Of the executiv
board Ct Montana State college. A
a Democrat he took an active part j
the political affairs Of the t%erritor
and state.
During the later years Of his lii
he cave up public wcrk but continue
his interest in community affairs ar
especially in the Pioneers Societ
with which he had been identified
long. He and his wife and the
daughter, Mrs. E. F. Bunker, who su
vive him, have been prominent in Il
social and civic life of Bozeman, ar
their service to the community wi
not be forgotten by the Pioneers al
their children"
Entertainment Program
Miss Avis Turner contributed tv
vocal solos, with MISS HOlher accom-
PIANIST. Miss Edyth O'Leary of But
gave an original tribute to the pi
neer women of the mining distri
ana a reading, '"The Polished Pr
tector." Little Miss Charlotte Sta
ford gave a fancy dance, and a seccl
number, Miss Stella Maude Brande
burg PIE. ing the piano. A saxophol
quartz ndered by Messrs. Bale
Bowden, Cushing and True, with Nh
o. E. Myers at the piano was so po
ular that the audience called for
third number. Social Life in Boz
mcn end Gallatin Valley in the Ear
Days." was the subject Of an inte
estinr rarer prepared by Mrs. W..
Beall. historian and a past preside
Of the Pioneers Society. Mrs. o.
Myers with q medley OF cid time son