The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1940-03-07

Resident Of
County Dies
J. w. Millegan Passes at
Farm Home Near
Eureka.
WAS KNOWN AS MAN OF
STIRLING CHARACTER

EUREKA, March 4.-On Satur-
day afternoon, March z, ]. w. Mil
Logan passed away at his home east
of Eureka. Although Mr. Millegan
had been in poor health for several
years, suffering from anemia, his
death came as a shock to the COM
munity for he had been able to care
for himself up to the day of his
death and his sparkling good hui
NOR beIied the seriousness of his
illness
Mr.. Millegan's life and that of his
father, Reuben, and uncle, Wallace,
during their early life in Montana
Territory, reads like real west
ernn tale except that the 'exemp-
larry habits" and the firm religious
convictions and their loyalty to the
Republican party is family tradi-
ton and are all made note Of in
Progressive Men of the State of
Montana" Mr.. Millegan's uncle,
Wallace, came to East Bannack in
1853 while his father, Reuben, came
to Montana in 1881 and ran hotel
at Clancy for several years. Later
he homesteaded near the post Of
flee OF Millegan which was so named
in his honor.
Joseph w. Millegan was born near
Sparta, Wisconsin, on September Is,
1858. In 1872 he moved to Michigan
and remained there until 1878 when
he went to Kansas and later to
Texas In 1882, with an eight mule
team and outfit, he came to Mon
tana from the Panhandle. On this
trip he wrote diary which the fam
lily highly prizes. The next four
years were spent in freighting be-
tween Livingston, Helena and Fl.
Benton. He then took q squatter's
claim three miles north Of Millegan
and later added q 100 acre home
stead, 4 100 acre desert claim and
purchased much other land. In adj
diton he leased 2,0oo acres ut r151-
road land 50 that he had ample
acreage to care for the large num-
Der OF cattle he soon accumulated
On this land, 100 acres was used for
agricultural purposes and Progress
sive Men" makes special note OF the
fact that Mr.. Millegan was success
full in both phases of ranching.
On January rs, 1888, Mr.. Mile
gan married Miss Eta Johnson
Four children were born to them
Guy J. Of Hardin; Nora D. (Mrs
Herman Mills) of Cascade, Homer
p. OF Whitefish and Mary MRS
Mary Voorhees) with whom he
made his home at the time of hi:
death. Mrs. Millegan passed away
in 1880.
The Millegans came to Eureka II
1918 and located on the Bottge1
place northeast of town. Mr.. Mill
egan always took an active interes
in the religious and civic affairs O
the communities in which he lived
Before coming here he held the OF
flee of school trustee and was dea
con In the Baptist church in Grea
Falls for several years while run
ming feed and coal business there
He was also deputy assessor Their
for two seasons. Very soon afte
coming here he was made a trustee
and deacon in the local church an,
held these offices at the time Of hi
death. He was also made trustee O
the Glen Lake district and held tina
office for many years. In 1928 h
was elected to county commissions
and served one term. During hi
term of office Lincoln county wa
one Of the few which were on SCUM
financial footing, due in part t
the good business judgment, tn
solid integrity and conservative ne
ture Of Mr.. Millegan.
Mr.. Millegan was friendly MAJ
one who enjoyed living and his cor
sistent optimism kept his eyes fixe
on the mountain tops" rather tina
the valleys" He was man VIII
daily walked with his God and b
continually strove for charitab,
understanding toward all. He hi
gone to q we'll earned reward.
In addition to his children, M
Millegan leaves nine grandchildre
and two sisters-Mrs. Gertru6
Bompart and Mrs. J. B. Robertso
both Of Helena. His children ar
sisters were here for the tuner
which was held on Tuesday ate
noon from the Baptist church Wi
the Rev. G. e. Harness officiatin
Interment was made by the sit
of his wife and grandson in Tobac'
Ur1lnvr