Glacier County chief. [volume] (Browning, Mont.) 1931-1940, 1940-11-22
F. P. Auerbachs of Great Falls Symbolic
On Their Golden Anniversary Those
Who Have Built Montana as State

his father having died as the result
OF injuries sustained as a soldier in
the F'ranco-Prussian war.
The young man, who by then was
who had seen Montana and learned
to love it. could not remain in Europe,
however. He came back to Montana
and went to Anaconda.
1t is a comment. not only on the
times but on the building of America
that he went to work in a meat shop
operated by two Frenchmen. Mr.. Auer-
bach was a German. The fourth man
there was a Swiss. All became Ameri-
cans.
Theresa Matt also came to Ana
conda from little 'dorp' near Baden.
She had two brothers in Anaconda
but, no other relatives in this country
She bought meat at the Frenchmen'S
shop
OF course, she assumed that the
slight young man with the small dark
mustache who often waited on her
was a Frenchman. He looked it. So
she had no hesitancy about talking
about this young man to her girl friend
in German. She paid him compliments
which she thought he could not I'M
derstand.
Imagine her surprise when, one day,
the young man interrupted her con-
SPOKE
TO her in her own language.
Whatever temporary embarrassment
this may have caused was soon wiped
out. On Nov. II, 1890, Theresa Matt
became Mrs. Auerbach.
Get this, young America!
Mr. Auerbach knew that, since Miss
Mats family were not living in Ana
conda, she had no home in which to
be married. So. he rented a house,
lChaI hafnra hn ND
the priest read the ritual in a house
which, when the last blessing was pro-
nounced. became the home of the
bride. How many young Americans
in this day of hotels and apartments
could have done as much?
During the next few years Mr.. Auer-
bach was busy between Great Falls
and Butte. Finally, in 1894, he decided
to locate permanently in the Falls,
and, with Frank P. Johnston, estab-
lished the Central Meat Co. there.
AS result Of the meat dealing Mr..
Auerbach also entered the cattle bust
ness.
You did not then, as now, go out
and buy a few head of cattle at a
time" he explained "Ranchers were
not selling a few head. You purchased
the herd or you went without. Con-
sequently, when you had more cattle
than you needed for meat. you bought
more. made up car, and shipped 70
the markets"
The Central Meat Co. prospered and
Mr.. Auerbach. Germany now a men,
DRY, assumed his duties in the growing
city. He served for IL years as an al
derman and for six years was presi-
dent of the council. He interested him.
self In community projects and civic
betterment.
Five daughters and son were born
to Mr.. and Mrs. Auerbach.
The daughters are Mrs. George Teel.
Mrs. George Scotch and Mrs. L. F.
Holzberger, all of Great Falls; Mrs. J.
P. Mcdonnell Of Velva. N. D.. and Mrs
Henry Kunz of San Francisco.
Paul Auerbach Jr.. the son, died
two months ago. Eager to do his share
in aiding the country which his father
had adopted and in which he was
born, he was one of the first to enlist
from Montana in the first World war
He was cited for bravery and wounded
in the Chateau Thierry drive.
In addition to the children, IA grand
children also gather with the Auer-
bachS at reunions.
Mr.. and Mrs Auerbach today oper-
ate small grocery store. They are
happy and carry their years well.
Since they came to Montana they
the nation; they have seen the from
tier depart and In the upbuilding of
a country, they have done their share
Much history has gone into the rec
ords since that day, so years ago this
month, when a supposed Frenchman
spoke to a newly arrived German girl
in her own tongue. And yet, 1T does
not seem so long," they say.
IF you came to America today. were
only Is years old and dependent en-
tirely on yourself, what would you
do?" Mr.. Auerbach was asked.
"Get a Job In a meat market. Amer
lea still Is the land Of opportunity
he replied.
On such faith Is our state and ma
| tim h,iilded