P a g e 5 G h o s t T o w n s a n d H i s t o r y o f M o n t a n a N e w s l e t t e r can be seen in real life, and there is no enterprise that would better the accommodations but that he is now considering. As to his staff of officials it can be said that he has the very best talent that the country affords. BIOGRAPHICAL AND BUSINESS INTERESTS OF GEORGE WELCOME Among the pioneer business men of the upper Yellowstone region none have looked to the better development of the country than George Welcome. His career began by his marriage in 1880 to Miss Mattie McKibbon at Morris, Minnesota. Living in that state about one year, he located at Forsythe, Mont., where he was contractor for the Northern Pacific railroad for some years. Following the road west until he came to LivingResidence of George Welcome ston, and seeing the advantages of a commercial life, he left the railroad service to embark in business. He remained at this place but a short time when, thinking that there were brighter prospects up the Yellowstone river, located at Gardiner. After residing in this town for about seven years he went to Horr, which showed evidence of becoming the center of the great coal industry. He at once established a hotel and boarding house, and, with success crowning his efforts, set up a similar business at Aldridge, a neighboring town. Mr. Welcome's knowledge of the surrounding country, and its resources has led him to the establishment of a complete general merchandise store in Bear Gulch, also the building of a first-class hotel at the same place. Although not the first man needing a telephone, yet he was the first man who had the nerve and foresight to ask for a franchise from Bear Gulch to Livingston, today having the line completed from Bear Gulch to Horr, with connections at Cinnabar, and construction under way to Livingston, which will be completed soon. In writing the career of the subject of this sketch, it is of no less importance to state that Mrs. George Welcome was the pioneer woman who came into Livingston and Park county on the passenger train. WALTER M. HOPPE The subject of this sketch is proprietor of the Bear Gulch hotel, the largest hotel in this wide awake mining town of Bear Gulch. Its table and general equipment throughout are worthy of special mention. Mr. Hoppe is well able to understand the needs of the traveling public, and what it takes to please tourists and residents in a great mining region. He is honored as being the first male white child born in Montana. Besides his hotel interests he owns and operates one of the largest freighting outfits in the state, which is in daily service for the Revenue and Bear Gulch Mining companies. EMIGRANT GULCH
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