News you can use
News you can use
Emily Mayer
Two big announcements of local interest were made in the November 14, 1914, issue of The Hill County Democrat.
The first was the announcement that the Hill County Courthouse bond had passed:
HAVRE TO HAVE A COURT HOUSE
It was a good piece of news that was given out early this week that Havre will have a court house. When the county commissioners met to canvass the official returns they discovered that the Bond Issue for a court house carried by eleven votes. Every one in the city is rejoicing over the proposition and this settles for the present any proposition about a further division of the county. This means that $125,000 will be put into circulation, employment for carpenters, brick-layers and other laborers, and the giving of employment to a number of men. This supplies a long felt need. It means safety for the records of Hill county records, a proper place in which to transact county business, and a convenient place in which to hold court. Havre will have a court house now.
The second piece of news was far from happy. It was announced Simon Pepin, who many view as the “Father of Havre”, had passed away. Two columns appeared in this issue. Here is the shorter of the two:
SIMON PEPIN PASSES AWAY
Simon Pepin died at St. Paul on last Sunday. He was one of Havre’s most prominent citizens, was a noted capitalist, cattle king and real estate owner.
In the demise of Mr. Pepin Havre looses a booster, a pioneer, a torch bearer and a good friend.
His loss is immeasurable.
Colonel Pepin was admired and loved by all. He never catered to caste and cared naught for society’s deceitful smile. He adored industry and always looked for character in the man.
He always arose with the sun in his prime. He loved nature and out door life and was always kind even to the poor dumb animals.
His life was a complete success. He was Havre’s wealthiest citizens and always came honestly by his personally earned wealth.
He was a warm-hearted and generous to a fault and he bounteously gave alms. If all the people of North Montana, for whom he did a kindness were to place upon his sepulcher a single blossom he would sleep beneath a wilderness of flowers.
He made no claim to being a bookworm, a pendant, or did he delve deep into the realm of science or dead languages but he always loved to keep abreast of the times and was a great reader of the newspapers. He kept well informed and had a commercial acumen unparalleled.
He took great pride in the beloved city of Havre. He watched and enjoyed its rapid growth from a little shack town to the great city it has grown to be.
Colonel Pepin lived to a ripe old age. His habits were of the very best and he lived to enjoy the rewards of his industry.
Those who knew him best, admired him the most.
The end of a long and useful life came calmly. The gentle breezes from near the head of the mighty Mississippi seemed to lull the great and good man to a perfect rest and sleep and peace.
To the many friends, relatives and neighbors of the deceased this newspaper extends its sincere condolences.
“Sepulcher” is another word for tomb, burial place or grave. Simon Pepin’s headstone is the largest monument in both the Calvary — the Roman Catholic Church portion of the cemetery, where he is interred — and Highland Cemeteries.
The much more lengthy column describes his funeral at the Catholic church as a Requiem High Mass and that “the funeral procession was the largest and most impressive that ever occurred in Havre.” Additionally, “All places of business were closed during the forenoon, and flags on public buildings were at half mast. Citizens turned out en masse to attend the funeral. The Elks in a body marched in the procession, Mr. Pepin being a member of Havre Lodge 1201.”
In social pages news:
Miss Anna Mack who was in Great Falls the past month visiting with her aunt Mrs. W. T. Barrett, returned home Thursday accompanied by her uncle W. T. Barrett, who was on his way to Williston, North Dakota on business.
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