Francis Lyman Worden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frank Worden
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| Born |
Francis Lyman Worden
October 15, 1830 |
| Died | February 5, 1887 (aged 56) |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Founder of Missoula, Montana |
Francis Lyman Worden (born October 15, 1830 – died February 5, 1887) was an important businessman. He was one of the people who helped start the city of Missoula, in Montana.
Frank Worden's Early Life
Frank Worden was born in Marlboro, Vermont, on October 15, 1830. He went to school in New York. After school, he worked as a clerk in different stores.
In the early 1850s, he moved to The Dalles, Oregon. He took part in the Yakima War, a conflict with Native American tribes. After that, in 1858, he moved to Walla Walla, Washington. There, he opened his own store. He also worked as the postmaster in Walla Walla for two years.
In 1860, Frank Worden teamed up with Christopher P. Higgins. They opened a store together in a place called Hell Gate, which was then part of the Washington Territory. Later, they moved their business to what is now Missoula, Montana. Their store, called Worden and Company, was the very first store in the new town. Soon after, they set up more trading posts near areas where people were mining for gold in Montana.
Building Missoula and Other Businesses
In 1863, Worden and Higgins moved their store to Deer Lodge, Montana. By 1866, they had built a full milling operation there. This included a sawmill to cut wood and a gristmill to grind grain. In 1868, they sold their businesses in Deer Lodge. Then, with another person named Washington J. McCormick, they planned out 100 acres of the townsite for Missoula.
Worden and Higgins did a lot to help Missoula grow. They built bridges and roads. They also set up water systems and even started a bank. Both men were interested in politics and government in the Montana Territory. Frank Worden represented Missoula, Choteau, and Deer Lodge counties in Montana's first government meeting. This meeting took place in Bannack, Montana.
To stay competitive, Worden and Company joined with another company in July 1886. This new company was called Murphy-Worden and Company. Later, in 1902, Murphy-Greenough and Company took its place.
There is a place called Worden's Market in downtown Missoula today. It is near Frank Worden's old house from 1874. However, the market is not directly related to Frank Worden himself. It started in 1890 as Bishop and Worden Grocery.
Frank Worden's Family Life
Frank Worden married Lucretia Miller in 1866. They were married in Frenchtown, Montana Territory. They had seven children together. Frank Worden passed away on February 5, 1887. His wife, Lucretia, died in 1893. They are both buried in the Missoula Cemetery.
