Obituaries - E.J. Canary, Cascade County, Montana Submitted to the USGenWeb Archives by: Pamela Berry - pool2Asatx.rr.com ============================================================================= USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for personal use only. All rights reserved. This file may be freely copied for non-profit purposes. All other rights reserved. ============================================================================= Friday Morning August 31,1934 Great Falls Tribune Supervised Constructions of Foundations for Many buildings: Funeral Will be held This Afternoon at 2 Distinction of having built the foundation of Great Falls' first industry and having built the foundations for a large part of the business avenue rested with E. J. Canary, old time local resident, who died here late Wednesday evening. Mr. Canary, a stonemason, arrived in Great Falls July 29,1884, coming by stage from Helena. Shortly after he arrived Paris Gibson succeeded in obtaining the establishment of a sawmill here, to be supplied with timbers floated down the Missouri River. This was the first industry established in Great Falls and to Mr. Canary was given the task of constructing the foundations for the structure, which later supplied the lumber needs of a wide area. The mill was built at the east end of the old First Avenue north wagon bridge. Machinery for the mill was purchased in Minneapolis, shipped by train to Helena and transported to great Falls by freight wagons arriving in 1885 On March 17, 1885, a dedication dance was held in the new mill, with attendance from throughout northern Montana, particularly from the Sun River Valley and from the Kibbey Canyon area, where settlers were at that time well established. In 1884 construction of Great Falls first business block was also begun, on the lot now occupied by the Montana Power Company building, the Bach-Cory block. Mr. Canary built the foundation of this building, which was used as an office by the Great Falls Townsite Company. Great Falls' second business structure was commenced a short time later by W. P. Beachly, in the location now occupied by the Goodmen Smokehouse on Fourth Street and Central Avenue. Foundations for this structure were also laid by Mr. Canary. Following the arrival of several carpenters from Fort Benton, a mild building boon ensued, resulting in the construction of several structures which are still standing, including the C. N. Dickinson residence at 327 Forth Avenue North, built by Phil Gibson in the Spring of 1885. For this residence, as well as other building which were contracted at this time, foundations were laid by Mr. Canary. In 1888 Mr. Canary was married to Miss Ida Seldstad, formerly of Minnesota, but living at the time in Great Falls. Mrs. Canary died November 14, 1930 Mr. Canary was born June 2,1856 at St. Davids, Ontario, Canada, the son of Mr. And Mrs. S. Canary who were farmer's of that vicinity. He learned his trade as a mason in Saint Davids, then came to the United States to seek employment. He worked for various concerns throughout the United States for a two year period was masonry forman fro the Denver Rio Grande railroad, headquarters in Denver. Survivors are two daughters, Mrs. Peter Lund of this city and Mrs. H.P. Webster of Port of Sweetgrass, and a son Howard Canary of Billings.