Joseph Lutey, Sr.
Silver Bow County
History of Montana, Sanders, 1913

The late Joseph Lutey, Sr., was closely identified with 
business and civic interests in Montana for many years 
and his life, in its success and integrity was one that 
offers both lesson and incentive.  Of sturdy English 
stock, Mr. Lutey was born in the town of Morvah, in the 
extreme southwestern end of Cornwall, England, December 
25, 1849.  Concerning the family history but few data 
are accessible, but it is known that his parents were 
sterling citizens of Cornwell and that there his father 
was identified with mining operations.  Mr. Lutey 
received the advantages of the common schools of his 
native place but his education was largely acquired through 
self application and through the lessons gained in connection 
with the practical duties and responsibilities of life.

Mr. Lutey gained his initial experience as one of the 
world's workers by his association with mining operations 
in his native land and at the age of nineteen set forth 
to seek his fortune in America.  For several years after 
his arrival he was identified with mining operations in 
the states of New York and New Jersey.  In 1874 he came 
to the west a for about a decade thereafter he was 
variously engaged in Colorado and Nevada where his 
activities during the greater part of the time were in 
connection with mining operations.  Early in 1887 he 
came to Montana, having passed three years at his old 
home in England whither he went for the purpose of 
visiting his parents, who there continued to reside 
until their death.  He found in Montana ample scope 
for successful endeavor and here his interests were 
centered during the residue of his long and useful 
life.  For about two years after coming to this state 
he continued to be engaged in mining and then turned 
his attention to the operation of a stage line and a 
general transfer business between Philipsburg and 
Granite in which latter town he finally engaged in 
the retail grocery trade.  There he conducted a 
prosperous enterprise in this line from 1890 to 1895, 
in which latter year he removed the business to 
Philipsburg in the same county.  In the autumn of 
1897, seeking a still broader field of enterprise, 
he removed his business to Butte and here he founded 
one of the largest retail grocery establishments in 
the state, the same being conducted by his sons since 
his death which occurred in the city of Los Angeles, 
California on the 13th of July 1911.  His remains were 
laid to rest in that city, where he was passing the 
winter and his widow still maintains her home in Butte.

At Dover, New Jersey on the 14th of September 1872 was 
solemnized the marriage of Mr. Lutey to Miss Catherine 
E. Bone who was born in St. Just, Cornwall England and 
whose parents John and Elizabeth Bone, came to America 
from Cornwall England.  Mrs. Lutey proved a true 
companion and helpmeet to her husband and aided him 
admirably in the years which marked his advancement 
to the status of a substantial business man.  Seven 
children were born to them, of whom only three are 
living: Joseph Jr., William J. and Miss Mary J.  The 
two sons, each of whom is married, are associated in 
the conduct of the business enterprise founded by 
their father and the only surviving daughter is now 
residing in the city of Los Angeles.