Passing of the First Territorial Treasurer of Idaho and Montana Pioneer of Thirty-Two Years Standing
Deer Lodge, Nov. 21 – D. S. Kenyon, one of Deer Lodge’s oldest and best known old-timers, passed quietly away at St. Joseph’s hospital last night, where he has been a private patient for some time past. His demise was due to old age, he being in his 87th year, and a general breaking down of the constitution.
Mr. Kenyon was born in Washington county, New York, and was a pioneer of four territories, having emigrated from his native state to the territory of Michigan in 1835. From Michigan he went to South Bend, Ind., where he resided until 1854, when he crossed the plains and settled for a time in the territory of Oregon, whence he went to California. Leaving California in 1863, Mr. Kenyon went to the territory of Idaho, where he became the first territorial treasurer. From Idaho Mr. Kenyon emigrated to Montana territory in 1867, settling with his family in this city, where he has ever since resided. He served as postmaster here for two terms, at the end of which time he engaged in mercantile pursuits, conducting a general merchandising store for a number of years, and was prominently identified with the business interests of the community until about 10 years ago, when he retired from active business life.
Mr. Kenyon enjoyed an untarnished reputation among his business associates for honesty and fair dealing, and during all his long residence in this territory and state none ever questioned his integrity or uprightness of character.
The deceased leaves a son and daughter to mourn his loss, Charles D. Kenyon of this city ad Mrs. E. L. Bonner of Missoula, and several grandchildren. His wife preceded him to the grave about two years ago.
Mr. Kenyon’s youngest son, Frank, established the first paper published in Deer Lodge county, the Independent, which he started in this city in the summer of 1867.
The funeral will be held from the late residence of the deceased, corner of B and Second streets, tomorrow, Wednesday, afternoon at 2 o’clock, Rev. A. B. Martin, president of the young ladies’ seminary, officiating.
