Anton Holter

Anton Martinius Holter (1831-1921) was a Montana pioneer, businessman and politician.[1] He made his fortune in lumber, farming, real estate and hardware.[2][3][4]

He emigrated from his native Norway, arriving in the United States in 1854.[5] He first worked as a carpenter in Iowa and Minnesota, before building his first sawmill near Virginia City, Montana.[1] Holter established lumber yards in several other Montana towns, including Helena, Great Falls, and Nevada City, among others.[1] In Helena, he founded several general merchandise and hardware companies, including A.M. Holter Hardware Company, which remained in business until 1958. Holter also served on Montana's first territorial council[5] and first legislature,[6] as well as Helena's first school board.[7]

The Holter family remained active in Montana public affairs for many years and the family name is featured prominently in Montana, and especially within Helena, on places, institutions and landmarks, including the Holter Museum of Art, Holter Lake, Holter Dam[8] and Holter Street.[9][10] The World War II Liberty ship SS Anton Holter was named in his honor.[5]

References
  1. Kim Briggeman (December 3, 2011). "Montana History Almanac: Timber started near Virginia City". Missoulian.
  2. "Anton M. Holter". Independent Record. July 17, 1921.
  3. "History of N Bar Ranch is fueled by its colorful owners". The Montana Standard. November 13, 2000. p. 2.
  4. "Early Norwegian Settlement in the Rockies: By Kenneth Bjork (Volume I8: Page 44)". Norwegian-American Historical Association.
  5. "Liberty Launching Honors Pioneer Of Helena Area: S. S. Anton Holter Constructed by Portland builders". Independent Record. August 4, 1943.
  6. Montana Auditor's Office (1891). Report of the State Auditor.
  7. "Archives West: Holter Family papers, 1861-1968".
  8. "Holter Dam 100 Years". International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 44.
  9. "Railroads brought many dignitaries here, including Norwegian Royals". Independent Record. July 18, 1996.
  10. Aarstad, et al., Montana Place Names From Alzada to Zortman, 2009, p. 125.
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