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Henry Real_Heirs of J Truesdell.HISTORY OF A PIONEER, e following way be interesting reabout9, as the subject of the sketch as well known in this locality:Fargo Forum : E. H. Thursby, one of the early pioneers of Grand Forks section— a royal good fellow—has been unfortunate—ana is now a countycharge. When wealthy, he was gener-ola tous to prodigality, and his old time friends and associates—ought to see that his last days are made as peaceful as possible. We should like to be to lendone to lend a helping hand—who will join?—LaMoure Chronicle: Only a few years ago “Lord” Thursby—along with Coutts Maiori banks, of royal lineage and noble birth—was one of the cattle kings of the Mouse River valley, with headquarters at Towner. Twelve or fifteen years ago Mr. Thursby was in very hard circumstances. He had run through a small fortune and was reduced to penury. Barefooted, ragged and disreputable, he one day received notice that a wealthy relative in England had died and that, as an heir, there wa9 at his disposal a considerable sum of money—forty or fifty thousand dollars. “Lord” Thursby bought a ranch on the Mouse River, stocked it with blooded cattle, opened a private bank in Towner, and lived the life of ai English gentleman. The writer has enjoyed the hospitality of his country home—a commodious cot-taee in a picturesque spot on his ranob, which was fitted up elegantly—billiard room, art gallery, and things like that. Here he entertained his friends in grand style. A few years later his rapidly vanishing fortune was again re-pidly vanishing fortune was again _. pleted by the opportune death of a rich lative. My Lord Thursby encircrelative. My Lord Thursby encircled the globe ; made a collection of curios in Europe and the Orient; wore purple and fine linen every day ; drank wineand smoked fancy priced cigars. Sev-dken or eight years ago he disposed of the remnant of his property interests in McHenry County and took up his residence in the city of Grand Forks, where he fared sumptuously and entertained lavishly. The Chronicle is grieved to learn that this once proud scion of a noble race has fallen to such a low estate. And yet, since man must reap that which he has sown, it could not be otherwise. Thursby is not anold man—he is just in the prime of life, is a nfBut he is a pitiable example of the drink habit, excessive indulgence in all directions and an overweening desire to “cut a swell”. As the Forum says, he was “generous to prodigality.” Buthis was a verj^ reprehensible kind ofgenerosity. He scattered money right and left without stint—not with any noble impulse or desire to benefit, but simply with the careless abandon of a spendthrift. Most of his erstwhile friends were really his enemies, playing him for a “sucker”. Of his old time associates who profited by his profligacy, there will be few to extend a helping hand in the hour of his misfortune. Such is life.PURELY PERSONAL.TLf U * _.X_2 J.;__
Newspaper Details
The Bottineau Courant
Bottineau, North Dakota, US
Sat, May 20, 1899
Page 5
Full Page
Clipped by
Ronald R.
USA 24 Oct 2022
Other Publications Near Bottineau, North Dakota
The Bottineau Pioneer
The Bottineau Courant
