J.W.Wade, Pioneer Citizen of Helena Dies; Funeral Here

John W. Wade, a pioneer resident of Helena died early yesterday morning at the family home, 700 Cole Avenue. He had been in poor health for some time, but was able to be on his feet until a short time ago.

Native of Missouri

Mr. Wade was born September 10, 1853, on the Wade homestead near Columbia, MO., the eldest of a family of thirteen.

Though without resources, his desire for an education stimulated him to work his way through the University of Missouri, at Columbia where he graduated with high honors in 1879. Previous and subsequent to his graduation he taught in Missouri schools for about four years.

In 1880 he came to Montana as assistant engineer for the Northern Pacific railroad company, In the latter part of 1880 and early part of 1881 he taught school in Jefferson City,Mont., and later was traveling correspondent for the Helena Independent. He then resumed his position of assistant and locating engineer with the Northern Pacific railroad company, remaining in the employment until the completion of the road in 1882. He then opened an office in Helena where he has since practiced his profession of civil engineering.

In 1883 he was appointed United States deputy mineral surveyor; he held the office of county surveyor of Lewis and Clark county for four terms; city engineer of Helena two terms, and one term of two years was superintendent of roads in Lewis and Clark county.

Was First State Engineer

When the office of state engineer was created in 1903, Governor Toole appointed Mr. Wade to fill the office and for two terms he served the state in that capacity and as the first chairman of the Carey land act board, having also been in charge of the work of stream measurement in co-operation with the United States Geological survey and the Montana experiment station.

He was a charter member of the the first body of Baptists organized in Montana, and for many years served in state organizations, as well as the local church, in various capacities.

He was for years an active member of the board of Associated Charities in Helena, and was instrumental in the organization of the Montana Children's Home society and was its first president.

On March 27, 1887, Mr. Wade was united in marriage with Miss Claudia Hilman, daughter of Captain J. R. Hilman of this city. To this union were born four children.

Since coming to Montana, Mr. Wade has led an energetic and successful business life, and has given himself freely to religious and philanthropic services at all times.

Besides his widow he is survived by his daughters, Mrs. W.L. Fitzsimmons of Helena, Mrs. O.F. Hughey of San Diego, Cal., and sons, Preston A. Wade, now a student in Cornell medical college, New York city, and John R. Wade of this city. There also survive two brothers and two sisters in California and one sister in Columbia, Mo.

Funeral Here

Services will be held at the family home, but final arrangements are now pending the arrival of Mrs. Hughey. Announcement of detail will be made later.

(Helena Newspaper, 11/2/1922)

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