642 Dearborn Ave
Helena, MT 59601, USA

S C. Ashby House, 642 Dearborn St Helena, Lewis and Clark County, MT

Shirley C. Ashby was one of the leading financiers and citizens of early-day Helena. He came to Montana in 1867, and was employed by I.G. Baker & Bros. of Fort Benton to help in their Indian trade. In 1870, Ashby moved to Helena where he engaged in the real estate and insurance business until 1889, when he opened a store selling agricultural implements, wagons and carriages. In 1892, Ashby became president of the Helena National Bank. This house was built by Ashby in 1886, for a reported price of $15,000. It remained the Ashby residence until 1903, when Senator Thomas H. Carter became the owner. Carter came to Montana in 1882 and began the practice of law. He was active in politics, and was the last Territorial delegate to Congress from Montana and the first elected representative to Congress after Montana attained statehood. Later Carter also served two terms as U.S. senator from Montana.