Henry Frank

Who was Henry Frank?

Born in Ohio, USA in 1851 of French parents, Henry L. Frank was an important business and political figure in the state of Montana, USA. A self-made entrepreneur who invested in liquor distribution, real estate and mining, he also founded the Silver Bow Electric Light Company, was president of the Butte Water Company, and was the first chairman of the board of trustees of the Montana State School of Mines, a position held until his death.

Henry Frank also co-owned the Canadian-American Coal and Coke Company which operated a coal mine in the town of Frank, Alberta, Canada. He paid 30,000 for the property and the town was named after him. The mine owned by the company was damaged in the famous Frank Slide of 1903.

Henry Frank was twice mayor of Butte, Montana and a member of the first and second Montana state legislatures representing Silver Bow County. A Democrat, he was the 1896 chairman for the State Central Committee and was elected the presidential elector for Montana. He was nearly nominated for the US Senate in 1901 during a dramatic overnight debate, eventually supporting Paris Gibson. Henry Frank achieved the 33rd degree of Freemasonry and in 1905 became grand master of the Grand Lodge of Montana, and was also active in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and Knights of Pythias lodges.