Benepe, Frank L., 1851-

Businessman, of Bozeman, Mont.

Frank L. Benepe came to Bozeman, Montana in 1877. After teaching for two years, he established the Benepe and Davidson Company in 1879. His first business venture, Benepe quickly became a primary supplier of agricultural implements and farm machinery for the entire region. By 1883, Benepe purchased John B. Davidson's interest in the business. The Bozeman Implement, Harness and Carriage Company was organized by Benepe in 1890. Two years later, the name was changed to Benepe-Owenhouse Company to reflect a partnership with E. J. Owenhouse. Other business interests included extensive grain operations throughout the Gallatin valley. By the end of the nineteenth century it is reported that Benepe bought and sold more grain than any other person in the county. His vast grain operations briefly included a controlling interest in the Belgrade Grain and Produce Company. Outside of his public business ventures, Benepe owned a large grain and stock ranch in Gallatin Valley and a stock farm in Bozeman where he raised Hereford cattle. Benepe served as mayor of Bozeman for two terms, served as a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and was the director of the Bozeman Silver Cornet Band throughout the late 1880s. In 1882 Benepe married Nettie Trent of Kansas. Together the couple had five children; Byron who died at 18 months, Frank L. Jr., Ellen E., Genevieve A., and Lucien.

Frank Benepe came to Bozeman, Mont. in 1877. He was involved in many agricultural businesses and was mayor for two terms.