Benjamin Tatem was born in 1839 in Maryland and came to Helena, Montana, with his wife Lydia in the later 1860s when he became manager of Columbia Mining Company. He later became manager and one of the principle owners of the Bald Butte mine near Marysville, Montana. He was actively engaged in mining in Unionville and Park districts and operated successful mining enterprises at Lincoln. Around 1879 he operated the Davis and Tatem Foundry, located on West Main Street in Helena. The company eventually became the Helena Iron Works. Tatem was one of the founders of the Montana Fair Association, and was a member of its board of directors up to the time of its dissolution. Benjamin Tatem died December 12, 1915.
William Tatem, Helena mining man and son of Benjamin Tatem. He was born December 12, 1881, at Laurel, Montana. William Tatem studied engineering at the University of Pennsylvania and for several years engaged in that profession at his father's holdings in the Black Hills of North Dakota. During the administration of Governor Dixon, Mr. Tatem was chief clerk for the state board of examiners. William Tatem married Lulu Lefferts on November 20, 1907 in New York City. William Tatem died June 1, 1949.
From the description of Tatem Family mining records, 1901-1949. (Montana Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 171039523
