William J. Gallagher was born near Lewistown, Montana, on August 2, 1901. He graduated from The University of Montana-Missoula with a degree in business administration in 1925. Gallagher worked for the Nash-Finch Company of Minneapolis as an accountant, salesman, and assistant manager of their stores in Missoula and Havre, Montana. He was employed by the Missoula Mercantile in general accounting and credit work from 1927 to 1930 before turning full-time attention to his own business.
In 1929, Gallagher and Roy Robinson each purchased a one-third interest in Petrie Tractor & Equipment Company of Missoula, Montana, the Caterpillar equipment dealer for Western Montana and Idaho. In 1930, they bought the original owner's share and renamed the business Westmont Tractor Company. Howard Daugherty purchased Roy Robinson's share in 1945. A branch store was established in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and in 1949 another branch was opened in Kalispell, Montana.. In 1955 William's only son, Gary J. Gallagher, joined the business and when he became president in 1965 they opened a new branch in Libby, Montana.
After 49 years as the Caterpillar dealer in Western Montana and Idaho, Westmont Tractor Company discontinued that line in December 1978 but retained other equipment sales. In 1979 two new branches were opened, one in Spokane, Washington, and one in Billings, Montana.
William J. Gallagher and his second wife, Rosemary, were very active in the Missoula community and made significant contributions to The University of Montana-Missoula, homes for at-risk children, and the United Way. Mr. Gallagher died in 1995.
From the guide to the Westmont Tractor Company records, 1931-1981, (University of Montana-Missoula Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library Archives and Special Collections)
