Kalispell Bee (MT), 6 July 1917
Another Page of Montana's Turned
In Browning, Montana, July 1, occurred the funeral of Francis S. Goss. That sometimes a prophet is with honor in his own country was shown by the large number who came to show their regard and respect for this old pioneer of the early and picturesque days of Montana. It was the largest funeral ever held in that part of the country, over 50 automobiles were among the carriages and horsemen who followed this fine old man to his resting place. The early life of Mr. Goss follows the interesting lives of so many stout hearts of the earlier days.
Frances S. Goss was born Oct. 29, 1837. His grandfather was a soldier in the war of 1812. He was an employee as a boy in the Galena Tannery owned by the father of Ulysses S. Grant. Enlisted in the war of 1861, but did not serve. In 1862 came up the Mississippi from St. Louis, arriving in Fort Benton June 19, visiting in Gold Creek the following summer. Mr. Goss discovered the first gold quartz in Bannock.
In 1871 he located on 320 acres of land at the head of the Sun River. In 1890 he secured Indian allotment of 1200 acres near Cut Bank river. This property is now improved and one of the best and most productive on the reservation. Many incidents in the life of Mr. Goss are thrilling and romantic. When eighteen years of age, when working for Cook and Pendleton Co., he singlehandedly arrested "Rocky Ryan," one of the earlier famous outlaws of the West. He was also one of the discoverers of the famous Lost Horse Gulch over Marysville, Montana. Later through an incident which decided Mr. Goss' remaining in Montana, he with eight other men, captured and turned over to military authorities a band of Blackfoot, Piegan and Blood Indians who had been committing depredations in the vicinity of Fort Shaw. The soldiers being unable to round them up.
Mr. Goss was married to Miss Maggie Kiser, a daughter of William Kiser, known as the original "Buffalo Bill" of Montana. He is survived by his wife and eleven children.
Mr. and Mrs. Goss had been married forty-four years. Rev. Pringle and Rev. Hammer conducted the funeral services. Mr. Goss was buried in the Browning cemetery in the land he knew so well and helped to bring to the order, peace and prosperity of today.