Archives West Finding Aid

George R. Safley (1855-circa 1923) was born in Iowa to a native Scottish father. Safley journeyed to Montana in 1890 on his honeymoon and liked it so much he decided to stay. A man of great ambition, Safley often ran several businesses at one time. His longest running career was that of undertaker and licensed embalmer which also included custom picture framing. In addition to his undertaking business, Safley ran a furniture store, which he operated until 1907. He was also interested in farming and ranching, owning 660 acres in Gallatin Country which he devoted to growing grain. Safley also help establish and was vice-president and later president of the Manhattan Home State Bank. One of his shorter lived business ventures was the Globe Theatre, which was located in the same building as his undertaking business. Safley was also an organizer of the Gallatin Valley Electric Railroad and was a member of several Bozeman organizations. As a staunch Republican, he was elected to the eleventh state legislature that is noted for contributing to the creation of Glacier National Park. Safley sold his undertaking business in 1915, but continued on as president of the Home State Bank. His date of death is unknown.