He then went to Philipsburg, Montana, where he took charge of the mill of the Imperial Silver Mining Company, which he placed under successful operation, while it had previously proved a failure. While under his charge eight and one-half tons of silver represented the product of the mill. He remained with this position for a period of eighteen months and then moved to Rochester, in Madison County, Montana, where he leased mines and operated the same for the ensuing two years, with good success.