Phenomenal Historic Montana Saddle Maker Cane. 35" long. W.B. "Billy" Ten Eyck was born April 30th, 1858 in Lumber City, Pennsylvania. As a young man, Ten Eyck came to Cheyenne, Wyoming where he learned the saddlery and harness-making trade. He then found work in a saddle and tack shop in Miles City, Montana. Ten Eyck came to Billings in 1886 and established his first saddlery on the South Side. William gained a notable reputation for his craftsmanship, and moved his saddlery to Montana Avenue, between North 26th and 27th Streets. At its peak, Ten Eyck?s saddlery employed 15 men and sold all manners of saddles and tack including team harnesses, buggy harnesses, 30 different styles of saddles, and stockman goods of all kinds. William gained many friends and acquaintances through his business, including many Crow Indians. Ten Eyck was a fluent speaker of the Crow language, and many Crow people sought out and gathered around his shop when visiting Billings. The Crow called William ?Broken Face,? due to the deep furrow lines in his face. Due to the growing popularity of motor vehicles, Ten Eyck saw a sharp decline in his business in the 1910s and 20s. Following the death of his wife, and despondent over his ailing health and financial troubles, William took his own life on August 25th, 1929. Ten Eyck was a charter member of the Maverick Hose Company, a volunteer fire department in Billings. During his funeral, members of the MHC served as his pallbearers, and a fire engine carried his body to his final resting place at Mountview Cemetery.