John C. Paulsen

John Carlos Paulsen (1853-1897) was a German American architect who designed buildings in Montana, several of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Buildings designed for the state include the Montana Deaf and Dumb Asylum, although it was completed by Charles S. Haire after his death.

Upright, honest and straightforward in all of his business transactions he was respected by all and the city and state not only lost a good citizen but a much respected and highly regarded man," - Helena Semi Weekly Herald, April 8, 1897 Paulsen was married on April 17, 1889 to Margaret Wilson of Helena.

After winning his state jobs, Paulsen had allegedly accepted bribes from contractors on those projects, which in turn led to Paulsen being offered the job to design the Montana State Capitol by corrupt legislators of the Capitol Commission, though he was replaced in this conspiracy by St. Louis architect George R. Mann late in 1896.

Whiteside, who also testified and later led a further investigation into the Capitol Commission, believed that the stress of this ordeal caused his death.

However, to satisfy creditors, after his burial, his grave was opened by the county coroner, who with witnesses confirmed the presence of his remains.