Content Description

Esther Ritschel Interview (1963). Interview conducted by Ula Pendleton, wife of Mrs. Ritschel’s grandson, John Pendleton. Discusses family journey from Washington Territory in 1886 in a covered wagon to ranch in the Big Hole Basin. Discusses harvesting hay, attending school, starting her own family, raising cattle.

Abstract

The James Fergus Family papers are divided into four subgroups: James Fergus; Andrew Fergus; Fergus Live Stock and Land Company; and miscellaneous. Papers (1857-1971) include biographical materials, incoming correspondence, outgoing correspondence, general correspondence, financial records, legal documents, subject files, and miscellany.

Abstract

This collection consists of reminiscences (1884-1943) of Montana pioneers describing their travel to Montana Territory, encounters with Indians, mining camp life, homesteading, etc. [Compiled by Montana Historical Society.]

Abstract John Owen (1818-1889), a pioneer fur trader in the Northwest, built Fort Owen in the Bitterroot Valley, Montana Territory, and served as a special agent for the Flathead Indians. Collection contains diaries and journals (1850-1871); a combined register of births, deaths, and marriages of Fort Owen residents; a letterpress book (1858-1859); an account book (1850-1860) for trade at Fort Owen, which also contains accounts (1876-1889) for some other firm; and a bill of sale (1850) for the land...

Abstract

Martha Plassmann (1850-1936) was a Montana pioneer, historian, and journalist. Collection consists of her autobiography and over 500 historical articles written for the Great Falls Tribune and the Montana News Association during the 1920s and 1930s. The articles, based on her own memories and on research, cover a wide range of topics, especially fur trappers, explorers, and vigilantes.

Abstract

John Shober (1832-1925) was a Helena, Montana, miner, attorney, and state legislator. Collection (1832-1952) includes descriptions of frontier social and mining conditions. Included are subgroups for Shober's nephew John H. Shober, Jr., manager of a ranch near Townsend; and of his niece Harriet Shober Nolan, wife of Cornelius B. Nolan.