Society of Montana Pioneers facts for kids
Officers, 1884
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| Successor | Sons and Daughters of Montana Pioneers |
|---|---|
| Formation | September 11, 1884 |
| Dissolved | August 25, 1962 |
The Society of Montana Pioneers was an important group formed in Helena, Montana, on September 11, 1884. Its main goal was to honor and record the stories of the early settlers, called "pioneers." These were people who lived in Montana before it officially became the Montana Territory on May 26, 1864.
Later, in 1909, the society changed its rules. It began to accept pioneers who had lived in the territory before December 31, 1868. By 1899, the society had 1,536 active members. However, they did not allow soldiers, people considered outlaws, or Native Americans to join.
On August 18, 1892, a related group was started. It was called The Sons and Daughters of Montana Pioneers. This group was created to keep the pioneer traditions alive through their children and grandchildren.
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How the Society Started
In the summer of 1884, many Montana pioneers felt that the Montana Historical Society was too formal. They wanted a more common-person friendly group to preserve their history. So, they decided to create their own society.
They sent out a message asking pioneers to come together. The message said they believed forming a Pioneers' Association would be a good idea. It also thanked several people for their help and suggestions.
By September 1884, enough pioneers had agreed to form the society. A meeting was planned for September 10, 1884, at the Court House in Helena, Montana. Sixty-six pioneers from eleven different Montana counties signed the official notice for this meeting.
Local Pioneer Groups
Members of the society who lived in counties with many pioneers formed their own local groups. These groups helped connect pioneers in different parts of Montana.
- Pioneers' Society of Beaverhead County (started 1887)
- Gallatin County Pioneer Society No. 1 (started November 23, 1893)
- Jefferson County Society of Pioneers of the State of Montana (started December 10, 1897)
- Lewis and Clarke County Society of Montana Pioneers (started 1897)
- Pioneer Society of Madison County (started 1888)
- The Teton County Society of Montana Pioneers (started January 23, 1895)
Who Led the Society?
The Society of Montana Pioneers had many leaders over the years. They elected a President, a Recording Secretary, a Corresponding Secretary, and a Treasurer. These leaders helped guide the society and keep its records.
Here are some of the early leaders:
- 1884
- President: James Fergus
- Recording Secretary: George W. Irvin, II
- Corresponding Secretary: Wilbur F. Sanders
- Treasurer: Samuel T. Hauser
- 1885
- President: Walter W. DeLacy
- Recording Secretary: John Russell Wilson
- Corresponding Secretary: Cornelius Hedges
- 1886
- President: Granville Stuart
- Recording Secretary: James U. Sanders
- Corresponding Secretary: Cornelius Hedges
- Treasurer: Samuel T. Hauser
Many other dedicated individuals served as presidents and officers until the society dissolved in 1962.
The Next Generation: Sons and Daughters
On August 18, 1892, the Montana Pioneers created The Sons and Daughters of Montana Pioneers. This new group was formed to make sure the legacy of the original pioneers would continue.
Anyone who is a direct descendant of an original member of the Society of Montana Pioneers can join this group. The Sons and Daughters Society played a big part in getting land for the Veterans and Pioneer Memorial Building in Helena. This building now holds the records of both societies.
The End of the Society
The Society of Montana Pioneers held its 78th and final annual meeting in Butte, Montana, on August 24–25, 1962. At this meeting, the eight remaining members of the original society, along with The Sons and Daughters of Montana Pioneers, decided to officially close the original society.
Lumen W. Allen was the very last surviving member of the Society of Montana Pioneers. He passed away on February 19, 1970, in Butte, at the age of 102.
