Archives West Finding Aid
Table of Contents
Mary O'Keeffe Ross Reminiscence, circa 1915
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Ross, Mary O'Keeffe, 1866-1919
- Title
- Mary O'Keeffe Ross Reminiscence
- Dates
- circa
1915 (inclusive)19151915
- Quantity
- 1 item and 1 reel of microfilm
- Collection Number
- Mss 158
- Summary
- The collection contains a typescript and microfilm copy of Mary O'Keeffe Ross's reminiscences of the O'Keeffe family in Montana.
- Repository
-
University of Montana, Mansfield Library, Archives and Special Collections
Archives and Special Collections
Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library
University of Montana
32 Campus Dr. #9936
59812-9936
Missoula, MT
Telephone: 406-243-2053
library.archives@umontana.edu - Access Restrictions
-
Researchers must use collection in accordance with the policies of Archives and Special Collections, the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, and The University of Montana--Missoula.
- Languages
- English.
Biographical NoteReturn to Top
Mary O’Keeffe Ross, daughter of Cornelius “Baron” O’Keeffe and Annie Lester O’Keeffe, was born in Missoula County, Montana, on November 26, 1866. Mary’s parents, who were among the first white settlers in the Missoula area, were natives of Ireland. Known as one of the most colorful citizens of early Missoula, Cornelius O’Keeffe came to the region as a member of the Mullan Expedition of 1859. O’Keeffe married Annie Lester in 1865. O’Keeffe liked the Missoula area so well, in 1879 he set up a farm in O’Keeffe’s canyon two miles south of the Evaro Hill. O’Keeffe brought the first threshing machine, reaper, and mower to the area, but was better known for his role in politics. He was the first probate judge in Missoula County, served as the County Commissioner for twelve years, and was elected to two terms in the Territorial Legislature.
Mary O’Keeffe married Kenneth F. Ross, a businessman who came to Montana in 1883. They had one child, Marjorie Lee. Mary O’Keeffe died May 19, 1919.
Content DescriptionReturn to Top
The collection consists of a microfilm copy of short reminiscences by Mary O’Keeffe Ross, and a copy and typed transcript of those reminiscences. In her reminiscences, Ross recalls the early days of the O’Keeffe family in Montana. Ross describes stories her father told about the Mullan Expedition and the cabin he built at the mouth of O’Keeffe Canyon. She also recalls interactions with Flathead Indians, vigilantes, and road agents. Ross also describes stories her mother told about her journey by ox train from Council Bluffs to Virginia City.
Use of the CollectionReturn to Top
Restrictions on Use
Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. and any other applicable statutes. Copyright status unknown.
Preferred Citation
[Name of document or photograph number], Mary O'Keeffe Ross Papers, Archives and Special Collections, Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, The University of Montana—Missoula.
Administrative InformationReturn to Top
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Flathead Indians
- Frontier and pioneer life--Montana--Missoula County
- Irish Americans--Montana--Missoula County
- Outlaws--Montana--Missoula County
- Overland journeys to Montana--Personal narratives
- Salish Indians--Montana
- Vigilantes--Montana--Missoula County
Personal Names
- Mullan, John, 1830-1909
- O'Keeffe, Annie Lester
- O'Keeffe, Cornelius C., 1822-1893
Family Names
- O'Keeffe family
Geographical Names
- Great Plains--Description and travel
Form or Genre Terms
- Reminiscences--Montana
Finding aid prepared by Erin Kennedy
Pelger
1999
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
