Brief history of the First Catholic Pioneers of Lewistown, Montana.

              The First Catholic Pioneers - the M6tis
A narrative by Mrs. Elizabeth Swan
Along the Milk River between Harlem and Chinook, Montana, was a large settlement
of Red River half-breeds, as they were known at that time. They had come from the Red
River Country of North Dakota, and Canada. They followed the buffalo trails in search of
a permanent location. After their sojourn thus for eight years found that their chances for
continuing to live by hunting only was diminishing.
They began thinking seriously about their future. They knew that they would soon
have to change their way of life forever. After some discussion, they began to break up
into groups. Some went back to North Dakota, some to Canada and some to different
points in Montana.
Pierre Berger and his family of 11 children were among the latter group. One of his
children, a daughter, and her husband, Frank Azure, the Gladeau families and some
others went to St. Peter's Mission, Montana (then a territory). They joined the elder
Azures who had preceded them.
Berger, after thinking it over, had it in mind to go further west to a place he had heard
about from an Indian friend. This place had an abundance of wild game and other good
prospects. He had also been directed as near as possible to this location. He told his
friends and relatives of his ideas. lt was decided that his plan should be followed.
Thus a band of about 25 families agreed to accompany Berger and his family on his
new adventure. The Berger children who accompanied their parents were. Peter,
Barney, Catherine and Francis. Their married children with families were: lsaie, lsadore,
Jake, and John B. Berger. Also included was, Mrs. "Adele" (Vital) Turcotte and Mrs.
Anabel (Frank) Ouellette, Alexander Wilkie and Antonine Fleury, who were brothers-in-law
of Pierre Berger.
Accompanying the above were their friends, Benjamin Kline, the LaFountains,
Doneys, Fayants, Turcotte, Ledoux, Gayoins, and Mrs. Laquoit. The latter was an
elderly widow known to all as "Old Ellen." She had no one to provide for her, but was
well cared for by the generosity of the people she travelled with. She was a capable
individual and helpful in return, assisting the other women to "jerk" meat (a process of
drying and preserving meat from game animals).
ln addition to this list was an unfortunate who was partially blind. He came with his
wife, their little girl and two stepsons. These people were looked after by the group and
in return this man and his wife did what they could. He was a cryer, when anything
important was to be discussed, or at a prayer meeting. When a buffalo hunt took place,
he was told to make the rounds where everyone gave a portion of meat and buffalo
hides. His wife helped jerk meat and tan hides which were sold or traded to provide for
their other needs.
Heading for the New Location
In early May 1879, the caravan set out. They headed for Fort Benton where they
crossed the Missouri River on a ferry. Pierre Berger was a good scout and acted as