MTLMC293.xml Guide to the DesRosier Family Papers 1903-1953 DesRosier (Peter) Papers Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Montana Historical Society Archives
Helena, MT
Finding aid encoded by Ellie Arguimbau with assistance by Cuadra Assoc. 2004 Finding aid written in English. Montana Historical Society, Research Center Archives
225 N. Roberts PO Box 201201 Helena MT 59620-1201 (406) 444-4774 mhslibrary@mt.gov
MC 293 DesRosier, Peter, 1873-1932 DesRosier Family Papers 1903-1953 .4 linear feet of shelf space The papers of the DesRosier family of Browning, Montana, consist of incoming correspondence; financial records, including records of Glacer Drug and Browning Drug companies; and miscellany, including a hunting tag and World War II memorabilia belonging to Peter L. DesRosier. English

Peter DesRosier, son of Joseph and Dorothy (Pepin) DesRosier of Rhode Island, was born on January 9, 1873. He was educated in Providence, Rhode Island, and moved to Havre, Montana, in 1892, where he was employed by the Broadwater and Pepin Company. In 1900 he formed the DesRosier Newman Mercantile Company. By 1903 he acquired his partner's interest in the company and was sole owner. In 1909 he returned to work for the Broadwater and Pepin Company, managing a trading post on the Blackfeet Reservation at Browning. After several years managing the trading post, DesRosier again formed his own business, the DesRosier Durg Store. In addition, he was postmaster at Browning from 1915 until 1921 and raised cattle on the Blackfeet Reservation. DesRosier also founded a theater in Browning. He was a member of several different fraternal organizations. Peter DesRosier married Emma Jane McIntyre, daughter of Patrick James and Margaret (Martin) McIntyre of Havre, on April 27, 1891. Emma Jane DesRosier was active in several community activities in Browning, including the American Red Cross and the Women's Club. Peter and Emma Jane DesRosier had four children: I. Lauretta Mary (DesRosier) Leadbetter, Peter LeRoy, J. Stuart, and Patricia Alouise (DesRosier) McCourt. Peter DesRosier died on December 29, 1932. Peter LeRoy DesRosier was born on April 4, 1902, in Havre, Montana. He worked as a customs inspector, deputy game warden, and was the subsequent owner of Glacier Drug Company in Browning. During World War II he served with the 79th Battalion of the U.S. Navy, the Seabees. He was married to Mary Freda Campbell (1898-1961), daughter of Fred Choteau Campbell.

Content Description:

These papers consist of incoming correspondence; financial records, including records of Glacier Drug and Browning Drug companies; and miscellany, including a hunting tag and World War II memorabilia belonging to Peter L. DesRosier.

Arrangement:

by series

 Acquisition Information:

available upon request

This collection is indexed under the following headings in the Montana Historical Society Archives catalog. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons, or places should search under these terms.

Drugstores Browning (Mont.)--Commerce Montana Detailed Description of the Collection

The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection

Incoming Correspondence 1 / 1 "Stuart"; U.S. Treasury Dept. 1922, 1930 Financial Records Vol. 1 Daybook for Glacier Drug in Browning 1934-1953 1 / 2 Ledger for Browning Drug Company 1903-1953 1 / 3 Loose items removed from ledger for Browning Drug Company 1914-1932 1 / 4 Bills, receipts, etc. 1932-1933, 1945 Miscellany 1 / 5 Hunting tags 1933 1 / 6 The Pines (Mary Freda Campbell DesRosier yearbook St. Mary College, Leavenworth, Kansas) 1926 1 / 7 List of artifacts transferred to Museum; List of photographs transferred to Photo Archives 1 / 8 World War II memorabilia [some material in OVERSIZE FOLDER] 1943 Clippings 1 / 9 Miscellaneous n.d.