Kovacich Family papers, 1915-1972

The Kovacich family (also spelled Kovačić and Kovich) of Fergus County, Montana, consisted of Peter and Mary Kovacich, Croatian immigrants, and their sons Marion, Joseph, and Frank, and their daughters Helena, Annie and Angela; and the children's families.

Peter Kovacich was born on November 3, 1869, in Bribar, Croatia. He married Mary Stipeck in 1899 in Bribar, and their two oldest children Marion and Joseph were born there. In 1902 Peter left his wife and son in Croatia to work at the smelter in Anaconda, Montana, with three brothers. After two years he returned to Croatia. In 1906 he returned to Montana and worked again at the smelter and then did quarry work and helped other Croatians build the Masonic Building in Lewistown. He filed on a homestead about 10 miles east of Lewistown and sent for his family. He also founded the Domestic Coal Company, delivering coal around Lewistown. He was active in St. Leo's Catholic Church and in the Croatian Brotherhood. Peter Kovacich died September 16, 1952. Mary Kovacich died in April 1956.

Oldest son Marion Kovacich was born on November 20, 1901, in Bribar, Croatia. He grew up on the family ranch, went to school in Anaconda, living with relatives there, and in Lewistown. At age 18 he began delivering coal for his father's Domestic Coal Company. Marion was injured in an accident in 1930 and spent many months in rehabilitation. In 1935 he purchased the Cox and Skaggs Ranch which consisted of several small homesteads. He married Pauline Nelson in June 1939. For many years Marion and his brother Frank were partners in the ranch. He served as clerk of the Skaggs School, and was active in St. Lew's Catholic Church and the Croatian Brotherhood. Marion Kovacich died October 25, 1969.

Joseph Kovacich was born on November 20, 1907, in Bribar, Croatia. He also grew up on the family ranch and attended the Skaggs school. He married Marie Eva Vlastelic in June 1933. worked on the ranch and also ran a sawmill and drove for the Domestic Coal Company. He was a member of the Eagles and St. Leo's Catholic Church. He died June 26, 1993.

Frank Kovacich was born on August 8, 1912, on the family ranch. He attended the Skaggs school. For most of his life he was a partner with older brother Marion in the family ranching business. He married Alberta Burke Tuss in 1974. He died November 20, 1991.

Oldest daughter Helena Kovacich was born in 1912 on the family ranch. She married Joe Parac and they lived in Lewistown. She died July 31, 1952, at age 35.

Oldest daughter Helena Kovacich was born in 1912 on the family ranch. She married Joe Parac and they lived in Lewistown. She died July 31, 1952, at age 35. Daughter Anna Kovacich was born in October 9, 1913. She married Anton Tuss. They lived in the Cheadle Community east of Lewistown, and were active in the Cheadle Community Club and the Croatian Fraternal Union. She died in Lewistown on December 22, 2004. Angela Kovacich was born in 1917. She married William Swanson, manager of a coal mine at Cheadle.