Ovando history book shows early family life

"The Pathway of Life" is a Montana story of the Sperry family and life in the Blackfoot Valley in the late 1800's and early 1900's. C.B. Sperry and his wife Nell left Michigan for California and then traveled to Montana in search of a better life. From Helena they homesteaded along the Blackfoot River east of Clearwater Junction. Their homesite area is now called Sperry Grade, near Russell Gates Campground and fishing access.

"It is a story of an early homesteader determined to survive the harsh life that so many like him attempted," said Angela Townsend, author and great granddaughter of C.B. Sperry. "While the story centers on C.B.'s life, it also includes early history of families of the area and C.B.'s two brothers that settled in Helena, Montana."

The book begins in Bedfordshire, England with Richard Sperry, born in 1606. In 1639 he immigrated to America on the ship "Hector." Historical records began as family lore although in 1643 Richard Sperry was listed in the records of New Haven Colony with a penalty of one shilling for having a defect in the cock of his gun.

Brief chronologies and historical records of the nine generations leading up to life in the Blackfoot Valley give glimpses into their lives. Over 150 black and white photos, essays describing family life, poetry, community events and dances as well as stories about the local schools and teachers are included.

Notable members of the Sperry family are highlighted, including Fanny Sperry Steele, Champion Woman Bronc Rider in the early 1900's, and the Sperry Candy Companies 'Chicken Dinner Bar', one of the 13 most influential candy bars of all time, according to Time magazine.

Beginning in 1990 Townsend began researching her Sperry family by collecting historical interviews, which are included in the book, as well as traveling and talking to relatives and using the State Historical Society for research.

"It's been a labor of compiling information and saving pictures," said Townsend. "My great-great Aunt Rachel Sperry Grace was in favor of everything to do with history and kept pictures, letters and documents."

Sperry ran the stage station before there was a road to Seeley Lake. He was also chairman of the Shanley Creek Schoolboard. In order to feed the family of ten, they had a large truck garden and also were known for growing strawberries.

"I wanted to preserve this unique history because I felt that people in the area would really appreciate having their family information and some pictures," said Townsend. "And if there was ever a fire, I wanted to preserve the history."

"From the time I was a child I never wanted to be anything but a writer," said Townsend. "I felt that this story should be shared as it has the history of the area when Montana was a territory. My great grandparents saw many changes during their lives."

The 351 page full-size hardbound book was written by fifth generation Sperry descendent Angela Townsend and will be available for sale at the Ovando Museum starting in May, or on Amazon.