In March 1879, when Mary was only a one-year-old, she came to Montana from St. Louis, Missouri with her mother Eva (Specht) Rumping aboard the steamboat Rosebud.  The boat trip lasted three months and was followed by a stage trip from Ft. Benton to “old Silver City”.  They ultimately arrived at their destination of Belmont on July 7, 1879.

Mary grew up in a mining town in Montana known as Marysville.  Her father, John H. Rumping, was an engineer in the 5-stamp mill built by Thomas Cruse.  She graduated from high school in 1895 and hoped to become a school teacher. Sadly, that dream was never realized. Continue reading →