Although members of the Shaffner and Kurtz family knew that Oliver had homesteaded in Beaverhead County, no one knew exactly where it was at.   But Don Shaffner was familiar with the area and might remember where it was at.  I am not sure if he remembered the exact spot, but he knew who owned the land.   And he was excited and pleased to locate it.   I think he consulted with the land owner and received permission to look and explore the homestead.   Although there was not much left when we visited in September 2003 during Labor Day weekend, there was evidence of a homestead.  As we stood and looked around the homestead, we marveled that they were able to make a living on this arid dryland.

Oliver's homestead record indicated the land patent was issued 14 July 1916.  There were 280 acres. I am not sure when he moved off.

Don Shaffner pointing out the Oliver Kurtz Homestead

Don's father was John (Jack) F. Shaffner

Don Shaffner and unidentified person examine an artifact

Examining the Oliver Kurtz Homestead 

At the Homestead

Chad Ellison, Jan Ellison, Don Shaffner, Dale Kurtz, Linda Van Orman, Roger Kurtz

Don Shaffner was a nephew of Oliver Kurtz.

Oliver was great grandfather to Chad

Oliver was grandfather to Jan, Dale, Linda and Roger

Looking at Baldy Mountain from the Homestead

Oliver & Bertha Kurtz were included in the First Families of Montana and Early Settlers of Montana, Volume IV book which will be available in September 2015 at the Montana State Genealogy meeting.  To included in the book, proof of residence in Montana before 31 December 1929 was required.

Oliver Berlin Kurtz & Bertha Marie Fjelsted were married in Dillon, Beaverhead County, Montana on 30 April 1902.  (marriage license)

Oliver & Bertha's marriage license

At the Dryland farm

Oliver & Bertha Kurtz

Oliver, Jim, Ollie, Bertha, Lester and Norman

Same building at the Dryland Farm

George and Frank were added to the family.

Frank, the youngest was born in 1923.  

So perhaps this picture was taken about 1925-1926