Glen Childers
February 7, 1912 – September 1983
7-V Ranch
Glen Childers was born February 7, 1912 to Wesley (Chan) and Martha (Mattie) Childers in Henrietta, Texas. When Glen was 2 years old, the family packed all of their belongings in a covered wagon and headed north, arriving in what was Dawson County to homestead northwest of Jordan, Montana.
Glen attended school whenever it was offered and worked at whatever jobs were available as school allowed. He never knew the words “back up” or “quit.”
In 1937, Glen married Peggy Huston. Glen worked on the Fort Peck Dam construction before he and Peggy moved to the Big Hole Basin, where he spent days with a haying crew from Jordan and nights in a coalmine. Peg cooked for both crews.
In 1939, the Childers moved to the Brusett area in northwestern Garfield County and bought the start of 7-V Ranch for back taxes. Through the years, hard work paid off, enabling them to add to their ranch whenever property became available.
Glen and Peg started outfitting in 1951 to bring additional income to the ranch. They became the first outfitters in eastern Montana and built their first string of cabins in 1957, followed by a lodge and another cabin in 1960. In the following decades, the original cabins were replaced with new ones until Glen figured he had it right. Peg was an integral part of the business, ensuring that everyone was fed and taken care of in camp and making good hearty lunches for the field.
For a time, they also operated a summer business. They took guests fishing and sightseeing, and offered them the opportunity to experience a working ranch.
Glen belonged to the Eastern Montana Outfitters Association and the Montana Outfitters and Dudes Ranchers Association. In 1974, he became a member of the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association following the merging of several regional organizations.
Glen was a longtime Region 7 Director and also served as MOGA President for two years, spending a fair bit of time in Helena persuading legislators to support the outfitting industry’s goals.
In 1983, due to failing health, Glen turned the reins over to his son Ross, who’d been a part of the operation since he was 12, learning to guide under his father’s tutelage. Glen passed away in September of 1983, leaving a legacy that is ongoing with a third generation of Childers ready to take the reins when Ross passes on the torch that inspired Glen.
