History of the State of Colorado, Volume IV, Part 9

Author: Hall, Frank, 1836-1917. cn; Rocky Mountain Historical Company
Publication date: 1889-95
Publisher: Chicago, Blakely print. Co.
Number of Pages: 791

USA > Colorado > History of the State of Colorado, Volume IV > Part 9

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Next in order is Mariano, Chief of the Weeminnches. His height is five feet seven, strongly built, weighing 180 pounds, aged 45. Controlled by Ignacio, he exerts his influence according to the counsel of his superior. He is a brave warrior who attained his position by valor in war.

Buckskin Charley, Chief of the Monaches, is five feet six in height, weighs 150 pounds, massive, sturdy and muscular. His mother was a Ute, his father an Apache. Strong willed, resolute and commanding, he rules his braves with an absolute domination. Possessing much shrewdness and sound common sense, he is both

LIMIDENCE OF F. E. BIRD, DENVER.

HISTORY OF COLORADO.

brave and selfish. He is regarded as the war leader of the Southern Utes. In- heriting his color from his father, he is rather light complexioned, for the Apaches are not so dark as the Utes. Charley speaks broken English, but understands all that is said to him in that language. He is accounted the most intelligent Indian on the reservation and the most crafty.

Sevaro is about 45 years old, weighs 180 pounds, is powerfully built, selfish, treacherous and vindictive.

Dances and Superstitions. - Everyone who knows anything of Indian character is aware that their minds are filled with superstitions. These find themselves con- stantly subject to malign influences of one kind and another, but the strongest emanate from white people. Sickness and epidemics, fevers and small pox are ascribed to the pale faces. There are many instances in which illness and death are directly traceable to witcheries practiced by some member of their own tribe, and it fre- quently happens that the person so suspected is killed and put out of the way. The present agent has gradually persuaded them to accept the services of the agency physician instead of their own medicine man, and this change has proven very beneficial, greatly reducing the mortality.

Their favorite dance is the "Harvest dance," which occurs immediately after the gathering of crops, and is confined to the young men and women. To begin with, a green pole having a cluster of leaves at the top is planted, when they circle round it singing and dancing in token of their gladness that the earth has brought forth fruit and it has been gathered. The festivities are contintied three or four days, each man taking for his partner the maiden to whom he is most attached. The old men and women sit on the ground watching and enjoying the antics of their children. These occasions are invariably harmonious and happy.

The Dog Dance .- At the close of the hunting season a dog, fattened for the purpose, is killed, thrown into a cauldron of boiling water and then cooked without the slightest dressing. When sufficiently boiled the pot is carried around the circle. each buck taking a part of the liquor and sometimes a piece of the meat. Its significance is not explained. Before engaging in the dance, the men put girdles about their loins, bells upon their ankles, appropriate feather dressing to their heads, and beat drums during the ceremony. From thirty to forty warriors are engaged. It is supposed to be efficacious in warding off disease and in dispelling malign influences. The young squaws gather around them, while their elders are content with simply witnessing the spectacle.

The children, like those of all people the world over, amuse themselves with various devices and games self-invented. There is no difference in the races in the enjoyment of childhood and early life. While buoyant and happy, all manage to extract pleasure from any conditions that may surround them.

The bulk of their food is bread, meat, sugar and coffee. They are also ex- travagantly fond of the cleansed, dressed and boiled entrails of wild animals when procurable, but, if not, those of any other animal will do.

Chastity of the Women .- There is but one half-breed Indian on the reserva- tion. While the women are not rigidly chaste among the men of their own race. they rarely cohabit with other races, save by regular process of marriage. While polygamy is still practiced to some extent, it is fast dying out. The instances are rare in which Ute women have married into other tribes. There is no formal ceremony of union: the bucks select and purchase their brides, giving presents. usually horses, according to their possessions. At the death of any Indian, two or three ponies are killed to hear him to the happy hunting ground. When buried all traces of the grave are carefully obliterated. The number of ponies slain depends upon the number he possessed while in life. As with the Caucasian, the magni- tude of the display is measured not so much by the importance of the defunct. as by the amount of his wealth.

5-iv

HISTORY OF COLORADO.

While mothers are tender and kind to their offspring. they are seldom demon- strative or given to much caressing. It is remarked that no squaw has been seen to kiss or fondle her baby with that overwhelming passion which is so large a characteristic of the Anglo Saxons. As soon as ushered into the world the child seems to know by instinct that it is expected to take things stoically as they come, and be content with its cradle lashed to its mother's back.

The agency buildings are of logs and frame, the principal one occupied by the resident agent. There is a large issue-house, where the rations are distributed, a commodious warehouse, implement house, stable, hay-loft, and council building. The agent has both a private and a public office. There are eight employés other than Indians; the latter constitute the police force-twelve patrolmen, commanded by Chief Ignacio. When the agent requires policemen for any duty, he notifies the chief, who sends the men to him.

Councils , are held in a council chamber built for the purpose. Whenever the Indians desire a council, Mr. Bartholomew is advised of the fact and its object, the matters to be considered, etc. When fully assembled the agent enters with an in- terpreter and a secretary, the latter taking notes of what transpires. These meetings are always public and open to all. If the subjects are of a serious and grave nature. demanding earnest thought and prompt action, Ignacio, being fully apprised in advance of their import, privately informs the agent in order that he may be pre- pared. If it is a grievance against the government or any of its authorities, it is all taken down and immediately reported to the Commissioner of Indian affairs at Washington. No Indian is permitted to speak more than once. He must digest his thoughts with great care and say all he has to say in a single address. The signal to proceed is given when the agent removes his hat and takes his seat. The Indians simultaneously uncover, conversation ceases and all listen eagerly to the opening exercises. It is like a convention of gentlemen called to order. The speaker designated for the purpose states the object distinctly and fully, choosing well his words since he will have no right to speak a second time. Meanwhile the others smoke cigarettes and think each of what he shall say when his turn comes. The old custom of passing the pipe of peace is obsolete.

The only serious complaint against them is that in their hunting expeditions they go in great numbers and slaughter hundreds of wild animals, not for food as in former years when no rations were issued to them, but almost entirely for the skins. Their incursions extend into distant counties, where the people look upon the rapid decimation of deer, elk and other game with indignation and alarm, for if continued a year or two longer these animals will be wholly extirpated.

The L'tes have a strong aversion to sending their children away from home for education in the established training schools, but say to the authorities, if the govern- ment will build school houses on the reservation and employ good teachers, the children may be educated there, but they will not send them away.

Finally, as to the agent: Mr. Bartholomew has been a resident of Colorado and New Mexico some thirty years, first in the gold mines of Gilpin county, and after- ward in Summit. From 1867 to 1873 he was Lucien B. Maxwell's agent at the Maxwell Grant in New Mexico, where the Utes frequently congregated in large numbers, for they were very fond of Maxwell, who fed, sheltered and traded with them. Here Mr. Bartholomew became intimate with all the tribes and learned their language. Most of the Indians knew and liked him, therefore when he was appointed their agent at Pine river they gave him a cordial welcome. Compre- hending their nature and habits, and the importance of always dealing fairly and uprightly, telling them the exact truth on all occasions, and treating them as rational human beings, he has won their complete confidence and respect which gives him great influence over them, and which he is careful not to overrate nor abuse.

Mr. Bartholomew has been a member of several of our state legislatures.

CHRONICLES

OF THE

Great Interior of Colorado

EPITOMIZING THE

ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIETY, INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE IN ALL THE COUNTIES OF THE STATE NOT EMBRACED IN VOLUME III.

THE RECORD OF THIRTY YEARS-1859 TO 1890.

COMPILED FROM ACCURATE DATA.

HISTORY OF COLORADO.

ARCHULETA COUNTY.

ORGANIZATION AND RESOURCES-DESCRIPTION OF THE GREAT PAGOSA SPRINGS - TOWN SITE PLATTED BY THE U. S. GOVERNMENT-CURATIVE POWER OF THE WATERS-SCHOOLS AND COUNTY OFFICERS-FIRST SETTLERS, ETC.

This county, named in honor of J. M. Archuleta. Sr., head of one of the old Spanish families of New Mexico, was taken from the western part of Conejos county, and duly organized under an act of the General Assembly, approved April 14th, 1885, the capital being located at Pagosa Springs. It is bounded on the north by Hinsdale and Rio Grande, south by New Mexico, east by Conejos and west by La Plata. Its area is 1, 100 square miles, and by the census of 1890 its population was 826. In natural configuration, advantages and resources, it is much like La Plata county. The eastern, southern and parts of the western divisions are moun- tainous, with broad valleys and parks between, which are admirably adapted to cattle and sheep grazing. The mountains are densely timbered with white and yellow pine, cedar and spruce, from which large quantities of lumber are produced. It is splendidly watered by the Rio San Juan, Piedra Navajo, Blanco and Nutria rivers, all large, clear and beautiful streams. The Rio Conejos heads in its moun- tains; much of the valley appears to be underlaid with good bituminous coal, and there are numerous petroleum springs near the county seat. For years the farmers and others have used the oil products that lie at the surface for lubricating the axles of their wagons. The two principal parks are the Piedra and Weeminuche, which contain thousands of acres of fine agricultural and grazing lands, forming one of the most desirable regions for stock growing to be found in the southwestern division of the state. The assessment roll for 1890 places the number of cattle feeding upon these lands at 3,509; sheep. 17,840, and in addition there were about 1,000 horses. It never has been a populous nor an extensively cultivated farming region. Most of the settlers, to within a very recent period, were Mexicans, who settled along the streams while it was a part of Conejos county. Since its organization as a distinct county, many Americans have located there, and engaged in various pur- suits. The report of the assessor for 1890 shows that only 5,693 acres of agricultural land were returned in that year. but there were 86,000 acres of grazing land. Archu- leta is situated to the west of the San Juan range, at an elevation of 5,000 to 7,000 feet.

Pagosa Springs, the capital, situated on the north side of the San Juan river, is the only town of importance in the county, and is one of the most noted sanitariums of the state. Here are found some twenty hot springs, the largest, or the "Great Pagosa," being oval shaped, 50x74 feet, and of unknown depth. The temperature near the edge is 145 degrees and in the center 153 degrees. The following extract is taken from an account published in 1801, furnished me by Mr. E. M. Taylor, the county clerk. These wonderful springs "were first discovered by the United States

HISTORY OF COLORADO.

exploring expedition, under command of J. N. Macomb, Captain of the Topographi- cal Engineer Corps, U. S. A., in the month of July, 1859." It may be well to observe, however, that for centuries, perhaps, the Utes and other Indians had known of and frequently resorted to them for the cure of rheumatic and other ailments.

Owing to the great value of the water on account of its medical properties, and the mammoth size of the "Great Spring," the President of the United States (in ac- cordance with acts of Congress passed March 3d, 1863, and July ist, 1864) issued an order, during the year 1880, designating one mile square surrounding the prin- cipal spring as a United States government town site. In the year 1883 it was platted by the government into streets, avenues, blocks, building lots, large parks and boulevards. In 1885 the building lots were appraised by the U. S. Commissioner, and sokl from the land office of that district, as appraised government land is sokl, 10 the highest bidder for cash. Since then the town has continued improving, and in 1891 was incorporated, and elected its first mayor and other officers. Now set- tlers are coming in and taking up government land. Surveys have been made for a railroad from Juniata, up the valley of San Juan river, to Pagosa, a distance of 20 miles. The San Juan river, one of the finest streams in the state, flows through the town site. "The overflow from the hot spring, emptying into the river, is equal to a stream six feet wide by three feet deep." The waters, heavily charged with carbonic acid gas, boil and bubble like the witches' cauldron in Macbeth, emitting clouds of vapor which, as one writer expresses it, "produces the smell of the infernal regions." The prevailing opinion is that this turbulent, odorous Pagosa is the remains of an okl geyser. Geologists find here interesting subjects for study. Some remarkable cures have been effected by drinking and bathing in its waters. One of the conductors on the Durango division of the Denver & Rio Grande railroad informed me that for many years he had been rendered well nigh helpless by acute rheumatism in his right hip, and that the flesh had shrunk away so that only the skin adhered to the bone. His left leg was so stiff he could not use it. Advised to try Pagosa, he went there and in a short time was completely cured. Each year hundreds of invalids resort to these springs, and while not all are cured, a large majority are greatly benefited and many restored to health. Chronic rheumatism, sciatica, stomach disorders, blood and kidney diseases have been permanently re- lieved. Military and other officers of the government have sent many patients there. These springs are 400 miles southwest from Denver, and 280 miles from Pueblo. The nearest railway station is Amargo, a small settlement on the Rio Grande railroad, in New Mexico, just south of the Colorado line. 28 miles away. Passengers, mail and express are conveyed thence to the springs by stage. The climate is mild and exhilarating, the scenery thereabout very beautiful. The great peaks of the San Juan mountains lie to the northward. To the east and west are the verdure and forest-clad plains of the valley, stretching far away into New Mexico. The springs and bath houses are the property of a Leavenworth, Kansas, company. In the pleasant seasons many people bring tents and camp in the groves along the San Juan river, while undergoing treatment.

The town is headquarters for stock and wool growers, and a trading point for farmers. Iron ores, many varieties of sandstone, coal, petroleum, and gold and silver bearing minerals are among the known resources, but remain to be developed. About one-quarter of the county is covered by the Southern U'te Indian reservation. A further account of these Indians, their reservation, etc., will be found in the his- tory of La Plata county.

Schools .-- The school census of Archuleta county for 1890 shows a total school population of 175. The enrollment was go, with an average daily attendance of 46. There are three school houses which cost $5.450. In 1888 district No. i erected a line building in modern style at a cost of $3.000. In 1887 district No. 2 furnished

HISTORY OF COLORADO.

a small but good building at a cost of $1,500. District No. 3, built at a later date. cost $1,400.

The first officers of the county were: Clerk, E. M. Taylor; treasurer, Isaac Code; county judge, J. H. Voorhees ; assessor, J. P. Archuleta; sheriff, Wm. Dyke ; coroner, Dr. N. Hover; superintendent of schools, F. A. Beyone; surveyor, C. Y. Butler; clerk of the district court, E. M. Taylor; commissioners, J. H. Hallett, A. S. Sutton, J. M. Archuleta, Jr.

Those elected for 1890-91 were: Clerk, E. M. Taylor; treasurer, John L. Dowell; county judge, Barzillai Price; assessor, Chas. HI. Loucks; sheriff, J. H. Hallett; coroner, Dr. Wm. M. Parish; superintendent of schools, Wm. P. Under- wood; surveyor, Jas. S. Hatcher; clerk of the district court, E. M. Taylor; commis- sioners, R. J. Chambers, Wm. Dyke and Joseph Whitaker.

The county is attached to the Durango land district. The Fort Lewis military reservation of 20,000 acres was opened to homestead settlement in 1800. The assessed valuation of taxable property in the county for 1890 was $368.334.70. For 1891 it was $418,681.

The first settlers at Pagosa Springs, who located there in 1876, were Joseph Baker, L. Hamilton, E. C. Laithe, John Swartz, John R. Crump, John L. Dowell, F. A. Beyone, Joseph Lane and W. W. Nassaman. The first house was built by Jacob Scheifeer.

BACA COUNTY.

ORIGIN OF NAME-FINF STOCK-GROWING REGION-STREAMS AND NATIVE RESOURCES -AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS-SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, ETC.

This county, named in honor of the Mexican Baca family resident in Trinidad, one of whom was the first settler on Butte creek, was created from the eastern part of Las Animas, by an act of the General Assembly, approved April 16th, 1889, and forms the extreme southeastern corner of the state. It is bounded on the north by Prowers and Bent, south by the Territory of New Mexico, east by the state of Kansas and west by Las Animas county. Its area is 2,300 square miles, and by the census of 1890 its population was 1,479. The county seat is located at the town of Springfield, situate on a rolling prairie near the junction of Cat creek with Bear creek, and about the geographical center of the county. The region is almost entirely devoted to stock growing, but there are a few good farms along the principal water courses. Most of the original settlers were Mexicans, but the present inhabitants are mainly Americans. In general features it is similar to Las Animas county from which it was segregated. It is watered by Butte. Bear and Horse creeks. the north fork of Cimarron creek, and their numerous small tributaries. The climate is mild and healthful. Nearly all the towns are of recent origin, the capital being the largest of the series. On the east are Minneapolis, Vilas, Boston, Stonington and Plymouth; Decatur north of Springfield. Maxey near the head of Bear creek, northwest of the county seat, Brookfield still further northwest on Two Butte creek, Atlanta on the same stream near the western border, Carrizo and Carrizo Springs toward the southwest. The only considerable towns, however, are Springfield, Vilas and Minneapolis.

Among its natural resources are abundant timber, chiefly pine, and building stones. Coal has been found in various sections, but the deposits have not been

HISTORY OF COLORADO.

systematically opened. It has been, and is still, a great grazing region, but of late years the major part of the Texas long horns have been displaced by smaller herds of better breeds, which are fed and cared for in winter and as far as possible sheltered from severe storms. There are several fine stock farms in the south- castern portion, and others west of Springfield. At his ranch on Bear creek, Mr. Sylvanus Johnson has introduced 2,000 Angora goats, believing the region well adapted to the successful development of these animals and their valuable fleeces. Dairy farming is a considerable industry, and large quantities of butter are shipped to Trinidad and Pueblo.

From the report of the assessor to the auditor of state for 1891 we extract the following data, in regard to the area of agriculture: Wheat, 2,000 acres; oats, 200; rye, 3.500; corn, 4,000; potatoes, 500; . orchards, and 500 acres of grove and forest trees. Considerable alfalfa and clover were grown.

Schools .- By the census of 1890, the total school population was 896 with an enrollment of 608. There were 35 districts and to school houses; valuation of the latter, $6,800. Springfield has a fine stone school building, erected at a cost of about $4,000. The principal merchants of Springfield are, Dwight Miser, F. M. Friend and R. D. Homsher, dealers in groceries and provisions, E. F. Martin, hard- ware, J. R. Anderson and A. M. Stanley, druggists. The banking business is conducted by James E. Church, manager of the Baca County Investment company. In the county are three Methodist Episcopal churches, two Baptist, one Catholic, one Presbyterian and one Universalist, with a large number of Sabbath schools.

In the assessment returns for 1890 there were listed 235,516 acres of agri- cultural land. Of live stock there were 694 horses, 188 mules, and 12,898 cattle. The total assessed valuation of taxable property was $945.161.

BENT COUNTY.

ORGANIZATION, AREA AND POPULATION-RESOURCES-EARLY SETTLERS-THE BENTS AND THEIR CONTEMPORARIES-OLD FORTS WISE AND LYON-GENERAL JOHN SEDGWICK-THE BIG TIMBER INDIAN AGENCY-RESORT OF PLAINSMEN, TRAPPERS, SCOUTS AND GUIDES-COL. BOONE'S TREATY WITH THE INDIANS JOHN W. PROWERS AND THE FIRST STOCK GROWERS-KIT CARSON-THE ANIMAS GRANT-INDIAN WARS, RAILWAYS, ETC.

The county of Bent was segregated from Pueblo county by an act of the territorial legislature, approved February 11th, 1870. Since that time its dimen- sions have been materially reduced by the creation of new counties, all of Kiowa. Prowers and Otero, and parts of Cheyenne and Lincoln having been taken from its original boundaries. Its present area is 1,500 square miles, and, according to the census of 1800. its population was 1.313. Its first board of commissioners consisted of John W. Prowers, Philip Landers and Theodore Gaussoin. Their first meeting for organization was held at the town of Las Animas, March 12th, 1870, when Mr. Prowers was elected chairman. These, with the following officers, were appointed to serve until the next ensuing general election: Clerk, and re- corder. Harry Whigham: treasurer, Mark B. Price; probate or county judge, R. M Moore: sheriff, Thomas O. Boggs; assessor. Moses R. Tate: superintendent

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BOULDER COUNTY COURT HOUSE AT BOULDER, COLORADO

COMMISSIONERS, F.W. KOHLER, CHAIRMAN M. L. MSCASLIN.

COUNTY OFFICERS. JAMES COWIE, CO. CLERK, O.C HANSBROUGH, SHERIFF. ..... ............ ---

J. H . O'BRIEN, ASSESSOR.

HISTORY OF COLORADO.

of schools, R. M. Moore. Until 1872 the county was attached to Pueblo for judicial purposes.

September 13th following, the list subjoined was chosen by vote of the people: Clerk and recorder, George Hunter; treasurer, M. B. Price; probate judge and superintendent of schools, R. M. Moore; sheriff, L. A. Allen; assessor, M. R. Tate: coroner, Charles M. Burr. At the same election the county seat was transferred from Las Animas to Boggsville." In 1872, by the same authority, it was re- established at Las Animas, where it remained until October, 1875, when it was permanently fixed at West Las Animas on the opposite bank of the Arkansas river.

The region is one of the most fertile in Southern Colorado, equally adapted to agriculture, horticulture and stock growing. Originally it covered an area of 9,500 square miles. It is watered by the Arkansas river which traverses it from west to east, just north of the center, its principal tributaries being the Purgatoire or Las Animas river, which takes its rise in the Raton range and empties into the parent stream near the county seat. Numerous other small affluents contribute to its volume, as Butte creek, Granada, Wolf, Clay, Mud, Caddo and Rule creeks east of the Purgatoire; Crooked, Arroya, Timpas and the Apishapa on the west, most of which rise beyond the southern line of Bent, and, excepting Granada. Wolf, and Clay, are well timbered about their sources and for some distance be- low. Plum creek has some fine forests of cottonwoods; the Purgatoire and trib- utary cañons are wooded. The chief varieties are cottonwood, box elder and willow, and here and there undergrowths of plum, mountain currant and wild grape. But there are no forests adapted to the lumber trade. There are some fine mineral springs, the more important situated on Timpas creek thirty-two miles from its mouth, which closely resemble the famous Iron spring at Manitou. Others of a different character are found on some of the streams just mentioned.

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History of the State of Colorado, Volume IV, Part 9

Author: Hall, Frank, 1836-1917. cn; Rocky Mountain Historical Company Publication date: 1889-95 Publisher: Chicago, Blakely print. Co. Number of Pages: 791

Author: Hall, Frank, 1836-1917. cn; Rocky Mountain Historical Company
Publication date: 1889-95
Publisher: Chicago, Blakely print. Co.
Number of Pages: 791