A history of Montana, Volume II, Part 8

Author: Sanders, Helen Fitzgerald, 1883-
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1002

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"The book written by Mr. Stuart is of much his- torical value, in that it is a perfect pen picture of the territory now embraced in the state of Montana. In the preface, written at Virginia City, January 31, 1865, the author says: 'It was originally my intention to have given a general discription of the form, climate, resources, etc., of the vast region over which the Snake language is talked, in the form of notes to a dictionary of that language, a plan that, as will be seen, I had partially carried out when my attention and time became too much absorbed by other affairs to enable me to devote myself to it as I had wished to do, and many parts of it that I had traveled over in days gone by have since that time been developed in a most unexpected manner, proving incredibly rich in precious minerals. So that a description of the Snake country as then appeared to me would bear but a slight resemblance to their present condition, and be- sides my description of portions of Montana, informa- tion of which is now eagerly sought for were so scat- tered through these notes that they were in a very unsatisfactory shape for those seeking information in regard to it. These considerations have determined me to write a few pages describing in detail that part of my old stamping ground now known as Montana territory, and if there should be some repetition of things already described in the notes, I hope my read- ers (if I should be so fortunate as to have any) will pardon me, as they are necessary to render this last description intelligible.'

"The topography and geography of Montana is de- scribed in detail. Just the right amount of narrative and personal experience is blended into this portion of the book to compel interest. The author recites an incident of his arrival in Montana and tells of the first discovery of gold in the state. 'About the year 1852 a French half breed from the Red River of the North named Francois Finlay, who had been to Cal- ifornia, began to prospect on a branch of the Hellgate, now known as Gold creek. He found small quantities of light float gold in the surface along this stream, but not in sufficient abundance to pay. This became noised

about among the mountaineers, and when Reese Ander- son, my brother James and I were delayed by sick- ness at the head of Malad creek on the Hudspeth's cutoff, as we were on our way from California to the states in the summer of 1857, we saw some men who. had passed Benetsee's creek, as it was then called, and they said they had good prospects there; as we had a little inclination to see mountain life, we concluded to. go out to that region and winter and look around a little. We accordingly wintered on Big Hole, just above the Backbone, in company with Robert Demp- sey, Jake Meeks, and others, and in the spring of 1858 we went over to Deer Lodge and prospected a little on Benetsee creek, but not having any grub or tools to work with, we soon quit in disgust without having found anything that would pay, or done enough to enable us to form a reliable estimate of the richness of this vicinity. We then went back to the emigrant road and remained there trading with the emigrants more than two years, very frequently talking of the- probability of there being good mines in Deer Lodge, ..

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until in the fall of 1860, we moved out to the mouth of the Stinking Water river, intending to winter there and go over and try our luck prospecting in the spring. But the Indians became insolent and began to kill our cattle, when we moved over late in the fall and set- tled at the mouth of Gold creek and began to pros- pect. We succeeded during the following summer in finding prospects which we considered very good, upon which we began to make preparations to take it out big, and wrote to our brother Thomas, who was at Pike's Peak, as Colorado was then called, to come out and join us, as we thought this a better country than the 'Peak.'

"In outlining the topography of the territory Mr. Stuart divided it into a series of basins, five in num- ber, of which four lie on the east side of the Rockies and one on the west. Each basin he describes in de- tail; its resources, settlement and possibilities, color- ing his descriptions by narrating some personal ex- . periences in that particular section. That he viewed the resources and possibilities of Montana with the same optimism which the authors of booster litera- ture of the present day are wont to see them, is indi- cated by the following prediction: 'The Yellowstone river will be navigable for iight draught steamers nearly to the western edge of the basin, or almost to the center of Montana, and it is by this river that she will ere long receive all her supplies that come from the states and it will in time carry down our gold and silver to the poor devils who are so unfortunate as to live in the Mississippi valley and who don't own any "feet" in any rich silver leads, and are ignorant of the joys of going out poor in the morning in search of "leads" and coming back in the evening rich (in imagination ).'

"The dictionary of the Snake language is indeed interesting. The accompanying notes furnish many sidelights on life in the territory at that time and con- cerning the habits, superstitions and manner of living of the Indians. The dictionary of the Chinook jargon then and still in use in and among the tribes of Ore- gon, Washington, British Columbia and the north Pacific Coast, also shows the author's deep and con- scientious study of the language. One of the features of the book, however, which has an immediate appeal, is the itinerary of the route from Leavenworth City to Great Salt Lake City, which in those days must have been invaluable to the emigrant. It is followed by itineraries from Great Salt Lake City to Sacramento, California and to Los Angeles, and from St. Paul to Fort Walla Walla in Washington territory, and many others. The itineraries were complete in every detail. Distances were given between points, locations of wood, water and grass, at that time necessities to the emigrant, are described, and the conditions of every camping spot along the road outlined in detail. Most of this territory was wilderness, boasting no habita- tions and little besides a vast expanse of rolling plain, crossed at intervals by rugged mountain ranges. The itineraries are the concluding feature of the book."

The newspaper clipping found in Purple's letter is from the New York Times of October 4, 1871. It reproduces a letter written by Mr. Stuart September 3, 1871, to the Indian peace commissioner, at St. Louis, in which he deals with the Indian tribes of the North- west, their numbers, wealth and power. It is a care- ful statement of their condition and prospects, and perusal will show that many of his recommendations have long since been followed by the government in the administration of its Indian affairs. It will also show that Mr. Stuart made a careful study of condi- tions, and that the great heart of the man was stirred to its utmost by his deep-seated knowledge of the unhappy conditions peculiar to the race of the Red Men at that time. The letter is of historical value, in view of the fact that it gives such a comprehensive

insight into Indian life forty years ago. The clipping follows :

"The following interesting letter has been addressed to Hon. Robert Campbell at St. Louis, and although not intended for publication, it contains so clear an account of the present conditions of the Indian tribes in the Rocky mountain region that he has permitted it to be printed in the St. Louis Republican, from whose columns we quote: 'Dear Sir: Knowing that you were familiar many years ago with the numbers, wealth and power of most of the Indian tribes of the Rocky mountains, and having been in constant con- tact with all the tribes from Colorado to the British line, thus becoming fairly conversant with their cus- toms, habits, languages and modes of life, has caused me to take a very great interest in the way our Indian affairs are managed, and led me to desire that they could be conducted upon some plan that would do more equal and exact justice to hoth whites and In- dians. That the matter has been very badly managed in the past is patent to any observing mind.

"'At the beginning of the tide of immigrants that left the eastern states and swept across the continent to California and Oregon the many tribes along the routes were numerous and in general prosperous, but the contact with the whites produced the heretofore inevitable decline in numbers and in an abasement of character which seems to follow like a curse in the footsteps of civilization, and to fall with a blighting influence upon the natives of the soil. This is owing, principally, to the introduction among them of whisky and other attendant evils which produce famine, dis- ease and poverty, dissensions and wars among them- selves and with the whites, and is leading to the rapid extermination of all the tribes of the mountains and plains of the great West, some of whom have already declined so far as to have lost their tribal names, and to prevent their utter extinction have become incor- porated into other and stronger tribes.

"'Washakee's band of Shoshones or Snakes, who formerly ranged from Bear river to the mouth of the Sweet Water river, are now upon a reservation in Wind river valley. They are much reduced in num- bers and are almost entirely dependent upon the In- dian Department for a living, as there are now no buffalo, and few elk, deer, or antelope, in their country. They are located in a beautiful valley and seem to be contented and desire to learn to farm, and if properly managed and cared for will soon cease their nomadic life and quit the chase for the more quiet pursuits of raising stock and tilling the soil. They are not at war with any other tribe except the Sioux, who will per- sist in coming to their reservations and steal their horses and occasionally kill some of them. They com- plained, and justly so, that the government does not protect them on their reservations.

"'The "sheep eater" band of Snakes and the Ban- nacks, who formerly ranged from the head almost to the mouth of the Snake river, are now nearly all on the reservation at Lemhi, near the forks of the Salmon river and on another one near old Fort Hall on Snake river. The first named reservation has a farm in operation and these Indians, who are naturally of the most gentle and tractable dispositions of any of the mountain tribes, are glad to learn how to farm and are willing to work when they see that they get the benefit of their labor. There is no game in their country except a few mountain sheep and they do not leave the reservation to hunt, but live on the products of the farm, their annuities and salmon, of which latter there is an abundance in Salmon river. The farm has only been in operation about a year, and they now have sixty-five acres under cultivation, which is doing very well, considering the limited means of the agent.

" 'The Flatheads and Pend d'Orielles are now prac- tically civilized. They have farms of their own, gen-

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HISTORY OF MONTANA

erally on their reservations in the Bitter Root and Jocko valleys. They are in comfortable circumstances, have large herds of cattle and many horses. Owing to the labors of the Jesuit missionaries, who have had a few missions among them since 1843, they attend church with considerable regularity and profess to the Catholic religion, and are usually married by the rites of the church. These Indians are quiet and peaceable. A portion of them still make semi-annual trips to the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers to hunt buf- falo, but if they are properly managed for a few years they will become self-sustaining and will cease to go after buffalo, and will become permanent residents on their farms.

" 'The Nez Perces are rapidly becoming civilized, and stay mostly on their reservations on Snake river, Clearwater and the Columbia. They are rich in horses and cattle and farm to a considerable extent. A small part of them still go with the Flatheads and Pend d'Orielles to hunt on the plains of the Missouri and Yellowstone, but they can easily be induced to stay at home. They are quiet and well disposed and quite intelligent. Many of them can speak English and a few of them can read and write.

" 'The Crow Indians have an agency and farm in the upper part of the Yellowstone valley, where there are one hundred and twelve acres under cultivation. These Indians take great interest in the farm and are seemingly very anxious to learn how to conduct farming operations and desire to be furnished with implements, seeds, etc. They seem to fully realize the fact that although game is still abundant in their country, the time is not far distant when they will be compelled to farm or starve, and they fully appre- ciate the kindness of the government in giving them annuities and teaching them how to farm.

" 'The Blackfeet and Piegans have an agency and farm on the Teton river which has some eighty-six acres under cultivation, but as game of all kinds, and buf- falo in particular is abundant in their country, they take but little interest in farming operations as yet, although the most intelligent among them admit that they will have to farm some day, although they think the time farther off than it really is. The greatest difficulty which is experienced in keeping the Indians at their agencies and on their reservations is caused by unprincipled and influential men who are interested in trading whiskey to them. They persuade the In- dians to leave their agencies and go into the Indian country out of reach of the agents, so that they can trade them whiskey with impunity, and nothing but the unceasing vigilance of Indian Superintendent J. H. Viall keeps this crying evil within bounds. He has taken energetic measures to keep this atrocious traffic suppressed, and if properly supported will soon suc- ceed in bringing to justice or driving out of the coun- try all those nefarious scoundrels who are engaged in it. I look upon this whiskey trading as a crime, but little short of actual murder, for it brings with it a long train of attendant evils which are productive of a vast sum of human misery.

"'Owing to the judicious administration of Indian affairs by Superintendent Viall, there is a more con- tented feeling among the Indians of this territory than there has ever been before. They seem to know that he is using all means within his power to promote their comfort and welfare, and had our Indian affairs been managed in the past with as much justice and genuine kindness of heart as has been shown by Super- intendent Viall. we would have had fewer bloody and expensive Indian wars, and less of the hostile and suspicious feeling that long years of injustice, false promises and bad faith, have engendered in the mind of the Indian till he has grown to look upon all our promises as mere subterfuges to swindle him. The total lack of good faith shown by our government and

the slight punishment that is inflicted upon the Indians when they break the many treaties made with them, has caused the Indians to look upon all treaties as mere farces which either party can ignore at will. When we do make a treaty with any tribe we should observe it to the letter, and should make them do the same, and unless this is done no treaty will be observed for any length of time. The whites are almost in- variably the first to break treaty stipulations of any kind, and then they wage war upon the poor Indian for following their example.

" 'The dictates of humanity demand that the Indians should be put upon reservations and fed and clothed by the government until they become sufficiently ac- quainted in the arts of civilization to sustain them- selves. The onward march of civilization is fast ex- terminating the red men who once were owners of all this fair land. They have suffered great injustice and cruelty reigns, and unless they now have protection from the strong arm of the government, in a few short years their place will know them no more. Very truly yours, Granville Stuart.'"

We have given this letter and the newspaper clip- ping in full, as they seem to throw a deal of light upon the early life of the man. That he was a thinker, and a man in advance of his time, is apparent on every hand. Certainly his prophecy concerning the future of Montana has been realized four-fold, and the radical changes brought about in the treatment of the Indian question within the last three decades must be a source of much gratification to Mr. Stuart, in view of his sympathetic view of the situation as existing at the time of his letter.

AUGUSTUS F. GRAETER. The Montana pioneer is an ex- pression synonymous with honor, ability, courage and independence. He made possible the swift, substantial development of the state and its present high prestige and he has transmitted his fine, staunch nature to his sons, so that big men, brave men and brainy men are coming from Montana. Prominent among the pioneer citizens who have honored Dillon by making it their home is Augustus F. Graeter, who has lived in the state since 1862 and in Dillon for the past decade and a half. He is a man of extensive interests in banking, mercan- tile lines, ranching and real estate. He is of German descent and evinces in himself those characteristics which make the Teutonic stock one of our most admir- able sources of citizenship; in truth the superlative term might well be used. His life record is without stain and he enjoys honor and universal respect, and is gen- erally beloved by those with whom he comes in contact for a particularly lovable personality and a brotherly sympathy which stands all tests.

By circumstance of birth Mr. Graeter is a Pennsylva- nian, his eyes having first opened to the light of day in Allentown, that state, on July 29, 1834. He is a descend- ant of a long line of pastoral men, of whom there is in the family a record, dating back to 1549. His father, August F. Graeter, Sr., was born in Wurtemberg, Ger- many, March 16, 1803, and was educated at Leipsic and Stuttgardt, coming to America in 1828, when a young man in quest of the much vaunted opportunity across the sea. He first settled in the Keystone state and later went to Ohio, where he lived until his demise. He was a publisher of German literature-books and news- papers-and a gifted writer and editor. His death oc- curred March 8, 1863, in Warren, Ohio, and there all that is mortal of him was interred. The mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Hoffman, was born in Pennsyl- vania, and in Allentown she was wooed and won. The union of this worthy and devoted couple was blessed by the birth of eight children, the immediate subject of this brief review being the second child.

The first two years of Augustus F. Graeter, Jr., were spent in his birthplace and then the family removed to

A 7. traiter

May. S. Uración

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HISTORY OF MONTANA

Ohio. In that state his boyhood and youth were passed, and at the age of twenty he went back to Pennsylvania, locating in Meadville, where he remained for about a year, clerking in a store. He then returned to Warren, where he remained only a short time and then went to Wisconsin, where he engaged in the most strenuous labor, chopping cord wood and living the free, adventur- ous life of the lumberman. Again he returned to War- ren, which was dear with many associations, and again stayed but a short time, ere he went on to new scenes, this time locating in Florence, Nebraska. But Florence was soon deserted for Pike's Peak, Colorado. He led a roving, care-free life, and during this period followed diverse occupations. While in Colorado he came to the decision to make the momentous step which gave him forever to Montana as a citizen. He arrived within the boundaries of the great territory in the month of August, 1862, and first located in Bannack. In the first years he . of the Eastern Star order. engaged in placer mining, and later in dredging and ranching. He ultimately removed to Dillon, where lie has lived for fifteen years and has taken his place as one of its successful and able citizens. He has followed various lines of enterprise, such as banking, merchan- dise, ranching and real estate, and anything with which he associates himself seems pretty sure of prosperity.

Mr. Graeter is prominent in Masonry, belonging to all the bodies from the blue lodge to the Shrine. In the blue lodge he has filled all the chairs and is now a past master. In political allegiance he gives heart and hand to the Democratic party and its policies and principles. At one time he was a standard bearer in the local ranks, being of much influence and taking an active part in campaigns. Recently, however, he has left such things to younger men. He has been frequently solicited to run for' office, but has always refused, even though with a man of his popularity victory would have been almost inevitable. He consented at one time to fill the office of county commissioner and also served in the city council, but further than this he was adamant in his determination. He is, however, one of the most public- spirited of men, and ever ready to give his best effort to any good cause.

As to his purely personal inclinations, he is fond of all out-of-door sport in general and of baseball and horseracing in particular. Montana is one of his hob- bies and his dreams of her future greatness magnificent indeed.

Mr. Graeter has been twice married, on July 29, 1860, at Florence, Nebraska, Miss Emily M. Drewey, became his wife, and the demise of this good woman occurred in 1878. In 1880, in Bannack, Montana, he was united in marriage to Mary J. Taylor, and on October 6, 1908, she passed away, mourned by all who knew her. In her memory were inscribed the following statements in one of the local publications at the time of her demise:

"Last evening the entire community was plunged into grief by the sad intelligence of the unexpected death of Mrs. A. F. Graeter, of this city. A sense of deep personal loss was felt, and on every side were heard countless expressions of sorrow at the untimely death of this most gracious woman.

"Mrs. Graeter's illness was brief, she only having been ill for the past week. Her death was due to acute congestion of the lungs. A week ago, shortly after hav- ing returned from Lewistown, where she and Mr. Grae- ' ter went to attend the pioneers' meeting, she was taken down with an attack of bowel and chest trouble. In spite of all that Dr. Bond, assisted by Dr. Poindexter, could do, after she had suffered a sinking spell, she rapidly succumbed, and two hours later, at about 8:00 p. m., she breathed her last. All immediate members of the family were present at the bedside when she passed away.

"Mrs. Mary Graeter was born in Coversdale, New Brunswick, September 26, 1849, she having reached the age of fifty-nine years just a short while ago. Her girl-

hood days were spent in that city. In 1881 she came to Montana with Mr. Tate Taylor, her brother, and Mrs. Taylor, who were then just married. Eight months after her arrival here, in September, 1881, she was wedded at Bannack to Mr. A. F. Graeter. For several years thereafter Mr. and Mrs. Graeter lived at Bannack, later moving to the Horse Prairie where Mr. Graeter engaged in ranching. Fourteen years ago they moved to Dillon and since have continuously resided in this city.

"As a true friend and a kind neighbor her loss will be felt keenly by all those who have known her since the early days of the territory. She was a good and true woman, a kind and loving wife and mother, and many are the heartfelt tears of sorrow shed in sympathy with the sorrowing family at her loss. She was a devoted member of the First Baptist church of this city and also

"Because any community delights in and is proud of such examples of gracious womanhood, our little town bows its head in poignant grief for this noble woman who was taken so suddenly. The memory of her life belongs to it and will exhale a lasting fragrance. To the desolate husband and daughter left alone in the darkened home and to the sorrowing son and brother, tender waves of sympathy radiate from all hearts; may they avail a little to comfort."

Mr. Graeter has four living children, two sons and two daughters. Luther D., married, resides at Arcata, California; Blanche, wife of Charles Falk, makes her home at Eureka, California; William Arthur, married, is cashier of the State Bank of Dillon; Sadie resides with her father and manages his household in efficient fashion. The subject enjoys the possession of more than his share of friends and his loyalty to them is un- impeachable.

SAMUEL COHEN was born in New York City, in 1837. Until the age of sixteen years he attended the schools of that city, when his parents, believing that he should prepare himself for the business struggle, apprenticed him to learn the jeweler's and brush maker's trade. For seven years thereafter he followed this line of work, but never found it much to his liking. In 1862 he left New York for Bannack, Montana, where he established the first clothing and men's furnishing house in the city, and a few years later he opened a branch house in Virginia City.

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A history of Montana, Volume II, Part 8

Author: Sanders, Helen Fitzgerald, 1883- Publication date: 1913 Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 1002

Author: Sanders, Helen Fitzgerald, 1883-
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1002