Early Settlers Bought Their Indian Brides
Somebody throw another log on the old campfire and pull up close around the flames. I want to to look into your eyes as I tell this true tale about the olden days, and about the original “Mountain men,” miners, and fur trappers that were the first white men to begin the settling of this wild and dangerous country of Central Idaho and in particular of the Salmon, Clearwater, and Snake River drainages.
As those of you who know me will attest, I am a history student, and in particular a student of American history. As stated within this website in the “Let The Stories Begin” section, these blogs will contain just about every imaginable subject regarding life and the truths of life. Included in that statement, of course, would be some old campfire tales that I listened to growing up with my father while huddled around a campfire sipping hot coffee and listening wide-eyed to the yarns that were spun by the old-timers with whom we hunted big game in the mountains of Idaho every fall.
The State of Idaho began being settled way back beginning in 1804–1806 when the Lewis and Clark Expedition came wandering through the Lolo Pass on the Idaho Montana border and all along the Lolo Trail in search of an overland route through the wilderness to the Pacific Ocean. These were the first recorded white men to visit the central portion of the state and the Clearwater River Drainage. These were also the first white men assisted in their travels by the local Nez Perce Indian Tribes. The Nez Perce Indians were called the “Nimiipuu” (Nee-Me-Poo) which means “The Real People.” The Nez Perce men were large, strong men and extremely good horsemen. The women were very attractive and boasted sleek and strong statures.
The yarn that I am about to spin for you readers and listeners is sworn to be a true account of the way things worked way back in the 1870s in and around the old historic gold mining mountain settlement of Elk City in central Idaho. This little remote mountain town is situated west of the Selway River, south of the Clearwater River, and north of the Salmon River. The story was originally told in the dead of winter when the gold miners would huddle around an old pot bellied stove in the center of a miner’s canvas tent and keep each other company drinking black coffee, smoking or chewing their tobacco, and generally just having a good time being together and telling each other stories about their personal experiences.
Back in the 1870s there were no wagon roads to Elk City. Necessary provisions for the placer miners were carried on horse and mule pack trains from Walla Walla, Washington and later from Lewiston, Idaho over steep, rocky, and very treacherous and dangerous high mountain trails. Articles of trade were often not to be had and outrageously fabulous prices were frequently paid in gold dust or money in barter for merchandise.
The Indians always visited their regular camp on Squaw Hill just outside of town, bringing their families and teepees with them as well as furs, beadwork, and everything they had accumulated to sell or trade to the miners. This particular Squaw Hill, at the edge of Elk City, was a very pleasant and convenient site for a temporary habitation, with its natural spring and majestic grove of large fir trees which served as a protection from heat or storm. Here at this place, the squaws came with their little papooses and worked unceasingly preparing food and caring for the simple needs of the family while the Indian father sold and exchanged his wares with the white men.
In 1873, a very remarkable bargain was made here when an old Indian chief offered his beautiful daughter for sale. Three bidders sought her hand in marriage. The first offered 50 cents in cash and three deer hides; the second $3.50 cash; and the third proposed to exchange two metal fish hooks for the maiden. Now at this time, fish hooks were very rare and the old Indian chief wanted them badly. The nearest source of supply for that particular article was Walla Walla, Washington more than 200 miles away.
So the third bidder was successful and was given the bright-eyed Indian girl in exchange for two fish hooks. While there are always skeptics and naysayers in any location, the truth still always prevails and this story is no different. This incident is true and has a very interesting sequel.
The man who succeeded in his bargain married the Indian girl, thus becoming what is known as a “squaw man.” They lived very happily on their placer claim until they had five children. Later in 1893 when the Nez Perce Indian Reservation was opened for homesteading and settlement, this couple emigrated to the rich wheat growing region near what is now known as the town of Kendrick, Idaho where the Indian wife and each of the five children received from the government an allotment of 80 acres of farmland–480 acres in all.
The father, being a white man, was entitled to no allotment but became legal guardian of the family, farmed the 480 acres of ground, finally becoming overseer and hiring the hard work done. Here in this remote area, they enjoyed the fruition of their labors as their wealth increased year-by-year. Still to the present day their family descendants live upon their vast acreage.
Thus the investment of two simple fish hooks increased the value of the principal a million-fold and laid the foundation for generations of future happiness. This story substantiates the theory often repeated but little heeded, that the little things of life are generally the harbingers of destiny!
Small amounts carefully invested on a regular basis over a long period of time eventually accumulate to a very substantial sum. The wise use of money today brings much greater blessings and rewards in the years ahead!
Never spend all of your funds. Always put some of each amount you earn into savings for the needs of your future.
Peace And Love to All of You………………………..Poppa Bear