White River Agency, Colorado July 7, 1879 Sir: In reply to yours June 27 (A., Colorado, M., 1282), in which you say my expense account of E.E. Clark, in getting a blacksmith, October, 1878, is disallowed because no exigency is shown, and because it is believed a smith could have[Read More…]
Tag: Meeker History
HISTORY LESSONS: Agency Survivors, Part II
Descendants of Edwin L. Mansfield claim that he was only White River Indian Agency employee to escape with his life. That statement was not entirely correct as we shall see later. All during the summer of 1879, Agent Meeker had urged military intervention to enforce his ideals of a Ute[Read More…]
MUSEUM MUSINGS: Letters from history, No. 59
White River Agency, Colorado July 7, 1879 Sir: As I have on hand well towards 700 sacks of flour, I would ask the authority to increase the amount weekly issued. The reasons are, first, the present amount looks, and is small; second, the ration list calls for 50 pounds flour[Read More…]
HISTORY LESSONS: Agency Survivors
A couple of weeks ago Kevyn Mack of the White River Museum produced Letter No. 56. Correspondence between Nathan Meeker and E.A. Hayt, commissioner, Indian Affairs. On July 2, 1879, the commissioner had approved the appointment of five employees and mentioned two resignations: Edgar E. Clark and James S. Fullerton. This[Read More…]
MUSEUM MUSINGS: Letters from history, No. 57
Editor’s Note: For those following these previously unpublished letters between Nathan Meeker and officials in Washington, D.C., it’s worth pointing out that the letters below were written just a few months before the uprising of the White River Utes and Meeker’s death. White River Agency, Colorado July 7, 1879 Sir:[Read More…]
HISTORY LESSONS: Fire, the sequel
As a veteran Boy Scout, I can tell you that any camping experience can be rated on the quality of food consumed, how many blisters on your heel, and the availability of dry firewood. A rainy day spent in a leaky tent with no chance of lighting a campfire can[Read More…]
MUSEUM MUSINGS: Letters from history, No. 57
Editor’s Note: For those following these previously unpublished letters between Nathan Meeker and officials in Washington, D.C., it’s worth pointing out that the letters below were written just a few months before the uprising of the White River Utes and Meeker’s death. White River Agency, Colorado July 2, 1879 Sir:[Read More…]
HISTORY LESSONS: Miller Hill Cemetery Pt. 4
The Meeker Herald in the July 27, 1895 issue reported the US 8th Calvary was headed to Jackson Hole, Wyoming to persuade members of the Bannock tribe to return to their reservation. A large number of Indians were roaming the area hunting game. They were granted these hunting rights by[Read More…]
MUSEUM MUSINGS: Letters from history, No. 56
White River Agency, Colorado June 30, 1879 Sir: The mail is now coming here three times a week, and the contractor wishes to get his horses shod at our shop. There is no other shop nearer than seventy-five miles, if so near, and, as we have a good smith and[Read More…]
DAYS GONE BY – July 11th, 2024
Meeker Herald ~ 125 years ago The Anderson brothers of Powell Park report the best oat crop they ever had. Monday’s rain was hard on cheap bunting. Dr. Ketcham continues to be the busiest man in town. Those who wish to consult him regarding dental work had better get around[Read More…]
HISTORY LESSONS: The discovery of fire
One of the characteristics that separate man and beast is the control of fire. Eons ago, the first man discovered a burning ember left over from a lightning strike and said, “OUCH.” Language and four letter words were also discovered. Things progressed when he found a roasted squirrel left over[Read More…]
MUSEUM MUSINGS: Letters from history, No. 55
Department of the Interior, Office of Indian Affairs, June 27, 1879 Sir: In reply to the inquiries contained in your letter of the 15th instant, relating to privileges of contractors who are about to erect agency buildings on your reservation, I have to advise you that the furnishing to them[Read More…]
