Bitter Root Valley Montana

On November 3, 1889, an agreement was made between Henry B. Carrington, representing the Secretary of the Interior, and Carlos Victor, hereditary chief of the Flathead Indians. This contract authorized the appraisal and sale of lands assigned to Carlos and his father, Eneos Victor, while also ensuring support for the Flathead families facing hardships prior to their relocation to the Jocko Reservation. Promises were made regarding provisions, a new wagon, and the protection of burial sites, reflecting the needs and rights of the Flathead people during this transition.

In December 1889, Michael Revais, a Flathead Indian land patentee, certified that he served as a guide for General Henry B. Carrington during negotiations with Chief Carlos and other land patentees in Bitter Root Valley, Montana. He affirmed that the individuals who signed consents for the appraisement and sale of fifty-three tracts were indeed the rightful heirs and representatives of the deceased patentees. This certification was witnessed by Carrington and Peter Ronan, a U.S. Indian Agent.

On December 13, 1889, J. D’Aste, S.J., the principal of St. Ignatius Mission School, certified his presence at meetings between General Henry B. Carrington and Flathead Indian leaders regarding the appraisement and sale of land in Bitter Root Valley. He affirmed that the signatories of the consent documents were legitimate heirs and representatives of the deceased land patentees. This certification underscores D’Aste’s long-standing relationship with the Flathead community and his role in the land transaction process.

Battise Matte, a member of the Flathead Indians, has appointed his brother, Alexander Matte, as his attorney-in-fact to manage business affairs during his absence. This includes executing necessary legal documents for the appraisal and sale of a 160-acre land parcel in Bitter Root Valley, granted by the United States. Battise confirms all actions taken by Alexander in his name are valid as if performed by him personally. The document is witnessed by Thos. E. Adams and Peter Ronan, U.S. Indian Agent, in October 1889.

Henry B. Carrington, representing the United States, filed a second certificate in the district court of Missoula County concerning guardianship for minor heirs of certain Flathead Indians. The court confirmed the designation of Chief Carlos Victor as guardian of his son Victor, grandson of Widow Pallicino. This order, noted as issued on December 20, 1889, holds all the authority of the original ruling regarding guardianship and minors in the case. The certification was completed by the court clerk and deputy clerk on the same date.

On December 7, 1889, Henry B. Carrington, as agent for the United States, certified in the district court of Missoula County that Chief Carlos Victor of the Flathead tribe acted as guardian to his grandson, Victor. This certification confirms that Chief Victor consented to the sale of lands originally patented to his deceased mother, Margret Pallicino, the only daughter of the late widow Pallicino, also a patentee.

On December 7, 1889, the District Court of Missoula County, Montana, addressed the appointment of guardians for various minor Indian heirs and those unable to consent due to incapacity or absence. Rev. J. DAste was designated to serve as guardian for multiple minors, along with other appointed guardians for individual cases. This action complied with a Congressional act aimed at facilitating the sale of Indian lands in Bitter Root Valley for the benefit of the affected families and tribes, ensuring the protection of their interests in the process.