'The Onset of a New Struggle"
| A "mountain man, trapper, trader,
good friend, horse thief, 1/4 has been described
many ways by many people--and no two agree about
him. Born in Ireland 1/4 Bob left home in 1816 to
come to America." "Always a champion of Indians,
Bob Dempsey and Chief Tendoy of the Lemhi Tribe
became close friends. One evening after many swigs
of whiskey, Bob traded for the oldest girl, [Margeret,
whom] he admired very much. Then they headed for
Fort Hall. Bob Dempsey found the trapping and the
trading to be excellent in south eastern Idaho and
1/4 had practically all of the waters of the lower
Portneuf valley staked out with his traps. The
little creek was in later years named Dempsey. Site
of this camp is about one-half mile west of present
day Lava Hot Springs, where Dempsey Creek flows into
the Portneuf River."
Bob and Margaret were married 1/4 [and] parents
of eight children: Margaret, Ellen, Ann, Jane,
Kathryn, James, Robert Dempsey and John Dempsey. Bob
Dempsey died near Twin Bridges, Montana, January 12,
1909."*
Credit "The Best Trader of the
Emigrant Road" Tana Sanderson (great-great
granddaughter of Bob Dempsey). Kathrynn McGuinn
Fagnant, and Francis J. McGuinn. Recorded February
4, 1982. Volume 1886 Pg 434: Copyright 1979 by
Greater Lava Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce.
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Oneida Bannock Co. Idaho 11.6.1893 - Hon.
Secatary. Interior. Hoke Smith.
Please Pardon me for takeing the Liberty of Writeing
you. I though I would post your concerning the Fort
Hall Indian Resservation situated on the Portneuf
River about 12 miles East of McCammon station the
junction of the Utah G. Nothern and Oregon Short
Line Rail Roads. The O.S.L. Ry. Runs Verry close to
said Hot Springs and they are a valuable Property I
live about 5 miles West of the springs. Have visited
them frequently this summer to Bathe also many
Persons afflicted With various ailments have camped
at the springs to Bathe and Drink the water and they
say they have great benefited there by the Hot
Springs affords ample Water for a large Batheing
Estabment. What we Call Squaw* [,] men here [,]they
have Indian squaws or women for Wives or mistresses.
If you or some of your friends Wants said Hot
Springs you can by virtue of your office hold them
as they are until the Indian Resservation is opened
for settlement or you can Recommend Congress to
alter the line of said Fort Hall Resservation some 6
miles North of the Portneuf River which is too
crooked and leaves too many fractions of Land in
surveying. The Land adjoining the Resservation on
the south has not yet. Also there is valueable Coal
Lands just north of me on the Resservation. An
Indian told me that he had discovered Coal on said
Lands. I am a native of the state of Virginia and
would like for southern men to settle in Idaho, and
have some of the Benefits of this Rich state in
minerals. Rich farming Lands. Also stock Raiseing.
There is Plenty of good vacant Gov. Land in Idaho
that can be taken up[.] also Would Like to have more
good Democrats here[.] do not be offended at me for
posting you about things here for I Believe that the
Hon Secrtary Interior of his friends should have
Equal Chance at these valueable Properties as well
as any other Citezens. If you wish it I could send
you a bottle of Water from the Hot Springs for
testing. The Water is just Cool Enough to Bathe in
Without Burning. If you want more information Write
me and I will write you. |
Respectfully, M.M.M.
Martin
Mex-War Vet. P.O. Adress Oneida Bannock Co, Idaho
Credit: Madsen's Materials- History of the
Shoshone-Bannock Indians.
April 13, 1984 to 1985.
The Pocatello Tribune
Pocatello, Idaho, Wednesday Evening, June 18, 1902
Lava Springs - Now Belongs to State of Idaho
for Medicinal Purposes.
Washington, D.C., June 16, --(Special).--The
President has just signed a bill donating to the
state of Idaho the lands oon the Ft. Hall
reservation described as the Lava Hot Springs, for
medical purposes. |
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