From Fairmount Memorial Journeys
Stephen Liberty
He was born in another country and under a different name, but Stephen Liberty left an indelible mark in the history books of the Inland Northwest.
Not only is a lake near the Idaho-Washington border named in his honor, but Liberty is remembered for his work and friendship with the Native Americans
and for his pioneering spirit.
He was born Etienne Eduard Laliberte on Nov. 15, 1843, in the province of Quebec, Canada, to Joseph Etienne and Emilie Saloe Laliberte. He immigrated to the United States in 1862 and later became a naturalized citizen.
Liberty joined a wagon train with Capt. James Liberty Fisk in the summer of 1866 and served as assistant wagon master and offcer of the guard. Liberty left the wagon train with Joseph Peavy in Benton, Montana. Together, the two men continued on to Cabinet Landing on the Pend Oreille River and purchased a station house. They then contracted to carry mail from Cabinet Landing to Connors, near present-day Rathdrum, Idaho.
In 1868 Liberty married Christine Barnaby in Rathdrum. ey settled south of Spokane and planted a large orchard. e land was later sold to JosephMoran and became known as the Moran Prairie.
In 1871, Liberty moved his family to the west side of Lake Grier where he was the rst white settler in the area. Later, the lake was re-named Liberty Lake. It was there that Liberty became close friends with Chief Andrew Seltice of the Coeurd'Alene Indian Tribe.
In Stephen Liberty's own words: "In February 1871, I removed to Liberty Lake (so named in my honor) where I again established a home and set out about twenty five acres of orchard and continued the raising of stock. When I removed to Liberty Lake, Chief Seltice was my neighbor. Stillam, one of the head men of the tribe, then resided near Spokane Bridge, a short distance from me. From the time of my first acquaintance with Chief Seltice and
the other head men of the tribe mentioned, I enjoyed their utmost confidence."
Stephen Liberty was inducted into the Spokane Society of
Pioneers in 1896. He died from pneumonia on Jan. 18, 1911, and was buried at Fairmount Memorial Park. Until the dedication of the historic marker, Stephen Liberty's grave was unmarked.
STEPHEN E. LIBERTY (1943-1911)
The following copy of deposition by Stephen E. Liberty, submitted by John Porter Graham, does not indicate the date or place of the deposition.
Stephen E. Liberty, being first duly sworn, on his oath deposes and says; I was born at St. Francois, Province of Quebec, Canada, on Nov 15th 1843. I left Canada in October, of 1862, going to Massachusetts. From there I went to Lake Superior; wintered there in the winter of 1863-4, and in the spring of 1865 went to Stillwater, Minnesota, thence to St. Paul, Minnesota, where I entered the employ of Captain Louis Robier, and was engaged in buying furs and trading with the Indians on the St. Peters river, with headquarters at New Ulm, Minnesota. In the summer of 1866 I crossed the plains with a train under the command of Captain James L. Fisk. Colonel I. N. Peyton and Judge W. E. Cullen of Spokane, and Joseph Peavy were in this train. I was officer of the guard and assistant train master. I left the train at Fort Benton, Montana, and went from there to Helena, and from Helena at Cabinet Landing on the Pend 'Oreille river, where Joe Peavy and myself bought a station house. While conducting this station house we met J. K. Clark, brother of Senator W. A. Clark of Montana, who was representing and carrying the United States mail for the firm of Clark & Witcher, and from them, through J. K. Clark we took a contract for carrying the United States mail from Cabinet Landing, Idaho, to Rathdrum, Idaho.
I make this statement of my early history for the reason that I have been inform that is desired by the department that I should do so.
I am a naturalized citizen of the United States, having secured my second papers at Cheney, Washington Territory in 1866. I was married September 2nd, 1868 to Christine Barnabee, at Rathdrum, Idaho, who was and is of Indian blood. After my marriage I located on Moran Prairie, in what is now Spokane County, Washington, making the first settlement on Moran Prairie, where I patted a large orchard on the place now owned by J. J. Browne. This I sold to Joseph Moran. I moved from there back to Rathdrum, Idaho, and purchased the land on which the town of Rathdrum now stands from Joseph Barnabee, my father-in-law, and again engaged in carrying the United stated mail. This I sold to Thomas Ford, and removed to a place about two miles below Rathdrum and engaged in the stock business, and in February, 1871 I removed to Liberty Lake (so named in my honor) where I again established a home and set out about twenty five acres of orchard and continued the raising of stock.
I first met Chief Andrew Seltice, Pierre Wildshoe, Quinnemose, and Saol Lois while I was engaged in carrying the United States mail under the contract above referred to. When I removed to Liberty Lake in February 1871, Chief Seltice was my neighbor. Stilam, one of the headmen of the tribe, then resided near Spokane Bridge, a short distance from me. Joseph Peavy came to live in the vicinity of what is mow the city of Spokane about the year 1876. From the time of my first acquaintance with Chief Seltice and the other headmen of the tribe mentioned, I have enjoyed their utmost confidence. In all matters of importance I was consulted and whenever danger was threatened to the whites or any uprising of the Indians was threatened, I was the first to receive information of it. To show how I stood and was treated by the Indians, I will cite a few circumstances. In 1877, when the Nez Perce war broke out, I was at Missoula, Montana, where I had gone to dispose of some horses. Upon my arrival there, I received a message from Chief Seltice, telling me to return home at once, as the Nez perce had already broken out. I returned home at once, as upon my return Chief Seltice and other headmen said to me; "You stay right here with your family and see that Joe Peavy and his family are here too, for you will be safe here. Chief Joseph is wild and we are liable to need your services."
On August, 1885, I went to the Coeur d' Alene Indian reservation at the urgent request and invitation of Andrew Seltice, Chief of the tribe, Pierre Wildshoe, second chief, Quinnemose, Stilam, Regis, Saul Louis and other of the head men of the tribe, and with the permission, knowledge, consent and sanction of Chief Seltice and the head men and council of the tribe, I purchased the rights and improvements of "Sam", one of the head men of the Tribe, to a tract of land containing about three Hundred and fifty acres, adjoining the lands of the fathers at DeSmet Mission, on said reservation and at the time I was requested to remove with my family to the reservation by Chief Seltice, Pierre Wildshoe, Stilam, Quinnemose, Regis, and others, I was informed by them that if I would remove to the reservation with my family that I would be accorded every right possessed by any member of the tribe, and all. In the fall of this year I moved to this land with my family and resided there until the year 1890. I paid "Sam" $160 for this land. The money improvement on the land at the time I purchased it was a little deserted log cabin. I cleared this land at an expense approximately of $1,000, and following spring set out an orchard of about seven acres, fenced about two hundred acres with lumber and wire tight fence, and dug a well 365 feet deep at an expense of $1 or more per foot, built a barn at an expense of about $600 and six room house that cost about $1,000, furnishing the same at a cost of $1,000 or more. In 1890 I separated from my wife and gave her this tract of land together with all the improvements, stock, etc., which I possessed. Chief Seltice then gave me a tract of land on the Washington and Idaho line, adjoining Patrick Nixon of the north, containing about 500 acres. Joseph Peavy had previously settled on this land and I purchased his right to the tract and later, in 1891 Chief Seltice gave me written permit to take this land, a true copy of which is attached hereto, marked "Exhibit C" and made hereof.
I moved upon this tract of land and resided there until my daughter Mary came of age, I improved this land also, set out an orchard of three or four acres, fenced it with a wire fence, broke up and cultivated the whole tract, built a house, dug a well, built a cowshed and granary at an expense of not less than $5, 000. My daughter Mary became of age sometime in the summer of 1901 (sic, probably error in date in previous copying?) when she married and I gave her one half of this tract of land, with the improvements, for the amount due here (sic) from the United States Government, having a short time previous given the other half to my son Lee, who in turn sold his share to Benjamin Nixon, husband of my daughter Mary. I then purchased the tract of land known as the "hog timothy" ranch, situated about eight miles from Rockford, Washington, on the reserve. I purchased this from Jerry Adolph Boutlier with the consent and sanction of Chief Seltice and Honorable A. N. Andfeson (sic) then Indian Agent. I continued, however to resided with my daughter Mary, and traded this last named ranch to my daughter Rosilda for a tract of land adjoining Patrick Nixon on the south, containing about five hundred acres, where I have ever since resided. Chief Seltice and Honorable Albert M, Anderson, then Indian Agent approved this transfer. This Tract of land I purchased from Chief Seltice and gave to my daughter Rosilda in 1889. This same year I purchased about one thousand acres from Lois Sam, son of "Sam" above mentioned for $160, and improved this by fencing same, all of which was done with the sanction and approval of Chief Seltice the head men and Council of the tribe and Honorable Hal J. Cole, then Indian Agent. I also improve the land I now own by building a house, which was done with the sanction and approval of Chief Seltice, the headmen and council of the tribe and Honorable Hal J. Cole, then Indian Agent. I also improved the land I now own by building a house, barn, granary, and dug a well, broke one hundred and fifty acres, fenced the whole tract, furnished the house with furniture, piano, etc., all at an expense of $2700, before I traded the same to my daughter Rosilda, better known ad Rose Mondou, and since acquiring this land back from my daughter Rosilda, I have continued to improve and cultivate the same. This improvement on this land is now worth $3,500.
My family and myself have ever since my first advent into the Coeur d' Alene reservation, been recognized and treated by the chiefs and headmen of the tribe as members of the Coeur d' Alene Tribe of Indians. Under the recognized law and customs of the tribe, the chief of the tribe had power to make and promulgate its laws and had power to determine who should constitute the members of the tribe. If the child (sic) said; "These are my children, you shall respect and treat them as such," this was all that was necessary to make such a member of the tribe under their law, and the decrees of Chief Seltice in this respect were accepted in and submitted to and respected by all the members of the tribe.
Note; the foregoing from a typewritten copy of the original. Whereabouts of the original statement not known in 1962, but perhaps in Department of Indian Affairs.
Stephen Liberty
He was born in another country and under a different name, but Stephen Liberty left an indelible mark in the history books of the Inland Northwest.
Not only is a lake near the Idaho-Washington border named in his honor, but Liberty is remembered for his work and friendship with the Native Americans
and for his pioneering spirit.
He was born Etienne Eduard Laliberte on Nov. 15, 1843, in the province of Quebec, Canada, to Joseph Etienne and Emilie Saloe Laliberte. He immigrated to the United States in 1862 and later became a naturalized citizen.
Liberty joined a wagon train with Capt. James Liberty Fisk in the summer of 1866 and served as assistant wagon master and offcer of the guard. Liberty left the wagon train with Joseph Peavy in Benton, Montana. Together, the two men continued on to Cabinet Landing on the Pend Oreille River and purchased a station house. They then contracted to carry mail from Cabinet Landing to Connors, near present-day Rathdrum, Idaho.
In 1868 Liberty married Christine Barnaby in Rathdrum. ey settled south of Spokane and planted a large orchard. e land was later sold to JosephMoran and became known as the Moran Prairie.
In 1871, Liberty moved his family to the west side of Lake Grier where he was the rst white settler in the area. Later, the lake was re-named Liberty Lake. It was there that Liberty became close friends with Chief Andrew Seltice of the Coeurd'Alene Indian Tribe.
In Stephen Liberty's own words: "In February 1871, I removed to Liberty Lake (so named in my honor) where I again established a home and set out about twenty five acres of orchard and continued the raising of stock. When I removed to Liberty Lake, Chief Seltice was my neighbor. Stillam, one of the head men of the tribe, then resided near Spokane Bridge, a short distance from me. From the time of my first acquaintance with Chief Seltice and
the other head men of the tribe mentioned, I enjoyed their utmost confidence."
Stephen Liberty was inducted into the Spokane Society of
Pioneers in 1896. He died from pneumonia on Jan. 18, 1911, and was buried at Fairmount Memorial Park. Until the dedication of the historic marker, Stephen Liberty's grave was unmarked.
STEPHEN E. LIBERTY (1943-1911)
The following copy of deposition by Stephen E. Liberty, submitted by John Porter Graham, does not indicate the date or place of the deposition.
Stephen E. Liberty, being first duly sworn, on his oath deposes and says; I was born at St. Francois, Province of Quebec, Canada, on Nov 15th 1843. I left Canada in October, of 1862, going to Massachusetts. From there I went to Lake Superior; wintered there in the winter of 1863-4, and in the spring of 1865 went to Stillwater, Minnesota, thence to St. Paul, Minnesota, where I entered the employ of Captain Louis Robier, and was engaged in buying furs and trading with the Indians on the St. Peters river, with headquarters at New Ulm, Minnesota. In the summer of 1866 I crossed the plains with a train under the command of Captain James L. Fisk. Colonel I. N. Peyton and Judge W. E. Cullen of Spokane, and Joseph Peavy were in this train. I was officer of the guard and assistant train master. I left the train at Fort Benton, Montana, and went from there to Helena, and from Helena at Cabinet Landing on the Pend 'Oreille river, where Joe Peavy and myself bought a station house. While conducting this station house we met J. K. Clark, brother of Senator W. A. Clark of Montana, who was representing and carrying the United States mail for the firm of Clark & Witcher, and from them, through J. K. Clark we took a contract for carrying the United States mail from Cabinet Landing, Idaho, to Rathdrum, Idaho.
I make this statement of my early history for the reason that I have been inform that is desired by the department that I should do so.
I am a naturalized citizen of the United States, having secured my second papers at Cheney, Washington Territory in 1866. I was married September 2nd, 1868 to Christine Barnabee, at Rathdrum, Idaho, who was and is of Indian blood. After my marriage I located on Moran Prairie, in what is now Spokane County, Washington, making the first settlement on Moran Prairie, where I patted a large orchard on the place now owned by J. J. Browne. This I sold to Joseph Moran. I moved from there back to Rathdrum, Idaho, and purchased the land on which the town of Rathdrum now stands from Joseph Barnabee, my father-in-law, and again engaged in carrying the United stated mail. This I sold to Thomas Ford, and removed to a place about two miles below Rathdrum and engaged in the stock business, and in February, 1871 I removed to Liberty Lake (so named in my honor) where I again established a home and set out about twenty five acres of orchard and continued the raising of stock.
I first met Chief Andrew Seltice, Pierre Wildshoe, Quinnemose, and Saol Lois while I was engaged in carrying the United States mail under the contract above referred to. When I removed to Liberty Lake in February 1871, Chief Seltice was my neighbor. Stilam, one of the headmen of the tribe, then resided near Spokane Bridge, a short distance from me. Joseph Peavy came to live in the vicinity of what is mow the city of Spokane about the year 1876. From the time of my first acquaintance with Chief Seltice and the other headmen of the tribe mentioned, I have enjoyed their utmost confidence. In all matters of importance I was consulted and whenever danger was threatened to the whites or any uprising of the Indians was threatened, I was the first to receive information of it. To show how I stood and was treated by the Indians, I will cite a few circumstances. In 1877, when the Nez Perce war broke out, I was at Missoula, Montana, where I had gone to dispose of some horses. Upon my arrival there, I received a message from Chief Seltice, telling me to return home at once, as the Nez perce had already broken out. I returned home at once, as upon my return Chief Seltice and other headmen said to me; "You stay right here with your family and see that Joe Peavy and his family are here too, for you will be safe here. Chief Joseph is wild and we are liable to need your services."
On August, 1885, I went to the Coeur d' Alene Indian reservation at the urgent request and invitation of Andrew Seltice, Chief of the tribe, Pierre Wildshoe, second chief, Quinnemose, Stilam, Regis, Saul Louis and other of the head men of the tribe, and with the permission, knowledge, consent and sanction of Chief Seltice and the head men and council of the tribe, I purchased the rights and improvements of "Sam", one of the head men of the Tribe, to a tract of land containing about three Hundred and fifty acres, adjoining the lands of the fathers at DeSmet Mission, on said reservation and at the time I was requested to remove with my family to the reservation by Chief Seltice, Pierre Wildshoe, Stilam, Quinnemose, Regis, and others, I was informed by them that if I would remove to the reservation with my family that I would be accorded every right possessed by any member of the tribe, and all. In the fall of this year I moved to this land with my family and resided there until the year 1890. I paid "Sam" $160 for this land. The money improvement on the land at the time I purchased it was a little deserted log cabin. I cleared this land at an expense approximately of $1,000, and following spring set out an orchard of about seven acres, fenced about two hundred acres with lumber and wire tight fence, and dug a well 365 feet deep at an expense of $1 or more per foot, built a barn at an expense of about $600 and six room house that cost about $1,000, furnishing the same at a cost of $1,000 or more. In 1890 I separated from my wife and gave her this tract of land together with all the improvements, stock, etc., which I possessed. Chief Seltice then gave me a tract of land on the Washington and Idaho line, adjoining Patrick Nixon of the north, containing about 500 acres. Joseph Peavy had previously settled on this land and I purchased his right to the tract and later, in 1891 Chief Seltice gave me written permit to take this land, a true copy of which is attached hereto, marked "Exhibit C" and made hereof.
I moved upon this tract of land and resided there until my daughter Mary came of age, I improved this land also, set out an orchard of three or four acres, fenced it with a wire fence, broke up and cultivated the whole tract, built a house, dug a well, built a cowshed and granary at an expense of not less than $5, 000. My daughter Mary became of age sometime in the summer of 1901 (sic, probably error in date in previous copying?) when she married and I gave her one half of this tract of land, with the improvements, for the amount due here (sic) from the United States Government, having a short time previous given the other half to my son Lee, who in turn sold his share to Benjamin Nixon, husband of my daughter Mary. I then purchased the tract of land known as the "hog timothy" ranch, situated about eight miles from Rockford, Washington, on the reserve. I purchased this from Jerry Adolph Boutlier with the consent and sanction of Chief Seltice and Honorable A. N. Andfeson (sic) then Indian Agent. I continued, however to resided with my daughter Mary, and traded this last named ranch to my daughter Rosilda for a tract of land adjoining Patrick Nixon on the south, containing about five hundred acres, where I have ever since resided. Chief Seltice and Honorable Albert M, Anderson, then Indian Agent approved this transfer. This Tract of land I purchased from Chief Seltice and gave to my daughter Rosilda in 1889. This same year I purchased about one thousand acres from Lois Sam, son of "Sam" above mentioned for $160, and improved this by fencing same, all of which was done with the sanction and approval of Chief Seltice the head men and Council of the tribe and Honorable Hal J. Cole, then Indian Agent. I also improve the land I now own by building a house, which was done with the sanction and approval of Chief Seltice, the headmen and council of the tribe and Honorable Hal J. Cole, then Indian Agent. I also improved the land I now own by building a house, barn, granary, and dug a well, broke one hundred and fifty acres, fenced the whole tract, furnished the house with furniture, piano, etc., all at an expense of $2700, before I traded the same to my daughter Rosilda, better known ad Rose Mondou, and since acquiring this land back from my daughter Rosilda, I have continued to improve and cultivate the same. This improvement on this land is now worth $3,500.
My family and myself have ever since my first advent into the Coeur d' Alene reservation, been recognized and treated by the chiefs and headmen of the tribe as members of the Coeur d' Alene Tribe of Indians. Under the recognized law and customs of the tribe, the chief of the tribe had power to make and promulgate its laws and had power to determine who should constitute the members of the tribe. If the child (sic) said; "These are my children, you shall respect and treat them as such," this was all that was necessary to make such a member of the tribe under their law, and the decrees of Chief Seltice in this respect were accepted in and submitted to and respected by all the members of the tribe.
Note; the foregoing from a typewritten copy of the original. Whereabouts of the original statement not known in 1962, but perhaps in Department of Indian Affairs.
From Fairmount Memorial Journeys
Stephen Liberty
He was born in another country and under a different name, but Stephen Liberty left an indelible mark in the history books of the Inland Northwest.
Not only is a lake near the Idaho-Washington border named in his honor, but Liberty is remembered for his work and friendship with the Native Americans
and for his pioneering spirit.
He was born Etienne Eduard Laliberte on Nov. 15, 1843, in the province of Quebec, Canada, to Joseph Etienne and Emilie Saloe Laliberte. He immigrated to the United States in 1862 and later became a naturalized citizen.
Liberty joined a wagon train with Capt. James Liberty Fisk in the summer of 1866 and served as assistant wagon master and offcer of the guard. Liberty left the wagon train with Joseph Peavy in Benton, Montana. Together, the two men continued on to Cabinet Landing on the Pend Oreille River and purchased a station house. They then contracted to carry mail from Cabinet Landing to Connors, near present-day Rathdrum, Idaho.
In 1868 Liberty married Christine Barnaby in Rathdrum. ey settled south of Spokane and planted a large orchard. e land was later sold to JosephMoran and became known as the Moran Prairie.
In 1871, Liberty moved his family to the west side of Lake Grier where he was the rst white settler in the area. Later, the lake was re-named Liberty Lake. It was there that Liberty became close friends with Chief Andrew Seltice of the Coeurd'Alene Indian Tribe.
In Stephen Liberty's own words: "In February 1871, I removed to Liberty Lake (so named in my honor) where I again established a home and set out about twenty five acres of orchard and continued the raising of stock. When I removed to Liberty Lake, Chief Seltice was my neighbor. Stillam, one of the head men of the tribe, then resided near Spokane Bridge, a short distance from me. From the time of my first acquaintance with Chief Seltice and
the other head men of the tribe mentioned, I enjoyed their utmost confidence."
Stephen Liberty was inducted into the Spokane Society of
Pioneers in 1896. He died from pneumonia on Jan. 18, 1911, and was buried at Fairmount Memorial Park. Until the dedication of the historic marker, Stephen Liberty's grave was unmarked.
STEPHEN E. LIBERTY (1943-1911)
The following copy of deposition by Stephen E. Liberty, submitted by John Porter Graham, does not indicate the date or place of the deposition.
Stephen E. Liberty, being first duly sworn, on his oath deposes and says; I was born at St. Francois, Province of Quebec, Canada, on Nov 15th 1843. I left Canada in October, of 1862, going to Massachusetts. From there I went to Lake Superior; wintered there in the winter of 1863-4, and in the spring of 1865 went to Stillwater, Minnesota, thence to St. Paul, Minnesota, where I entered the employ of Captain Louis Robier, and was engaged in buying furs and trading with the Indians on the St. Peters river, with headquarters at New Ulm, Minnesota. In the summer of 1866 I crossed the plains with a train under the command of Captain James L. Fisk. Colonel I. N. Peyton and Judge W. E. Cullen of Spokane, and Joseph Peavy were in this train. I was officer of the guard and assistant train master. I left the train at Fort Benton, Montana, and went from there to Helena, and from Helena at Cabinet Landing on the Pend 'Oreille river, where Joe Peavy and myself bought a station house. While conducting this station house we met J. K. Clark, brother of Senator W. A. Clark of Montana, who was representing and carrying the United States mail for the firm of Clark & Witcher, and from them, through J. K. Clark we took a contract for carrying the United States mail from Cabinet Landing, Idaho, to Rathdrum, Idaho.
I make this statement of my early history for the reason that I have been inform that is desired by the department that I should do so.
I am a naturalized citizen of the United States, having secured my second papers at Cheney, Washington Territory in 1866. I was married September 2nd, 1868 to Christine Barnabee, at Rathdrum, Idaho, who was and is of Indian blood. After my marriage I located on Moran Prairie, in what is now Spokane County, Washington, making the first settlement on Moran Prairie, where I patted a large orchard on the place now owned by J. J. Browne. This I sold to Joseph Moran. I moved from there back to Rathdrum, Idaho, and purchased the land on which the town of Rathdrum now stands from Joseph Barnabee, my father-in-law, and again engaged in carrying the United stated mail. This I sold to Thomas Ford, and removed to a place about two miles below Rathdrum and engaged in the stock business, and in February, 1871 I removed to Liberty Lake (so named in my honor) where I again established a home and set out about twenty five acres of orchard and continued the raising of stock.
I first met Chief Andrew Seltice, Pierre Wildshoe, Quinnemose, and Saol Lois while I was engaged in carrying the United States mail under the contract above referred to. When I removed to Liberty Lake in February 1871, Chief Seltice was my neighbor. Stilam, one of the headmen of the tribe, then resided near Spokane Bridge, a short distance from me. Joseph Peavy came to live in the vicinity of what is mow the city of Spokane about the year 1876. From the time of my first acquaintance with Chief Seltice and the other headmen of the tribe mentioned, I have enjoyed their utmost confidence. In all matters of importance I was consulted and whenever danger was threatened to the whites or any uprising of the Indians was threatened, I was the first to receive information of it. To show how I stood and was treated by the Indians, I will cite a few circumstances. In 1877, when the Nez Perce war broke out, I was at Missoula, Montana, where I had gone to dispose of some horses. Upon my arrival there, I received a message from Chief Seltice, telling me to return home at once, as the Nez perce had already broken out. I returned home at once, as upon my return Chief Seltice and other headmen said to me; "You stay right here with your family and see that Joe Peavy and his family are here too, for you will be safe here. Chief Joseph is wild and we are liable to need your services."
On August, 1885, I went to the Coeur d' Alene Indian reservation at the urgent request and invitation of Andrew Seltice, Chief of the tribe, Pierre Wildshoe, second chief, Quinnemose, Stilam, Regis, Saul Louis and other of the head men of the tribe, and with the permission, knowledge, consent and sanction of Chief Seltice and the head men and council of the tribe, I purchased the rights and improvements of "Sam", one of the head men of the Tribe, to a tract of land containing about three Hundred and fifty acres, adjoining the lands of the fathers at DeSmet Mission, on said reservation and at the time I was requested to remove with my family to the reservation by Chief Seltice, Pierre Wildshoe, Stilam, Quinnemose, Regis, and others, I was informed by them that if I would remove to the reservation with my family that I would be accorded every right possessed by any member of the tribe, and all. In the fall of this year I moved to this land with my family and resided there until the year 1890. I paid "Sam" $160 for this land. The money improvement on the land at the time I purchased it was a little deserted log cabin. I cleared this land at an expense approximately of $1,000, and following spring set out an orchard of about seven acres, fenced about two hundred acres with lumber and wire tight fence, and dug a well 365 feet deep at an expense of $1 or more per foot, built a barn at an expense of about $600 and six room house that cost about $1,000, furnishing the same at a cost of $1,000 or more. In 1890 I separated from my wife and gave her this tract of land together with all the improvements, stock, etc., which I possessed. Chief Seltice then gave me a tract of land on the Washington and Idaho line, adjoining Patrick Nixon of the north, containing about 500 acres. Joseph Peavy had previously settled on this land and I purchased his right to the tract and later, in 1891 Chief Seltice gave me written permit to take this land, a true copy of which is attached hereto, marked "Exhibit C" and made hereof.
I moved upon this tract of land and resided there until my daughter Mary came of age, I improved this land also, set out an orchard of three or four acres, fenced it with a wire fence, broke up and cultivated the whole tract, built a house, dug a well, built a cowshed and granary at an expense of not less than $5, 000. My daughter Mary became of age sometime in the summer of 1901 (sic, probably error in date in previous copying?) when she married and I gave her one half of this tract of land, with the improvements, for the amount due here (sic) from the United States Government, having a short time previous given the other half to my son Lee, who in turn sold his share to Benjamin Nixon, husband of my daughter Mary. I then purchased the tract of land known as the "hog timothy" ranch, situated about eight miles from Rockford, Washington, on the reserve. I purchased this from Jerry Adolph Boutlier with the consent and sanction of Chief Seltice and Honorable A. N. Andfeson (sic) then Indian Agent. I continued, however to resided with my daughter Mary, and traded this last named ranch to my daughter Rosilda for a tract of land adjoining Patrick Nixon on the south, containing about five hundred acres, where I have ever since resided. Chief Seltice and Honorable Albert M, Anderson, then Indian Agent approved this transfer. This Tract of land I purchased from Chief Seltice and gave to my daughter Rosilda in 1889. This same year I purchased about one thousand acres from Lois Sam, son of "Sam" above mentioned for $160, and improved this by fencing same, all of which was done with the sanction and approval of Chief Seltice the head men and Council of the tribe and Honorable Hal J. Cole, then Indian Agent. I also improve the land I now own by building a house, which was done with the sanction and approval of Chief Seltice, the headmen and council of the tribe and Honorable Hal J. Cole, then Indian Agent. I also improved the land I now own by building a house, barn, granary, and dug a well, broke one hundred and fifty acres, fenced the whole tract, furnished the house with furniture, piano, etc., all at an expense of $2700, before I traded the same to my daughter Rosilda, better known ad Rose Mondou, and since acquiring this land back from my daughter Rosilda, I have continued to improve and cultivate the same. This improvement on this land is now worth $3,500.
My family and myself have ever since my first advent into the Coeur d' Alene reservation, been recognized and treated by the chiefs and headmen of the tribe as members of the Coeur d' Alene Tribe of Indians. Under the recognized law and customs of the tribe, the chief of the tribe had power to make and promulgate its laws and had power to determine who should constitute the members of the tribe. If the child (sic) said; "These are my children, you shall respect and treat them as such," this was all that was necessary to make such a member of the tribe under their law, and the decrees of Chief Seltice in this respect were accepted in and submitted to and respected by all the members of the tribe.
Note; the foregoing from a typewritten copy of the original. Whereabouts of the original statement not known in 1962, but perhaps in Department of Indian Affairs.
Stephen Liberty
He was born in another country and under a different name, but Stephen Liberty left an indelible mark in the history books of the Inland Northwest.
Not only is a lake near the Idaho-Washington border named in his honor, but Liberty is remembered for his work and friendship with the Native Americans
and for his pioneering spirit.
He was born Etienne Eduard Laliberte on Nov. 15, 1843, in the province of Quebec, Canada, to Joseph Etienne and Emilie Saloe Laliberte. He immigrated to the United States in 1862 and later became a naturalized citizen.
Liberty joined a wagon train with Capt. James Liberty Fisk in the summer of 1866 and served as assistant wagon master and offcer of the guard. Liberty left the wagon train with Joseph Peavy in Benton, Montana. Together, the two men continued on to Cabinet Landing on the Pend Oreille River and purchased a station house. They then contracted to carry mail from Cabinet Landing to Connors, near present-day Rathdrum, Idaho.
In 1868 Liberty married Christine Barnaby in Rathdrum. ey settled south of Spokane and planted a large orchard. e land was later sold to JosephMoran and became known as the Moran Prairie.
In 1871, Liberty moved his family to the west side of Lake Grier where he was the rst white settler in the area. Later, the lake was re-named Liberty Lake. It was there that Liberty became close friends with Chief Andrew Seltice of the Coeurd'Alene Indian Tribe.
In Stephen Liberty's own words: "In February 1871, I removed to Liberty Lake (so named in my honor) where I again established a home and set out about twenty five acres of orchard and continued the raising of stock. When I removed to Liberty Lake, Chief Seltice was my neighbor. Stillam, one of the head men of the tribe, then resided near Spokane Bridge, a short distance from me. From the time of my first acquaintance with Chief Seltice and
the other head men of the tribe mentioned, I enjoyed their utmost confidence."
Stephen Liberty was inducted into the Spokane Society of
Pioneers in 1896. He died from pneumonia on Jan. 18, 1911, and was buried at Fairmount Memorial Park. Until the dedication of the historic marker, Stephen Liberty's grave was unmarked.
STEPHEN E. LIBERTY (1943-1911)
The following copy of deposition by Stephen E. Liberty, submitted by John Porter Graham, does not indicate the date or place of the deposition.
Stephen E. Liberty, being first duly sworn, on his oath deposes and says; I was born at St. Francois, Province of Quebec, Canada, on Nov 15th 1843. I left Canada in October, of 1862, going to Massachusetts. From there I went to Lake Superior; wintered there in the winter of 1863-4, and in the spring of 1865 went to Stillwater, Minnesota, thence to St. Paul, Minnesota, where I entered the employ of Captain Louis Robier, and was engaged in buying furs and trading with the Indians on the St. Peters river, with headquarters at New Ulm, Minnesota. In the summer of 1866 I crossed the plains with a train under the command of Captain James L. Fisk. Colonel I. N. Peyton and Judge W. E. Cullen of Spokane, and Joseph Peavy were in this train. I was officer of the guard and assistant train master. I left the train at Fort Benton, Montana, and went from there to Helena, and from Helena at Cabinet Landing on the Pend 'Oreille river, where Joe Peavy and myself bought a station house. While conducting this station house we met J. K. Clark, brother of Senator W. A. Clark of Montana, who was representing and carrying the United States mail for the firm of Clark & Witcher, and from them, through J. K. Clark we took a contract for carrying the United States mail from Cabinet Landing, Idaho, to Rathdrum, Idaho.
I make this statement of my early history for the reason that I have been inform that is desired by the department that I should do so.
I am a naturalized citizen of the United States, having secured my second papers at Cheney, Washington Territory in 1866. I was married September 2nd, 1868 to Christine Barnabee, at Rathdrum, Idaho, who was and is of Indian blood. After my marriage I located on Moran Prairie, in what is now Spokane County, Washington, making the first settlement on Moran Prairie, where I patted a large orchard on the place now owned by J. J. Browne. This I sold to Joseph Moran. I moved from there back to Rathdrum, Idaho, and purchased the land on which the town of Rathdrum now stands from Joseph Barnabee, my father-in-law, and again engaged in carrying the United stated mail. This I sold to Thomas Ford, and removed to a place about two miles below Rathdrum and engaged in the stock business, and in February, 1871 I removed to Liberty Lake (so named in my honor) where I again established a home and set out about twenty five acres of orchard and continued the raising of stock.
I first met Chief Andrew Seltice, Pierre Wildshoe, Quinnemose, and Saol Lois while I was engaged in carrying the United States mail under the contract above referred to. When I removed to Liberty Lake in February 1871, Chief Seltice was my neighbor. Stilam, one of the headmen of the tribe, then resided near Spokane Bridge, a short distance from me. Joseph Peavy came to live in the vicinity of what is mow the city of Spokane about the year 1876. From the time of my first acquaintance with Chief Seltice and the other headmen of the tribe mentioned, I have enjoyed their utmost confidence. In all matters of importance I was consulted and whenever danger was threatened to the whites or any uprising of the Indians was threatened, I was the first to receive information of it. To show how I stood and was treated by the Indians, I will cite a few circumstances. In 1877, when the Nez Perce war broke out, I was at Missoula, Montana, where I had gone to dispose of some horses. Upon my arrival there, I received a message from Chief Seltice, telling me to return home at once, as the Nez perce had already broken out. I returned home at once, as upon my return Chief Seltice and other headmen said to me; "You stay right here with your family and see that Joe Peavy and his family are here too, for you will be safe here. Chief Joseph is wild and we are liable to need your services."
On August, 1885, I went to the Coeur d' Alene Indian reservation at the urgent request and invitation of Andrew Seltice, Chief of the tribe, Pierre Wildshoe, second chief, Quinnemose, Stilam, Regis, Saul Louis and other of the head men of the tribe, and with the permission, knowledge, consent and sanction of Chief Seltice and the head men and council of the tribe, I purchased the rights and improvements of "Sam", one of the head men of the Tribe, to a tract of land containing about three Hundred and fifty acres, adjoining the lands of the fathers at DeSmet Mission, on said reservation and at the time I was requested to remove with my family to the reservation by Chief Seltice, Pierre Wildshoe, Stilam, Quinnemose, Regis, and others, I was informed by them that if I would remove to the reservation with my family that I would be accorded every right possessed by any member of the tribe, and all. In the fall of this year I moved to this land with my family and resided there until the year 1890. I paid "Sam" $160 for this land. The money improvement on the land at the time I purchased it was a little deserted log cabin. I cleared this land at an expense approximately of $1,000, and following spring set out an orchard of about seven acres, fenced about two hundred acres with lumber and wire tight fence, and dug a well 365 feet deep at an expense of $1 or more per foot, built a barn at an expense of about $600 and six room house that cost about $1,000, furnishing the same at a cost of $1,000 or more. In 1890 I separated from my wife and gave her this tract of land together with all the improvements, stock, etc., which I possessed. Chief Seltice then gave me a tract of land on the Washington and Idaho line, adjoining Patrick Nixon of the north, containing about 500 acres. Joseph Peavy had previously settled on this land and I purchased his right to the tract and later, in 1891 Chief Seltice gave me written permit to take this land, a true copy of which is attached hereto, marked "Exhibit C" and made hereof.
I moved upon this tract of land and resided there until my daughter Mary came of age, I improved this land also, set out an orchard of three or four acres, fenced it with a wire fence, broke up and cultivated the whole tract, built a house, dug a well, built a cowshed and granary at an expense of not less than $5, 000. My daughter Mary became of age sometime in the summer of 1901 (sic, probably error in date in previous copying?) when she married and I gave her one half of this tract of land, with the improvements, for the amount due here (sic) from the United States Government, having a short time previous given the other half to my son Lee, who in turn sold his share to Benjamin Nixon, husband of my daughter Mary. I then purchased the tract of land known as the "hog timothy" ranch, situated about eight miles from Rockford, Washington, on the reserve. I purchased this from Jerry Adolph Boutlier with the consent and sanction of Chief Seltice and Honorable A. N. Andfeson (sic) then Indian Agent. I continued, however to resided with my daughter Mary, and traded this last named ranch to my daughter Rosilda for a tract of land adjoining Patrick Nixon on the south, containing about five hundred acres, where I have ever since resided. Chief Seltice and Honorable Albert M, Anderson, then Indian Agent approved this transfer. This Tract of land I purchased from Chief Seltice and gave to my daughter Rosilda in 1889. This same year I purchased about one thousand acres from Lois Sam, son of "Sam" above mentioned for $160, and improved this by fencing same, all of which was done with the sanction and approval of Chief Seltice the head men and Council of the tribe and Honorable Hal J. Cole, then Indian Agent. I also improve the land I now own by building a house, which was done with the sanction and approval of Chief Seltice, the headmen and council of the tribe and Honorable Hal J. Cole, then Indian Agent. I also improved the land I now own by building a house, barn, granary, and dug a well, broke one hundred and fifty acres, fenced the whole tract, furnished the house with furniture, piano, etc., all at an expense of $2700, before I traded the same to my daughter Rosilda, better known ad Rose Mondou, and since acquiring this land back from my daughter Rosilda, I have continued to improve and cultivate the same. This improvement on this land is now worth $3,500.
My family and myself have ever since my first advent into the Coeur d' Alene reservation, been recognized and treated by the chiefs and headmen of the tribe as members of the Coeur d' Alene Tribe of Indians. Under the recognized law and customs of the tribe, the chief of the tribe had power to make and promulgate its laws and had power to determine who should constitute the members of the tribe. If the child (sic) said; "These are my children, you shall respect and treat them as such," this was all that was necessary to make such a member of the tribe under their law, and the decrees of Chief Seltice in this respect were accepted in and submitted to and respected by all the members of the tribe.
Note; the foregoing from a typewritten copy of the original. Whereabouts of the original statement not known in 1962, but perhaps in Department of Indian Affairs.
