Smallpox Epidemic Among Plains Tribes From 1837 Journals
Friction between tribes and whites rose as smallpox spread through the upper Missouri region in 1837. Francois Chardon, fur trader and courier Toussaint Charbonneau, and reports from Fort Clark frame a vivid, firsthand view of the Mandan deaths and the steamer St Peter's role in spreading the plague.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Francois Chardan
Missouri
St. Peter's
Toussaint Charbonneau
Sacajawea
Fort Clark
Walter E. Taylor
John James Audubon
North Dakota
Montana
Missouri Country
Audubon
H. M. Chittenden
Chardon
Library of Congress
Fur Company
Prince Chardon
Fort Union
Yellowstone River
Bismarck
N. D
Chardon Journals Spotlight Toussaint Charbonneau Journeys
In 1837 Chardon records Charbonneau leading trading trips to Gros Ventres and Pawnee factions while Sacajawea’s status fades. Entries note Charbonneau’s arrival with smallpox news, rat tallies, and a July Fourth toast to Jackson as trappers and traders mark Independence Day.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Chardon
Fort McKenzie
Marias River
Montana
Fort Berthold
Toussaint Charbonneau
Sacajawea
Charbonneau
Gros Ventres
Rees
Pawnee
S. B
Jackson
Ennis Postmistress Jennie Chowning Retires After 41 Years
Mrs Jennie W Chowning, longtime Ennis postmistress, has retired at age 70 after more than 41 years in office. Her daughter lss acting postmistress while examinations determine a permanent successor.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jennie W. Chowning
Ennis
Post Office Department
Chowning
William Ennis
Onette
Winifred Jeffers
United States Civil Service Commission
Bozeman
Montana
Smallpox Rages as Fort Mesmer Dies and Rats Count Grow
Chardon notes severe smallpox scourge through fall, Mandans and Blackfeet exposed, whites dead including Chardon's son. By year end Charbonneau arrives with few lodges left. river lodges scattered, 117 dead previously, disease still raging. Rat killings total 2,294 this month, reflecting harsh frontier conditions.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Chardon
Charbonneau
Gros Ventres
Gros Ventre
Missouri
Peotane
Tragedy at the Lodge Ends in Knife and Arrow Stabbings
A violent incident describes two men, one stabbing himself with a knife and the other with an arrow. A sick young Bee, isolated in his lodge and afflicted with smallpox, chose death over continued agony.
Lars Carlson Named President of Helena Chamber of Commerce
Lars Carlson, longtime Helena resident since 1928 and secretary treasurer of Montana Consolidated Mines Corp., was elected president of the Helena Chamber of Commerce. Matt Staff was named secretary manager with George Jacoby as first vice president, Fred Heinecke as second vice president, J. G. Reltsch as third vice president, L. B. Hazard as treasurer, and L. Bawden as national councilor. Carlson succeeds John W. Mahan after two terms.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Lars Carlson
Helena Chamber of Commerce
Montana Consolidated Mines Corp
Helena
Matt Staff
George Jacoby
Fred Heinecke
J. G. Reltsch
Hazard
Bawden
Carlson
John W. Mahan
Also Mentioned on This Page
Gracie Allen
White House
Miss Allen
Mandan
Four Bears
Maximilian
Portia
Red River
Little Mandan
Tony
Old Charbonneau
Amac-Etiaoinsh
Ree
John Cliner
Garreau
Himsel
Vilage
Barbara Luddy
Barbara
CBS
fcoNoc
Oltve
Ea. Ae
Hese
Kexete
First Mortgage
Western Life Insurance
U. S. Government
Legal Reserve
Western Life
R. B. Richardson
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!