History Corner

Robert White, Council’s first postmaster, wrote a letter to the Idaho Tri-Weekly Statesman, which was printed in the very first edition of that newspaper: September 23, 1882. Vol. 1, No. 1.

This letter is also found in the book Council Valley, Here They Labored. Bob White’s letter follows, along with my comments in parentheses.

“Council Valley is situated on the main Weiser River about twelve miles north of Indian Valley, and has a population of nearly 100 inhabitants. The first resident, on the south, are L.S. Case, David Wedell and Jacob Groseclose” (The first two names are unfamiliar to me, but the Groseclose family moved from Indian Valley to Cottonwood Creek, south of Council sometime after their son, Jacob Jr., was killed in the Long Valley Massacre in 1878. The post office at Cottonwood was named “Rose” after their daughter, Rose Ann. Not long after Mr. White’s letter was written, the family moved to Lick Creek where Rose Ann married Arthur Robertson.)

“The last named gentleman (Groseclose) has this year grown a nice lot of sugar cane which is well matured and is now being converted into syrup.” (This is not the only case of someone growing sugar cane in this area. With our short growing season, it seems remarkable.)

“The next residence is that of G.M. Moser, an energetic and well-to-do farmer.” (The Moser cabin was on what is now the southwest corner of Moser Avenue and Michigan Street.)

“A little higher up we find William J. Loveless and his father.” (William’s father was Zadock Loveless, which is where Robert Zadock Harrington got his middle name. Zadock Loveless’s daughter, Martha, married William Ryal Harrington, Roberts father. Bill and Zadock Loveless lived just northwest of what is now Council. Their homestead was the site of the Council trees, and the fort was built on their land in 1878.)

“The next ranch is owned by A. Kesler, who by the way, is the champion watermelon raiser. He is now converting the juice of these melons into syrup with good success.” (Why Mr. White used first names for some of his neighbors and not for others is a mystery to me. It was very common for men to be mentioned in newspapers by using their first two initials and their last name -- R.P. White, L.L. Burtenshaw, etc. A. Kesler was Alex Kesler. The Kesler Cemetery sits on what was his homestead.)

“Farther up the valley is the residence of your humble servant, the present postmaster, and one-legged justice.” (I wish I knew where this place was. I know the Whites lived just south of town not too many years after this. Bob White was Council’s first postmaster, first school teacher, and first justice of the peace. As far as I know, the “one-legged” reference was merely 19th century humor.)

“North of this, one mile, is the residence of G.A. Winkler, where the weary traveler can refresh himself with a good, square meal at any time. This ranch is situated on Mill Creek.” (The George M. Winkler place is now the Gould ranch, three miles north of town. It is not Mill Creek, but not far north of it. The Winklers ran a stage stop / roadhouse of some kind. There are a few mentions of it in old accounts, but no real descriptions.)

“Further up Mill Creek, and to the east, we find the farms of G.M. Winkler and William Harp, who are successful farmers.” (George M. Winkler was the son of George A. Winkler, and were followed by many generations of George M. and George A. Winklers as a result of a tradition that seems to continue to this day. It makes for confusing research at times. There were a number of Harps in this area very early. Some of them lived at or near Fruitvale, but none of them lived in one place too long. Their descendants are still trying to figure out who lived where, and when.)  

“One mile east on this creek (Mill Creek) is an almost natural mill-site, with any amount of timber accessible, awaiting only capital and the saw to convert it to lumber. To the north we find the farms of Mrs. Harp, James Copeland and Samuel Harp. It will be remembered that this is on the east side of the Weiser River, while on the west we strike Hornet Creek Valley which runs north and west, and nearly parallel with the main Weiser. This valley is settled up for a distance of twelve miles, and has received quite a number of new settlers this season. Several families who have traveled for months on this coast have settled here and seem to think they have found the place of their choice for a future home. The majority of the newcomers seem to have some means and present the appearance of an intelligent and industrious class of people.”

“Society is as good here as elsewhere. We have a good school house, and the school now in session is largely attended. Mr. D.J. Richards is teacher and is master of his honorable profession.”

“There is none of the sage brush or bunch-grass lands taken up as yet, but ere long the weary emigrant will find here his ideal of a home, erect him a corner of stone with the assurance of future prosperity and happiness. - Bob.”