Usher Burdick Papers

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Gunther Harms Regarding the Taking of Harms's Land for Garrison Dam, November 16, 1953

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter dated November 16, 1953 from United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick to Gunther Harms is a reply to Harms's letter of November 7, in which Harms expressed his disgust with the process by which his land was taken, including the method of valuation and of determining the total payment. Burdick discusses the work he did to promote cancellation of feed and seed loan debts, only to have the legislation stall in the US Senate.

  See also:

  Letter from Gunther Harms to Representative Burdick Regarding Taking of Land for Garrison Dam, November 7, 1953

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to H. J. Garrett Regarding Mineral Rights, April 6, 1953

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter dated April 6, 1953 from United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick to H. J. Garrett of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, refers to Garrett's letter of April 1 regarding US House Resolution 100. Burdick explains that this legislation would not apply to minerals acquired by the government in the taking area for the Garrison Dam. To cover that situation, he writes, a new bill would have to be introduced for that specific purpose.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to James Black Dog Regarding Per Capita Payments, May 20, 1953

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated May 20, 1953, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to James Black Dog makes reference to Black Dog's letter to US Representative from Iowa Ben F. Jensen regarding per capita payments to members of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berhold Reservation, which Jensen forwarded to Burdick. Burdick writes that the US Indian Bureau has informed him that the article was not correct and that the per capita payment made in 1951 was $1,000 and that a second payment was authorized for $200 on April 15, 1953 and that it should have been distributed by the time of the current letter.

  See also:

  Letter from James Black Dog to Representative Ben F. Jensen Regarding Per Capita Payments, May 13, 1953

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to James Black Dog Regarding Relocations Due to Planned Inundation, May 26, 1953

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated May 26, 1953, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to James Black Dog explains that Burdick has not previously replied to Black Dog's letter because Burdick had telegrammed US President Eisenhower concerning the order issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers that people in area to be flooded would have to relocate before July 1, 1953. Burdick goes on to write that the order will have to be obeyed and that the only relief may be to apply for extensions. He recommends that Black Dog's sister [Lillie Wolf] write to Graham Holmes, the Area Counsel at Aberdeen, about her case.

  See also:

  Letter from James Black Dog to Representative Burdick Regarding Lillie Wolf, May 11, 1953

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Lillie Wolf Regarding Her Refusal to Relocate from Taking Area to be Flooded by Garrison Dam, October 12, 1953

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated October 12, 1953, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Lillie Wolf of Elbowoods on the Fort Berthold Reservation is a reply to an earlier letter from Wolf asking for information on a letter she enclosed from J. M. Cooper, area director of the Aberdeen, South Dakota office of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs.

  In this reply, Burdick summarizes his understanding of Wolf's stance and argues that her refusal to relocate from the taking area of the Fort Berthold Reservation be flooded by the Garrison Dam is unwise, urging her instead to allow her residence and properties to be moved at government expense while she continues to fight her case in the courts.

  Burdick notes also that US Public Law 437 (HJ Res. 33), passed in the first session of 81st Congress, provides that since a majority of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation has accepted the process of allotments and land sales related to the Garrison Dam, Wolf is bound by this decision.

  Burdick adds that he is sorry he can not be of more help, and sympathizes with Wolf's desire not to give up her rich bottom lands in exchange for poor lands in the relocation area.

  The top of the first page of this letter lists the coordinates of Wolf's land. Also attached to this document were two pages of handwritten notes.

  See also:

  Letter from Laura Knudson to Harry Sellery Regarding Lillie Wolf, October 12, 1953

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Minnie Harrison Regarding Hearings on Mineral Rights, March 4, 1953

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter dated March 4, 1953 from United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick to Minnie Harrison of Glendale, California relates that there are currently no scheduled hearings regarding the restoration of mineral rights related to the Garrison Dam Project. He writes that he hopes to get the matter taken up shortly, and will write her when anything definite is done.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Mrs. A. J. Zok Regarding Eminent Domain, April 15, 1953

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter dated April 15, 1953 from United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick to Mrs. A. J. Zok and copied to United States (US) Senator William Langer explains the eminent domain process as it applies to her situation, as the owner of land to be taken for the construction of the Garrison Dam.

  A handwritten annotation at the top reads "Mr B said Do Not Send."

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Roy A. Ilvedson Regarding Land Acquisition by Army Engineers, April 17, 1953

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter dated April 17, 1953 from United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick to Minot Attorney Roy A. Ilvedson explains that the Army Corp of Engineers have been taking land upriver from Williston is to accommadate a reservoir pool level of 1850 feet. Burdick writes that he is doing everything he can to prevent the 1850 foot plan.

  There is a handwritten X across the entire body of the document.

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  Press Release by Representative Burdick Regarding Problems with the Garrison Dam Project and other issues, July 9, 1953

  Usher L. Burdick

  This press release by United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick, dated for release July 9, 1953 to "A. M. Papers & Radio," rebuts recent "propaganda" distributed by "the high dammers who want an elevation of 1850 feet at Williston," specifically a letter from the US Bureau of Reclamation supporting the Corps of Army Engineers in its preference for a pool level of 1850 feet.

  Next, Burdick notes his role in reducing the appropriation to the Corp of Army Engineers by $4 million in order to curtail its building of dikes and the acquisition of land on which to build them.

  Burdick also rebuts claims of self-interest arising from the fact that he owns land in the area that would be affected by the higher pool level.

  The press release also summarizes developments related to tax legislation and legislation to reorganize the military.

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  Telegram from Representative Burdick to Bigelow Neal Regarding Sanish Relocation, April 23, 1953

  Usher L. Burdick

  This telegram, dated April 23, 1953, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Bigelow Neal of Sanish, North Dakota concerns the relocation of the residents of Sanish. Burdick writes that he has put the matter before US President Dwight D. Eisenhower and hopes to get a decision the same day. He writes that it looks like the businesspeople of Sanish will get relief, though he cannot officially say so. He adds in conclusion that US Senators Milton Young and William Langer have brought a joint request before the US President.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Dwight Eisenhower Regarding Sanish Relocation, April 23, 1953

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  Telegram from Representative Burdick to Dwight D. Eisenhower Regarding Relocation of Sanish, North Dakota, April 23, 1953

  Usher L. Burdick

  This telegram, dated April 23, 1953, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to US President Dwight D. Eisenhower concerns the relocation of the people of Sanish, North Dakota. Burdick writes that Sanish residents have been told they need to move out by July 1 even though it will be two years before the area will be flooded. Burdick calls this order, issued by the US Army [Corps of] Engineers, "autocratic and unjust" and writes that the people wish to remain in Sanish until a new bridge is completed and they can move to Newtown.Burdick writes that he has no influence with the US Army Engineers due to prior events and therefore is asking Eisenhower to intercede on behalf of the residents of Sanish.

  See also:

  Telegram from Representative Burdick to Bigelow Neal Regarding Sanish Relocation, April 23, 1953

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  Telegram from Usher Burdick to Charles Vogel Regarding Oil Rights, April 18, 1953

  Usher L. Burdick

  This telegram, dated April 18, 1953, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Judge Charles J. Vogel of the US District Court, District of North Dakota, reads as follows:

  JAMES BLACK DOG NECESSARY WITNESS YOUR HEARING TODAY NOW IN WASHINGTON AT MY REQUEST TO STUDY IMPORTANT LEGISLATION IN CONGRESS, CONCERNING OIL RIGHTS ON INDIAN LANDS AND IMPORTANT HE REMAIN HERE. IS IT NOW POSSIBLE TO PUT OVER CASE OF LILLIE E. WOLF UNTIL AFTER CONGRESS ADJOURNS? USHER BURDICK, M.C.

  See also:

  Letter from James Black Dog to Ernest Wilkinson Regarding Oil Rights, April 18, 1953

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  Report by Wilkinson, Boyden, Cragun, and Barker on the Status of the Fort Berthold Claims, June 22, 1953

  John W. Cragun, Boyden, Wilkinson, and Barker

  This report, dated June 22, 1953, by the firm of Wilkinson, Boyden, Cragun, and Barker to the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation concerns the status of the reservation's claims before the Indian Claims Commission. The report outlines the status of a claim under review by the Commission, noting that the Commission may refer to the Blackfeet case from December 17, 1952 once it comes out of the appeal process. The report also summarizes the Fort Berthold Reservation's claim, which states that the Tribes should have the right to sue for damages based on the delay between the time their lands were taken and the date of they payment. The report also summarizes the argument as it relates to the Indian Claims Commission Act, predicting that the Blackfeet appeal will be concluded during the fall of 1953 and the commission will update Fort Berthold at that time.

  See also:

  Report to the Three Affiliated Tribes Regarding the Fort Berthold Claims, January 12, 1954

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  Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding October 7 Conference, September 28, 1953

  Martin Cross

  This telegram, dated September 28, 1953, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick conveys the Tribal Council's request for Burdick's be presence at an October 7 conference with the Commissioner of Indian Affairs.

  See also:

  Telegram from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Informing Cross that Burdick Will not Make October 7 Conference, October 5, 1953

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  Letter from L. H. Fredricks to Representative Burdick Regarding Elizabeth McCleskey, February 5, 1953

  L. H. Fredricks

  This letter dated February 5, 1953, from Dr. L. H. Fredricks to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick, requests Burdick's assistance in the matter of Elizabeth McCleskey's wrongful termination from the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs office in Fort Yates, North Dakota. Fredricks attests to McCleskey's character and work ethic, and asks Burdick to intervene, as United States Senator William Langer has not yet been successful in his attempts with the United States Department of the Interior. Fredricks closes with a reminder that he knows Burdick personally, as he was one of Burdick's physicians in Bismarck, North Dakota.

  There is a handwritten note on the back of the letter from Burdick's office.

  See Also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to L. H. Fredricks Regarding Elizabeth McCleskey, February 17, 1953

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  Letter from Selene Gifford to Representative Burdick Regarding Petition Calling for Investigation of Jefferson B. Smith, January 23, 1953

  Salene Gifford

  This letter, dated January 23, 1953 from acting Commissioner of the United States (US) Bureau of Indian Affairs Selene Gifford to US Representative Usher Burdick acknowledges Burdick's letter of January 12, which enclosed a copy of a petition calling for the investigation of Jefferson B. Smith. Gifford says that she is requesting a report from the area director of the Aberdeen Office and she will follow up once she receives the report. There are some handwritten notes on the letter.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Dillon Myer Regarding the Petition Calling for the Investigation of Jefferson B. Smith, January 12, 1953

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  Letter from Gunther Harms to Representative Burdick Regarding the Taking of his Land for Garrison Dam, November 7, 1953

  Gunther Harms

  This letter dated November 7, 1953 from Gunther Harms to United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick expresses his dissatisfaction with the process by which his land is being taken to make way for the Garrison Dam, including the method of valuation and calculation of payment.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Gunther Harms Regarding Land Acquisition and Feed and Seed Loan Debt Cancellation, November 16, 1953.

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  Letter from Laura Knudson for Representative Burdick to J. A. Waldron Regarding Garrison Dam Relocations, November 16, 1953

  Laura Page Knudson

  This letter, dated November 16, 1953, from Laura Page Knudson on behalf of United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Mr. Minot Attorney J. A. Waldron acknowledges Waldron's letter of November 11 regarding the mistreatment of people being displaced by the Garrison Dam. Knudson writes that Burdick has fought against the methods used by the US Army Engineers regarding the condemnation of lands in the taking area and the relocation of the people in those areas, and that he will appreciate Waldron's cooperation and support in his attempts to secure justice for the people being relocated.

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  Letter from Laura Knudson to Harry Sellery Regarding Lillie Wolf, October 12, 1953

  Laura Page Knudson

  This letter, dated October 12, 1953, from Laura Page Knudson, Legislative Assistant to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick, to Harry A. Sellery Jr., Chief Council of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs, concerns Lillie Wolf. Knudson writes that she has gathered enough material to reply to Wolf's letter thanks to the leads provided by Sellery.

  See also: Letter from Representative Burdick to Lillie Wolf Regarding Her Refusal to Relocate from Taking Area to be Flooded by Garrison Dam, October 12, 1953

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  Letter from "Mamie and George" to James Black Dog Regarding Garrison Dam, March 13, 1953

  Mamie and Geo Geo

  This letter, dated March 13, 1953, from "Mamie and Geo" to Three Affiliated Tribes member James Black Dog concerns preparations for vacating the area to be inundated by the Garrison Dam. The letter is handwritten.

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  Letter from L. N. McClellan to H. L. Hille Regarding Flood Protection, Land Purchase, Undated

  L. N. McClellan

  This undated letter from Assistant Commissioner L. M. McClellan, assistant commissioner and chief enginerr of the United States (US) Bureau of Reclamation, to Colonel H. L. Hille, district engineer of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Garrison Distict, discusses flood protections and land purchase and rent.

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  Letter from Douglas McKay to Representative Burdick Regarding Elizabeth McCleskey, February 21, 1953

  Douglas McKay

  This letter dated February 21, 1953, from United States (US) Secretary of the Interior Douglas McKay to US Representative Usher Burdick, responds to Burdick's letters regarding the termination of Elizabeth McCleskey as a social worker for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. McKay notes that he is waiting for McCleskey to submit some evidence and that he will make a determination about a hearing once he has reviewed McCleskey's materials.

  See Also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Douglas McKay Regarding Elizabeth McCleskey, February 17, 1953

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  Letter from Acting Assistant Chief George F. Meier to Representative Burdick Regarding a Typical Declaration of Taking, April 21, 1953

  George F. Meier

  This letter dated April 21, 1953 from George F. Meier, Acting Assistant Chief of Engineers for Real Estate for the US Department of the Army, to United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick refers to an enclosed copy of a typical declaration of taking filed in conjunction with the Garrison Dam and Reservoir Project. The copy referred to as enclosed was not found with this letter in Burdick's papers.

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  United States v. Thompson Et Al, Civil No. 2565, January 12, 1953

  Frank Pace Jr.

  This court case dated January 12, 1953, between the United States and Frank Thompson et al, is a civil case involving a declaration of taking for lands needed for the Garrison Dam project. The case was prepared and filed on behalf of the Army Corps of Engineers by Frank Pace Jr., Secretary of the Army. The lands in question are located in Montrail and Williams counties in North Dakota. The case states the justification and precedents for the taking and establishes values for the tracts of land to be seized. Included among the case documents are three property maps that identify the tracts of land in question.

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  Letter from George Register to Representative Burdick Regarding Elizabeth McCleskey, February 7, 1953

  George Register

  This letter dated February 7, 1953, from Attorney George S. Register to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick, addresses Elizabeth L. McCleskey's employment as a social worker with the Indian Service at Standing Rock Reservation. Register writes that there was conflict between McCleskey and her supervisor, Mrs. Heineman, which resulted in Mr. Cooper, the Superintendent of the Aberdeen, South Dakota office, terminating McCleskey's employment. Register notes that their appeals have risen to the level of Secretary Oscar Chapman of the United States Department of the Interior. Register writes that many people are trying to aid McCleskey in an appeal of her wrongful termination, including United States Senator William Langer, and asks Burdick to assist in any way he can.

  See Also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to George Register Regarding Elizabeth McCleskey, February 17, 1953