Born in 1879, Usher Burdick served in North Dakota's House of Representatives from 1909-1911, as Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota from 1911-1913, and subsequently for multiple terms in the United States House of Representatives (1935-1945, 1949-1959) before his death in 1960.
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Letter from Lynn W. Pine to Representative Burdick Regarding Request for Road Signs from Carl Whitman, Jr., July 25, 1958
Lynn W. Pine
This letter, dated July 25, 1958, from Colonel Lynn W. Pine of the United States (US) Army Corps of Engineers to US Representative Usher Burdick informs Burdick that the US Army Corps of Engineers constructed 225 miles of road and once the US Bureau of Indian Affairs accepted the conditions of those road, the responsibility for those roads was transferred to the Bureau. Pine says that his office has neither funds nor authority for any further maintenance of those roads. There's a handwritten note at the top of the letter.
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Letter from Representative Burdick to Carl Whitman, Jr. Regarding Request for Road Signs to Help Prevent Cars from Hitting Cattle, July 21, 1958
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Letter from Carl Whitman, Jr. to Representative Burdick Regarding a Shortage of Teachers on the Fort Berthold Reservation, May 8, 1958
Carl Whitman Jr.
This letter, dated May 8, 1958, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Chairperson Carl Whitman, Jr. to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick informs Burdick that the US Bureau of Indian Affairs is having a difficult time finding teachers to work at the Federal Boarding and Day Schools, including those on the Fort Berthold Reservation. Whitman references a general shortage of teachers and notes that North Dakota pays public school teachers more than what the Bureau is allowed to offer. He notes that if there is a way to authorize a raise for teachers then it may be easier to fill vacancies on the reservations. Whitman notes that the situation is critical.
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Letter from Representative Burdick to Carl Whitman, Jr. Regarding the Teacher Shortage on the Fort Berthold Reservation, May 12, 1958
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Letter from Carl Whitman, Jr. to Representative Burdick Requesting Road Signs to Help Prevent Cars from Hitting Cattle, July 18, 1958
Carl Whitman Jr.
This letter, dated July 18, 1958, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council Chairperson Carl Whitman, Jr. to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick informs Burdick that traffic has increased since relocation due to the construction of the Garrison Dam. As a result, many calves have been lost due to careless driving. Whitman requests that Burdick communicate with the US Army Corps of Engineers to get road signs installed on the reservation. There's a handwritten note on the bottom of the letter.
See also:
Letter from Representative Burdick to Lynn W. Pine Regarding Road Sign Request from Carl Whitman, Jr., July 21, 1958
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Letter from C. D. Bean to Representative Burdick Regarding Need for Barge to Ferry Trucks Across the Lake Created by the Garrison Dam, September 5, 1957
C. D. Bean
This letter, dated September 5, 1957, from Federal Supply Service Commissioner C. D. Bean to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick responds to an inquiry related to transportation for the Three Affiliated Tribes across the Garrison Reservoir. The US Department of the Interior informed Bean's office that the US Bureau of Indian Affairs does not have the authority to transfer ownership of property to the tribes. Bean recommends that the tribes purchase a surplus barge and jeeps as needed and encloses information about buying surplus property. The referenced enclosed booklet is not included with this document.
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Letter from Representative Burdick to Clifton E. Mack Regarding Need for Barge to Ferry Trucks Across the Lake Created by the Garrison Dam, May 22, 1957
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Letter from James Black Dog to Representative Burdick Regarding Lorraine Perkins's Need for Funds to Have Running Water Installed in Her House, March 21, 1957
James Black Dog
This letter, dated March 21, 1957, from James Black Dog to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick asks Burdick's help in arranging relocation funds for Miss Lorraine Perkins (referred to in some related documents as "Lorainne Perkin," and identified as Black Dog's sister), who bought a house and lot in Minot, North Dakota, but is unable to live there due to a lack of funds to have running water installed.
See also:
Letter from Owen Morken to Representative Burdick Regarding Lorraine Perkins's Need for Funds to Have Running Water Installed in Her House, April 1, 1957
Letter from Representative Burdick to James Black Dog Regarding Lorraine Perkins's Need for Funds to Have Running Water Installed in Her House, April 4, 1957
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Letter from James Black Dog to Representative Burdick Regarding Tribal Funds, April 18, 1957
James Black Dog
This letter, dated April 18, 1957, from James Black Dog of Emmet, North Dakota to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick raises questions about tribal funds of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, particularly segregated shares and per capita payments, and Burdick to send him "all Indians Bill" and ask about the Wheeler-Howard act and tribal courts.
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Letter from Representative Burdick to James Black Dog Regarding Tribal Funds, May 3, 1957
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Letter from Theodore Bolman to Representative Burdick Enclosing American Legion Post 271 Resolution to the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council, April 10, 1957
Theodore Bolman
This letter, dated April 10, 1957, from Commander Theodore Bolman of the American Legion Thomas F. Badgun Post #271 in Mandaree, on the Fort Berhold Reservation, to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick encloses a resolution that the post recently presented to the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council and to the North Dakota Governor [John Davis]. Bolman tells Burdick that he hopes Burdick will help solve some of the problems addressed in the resolution.
The resolution, which is enclosed with this document, addresses the destitution experienced by members of the Three Affiliated Tribes following their relocation from the Missouri bottomlands due to the construction of the Garrison Dam. The resolution describes several problems and proposes solutions for these problems that members believe will help provide relief to the tribes. The resolution is signed by Theodore Bolman and Oscar Burr.
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Letter from Representative Burdick to Theodore Bolman Thanking him for Sending the Resolution from American Legion Post 271, April 15, 1957
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Letter from Representative Burdick to Carl Whitman, Jr. Regarding the Status of Three Appeals, April 10, 1957
Usher Burdick
This letter, dated April 10, 1957, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairman Carl Whitman, Jr. responds to Whitman's inquiry about pending Three Affiliated Tribes enrollment appeals. Burdick writes that Mr. Adams of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs has informed him that the three appeals were signed off on by Barton Greenwood. Burdick adds that the US Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Agency will need some time to prepare for the distribution of funds. Burdick has pressed the agencies, informing them of the need of haste.
See also:
Letter from Carl Whitman, Jr. to Representative Burdick Regarding US Public Law 553 and the Distribution of Funds to Tribal Members, April 4, 1957
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Letter from Representative Burdick to Clifton E. Mack Regarding Need for Barge to Ferry Trucks Across the Lake Created by the Garrison Dam, May 22, 1957
Usher Burdick
This letter, dated May 22, 1957, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Acting Commissioner Clifton E. Mack thanks Mack for his update regarding the progress on obtaining a barge for use by the Three Affiliated Tribes for use in crossing the Garrison Reservoir. Burdick hopes that suitable arrangements can be made. A note at the top of the letter reads, "Barge for Fort Berthold Indians."
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Letter from Clifton E. Mack to Representative Burdick Regarding the Request of Three Affiliated Tribes Members for Ferry to Cross the Lake Created by the Garrison Dam, May 22, 1957
Letter from C. D. Bean to Representative Burdick Regarding Need for Barge to Ferry Trucks Across the Lake Created by the Garrison Dam, September 5, 1957
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Letter from Representative Burdick to James Black Dog Regarding Lorraine Perkins's Need for Funds to Have Running Water Installed in Her House, March 27, 1957
Usher Burdick
This letter, dated March 27, 1957, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to James Black Dog informs Black Dog of information Burdick has found regarding Black Dog's sister Lorraine Perkins (misspelled as "Lorainne Perkin") and her need for money to have running water installed in her home. Burdick reports that the US Bureau of Indian Affairs has said that this issue will need to be resolved through the Indian Agency Superintendent. Burdick writes that he is contacting Fort Berthold Agency Superintendent Owen Morken, and advises Black Dog to do the same. A handwritten note on the letter reads, "Indians."
Note: The spelling "Lorraine Perkins" is the one used by Morken in a subsequent letter. Because he also references Perkins's bank account information in the same letter, this spelling was deemed most likely to be the correct one.
See also:
Letter from James Black Dog to Representative Burdick Regarding Lorraine Perkins's Need for Funds to Have Running Water Installed in Her House, March 21, 1957
Letter from Representative Burdick to Owen Morken Regarding Lorraine Perkins's Need for Funds to Have Running Water Installed in Her House, March 27, 1957
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Letter from Representative Burdick to Owen Morken Regarding Lorraine Perkins's Need for Funds to Have Running Water Installed in Her House, March 27, 1957
Usher Burdick
This letter, dated March 27, 1957, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Owen Morken, Superintendent of the Indian Agency, refers to an enclosed letter from James Black Dog in which Black Dog appeals for financial help for Lorraine Perkins (missspelled as "Lorainne Perkin") to have running water installed in the home she has purchased in Minot. Burdick asks Morken for information on how to help Black Dog's sister.
The letter Burdick refers to as being enclosed was not found with this document in the Burdick papers.
Note: In Morken's reply to this letter he uses the spelling "Lorraine Perkins." Since he also references Perkins' bank account information, the spelling he uses in his reply seems most likely to be the correct spelling, and is therefore the spelling used in this and related entries.
See also:
Letter from Representative Burdick to James Black Dog Regarding Lorraine Perkins's Need for Funds to Have Running Water Installed in Her House, March 27, 1957
Letter from Owen Morken to Representative Burdick Regarding Lorraine Perkins's Need for Funds to Have Running Water Installed in Her House, April 1, 1957
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Letter from Representative Burdick to Special Assistant for Legislative Liaison Regarding Need for Barges to Ferry Three Affiliated Tribe Members Across the Lake Created by the Garrison Dam, May 10, 1957
Usher Burdick
This letter, dated May 10, 1957, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to the Special Assistant for Legislative Liaison conveys that the Three Affiliated Tribes are having trouble traversing their reservation due to the reservoir created by the completion of the Garrison Dam which cuts sections of the reservation off from one another. Individuals are forced to make a 150 mile trip to go around the lake. Burdick inquires if any barges are available to be made of service to the tribes to help them with transportation on their reservation.
See also:
Letter from Clifton E. Mack to Representative Burdick Regarding the Request of Three Affiliated Tribes Members for Ferry to Cross the Lake Created by the Garrison Dam, May 22, 1957
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Letter from Representative Burdick to Theodore Bolman Thanking him for Sending the Resolution from American Legion Post 271, April 15, 1957
Usher Burdick
This letter, dated April 15, 1957, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Commander Theodore Bolman of the American Legion Thomas F. Badgun Post #271 in Mandaree, on the Fort Berthold Reservation, thanks Bolman for sending a copy of the resolution from his post that was presented to the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council and to the North Dakota Governor. Burdick says that he is pleased that Governor [John] Davis was receptive of the resolution and Burdick will do what he can to help.
See also:
Letter from Theodore Bolman to Representative Burdick Enclosing American Legion Post 271 Resolution to the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council, April 10, 1957
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Letter from Representative Burdick to James Black Dog Regarding Lorraine Perkins's Need for Funds to Have Running Water Installed in Her House, April 4, 1957
Usher L. Burdick
This letter, dated April 4, 1957, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to James Black Dog refers to Black Dog's request for funds to help Lorraine Perkins have running water installed in her house in Minor. Burdick writes that he has communicated with the Fort Berthold Agency and is enclosing the original and one copy of the letter he received reply. The letter and copy were not found with this letter in Burdick's letters.
See also:
Letter from Representative Burdick to James Black Dog Regarding Lorraine Perkins's Need for Funds to Have Running Water Installed in Her House, March 27, 1957
Letter from Owen Morken to Representative Burdick Regarding Lorraine Perkins's Need for Funds to Have Running Water Installed in Her House, April 1, 1957
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Letter from Representative Burdick to James Black Dog Regarding Tribal Funds, May 3, 1957
Usher L. Burdick
This letter, dated May 3, 1957, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to James Black Dog of Emmet, North Dakota, concerns tribal funds of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. The letter explains the state of funds from the flooding of Garrison Dam and states that there are hundreds of "Indian bills" pending and that Black Dog should let Burdick know which specific ones he wants.
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Letter from James Black Dog to Representative Burdick Regarding Tribal Funds, April 18, 1957
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Letter from John Haw to Robert Massee Regarding Northern Pacific Railway Company's Support for Garrison Diversion Project, October 23, 1957
John W. Haw
This letter dated October 23, 1957, from John W. Haw to Robert F. Massee, submits a copy of a statement by the Northern Pacific Railway Company to the North Dakota Reclamation Association, in favor of the Garrison Diversion project. Haw relates that representatives from the railroad will be unable to attend the hearing in Devils Lake concerning Garrison Diversion. Haw notes that A. J. Dexter, the company's Agricultural Development Agent, has delivered a similar statement before the United States House Subcommittee on Public Works Appropriations. The bottom of the letter indicates that it has been cc'd to: Otto Krueger, Usher L. Burdick, S. W. Thompson, A. J. Dexter, and A. R. Miesen.
The included statement pertains to the agricultural benefits of the Garrison Diversion project to central North Dakota, namely irrigation. The statement closes by asking the committee to vote in favor of legislation that would allow for the diversion of water from Garrison Dam to central North Dakota.
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Letter from Laura Page Knudson for Representative Burdick to Carl Whitman, Jr. Regarding the Status of Some Appeals, June 13, 1957
Laura Page Knudson
This letter, dated June 13, 1957, from Laura Page Knudson on behalf of United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Carl Whitman, Jr. provides information on the status of funds distribution through US Public Law 533. Knudson informs Whitman that the delay was in part due to some appeals that were filed. She further informs Whitman that the funds should be distributed soon.
See also:
Letter from Carl Whitman, Jr. to Representative Burdick Regarding US Public Law 553 and the Distribution of Funds to Tribal Members, April 4, 1957
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Statement by Otto Krueger Before the US House of Representatives Committee on Public Works, June 10, 1957
Otto Krueger
This statement dated June 10, 1957 by United States (US) Representative Otto Krueger before the United States (US) House Committee on Public Works offers his support for modification to the Missouri River Basin project as outlined in the United States (US) Senate proposal to enable compensation to the City of Williston, ND for damages to their municipal water treatment facilities as a result of the Garrison Dam and Reservoir on the Missouri River. He references the specific damages expected by surveyors as a result of the height of the water at the reservoir, the need to construct a levee to protect the town, and the obligation of the United States government to repair any damage to the clean drinking water of the community of Williston, ND as a result of the Garrison Dam.
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Letter from Senator Langer to Representative Burdick Regarding Devils Lake Hearing, October 16, 1957
William Langer
This letter dated October 16, 1957, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to US Representative Usher Burdick, inquires whether Burdick has been invited to a hearing in Devils Lake, North Dakota with members of the United States House Subcommittee on Irrigation and Reclamation regarding the proposed Garrison Diversion project. Langer asserts he has not been invited. A handwritten annotation sends his regards to Burdick. Langer's letter includes a newspaper clipping that talks about the upcoming hearing. A handwritten note attached to Langer's letter reads "Call his office tell Irene Usher wasn't invited either."
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Letter from Clifton E. Mack to Representative Burdick Regarding the Request of Three Affiliated Tribes Members for Ferry to Cross the Lake Created by the Garrison Dam, May 22, 1957
Clifton E. Mack
This letter, dated May 22, 1957, from Acting Commissioner Clifton E. Mack to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick responds to Burdick's request for barges for use by the Three Affiliated Tribes to cross the Garrison Reservoir which has broken up their reservation and make transportation difficult. Mack informs Burdick that several members from the tribe met with his office on May 10. Inquiries are currently being made about barges through the US Bureau of Indian Affairs and the US Department of the Interior. Mack says that he will keep Burdick informed as progress is made.
See also:
Letter from Representative Burdick to Special Assistant for Legislative Liaison Regarding Need for Barges to Ferry Three Affiliated Tribe Members Across the Lake Created by the Garrison Dam, May 10, 1957
Letter from Representative Burdick to Clifton E. Mack Regarding Need for Barge to Ferry Trucks Across the Lake Created by the Garrison Dam, May 22, 1957
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Letter from Owen Morken to Representative Burdick Regarding Lorraine Perkins's Need for Funds to Have Running Water Installed in Her House, April 1, 1957
Owen D. Morken
This letter, dated April 1, 1957, from Fort Berthold Agency Superintendent Owen D. Morken to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick makes reference to a request, forwarded by Burdick, from James Black Dog for funding for Lorraine Perkins to install running water in her house. Morken writes that the Fort Berthold Agency cannot advance such funds, and that Perkins has only $1.93 in her Individual Indian Money Account. Morken recommends that Perkins include this expense in the plan she submits in order to receive payment of her segregated shares, when the become available. He also suggests she speak with O. K. Walkingstick, the agency's relocation officer, if she is interested in the Relocation Program.
See also:
Letter from James Black Dog to Representative Burdick Regarding Lorraine Perkins's Need for Funds to Have Running Water Installed in Her House, March 21, 1957
Letter from Representative Burdick to Owen Morken Regarding Lorraine Perkins's Need for Funds to Have Running Water Installed in Her House, March 27, 1957
Letter from Representative Burdick to James Black Dog Regarding Lorraine Perkins's Need for Funds to Have Running Water Installed in Her House, April 4, 1957
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Letter from Carl Whitman, Jr. to J. H. Yingling and Copied to Representative Burdick Regarding US Senate Bill 964, March 7, 1957
Carl Whitman Jr.
This letter, dated March 7, 1957, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Carl Whitman, Jr. to J. H. Yingling and copied to United States (US) Senators William Langer and Milton Young and US Representatives Usher Burdick and Otto Krueger requests support for US Senate Bill 964 (S. 964). Whitman conveys the hardships experienced by members of the Three Affiliated Tribes and says that S. 964 will help solve a lot of the problems they are experiencing. There's a handwritten note at the bottom of the letter from Whitman referencing US Senate Bill 809 (S. 809) as well.
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Letter from Carl Whitman, Jr. to Representative Burdick Regarding US Public Law 553 and the Distribution of Funds to Tribal Members, April 4, 1957
Carl Whitman Jr.
This letter, dated April 4, 1957, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Carl Whitman, Jr. to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick inquires about the status of several appeals for enrollment which are still being processed by the US Bureau of Indian Affairs. Whitman says that the farmers and ranchers need the money from US Public Law 533 in order to help them cover the spring's operating expenses and appeals to Burdick for help in getting these funds released. There are some handwritten notes at the bottom of this letter.
See also:
Letter from Representative Burdick to Carl Whitman, Jr. Regarding the Status of Three Appeals, April 10, 1957 Letter from Laura Page Knudson for Representative Burdick to Carl Whitman, Jr. Regarding the Status of Some Appeals, June 13, 1957
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Letter from J. Reuel Armstrong to Representative Burdick Regarding the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Elections, June 22, 1956
J. Reuel Armstrong
This letter, dated June 22, 1956, from J. Reuel Armstrong, Solicitor of the United States (US) Department of the Interior to US Representative Usher Burdick comments on absentee ballot voting in Three Affiliated Tribes tribal elections. Armstrong says that he will enclose a copy of the June 8 opinion on absentee voting in which Armstrong says that it should be permitted. Regarding Burdick's question about tribal members drawing a stipend, Armstrong provides two excerpts from the tribal constitution which provide guidelines for salaries and stipends for tribal council members. The June 8 opinion is not enclosed with this document. A handwritten note at the top of the letter reads, "Tribal Elections."
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Memorandum from J. Reuel Armstrong, Solicitor, Regarding Voting Compliance in Amending Tribal Constitutions, June 8, 1956
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Memorandum from J. Reuel Armstrong, Solicitor, Regarding Voting Compliance in Amending Tribal Constitutions, June 8, 1956
J. Reuel Armstrong
This letter, dated June 8, 1956, from J. Reuel Armstrong, Solicitor of the US Department of the Interior, to the Secretary of the Interior comments on the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council elections, the problems that the tribes have been having with redistricting since the inundation of their lands following the construction of the Garrison Dam, proposed amendments to the tribal constitution, and absentee voting. The opinion of the Solicitor is that absentee voting should be allowed. Armstrong suggests that the tribes hold a special election, allowing for absentee voting, if they still wish to amend their constitution.
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Letter from Representative Burdick to J. Reuel Armstrong, Solicitor, Regarding Conflict within the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council, May 3, 1956