Usher Burdick Papers

Follow

• 

  Letter from W. E. Potter to Representative Burdick Regarding the Budget for Projects in the Missouri Basin, January 21, 1955

  W. E. Potter

  This letter, dated October 1, 1945, from United States Brigadier General W. E. Potter of the United States (US) Army Engineers to US Representative Usher L. Burdick informs Burdick that Potter has prepared an analysis of the funds recommended in the President’s budget for the United States Corp of Engineers, of which $20,000,000.00 is the recommended appropriation for the Garrison Dam. In an underlined section, Potter writes that "Construction and land acquisition in the Williston area are not included in the work programmed for fiscal year 1956." The letter goes on to outline specific dam projects in South Dakota, Nebraska, and Wyoming and their proposed budgetary expenditures.

• 

  Letter from Ralph M. Shane to Representative Burdick Regarding Children Denied Enrollment to the Three Affiliated Tribes, April 29, 1955

  Ralph M. Shane

  This letter, dated April 29, 1955, from Superintendent Ralph M. Shane to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick informs Burdick that any children born off the reservation must receive an affirmative vote from seven members of the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council and the council has full authority to accept or reject enrollees. Shane provides a breakdown of the voting history on each child of the five mothers inquiring about enrollment, Alyce Machado, Viola C. Schittler, Carol Bruger Redford, Marcella Aldinger, and Anne Carlson.

  See also:

  Letter from Mothers of Children Born off the Fort Berthold Reservation to Representative Burdick Appealing for Help Enrolling their Children, April 19, 1955

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding Children Denied Enrollment to Three Affiliated Tribes, May 5, 1955

• 

  Letter from George Shubert on behalf of Ralph Shane to Representative Burdick Regarding Owl Woman Estate, May 31, 1955

  George Shubert

  This letter, dated May 31, 1955, from George Shubert on behalf of Ralph M. Shane, Superintendent of the Fort Berthold Indian Agency, to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick is a response to Burdick's letter of May 26 regarding a request by James Black Dog to investigate the heirship of the Owl Woman estate, allotment 358. Shubert summarizes Black Dog's request as well as a petition for rehearing filed by Laura Cottonwood, probate 11228-54 C-100-55. Shubert writes that the probate of the estate was completed on July 19, 1954 and that Martin Fox received an undivided 1/4 interest in the estate through his family relations, which are also detailed. Shubert concludes by stating that Fox was given a copy of this final determination and that though he often comes to the Fort Berthold Indian Agency office, he has never mentioned being dissatisfied with the probate outcome and that, in any case, the appeal period expired on September 26, 1954.

  See also:

  Probate of Owl Woman Estate filed by Laura Cottonwood, May 13, 1955

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Ralph Shane Regarding Owl Woman Estate, May 26, 1955

• 

  Resolution by Valley City Chamber of Commerce Regarding Garrison Dam Reservoir Pool Level, April 15, 1955

  Valley City Chamber of Commerce of the City of Valley City North Dakota and Alden L. Foss

  This resolution, dated April 15, 1955, by the Valley City Chamber of Commerce, of Valley City, North Dakota, states the board's support for a pool level of 1,850 feet in the Garrison Dam reservoir and calls for the withdrawal of any restrictions preventing this pool level.

  The language in this resolution closely resembles the language used in several resolutions regarding Garrison Dam's pool level sent to Burdick in 1955. These other resolutions can also be found in this collection.

• 

  A Bill Granting certain grazing, fishing, and hunting rights to the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, North Dakota, May 2, 1955

  Milton R. Young

  This document, dated May 2, 1955, is a copy of a bill containing handwritten notations. The bill is titled, "Granting certain grazing, fishing, and hunting rights to the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, North Dakota" and was introduced by United States (US) Senator Milton R. Young. It gives members of the Three Affiliated Tribes the right to graze livestock on the area between the actual water line of the Garrison Dam Reservoir and the taking line "as described in part A of the joint resolution entitled 'Joint Resolution to vest title to certain lands of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, North Dakota, in the United States, and to provide compensation therefor' approved October 29, 1949 (63 Stat. 1026), together with the right of free access to the shoreline of Garrison Reservoir, including the right to hunt and fish on and in such land and reservoir, subject, however, to any regulations governing the corresponding use by other citizens of the United States.

  The handwritten notations include the number "9324" followed by a question mark, and the words, "Mr. B. introduced Thurs. Feb. 16."

  See also:

  An Act to Vest Title to Certain Lands of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, North Dakota, in the United States, and to Provide Compensation Therefor

• 

  Letter from Brendetta Black Dog to Representative Burdick Regarding Lillie Wolf Settlement, May 12, 1954

  Brendetta Black Dog

  This letter, dated May 12, 1954, from Brendetta Black Dog of Emmet North Dakota to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick concerns Lillie E. Wolf's land settlement. Black Dog states that her husband (identified as James Black Dog in other correspondence) asked her to send Burdick a copy of Wolf's settlement which she claims Wolf was forced to sign by her lawyer. Black Dog states that this lawyer told Wolf that if she did not sign, the US Government would take the land anyway.

  See also:

  Authorization of Settlement by Lillie Wolf, May 6, 1954

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Brendetta Black Dog Regarding Lillie Wolf Settlement, May 24, 1954

• 

  Letter from James Black Dog to Representative Burdick Regarding Garrison Dam, March 15, 1954

  James Black Dog

  This letter, dated March 15, 1954, from James Black Dog to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick conveys Black Dog's request that Burdick send him a copy of "the hearing by the meeting of the delegate from Williston North Dakota," as well as what was said against the Garrison Dam. Black Dog also asks whether US Representative Ben F. Jensen has call for an investigation of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to James Black Dog Regarding Garrison Dam, March 17, 1954

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

• 

  Letter from James Black Dog to Representative Burdick Regarding Lillie Wolf's Land, Per Capita Payments, March 28, 1954

  James Black Dog

  This letter, dated March 28, 1954, from James Black Dog to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick concerns the land of Black Dog's sister (identified as Lillie Wolf in other correspondence). Black Dog call's Burdick's attention to Black Dog's sister's land, which is located in the Garrison Dam Reservoir area, and asks Burdick whether she still needs to sell it. Black dog also thanks Burdick for sending a report, which Black Dog received "the other day," and asks whether tribal members are to receive a per capita payment.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to James Black Dog Regarding Garrison Dam Flood Lands, April 27, 1954

• 

  Letter from Representative Burdick to C. A. Waldron and Harris F. Kenner Regarding Indian Law Book, February 2, 1954

  Usher Burdick

  This letter dated February 2, 1954, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to attorneys C. A. Waldron and Harris F. Kenner, refers to a book on "Indian law" that Burdick has agreed to allow James Black Dog to take to Waldron and Kenner. Burdick notes that it is his only copy and asks that it be returned to him once Waldron and Kenner are finished with the book. Note that Waldron and Kenner are mistakenly addressed as "Waldon" and "Kennedy" in this letter. Waldron and Kenner's response to this letter confirm the correct spellings of the names.

  See Also:

  Letter from C. A. Waldron to Representative Burdick Regarding Indian Law Book, February 6, 1954

• 

  Letter from Representative Burdick to C. H. Chorpening Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, March 15, 1954

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated March 15, 1954, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to C. H. Chorpening, Assistant Chief of US Engineers for Civil Works, Department of the Army, concerns the operating pool level of Garrison Dam. Burdick thanks Chorpening for his courtesy and promptness in providing data concerning the lower levels for power generation at Garrison Dam for pool levels of 1,830 or 1,840 compared to 1,850.

  See also:

  Letter from Laura Knudson for Representative Burdick to Walter Burk Regarding Garrison Dam Energy Projections, March 12, 1954

• 

  Letter from Representative Burdick to E. M. Arntson Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, February 9, 1954

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated February 9, 1954, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Mr. EM Arntson, of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, is a reply to an apparent request for Burdick to "get behind" a pool level of 1850 feet for the Garrison Dam Reservoir. Burdick mentions having "fought for" the Rural Electric Association, and then lays out his reasons for opposing the 1850 foot pool level, claiming that Arntson doesn't "know anything about it," and speculating that someone is "scaring" Arntson with claims that a lower pool level won't produce enough electricity. Burdick lists several other reasons for his opposition and concludes with a claim that the higher pool level is really wanted, not for power generation, but for irrigation, and notes that there are currently no plans for irrigation submitted to the US Congress. "Yet you command that I get behind this 1850 [foot] level," he writes, adding, "If someone is thinking for you, I will say no one is thinking for me."

  This letter is virtually identical to a letter sent to Lyle Bryngleson, temporary manager of the Sheyenne Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Lyle Bryngleson Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, February 9, 1954

• 

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Marie D. Wells Regarding Fort Berthold Claims, March 12, 1954

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated March 12, 1954, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Marie D. Wells concerns the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation's claims before the Court of Claims. Burdick writes that he has called both the Indian Claims Commission and the Court of Claims about the matter, adding that there are no copies of the Fort Berthold hearings available.

  See also:

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

  Letter from Marie D. Wells to Representative Burdick Regarding Fort Berthold Claims, March 1954

• 

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding the Bureau of Indian Affairs' Decision to Reject Per Capita Payments, June 2, 1954

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated June 2, 1954, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross expresses regret that Cross did not accomplish his goals in his pursuit of a $200 per capita payments. Burdick says that he will help Cross as much as he can.

  See also:

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding Per Capita Payments, May 27, 1954

• 

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Thanking Cross for Report Regarding US Senate Resolution 2812 and US House Resolution 7282, April 1, 1954

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated April 1, 1954, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross thanks Cross for his March 30 letter and for sending a copy of his report on US Senate Bill 2812 (S. 2812) and US House Resolution 7282 (H.R. 7282).

• 

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Mary D. Wheeler Regarding Fort Berthold Claims, March 12, 1954

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated March 12, 1954, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Mary D. Wheeler of Parshal, North Dakota, concerns the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation's claims before the Court of Claims. Burdick writes that there are no copies of the Fort Berthold hearings available.

  See also:

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

  Letter from Mary D. Wheeler to Representative Burdick Regarding Fort Berthold Claims, March 5, 1954

• 

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Mrs. John Sitting Crow Regarding Fort Berthold Claims, March 12, 1954

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated March 12, 1954, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Mrs. John Sitting Crow concerns the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation's claims before the Court of Claims. Burdick writes that he has called both the Indian Claims Commission and the Court of Claims about the matter, adding that there are no copies of the Fort Berthold hearings available.

  See also:

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

  Letter from Mrs. John Sitting Crow to Representative Burdick Regarding Fort Berthold Claims, February 25, 1954

• 

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Pearl Spotted Horse Regarding Fort Berthold Claims, March 12, 1954

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated March 12, 1954, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Pearl Spotted Horse concerns the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation's claims before the Court of Claims. Burdick writes that he has called both the Indian Claims Commission and the Court of Claims about the matter, and adds that there are no copies of the Fort Berthold hearings available.

  See also:

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

  Letter from Pearl Spotted Horse to Representative Burdick Regarding Fort Berthold Claims, March 5, 1954"

• 

  Letter from Representative Burdick to William J. Deane Regarding Fort Berthold Claims, March 17, 1954

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated March 17, 1954, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to William J. Deane of Elbowoods, ND on the Fort Berthold Reservation concerns the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation's claims before the Court of Claims. Burdick writes that there are no copies of the Fort Berthold hearings available and that the Fort Berthold case will likely be decided the same as the Blackfeet case, which has just been decided in favor of the US Government. Burdick adds that he is enclosing a copy of the opinion in that case. This enclosed copy was not found with this document in the Usher Burdick papers.

  See also:

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

  Letter from William J. Deane to Representative Burdick Regarding Fort Berthold Claims, March 15, 1954"

• 

  Telegram from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Declining Invitation to Meeting July 15-17 Regarding Release of Tribal Funds Held in Trust in US Treasury, July 15, 1954

  Usher Burdick

  This telegram dated July 15, 1954 from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross declines Cross's invitation to come to New Town, North Dakota July 15-17 for a meeting concerning the release of tribal funds from the US Treasury.

  See also:

  Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Inviting Burdick to Meeting July 15-17 Regarding Release of Tribal Funds Held in Trust in US Treasury, July 13, 1954

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Enclosing Transcripts of Notes from July 15-17 Meeting, August 10, 1954

• 

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Brendetta Black Dog Regarding Lillie Wolf Settlement, May 24, 1954

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated May 24, 1954, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Brendetta (Mrs. James) Black Dog, concerns Lillie E. Wolf's land settlement. Burdick thanks Black Dog for her letter of May 12 and explains Wolf's case depends on the decision of the court since Wolf refused to accept the appraised amount and will now have to abide by whatever the court decides.

  See also:

  Letter from Brendetta Black Dog to Representative Burdick Regarding Lillie Wolf Settlement, May 12, 1954"

• 

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Brendetta Black Dog Regarding Per Capita Payments, April 27, 1954

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated April 27, 1954, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Brendetta (misspelled as "Brindetta" by Burdick) Black Dog of Elbowoods, North Dakota on the Fort Berthold Reservation, expresses Burdick's thanks to Black Dog for clippings she sent him in regarding the US Bureau of Indian Affairs. He then explains the current situation regarding possible per capita payments for the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation and for the members of the Fort Peck Reservation as decided by Assistant Secretary of the US Department of the Interior Orme Lewis and the US Indian Bureau.

  Attached to this letter is a page of typed notes with the words "Homer Jenkins, Indian Bureau" at the top. This page appears to be notes sent from the US Bureau of Indian Affairs for Burdick to use in his response to Black Dog.

• 

  Letter from Representative Burdick to James Black Dog Regarding Garrison Dam, March 17, 1954

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated March 17, 1954, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to James Black Dog of Elbowoods, North Dakota on the Fort Berthold Reservation, refers to copies of testimony given at hearings on the Garrison Dam. Burdick writes that is sending these copies in a separate envelope. Burdick adds that he has checked with US Representative Jensen's office and no one there is aware of any request for an investigation of the Fort Berthold Reservation. Jensen himself, Burdick writes, is still in the hospital from "the recent Puerto Rican shooting affray."

  Burdick mentions finally that the report of the Civil Functions Committee of the US House of Representatives on the Appropriations Bill (HR 8367) has allocated $24M for the Garrison Reservoir, a reduction of $3.5M, meaning no more land will be purchased above the 1,850 foot level.

  See also:

  Letter from James Black Dog to Representative Burdick Regarding Garrison Dam, March 15, 1954

• 

  Letter from Representative Burdick to James Black Dog Regarding Lillie Wolf's Land, April 27, 1954

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated April 27, 1954, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to James Black Dog concerns land owned by Black Dog's sister (identified as Lille Wolf in other correspondence). Burdick writes that he has been calling "the Department" regarding Wolf's land and that they have said they will let Burdick know she should do; however, he writes, they have not yet done so. Burdick writes that he has told them he is tired of the delay and the demanded that they get back to him by the end of the following week at the latest.

  See also:

  Letter from James Black Dog to Representative Burdick Regarding Lillie Wolf's Land, Per Capita Payments, March 28, 1954

• 

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Lillie Wolf Regarding Garrison Dam Flood Lands, May 11, 1954

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated may 11, 1954, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Lillie E. Wolf (Burdick misspells her first name as "Lily here) concerns Wolf's lands in the Garrison Dam taking area. Burdick writes that after two months, "the Department" and Mr. Hutchinson have gotten back to Burdick about the land in question. Burdick summarizes their response, writing that because Wolf refused to sell her land at the US Army Engineers' appraised value, the court will hear evidence from both sides to determine just compensation. Burdick writes that he is aware that Wolf already knows this and has engaged counsel and that the case is listed on the court calendar at Bismarck for the 1954 term.

  See also:

  Authorization of Settlement by Lillie Wolf, May 6, 1954

• 

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Lyle Bryngelson Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Height, February 9, 1954

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated February 9, 1954, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Lyle Bryngleson, temporary manager of the Sheyenne Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc., is a reply to an apparent request for Burdick to "get behind" a pool level of 1850 feet for the Garrison Dam Reservoir. Burdick mentions having "fought for" the Rural Electric Association, and then lays out his reasons for opposing the 1850 foot pool level, claiming that Bryngelson doesn't "know anything about it," and speculating that someone is "scaring" Bryngelson with claims that a lower pool level won't produce enough electricity. Burdick lists several other reasons for his opposition and concludes with a claim that the higher pool level is really wanted, not for power generation, but for irrigation, and notes that there are currently no plans for irrigation submitted to the US Congress. "Yet you command that I get behind this 1850 [foot] level," he writes, adding, "If someone is thinking for you, I will say no one is thinking for me."

  This letter is virtually identical to a letter sent to Lyle Bryngleson, temporary manager of the Sheyenne Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to E. M. Arntson Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, February 9, 1954