The Kalispell bee. [volume] (Kalispell, Mont.) 1900-192?, 1901-12-04
DELIVERED THE GRAFTON.
Major Baldwin Conducts a Funeral
at Cut Bank.

Major Baldwin Conducts a Funeral
at Cut Bank.
Several years ago when Major NJ
ID. Baldwin of this city was Indian
agent of the Blackfeet reservation, he
gained the respect and esteem of the
inhabitants of that section by his
genial affability and by his earnest
desires to at all times do what he
thought was for the best interests
OF his wards. The Indians revered
him and called him the Great White
Chief" and in the immense domain
over which he reigued his word was
law. Not only did his red wards
bow before him. but the half-breeds
and the whites looked up to the
major as one to whom at all times
they could go in their joys or in their
troubles and in the one congratula-
lions would be rendered them. and
in the other good. sound advice
would be given.
When some time later Major Bald
win was relieved as Indian agent,
sorrow was profound throughout the
length and breadth of the reserva-
ton. The people regretted his de-
parture and vowed they would never
forget him. and they have kept their
word. Despite the years that have
INTERVIEWED in almost every instance
when man on the reservation gets
into trouble. the major is called upon
to come and settle it; his words of
wisdom are desired. and whenever
| possible he answers the call.
| An instance showing the boundless
dimensions of the majors heart oc-
Cured last week at Cut Bank. A res
dent of that place had been charged
with assault and at once sent for
the major to come to his assistance.
Losing no time Mr.. Baldwin hurried
over to that place and took up the
defense Of the man under arrest with
all his well known impetuosity. The
trial was set for Saturday and during
it's progress an incident occurred
which again brought the versatile
major to the fore
On Thanksgiving day at Cut Bank.
during the progress of turkey shoot,
James McKillop was accidentally shot
by one of the contestants and after
wards died from the wounds. He was
a young man and the only son ana
his untimely death was deeply re-
GREETED. His funeral was set for Sat
urday and large aceo"'','H 90 ""''
gathered from far and near to do the
last honcrs to the dead.
At the last moment it was four"
impossible to secure me services of
a minister of the gospel and the
friends and relatives of the dead man
were in despair. When in the midst
of their gloom bright ray Of sun
light penetrated and their troubles
were over. THE major as in the old
times when in trouble. THE major
was turned to and their troubles were
confided to him. Ever ready to as
sist those who are bowed down in sor-
row Major Baldwin consented to per-
form the last services. Selecting a
text from the good book he knows
so WELL the major spoke touchinsly
of the SORROWS of the bereaved rela
tives, and then delivered the funeral
sermon.
Modesty is the genial majors chief
failing, and when on his return to
Kalispell he was asked about the i'll
cident he would not say much about
it. His friends in this city, however
know from past experience his pow
ers as an orator. and it is safe to
say that under the melancholy i'm
pulse of the moment the major deliv
cred funeral Grafton that will be
remembered by his listeners for years
to come. and will ada to mis- fame
and renown throughout the great
Blackfoot reservation.
766. M. M. Co. hardware dept.