The Hardin tribune-herald. [volume] (Hardin, Mont.) 1925-1973, 1934-10-19
Fighting Parsons Played
Great Part in Winning Wilderness
BY MRS. M. E. PLASSMANN

BY MRS. M. E. PLASSMANN
vxTE ARE accustomed to think of all
w clergymen as ministers of peace
whose duty it is, when war is declared
to pray for the success of their armies.
This they can do with a clear consci-
ence, in the full conviction that their
side is battling for the right, without
the disturbing thought that the oppos-
ing force may be equally certain its
cause is just.
History tells us Of priests, from bish-
ops down to those of lowly station, who
did not restrict themselves to petitions
for aid from on high, but have tucked
up their cassocks and girding on a
sword went forth to meet the enemy
and do deadly execution. There were
many instances during the Civil war
of students leaving theological semi
naries to serve in the armies, and re-
turning after peace was declared, to
complete their studies.
Montana, like other states, has had
her militant clergy. It is but a little
over half a century since the Rev. w.
w. Van Orsdel, Brother Van," was an
active participant in the Nez Perez war.
and did valiant service there. I do not
believe that Brother Van" ever killed
anyone, whether of the white, red or
black race, but have no doubt that he
was perfectly competent to do so if he
felt it to be his duty. In the Nez Perez
war he did not hesitate to risk his own
life in defense of others.
I have recently learned of another
Methodist minister-one of the pioneers
of that faith in Montana-Dr. Thomas
Corwin Tiff, who distinguished himself
in a. military way at a time when war
threatened, but failed to materialize.
It was in the early '70s when the
whites were casting covetous eyes ON the
rich lands of the Bitter Root valley,
owned, as they had been from time
immemorial, by the Selfish, or Flathead
people. The Selfish knew what the out
come was likely to be in such an event,
but did not intend to give up their her.
itage without a struggle. The white set
tiers in Missoula and vicinity watched
the course of events with considerable
apprehension. The Flatheads had al
ways been friendly, but they were quite
capable of defending their rights if
necessary-and they outnumbered the
whites probably at that time, although
I cannot assert this as a fact. One
thing was certain, the Indians, if reused
could make it exceedingly interesting
for the whites in the Bitter Root val
ley and elsewhere in that neighbour
hood.
About this time a young man recently
ordained came to what he says was then
called MisSoula Mills, to build up a
thoro Uyhi1o NcfopciH1xy n WAN
Of peace, his had been an experience
shared by few of his profession. At the
opening of the Civil war, Thomas Tiff
enlisted in the army. He was then but
l6 years old, a mere slip Of a boy, far
100 young to have left home. Youths
Ire always sought for canon fodder,
md it is mainly they who fight our
vars; however, those above 16 years
ire preferred. They are stronger and
Of greater endurance.
In some unaccountable manner young
lift managed to get into the army,
where he did good service, and even
ually was advanced in rank from pri-
ate to lieutenant. It was a hard school
or a boy.
After he left the army, young Tiff
Ohio university at the age of
3, and worked his way through, gradu-
ting in 1870. Then followed his ordina-
as a Methodist minister, when he
vas assigned to missionary work in
Montana. at Missoula. Togeth-
= with his wife-for he had married
lmost Immediately after graduation
!e made the long Journey to his parish.
found 1t a tiny settlement number
ng but 200 residents, and surrounded
y Indians who might be friendly, but
rho then had a hostile air, not encour-
cling to newcomers, On every side the