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Bishop Aaron Johnson, chief magistrate of civil and military affairs, tried to settle Ute trouble with Chief Walker. He refused unless Ivie was given over for trial by the Indians. Johnson refused.(6) During the ensuing nine months of the Walker War, 1853-1854, Indians attacks were made in Utah, Juab, Sanpete, Sevier, Millard and Iron Counties. Livestock was killed and herds of cattle were driven off. The smaller settlements moved into larger communities for protection. The Utah Militia (Nauvoo Legion) was called into action. They traveled throughout the territory to protect the settlers.(7) The treaty of peace was signed by Walker in May, 1854, on Chicken Creek, Juab County. Nineteen Whites and many Indians were killed.(S) Chief Walker died January 29, 1855. Arropine became their chief. The beautiful little valley called Arropine's Valley (Mayfield) was his favorite hunting ground. He came year after year just as his ancestors had done.(9) In 1856 the Utah Indian agent established a farm for the natives on twelve Mile Creek in Sanpete County- They were desperate tor a plan that would guarantee them even a part of their ancestral hunting ground on which to live. Arropine chose the site himself. In hope of a permanent peace. Arropine deeded the land of his rather to Brigham Young as trustee for the church, on December 23, 1855. It was valued at $155,000.00.(10) They had a promising beginning until two years after its inception. The Utes were not accustomed to fanning, having little taste for it. and finally refused altogether. Since the Indians would not work, total loss was avoided by paying white farmers from Manti to cultivate the crops at Twelve Mile Creek. That encouraged Indian apathy. They were permitted to roam about the country, stealing, begging, etc.(11) Another farm was located in Thistle Valley. one-half mile southeast of Indianola. The church sought to buy the ground from the Whiles in Indianola to make it available for the Indians for homesteads. They were allowed to file on it, and assume ownership after living on it and tilling the soil for twenty years.(12) Brigham Young wrote to the Y.X. Company's agent in St. Louis: "I learn from Utah's congressional delegate and the Commissioner of Indian Affairs that they are opposed to settle Indian lands because they are not bartered 126 |
