Transitioning from Fallon County continued to be task filled as June approached

Soon after becoming a county in 1917, the Carter County commission reviewed several bids for transcribing and indexing the records pertaining to Carter County from the records of Fallon County. Thus, John Oliver was employed to supervise the transcribing of all county records. He received $7.50/day plus expenses for compensation.

On the 18th of May, 1917, a resolution was passed giving Carter County its official existence. However, the county assessor and the county board of equalization could not complete the task of assessing the real estate and personal property within the drawn boundaries of the county. They requested for the county to hire more help.

Electoral precincts where described elections would be held were determined to be placed at Alzada, Ridge, Piniele, Boyes, Albion, Johnson’s Ranch, Ewalt, Climax, Capitol, Buck’s Ranch, Midland, Sykes, Bradshaw, Ekalaka South, Ekalaka North, Mill Iron Ranch, the Scholfield School House, Munro, Charlie Keith’s Ranch, and Carter School House. Twenty two polling places have been combined over the years to equate to the three poll sites used today.

The first tax levy for Carter County was set on August 13, 1917. Levies set included four mills for general school, 6 for the county general fund, ¼ mill for the poor fund, 1 mill for the bridge fund, the contingent fund totaled 7 mills, interest fund was ½ mill, and the road fund totaled 3 mills. The county high school levy was set at one mill and there were 22 separate rural school districts that were also levied taxes for operation. The assessed valuation was determined to be less than $5,000,000 and thus placed Carter County as a 7th Class County. We’ve seen change in the last 100 years! Our taxable valuation for 2017 is $49,876.63 per mill, and some years ago the State of Montana abandoned the classification for counties.

The Mill Iron bridge crossing the Box Elder was replaced with one 85 foot span pieced structure and cost $3,000. At the same time, V.B. Ackerman went to the board of commissioners to apply for a liquor license at Piniele.

Thirty free holders representing themselves as residents within a five mile radius of the unincorporated town signed the petition. At Boyes Dwight Pierce applied for a liquor license, having indicated a count of fifty bonafide residents within the radius of the unincorporated town.

Meanwhile, Trouble brewed in Bell Tower. Commissioner Farwell moved for the adoption of a resolution which read: “Resolving, That, a complaint has been filed with the Board of Commissioners protesting against the action of certain parties who, it has been alleged, are speaking of the village of Bell Tower in a derogatory manner by calling said village of Bell Tower, Kaiserville. Therefore, the Board realizing the interest Mr. B.B. Gross has in the village of Bell Tower and that the discriminate acts of certain people in calling said village Kaiserville must deeply wound Mr. Gross’ finer sensibilities, the Board in consideration of Mr. Gross’ purchase of $1,000 of Liberty Bonds agreed to use its full influence with the public at large to urge said public to discontinue this pernicious habit of calling the village of Bell Tower, Kaiserville.”

I found this resolution to be interesting and would like to know more of the history behind it.

The Board of Equalization in conjunction with Commissioners Hobbs, Farwell and Snow examined tax lists of various taxpayers throughout the county. I’m listing individuals whose names I recognize, there are many other names listed in the minutes: Catherine Arbuckle; Walter Anderson; C.H. Atkinsen; Charles Aldrich; Peter Bonefield, Sr .; Mrs. Ruth Buck,;John F. Buck; Frank Beltz; Isom W. Brewer; Mike Moolick; Septon Cady; D.E. McDowell; Frank Castleberry; Wm. Cline; L.O. Dague; A. T. Dague; Leonard Dye; W.E. Elmore; Elizabeth Ewalt; H.H. Floyd; Kittie Floyd; Chas. M. Peabody; Lawrence Peabody; Mrs. Mary Peabody; Riley A. Phelps; W. B. Padden; Elmer Rozelle; Mary Schofield; A. J. Speelmon; Hans O. Stenseth; Charles C. Speiser; Jacob O. Flasted; Ole Flasted; Julia A. Foster; Mrs. Nellie Hedges; Edward Heggen; Charles E. Lavell; Newman Hall; James Hurst; Geo W. Cleveland; Markuson & Ohme; Frank Kowitz; Peter Kortum; Chas J. Jolley; and A. F. Jardee.

I will continue to research the minutes and share them with Eagle readers from time to time throughout the year. I’m hoping that the articles submitted will encourage historians in the county to share their stories as well.

I’d seen this quote by Henry Ford that reminds me of Carter County and how important this 100th year is to its residents. – “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress and working together is success.”