Francois Payette
Before 1862 a man by the name Cogglens built his lean-to on Birding Island which was across the Payette River from Bluff Station. He had the title of Justice of the Peace, apparently bestowed upon himself by his single vote. Why, exactly, he favored that title is incomprehensible, due to the fact that there were very few prospective ceremonies to be performed.
Although travelers followed the mud ruts from Boise to the eastern Oregon gold fields prior to 1860, no settlement was available to rest their weary bones. George Hunt built a ferry near Bluff Station, which he had obtained from one Orange Gaylord. That station was reported to be the first stagecoach stop west of Boise. It must be noted that in some accountsof the early periods of Payette County history, there appears to be contradictions as to who, where, and why, certain events took place. According to inquiries made to old timers still living in this area, their stories varied along with histories written by numerous writers. This author can only report the variances with tongue in cheek as cited. Apparently much of Payette County's very early history can only be traced to legend and hearsay. Perhaps the archives of Boise County, Washington Territory; Boise County, Idaho Territory, Ada County, Canyon County and lastly, Payette County itself may give partial answers. The town of Payette never moved, however, its history shows it was part of all those Counties, at one time or another. Another very strange item, which lends mystery to the area, is the fact that on the first recorded land transfer, the following can be seen: “Owen Richardson, Orland Richardson, and James Alcock to one John Mayer on the 20th day of February 1865, when for the sum of $500 (they transferred) one third of the Island North of the PIATTE River consisting of 160 acres, more or less, PIATTE VALLEY, Ada County, Idaho Territory”. Please note spelling of Payette. In 1864, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Toombs built a general store which was reported to be the only store between Boise and Baker City, Oregon. Payette Valley and County were first settled by cattlemen, however, prior to their arrival, certain individuals left a mark as they passed through. Such a man was Francois Payette, a Frenchman. He began as a fur trapper and wandered, for several years, up and down the rivers, in this area. These waterways took their toll. One moment mans' best friend and the next, his passport to the Great Beyond. Without the water, everything dies – so vital to man and beast. The early settlers realized its contribution was necessary and built their homes as close to the edge, as they dared. The Payette river and city were named for this trapper, who sold whatever his traps yielded, to the Hudson Bay Company, way back in the early 1800's. Along with Donald MacKenzie and Joseph Portneuf, who was later killed by the Indians, he broke bread and trapped the plentiful game. About 1830 he met and joined up the Peter Skene Ogden, who was the leader of five Snake River expeditions and a son of Chief Justice of Montreal. In several of Ogden's reports, he referred to Francois Payette as one of his most trusted employees and comments that his great prowess as a hunter was difficult to match. Another journal located was kept by a man named John Works, dated September 7,1830, in which he stated, “Sent trapping party to the Wazer (Weiser) and Payette Rivers. Reached the discharge here among the Snakes (Indians) stolen from him three years ago. One particular Indian pleaded that he traded for it, but got only the knife from Payette”. As in most other areas, at the time, horse stealing was a very serious crime and was dealt with, in extremely harsh manner. In Nellie Ireton Mills book entitled “All Along the River”, that author showed her vast knowledge of the Payette River history. In reference to Francois Payette, she states, “Payette also was with Tom McKay, when that young man led the last three Snake River brigades. All of this add up to about 18 years of the most rigorous outdoor life possible for this Canadian trapper. Back and forth across the burning sagebrush plains; down to the bitter alkali lakes of Nevada; up the deep canyons to the beaver lodges in the high mountain meadows; out again through the drifted snow, Francois and his trappers traveled. He must have known every Indian tribe and trail, every ford and spring, almost every rock and tree in the Snake country. No wonder he has been called 'The most important personage in the early history of southwest Idaho'. He was later called “Lord of the Snake” after his appointment by Tom McKay, as postmaster of the fort, on the Boise. From this post, Payette was placed in charge of all Hudson Bay trappers and the pelts they so prolifically produced. He is remembered in other journals of 1836 as being a man of considerable courtesy and kindliness |
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