Text Box: Burnett was also black. As further indication, Ms. Burnett was referred to as the Parnell’’s niece in the cemetery records which means she may have been related by blood. Further research is being done to determine if Christine White, who owned a neighboring parcel, was related to John White, a recently honored black custodian at Central School. Text Box: It has long been said in history books and local legend that Coon Hollow got its name from a group of blacks who homesteaded there. The most complete account we’ve come across was given by Walter Colby, Jr. in Kalispell, Montana and the Upper Flathead Valley, a book written by Henry Elwood. Mr. Colby says that Coon Hollow was so-named because, “about six blacks homesteaded up there and shared a common house divided into separate rooms.” He says, “These blacks did not engage in logging but, apparently, attempted to survive by raising crops and vegetables.” The Bulletin decided to do further research to see if this account could be verified. We are very happy to report that we think we’ve found sufficient evidence to verify that at least one black woman owned land in Coon Hollow. Text Box: A cash land patent (not a homestead) was granted to Emma S. Burnett for 160 acres, in 27N 22W Section 25, on September 16, 1907. The land is located in the northwest quarter of that section and is presently referred to as Coon Hollow. (see map) According to an obituary in the Daily Inter Lake, Ms. Burnett was the adopted daughter of Charity and Thomas (T.P.) Parnell. Mr. & Mrs. Parnell were longtime black residents of Kalispell.. Mr. Parnell was born in 1833 in Darlington, South Carolina. He was a barber by trade and worked in Denver for 18 years before coming to the Flathead in 1891 with his wife. Since she was adopted, we can’t be sure that Ms. Burnett was the same race as her adoptive parents. But, based on the accounts of the naming of Coon Hollow, it can probably be assumed that Ms. Text Box: The Legend of Coon Hollow Text Box: The record books show a couple of early marriages in Kila, or what was then called Sedan. On May 28, 1895, Reverend H.J. Van de Ver, a Catholic priest of Rector, performed a marriage ceremony in Sedan for Frederic Wence, age 32, of Sedan, and Elizabeth Murray, age 33, of Sedan. Mr. Wence was born in Waseirmiler, Baden County, Germany to John Wence and Magdalina Ams. Miss Murray was born in Kilbourn, Columbia County, Wisconsin. Witnesses were William Murray, of Sedan, and Mrs. Mary Murray, of Sedan. On April 8, 1896, William Text Box: Jeffrey, Elder of the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Kalispell, performed a ceremony in Sedan for John M. Spangler, age 28, of Marion, and Dora B. Casey, age 17, of Sedan. Mr. Spangler, son of Isiah Spangler and Alvina Nayler, was born in LaGrange County, Wisconsin. Miss Casey, daughter of George Casey, was born in Little Rock, Arkansas. Due to Dora’s young age, George Casey gave consent for the marriage. Witnesses were George Casey and A.C. Casey, both of Sedan. Clerk of Court for both marriages was A.W. Swaney. Text Box: Kila bulletin Building a sense of community Text Box: Early Marriages in Sedan Text Box: Kila, Montana 59920 Text Box: April 1, 2007 Text Box: Volume 1, Issue 4

Article contributions and corrections to the Kila Bulletin can be emailed to cwade@montanasky.net

or mailed to Kila Bulletin, P.O. Box 105

Thanks to the Kalispell Daily Inter Lake and the Pioneers by Sam Johns for providing historical information

According to the Farmers’ Almanac, the Lyrids meteor shower will be visible on April 21-22 from 3 am to 4 am.  The meteors will be visible overhead at the rate of 10-12 per hour and will appear as swift streaks in the sky. 

 

The best days of April for tree pruning are the 4th, 5th, 6th, 9th and 10th.

 

April 7th, 8th, 15th, 16th, 19th, 20th, and 21st are unfavorable days for planting.

Farmers’

Almanac