Hallalhotsoot facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hallalhotsoot
(Chief Lawyer) |
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| Hallalhotsoot | |
Hallalhotsoot, c. 1861
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| Born | c. 1797 |
| Died | January 3, 1876 |
| Resting place | Nikesa Cemetery First Presbyterian Church Kamiah, Idaho |
| Known for | Nez Perce leader |
| Successor | Chief Joseph |
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Hallalhotsoot (around 1797–1876) was a very important leader of the Niimíipu people. He was also known as Hal-hal-tlos-tsot or simply "Lawyer." He became one of the most famous Nez Perce leaders, alongside Chief Joseph.
Hallalhotsoot was the son of Twisted Hair. His father was the one who welcomed and helped the tired Lewis and Clark Expedition way back in 1805. Hallalhotsoot's mother was a woman from the Flathead tribe. Because of his parents, he learned both their languages. He also knew some English.
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Who Was Hallalhotsoot?
Hallalhotsoot's name first appeared in records in 1836. This was during a meeting with a person named Marcus Whitman. He earned the nickname "Lawyer" because he was a very skilled speaker. He was good at explaining things clearly and persuasively. He even worked as a guide for Whitman.
Helping Early Missionaries
In 1838, some missionaries arrived at the Whitman Mission Station in Waiilatpu. Hallalhotsoot helped one of them, Asa Bowen Smith, learn the Nez Perce language. Smith then used this knowledge to create a grammar guide and a dictionary for the language.
Two other missionary couples, Cushing and Myra Eells, and Elkanah and Mary Richardson Walker, were planning to work with the Spokane people. Hallalhotsoot also helped them learn the Spokane language. This was helpful because it was similar to the Flathead language, which he already knew.
Important Treaties and Land Changes
In 1855, Hallalhotsoot took part in a big meeting called the Walla Walla Council. Here, he signed a very important agreement known as the Treaty of Stevens. This treaty helped him get a reservation for his people. This reservation covered a large part of their traditional lands, located between the Clearwater and Salmon rivers.
However, things changed when gold was found in Pierce in 1860. This led to pressure for more land. Hallalhotsoot agreed to new land deals in the Treaty of 1863. This decision was not accepted by Old Joseph (who lived from about 1785 to 1871). Old Joseph saw it as a betrayal. Because of this disagreement, Hallalhotsoot was replaced as the main leader of the tribe by Chief Joseph in 1872.
Lawyer's Legacy: A Place Named After Him
A place in north central Idaho is named after Hallalhotsoot. It's called Lawyer Creek. This creek is a branch of the Clearwater River. It flows through a deep area called Lawyer's Canyon, which is about 300 feet deep. The canyon is located between the towns of Ferdinand and Craigmont. Lawyer Creek flows east and meets the Clearwater River near Kamiah.
Hallalhotsoot passed away in Kamiah. He is buried at the Nikesa Cemetery, which is located at the Presbyterian church in Kamiah. He was an elder at this church.
