From the Archives - Feb. 23, 2023

Without any written record, there seems to be some confusion with the date of birth for Eneas Louis Abraham. According to his wife, “Chief Eneas” was born on Nov. 5, 1881, however, the Indian Census Roll taken in 1937 listed his birth year as 1886. As he had no formal education and could not read or write, Eneas had the World War II registrar fill out his Draft Registration Card on which his birth date was listed as November 15, 1885. On that 1941 card, he placed his mark, an “X,” to verify the information was true.

Born in Boundary County to Louie Tamia and Mary Anasta Abraham, Eneas had four siblings: Antoine, Anastasia, Mary Louise, and Mathias. He grew up in the Kootenai Valley. Having lost his father when he was 11 years old, Eneas worked for local farmers throughout the valley, mostly in District 7.

In 1905, Eneas married Agnes Swanson from the Yakima Reservation in Washington. She left him in 1926 to return to her tribal home. Eneas became lifelong friends with Ann Mary Jacob. They had lived together for eight years when Chief Isadore counseled them to get married, as they had three children. In July 1934, Eneas, using his thumbprint for his signature, was granted a divorce from Agnes. Eneas Louis Abraham married Ann Mary Jacob on August 14, 1934, in Libby, Montana. Their witnesses were Mrs. Anderson, Mission School teacher and Simon Francis, historian and interpreter. Eneas’ and Ann’s children were: Abraham, Sophie, Infant Boy, Susaddie, Tamia, Louis, Francis and Pascal.

Judge Schlette of Bonners Ferry appointed and swore in Eneas Abraham as Tribal Judge in 1939. Along with the tribal police, the Kootenai Tribe operated their own law enforcement department.

Following the lineage of chiefs from his great-great-great-grandfather Three Moon, Chief Eneas Abraham was elected Head Chief on February 14, 1957 — after the death of Chief Simon David. Throughout his life, Chief Eneas held a high post within the circle of the Sun Dance mediums. He participated in many Sun Dances.

At the 1964 Bonners Ferry Centennial, Chief Eneas Abraham was honored to represent the Kootenai Tribe during the ceremonies. In full regalia, he rode his pony in the parade.

Chief Eneas strongly advocated education for his people. He was concerned for future generations. He posed for a photograph with his granddaughters, Eileen and Dixie, as they were the first members of the Kootenai Tribe to graduate from Bonners Ferry High School in 1970.

At age 91 (or 88 depending on his birth year), Chief Eneas still walked to “downtown” Bonners Ferry from the Mission to visit with old friends. Sadly, Chief Eneas was struck by an automobile one evening about dark while walking home. He died, fifty years ago, February 17, 1973. High Mass was held in St Michael’s Mission Church with interment in the Mission Cemetery.

The Boundary County Historical Society and Museum, 7229 Main, Bonners Ferry, sponsors this column.

Visit the museum, Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; visit the museum online at its website, boundarycountymuseum.org; or the museum’s Facebook page for historical photos and stories, and to see upcoming events. The museum can be reached at doyouremember@meadowcrk.com or by telephone at 208-267-7720. Thank you for your continued support.