Roundup: March 12, 2014

Almansor Court – 700 S. Almansor, Alhambra, CA.
Social Hour: 5:00 PM
Dinner: 6:00 PM

Speaker: Fellow LA Westerner, Jerry Selmer 
Subject:  A Great American General – War Chief Joseph of Nez Perce

Click here to view photos from the event.

The public policy of Manifest Destiny dictated the expansion of the United States from the original thirteen colonies to the Pacific Coast.  Most of this activity took place in the nineteenth century.  Although settlement of this new empire was relatively slow at first, the upheaval and dislocations caused by the Civil War (1861-1865) impelled many to seek a new life in a raw and untamed land.  The problem was, of course, there were already people living there – the Native American Indians.  The various tribes abounded throughout the region. To the new white settlers, they were a menace to be removed.  Thus, the Indian Wars that came about during this settlement period.  Since it was Federal policy to encourage settlement, it fell to the U. S. Army to remove them.

This talk will describe one such situation, the Nez Perce War.  This tribe occupied a highly desirable piece of real estate in the Pacific Northwest.  Therefore, they must be removed or exterminated.  There arose from their midst a great heroic figure who possessed remarkable qualities of leadership seldom seen among any people.  Chief Joseph took on the responsibility of command and led his people during the difficult and dangerous days of escape and battle.  This heart-rending story is as suspenseful as a work of fiction.  But, it all really happened.

Plan to join us for a thoughtful look at an important moment in time in the history of the Old West.

Jerry Selmer is a thirty-nine year member of the Corral who was our Sheriff in 1985. He has served numerous historical organizations in Board and executive capacities including the Southwest Museum as Executive Director. A third generation native born Californian, Jerry received his B.A. in Public Administration from UCLA before serving in the U.S. Army for two years of  active duty and six years of Reserve duty. He attained the rank of Captain. He served 31 years in administrative and executive capacities with the City of Los Angeles, holding the position of Assistant City Administrative Officer for 12 years.  He has written articles and book reviews for the Branding Iron as well as previously delivering his excellent presentations to us.

Click here to view photos from the event.

Larry L. Boerio           
Sheriff