Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

The blind and ancient Chief Massalah (today spelled Masselow) reached the end of his 60-plus years as leader of the Kalispel Tribe.

Massalah was carried to his final big council gathering on the Pend Oreille River, where he declared that he was “gopt” (tired) and no longer able to rule his people.

He proposed that Chief John be declared leader in his place, according to Father Louis Taelman, the president of Gonzaga College, who was there conducting Corpus Christi services for children.

Massalah, 86, would go on to live until 1920.

From the accident beat: A train smashed into an auto on Mission Avenue, spreading pieces of the car for hundreds of feet. The two passengers were thrown clear and had only minor injuries.

Witnesses said the driver, a Spokane salesman, jumped up and ran to the aid of his wife. 

It wasn’t until the next day that he admitted his wife wasn’t in the car. His female passenger was an “old friend.”

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1978: A jury in Clark County, Nev., ruled the so-called “Mormon will,” purportedly written by the late billionaire Howard Hughes, was a forgery.