Unsung heros: Folk singer brings song and stories of Idaho’s women to Cottonwood

Through story and song, folk singer Tracy Morrison shares the stories of the women in Idaho’s history.

Morrison, who lives in Boise, became interested in these women’s stories through her father, a wilderness packer in southern Idaho. As a child, she spent time near the Idaho mining camp of Atlanta, where Annie McIntyre Morrow, also known as “Peg Leg Annie,” ran various business ventures during the late 1800s.

Her story stuck with Morrison, who later wrote about her in one of her songs. She also wrote a song about Sacajawea (see below) that focuses on her reunion with her brother after spending more than five years in captivity.

“We often celebrate her guidance for the Corp of Discovery expedition, but her life story is often lost, and it’s the story that touches me the most,” Morrison said.

Other women Morrison sings about include Mormon pioneer, mother and missionary Elizabeth Angelina Tuttle Clark, horsebreeder Kittie Wilkins, former slave Polly Bemis and American Indian writer Sarah Winnemucca.

“They’re all different stories,” Morrison said. “Their lives were just incredible, and they overcame a lot of hardship.”

Morrison isn’t a historian -- she’s a singer-songwriter who tells stories. Each character she sings about is a real person, even if not every detail is historically based. It gets people talking, she said, and she often learns new things from her audiences.

“I love these women. They’ve inspired me, so I like to share their stories.”

She has chosen to tell the stories of women largely because they’re often untold. People are familiar with the stories of women who have made significant contributions, Morrison said, but women who serve as the backbone of society are not always celebrated.

“People are people, and we should value each other for who we are as part of this community,” Morrison said.

Morrison’s presentation tonight in Cottonwood is part of the 19th annual Historical Museum at St. Gertrude Fall Lecture Series. It was made possible through a partnership with the Idaho Humanities Council. Her music is available at tracymorrison.org.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Idaho women stories and folk songs by Tracy Morrison

WHEN: 7 tonight

WHERE: Spirit Center at the Monastery of St. Gertrude, 465 Keuterville Road, Cottonwood

COST: Free

Sacajawea

By Tracy Morrison

Agaidika women and children Were camped along, the riverbed Attacked by Hidatsa at sunset By morning, they were dead

They kidnapped, some of their young girls Headed east, 800 miles Among them no older than 12 years Was a girl the Burden child

Saca tzah wee ya Saca tzah wee ya

She learned the life of a farmer but remained, a Hidatsa slave One day came along, a French trapper Who obtained, her as a trade

She bore him a child at Fort Mandan Then hired on, as a guide The corp of Discovery went searching For a path, to the Oceanside

Saca tzah wee ya Saca tzah wee ya

They came upon the Shoshone Before they reached, the rocky range She went to interpret their language And recognized, her brother’s face

He reached for her hand and he held on As he looked, into her eyes Dear sister you’ve been gone for so long My heart is filled, with delight

Saca tzah wee ya Saca tzah wee ya Saca tzah wee ya Saca tzah wee ya