Charters Family

A SCOTTISH PIONEER'S PARADISE:  THE CHARTERS FAMILY LEGACY IN GARDEN VALLEY

Written by: Dawna Booth (2025)

William Charters, widely known as "Scott" among friends and family, was a pioneering figure whose life story embodies the spirit of perseverance and adaptability that shaped Idaho's rugged landscape. Born in Dumfrieshire, Scotland, on April 3, 1844, William’s journey to the American West was marked by adventure and determination. At just 19 years old, he crossed the Atlantic, journeyed through the Isthmus of Panama, and traveled across California to Nevada’s thriving mining towns.

Despite his initial pursuit of mining, William’s focus soon shifted when he arrived in Idaho’s Granite Creek. Like many who sought fortune, William was drawn by the promise of opportunity, but it was the breathtaking scenery that truly captured his heart. Upon crossing the final mountain ridge, he was greeted by a lush, remote valley with the Payette River flowing peacefully through it. “This is a good place to raise a family,” he declared, recognizing the potential of the quiet but promising land - an inspiring contrast to the bustling, tumultuous mining camps.

William’s story becomes even richer with the introduction of Mary Ann Buckley, born in 1851 in New Orleans, Louisiana. She and her family, including her sister and parents, the Bunkleys, made their way to Idaho in 1865, traveling via the Isthmus of Panama and eventually settling in Idaho City and Granite Creek. The young couple’s romance culminated in their marriage on September 3, 1876, at St. Patrick’s Church in Granite Creek.

In 1878, William and Mary Ann, along with their first son William, bought land from Abbott and Bales and started a homestead that would eventually grow into the famous Charters Ranch, spanning over 700 acres. Over time, their family grew to include ten children: Margaret, William, Mary, John, Samuel, Catherine, Harry, James, and two others who tragically died in infancy. Despite the hardships, Mary Ann was celebrated as an expert seamstress and a loving wife and mother. Her dedication to her family was unwavering until her untimely death in 1898, leaving William to shoulder the immense responsibilities of raising their children.

William, known for his resilience and leadership, continued to develop the ranch and community. He died on October 19, 1919, but his legacy lived on through his descendants and their contributions. With the family expanding and needs growing, the Charters built a substantial new Sears-Roebuck house in 1915, constructed from pre-cut lumber transported by train from Portland to Banks, then hauled by wagon to Garden Valley. Designed with six bedrooms, a parlor, dining room, kitchen, and the valley’s first indoor bathroom, this home stood as a monument to progress and comfort. Located at the base of Charters Mountain, it withstood nearby forest fires, symbolizing durability and resilience.

In Garden Valley, the Charters home was one of two striking houses of similar style, with the other belonging to the Mills family. Sadly, the Mills house was consumed by fire in 1953. The valley’s scenic beauty, ringed by high mountains, thick pines, and rushing river, belied its history rife with stories of danger and intrigue. Tales were told of buried gold hidden beneath the soil and children being hurried from warm beds at night to avoid Indian attacks—stories passed down like treasures through generations.

William "Scott" Charters was more than a rancher; he was the first to guide cattle over the high mountains to summer grazing grounds in Deadwood Basin, where he built the first log cabin. Scott Mountain,  Scott Creek, Scott Lane, Charters Mountain, Charters Creek and Charters Mtn. Rd and Lane are named in his honor, testaments to his pioneering spirit. His efforts helped establish Idaho’s Forest Service in 1905, with William providing equipment, negotiating permits, and lending his expertise for cattle drives over Scott Mountain.

His sons expanded upon his legacy: John tended cattle and stocked trout, James and Harry worked in the woods, and Samuel married in 1910 and raised seven children on the homestead. Their life revolved around self-sufficiency, harvesting ice from the Payette River in winter, catching salmon in the summer, and preparing for the harsh Idaho winters through careful planning and hard work.

William Charters' life was one of unwavering dedication to his family and community. His pioneering, resilience in the face of nature’s challenges, and his vision for a better life for his family are woven into the very fabric of Garden Valley’s history. Today, his story remains a testament to the grit and spirit that built Idaho's resilient communities and a legacy remembered by generations.