USA > Minnesota > Wabasha County > History of Wabasha County : together with biographical matter, statistics, etc. : gathered from matter furnished by interviews with old settlers, county, township, and other records, and extracts from files of papers, pamphlets, and such other sources > Part 20
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111
"Goddard's " was the favorite stopping-place-the most popu- lar and commodious "hotel" on Wabasha prairie. This shanty was the "home " of many of the early settlers of this county who came that season. It was here they gathered for social enjoyment, to get the latest news, to discuss the matters of claims and current events. It was the place of gathering for all public meetings, and the headquarters of the Wabasha Protection Club, of which Mr. Goddard was elected secretary. A select school was opened here by Miss Angelia Gere, a young daughter of H. C. Gere. This. was the first school attempted on the prairie. It was kept in opera-
233
-
FIRST SETTLEMENTS AT WINONA CITY.
tion but a short time. Here the first stated religious meetings were held, with regular preaching on the Sabbath day. This history would be incomplete without some special notice of Mr. Goddard and his family, so intimately were the early settlers connected with this "settlers' home."
The summer of 1852 was known in the west as the sickly season. The extreme high water of the early spring was followed by another extreme of low water, with remarkably dry and hot weather. This occasioned a general epidemic of severe forms of malarial diseases, which were unusually fatal. These diseases prevailed extensively along the river. Wabasha prairie and the colony at Minnesota City were seriously affected by it. The settlement of this county was retarded through the loss of many of the settlers by death, and the removal of very many others to escape the threatened dangers of sickness in a locality where there was so limited accommoda- tions, even for the healthy.
The settlers considered themselves fortunate, indeed, if in their attack of sickness they could get in at Goddard's. The accommo- dation was prized, for there they felt sure of kind attention and watchful nursing. There were no regular medical practitioners in the county who followed their profession - none nearer than La Crosse, and domestic management was an important consideration with the sufferers.
The following extract from a letter to " Aunt Catharine " (Mrs. Goddard), written a score of years afterward, will illustrate some- what the general sentiments of the early settlers in connection with the occurrences of that year : " I cannot forget the many deeds of kindness and motherly care my brothers and myself received at your hands when your house was a hospital and you the ministering angel. With nine sick persons, including your husband ; with. but two rooms in which to lodge and make comfortable your sick house- hold, how admirably and patiently all was managed."
In the latter part of this season Mr. Goddard and his two young- est children were prostrated with the prevailing diseases and died. Mr. Goddard's death occurred September 11. The loss of a citizen of such promising usefulness in the new settlement was a calamity seriously felt. He was a man of the strictest integrity and of cor- rect moral principles.
In his native state, Pennsylvania, Mr. Goddard was honored with the office of justice of the peace, and held that position for
14
234
HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY.
many years. He there acquired the title of "Squire Goddard," by which name he was generally known. He was appointed post- master, and received his commission during his last sickness, but never qualified or attempted to serve in that capacity.
Mrs. Goddard, now known as Mrs. Catharine Smith, is yet a resident of Wabasha prairie. She is the oldest female resident of the city of Winona. Indirectly through her some of the best citizens of Winona became residents of this county. She is a sister of the Lairds'. Although the mother of many children, she has but one living, a son, Orrin F. Smith.
Aunt Catharine is a woman whose social nature, kind heart and real worth have secured to her hosts of sincere friends. Her Easter parties, birthday gatherings and social reunions of old settlers are annual enjoyments to herself as well as to her numerous relatives and friends. Mrs. Goddard was connected with many incidents of pioneer life which might be mentioned. some of which will be noticed.
Prominent among the settlers who located on Wabasha prairie this season was Dr. John L. Balcombe. About April 1 he came up the river on the Nominee and stopped at La Crosse. Being a gen- tleman of much more than usual general intelligence, with fine social qualifications, and also an invalid, he readily formed acquaint- ances and found friends among the best citizens of that place. Wa- basha prairie was then attracting considerable attention from the residents of La Crosse, and not long after his arrival he was induced to join a party who proposed to explore the late Sioux purchase for farming lands. Their prospecting excursions only extended to the valleys along the river, where some claims were selected. It being too early in the season to attempt any very extended trip without a more suitable outfit than could be procured, they returned to La Crosse.
In the forepart of May Dr. Balcombe again visited Wabasha prairie. He brought with him a horse, or pony, and camp supplies. He here secured the services of Ed. Hamilton, whose robust strength and experience as a cook made him a valuable acquisition in the exploring excursion he proposed to make. After transporting their outfit across the slough they started for the back country, Hamilton leading the way on the trail with a heavy pack of supplies, the doctor following on horseback with the balance of their outfit, which included a sack of corn and a bundle of hay.
235
FIRST SETTLEMENTS AT WINONA CITY.
Following the trail to Minnesota City they went up the south valley and out on Sweet's prairie on a trail marked by the settlers of the colony. They spent three or four days in exploring the country along the branches of the White Water and Root river as far as the · western part of this county. In the vicinity of what is now the town of Saratoga they saw a large herd of elk, the last that have been seen in this vicinity.
They returned through the Rolling Stone and arrived at John- son's landing on the evening of May 12, and went directly to the shanty of Mr. Goddard, where the doctor was provided for as a guest with such accommodations as the place afforded, although Mrs. Goddard had hardly taken possession of the premises. The next day he returned to La Crosse.
About the last of May another exploring party was organized in La Crosse by Dr. Balcombe, Rev. J. C. Sherwin, Rev. William H. Card, and other prominent citizens. Provided with horses and necessary supplies for camping out, they took passage to Wabasha prairie. The services of Ed. Hamilton were again secured. As the grass had by this time become sufficient for the support of their horses, the trip was only limited by their inclinations or the extent of their camp supplies.
This party went out through Gilmore valley. Keeping on the divide between the Root river and the White Water and Zombro rivers, they explored the country as far west as the head-waters of the Cedar river. On their return they camped on the head-waters of the White Water, spending the Sabbath in the vicinity of the present village of St. Charles. Religious exercises were observed and Elder Sherwin delivered a sermon to his companions. This was the first religious meeting held in the country back from the river.
While on this excursion Dr. Balcombe made discovery of many choice locations. His habits of close observation, with a retentive memory, gave him a decided advantage over other explorers, which were afterward of pecuniary value. IIe could long afterward point out the choicest locations to the early settlers seeking farming lands. While on this trip he first discovered and located the present site of High Forest. It was not until a year or two afterward that he found sale for his rights of discovery.
This exploring excursion satisfied Dr. Balcombe that the resources of this part of the Sionx purchase, when developed, would amply
236
HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY.
support a large commercial town on the river and that the outlet must be in this vicinity. He decided to locate on Wabasha prairie, and accepted Johnson's offer of an acre of ground on the same terms offered others. The acre selected was west of and adjoining that chosen by John Evans. He built a shanty on Main street, between Front and Second streets, near the alley. It was 12×16, one story, of little better style than common claim shanties. It had a gable roof instead of the ordinary shed roof. This was at first of boards, but was afterward covered with shingles.
Dr. Balcombe also bought an undivided one-third of the Hamil- ton claim, No. 5. Mark Howard, a gentleman residing in Hartford, Conn., purchased another third, Edwin Hamilton retaining one- third. Walter Brown, of La Crosse, was appointed agent for Mr. Howard. This property is now known as Huff's addition to the original town plot of Winona. The claim was valned at $200. The shares were $66.66 each. Mr. Hamilton then supposed he had made a good sale.
About June 1, Dr. Balcombe brought his wife from Illinois, where she was on a visit with her son. Stopping at La Crosse for awhile, she came to Wabasha prairie on June 13. They boarded at Goddard's until they commenced honsekeeping in their own shanty in July. About July 1 he built a shanty on the Hamilton claim, which he leased to O. S. Holbrook, of which mention was made in earlier pages.
Early in July Dr. Balcombe went down the river and brought up some household furniture and supplies. He also brought back with him a span of horses and a colt, double and single harnesses, a lumber wagon and a buggy. This was the first buggy ever brought into the county and the only one for nearly a year afterward.
After spending the summer and fall in Minnesota, Dr. Balcombe sold his interest in the Hamilton claim, with his horses and wagons, to Edwin Hamilton for $661, and with his wife went down the river on the last boat in the fall. He spent the winter with his only child, a son, St. A. D. Balcombe, then a druggist doing business in Elgin, Illinois. He returned the following spring. Further attention will be given him in the occurrences of that year.
.
CHAPTER XXV.
INCIDENTS OF THE EARLY TIMES.
AMONG the settlers who came into this county in the spring of 1852 were Wayne Clark and Scott Clark, brothers of George W. Clark. Wayne arrived about the first of May, Scott a little later in the season. Scott Clark was an invalid, and came on from the State of New York with the hope that the climate of Minnesota would prove beneficial to his health. He made a claim in the mouth of Gilmore valley. It included the Indian cultivation and extended onto the table where the residence of C. C. Beck now stands. His claim shanty, a small log house, stood on the same plateau but near the point next to the creek. He held this claim until his death, which occurred in June, 1854. He was buried on the grounds of what is now Woodlawn cemetery. His grave was the first in that locality. He was, however, buried there several years before the spot was selected as a public cemetery.
Wayne Clark did not come to Minnesota for the express purpose of making it a home as an actual settler. His principal object was speculation. He brought with him quite a number of land war- rants, which he expected he would be able to use in securing lands on the "Sioux purchase" in the territory, but the lands had not been surveyed and he found that land warrants were not available property here. To preserve them, he carefully laid them away in his trunk, in which he also secreted other valuables. He brought with him from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, the trunk and "good clothes" of his brother, left there the year before, when George abandoned all superfluities of that kind.
These trunks were stored in Nash's shanty on claim No. 2, which they then occupied as their headquarters. Nash and Gil- more were away, rafting logs for Farrell that had been cut on the islands opposite during the winter. Although living in this shanty on the prairie, they were engaged in making improvements on the claim of George Clark across the slough, putting in a crop of potatoes, corn, making garden and building a cabin.
One day, while engaged in putting the cabin in a habitable
238
HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY.
condition, they were alarmed by a messenger, William H. Stevens, crossing over in haste to inform them that the Sioux threatened to burn the shanty on the Nash claim, and that they had better come over and take care of their traps or their property would be burned up in it.
Startled by this report, they hastened to secure their valuables from threatened destruction. On arriving at the landing they found all of the settlers gathered at Goddard's shanty, with about half a dozen Indians as the center of attraction. They here learned that the cause of the alarm was from the neglect of Nash to pay the Indian tax which had been levied on the shanty by the Sioux, or to provide for its payment as he had promised the Indians. On this visit the Indians collected a barrel of flour from Gere, and another from Dr. Childs. There were but six inhabited claim shan- ties on Wabasha prairie at this time. All had paid their tax except Nash. Wabasha's "infernal " revenue collectors were somewhat irritated at not being able to secure the delinquent tax on the shanty of claim No. 2. The leader and spokesman of the party expressed his dissatisfaction forcibly and emphatic in the Dakota language. The settlers standing around readily comprehended what he meant, although they could not understand but a single word of all that he said. By signs used in his demonstrations he intimated that they had promised to give them the flour when the Nominee came up in the spring, but had failed to do as agreed. Gesticulating with his hands, he pointed down the river, then moving them slowly up until he pointed up stream. This he performed several times, each time repeating, distinctly, "Nominee," pointing toward the shanty, shak- ing his fist and giving strong expressions of dissatisfaction. The interpretation as understood was that the Nominee had been up and down a number of times and Nash had not furnished the flour. Apparently becoming terribly excited in his mauner, the Indian rushed to the cook-stove of Mrs. Goddard, which stood at the side of the building, and drawing out a blazing fire-brand, started to- ward the delinquent shanty as if he was going to set it on fire. This the settlers comprehended as only a threat that they would burn it if the flour or its equivalent was not forthcoming. He was easily pacified and induced to drop the incendiary torch when assured he should have the flour. Johnson furnished it from his own supplies and settled the matter at once.
This was the only "Indian scare " ever attempted by the Sioux
239
INCIDENTS OF THE EARLY TIMES.
with the early settlers in this county. The alarm was soon over and an amicable shake all around indicated a satisfactory adjust- ment of difficulties and a truce to all hostile demonstrations.
In transporting the flour collected by the Indians, the barrels were opened with their hatchets and the flour transferred to sacks. The barrels were then destroyed.
The only claim shanties on Wabasha prairie for which this tax was paid to the Sioux were on claims Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4, and on the claim of Dr. Childs and for Henry C. Gere's shanty. John Burns paid them for his privileges in the mouth of Burns valley. Four barrels of flour settled all Indian claims on the colony at Minnesota City. These were all that paid the Indian tax that season. Finding the settlers were becoming too numerous to be easily alarmed, the Indians abandoned their compulsory plan of begging and let them remain undisturbed.
Notwithstanding the amicable adjustment with the Sioux in relation to the shanty they were occupying on the prairie, the Clarks removed their deposits and transferred all of their effects across the slough, where they were under their personal care. They commenced housekeeping in their own shanty, George W., Wayne and Scott Clark living together.
Wayne Clark spent that season in Minnesota, exploring the country looking for chances to speculate, but went down the river on the last boat in the fall without making a claim or investing his surplus funds in a country where securities (claims) were such un- certain property.
With the crowd of passengers brought up the river by the Nomi- nee on the 19th of May, who landed on Wabasha prairie, were quite a number of immigrants for the colony. For convenience in dis- charging freight and live stoek, Captain Smith landed them at the lower landing, his. favorite claim and special preference for a town site.
Among the members of the association who stopped here were Hiram Campbell, wife and three children, Mrs. Thorp (wife of Robert Thorp) and three sons, H. B. Waterman, wife and son, Asa Waterman, Rufus Waterman, Andrew Petee, D. Q. Burley, H. Shipley and son, Mr. Hunt and others.
This party had quite a large herd of cattle-oxen, cows and young stock. The greater part of them belonged to Hiram Campbell. Mr. Waterman had two yoke of oxen and two cows, and Mr. Hunt
240
HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY.
two yoke of oxen. As soon as the cattle were landed they scattered over the prairie in spite of the efforts of their owners to restrain them. The new-comers were not then aware that they were on an island, from which their cattle would not attempt to escape even if allowed to range over it. It was not until late in the day that all of the frisky herd were collected at the lower end of the prairie. The tents were pitched and the party remained at the landing until the next morning, when the wagons were loaded, the cattle collected, and all moved up to the upper end of the prairie, where they again camped near the landing-place of the Macedonian.
The following morning the cattle were again collected and after much trouble driven across the back slough at the crossing on the trail below where they camped. Mr. Campbell divested himself of all clothing and followed them over alone to aid his young stock if occa- sion required. The wagons, with the men, women and children, were transferred across the slough to the upper prairie by the Macedonian, landing about where the present road is laid. Several trips were made to carry them all over. From here they made their way along down the slough and then moved on up to the table-land along the bluffs above the mouth of Gilmore valley, where they camped for the night. The next day, May 23, they made their entry into the settlement and mingled with the crowds there collected. Some of this party are yet residents of that vicinity.
On account of the difficulties in getting to Rolling Stone from Wabasha prairie, and because of the strong feeling of jealousy and rivalry that began to be exhibited between the two localities, Mr. Haddock urgently requested the members of the association, by messages and letters sent to those on their way up, not to land on Wabasha prairie. If the boats could not be induced to land them at Rolling Stone by going up Straight Slough, they were advised to continue on up the river and land on the Minnesota side below the mouth of the White Water. From there he supposed it would be practicable to reach the colony by land, or they could be brought down by water on the Macedonian.
But one small party attempted to reach the colony over this route. They came up the river on the Dr. Franklin. At Johnson's landing, where the boat stopped, they were advised by O. M. Lord, who chanced to see them, that they had better land there with the other passengers, and assured them that it would be more difficult to get to Rolling Stone from above than from the prairie.
241
INCIDENTS OF THE EARTY TIMES.
Mr. Wright, who had previously visited the colony, and who now assumed the leadership, had such unlimited confidence in the judg- ment and advice of Mr. Haddock in the matter, that he decided to follow the instructions of the president of the association. They continued on and landed on the morning of May 23 about three miles below the mouth of the White Water and about a mile below Hall's landing, afterward known as Mt. Vernon.
The members of this party were James Wright, wife and six children, John Nicklin, wife and two children, and S. M. Burns, wife and three children.
Mr. Wright was one of the directors of the association and one of its earliest members. He had been a resident of the city of New York, where he followed the occupation of a wood-turner. Mr. Nieklin was from the same place, where he was a lithographer. Mr. Burns was from eastern Pennsylvania, where he had been a hotel- keeper, or keeper of a restaurant. It was said that Mr. Burns brought more money with him than any other member of the colony.
With their freight they had a large supply of provisions and quite an amount of household goods. Mr. Burns brought with him a very fine pair of horses, a wagon and a general assortment of farming tools. The experiences of this party during their stay here are given as related by Mr. Wright to illustrate some of the inci- dents of pioneer life in the early settlement of this county.
When the horses of Mr. Burns were landed from the steamboat, they were not securely fastened by the deek-hands who had them in charge. Their halters were loosely tied to the brush that grew along the bank, and by their restlessness they soon released themselves. Attracted by the fresh grass, they quietly enjoyed their liberty by grazing in the vieinity. Thinking it safe, Mr. Burns indulged them while he was putting his wagon together, which had been taken apart for convenience in transportation.
After completing his task Mr. Burns attempted to seeure his team, but the horses playfully eluded his grasp of their halters and kept just beyond his reach. Startled by some sudden movement, they sprang off as if for a race, but again halted to feed until he came near, when they again left him. At length, turning up a valley, they disappeared. He would occasionally get a glimpse of them on the sides of the ravine and then lost sight of them entirely. He fol- lowed their trail to the ridge on the top of the bluffs, where he lost
242
HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY.
all trace and returned to the river at evening, tired and hungry, without his horses.
During the day, Mr. Wright and Mr. Nicklin arranged their goods in the form of a hollow square, and with poles and blankets formed a temporary covering over it. This provided .a common shelter for the whole party. A cook-stove was adjusted for business near by, and as they had a variety of provisions and good cooks, their camp was comfortably established and well provided for, ex- cept protection from heavy rains. Plenty of dry grass and an abundance of blankets and quilts furnished them beds of which they had but little reason to complain. They had the material for tents in their boxes, but they did not consider it worth while to unpack them for the short time they proposed to stay there.
The following morning Mr. Burns resumed his search for the truant animals. As the flatboat was expected from Rolling Stone, Mr. Wright and Mr. Nicklin remained in camp. When at Wabasha prairie they had sent word to Mr. Haddock, notifying him of their arrival and asking to have the boat sent up for them.
In the afternoon Mr. Robertson and Mr. Woodcock came up from the colony with the report that an attempt had been made to bring up the Macedonian, but it was found to be almost impossible to manage it and the effort had been abandoned ; that Capt. Jackson proposed to take them down in his small boat and would come up in the morning to begin the undertaking. They also reported that there was no roadway along the bluffs that was passable for wagons, although there was a well-worn Indian trail.
Mr. Burns returned without his horses. He was unable to trace them, and for awhile was himself lost and gave up his search. Ile was tired out and discouraged with his fruitless efforts to find his stray property. He had paid a high price for his horses in Chicago, and, being fearful that he would lose them without a chance for their recovery, he offered a reward of fifty dollars for them delivered in camp or at Minnesota City.
Stimulated by this liberal offer Robertson and Woodcock volun- teered to hunt for the estrays. After a late but hearty dinner they took the trail at about four o'clock in the afternoon and found them before dark in the head of the north Rolling Stone valley and rode them to Minnesota City the same evening. The horses were returned to Mr. Burns uninjured by their frolic. He promptly paid over the reward.
243
INCIDENTS OF THE EARLY TIMES.
Captain Jackson made the attempt to transfer this party with his small boat, and commenced with the family and freight of Mr. Nick- lin. To accomplish this required several trips. He was successful except with the last, which was a valuable load in bulky boxes. The boat was capsized and the cargo a total loss-"no insurance." Some relics of the contents of the boxes were found the following winter in the brush on an island, but nothing of value recovered. This acci- dent suspended that line of transportation.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.