USA > Nebraska > Johnson County > Saint Mary > Bellevue, Larimer & Saint Mary, their history, location, description and advantages > Part 1
USA > Nebraska > Sarpy County > Bellevue > Bellevue, Larimer & Saint Mary, their history, location, description and advantages > Part 1
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Gc 978.202 B41g 1788291
M.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01103 3906
BELLEVUE, Aleb.)
LARIMER & SAINT MARY,
Their
HISTORY,
LOCATION, DESCRIPTION
And Advantages.
By
C. CHAUCER GOSS
Bellevue, Nebraska. Published by John Q. Goss.
1859.
1788291
A CARD.
We, the undersigned, Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Bellevue, having heard the Lectures of Rev. C. C. Goss, upon Bellevue and the surrounding country, do hereby testify to the historic correctness of the information communicated; and believing that it should be preserved for the benefit of posterity, do solicit him to embody the same in such permanent form as shall best accord with his own judgement.
1 0.1247-10-30-73 Somalia, Hill
LEAVETT L. BOWEN, Mayor. HENRY T. CLARKE, L. B. KINNEY, Aldermen. CHAS. T. HOLLOWAY,
HISTORY OF BELLEVUE.
Bellevue is situated upon the western shore of the Missouri river, some eight hundred miles northwest of St. Louis, and five miles north of the mouth of the Platte river.
Who the white man was that first set foot upon the western side of the Missouri river at this point, I am not apprised. La Salle took possession of all this region, for the court of France, as early as 1682, Fut there is no evidence that he ascended the Missouri river. The French Jesuit Missionaries might have been here at an early day, for the purpose of instructing the natives, but they have left us no evidence of it. In 1803, President Jefferson, inspired with the feeling so characteristic of Young America, commissioned Lewis and Clark to explore all this western region. In May, of the following year, they arrived at this place, with a view of holding a council with the native tribes; and, so far as we have any positive evidence, were the first white men that touched at this point.
The following year, 1805, a company of adventurers, with Manuel Lesa, a wealthy Spanish gentleman, as their leader, set out to explore more thoroughly the Missouri river and the sur- rounding country. Ascending the river in their batteaux, amid many hardships, they reached the north side of the Platte river. Here the broad and beautiful valley of said river spreading out before them, so attracted their attention that they determined to remain awhile, in order to more extended observations. Passing from the first bottom to the second, called the plateau, and catching a view for the first time of the unsurpassed beauties that stretched out before him, Captain Lesa exclaimed, "Bellevue!" with an admiration as spontaneous as it was appropriate. This term is a comround of two French words, and signifies a delightful or beautiful view; and from that time to the present, this place has retained a name so expressive of its real character.
As early as 1810, the American Fur Company, consisting of John Jacob Astor, of New York, Pierre Chouteau, of St. Louis, and others, determined upon establishing a Trading Post at the most eligible point west of the Missouri river. After extended observa-
4
HISTORY OF BELLEVUE
tions, this place was selected as being the best for the object contemplated. Suitable buildings were erected and entrusted with a noted Indian trader, Francis De Roin, who, for several years, managed its affairs. It then passed into the hands of Joseph Robidoux, as agent, who superintended it six years, when his place was taken by John Cabanne. This latter gentleman managed the concern until the year 1824, when it passed into the hands of Gen. Peter A. Sarpy, of St. Louis. Since that time General S. has been known in all this region as a gentleman of indomitable energy, perserverance and integrity. For years he was the only white inhabitant of all this western region - sole monarch, in fact, of Nebraska. He was the only man who could hold in check the infuriated passions of the uncultivated savage; the only one who could speak and intepret the Indian dialect. In dealin ; with the natives, his strict adherence to the principles of right gave them unbounded confidence in him, as well as com- manding influence over them. For years they looked upon him as their Ne-ka-gah-he, or Big Chief. Over thirty years he remained at his post, pursuing the even tenor of his way, when, about a year since, the natives having been removed, the Trading Post was & bandoned.
In the year 1823, the government of the United States made choice of this place for the establishment of an Indian Agency. Prior to this time such an agency had existed further north, at a place now known as Fort Calhoun, under the name of the Council Bluffs Indian Agency. It was so named from the fact that here Lewis and Clark held a council with the Indians as early as the 3rd of August, 1804. This place proving inadequate, from a variety of ci cumstances, for the purposes for which it was es- tablished, was abandoned, and Bellevue selected as the best place for the re-establishment of the same. Here it was known, as the reports of that day show, by the name of the Council B'uffs Indian Agency, at Bellevue. Three blacksmith shops were soon erected in connection with this Agency, for the benefit of the Omahas, Ottoes and Pawnees, which tribes, together with the Pottawottamies, were included within the limits of this Agency. The residence of the Agent, as well as the blacksmith shops, were built upon the bottom, adjacent to the Trading Post, near the present steamboat landing. No building had as yet been erected tipon the plateau above. At this Trading Post and Agency were concentrated the chief business of all this part of the Territory. Traders, hundreds of miles north. brought their furs, peltry and other articles of merchandise in Mackinaw boats to this place to dispose of them to the St. Louis traders. Here the Indians came to make their purchases and sit in council with the government Agents upon matters pertaining to their interest.
In the year 1846, long after the temporal wants of the natives had been provided for, a religious interest was here inaugurated. At
5
FIRST MISSION ESTABLISHED
a meeting of the Presbyterian Board of Missions, held in the city of New York, the subject was considered, and resulted in a resolu- tion to establish a Mission somewhere among the native tribes in this region. Rev. Edward Mckinney having been selected by the Board as Superintendent of the same, arrived, with his family, in the fall of the same year. After somewhat extended observations. the selected this point as most practicable for the location of the same and erected a log house upon the plateau, in which he re ided. The f llowing spring the senior Secretary of the Board, Walter Lowrie, Esq., visited this region, in order to the permanent establishment of the Mission and the erection of suitable buildings in which to carry on its operations. His judgement coincided with that of Mr. Mckinney, that this was the place, best adapted, to carry on their important enterprise. The spot where the building should be located, was now to be decided. The claims of the bottom were urged by some, but the Missionaries decided upon the plateau above, the spot where the house now stands. Although they were considered unwise at the time, yet the present shows the wisdom of their choice. This house was begun in the year 1847, and finished in 1848 - a building well arranged for the object for which it was erected. In it were educated children of Omahas, Ottoes and Pawnees, of both sexes, besides a few half- breeds and Punkas. D. E. Reed, sent out by the Board as Super- intendent of the School, arrived in the fall of the year 1847, and, together with the Missionary and his family, constituted the Mission force at this place. All the interest of the Mission gathered about this house, while that of the Trading Post and Agency centered at the bottom.
Previous to this time a Mission School had been established among the Pawnee Indians under the direction of the American Board of Foreign Missions. Its location was some distance up the Platte Valley, on Council creek. Mr. Dunbar was the Missionary, and Mr. Allis the Superintendent of the Mission School. On account of the constant annoyances of the hostile Sioux, these Missionaries were unable to prosecute their work successfully. Many a time these prowling sons of the forest have directed their deadly weapons at these self-sacrificing ones. But a kind Providence guarded them from these weapons of death, and rermitted them. for a time, to sow the good seed among that neglected tribe. About this time, 1847, the attacks became so violent. that the Missionaries and the tribe with whom they labored were compelled to flee. Mr. Ellis came to Bellevue, the seat of the Omaha Mission, and for several years resided here, instructing the children of the Pawnees of both sexes. The labors of Mr. E., under such circum- stances, for the benefit of this tribe, show his devotion to the cause of h's Master.
It was about this time, 1847, that the Mormons at Nauvoo. having been regarded as outlaws, began to direct their attention
6
HISTORY OF BELLEVUE
toward the setting sun. This region soon became known as the place where they crossed the Missouri river, en route for the Salt Lake Valley. The first company that reached Salt Lake, under Brigham Young as their leader, crossed the Missouri river between Bellevue and St. Mary. The ferry was then owned and kept by Gen. Peter A. Sarpy. At that time, while the General was quietly attending to his business at the Trading Post, a letter was pre- sented him by a young Indian. This was a strance sight in this region at this time, and awakened in the General's mind a curi- osity of no ordinary character. The contents showed it to be from Brigham Young, encamping some mile or so distant, with about 5 000 Mormons, asking advice and protection from the native tribes. The who'e thinking machinery of the General was thrown into activity. With no means of protection or resistance, with such a horde of outlaws about him, what course of action shall he pursue? While doubting and reflecting, another letter was handed him, from the same source, portraying the abject condition of the troops, the dest tution of the women and children, and bes erhing him to come to their aid. Every noble impulse of the pioneer's heart now stirred within him; all his former apprehensions fled in a moment. Ordering his canoe, he crossed the river, had an interview with Brigham. scanned the motley crowd, saw their de- graded, suffering condition, and was conquered. The doors of his trading house were thrown open; food and other articles necessary for their comfort were freely distributed. These troops remained at this place until the coming spring, during which time the General secured permission from the U. S. Government for them to take un their abode in the Salt Lake Valley. He negotiated a treaty with the Indians for them; secured them protection on the way; and actually accompanied them 200 miles of their journey. Thus were the whole Mormon troops indebted to this generous trader for life, safety and comfort. This is only one of such acts of benevolence, that deserve to be handed down to posterity.
The first marriage between what might be considered white people, that occurred at this place, was in connection with the Mormons. In 1849, Lewis Saunsausee, a half-breed and interpreter for the Omahas, fell in love with what he supposed to be a Mormon girl, but which afterward proved to be a Mormon woman - a boy several years of age making his appearance. For reasons best known to himself. Rev. Mr. Mckinney refused to unite them. Orson Hyde, then Elder of the Mormon church at Kainesville, failed, in arcordance with his promise, to be present. The loving couple determine 1 upon a public ratification of their private con- clusions, crossed the river, and employed a certain quasi Mormon Bishop, by the name of Smith, to tie a knot that the hand of time has since untied. Lewis is now at the Blackbird Hills, in this Territory, while Rebecca is an inmate of Brigham's harem at Utah.
Bellevue is also noted as being the old Council Bluffs of 1848.
7
OLD COUNCIL BLUFFS
Some time before this, the gold mines of California had been dis- cov.red and the great overland emigration commenced. From St. Mary the eager crowds of gold-seekers crossed the river to Bellevue, as the Mormons had previously done. Here they re- ceived their outfit, and started, by the way of Salt Lake, for the golden regions of the far-off Pacific. At that time large numbers of people, with their wagons and tents, encamped on both sides of the river. Thousands of letters were written by these emi- grants to their friends in the East from this point. These letters were all dated Council Bluffs, from the fact that here was the Council Bluffs Indian Agency. So great was this letter business, that, in the fall of the year 1849, Government established at this place the "Nebraska Post Office." In 1851, the name was changed to the "Council Bluffs Post Office," so as to correspond with the name of the Agency. The Commissioners of Indian Affairs, as their reports show, all dated their reports Council Bluffs, some- times Council Bluffs Indian Agency at Bellevue. The other side of the river was known as Council Bluffs Sub-Agency. Here, then, is the Council Bluffs of 1847-8, a name familiar to every American reader, from one end of the nation to the other. This name, being thus extensively known, began to rouse the jealousy of our neigh- bors just above in Iowa, and they set themselves to work, with a skull-duggery that knows no tire, to rob us of our good name. In the winter of 1851-2, they instigated the Legislature of that Sta'e to baptize Mormon Hollow, known as Kainesville, with the historic name of Council Bluffs. Not satisfied with giving their illeg timate child the prestige of a good name, of course they sought an appropriate dress with which to clothe it; so, in the spring of 1853, the name of Council Bluffs Post Office was taken by the Council Bluffs of Mormon Hollow, and the former place received in lieu thereof the name of Traders' Point Post Office. How well our neighbors will succeed with a child and dress thus obtained, time alone can determine.
As early as 1852, Major Barrow, Col. Stephen Decatur, and some others, conceived the idea of forming themselves into a company, for the purpose of claiming and laying out a town, somewhere in this region. About this time, many letters appeared in the journals of the East and South, calling attention to this point, supposed to be from the pens of these gentlemen. It is claimed by some, that the large log house, known as the old Mckinney house, was erected with an eye upon a town project. This house was built in 1852, by Mr. Mckinney, for his own use and the comfort of his family, the Mission house having become too strait for the in- creasing bus ness of the Mission. Soon after this, in consequence of ill health, he resigned his connection with the Mission. In the spr ng of the following year, Rev. William Hamilton, with his family, arrived at this place, to supply the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Mr. Mckinney. Mr. Hamilton remained at his post, laboring faithfully until the removal of the Omaha tribe to
3
HISTORY OF BELLEVUE
the Blackbird Hills. Since that time, he has continued his resi- dence among us as Pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Bellevue.
Another step, looking toward a town project, was the removal of the blacksmith shops and Indian Agency from the bottom to the plateau above, to the place they now occupy. This was in the year 1853, under the superintendence of Major Barrow. Placed, as these buildings were, in a row, they evidently were intended to be on one of the streets of the town. Doubtless they would have been placed nearer the Mission house, had not the whole of that part of the plateau been claimed by the Missionary Board. It was considered almost sacrilegious, by many, to remove these build- ings from the place they had so long occupied. But Young America has no veneration for ancient landmarks. In his march of im- provemen. he tramples them all in the dust, and piles up monu- ments to perpetuate his own fame.
Early the following year, February 9th, 1854, the organization of a town company, that had so long been contemplated, was now completed. The article of agreement made and entered into upon that date was si ned by the following gentlemen: Peter A. Sarpy, Stephen Decatur, Hiram Bennet, Isaiah H. Bennet, George Hepner, Wil.iam R. English, James M. Gateswood, George T. Turner, P. J. McMahon, A. W. Hollister and A. C. Ford. These gentlemen were the original proprietors of the town, known as the "old town company." Soon, however, much of the land claimed by them passed into other hands. Col. Gillmore, Gen. Bowen, and others, purchased quite extensively. Most of the above members of the town company were, or had been, connected with the Trading Post or Government Agency.
Early this spring many settlers were added to our numbers. In March, Hon. C. T. Holloway, our present worthy Mayor, R. C. Anderson and J. Bailey crossed the river together, and endured the privations incident to that early day. L. B. Kinney arrived with a stock of goods at St. Mary, where he remained until the ex- tinguishment of the Indian title on this side of the river, when he crossed, and here opened the first store upon the town plat.
On the 27th of May an act was approved, providing a territorial organization for the Territories of Nebraska and Kansas. By this act, Nebraska was brought within the pale of Uncle Sam's recog- niz d treasures; and this place, so long known, was considered of more importance than ever.
June 21st, a treaty was ratified, by which all the lands of this region passed from the Omaha tribe into the hands of Congress. This added still more to the future prosperity of all this region.
The morning of the memorable Fourth of July now dawned upon us. The same spirit of patriotism that animated our revolutionary fathers moved the pioneers of this place to celebrate the day in
9
FIRST NEWSPAPER
a becoming manner. A beautiful arbor having been erected on Hancock street, near Sarpy avenue, the star-spangled banner was hoisted, at high twelve, and a salute fired for each State in the Union, besides one for this virgin Territory. D. E. Reed was chosen chairman. Among the numerous toasts, L. B. Kinney pre- sented the following:
"Bellevue - The Belle of the West; the centre of our Union." "Nebraska - the future key-stone of the federal arch." - By Col. Decatur.
On the 15th day of this month, the first paper published in the Territory was issued by D. E. Reed, editor and proprietor. It was called the "Nebraska Palladium." It was printed at Saint Mary unt 1 the middle of November of this year, when the press was brought across the river to Bellevue, and placed in the south wing on the old Mckinney house. Here, on the 15th day of November, in presence of most of the government officers and their fair ones, Dr. E. N. Upjohn, who had arrived the month previous, "struck off" the first newspaper west of the Missouri river. The first column of this paper, and the first in the Territory, was put in type by Thomas Morton, now of Nebraska City. This journal was independent in politics, fearless in its advocacy of the rights of humanity, and evinced as much energy and abilty as any that have succeeded it in the Territory. It reached a subscription of 500, and was discontinued in April, 1855.
In the month of October, the government officers for the Terri- tory, appointed by President Pierce, arrived at this place. Francis Burt, Governor, came up the river and landed here on the 8th. T B. Cuming, Secretary, came across from Iowa about the same time. Fenner Ferguson, Chief Justice, landed on the 11th, and was received with a grand salute. His associates and the other officers came out soon after. The Indian Agency, a small house with two porches, was their head quarters. Here most of these functionaries a'e their first meal and slept their first sleep. Governor Burt, on the morning of the 18th, ten days after his arrival, departed to the land of spirits. The change of climate; the long, wearisome journey; the continued harrassing of unfeeling. selfish politicians, added to his already feeble health, placed a period at the terminus of his existence. His death occurred at the Mission house, and was the first event of the kind after the organization of the Terri- tory.
About the middle of October, the Hon. S. A. Strickland, F. Calkins, W. W. Wiley, and some others, were added to our numbers. No buildings having as yet been erected, the old government build- ings, the Mission house and the Trading Post, were all well filled. Each man had his own plank, upon which he laid him down to rest.
On the 30th of November, in accordance with the recommenda-
10
HISTORY OF BELLEVUE
tion of the Acting Governor, thanksgiving exercises were held at the Mission house. The services were conducted by the Missionary, Rev. William Hamilton. This was the first of such exercises in the Territory.
De ember 12th, an election was held to make choice of Repre- sentatives to a Territorial Legislature. Ninety-three votes were polled at this place; and i! is worthy of remark, that no intoxi- cating liquors were used during the day. The gentlemen elected to th's first Le is'atuie, from this place. were. S. A. Strickland, C. T. Holloway, S. Decatur, W. A. Hollister, and Philander Cook.
January 16th, 1855, the first Territorial Legislature convened. The above named representatives were refused admittance, on account of the influence of the Acting Governor, T. B. Cuming, because we had failed to elect men favorable to his known wishes. During this session an act was passed incorporating this place as "The City of Bellevue." In the latter part of this month, D. E. Reed received the appointment of Post Master for our new city; and the following month Mrs. Reed taught here the first school for whites in the Territory.
In March, the Nebraska Lodge, No. 1, of Free and Accepted Masons, was instituted. This was the first Lodge of the kind west of the Missouri river.
The spring opened, and activity and enterprise were everywhere manifest. The sun of prosperity shown brightly; and future re- warl nerved the settlers to the performance of present duties, amid so many privations and hardships. Many valuable and energetic citizens were now added to our numbers. Among them were C. D. Kel er, S. D. Bangs, Col. R. Lovejoy, James Gow, H. T. Clark, A. M. Clark, M. S. Martyn, C. E. Smith, J. A. Thompson, John Finney, Watson Brothers, and J. S. Allan. The latter gentleman came out as Financial Agent of the Mission. The hum of the artisan now began to be heard in our midst. Mr. Strickland began the erection of the large hotel, known as the Benton House. Dr. Upjohn's house, Rev. W. Hamilton's, Col Lovejoy's, L. B. Kinney's store, and some other buildings, started into existence. Meanwhile the cultivation of the soil was not neglected. Several breaking teams in and about the city began to turn over the soil, and the crops soon gave evidence of abundant harvest. It should not be for otten, that the settlers of that early day suffered much from Indian depredations. Crops, cattle, and even their houses had to be closely wa ched; and often they were deprived of their little all by their prowling red-face brothers.
During this summer our population somewhat increased, as in the fall we polled 140 votes, an increase of 47 over the fall previous. At this election Gen. L. L. Bowen was chosen Councilman from this part of Douglas county. His influence in that body, the follow-
11
FIRST CITY OFFICERS
ing spring, secured a separate election district, comprising the ter- ritory now embraced within the limits of Sarpy county.
The following year, in January, 1856, the Legislature again con- vened. Among i s first acts was one incorporating the Mission Reserve, with'n the limits of the city of Bellevue. Said Reserve was donated to the Presbyterian Foard of Foreign Missions, by the Chiefs of the Omaha tribe. Congress acquiesced in the donat on, and granted a patent directly to the Board. The pr ximity of this tract of land to the o'd city limits, and the certainty that, sooner or later, the city must be built upon it, rendered it necessary that the in- terests of the two companies should be united. This was effected this spring, in a manner satisfactory to both parties. From this time we date the real growth of Bellevue, as not over a dozen houses had been completed up to this time. During this session the Fontenelle Bank of Bellevue was also incorporated.
This spring and summer everything looked prosperous and in- viting. Property in and around the city increased greatly in value. Building and cultiva ing were the order of the day. Hon. W. H. Cook, W. R. Smith. and many other of our prominent citizens, settled among us The Benton House was completed and opened by Geo. Jennings. The large Mission House, which had been converted into a first class hotel the year previous, was this spring opened by its present worthy proprietor, James T. Allan. Both of these hotels were acknowledged to be the best in the Territory.
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