USA > South Dakota > Minnehaha County > History of Minnehaha county, South Dakota. Containing an account of its settlements, growth, development and resources Synopsis of public records, biographical sketches > Part 20
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CHAPTER X.
MINNEHAHA COUNTY AID SOCIETY-FARMERS GRANGE -FARMERS ALLIANCE- FARMERS MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE ASSOCIATION-EARLY SET- TLERS ASSOCIATION.
MINNEHAHA COUNTY AID SOCIETY.
On the 26th day of January, 1874, the Minnehaha County Aid Society was organized in Sioux Falls. It was known as the "Grass- hopper Beggars."
The summer before, the grasshoppers had destroyed everything in this section of the country, and the pioneer settlers had nothing left upon which they could subsist, and in order to relieve such destitution this society was organized. Col. T. H. Brown was sent East to secure money, food and clothing. Over $500 in cash was con- tributed, and he also obtained a large amount of food and clothing, which was sent to Sioux Falls and distributed among the sufferers through the agency of this society. It was the first as well as the last society organized in this county to solicit outside aid to relieve the suffering of her citizens.
FARMERS GRANGE.
The farmers in Minnehaha county, although few in number, organized a Farmers Grange the last week in August, 1873, and adopted the name of Minnehaha Grange, with W. Robertson as Master. Scarcely any mention of this organization appeared in the local newspapers after this date.
FARMERS ALLIANCE.
Several Farmers Alliances had been started in Minnehaha county and were in a more or less prosperous condition in 1886. On December 4, of that year, a meeting of several prominent farmers al- liance men was held in Sioux Falls for the purpose of organizing a County Alliance. At this meeting it was decided to form such an organization, and a call was formulated for alliances in the county to
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send delegates to a meeting to be held February 16, 1887. The al- liances responded to the call, and the Minnehaha County Farmers Alliance was organized. H. W. Smith was elected president. L. S. Gage vice president, P. F. Sherman secretary and John T. Lee treasurer. At first considerable interest was manifested by the members of this organization, but it soon became inoculated with politics and is now one of the by-gones.
FARMERS MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE ASSOCIATION.
This company was organized March 23, 1885, its members being composed of farmers in the central portion of the county. It has been well managed and very satisfactory to its members. At its an- nual meeting January 17, 1895, the secretary's report showed that there had been policies issued in the amount of $767,632 since its organization, with a total membership of 533. During the year 1894 it issued 138 policies and the amount in the treasury was $5,288.69. The officers elected at that time were John Thompson president, E. J. Berdahl vice president, Ole J. Aasen treasurer, and John R. Bjorgan secretary. At the close of the year 1895 there was a balance on hand of $4,709.91. During 1896 it received in premiums $1,373.31. paid in losses $816.25, and expenses $334.89, leaving a balance on hand at the close of the year of $4,932.08. The amount of property insured during 1896 was $184,360, making the total amount insured at the close of the year $851,887. There were 148 policies issued, 44 of them to new members. At the annual meeting January 5, 1897, the following were elected members of the board of directors: John Thompson, Ole Thompson, Gust. Grant, A. G. Risty, Charles N. Searl, John G. Tyler, W. A. Crooks, S. O. Henjum, Tom Hanson, C. T. Austin, E. J. Berdahl, Ole J. Aasen and John R. Bjorgan. John Thompson was elected president, C. T. Austin vice president, Ole J. Aasen treasurer and J. R. Bjorgan secretary.
At the annual meeting held January 28, 1899, John Thompson was elected president, E. J. Berdahl vice president, Ole J. Aasen treasurer, and John R. Bjorgan secretary. The amount paid in losses during 1898 was $1,755.55, expenses during the year $365.95, balance on hand $4,870.65, amount of risks outstanding S976,355. policies issued 185, new members 43.
EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION.
Early in June, 1892, it was announced in the newspapers that there would be a picnic in Foster's grove in the northwestern part of Grand Meadow on Wednesday, June 29, at which time it was pro- posed to organize an early settlers association for the western part of Minnehaha county.
When the time arrived there was a large attendance, and during the afternoon several speeches were made in favor of such an organ- ization. Finally a temporary organization was made and Samuel Huckins was elected president. A committee was appointed to frame a constitution and by-laws and present the same at a meeting to be called the following year.
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HISTORY OF MINNEHAHA COUNTY.
In the latter part of June. 1893, the officers of the temporary organization announced that there would be a meeting of the associa- tion in J. B. Goddard's grove in Taopi, on Wednesday, July 19. It was a beautiful day, and before noon there were several hundred people present. The tables arranged for the occasion were loaded with good things, and although they were 159 feet in length, the people stood about two deep around them when the time for refresh- ments arrived. After dinner a general good time was had, and sing- ing and speeches delighted the audience, after which the meeting was called to order and a permanent organization of the association perfected. J. J. Foster was elected president, J. E. Colton secre- tary, and C. F. Farrell treasurer. The membership of the associa- tion was limited to such persons who had been residents of the county west of the Sioux river prior to 1880, and it was decided to hold annual meetings of the association at such times and places as the officers should decide upon.
The third annual meeting was held in Warner's grove at Hart- ford, Wednesday, June 27, 1894. Before dinner there were recita- tions and short addresses by pioneer settlers from all over the county. At noon the Ladies' Aid Society of Hartford served re- freshments, and the Grand Meadow band entertained the people with good music during the day. At the business meeting the first article in the constitution was amended so as to include all persons who settled in Minnehaha county prior to 1880. J. J. Foster was elected president; F. E. Van De Mark vice president; J. E. Colton secretary; C. F. Farrell treasurer; directors, J. B. Goddard, J. J. Foster, C. J. Farrell; Mrs. J. J. Foster, Mrs. L. L. Willard and Mrs. E. E. Gage were also elected to look after the affairs of the association.
The fourth annual meeting of this association was held in John Thompson's grove in the town of Sverdrup on Friday the 14th day June, 1895. During the preceding night there had been a heavy rainfall, which undoubtedly deterred a good many from going, but as it was, it was estimated that at least 1,000 persons visited the grounds during the day. A stand for the speakers and bands had been erected and seats provided for the audience. Three brass bands and the Baltic Mandskor were present and furnished music and singing for the occasion. The morning exercises consisted of a grand march by the old settlers, instrumental and vocal music and a few short speeches. After dinner quite a number of the early set- tlers related their experience when they first settled in Minnehaha county, which proved to be highly interesting. Recitations by Miss Willard, Miss Kingsbury, Mrs. Woody and Mrs. J. G. Tyler added very much to the enjoyment of those participating in the annual fes- tival of the early settlers. The officers elected for the ensuing vear were J. J. Foster president; Sever Wilkinson vice president; J. E. Colton secretary; D. W. Oaks treasurer; board of directors, John Thompson, Luther Gage, L. Lyman, Mrs. E. S. Gage, Mrs. L. L. Willard, Silas E. Blauvelt and Nels Simons.
The fifth annual meeting was held June 25 and 26, 1896, at the same place as the year before. On the first day there were about
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HISTORY OF MINNEHAHA COUNTY.
twelve hundred people present and on the second day about two thousand. Addresses were made by prominent citizens of the county; the New Hope and Benton bands furnished the music, and a quartette of fine singers helped to entertain the people; a merry-go- round and games added to the pleasure of the occasion, and taken as a whole, it was the most successful meeting of the association. J. J. Foster was elected president; Sever Wilkinson vice president; and Geo. O. Goddard secretary; and it was decided to hold the next annual meeting in the same place for one day only.
The sixth annual meeting was held at the John Thompson grove in Sverdrup, Friday, June 11, 1897. It was estimated that there were at least three thousand people present during the day, and was the most successful event in the history of the society. It was a pleasant day, and all enjoyed the well-arranged programme of enter- tainments. The New Hope band furnished the music, and the Sioux Falls Glee Club rendered some enjoyable selections, and several fine songs and recitations added greatly to the pleasure of the day. A ball game between Hartford and Sioux Falls resulted in favor of the Hartford boys.
The following officers were elected: President, J. J. Foster; vice president, S. E. Blauvelt; secretary, J. G. Tyler; treasurer, D. W. Oaks; directors, J. R. Griffith, W. F. Kelly, F. E. Van De Mark, L. Lyman, Mrs. Eugene Hale, W. J. Hunt and C. T. Austin.
The seventh annual meeting was held at the John Thompson grove June 16, 1898. There was a great crowd in attendance and the weather was propitious. The Rev. Dr. Scott of Sioux Falls deliv- ered a fine address, and several short speeches were made by promi- nent citizens. A good literary programme and good music helped to make the day an enjoyable one. J. J. Foster was again elected president; S. E. Blauvelt vice president; J. G. Tyler secretary; D. W. Oaks treasurer; directors, F. E. Van De Mark, E. S. Gage, Wm. F. Kelly, D. O. Crooks, Mrs. John Lott, John Thompson and Axel Scott.
The eighth annual meeting was held at John Thompson's grove July 4, 1899. It was a fine day, and there were not less than 5,000 people present. Professor Binks delivered the customary address. and he was at his best. Several short speeches were made by resi- dents of the county, and a highly entertaining literary programme was one of the important features of the occasion. Good music and games were also on the programme. S. E. Blauvelt was elected president, J. G. Tyler secretary, and John Thompson treasurer; directors, F. E. Van De Mark, L. Lyman, J. J. Foster, John Powers, D. O. Crooks, W. F. Kelly and Axel Scott.
CHAPTER XI.
WATER SUPPLY- SNOW AND RAIN FALL FLOOD OF APRIL, 1881 -- CLOUD-BURST IN HIGHLAND, 1876
EXTREMES OF HEAT AND COLD-BLIZZARDS -
CYCLONES-ELECTRIC STORMS.
WATER SUPPLY.
In October, 1895, quite a lengthy and well considered editorial appeared in the Dell Rapids Tribune in reference to the drying up of the smaller lakes in the Northwest, and mention was made of the fact that in Minnehaha county numerous lakes, which only a few years ago contained quite large bodies of water, were entirely dried upand their bottoms turned into cultivated fields. The editor had seen an extended article in the Pioneer Press, upon the subject of the dry- ing up of the lakes in the Northwest, and took occasion to express the opinion that we would again see the former lake beds in Minne- haha county filled, though probably not as full as they were when the surrounding country was an unbroken prairie, and was drained into them. The opinion was expressed in the Pioneer Press, that we would never again see water in a vast number of the dry lake beds, and that the drying up of the lakes and smaller streams was not only due to the dry period of the past few years, but that the cultivation of the adjacent country had absorbed the rainfall to such an extent that it had materially lessened the quantity of water flowing into the lakes, and was a more important factor still in the drying up of the smaller streams.
While admitting to a certain extent that the cultivation of the land adjacent to the lakes would result in a greater absorption of the rainfall, the editor of the Tribune was of the opinion that too much importance had been given to this fact as a cause for the drying up of the lakes and smaller streams of water.
Since the publication of this article in the Tribune, in an inter- view at Washington, Hydrographer F. H. Newell of the Geological Survey, went over this whole subject from a scientific standpoint, and many interesting facts were referred to, and important deduc- tions made therefrom, which can not fail to interest the people of
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Minnehaha county, who have witnessed the gradual diminution of the water supply in the county from all sources during the last decade. Only a summary of this interview can be presented here, and it is gratifying to note the fact that Mr. Nisbet's views were more in ac- cord with these of the distinguished scientist than those of the Pioneer Press.
Mr. Newell, when questioned as to the cause of the shrinkage of the water supply in the Northwest, in substance replied, that the shrinkage of water supply was not local to the Northwest, for there has been during the past few years a material shrinkage in the water supply in the Ohio valley region and in several of the eastern states. This condition of things in the Northwest is not new, for at various times within the historic period lakes in which there is now considerable water have been completely dried up. The larger shal- low lakes have retreated in many instances to mere pools, while the wide surface of the larger bodies with well defined shores has fallen so considerably that navigation has been injured or destroyed. The records of almost any water body demonstrate a similar behavior of the lakes in the Northwest.
There has been an unbroken record of the height of Lake Michi- gan since 1859, and while it shows considerable fluctuations there is a certain rythm or regularity about it. The causes of the fluctua- tions in the lakes and streams are mainly climatic. By an examina- tion of tables of rainfall and temperature it will be seen that these have a certain range of fluctuation up and down, going down gradual- ly for several years and then coming up again with great irregularity, too great for prediction. The increase or diminution of water sur- face is the resultant of not only the greater or less rainfall, but also of the changes of temperature, of average humidity and of wind movement. The irregular fluctuations in the intensity of the force of nature are sufficient to account for all the variations we find in the water supply. The cultivation of the soil and the increase of settle- ment have an influence, but in comparison to the forces of nature they are exceedingly small. In 1890 the census figures show that one-seventh of the land in South Dakota was improved, and it is to be doubted, even if no water ran off from the cultivated land, whether the effect would be noticeable.
Many other minor considerations were discussed in this inter- view, but in concluding he said: "As to the future prospect, it will probably be as in the past. The larger lakes will undoubtedly fill to a height equal to that of the average of high waters in the past, and the smaller lakes, where not permanently drained, will probably re- appear and for a series of years increase and again shrink. As to when this increase in water will begin to take place, or how long it will last is impossible to predict, for these fluctuations, as shown by the oldest records, sometimes are short and sharp, at other times long continued and apparently regular. It is fairly safe to assume, however, that what has happened many times before will probably recur again, except in so far as the works of man may have to a small extent, modified the effect of nature's forces."
That the annual rainfall, one of the main sources of water sup-
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HISTORY OF MINNEHAHA COUNTY.
ply in South Dakota, for the past ten years has been considerably below the normal, is known to every resident of the state, and if Mr. Newell is correct in his statement that there is to a certain extent a regular succession in the fluctuations of the annual rainfall above and below the normal for a series of years, then we may reasonably expect to again see in the near future many of the now dry lake beds in Minnehaha county filled with water.
Since writing the foregoing in 1896, the annual rainfall has been gradually increasing, and it would seem as though the predictions of Mr. Newell are likely to be fulfilled.
SNOW AND RAIN FALL.
The amount of snowfall in Minnehaha county is usually very light, but there have been several winters since inhabited by the white man during which there was a great amount of snow. During the winter of 1856-7, there was an immense snowfall, and during the entire winter the cold was intense, accompanied by a penetrating northwest wind. It is reported that in some of the deep ravines the snow did not melt until the July following. One of the old settlers says that during the winter of 1869, more snow fell in this section than during any year since then, not excepting the winter of 1880-1. Mr. Clark Coats says, that in the spring of 1870 he came from Flan- dreau to Sioux Falls at the time of the high water, and that never since then has he seen such high water in the Sioux river as he saw at that time. He also says, that where the brewery now stands in the City of Sioux Falls, there was an immense snow drift, and that from the brow of the hill for fifty rods south there was so much snow that it looked as though the ground was level. From this time until the winter of 1880-1 there were no remarkable snowfalls, except during the winter of 1872-3. On October 14, 1880, the first snow fell, and it did not disappear until the following spring. For a long time traveling was practically impossible, and the Village of Sioux Falls was as effectually isolated from the outside world as it would have been if surrounded by a hostile army. During the winter the railroads were blockaded, and it was only at rare intervals and with great difficulty that mails were obtained. Fuel became so scarce that families not only had to economize, but colonize, in order to de- lay, and if possible prevent, the exhaustion of the supply. Wheat, the lumber in the lumber yards, and railroad ties piled up in the city for the extension of the Worthington and Sioux Falls railroad, were all burned; in fact, everything available was used for fuel. A great many privations had to be endured. Sugar was sugar about the first of March, and a good many of the ordinary comforts of life were dis- pensed with for the time being. The nearest railroad connection was Canton, and for the greater part of the winter the only means by which Canton could be reached from Sioux Falls was by men on snowshoes, it being impossible for a horse to get through the snow. A train reached Luverne April 9, containing a quantity of provisions for Sioux Falls, which was transported by teams to its destination, and by this means the most pressing wants of the people were sup- plied, although it proved inadequate to meet the demand. The trans-
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HISTORY OF MINNEHAHA COUNTY.
portation was accompanied with great difficulties, as twelve inches of snow fell on the 7th and 8th of April, and four inches on the 10th and a like amount on the 11th during the same month. During this mem- orable winter the people were in the best of spirits. Social distinc- tions were abolished for the time being, although at this early date in the history of Sioux Falls there was but little to abolish. The newspapers were published, but aside from guessing at what was go- ing on in the outside world, the columns were filled with local mat- . ter. On the 12th day of April, the Sioux Falls Times was printed on a single sheet of blue paper, and the next day the Dakota Panta- graph appeared on pink muslin. Such, in part, is the history of one of the most remarkable experiences that the people of Sioux Falls have been compelled to pass through, all this resulting from an ex- cessive fall of "the beautiful snow".
As there has been no unusual fall of snow in this section of the country since that time, a short description of the
FLOOD OF APRIL, 1881,
which followed will appropriately come in here. As spring advanced, the people in Sioux Falls realized the danger they would be in from high water when this great quantity of snow melted. Some of the old settlers predicted a destruction of the village, but when the flood came they seemed as much surprised as those who drifted along ap- prehending no danger.
On Sunday, April 17, the first signs of the breaking up of the ice in the river were observed, but not until 2 or 3 o'clock in the morning of the 20th did it go out, and the work of destruction com- mence. The Pembina railroad bridge (now Milwaukee), the Eighth and Tenth street bridges, the Webber restaurant, the Henjum and Olson blacksmith shop, the Badger lum- ber office, the McKin- non and Ross planing mill and sash factory, the Cascade mill offices, the Cochran stable, the Gilbert ice house and the Queen Bee mill office went out with the ice. Then the river fell about a foot, and the HIGH WATER SIOUX FALLS, 1881. people feltassured that the worst was over, but the next day the water began rising and kept it up steadily until the middle of the forenoon Saturday, when the highest point was reached, which was fifteen feet and six inches above its ordinary level.
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HISTORY OF MINNEHAHA COUNTY.
At 2 o'clock Saturday morning, the Riverside hotel went down stream. followed about 7 o'clock A. M., by the Sioux Falls mill at the foot of the falls. The miller, C. K. Weir, was on the point of step- ping into the mill to dress the stones during the enforced stoppage. He stooped to pick up a board, and when he looked up, the mill had taken its departure.
The eastern portion of the wrecked Tenth street bridge was dis- lodged, and floating down stream struck a building on the east side of the river. The two steered across Eighth street in the di- rection of the Cascade mill and elevator, but in some unaccountable way they changed course and passed these structures without doing any damage. It seemed almost a miracle to the on-lookers that the Cascade mill was not destroyed, as it stood directly in the current and was in constant danger from the numerous buildings that were coming down stream from above. The stock of the lumber yards was strewn along the bank for miles below the falls, the boom which had been constructed for the purpose of saving it having broke. During the day the Wisconsin hotel, D. Z. Clark's dwelling and laundry, Phillip Plaster's saloon, the calaboose (from which the prisoners had been removed), numerous ice houses and a stable suc- cumbed to the pressure of the water and went down stream. Saturday morning, while the water was rising higher and higher, the citizens commenced to take precautionary measures. The St. Paul railroad bridge was uncoupled in the middle and at both ends and anchored to the piling with hawsers. Donahoe's house at his brick vard south of the bridge, stood in the middle of the flood, but loaded on the first floor with 10,000 bricks, maintained its place. Numerous small build- ings were anchored with ropes. The buildings on the east side of Phillips avenue, north of the Gilbert block, were emptied of their contents, and the merchants on the west side got their goods ready for removal, but these precautions happily proved unnecessary.
Fortunately no lives were lost, although there were a number of narrow escapes. The damage to the railroads was great, and the total damage to property in Sioux Falls was estimated at $140,300.00.
At Dell Rapids the damage was proportionately the same as at Sioux Falls. Lumber yards, buildings and bridges were washed away and property damaged, but no lives were lost. As has already been said, this flood was occasioned by the melting of the heavy snow which had fallen during the winter preceding, but owing to the con- tour of the county nothing of a similar nature can ever happen ex- cept from a similar cause. There have been several heavy falls of rain since the county was settled, but no damage worthy of mention has resulted. The term "rainy season" will never be used to describe the rainfall in this county, but the New England term of "rainy spell" could at times be very appropriately made use of, and at no time more so than during the spring of 1888. On the 26th day of April it began to rain, and for twenty-nine consecutive days rain fell at some time during the twenty-four hours. It was a " rainy spell" and probably the longest the inhabitants of the county ever exper- ienced, but even this long continuous rainfall did not raise the water in the streams to a dangerous height.
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HISTORY OF MINNEHAHA COUNTY
CLOUD-BURST IN HIGHLAND, 1876.
Mr. Ole O. Graves, one of the earliest settlers of Highland town- ship, has furnished us with the following account of a cloud-burst a few miles north of his farm:
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