USA > South Dakota > History of southeastern Dakota, its settlement and growth, geological and physical features--countries, cities, towns and villages--incidents of pioneer life--biographical sketches of the pioneers and business men, with a brief outline history of the territory in general > Part 19
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Bon Homme has one church edifice, and several church denom- inations, who hold services in the school house and Court House. There is a good school house, and a large attendance of pupils. School is taught about nine months in the year.
The first Postmistress was Mrs. Francis Rounds; the first wed- ding occurred in 1860, a Mr. Grant and Miss Hattie E. Bradford being the contracting parties; the first birth was in the family of Mr. Grant in 1862-Miss Emma Grant, now residing at Bon
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HISTORY OF SOUTHEASTERN DAKOTA.
Homme; the first death was that of Mr. Grant. There are two stores, two hotels, a blacksmith shop, a church and school house in Bon Homme, and also-by way of parenthesis-a jail.
Among the attractions of the place are its beautiful scenery and location. The town lies about eighty feet above the Missouri. Opposite the town is Bon Homme Island, covered with an immense forest of about 4,000 acres. This Island is now being used by Charles N. McCollum. who has an extensive wood-yard, and is engaged extensively in the stock-raising business. Many others have live stock on this Island. Cattle live there all winter without hay, and are always in good condition in the spring.
SCOTLAND.
The name for this thriving town, was proposed by Gen. Charles T. Campbell. from the fact that he, with three other families of the early settlers. were of Scottish derivation. The names of those who were on the ground at the time the town was named, are: Joseph Gunn, John Gunn, Mrs. Hugh Gunn, and Charles Sanborn. Gen. Campbell was the first settler on Dawson Creek, on the old Firesteel Road to Yankton, and came in June, 1871. This loca- tion subsequently became the townsite of Scotland. Next came John Stafford and his four sons, with their families. These last families came in 1872, from Canada. Abont one hundred Cana- dian families came during the next year or two. The members of the Russian settlement came in 1873.
Scotland was platted by the Railroad Company, Gen. Campbell and John Stafford donating eighty acres of land for the townsite. The town was incorporated in March, 1881, by an act of the Leg- islative Assembly .- The first locomotive of the C., M. & St. P. Railroad Company arrived at Scotland in November, 1881. The Company is now grading a road from Yankton to Scotland. The prospects are that the C. & N. W. Railroad Company, in their sur- vey from LeMars, will make a crossing at Scotland.
The first town officers were: Trustees-J. Brinkerhoff, Presi- dent; Charles Max, H. A. Reeves, W. V. Williams, Martin Hofer. Treasurer-George Josman. Clerk-William A. Robinson. Mar- shal-John Clark. The population of Scotland is about 600. It is located on section S, town 96, range 58, in the northeast corner of Bon Homme County.
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SCOTLAND.
The staple articles of shipment are cattle, flax, wool and wheat. It is estimated that $100,000 worth of wool, and 150,000 bushels of flax have been shipped from Scotland during the current year. The average shipment of flax per day from Scotland, during the months of September and October, was 2,000 bushels. It is generally con- ceded that Scotland is destined to become one of the great wool markets of the West.
The soil is a black loam, a little sandy, and from two to four feet in depth. It presents to the eye an undulating appearance- just right for good drainage. The uplands produce the " blue joint red top " and bunch grass in abundance. This portion of the county is well watered, there being streams every few miles, empty- ing themselves into the James River. The only timber, which is a scarce article, is along the James River. Wood for fuel is ob- tained from the Missouri River, which is distant eighteen miles.
A flouring mill, three miles below Scotland, on the James River, is owned by Maxwell & Parmenter, and has three run of stone, with the improved machinery for turning out the patent flour.
The first postoffice was established at the old village in 1872, with Charles Sanborn as Postmaster. Gen Campbell at that time con- trolled the mail routes between Yankton and Firesteel.
Mention of the establishment of the Dakota Citizen at Scotland, and its removal from Bon Homme, by A. J. Cogan, editor and pro- prietor. is made in the account of Bon Homme. The paper is Dem- ocratie in politics, is a seven-column quarto, and lias a circulation of about 300.
The first store was established in 1873, in the old village, by John Stafford; in the spring of 1872, the first hotel-the Camp- bell House-was completed and opened to the public, with Gen. Campbell as proprietor.
The first school was begun in 1874, in the room over John Staf- ford's store, with Wesley Douglas as teacher, and with an attend- ance of forty pupils. In 1876, a school house was built by sub- scription, at a cost of $500, and was also used as a church. The present school building was erected in August, 1881. and cost $2.000. Bonds running ten years were issued in payment. It is a frame building, of two stories, 50 by 30 feet in dimensions, with two departments. Mrs. Dollard is the Principal.
There are two church buildings, erected by the Presbyterians and
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HISTORY OF SOUTHEASTERN DAKOTA.
the Methodists. The Catholics. Lutherans and Evangelists are about to erect edifices.
The Presbyterian Society was organized by Revs. A. K. Baird and N E. Chapin in October, 1879. Services were at first held in the M. E. Church. Their present church edifice was completed during the present year. It is a frame building, cost about $2.000. and was dedicated JJuly 17th of the current year, Rev. W. S. Pe- terson preaching the dedicatory sermon. Its membership is about twenty. The first officers of the Society were: Elders-James Gibbon, Thomas Thyme. Trustees Christian Shantz, William Hebbert. George Gunn. Rev. H. P. Carson is the pastor.
The Methodist Episcopal Society was organized in 1876, with Rev. Mr. Cook as the pastor. The building is 40 by 22 feet in di- mensions. is of chalkstone. cost about $500. and was erected in 1876. Rev. Mr. Pearce is the present pastor.
The Scotland Brass Band dates its organization from March of the present year. Prof. (). L. Rice is the Leader. There are eleven members in all.
OFFICIAL DIRECTORY.
President-J. Brinkerhoff.
Trustees-Charles Max, H. A. Reeves, W. V. Williams, Marti Hofer. Treasurer-George Josman. Clerk -William A. Robinson. MMarshal-John Clark.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
Attorneys-Andrew J. Faulk, Jr .. Robert Dolland.
Agricultural Machinery --- Foskott and Reeves, Chaldek Brothers, Alfre l Brown.
Banks --- Gale and Bogert. Blacksmiths-M. M. Boyles, Beyerle and Wiedenbach; John Stickle.
Boots and Shoes --- George Josman.
Barber --- Edward Stafford.
Carpenters-C. L. Ogden, Edward Fellen. Hemy Fix. John Clark, George Musslemann.
Druggist --- J. F. Weber.
Furniture-John Esaack, Edward Fallen.
General Merchants --- A. W. Lavender, Martin Hofer, Stafford and Williams, Henry Sieler, Frederick Beck . Jacob Kusler.
Grain Dealers-W. H. Curtis, B. F. Wise, Alfred Brown.
Hotels-Campbell House, Scotland Hotel.
Hardware-Foskett and Reeves, Landman and Schmierer.
Harness and Saddles-J. M. Fogarty. Lirery-J. Brinkerhott.
Meat Market --- John Schliesmann, James Han-cot.
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SCOTLAND.
Newspapers .-- The Dakota Citizen, with A. J. Cogan as editor and proprietor. Physicians --- Dr. Munn. Dr. Cartwright.
Saloons-Martin Hof r, George Linley. George Steagr. Shoemaker-Anton Arens.
SPRINGFIELD.
Springfield was founded by John A. Burbank, at that time Gov- ernor of Dakota. The town was organized in 1869. The first house was built in the summer of 1870 by Luman N. Judd, who was then Register of the Land Office, the building being used as an office. The first settlers were: Luman N. Judd, Ogden Marsh, John L. Turner, Isaac Hawthorne. William Emmons, John A. Lee. George Lee, Philip Stimal. Nathan McDaniels, J. E. Russell, Samuel Henderson and George Snow-who came in 1870. In 1871. the following persons came: L. D. F. Poore, George Mead, Clark Rowe, I. James, A. F. McAuley, Michael Griffin, E. W. Wall, R. T. Wood, B. H. Wood, and others.
The town was platted by John A. Burbank, in 1869. He pur- chased one hundred and sixty acres, for the townsite, of John A. Lee and George Lee. Springfield was incorporated in the winter of 1879. by an act of the Legislative Assembly. The first town of- ficers were: Mayor-John L. Turner. Aldermen-George Hef- ner. James Stephens, Mr. Van Curren. Clerk-Fred. Gassmann. Treasurer-A. T. Stillie. Justice of the Peace-A. T. Bridgman. Marshal -- Charles Klemme.
Springfield was incorporated by the County Commissioners m 1872. In 1876, this action was decided to be illegal, and conse- quently all official business that had been transacted in pursuance thereof. was null and void.
The C .. M. & St. P. Railroad was built to Springfield in 1879, the first train arriving at that point in the autumn of that year. The population of Springfield is about 300. The town is located on the southeast part of section 23, the northeast part of section 26. and in part of section 24, township 93. range 60.
The first postoffice in this neighborhood was established at Emanuel Creek, two and one-half miles north of the present town. Nathan McDaniels was Postmaster. The present Postmaster of Springfield is Michael Griffin. The postoffice was removed from Emanuel Creek to Springfield in 1870, when John L. Turner be- came Postmaster.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHEASTERN DAKOTA.
The first school house was built in 1872, and cost about $400. It was 18x34 feet in dimensions. The first teacher was Miss Volver- ton. The present school house was built in 1879, is a brick struc- ture, and cost $3,000. It is a large and handsome building, and has two departments. It is now being used as a Territorial Nor- mal School, with Prof. Critehett as Principal, Misses Robb and Seccombe, Assistants.
The ground has already been secured, and paid for by subscrip- tion, upon which to erect a Territorial Normal School building, in pursuance of the provisions of a recent Legislative enactment. It is scarcely necessary to add that the citizens of Springfield are now earnestly in favor of the "old flag andl an appropriation."
The district school is now held in a building rented for that pur- pose, which it is expected to use until the Normal School building is erected, when the district school will be moved back to its old quarters.
The first store in Springfield was started in 1870, by John L. Turner, in one of Ogden Marsh's buildings, with a stock of goods invoicing from fifty to sixty dollars-which business has since de- veloped into great dimensions, and is one of the leading establish- ments of Southeastern Dakota. The firm name now is Bonesteel & Turner. William Emerson started the International Hotel in 1870.
The first death to occur in Springfield was that of Ogden Marsh in 1872; the first marriage, A. F. MeAuley and Mary Griffin, in 1873, at the residence of Michael Griffin, Rev. Father Sommereisen, of Yankton, officiating; the first birth, a daughter born to Ogden Marsh and wife, in 1871.
Samuel Henderson, of Wisconsin, started a saw mill at Springfield in 1870, and sawed the first lumber that was sawed in Bon Homme County.
The Congregational Society was organized by Rev. Stewart Shel- don, of Yankton, November 4th, 1881, with a membership of seven. Services were held in the school house until the Society purchased their present church edifice. which is worth probably from $1,000 to $1.200. The dimensions of the building are 24 by 36 feet. Rev. T. M. Binks was the first pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Kirk; the order of succession to the pastorate thereafter being: Rev. C. L. Hall, Rev. J. C. Beekman, Rev. Charles Seccombe. The first officers were: Deacon-Samuel Hitchcock. Clerk-HI. J.
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SPRINGFIELD.
Smith. Treasurer-Ira J. Smith. Trustees-Samuel Hitchcock, George Owens, Ira J. Smith. Present officers: Deacon -- Samuel Hitchcock. Clerk-Ira J. Smith. Treasurer-John Fry. Trustees -- Samuel Hitchcock, W. W. Benedict, John Fry.
St. Stephen's Catholic Society was organized in 1880, with a membership of about fifty. Services were at first held at the resi- dence of Michael Griffin. Their church building was erected in 1880, at a cost of $2,000, and is 50 by 30 feet in dimensions. A presbytery is to be erected on the church lot during the coming spring. This church was built by subscription in the spirit of un- denominational liberality. Rev. Father A. Carolan was the first pastor, and was succeeded by Rev. Father Daniel Vincent Collins, the present incumbent, who is using efficient energy in behalf of his promising Society.
The Springfield Times was established July 27, 1871, with L. D. F. Poore as editor and proprietor. It was a six-column folio, and its publication was continued under this management until June of the present year, when the paper was purchased by John Todd, who is now the editor and proprietor. The paper was changed in August, 1878, to a six-column quarto. It is Republican in politics, and has a circulation of 450.
The Yankton and Ft. Sully Telegraph Line was completed to and beyond Springfield during the year 1871, and was contruct- ed through to the point of destination-Ft. Sully. Assoon as completed, the line was put in operation. The first office this side of Yankton was established at Springfield, in the office of Dr. Agersborg, and under his charge.
Hope School was organized in 1879, by the Episcopalians, under the care of W. H. Hare, Biship of Niobrara, Neb. There are twenty-six young Indians in process of instruction at this institu- tion. Two teachers are employed. Hope School is held in the building which was formerly the International Hotel. All the common branches are taught. It derives its support from the School Mission, which even furnishes clothing-and is doing a a good work, the pupils making remarkable progress.
Mount Zion Lodge No. 6, A. F. & A. M., was instituted in 1876, with seven charter members, as follows: J. L. Turner, Daniel Niles, D. E. Wood, D. H. Wood, A. T. McAuley, George Mead, Edwin Benedict. The Lodge now occupies Masonic Hall, a com-
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HISTORY OF SOUTHEASTERN DAKOTA.
modions room. handsomely carpeted and furnished. The Lodge contemplates the erection of a brick building, to cost $2,000. Its first officers were: B. E. Wood. W. M .: J. L. Turner, S. W .; Daniel Niles, J. W .; George Mead, Secretary; A. F. McAuley, Treasurer. Present officers: C. T. McCoy, W. M .; M. H. Day, S. W .; T. Alexander, J. W .; G. W. Snow, Treasurer; F. W. Gas- mann, Secretary. The membership is fifty-five. Meetings are held Tuesday evenings of each month, on or before the full of the moon.
Springfield Lodge No. 7, I. O. O. F., was instituted December 11th, 1875. Charter members: L. D. F. Poore, Thomas B. Eagle, H. A. James, B. R. Van Curren, John Petre, Edward F. Bushnell, F. W. Sutliff, Geo. W. Snow. First officers: Thomas B. Eagle, N. G .: Geo. W. Snow, V. G .; E. L. Bushnell. Secretary : H. A. James, Treasurer. Present officers: J. W. Armstrong, N. G .; B. R. VanCurren, V. G .; J. H. Stephens. R. S .; H. A. James. F. S .; M. H. Day, Treasurer. The membership is about thirty- seven. Meetings are held in Bushnell's Hall, which was purchased by the Lodge about one year ago.
OFFICIAL DIRECTORY.
Mayor -- John Turner. Aldermen -- George Hefner, James Stephens, V. R. Van Curren. Clerk-Fred. Gassmann.
Treasurer-A. T. Stillie. Marshal-Charles Klemme. Justice of the Peace-A. T. Bridgman.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
Attorneys-George W. Sterling, P. A. Saunders.
Agricultural Implements-Covell and Grant, Bonesteel and Turner, Geo. Hefner, Griffith and Taylor.
Blacksmith-V. R. Van Curren.
Carpenter-James C. Hutton. Collection and Loan Agency-J. C. Klemme.
Druggists-Bonesteel and Turner, Dr. Charles Carlin.
Drayage-John Brown. Grocer-E. W. Monfore.
Grain Dealers-Bonesteel and Turner.
General Merchants -- Bonesteel and Turner, L. Schnerdtmann, J. Junger- mann.
Hotels-Baskin House, James II. Baskin; Springfield House, Mrs. M. E. Love. Hardicare-Griffith and Taylor, George Hefner. Harness and Saddles -- James H. Stevens.
Insurance -- Sterling and Klemm .
Lumber -- Rockwell and Morgan.
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CLAY COUNTY.
Lirery-Fred. Culver.
Meat Market -- Robert Cowgill, Joseph Robson.
Millinery-Mrs. H. A. James.
Newspaper -- Springfield Times, John Todd. Editor and Proprietor. Physicians -- James L. Camp, Charles Carlin.
Postmaster-Michael Griffin.
Shoemaker -- Fred. J. Smith. Saloons-James E. Russell, A. F. McAuley. Tinner-John Fry.
CLAY COUNTY.
This fertile and well-settled county was among those organized by the first Legislative Assembly. It is situated in the southeastern corner of Dakota. and is the second county reached on coming into the Territory. It is, bounded on the north by Turner and Lincoln Counties, on the east by Union County, on the west by Yankton County, and on the south by the Missouri River. It is about eighteen miles wide, east and west, and twenty-five miles north and southi.
The surface of Clay County resembles that of Union and Yank- ton, the southern portion being level bottom lands along the Mis- souri River. varying in width from one to fifteen miles, and the northern portion gently rolling prairie. Near the center of the county, near the Vermillion River, is the " Spirit Mound," men- tioned by Lewis & Clarke in the journal of their exploring expedi- tion up the Missouri in 1804. This mound is a regular cone-shaped hill, with smooth sides, and is nowise remarkable except for the Indian legends and traditions concerning it. It can be seen for many miles on the prairie, and is a prominent land-mark to tray- elers.
The soil is extremely fertile, yielding bountiful crops of wheat, corn. oats, and in fact all kinds of grain or vegetables grown in this latitude. There is probably no difference between the soils of any of the lower counties. What is said of one county will gen- erally apply to all.
The county is well watered by the Missouri and Vermillion Rivers and Clay Creek. which is a tributary of the Vermillion. Springs are numerous in the uplands, especially along the bluffs. where the uplands and lowlands meet. On the bench land above Vermillion, although the ground is fifty feet above the bed of the
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HISTORY OF SOUTHEASTERN DAKOTA.
Missouri, excellent wells of never failing water are obtained by dig- ging only 15 or 20 feet.
The date of the county organization is April 10, 1862. The pres- ent County Officers are as follows: Commissioners- C. N. Taylor, F. Taylor, W. Lowrie. Sheriff-G. H. McDonald. Register of Deeds -H. E. Hanson. Treasurer-W. Shriner. Judge of Pro- bate-H. A. Copeland. Clerk of Courts-S. W. Kidder. Super- intendent of Schools -- C. C. Bridgman.
The first settlements of Clay County were made at Vermillion in 1869, by James McHenry, P. H. Jewell, M. Robinson and L. E. Phelps. A. C. VanMeter, Hugh Campton and Jacob Deuel were also among the first settlers. Outside of the town of Vermillion, the first settlements were made on the bluffs above Vermillion, and also along the Missouri west of Vermillion. Capt. Nelson Miner and family are among the earliest settlers of Clay County. W. W. Benedict, B. E. Wood and James Whitehorn were among the early settlers of the county west of Vermillion. Other portions of the county were settled previous to the stampede, and were aban- doned in 1862 and 1863.
VERMILLION.
The new " Vermillion-on-the-Hill," which has sprung up Phœ- nix-like, from what was left of the old town by the terrible ice- gorge of 1881, is located in town 92, range 52, in the southern part of Clay County. It is one of the oldest settled places in the Territory, having been occupied by the whites as soon as the In- dians were removed after the treaty. Jas. H. MeHenry, George Brown, L. E. Phelps, Miner Robinson and P. H. Jewell located here in 1859. Mr. McHenry opened a store in the spring of 1860. The U.S. Land Office was opened here in 1862, where it still remains. The U. S. District Court for the 1st Judicial District also holds its sessions at Vermillion. The county offices are also kept at the County Seat. It is surrounded by an excellent agricultural country, the trade of which centers at Vermillion. During the darkest days that Dakota ever saw in 1864 5 good erops were raised on the up- lands near Vermillion. The farmers on the bench land near Ver- million have as fine farms, and under as good cultivation, as those of any other section. Vermillion has now about 900 inhabitants.
The town organization was perfected in 1873. and in 1877. it was
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VERMILLION.
incorporated by special act of the Legislative Assembly. Otto Vot- tolfson entered the land which is now the townsite of Vermillion, in 1869.
The first city officers were: Mayor-John L. Jolley. Clerk - C. C. Bridgman. Treas., C. Prentis. Marshal -- A. M. Anderson. Al- dermen-H. E. Hanson, 1st Ward; H. C. Jensen, 2d Ward; L. H. Barron. 3d Ward; A. E. Lee, 4th Ward; Nick Hansen, 5th Ward; W. E. Hodgin, 6th Ward.
The first hotel in Vermillion was opened by Samuel Mulholland in 1860; the first bank. by Prentis & Newton, in October, 1871; the first mill was started by Snyder & Maynard about the year, 1872. This mill has two run of stone, and is now owned by Stan- ley & Lowrie.
The first birth at Vermillion was that of Miss Viola VanMeter; the first death, Judge Denton, in the winter of 1859. A. A. Par- tridge and Miss Seiner were the contracting parties to the first mar- riage ceremony at Vermillion, which took place in November, 1860.
Vermillion was on the high tide to prosperity, when the terribly disastrous
FLOOD AND ICE-GORGE OF 1SS1
Obliterated at one stroke nearly all the accumulations of years of energetic effort. From The Vermillion Standard's series of graphic accounts of the disaster, the following particulars are gleaned.
Sunday, March 27th, 1880, was the warmest day since the pre- vious autumn. The snow melted rapidly, but nobody supposed the ice would move that night. About 11:30 P. M., the ice began to break and move down stream. In a few moments it gorged below the island, and the rapidly accumulating water began to run through the streets. The Baptist Church bell was immediately rung to alarm the people, and in a very short time, the streets were full of men, women and children, hurrying to the bluffs, some leading horses and cattle, and others carrying whatever clothing they could lay their hands on during their hurried exit. Before all could escape, the water on the north side of the city, along the bluffs, had risen to the depth of three feet, and covered the railroad track, giving many of the fugitives an ice-water bath.
Boats were brought into requisition, and those who had heard the alarm too late to escape, were taken off to a place of safety. Some, however, believing, like the sinners in Noah's time. that it
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HISTORY OF SOUTHEASTERN DAKOTA.
"wasn't going to be much of a shower, after all." walked upstairs and remained in their residences the remainder of the night.
By morning. the water had gone down, so that all that part of the city east of a line drawn from the east end of the depot, to Reeve's corner, and from thence to C'arr's residence on the bank of the river, was clear of water, except for some distance along the railroad track. All of the city west of that line, was, however, under water to the depth of from three or four inches, to three feet. This situation was maintained until in the afternoon. when the water raised, west of the above line, about a foot. but did not cover the rest of the city. By Tuesday morning the water had subsided to about the same depth as Monday morning, but raised again in the afternoon, a little over a foot, and continued to gain slowly, until Wednesday evening, when it began to rise more rap- idly, and Thursday morning it had covered the depot platform to the depth of several inches.
Thursday morning, March 31st, the river rose rapidly, until it covered the highest point, by the Bank block. to the depth of from four to five feet. The ice in the river also commenced mov- ing, and by 10 o'clock A. M., as far as the eye could reach, in every direction (except in the bend fronting the eity), nothing could be seen but floating ice. The timber in Van Meter's grove kept most of the ice out of the city, so that but little damage was done by it during the day.
About nine in the morning, the buildings commenced moving. Butler's photograph gallery moving first, and going to picces in the rapids. which extended from Depot street to the river. Others followed in quick succession during the day and night, until forty buildings had been carried down and smashed to pieces against the ice. During Thursday night, the water rose three feet higher than during the day previous. anl the Dakota Republican printing of- fice was taken down stream. This additional rise subsided before morning. The water tank from the railroad crossing of the Vermil- lion River, above the city, e ume down in the moving ice, and in the afternoon, Mr. Pinkham's house, from near Meekling, moved off. To add to the horrors of the situation, a terrible blizzard prevailed during the day, making it almost impossible to row a boat against the fierce. howling, northwest wind. Abont a dozen persons, in- cluiding a woman and two children, slept in Bank block Wednes-
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