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 22
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YANKTON.
apparent that, whatever may befall other localities, the city of Yankton is, in a commercial sense, "founded upon a rock."
The city government consists of a Mayor, and eight Aldermen, one City Marshal and assistants, a City Clerk, City Treasurer, Po- lice Justice and other city officers. The finances of the city are in good condition, the city being clear of debt and money in the treas- ury. The rate of taxation is not burdensome, but the accumula- tions in the treasury are owing to a judicious and economical administration of municipal affairs.
THE YANKTON AND LE MARS RAILROAD COMPANY.
A later enterprise-one which belongs to the present, and which seems to be in a fair way to fruition-is that of the Yankton and Le Mars Railroad Company, the object of which is the construction of a line of railway to make connection with the (., M., St. P. & (., and the Illinois Central Railroads, at or near Le Mars, Iowa.
The articles of organization, of this Company, were filed Octo- ber 13th, 1881. The meeting of the Directors for organization was held October 18th. The books of the Company were opened for subscriptions, and a soliciting committee is busily engaged in disposing of the stock. There appears to be little or no difficulty in connection with the right of way, the inhabitants all along the proposed line manifesting an anxiety to afford all reasonable aid to the project. Yankton and Yankton people have taken hold of the matter with a will, and energetic endeavors are co-operated in, most harmoniously. It is the evident determination, on all sides, to push the enterprise through to a successful termination. The ad- vantages which will accrue from this new route, are too self-evi- dent to require examination in detail. Other railroad plans and probabilities in connection with Yankton, are set forth elsewhere in their proper relations to the communities whose interests they effect. The central office of the Company is at Yankton, and the following are its officers: Directors-S. B. Coulson, President; E. E. Hudson, Vice President; C. J. B. Harris, Secretary; G. R. Scou- gal, Treasurer; J. L. Pennington, General Superintendent; J. R. Sanborn, J. E. Bruce, M. P. Ohlman, G. E. Hawley, H. F. Jencks A. W. Howard, D. F. Etter, J. W. C. Morrison.
RIVER NAVIGATION.
Yankton does a larger steamboat business than any other city on the Missouri River. A large fleet of boats owned by three dif- ferent companies winter here, and many of the boats are repaired
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during the winter on the steamboat ways which have been erected in this city for that purpose. Some idea of the amount of busi- ness done can be formed when you know that there are about forty steamboats engaged in the river traffic which operate from Yankton, carrying freight and passengers to the military posts , Indian Agencies, the Black Hills and other points up the Missouri River.
STAGE ROUTES FROM YANKTON.
From Yankton, stage lines run out in all directions, carrying the mails and passengers. The principal stage line runs up the Missouri River, through Bon Homme, Springfield, Yankton Agency, Fort Randall and Fort Pierre, thence up the river to Bismarck, also on the Missouri River, the western terminus of the Northern Pacific railroad. This stage runs daily to Springfield with covered four-horse coaches.
The James River route runs a daily stage from Yankton, to Mitchell, through Utica, Lesterville. Odessa, Scotland, Milltown, Martella, Rockport and Rosedale, to Mitchell, 75 miles up the Da- kota River. And from Mitchell to Jamestown on the Northern Pacific railroad, a semi-weekly mail passes up the beautiful valley of the Dakota River, a distance of about 200 miles.
Stages run across the country intersecting these lines already mentioned, so that a person can easily reach any desired locality.
YANKTON NEWSPAPERS.
The Press and Dakotaian .- The Weekly Dakotaian was first published June 6th, 1861, by the Dakotaian Printing Company- F. M. Ziebach being the Company aforesaid. J. C. Trask bought the Dakotaian of Ziebach in March, 1862, and was made the first Public Printer of Dakota. Trask did the printing for the first Legislative Assembly, and after the session, sold to George W. Kingsbury. Ziebach subsequently became a partner in the busi- ness. During the next session of the Legislature, Kingsbury & Ziebach became Public Printers, and held possession of the Dako- taian until May 26th, 1863, when it passed into the sole possession of Kingsbury.
Beginning with the issue of March 29th, 1864, Albert Gore be- came the editor of the paper, with Kingsbury as the publisher. Kingsbury withdrew May 31st, 1864.
June 21st, 1864, Kingsbury started the Dakota Union, with Hon. M. K. Armstrong as the editor. The publication of the pa-
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per was suspended in the middle of August following. November 19th, 1864, the Union and the Dakotaian were consolidated, with Kingsbury as the publisher and Armstrong as the editor. Arm- strong's connection as the editor ceased with the issue of January 7th, 1865, and Kingsbury took sole charge of the paper, which was thus conducted until September 4th, 1869, when Kingsbury sold to James S. Foster and Charles H. McIntyre, who ran it under the firm name of McIntyre & Foster. April 7th, 1870, Arthur Linn became interested in the concern, the firm then becoming McIntyre, Foster & Linn. The next issue, Linn became sole pro- prietor. Linn conducted the paper until November, 12th, 1873. [_ August 10th, 1870, the Yankton Press was started by the Yank- ton Press Publishing Company, and edited by Hon. George H. Hand. Mr. Hand retired November 2d, 1870, and J. M. Stone and and Kingsbury became the editors and publishers. Stone with- drew July 30th, 1873, and was succeeded by S. V. Clevenger. No- vember 12th, 1873, the Union and Dakotaian and the Yankton Press were consolidated, Linn retiring, and E. M. Brown, Kings- bury and Clevenger assumed control.
The present heading of the weekly edition of the Press and Da- kotaian was adopted December 4th, 1873. Kingsbury sold to Clevenger his interest in the paper. which was then run by Clev- enger and Brown, up to May 21st, 1874, when W. P. Dewey bought Brown's interest, the firm becoming Dewey & Clevenger. August 27th, 1874, A. W. Barber succeeded Dewey, the firm becom- ing Clevenger & Barber. December 5th, 1874, W. S. Bowen and Kingsbury took possession. under the firm name of W. S. Bowen & Co., and August 7th, 1875, Kingsbury took a half-interest in the establishment, the firm name being then changed to Bowen & Kingsbury. The first daily edition of the Press and Dakotaian was issued April 26th, 1875. The Press and Dakotaian is Repub- lican in politics, and-both daily and weekly-is a highly credit- able publication.
The Dakota Herald .- The Herald was established in February. 1872, by Maris Taylor and T. F. Singiser, the firm name being Taylor & Singiser. Singiser remained in the firm about one year, when Taylor Bros .- Maris Taylor and James Taylor-took posses- sion. In October, 1879, Maris Taylor became sole proprietor, the paper being couducted under his management until September, 1881, when T. J. Sargent purchased a half-interest. The present
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firm is, therefore, Taylor & Sargent. The Herald is Democratic in politics, is published every Saturday, and is a credit to the jour- nalistic guild, as well as to the community.
THE YANKTON POSTOFFICE.
The postoffice of Yankton was established in 1857. D. T. Bran- ble was the first Postmaster. Mr. Bramble held this postoffice four years, when he was succeeded by William Miner, who held the office seven years. M. U. Hoyt became Postmaster in 1867, and in May, 1870, William Pound succeeded him. In October, 1871, C. H. McIntyre was appointed Postmaster. Mr. McIntyre was succeeded in November, 1872, by A. W. Howard, the present Post- master. Yankton postoffice was made a money order office in 1864, and advanced to an office of the second class in 1876. It has been the distributing office for all of Dakota and Northern Ne- braska, is still a depositing office for the Territory, and has always transacted a very large amount of business. Under Mr. Howard's management, the office is condneted in a systematic and highly satisfactory manner.
U. S. LAND OFFICE.
The land office for the counties of Yankton, Turner, Lincoln, Union, Clay, Bon Homme, Hutchinson, Douglas and Charles Mix, is located at Yankton. G. A. Wetter is the Register, Alexander Hughes, the Receiver.
TERRITORIAL OFFICES.
The varions Territorial Officers have their offices here, the prin- cipal of which are the Governor. Secretary, Chief Justice 'of the Supreme Court, U. S. Marshal, U. S. Attorney. Surveyor General, Registerfin Bankruptcy, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Auditor, Treasurer and U. S. Signal Officer. The Legislature of Dakota meets biennially at the Capital.
U. S. ARMY OFFICES.
The United States military offices for Dakota, consisting of U. S. Quartermaster, Purchasing and Depot Commissary of Subsis- tence, U. S. Paymaster, and U. S. Signal officer, are located at Yankton. Large quantities of army supplies are annually pur- chased at Yankton and forwarded by steamers to the military posts on the Missouri River above.
THE COURTS AT YANKTON.
Dakota is divided into four judicial districts. Southeastern Da- kota being within the Second District, and holding two general
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terms of the U. S. Court at Yankton in each year. Sub-districts are formed of one or more counties, where courts are held as oc- casion requires.
THE ASYLUM FOR THE INSANE.
This institution was established over three years ago through the efforts of the late Governor Howard, and has been in successful operation since that time. It is located on a section of land one mile north of the city and commands a beautiful view of the city, river, and surrounding country. The present buildings are but the nucleus of the Asylum as planned. The last Legislature appro- priated $40,000 for the erection of a permanent building, to be about 200 feet long, 3 stories and basement in height, to be built of brick. The contractors are now at work, and it will be finished this year. Having a section of land donated by the United States, and liberal appropriations from the Legislature, this will be one of the largest State institutions.
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Gen. W. H. H. Beadle, the Territorial Superintendent of In- struction. resides in Yankton, and is in.defatigable in his efforts to advance the cause of education. The Territorial Superintendent is nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Legislative Coun- cil (senate). salary $600 per annum, with $300 for traveling ex- penses and $100 for stationery, books. printing and postage. No other Territorial expense permitted.
Each organized county elects every two years a County Super- intendent, who receives $3.00 per day for actual time employed, and five cents per mile for distance necessarily traveled on duty. He has general supervision of public schools in his county, examines teachers and grants certificates for not more than one year; visits all schools in his county at least once each year; apportions county general tuition fund to districts on basis of school population: re- ceives reports from districts and reports to Territorial Superinten- dent yearly, and has other minor allowances and duties.
In the cities of Yankton. Fargo. Deadwood. Bismark and Ver- million. and the village of Sioux Falls, the schools are managed by boards of education, provided for in the municipal charters.
The school revenues are derived almost exclusively from taxation. There is no vested school fund. The United States has reserved the 16th and 37th sections in every township to be applied to schools in the future State. The law levies a general tax of two mills on
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HISTORY OF SOUTHEASTERN DAKOTA.
the dollar for tuition, which is collected and apportioned by each county separately. Besides this each school district may levy taxes for teacher's wages, school house building, and for incidental ex- penses. to the maximum in all of three and a quarter per cent. an- nually.
The law requiries three months school in each year, and a late amendment authorizes every parent of a child of school age to re- quire six months school in default of which he may send pupils to any other distriet at cost of his own district.
A late act authorizes every school district to borrow money at 8 per cent. interest upon its bonds, to be used in building and fur- nishing school house. The amount is limited to $1,500 at most in each district, and the bonds run not less than ten nor more than twenty years.
An act of the Legislative Assembly approved January 6th, 1875, provided for the establishment of a Board of Education for the city of Yankton, and in consequence, Yankton's present efficient system of education may be said to date from that time. The Board was organized on the second day of February, 1875, the first financial report of the Secretary covering a period of fourteen months from the date of organization to the first day of April, 1876. The follow- ing gentlemen were the members of the first Board of Education: First District-F. M. Ziebach, D. T. Bramble. Second District- J. R. Sanborn, F. J. Dewitt. Third District-Bartlett Tripp, Newton Edmunds. Fourth District-Joseph Ward, E. P. Wilcox, William M. Bristoll was the Secretary, Charles E. Bramble, Treas- urer. Mr. Bristoll was elected Secretary of the Board, February 5th, 1875, and was at once charged, er-officio, with the duties of Superintendent of the City Public Schools, both of which respon- sible positions he has continued ever since to most acceptably fill.
At the same meeting an accurate census of the children of school age in the city, was directed to be taken. The number of persons of school age in Yankton for 1875, was ascertained to be 783; for 1876, the number was 867.
The four public schools existing at the time of organization were allowed to complete the work of their winter term, and were closed March 26, 1875. April 5-7 a reorganization of the schools was effected. The East and the West Primary and the East and the West Intermediate Schools were opened on the 5th, the Grammar School on the 6th, and the High School on the 7th.
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ΥΑΝKTON.
During the spring term, the Board employed five teachers, the Superintendent serving as Principrl of the High School, and fur- nishing his own assistant. During a part of the school year, 1875 -6, the Board had eight schools in operation and employed seven teachers besides the Superintendent, who cared for the High school as during the spring term, 1875.
At the opening of the fall term, 1875, the East and the West In- termediate Schools were consolidated and a secondary school open- ed. The Intermediate and Secondary Schools were located in the center, in the Walnut Street School House, and the East and West Primary Schools in rented buildings, on Capital and Linn Sts., re- spectively. The Primary Schools became so crowded that the Board resorted, in November, to the plan of devoting their morn- ing sessions to second grade pupils and their afternoon sessions to first grade pupils. Ths Grammar and High Schools remained in the Academy building on Walnut St., which the Board had leased for their accommodation.
At the opening of ths winter term, the applicants for admission to the schools were so numerous that a second secondary school was opened on the 12th of January, located on Capital St., and called the East Secondary School, the secondary school on Walnut St. taking the name of West Secondary School. At this time, to re- move all occasion for dissatisfaction with the Primary Schools, the Board again threw the morning and afternoon sessions, in each of them, open to all the pupils belonging to them.
In February, the last private school existing in the city was closed, and it was found necessary to furnish additional school ac- commodations by removing the West Secondary School to Dakota Hallon Linn St. and opening another intermediate school in the Walnut St. School House. The new school received the name of First Intermediate School and the original Intermediate School be- came the Second Intermediate School.
One new two-room brick school house was built during the year, and, at the close of the year, the schools occupied three leased buildings, or in all, five school houses, containing eight school rooms
The year '75-6 was marked, in the history of the High School. by the sending forth of its first graduates. At the close of the third anniversary exercises, by direction of President J. R. San- born, citing the authority of the Board, appropriate diplomas, cer- tifying to the completion of the courses mentioned opposite their
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HISTORY OF SOUTHEASTERN DAKOTA.
names, were presented, by the Principal, to Horace Ward Sheldon, four years' Classical course. William Henry Sanborn, four years' Academic course. Helen Eliot Moody, three years' Classical course. These are believed to be the first proper alumni of any institution of learning in Dakota Territory.
At an adjourned meeting, on the 22d of June, it was voted to purchase the Academy premises, corner Sixth and Walnut streets, for two thousand six hundred and fifty dollars. Eleven coupon bonds of two hundred and forty dollars each, payable in ten years from the 13th day of June, 1877. and bearing interest at the rate of ten per cent. per annum, payable semi-annually, together with a warrant for ten dollars in cash, were issued in payment for this property, which consisted of three lots, with two-story school building (40x36.) out houses, fences and plank walks.
The school year ending August 31st, 1878, witnessed the com- pletion and occupation of the south wing of the new Franklin School. The foundations of this two-story, brick edifice were laid broad and deep, and the superstructure, with eighteen-inch vaulted walls to the top of the lower story and fourteen-inch above to the cornice, substantially erected thereupon. This wing is 36x14 feet in its exterior dimensions, anl, with its two frame ves- tibules, affords accommodations for two schools, one below and one above, with the necessary hallways, stairways, recitation, cloak and janitor's room.
According to the school census of 1881, the number of persons of school age in Yankton was 1,122; number of school rooms owned by the city and used for school purposes during the year, eight; rooms leased for school purposes, two-total rooms so used, ten.
The public schools of Yankton have justly achieved a most envi- able reputation. The standard of education is high, and through- out every department a system is maintained which is thoroughly in keeping with the progressive spirit of the best schools of the East. The present corps of teachers is as follows:
William M. Bristoll, Principal.
Viola T. Hayes, Second Webster Primary.
Maggie E. Cooley, Fourth Primary.
May Lynch, First Webster Primary.
Hannah S. Prime, Third Primary.
Henrietta Fellows, Third Grammar.
Anna E. Hoyt, Second Linn St. Primary.
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Carrie E. Lawrence, Assistant 2d and 3d Grammar.
Louisa A. McIntyre, First Linn St. Primary.
Duane Rifenbark, High School.
Gertie E. Flanagan, First Grammar.
Mary A. Lawrence, Second Grammar.
Janitors-William H. Werdebaugh, Franklin and Linn St. Schools. Robert Thogerson, Walnut St. and Webster Schools.
THE UNIVERSITY OF YANKTON.
This institution under the auspices of the Congregational churches of Dakota has been located here. $13,000 have been subscribed by the citizens of Yankton towards erecting suitable buildings, and $50,000 has been promised by wealthy members of this denomination residing in the eastern States. Commodious buildings will soon be erected on a commanding site in the north part of the city.
The Court House is a substantial two story brick structure erected at a cost of about $12,000. Connected with it, and under the control of the sheriff, is the county jail.
THE ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART.
The Academy is a large commodious building, built of brick, three stories high, situated on the highest eminence west of the city. It has grounds covering three blocks, and from its cupola the view is unsurpassed. Twenty Sisters of Mercy reside here. They have thirty young lady boarders, beside a large attendance of day scholars and a parochial school on Cedar street. They have recently erected a large brick residence for the chaplain, and the Bishop of Dakota intends building on the adjoining grounds a large and beautiful residence.
CHURCHES AND SOCIETIES.
The following churches have been built in Yankton and have resident pastors, viz: Congregational, Methodist, Episcopal, Bap- tist, Universalist, Catholic, German Evangelical, Lutheran, Re- formed Lutheran, Scandinavian and Russian. Rev. Joseph Ward is the pastor of the Congregational Society; Rev. Wilmot Whit- field, of the Methodist; Dr. E. Epstein, of the Baptist; Rev. W. L. Willard, of the Catholic, and Rev. Mr. Hielscher, of the German Evangelical Society.
The Women's Christian Temperance Union of Yankton was organized in the winter of 1879-80, with Mrs. Dunlap as President. The present officers are: Mrs. James Mc Vay, President; Mrs. H. H. Smith, Mrs. O. H. Carney, Vice-Presidents; Mrs. A. W. How-
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HISTORY OF SOUTHEASTERN DAKOTA.
ard, Treasurer; Mrs. J. B. Van Velson, Secretary. In February, 18$1, rooms were opened, where refreshments could be served and reading matter furnished, and after a temporary suspension on account of the floods, rooms were again opened on the 21st of May. The present rooms are commodious and comfortable, well furnished and conducted in the cosiest possible manner. Coffee and other refreshments are served at all hours, and the rooms are supplied with the choicest and latest periodicals. Socials and other entertainments are occasionally held in these rooms, the proceeds of which go to defray expenses. The rooms are in charge of Mrs. C. N. Thompson. This practical step in the direction of Temper- ance reform deservedly meets with the encouragement of the citizens.
St. John's Lodge No. 1, A. F. and A. M .- Instituted in June, 1863, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, its num- ber at that time being 166. In 1875, the Grand Lodge of Dakota was organized, and this Lodge then became No. 1. Charter mem- bers and first officers: M. Hoyt, W. M .; D. T. Bramble, S. W .; John Hutchinson, J. W .; G. N. Propper, S. D .; F. M. Ziebach, J. D .; M. K. Armstrong, Secretary; G. W. Kingsbury, Treasurer; B. E. Wood, Tyler; H. C. Ash, Nelson Miner, Justus Townsend, J. M. Allen. Present officers: F. J. Dewitt, M .; I. E. West, S. W .; William Goodwin, J. W .: W . H. H. Beadle, S. D .: D. McCully, J. D .; W. H. Edmunds. Secretary; J. R. Sanborn, Treasurer; T. L. Pratt, Tyler. The Lodge's membership is about eighty, and its condition prosperous. Meetings are held the first and third Tues- day evenings in each month.
Yankton Chapter No. 1. R. A. M. Holds its meetings on the second and third Tuesday in each month at Masonic Hall. It was instituted in 1878. William Blatt is H. P., John O. Bates, Secre- tary. The membership is about forty-five.
Dakota Lodge No. 1, I. O. O. F.,-Instituted May 25th, 1870. First officers: N. J. Catill, N. G .: E. O. Norton, Secretary. Pres- ent officers: Peter Royem. N. G .: John O. Bates, Secretary.
Humboldt Lodge No. 5, I. O.O. F .- Instituted March 11th, 1874. First officers: William Blatt, N. G .: M. P. Ohlman, Secretary. Present officers: C. Hameister, N. G .: George Bauman, Secretary.
Yankton Encampment No. 2, I. O. O. F .- Instituted May 4th, 1875. First officers: William Blatt, H. P .; C. S. Deming, Seribe. Present officers: A. F. Breeht, H. P .; J. Kingsbury. Scribe.
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Grand Lodge of Dakota, I. O. O. F .- Instituted October 13th, 1875. First officers: Ezra W. Miller, of Elk Point, G. M .; Ralph R. Briggs, of Vermillion, G. S. Present officers: W. A. Bentley, of Bismarck, G. M .; Ralph R. Briggs. of Sioux Falls, G. S.
Grand Encampment of Dakota, I. O. O. F .- Instituted August 10th, 1881. First officers: Frank S. Emerson, of Sioux Falls, G. P .; A. J. Romne, of Elk Point. G. S. Present officers: D. S. Dodds, of Grand Forks, G. P .; Ralph R. Briggs, of Sioux Falls, G. S.
ARTESIAN WELL AND MINING COMPANY.
The Yankton Artesian Well and Mining Company was organ- ized in September, 1880. The officers of the Company were as follows: J. C. McVay. President; E. T. White, Secretary; J. M. Fogerty, Treasurer: W. P. Dewey, Attorney; J. C. McVay, E. E. Hudson, F. L. Van Tassel, A. W. Lavender, I. Piles, Directors. There were about thirty-eight members originally. The capital stock was $10,000. with a privilege of increasing to $50,000.
In December, 1880, the contract for boring an artesian well was let to Mars & Miller. of Chicago, and work was begun early in the summer of 1881. Water was "struck" at a depth of about four hundred feet, in July, and about one hundred feet further down. a water supply of from one hundred and eighty to two hundred gallons per minute, was reached. The well is located on the hill west of the city, and the Company has purchased ten acres of the land surrounding it. It is the intention to con- struct a complete system of water works for the city. which are expected to be ready for operation in 1852. The estimated cost of the entire works is less than $50,000. Everything connected with the enterprise is so favorable, that its success appears to be already as sured. The following are the present officers of the Company: I. Piles, President; E. T. White, Secretary; Leighton Wynn, Treasurer; E. E. Hudson, F. L. Van Tassel. A. W. Lavender, G. R. S cougal, I. Piles, Directors.
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