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CHAPTER XXIII.
DAKOTA OR SIOUX INDIANS.
There are about two hundred and eighty tribes of Indians in the United States. In a general classifica- tion they are grouped under a few comprehensive names or families. The three great confederations of the Algonquin, Lenape and Iroquois Indians, including numerous tribal sub-divisions, long ago controlled all of the country between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mississippi river. Westward from Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, and from the Mississippi river to the Rocky Mountains, were found the numerous tribes known under the general name of the Dakota Indians. During a long period there were numerous conflicts between the Algonquins and Iroquois of the east and the Dakotas of the northwest, but the Indians of the plain were always able to repel the aggressive invaders of their territory. It was not until the eastern Indian nations abandoned in large measure the use of the bow and arrow, and adopted the white man's weapons of warfare, that they were able to make serious encroach- ments on the country of the Dakotas, and gain a foot- hold west of the great lakes and the Mississippi river. At length the Algonquins pressed the Dakotas west- ward, as all red men were afterwards driven westward by the white race towards the setting sun.
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THE BAPTIST HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA.
The Dakota Indians originally occupied all of the valley of the Missouri, at least as far south as the Arkansas river. Along linguistic lines their principal divisions were the Winnebagoes on the east, the Crows on the west, and the Mandans, Otoes and Omahas along the Missouri river. It was after the frequent and bloody conflicts between the Dakotas and the Algon- quins, which took place near the close of the seven- teenth century, that the former great confederation began to slowly disintegrate, and was broken up into smaller groups of families or tribes.
The name Dakota signifies allied or confederated, having reference to the various tribes that were united together. The most powerful of these tribes or nations were the Sioux Indians. Between the Ojibway and Dakota Indians there was constant warfare for many years. The former always referred to the latter as Nadowysioux, or Nadsuessioux, to signify that they. were enemies. This word, which afterward was abbre- viated to Sioux, in process of time became the name by which these Indians are known.
According to the census of 1890, there are now in South Dakota 19,792 Sioux Indians, representing, under this general name, a score or more of Indian tribes. Among these are many of the most celebrated Indian warriors in the United States. They have been engaged in many conflicts, but through the restraining influence of military forts, and detachments of the regular army located near their reservations, they have made no hostile demonstration since the Indian war in 1890, and the battle of Wounded Knee. From three to four thousand of these Indians participated in the massacre of General Custer and his command, in 1876. One of these afterward went south, and was converted
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in Texas, became a Baptist, and has since been known as Rev. Felix Mays. His Indian name was Plata.
In the first two chapters of this volume frequent reference was made to the hostile attitude of the Indians, and numerous raids made by them against the early settlements. As the result of military operations led by Generals Harney, Sully and Siblev, and the enforcement of several treaties made with the Indians, they were compelled to abandon the lands which they had ceded to the government, and remove to Indian reservations. The largest of these reservations is west of the Missouri river. It originally comprised over twenty-two millions of acres. By the terms of a treaty made with them in 1889, one-half of this reserva- tion was thrown open to settlement. Many Indians are also living on what were formerly known as the Sisse- ton and Yankton reservations. In these localities, and also near Flandreau, many of them dissolved their tribal relations, and have taken land in severalty. They have adopted the customs of their white neighbors, and are known as civilized Indians. As they have property in their own right. they are subject to taxation, and have the right to vote as citizens of the state. Accord- ing to the last census the number of civilized or self- supporting Indians was 784.
There are six general Indian agencies in the state, each one representing several tribes, and consisting of from 1,500 to 5,500 Indians. They are as follows: Pine Ridge, Rosebud, Cheyenne River, Yankton, Sisseton, and Crow Creek and Lower Brule. At each of these agencies some of the Indians live in comfortable houses, while many of those to whom buildings have been sup- plied by the government, prefer to live in tepees. The more civilized among them live near the agencies, but
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THE BAPTIST HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA.
the wild or uncivilized live near the borders of their reservation, preferring to be as far away as possible from restraining influences. On each reservation the government has established a number of schools. At these government schools attendance is compulsory. The education furnished is non-sectarian.
Missionary work has been successfully conducted for many years among the Indians of South Dakota, by the Roman Catholics, the Episcopalians, the Presbyterians and the Congregationalists. The earliest missions were established by the Roman Catholics, and they have prosecuted their work vigorously. The number of their church organizations and members is large, but cannot be given here, since promised detailed statistical information has not been received. Bishop Hare, of the Episcopal church, since his appointment in 1873, has been an active leader in missionary and educational work among the Indians. The number of Episcopal churches on these reservations is not reported, but there are 2,752 Indian communicants. Six prosperous Indian schools are maintained. Among the Indian tribes the Presbyterians have 21 churches. 1331 members, 17 houses of worship and 601 members in their Sunday schools. One of their churches is in North Dakota, and another is in Montana. The Con- gregationalists have in South Dakota and North Dakota, and at the Santee agency in Nebraska, eleven churches, 618 members, and a Sunday school membership of 1161.
Baptists have never attempted to prosecute mis- sionary work among the Dakota or Sioux Indians. The occasion for this omission to undertake such a move- ment dates back to what was called the "peace policy" of General Grant. When he was President of the United States, he desired to see different methods
16
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THE BAPTIST HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA.
employed in caring for the Indians. A Board of Indian Commissioners was appointed, who had general super- vision of Indian affairs. After consultation with repre- sentatives of the various missionary societies then prosecuting their work among the Indians throughout the country, it was decided that the Indian reservations should be alloted to these societies, each having a certain number of them in charge. As a general rule the denomination that was doing the largest amount of missionary and educational work on a reservation had that reservation assigned to it.
The Indian tribes assigned to the American Baptist Home Mission Society were those among whom it was already doing missionary work, in Indian Territory and Nevada. The various missionary societies were requested to nominate to the Secretary of the Interior suitable men for appointment as Indian agents on these reservations, thus taking the oversight and manage- ment of the Indian tribes from government officials who were simply politicians, and putting them under the control of Christian men. This policy was adopted in 1870, and carried into effect in 1871. It proved effective for several years, until Hon. Carl Schurz became Secretary of the Interior in 1877. Having no sympathy whatever with religious things, he cared nothing for the recommendation of missionary societies. During his term of office the system adopted in 1870 ceased to be operative, and afterwards it was not resumed.
This policy was adopted when there were only two Baptist Churches, and no Baptist minister, except Chaplain Crocker, in Dakota Territory. Rev. G. W. Freeman became general missionary the following vear, but his efforts were necessarily limited to the
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THE BAPTIST HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA.
early missionary work needed in the new colonies and settlements that had been established. Meanwhile the plan adopted was in successful operation, and to the four religious organizations heretofore named, had been assigned the Sioux Indian tribes of Dakota. Though as a rule of action the system is no longer binding, yet other denominations have felt a moral obligation to act according to the spirit of the agreement.
The work that has thus far been done to educate and evangelize the nearly twenty thousand Indians in South Dakota has produced gratifying results. There is less opposition by parents, than formerly, to the compulsory feature of education in the government schools. The older Indians have come to understand the advantages that their children have over their par- ents. An increasingly large number each year are becoming farmers, and as they progress towards self support, they cease to be indolent and dependent "wards of the nation." Fewer pagan rites are observed, since many of them have come to know a new and a better way to invoke the Great Spirit. It is a slow process, but the Indian is gradually progressing in intelligence and towards a condition of self reliance, and its final result, citizenship.
To General T. J. Morgan, formerly Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and now Corresponding Secretary of the American Baptist Home Mission Society, is due the credit of properly developing the Indian school system, and improving the efficiency of the Indian service. His carefully laid plans are bearing fruit in South Dakota. The people who were once savage and untamed, and, taking no thought for the morrow, pitched their tents only for the day, are slowly rising
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THE BAPTIST HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA.
to a higher plane of existence, and gaining a better view of life. The time will come when they will be ele- vated by religious influences above the low moral con- dition of the past, and qualified by education and train- ing in industrial pursuits, to reach a condition of self support, and become citizens of the nation that has so long treated them as wayward and dependent children.
CHAPTER XXIV.
STATISTICAL REVIEW.
In this closing chapter is furnished a statistical showing of Baptist growth and progress in membership and benevolence, from the earliest available records until the present. In connection with this review are recorded several miscellaneous items of historical interest, and brief sketches of some of the pioneers who, having served their generation faithfully and well, have been mustered out of service and are at rest.
The first known death of a Baptist minister in South Dakota, was that of Rev. L. Ross, at Goodwin, in 1879, aged sixty-nine years. He had rendered faithful ser- vice for many years in other states, especially in Minnesota. A short time before his death, enfeebled in health, he came to Goodwin, to spend the closing days of his life with his children.
Rev. A. W. Hilton was the first of the pioneer mis- sionaries who was called away by death. He was born at Alderman's Green, Warwickshire, England, May 26, 1833. On reaching manhood he came to New York, and a few months later removed to Fairbanks, Ia. There he was ordained in November, 1865. His most import- ant work in Iowa was during the period when he was pastor at Cherokee. In September, 1874, he came to South Dakota, and located a home on government land near Parker. He organized the First Baptist church
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THE BAPTIST HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA.
at Sioux Falls, and was its first pastor, serving at the same time as pastor at Luverne, Minn. Other pastor- ates were at Swan Lake (Hurley), and Finley (Parker). He also did much itinerant missionary work in many of the new settlements and villages. He was actively identified with every movement affecting the welfare of the territory. He was a man of strong convictions, and held lovally to the truth, and was conscientious in the performance of every duty. He was an able preacher, and a diligent and faithful pastor. He died September 20, 1882.
Rev. Truman H. Judson was born in Burlington, Vt., November 12, 1828. His early years were spent in Illinois. When a young man he was converted and became a member of the Presbyterian church. He served seven years as a teacher among the Choctaw In- dians, in Indian Territory. On account of failing health, he removed, in 1858, to Nora Springs, Ia. In 1860 he became a Baptist. After a course of study at Burling- ton, Ia., he was ordained in 1864. His first field of labor was a large one, including Franklin county, in which he organized three churches. In 1872 he came to Dakota Territory. His first pastorate was at Elk Point, and while it continued, the house of worship there was built. In October, 1873, he became pastor at Vermillion. During the three years of his faithful service there the church grew in numbers and increased in strength. He was also pastor at Swan Lake, and for several years frequently sought destitute fields, and preached the gospel to the people. During a temporary absence from Dakota, he organized a church at Doon, Ia., and also supplied the churches at Parkersburg, Spencer and other localities. Returning to Dakota, he was appointed missionary for Minnehaha county. After
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THE BAPTIST HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA.
brief but successful service there he returned, broken in health, to his home at Hurley, where he soon after died, March 15, 1884. Among those who knew him he is held in grateful remembrance, for the faithful ser- vices that he rendered, and for his personal worth.
Rev. J. R. Eldridge was born in Washington county, New York, in 1807. He was converted in early life, and after graduating at Colgate University, in 1833, he entered the ministry. In 1843, he came to Wisconsin. In that state and in New York he was a successful pastor on several important fields. He labored also extensively as an evangelist. It was his privilege to baptize more than one thousand converts. Feeling that his work was finished, he came to Dakota Territory in 1878, to spend his last days quietly among relatives and friends. He served however, as pastor at Blooming- dale, and, so far as his health would permit, he was a welcome supply of pastorless churches. He came to the grave in a full age, like a shock of corn fully ripe, and died peacefully and triumphantly, October 6, 1884.
During nearly all of the years of Baptist history in South Dakota there has been a remarkable exemption from death on the part of the pastors and leading helpers in the churches. Only the few of whom men- tion has been made had passed away from 1864 to 1884. Following these there was a period of nearly ten years without the loss of one while in active service in the state. In the death of Rev. T. J. Schaefer, at Yankton, February 20, 1895, there went out a bright young life full of promise for great usefulness. He
organized the German church at Yankton and Scotland, and was its successful pastor. Rev. August Penski, pastor of the German-Russian church at Eureka, died October 23, 1893. Rev. Geo. H. Carstens, pastor of
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THE BAPTIST HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA.
the German church at Big Stone City, died July 13, 1896. Reference has been made elsewhere to the death of Professor Hardy C. Stone, February 11, 1885, while rendering most efficient service in the management of the Baptist school at Sioux Falls. One of the most successful pastors of later years was Rev. W. H. Stifler, D. D., who died suddenly at Sioux Falls, August 8, 1895. He was an able preacher, and one of the best of Bible students. Rev. Geo. W. Freeman, who came to Dakota Territory in 1871, and was the first general missionary, died at Elk Point, March 13, 1895. Extended reference is made to his life and work and character, and also to the services rendered by Rev. Edward Ellis, in one of the early chapters of this volume.
Of the many well-known Baptist laymen, who have been prominent in denominational and educational work, the one longest identified with South Dakota was Martin J. Lewis. He was born in Bergen, Genesee county, N. Y., February 13, 1843. In his early man- hood he went to Madison, Wis., and entered the office of his uncle, Hon. J. T. Lewis, then secretary of state and afterwards governor. In 1869, he came to Dakota and identified himself with the interests of Vermillion. He was successful in acquiring wealth, but he valued it mainly for what it could accomplish. He was in active sympathy with every good work, especially the Baptist church and Sunday school at Vermillion, and the Baptist educational interests at Sioux Falls, to all of which he gave liberally and frequently. When the first Baptist association in the territory was organized, in 1872, he was elected secretary. He served as treas- urer of Sioux Falls College eight years, from 1887, and was treasurer of the state convention three years,
MARTIN J. LEWIS. TREASURER OF SIOUX FALLS COLLEGE, ISS7- 1595.
TREASURER OF SOUTH DAKOTA BAPTIST CONVENTION, IS93-4-5.
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from 1893, filling both positions until his death. After more than a year of absence from home and country. on an extended tour through Europe, Egypt and Pales- tine, he had landed at New York, and was making preparations for starting home, when he was suddenly prostrated by serious illness, and died, June 20, 1896. This unexpected event occasioned wide-spread sorrow among all who knew him, and appreciated him for what he was and what he did. While always a generous giver to every worthy object, he had planned to make larger gifts to missions and education and to the cause at home.
Edward Olsen, Ph. D., third president of the State University, was born in Norway, August 29, 1847. While vet a boy he came, with his parents, to Wiscon- sin. From early childhood he had an intense desire to secure an education. He was graduated with highest honors from Chicago University in 1873. Two years were then spent in study in Germany and France. He completed the course of theological study at Chicago in 1876, and was elected professor of modern languages in Chicago University. Some time after this he succeeded Dr. Boise as professor of Greek. When the old uni- versity ended its existence, he was called to a profess- orship in the theological seminary. It was while occupying this position that he was chosen president of the state university of South Dakota, in June, 1887. The official report of the Board of Regents makes this declaration concerning him: "Edward Olsen was re- markable in personality and scholarship. He was a natural leader, and a born teacher. His energy and enthusiasm were contagious. His character was Chris- tian, inspiring, and uplifting. His work for the university, will be lasting in its results. The rapid
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THE BAPTIST HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA.
progress made in the brief period of its administration is, in many respects, without a parallel in educa- tional annals. He was the founder of the institution in its present character and scope. He placed the collegiate department upon the highest plane, created a faculty, zealous, able and devoted, and gathered a body of nearly five hundred students, impressing upon the entire institution his own noble, generous, and scholarly spirit." To human understanding, it would seem that the loss of such a man is irreparable, especially as he was taken away in his prime, when he was at his best in physical strength and intellectual vigor. He lost his life, November 3. 1889, during a visit to Minneapolis, while trying to escape from the burning building occupied by the Minneapolis Tribune.
There are five Seventh Day Baptist churches in the state, located in the vicinity of Big Springs, Flandreau, Dell Rapids, Viborg, and Parker. One is an American church, one Swedish, one German and two Danish. They have three pastors, and about one hundred and twenty-five members. The church near Flandreau has a house of worship. There are three free-will Baptist churches located at Sioux Falls, Clear Lake and Garretson. They have about two hundred members. There are three German-Russian churches, near Bridgewater, Wittenberg and Parker, which separated several years ago from the Mennonites, because they desired to adhere more closely to scriptural authority as to doctrine and church polity. Though not included among Baptists, they are in hearty sympathy with them. Their articles of faith clearly show that they do not differ from Baptists in any respect except that they believe in feet washing as a religions service, and that the scriptures make it a religious duty to "greet the
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THE BAPTIST HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA.
brethren with a holy kiss." Each of these churches has about seventy members, a house of worship, and a flourishing Sunday school. There are several colonies of Mennonites in the state. These people differ more or less among themselves, in belief and practice, but many of them worship with Baptists, and. except on some minor points, are in close touch and sympathy with them.
The state organization of the Baptist Young People's Union of South Dakota, was effected at Sioux Falls. October 3, 1891. It is auxiliary to the South Dakota Baptist Convention, and holds its annual meetings in connection with the anniversaries of the convention. The following persons have served as its officers: President, L. Sisson, Sioux Falls: D. P. Ward, Sioux Falls: Rev. S. D. Works, Huron; Rev. C. M. Cline. Madison; and Rev. F. W. Cliffe, Aberdeen. Secretary, Miss Lottie Eno, Egan: Miss Abbie E. Ross, Brook- ings; Miss Elnora B. Pleasants, Aberdeen: and Mrs. A. G. Hislop, Parker. Treasurer, Miss Florence Ramer, Huron: Miss Mary Hansen, Vermillion; Mr. Adolph Ewart, Pierre: Mrs. W. R. Link. Huron: and Rev. J. F. Blodgett, Bryant.
Among the Baptists who have been elected or appointed to important public positions in the territory and state are the following: Rev. J. J. McIntire. Superintendent of Public Instruction. Dakota Terri- tory; Hon. Charles M. Thomas, Justice of the Supreme Court, Dakota Territory, afterwards elected District Judge, Black Hills District: Rev. Geo. H. Parker, Deputy State Superintendent Public Instruction. Members of the territorial legislature. Rev. Albert Gore, Wm. Shriner. Dr. E. O. Stevens, Joseph L. Berry, A. C. Huetson. Rev. N. Tychsen, I. Atkinson.
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THE BAPTIST HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA.
and H. H. Keith. The last named was elected speaker. State legislature, Senators I. H. Newby, D. O. Bennett, C. C. Wright, T. C. Else, Geo. W. Case. Representa- tives, C. R. Wescott, George Watson, R. J. Odell. The following Baptist ministers have served as chap- lain in the legislature, L. P. Judson, T. H. Judson, J. P. Coffman, Jas. Buchanan, D. R. Landis, and G. S. Clevenger.
The following list includes the names of all Baptist churches now in existence in the state; the date of its organization, the date of the dedication of its house of worship, and, so far as it has been possible to ascertain it, the date of the organization of its Sunday school. In a few cases, where two dates are given, they indicate that the first organization became extinct, and a new one was afterward formed. The church at Armour was originally organized at Huston. It was afterward removed to Armour and reorganized there. At Oldham there was formerly two' churches, one American and one Scandinavian. In 1897 they were consolidated. On account of a change of location, or a change in the name of some of the early established villages and settle- ments, in a score or more of cases, the present names of churches are not the same as those under which they were organized, and originally reported to their asso- ciations. Where two dates are given for the dedication of church homes, they indicate that some of the churches have prospered and grown until they have been able to move "out of the old house, into the new."
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THE BAPTIST HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA.
CHURCH.
ORGANIZED.
DEDICATED.
SUNDAY SCHOOL ORGANIZED.
Vermillion
February 16, 1868 ..
May IS, 1890.
Big Springs Elk Point
March 11, 1871
September 4, 1893- October, 1873
Akron
March 20, IS71
June 10, 1894 February 9, 1896
June, IST1. May 20, ISSS.
Canton
March 15, 1885
Lincoln
March 18, 1872.
Lodi (Scandinavian)
March 25, 1872
October, 1873-
March 25, IS72
Dell Rapids
July 21, IS72
June S, ISS7
Hurley
December 24, IS72 __ December 25, 1872 ..
November 15, 1883. September 9, ISS3 __ June 14, 187S.
Daneville (Scandinavian)
December 31, 1873-
November 10, ISSO- November 1, ISS2 May 26, ISS9
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