Daily press and Dakotaian. [volume] (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1875-1880, 1879-07-07
THE YANKToN INDIANS.
A ,Eisit Of Observation to Their
Erns, factories, Schools
afa ehurclss. 4
The Progress Of Twenty Years.

wv W uO0u Cs
Maj. Gardner their Good Savior-General
S"lly's Madelino-Itons Cleaned
from Missienaries. Agent aud
Interpreter. g2
Especial Corrcspondence.l
Yankton Agency, D. T., July 81, ls7s.-
Five years ago passed through Yankton
agency, on my way 10 Fort Sully. AT that
time traces of civilization were few. Tepees
between Choteau creek and Fort Sully, with
the exception of three or four log cabins,
and the agency buildings, were the only
habitations Of the Yankton Indiana. IfI
remember right, but few acres, here aud
there. between Choteau creek and Crow
creek, were under cultivation. To-day the
change is 90 complete that one would think
himself among civilized people. On leav-
ing Chotesu creek, We entered upon the
Yankton Indian reservation, and immedi.
ately were in sight Of we'll cultivated fields
OF corn, wheat and oats. Every quarter OF
half mile We saw good substantial log houses
with sash windows. and in some instances
stables and shed houses near BY. We also
noticed few frame buildings, and were in.
formed that they had been put up by In
dians-the U. s. government furnishing the
lumber and ironwork.
As the stage took the upper prairie road,
on account Of the preceding nights storm.
we came in sight Of the ageacy buildings
about two and one-half miles away. In
coming down.the hill to take the bottom
road we passed through we'll cultivated
farms, and saw Indians dressed as white peo-
pie, holding the plow, and cultivatipg their
corn. On reaching the agency, put up at
Mr.. Dale's. formerly of Yankton, who is
now the agency blacksmith, and keeps the
mess house, and after eating hearty sup
per, called on Col. Gardner, the U. S. In
dian agent. That gentleman gave me very
cordial welcome, and kindly furnished me
all the information l sought. concerning the
Yankton Indians and the agency. 1 was
then introduced to Maj. Andrews, the chief
farmer. who is now waiting official informa.
tion of his confirmation a. agent of these
Indians. also called on Mr.. c. c. Sperry,
Indian trader. This gentleman offered to
take me the next morning in his buggy to
view the agency farms, and for ride among
the cultivated fields of the Indians.
thanked the gentleman very much, but de-
clined, as had accepted previous invita-.
tion Of Col. Gardner. After listening to a
very Interesting historical ske ch Of the
Yankton Indians and tile agency, retired
perfectly satisfied that could sleep in peace.
During the night awoke, and witnessed
the most terrible rain and wind storm I
have ever seen. The wind was roaring
among the trees on the other side Of the
Missouri, the thunder ciaps we're deafenins,
and the lightning flashes were so frequent
that l could have read newspaper while
lying in my bed. AT ona moment thought
the house and bed would be carried away,
and hurled in the raging Missouri. But 10.
wards morning the storm abated, and short
time after the glorious sun came up bright
and clear. After breakfast I walked TO the
agency buildings, and few minutes after,
in company with Col. Gardner. Major An
drews and Alex Guion, the Indian intsrpre-
ter, we rode up to the agency farm. On our
way We were very highly interested in re-
miniscences of the life of Alex Guion. Alex
told US that he came here in 1859. He mar
ried the daughter of the first Sioux chief
who made . treaty with the United States
government. The name Of that chief was
Maringouin. In passing BY an old Indian,
Guion pointed him out, and told me that
the old man ate his step child, IS years ago,
while camping on the Jim river. The old
cannibal is despised BY the Indians, and
everybody shuus him. On reaching the
farm, We came in sight ofan 80 acre field of
wheat, and we're told that it had been en-
tirely planted BY Indians. / must confess,
that in my travels this spring, have not
sssn q. wheat field that would compare With
this. We passed BY the northeast corner Of
the farm, and there saw 40 acres of oats, 40
acres Of corn and four acres of potatoes, all
IN tine condition and surpasBing anything
had witnessed in Turner, Clay or Mime
haha counties. I WAS also shown some
promising sod corn, on an Indian farm. The
srasshoppers have not made their appear
ance in this country, and the Indian crop, if
nothing happens between now and harvest,
will yield more to the acre than any other
crops in this territory. The Indians are
very much elated over.thsir crop prospect
and they feel very much encouraged 70 till
the soil. Af.er visiting 4 great number Of
farms and private houses, We returned to the
agency.
At 10 o'clock =. n, walked up 10 the
Episcopal mission house, splendid stone
building, three stories high, occupied ~ .
baording school for 1sd,an boys. They have
also large frame building, iu which they
have their church. met Mr.. Woloo,,, 4
gentleman just from New York, At Spring.
Gsz1l