The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1894-05-24
THURSDAY, NAY "a, 1894.

"a, established store OfUraulnS posI
inside the s.ockade, presided over by
Chas. Truley. Maj. Jeffries was the
State Geologist of Marylasd.and spent
considerable of time prospecting
around Redwood Falls, and declared
that coal in paying quantities would
probably be- found near the old gov
eminent bridge across the Grow Greek.
Roberts afterwards built the frame
building now owned by Emil Sshmahl,
lust east of his market, used as ma
chine shed, and in that Roberts con-
tinued his trading. buying furs, etc.,
and making considerable of money.
Roberts made his permanent home in
St. Paul.: where he recently passed
away leaving large fortune to sever
al heirs. Robert street, in that city,
was named after him.
September Fl, just at daybreak,
one of the guards called out, ''The In
dams are upon us'' Every horse was
Immediately brought inside the stock
ade and every man armed took his
post. The writer armed himself,
mounted his horse and soon discovered
in the gray dawn from Is to 20 In
dams approaching. When within 300
yards of the stockade, the Indians
were called to hal; and one OF them
to come forward unarmed, which was
done, when 10! they we're all friendly
squaws, going down to Crow village.
They were brought in, given some
thing to eat and hidden to 60 in peace.
Soon after this. number of friend
ly Indians established at trapping
camp-a Crow village. They were
given permit to trap on condition
they would report all signs of hostile
Indians to the stockade. This, how
ever, was not generally known among
the whites, consequently few days
later our old friend David Watson, in
prospecting around, wandered off to
where the Camp Pope road crosses
the Redwood river, when all at once
two big Indians came up, both we'll
armed. Uncle Watson said there was !
no show to run; he drew up his mus
ket and motioned the Indians to lay ,
down their guns. They did so, and
came up to shake hands and show
their passes but no, WATSON picked up
their guns and carrying three guns
marched Mr.. Indians into camp.
When they showed their passes, shook
hands. and everybody laughed but
Watson. They we're two Indians who
had served as scouts in the Sibley ex-
pedition.
During the last of the summer and
fall great monsters, in the shape OF
buffalo, roamed in plain view of our
little fort unmolested. In December,
however, with a few halfbreeds we
gave them little chase, and near the
old T. w. Caster place succeeded in
killing eleven in one run. We brought
in part of the meat, the rest the
wolves and foxes got. In this month
one of John More's sons was shot and
killed by Alex. LIE Frombois. by mis-
take. They we're keeping guard at
their camp near Swedes Forest. When
More, in the night, went into the to-
pee to call LeFrombois, the latter
mistook him for a hostile, gathered
his gun and shot him dead. This was
the first funeral at Redwood Falls.
December I'd, 1864, the first garden
was ploughed on the lots where the
Philbrick block now stands. Decem-
Der 10th, twelve ex-Rebs were sent
up to do guard duty and given quart
ers in the block house.
A Miss Julia Williams, of Waseca,
was employed to teach a three months
school. A post Office having been es-
tablished with John R. Thompson, P.
NJ, and a goodly supply of rations
laid in, all go into winter quarters
all happy and gay.
Nothing more transpired during the
year 1864. Our ex-Rebs, who had be-
come reconciled, went to New Ulm
with team, to lay in some things and
give feast on New Years day.
New Years day was passed in re-
pose and revelry and sumptuous
banquet served, amid general rejoic
ing. The winter wore away, with ne
trouble from the Indians, and the set