The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1906-06-22
ENos srUrsMAN.


Enos Stutsman is from the pen of Prof.
Libby of the Rhetorical Society, and is
worthy tribute to one of natures noble
men, to whom. the people of North and
South Dakota owe a lasting debt of
gratitude, for services in the laying of
the foundations Of these two great states
when men like him were rather scarce
in the then wild frontier country.)
Enos Stutsman was one OF the earliest
pioneers of the territory of Dakota,
having settled at Yankton in the fall Of
1853. This was three years before the
Treaty Of Cession between the Yankton
Indians and the federal government was
ratified by the senate, and the Indians
then occupied the soil and had their
principal village at the place aiterward
called Yankton. AS Mr.. Stutsman
occupied prominent and influential
position in all the efforts made to pro.
ure the org: nization OF Dakota territory,
which embraced the present state of
North Dakota, as we'll as its sister state
on the south, he became an historical
character in the territory before his re-
moval to Pembina.
Enos Stutsman was Of German ances-
try. His great grandfather was a native
of that part of Europe, and emlgrated in
l72s to this country, settling in Pennsyl-
vania. His name was Jacob Stutsman,
and he was accompanied by a cousin of
the same name. From these cousins the
Stutsman families of North America
sprang and have been quite prominent in
civic as we'll as military affairs of the
several states. They were among the
Revolutionary soldiers, were in the
second war with Great Britain, also in
the Mexican war, and in the great rebel!-
ion of 1861; the confederate as we'll as
the union cause was sustained by soldiers
of this old German stock.
Nicholas Stutsman, father of the SUBJ
Iject OF this sketch, was born in Penn
sylvania, and emigrated with his parents
to Ohio in ITO, settling at point near
which the city Of Dayton was built. In
1925 the father removed to Fayette
county, Indiana, where Enos was born
the following year. Ten years later, his
father again removed to Coles county,
Illinois, and settled near neighbor to
the father of President Lincoln. Enos
now began TO acquire an education, but
under many disadvantages. Had he
been an Indifferent pupil he would haye
had poor success, but he was eager to
learn, and great reader. When IL
years of'age he began teaching school
and continued in that occupation until
he was q years old. His career as a
teacher was successful one, and gave
him q wide acquaintance, substantial
popularity, the affections of his pupils
and the confidence Of the people. He
now entered the political field, and in
1847 was elected recorder Of Coles
county and two years later clerk of the
court. During his incumbency Of these
Offices he had studied law and was adj
mitted ito the bar in 1851.
In the year 1856 Mr.. Stutsman remov.
ed to Des Moines, Iowa, where he open
| ed land and exchange Office, and a
year later.removed to Sioux City, then
the outer limits Of civilization in the
northwest. He practiced law in Sioux
City. took5an active part In politics on
the Democratic side, for he had been
reared !. Iacksonian, and dealt largely in
real estate with varying fortunes. Two
years later found him. a member Of an
organization known as the Yankton
Land and Town comwany. as its secre-
tary, and il the fall Of 1858 he removed
e Yankton for the purpose of supervis-
ing the laying ont Of the town. aud. the
affails q tho company generally. Be
caused difficulties subsequently arising
lahecting the aihelo the towsite, which
at this time vas Indian land, The town
site company. after surveying and platt-
IIing tlss site. lid little more than give ii,,,,
ipeimin q build. silsr the treaty yy., vas
ratihe itihs a. y 4 Is ;inakeI u. |.
deedE hspsver Il ! d Az 7 could ~.
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