The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1912-09-03
SURVIVORS HOLD
MEETING TO-DAY
To Celebrate Fiftieth Ami
versary of Fight at Ac-
ton in 1862.

Fargo, n. D., Sept. S.7SurNlvOrS OF
of the most critical Indian battles
connected with the early history of the
northwest will meet in the little city of
Acton, in Meeker county, Minnesota,
today. to celebrate the iftieth %anniver-
sary of the fight. Only a few of the
hardy pioneers who participated in the
battle of Acton will be on hand to live
again in those stirring times, but
those who gather will recoun one of
the most interesting pages in the story
Of the development OF Minnesota and
great northwest.
Fought in 1862.
The Battle of Acton vas fought in
1862. 1t was one of the events in the
Minnesota massacre Of that year and
1t was the last stand made by the red
man on Minnesota soil. Blood flowed
freely and coming at a time when the
young men of the state We're fighting
with the union army to preserve the
country. the affair was most critical.
But for the bravery and skill of those
who remained behind to guard the
frontier the loss might have been
much larger.
Fargo Man in Battle.
Fargo has a peculiar interest i'll the
fight because Judge Jesse V. Branham
Of this city was perhaps the most
heroic participant on a day when
every mar played the hero's part. The
story which Branham's friends tell of
his part in the battle is not eXcelled
in early Indian history for heorism.
Branham. modestly. tells the story
we'll but leaves out a great portion Of
his own part. He was shot through
the left lung in h engagement and
was reported mortally wounded. A
fine physique enabled him to recover.
and though he is 75 years old now. he
still has the bearing of a pioneer.
The Minnesota massacre of 1862 be-
q with an attack by the red men on
a settlers cottage about the middle of
August. Several Indians called at the
home of a settler. by the name Of
Baker. who lived in Meeker county.
near Acton and challenged the men to
a shooting contest. Dreaming Of no
danger the white men went out a
short distance and tested skill with the
Indians.
Indians Reload Guns.
After a round or two the Indians de-
clarcd that they would shoot no more.
The party returned TO the settlers cot
tage where the Indians reloaded their
guns but the white men put their rifles
away empty. AS the red men started
ia leave. they suddenly turned and
fired a volley at the defenseless men
and women. Three men and two wom-
en- were killed while only two women
escaped.
When the news of the massacre
spread through the country the hardy
pioneers gathered the women and chill
dren at Forest City and from there
they sent them under guard to Minne-
apolis in oN-carts while the mon re-
manned behind and organized into
companies to protect their homes.
soon overran the entire country.
On the first of September. 1862.
Captain Richard Stout of the Eighth
Minnesota volunteers. was marching
with his company Of IS men from
Glencoe. Mcleod county. by way Of
Hutchinson and Cedar Mills to Acton
in Meeker county. Captain George O..
company of volunteers at Forest City.
On that day his company was attack
ed by about 100 Indians and they were
forced to take refuge in the city.
Saw Redskins Hurrying.
With the aid of a field glass Captain
Whitcomb saw the Indians hurrying
toward Acton and he surmised that
an attack would be made on Captain
Stout's men that night.
Calling his men together. he told
them of the danger to Captain Stout's
company and asked for volunteers.
Three men stepped forward.
Il asked them" says Captain Whit
comb. If they knew the danger at
tending the midnight ride They
said they did.
Branham. First Volunteer.
y. v. Branham was the FIRST. He
was a man about % wears old and with
a family. Thomas H. Holmes and AL
bert H. Sperry were the other two.
lhey We're young men and not mar
ried. Branham knew every foot of the
ground to be travelled. gave the
package to him and placed the party
In his charge. feeling as 1 took their
hands for a heartfelt goodbye that
there were 40 chances Of their being
Killed to one Of their getting through"
Branham takes up the story there.
2. 1862. my companions and I. who
We're serving as scouts, left Forest
City and galloped south and westward.