Livery Stable At Raymond South Dakota early 1900's
Raymond South Dakota in the early 1900's
If there are any additions or corrections e-mail me gmeyer@itctel.com Or Wes Nelson at Wesnel@aol.com
Wes Nelson of
Livermore CA sent this information to me and it made very interesting reading.
interest revolves around the Parrott and Berdan families. Wes's father's mother was Wanda Parrott, whose parents were Charles Willard Parrott (1856-1934) and Selima Ann Berdan (1883-1951). Selima descended from a Loyalist Berdan family that came out of New Jersey and went into Canada at Rev War time. That branch eventually wound up in Ontario and Selima's parents went into Michigan in the 1860's, where Selima was born.
Many Parrott's were in Clark and Codington Counties in the 1880's and later, and spread over South Dakota to Huron, Pierre, Onida and even up into Perkins
County.
Wes is still working on collecting information in relation to his ancestors, and
anything that is found will be added to this web site, and I am sure he would
appreciate any information that anyone else would have.
NOTES FROM THE RAYMOND, DAKOTA TERRITORY, GAZETTE
a newspaper published on Fridays
Apparently, the town and newspaper were very young in 1884. The Gazette had its first anniversary in that year, and the obituary for Rose says "first death that has occurred in Raymond."
1884 was a time of severe financial trouble. Several stores began selling for cash only, and ran notices in paper that they are calling in their accounts. Competition became rather strong. "Ties of friendship should no longer dictate where you buy your goods. You should buy where goods are cheapest - namely, my store." Businesses were folding. In June, a Sawtelle ad says "Boom and panic have done their work - we must raise a pile of money by August 1st or go bust." He commences to sell off his goods at distress prices, but apparently doesn't quite make it, because after the first of August, no more Sawtelle ads. But then in October or November, we find a new ad in which he mentions that an uncle died last month, leaving him $7000 in cash. Now he is back in business, and with the new financial base, he can sell goods even cheaper than before! (In the Spring of 1885, Sawtelle is expanding his businesses even further, and the Gazette's editor accuses him of having had another dead uncle and another $7000.)
At harvest time in 1884, the paper spins us a tale of trouble in getting wheat to market; the people who control the local warehouses are suspected of lowgrading the farmers' wheat and offering too low a price. There is a short article of a local man who arranged his own sale to merchants in Chicago, shipped his wheat by rail himself, and got 9¢ per bushel more than offered by the local agents, thereby netting himself $1000 extra. The paper begins to insert little items encouraging growers to market their own grain, and then someone finds a Chicago house which will buy all the local wheat, and farmers end up getting 2-8¢ better price.
This period was very busy in land; many people were setting up homesteads, and new settlers were coming from the East. Because the panic was harder on city dwellers than on the country folk, people came from the big cities of the East, looking for land. "The day when an acre of tillable land, reasonably close to the railroad, can be bought for $10, is almost over." In the summer of '84, some land was being advertised for $850 to $1100 per 1/4 section (160 acres). A year later, prices are substantially higher - something like $1200 to $1700. Many people in town are dealing in land, and a couple of lawyers set up offices in town.
In '84 and '85, Raymond is becoming quite cosmopolitan, setting up a Brass Band, a Literary Society, and a baseball team.
1883
mention of Mr. & Mrs. C.W. Parrott
At residence of Frank Berdan, reception for Mr. & Mrs. Wm. Reeser. Also
present, Bertha Berdan.
Ad for meat market at Raymond - C.J. Berdan, prop.
CW Parrott witness to homestead claim by Eliza Sampson (subsequently many such
witness notices)
1/11
C.J. Berdan was in Watertown Monday.
mention of Frank and Samuel Berdan.
Miss Maggie Parrott, who has been in Watertown several weeks, has returned to
Raymond.
1/25 DeWitt Cochrane's daughter born 23 Jan 1884.
2/15
"Raymond's Bachelors" - C.J. Berdan, meat market, musician,
nativity Canada, very large, fond of oxen, marriageable.
Obituary: It becomes our painful duty in this issue to chronicle the first death that has occurred in Raymond. Yesterday, Rose Parrott Cochrane passed away. Rose Cochrane was a daughter of Charles Parrott, Sr., and came with her family from Wisconsin to this place when the country was first being settled. About a year ago she was married to DeWitt Cochrane and since then has lived at Raymond where she was well known. She was a faithful Christian and had a firm belief in a life beyond. For her ??? death had no fears. She had been ill for some weeks since the birth of her babe, but it was not thought that she was at all dangerous. The news of her death is more sad on account of its unexpectedness, and the blow falls doubly heavy upon the husband on account of the little orphan girl who is ??? motherless. The sympathies of all are with the entire family in their bereavement. Just outside the village, on the same land which she lived in maidenhood and on which many plans of life were built, which were thus so suddenly cut short, in sadness they will lay the young mother and wife - the loved and loving one to rest.
2/22
Funeral service of Mrs. Cochrane was held at the schoolhouse Sunday last.
Rev C.R. Stroh of Watertown conducted the
services. There was a liberal
attendance considering the unpleasantness of the weather.
To my friends who so kindly assisted me during my late bereavement, I wish to
tender my heartfelt thanks. Mrs. Frank Berdan, especially, I shall always
remember with gratitude for her kindness and untiring attention to my wife
during her late sickness. DeWitt Cochrane
John Parrott of Watertown and Wm. Parrott of Canby have been in Raymond this past week.
3/14 Bertha Berdan mentioned as a student at the local school.
4/ 'this town needs a meat market' - perhaps CJ Berdan is out of the business?
5/
2 Fire on the prairies is now a
common thing. A few evenings ago, it burned up almost to the edge of town.
Charles Parrott's house, 3 miles south, caught last week and burned down.
C.W. Parrott was down to Clark Wednesday.
5/30
Dewitt Cochrane is turning the turf on his claim and makes quite a
good-looking farmer.
Charles Parrott has purchased the claim of M.A. Sweeny, 2+ miles south of town.
C.J. Berdan was in town a few days ago and paid up his subscription.
The Misses Parrott were in Clark Tuesday.
7/11
Charles Parrott and wife returned from Watertown yesterday.
William Parrott, of Canby, Minnesota and brother of C.W. Parrott of this
place has been visiting friends here the past week.
C.W. Parrott named captain of the newly formed baseball team.
8/ 8 Miss Lizzie Parrott, who has been teaching near Watertown, is spending vacation visiting her parents and relatives here.
8/15 Mrs. Berdan re-elected secretary of Ladies Union Aid Society
8/22 mention of C.W. Parrott's purchase of wild horses at Clark
10/17 mention of Cochranton, Pennsylvania
10/24 Charles W. Parrott urged, via ad in paper, to run for Clark County Sheriff; the ad was signed by C.J. Berdan, et al. Same paper: C.W. Parrott announces candidacy for sheriff.
11/28 Miss Lizzie Parrott completed the term of teaching near Watertown and has returned to Raymond for the winter.
12/ 5 on Thanksgiving Day, a son was born to Mr. & Mrs. Charles Parrott.
12/12
Miss Lizzie Parrott has commenced teaching in the Scofield district and
reports a pleasant school of 11 scholars.
1885
1/23
Mrs. M.A. Burns and little daughter, of Watertown, visited at her
brother's, Charles Parrott, over Sunday.
Charles Parrott has this week sold 160 acres of deeded land within a few miles
of town, for $1000.
DeWitt Cochrane hired Clark Brownell to go down his well and fix his pump.
Cochrane lowered Brownell into the well and then returned to the house to warm
himself, forgetting all about the man, the well, or the pump for several hours.
Brownell was finally rescued after four long hours of loneliness. Be more
careful next time, Cochrane.
2/
6 Jim Parrott visited the county seat
on Saturday last.
Cochrane & Parrott store is opposite post office.
2/13
DeWitt Cochrane visited in the county seat last Thursday.
Dewitt Cochrane named secretary of the newly-formed Literary Society.
2/20
We acknowledge a pleasant call Monday from A.F. Berdan.
C.W. Parrott and wife spent a couple of days in the first of the week in
Watertown.
Among those in attendance at the party last Friday evening, living on the south
road, were ... Arthur Berdan and sister.
2/27 Miss Maggie Parrott returned last Thursday from a two week visit with relatives in Watertown.
3/
6 Mrs. Frank Berdan is recovering
from a severe illness.
the program for the Literary Society meeting includes Miss Lizzie Parrott,
Charles Parrott, Dewitt Cochrane and C.F. Berdan.
3/20
Miss Aggie Parrott left Thursday morning for a brief visit with friends
in Watertown. Article "Our Town" - a full-page description of Raymond,
its history and people. It includes "Cochrane & Parrott do a general
business in their building 22 x 40 feet, and two stories. They have had a long
experience in the West, being among the first of the pioneers. They handle all
articles found in a general store, and also deal in land and livestock
extensively."
The program for the Literary Society meeting includes Dewitt Cochrane, C.W.
Parrott, Minnie Parrott, and Charles Berdan.
3/27 Frank Cochrane offers oxen for sale.
4/10 Charles Berdan has gone to Clark to take charge of Mr. Lewis' fine billiard hall.
4/24 Miss Maggie Parrott is having a residence erected on her homestead south of town.
5/ l Miss Lizzie Parrott departed for Watertown last Saturday. She will take charge of a school near that city.
5/
8 Charles
Parrott moved his family to his farm south of town on Saturday last.
J.H. Parrott of Watertown was visiting his parents and relatives here the first
of the week. Mr. Parrott is representing the Sioux Falls Insurance Co. and while
here had an eye to business.
5/15
Dewitt Cochrane has been visiting relatives in Watertown and Gary the
past week.
James Parrott went to Henry Tuesday morning to take charge of the station at
that place for a few days.
'South Clippings' Mr. Samuel Berdan planting trees on his tree claim.
5/29
Jimmie Parrott is making Watertown and vicinity a visit this week.
Miss Maggie Parrott has been engaged to complete an unfinished term of school at
St. Paul, Spink County, and commenced her duties last Tuesday.
6/
5 Attorney
McGaan and Charles Parrott were in Watertown on business several days the first
of the week.
'South Clippings' Mr. Berdan took in the picnic last Saturday at Frankfort.
Dewitt Cochrane and Charlie Smith were in Frankfort Decoration Day, assisting
making music with the Doland band.
7/24 J.H. Parrott, the gentleman who acceptably filled the position of station agent during the absence of J.O. Hopp, returned to his home at Raymond Thursday. (copied from the Henry "Eagle")
8/ 7 Charles Berdan was over from Clark last week, visiting his parents.
8/14 mention of Mrs. A.F. Berdan (gave some cabbages to the editor)
8/21
Miss Lizzie Parrott has returned from Watertown.
Charles Parrott and family have moved into town.
Charles Parrott has been named agent for the Van Dusen Company at this place.
Mr. James Parrott has returned from Tyler, Minnesota, where he has had charge of
the station at that place. James is now station agent at Raymond.
8/28 Miss Lizzie Parrott returns to Watertown tomorrow.
9/18
Cochrane & Parrott, merchants of this place, have closed their doors
and gone out of business. D.E. Sawtelle, with his usual enterprise, has
purchased their entire stock of goods and added it to his already large one.
Messrs. Cochrane and Parrott have always been popular with our people who will
be sorry to learn of this step. Our best wishes follow them in any new
enterprise.
Ad for the railroad, J.A. Parrott, agent.
9/25 Charles Berdan, of the Select Billiard Hall at Clark, was over for a little vacation and hunt with the boys last week.
10/ 2 J.A. Parrott has been assigned the station at Appelby, a station southeast of Watertown on the Northwestern.
10/16
Dewitt Cochrane is selling a few cows and horses.
Bones - I am now ready to buy clean, dry, bleached bones, free from dirt and
sinews, for which I will pay $8 per ton, delivered at Raymond. Charles Parrott
10/23 A.F. Berdan has our thanks for celery, raised at his farm east of Raymond. He has also successfully grown peanuts at his farm this season, samples of which can be seen at this office.
11/20
The boot and shoe shop has been removed to the Cochrane & Parrott
block on Flower Street.
Land Office in Watertown, D.T. Nov. 6, 1885. Notice is hereby given that the
following named settler has filed notice of his intention to make final proof in
support of his claim, and that said proof will be made before Judge and
ex-officio Clerk Probate Court, Clark County, in Clark, Dakota Territory on Dec
23 1885; viz. William E. Berdan his pds number 10954 for the NW 1/4 section
18-116-59. He names the following witnesses to prove his continuous residence on
and cultivation of said land, viz. William Murray, E.W. Nesbitt, L. Driver, J.
Johnson, all of Clark County, D.T. Land Office at Watertown, D.T. November 6.
Maggie Parrott, who made homestead application #14518, for the NW 1/4 of Section
9-116-59, hereby makes notice of her intention to make final proof to establish
her claim to the land above described, and that she expects to prove her
residence and cultivation before the Judge or in his absence, the Clerk of
District Court, Clark County, Clark, D.T. on Dec 21, 1885 by two of the
following witnesses' testimony, to be taken before William McGaan, Notary
Public, Raymond, D.T. on Dec 19, 1885: Wm Altwise, Duncan McKay, Wm Reeser, John
Onken, all of Raymond, D.T.
11/27 Dewitt Cochrane and his little girl departed Monday morning for his former home at Fox Lake, Wisc. He will probably return in the Spring.
12/25
Charles Parrott and James McGaan visited the county seat on Wednesday.
Mr. William E. Berdan made proof at Clark on Wednesday, thus securing the nw 1/4
of 18-116-59.
1886
1/15 Our sanctum was invaded Monday by Charles Parrott, Sr. We enjoyed a very pleasant visit from the gentleman. mention of Mrs. Aggie Parrott.
2/19 A little girl arrived at the residence of John Henry Parrott last week. The mother and child are now doing well.
3/ 5 Dewitt Cochrane and his girl arrived on Monday's train from the East. He has been visiting with his parents at Fox Lake, Wisc.
3/12 Miss Lizzie Parrott has returned home from Watertown and is visiting with her parents.
4/16 Charles Parrott has purchased a fine new organ for his home.
4/30 Charles Parrott, who has been fitting up a house on his farm adjoining town to the east, will move into the same this week.
5/14 C.W. Parrott has been erecting a barn, painting his house, and otherwise improving his farm adjoining town.
5/21
J.H. Parrott is secretary of Farmer's Alliance.
County Sheriff Makepeace and his deputy, C.J. Berdan, were in town the first of
the week.
5/28
Miss Minnie Parrott departed for Appleby, Dakota on Monday morning to
visit her brother James who is station agent at that place.
A.S. Berdan furnished us with a sample of his rye the first of the week.
The contest case of Green vs. Rachel Berdan has been creating no little interest
in Raymond this week. The testimony
was taken before L.W. Stoeckel, notary public and occupied 3 days.
7/16 Married on July 2, 1886, Miss Mary Murray of Petrolia, Canada to Mr. Arthur Berdan of Raymond. The newly married oouple arrived at Raymond on the 10th. They were met by their relatives and numerous friends, and escorted to the residence of the groom's parents, where a bountiful repast was served. Both the bride and the groom are well and favorably known to all our readers. May their married life be a happy one, is the wish of the Gazette force.
7/30 J.H. Parrott is erecting a fine residence south of town.
10/29 A Literary Society was organized at the schoolhouse last evening.
11/12 mention of James Parrott
11/19
James Parrott is now selling coal for the Porter Milling Co.
Wm Berdan and wife departed for St. Thomas, Canada, Monday evening.
They will reside there in the future.
We are sorry to lose a good farmer and citizen, but we wish them success
in their new home.
The Gazette is now $1 per year.
11/26
J.A. Parrott is listed as agent for the Chicago & Northwestern
Railroad.
J.H. Parrott still secretary for Farmer's Alliance.
Raymond Literary Society note mentions Miss Lizzie Parrott, Minnie Parrott and
Eddie Cochrane.
12/17 Miss Lizzie Parrott, having finished her term as teacher of a school near Watertown, has returned to Raymond for an extended visit with her parents.
12/31
Dewitt Cochrane returned to Raymond on Tuesday. He has been absent for
several months, visiting St. Paul, Minneapolis and other Eastern points.
1887
1/ 7 Following are the officers that were installed at the last meeting of Raymond Lodge 40, A.O.U.N. ... C.W. Parrott, M.W.
1/14 J.H. Parrott, of Raymond, called Wednesday en route for home from Watertown, where he had been detained a few days by the snowstorm. (note from Henry "Enterprise")
2/ 4 C.W. Parrott and A.M. Chaney were over to Clark Tuesday and were on their way home when the blizzard struck them. It was with difficulty that they found their way back to the county seat.
2/11
The misses Parrott visited at the county seat on Monday.
Mr. & Mrs. A.F. Berdan availed themselves of the pleasant weather on Monday
and made a trip to Clark.
2/25
Haven't seen any offers to buy bones
Married, at the residence of the bride's parents, Mr. & Mrs. C.W. Parrott,
on Thursday evening, Feb 17, 1887, Miss Maggie Parrott to Mr. A.W. Dunlap, Rev.
W.A. Echols officiating. Both of the contracting parties are of high social
standing in this community, and are well and favorably known to all our citizens
who unite with the Gazette in good wishes for their future happiness and
prosperity. The wedding was a quiet and pleasant affair, the ceremony being
performed in the presence of a few of the near relatives of the happy couple.
Mr. Dunlap has been to a great deal of expense in fitting up one of the most
comfortable and beautiful homes in this part of the country, and to this home he
at once repaired with his bride, there to enjoy their honeymoon in peace and
quiet by taking upon themselves at once the duties of housekeeping.
3/ 4 William Harkness and family now occupy the C.W. Parrott residence in the suburbs. C.W. Parrott and family have moved into town, and now occupy the rooms over his store.
3/11 We understand that Miss Aggie Parrott has purchased the millinery and dressmaking establishment of Mrs. James McDonald, and will conduct the same in the future. We wish the lady success.
3/18 C.W. Parrott made a business trip to Aberdeen Monday.
3/25 A.W. Dunlap has been improving the appearance of his home by the application of paint. L.W. Stoeckel now has his real estate and loan office in the rear of his residence over the store of Parrott Bros.
4/ 1 C.W. Parrott, of the firm of Parrott Brothers, has been appointed mail route agent on the C.& N.W. RR between Tracy and Redfield. He will assume his duties next Monday. We congratulate you, Charlie, on your good fortune.
4/15 Still no ads for Parrott Brothers store
4/22 There appears in this issue the advertisement for Parrott Bros. these gentlemen are determined on securing their share of the patronage of this section of the county, and it will pay to call on them and see what they can do. they offer bargains and guarantee gentlemanly treatment in every case. Ad: J.H. Parrott & C.W. Parrott Parrott Brothers dry goods, notions, hats, caps, ready-made clothing, stoves, tinware, shelf hardware, groceries. We buy for cash and sell for cash.
4/29 Mrs. C.W. Parrott took the afternoon train Wednesday for a brief visit to Redfield.
5/ 6 Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Berdan were among those who were received into the Presbyterian Church on Sunday last. C.W. Parrott dropped his duties as mail agent an Tuesday just long enough to take a look at his family friends. Charlie has been looking over several towns with a view to removing his family to a more convenient point, but has decided to make Raymond his home for a while yet.
5/27 The Gazette will be four years old next week.
A.W. Dunlap has resigned his position as agent for the Winona Lumber Co
and Monday will take his position as cashier of the Bank of Raymond.
Mr. Dunlap has been identified with the lumber interests since our town
started.
C.W. Parrott utilized his pass on Monday and ran down to Clark.
C.W. Parrott, after a vacation of 2 weeks, has again taken his run between Tracy
and Redfield.
The next social will be entertained by Mrs. Arthur Berdan, Mrs. Jesse Johnson,
Mrs. Hugh Thompson and Miss Rachel Berdan, at the residence of Mrs. Arthur
Berdan.
1888
6/
1 Tangential
mention of Mr. Chaney, longtime merchant in town, who apparently has skipped
town leaving many debts, or perhaps with somebody else's money.
Mortgage Sale: (extracts) Charles W. Parrott & Salima A. Parrott, his wife,
of Clark County, Dakota, borrowed $850 on NW 1/4, section 9, twnshp 116, Range
59. They delivered to John R. Trevett, Champaign, Ill., as trustee for James B.
Russell, their mortgage dated 1 Oct 1886, which was recorded in the office of
Register of Deeds, Clark County, on page 372 of Record Book 9 of Mortgages, on
25 Oct 1886. Principal of $850 payable on 1 Oct 1891, and 10 interest coupons
maturing 1 Apr 1887, 1 Oct 1887, etc. Interest not paid on first three interest
dates. Land to be sold at public auction, at front door of Post Office in Clark,
3 p.m., 30 May 1888. dated at Huron, Dakota territory, 11 Apr 1888.
6/ 8 The Misses Minnie & Lizzie Parrott visited with their brother, J.A. Parrott at Henry on Thursday, and while there attended a select dance given by the young people of that sprightly little town.
6/15
Dewitt Cochrane, of Clark, was in Raymond Tuesday evening.
Mrs. C.W. Parrott, Sr., has been quite seriously ill for several days.
6/22
Dewitt Cochrane spent Sunday with friends in Raymond.
Mr. & Mrs. C.W. Parrott went to Clark yesterday. Charlie is there as a
witness in that famous dog suit.
6/29
Ad says - reserved for Parrott Bros. -
The millinery store of Miss Lizzie Parrott has been removed into the Hoblit
building one door north of R.B. Nommenson's hardware store. We understand that
she will put in a much larger stock and having secured the services of an
excellent dressmaker, is prepared to furnish the latest styles at short notice.
7/13 Mrs. A.F. Berdan is lying very ill at her residence just east of Raymond.
7/20 C.W. Parrott, of the firm of Parrott Brothers, has sold his interest in the business to Mr. L. Darling, a gentleman well and favorably known to the citizens of Raymond and vicinity. the new firm are both rustlers (sic) of the first water, and will soon place a large invoice of goods an their already overflowing shelves.
8/ 3 C.W. Parrott visited the county seat on Monday.
8/10 Miss Minnie Parrott, who has been quite seriously ill for the past week, is now slowly recovering.
8/17 C.W. Parrott, after being two weeks a farmer, has purchased the interest of Mr. Darling in the firm of Darling & Parrott, and the firm name is again Parrott Bros. All debts against the firm of Darling & Parrott will be settled by the new firm, and also all bills due them are to be paid to Parrott Bros.
8/24
Miss Lizzie Parrott has removed her stock of millinery goods to her
brothers store, and now has very pleasant and commodious quarters.
C.J. Berdan has purchased the wagon shop belonging to Wm. Reeser and is
preparing to restock it and in short time will be able to turn out as good work
as can be procured in the county.
Dewitt Cochrane, of Clark, was in town a few moments Friday last.
8/31
J.A. Parrott, station agent at Henry, was a listener at the concert on
Saturday evening.
We have been informed that the business of Parrott Brothers is now owned and
controlled by John Henry Parrott, he having bought his brother's half interest.
John is a rustler (sic) and sure to secure his share of the people's patronage.
J.H. Parrott departed Saturday last for St. Paul and Minneapolis where he will
purchase a full and complete stock of goods for the fall trade.
10/ 5 Misses Minnie and Aggie Parrott attended Catholic Fair at Clark Thursday.
10/19
While at Clark last week, C.J. Berdan took out a license for
auctioneering. Anyone having a sale to be made would be well to secure the
services of Charlie, for we can guarantee that it will be money in your pocket.
J.H. Parrott has rented the old rink building from D.E. Sawbelle and will soon
fit it up for a town hall, something that Raymond has long stood in need of. He
will probably place a stage in one end of it, and then we shall stand a chance
to secure a show here at least once a year, and not be obliged to go to some
adjoining town for all of our amusement.
11/ 2 J.H. Parrott and L.W. Stoeckel were at the County seat Wednesday.
11/16 Thanks to the enterprise of Mr. J.H. Parrott, Raymond now has a neat little town hall, something we have needed ever since the town was built. We are now in condition to entertain any and all of the traveling opera troupes, and invite them to give us a call.
11/23 Why cannot we reorganize our brass band?
11/30 Add for C.J. Berdan, licensed auctioneer; farm stock and implement sales especially
12/ 7 The advertisement of Berdan's wagon shop appears in this issue. Charlie is a first-class workman in every particular and merits your patronage. Wagon shop, C.J. Berdan, prop. All kinds of repairing done on short notice with neatness and dispatch. New work made to order.
12/14
Parrott shop not advertising.
On the 31st inst., the following gentlemen were installed officers of Clark
Lodge 42 AF&AM for the ensuing year ... Dewitt Cochrane, T.
Dewitt Cochrane of Clark visited in Raymond the first of the week.
12/21
The English Mastiff, so long the property of C.W. Parrott, was sold on
Tuesday last to Richard Foote for $50. We are sorry to see the old dog go, for
he was known as every man's friend.
A very pleasant little party was held at the residence of A.W. Dunlap last
Saturday evening, in honor of J.A. Parrott of Henry, who is visiting here with
friends for a day or two.
News of the assignment of Mr. J.H. Parrott has been met with exceeding regret by
our citizens. Mr. Parrott is a man whom everyone regards as one of our most
honest and upright citizens, and his misfortune awakens the sympathy of all who
knew him. It is to be hoped that the matter will be adjusted in a few days and
his place of business will again be open to the public.
12/28 Dewitt Cochrane celebrated Christmas with friends in Raymond.
1889
C.J. Berdan transacted business in Clark on Wednesday.
1/11 On Friday last, the stock of merchandise belonging to J.H. Parrott was sold on the mortgage and was purchased by three of the principal creditors for $1225. Mr. L. Darling of Clark has charge of the stock, which he is now selling out at cost.
1/18 J.H. Parrott drove over to the county seat on Monday.
2/15 A young lady of very tender age now graces the home of Mr. & Mrs. C.W. Parrott, Jr. She arrived last Saturday morning, and mother and child are doing nicely. Charlie says that she has not been christened as yet, but that a name is already provided.
2/22
Mrs. J.H. Parrott is quite seriously ill, and hopes are entertained for
her speedy recovery.
Mrs. A.F. Berdan, who has been ill for several months, is slowly sinking and her
recovery is doubtful. Mrs. C.W. Parrott, Sr., is under a doctor's care, but is
rapidly improving.
3/15 notice of contest - U.S. Land Office at Watertown, D.T. Mar 7, 1889. Complaint having been entered at this office by Agnes K. Parrott against Michael Haack for failure to comply with the law as to timber culture entry #4679 dated August 1881, etc... failed to plant, protect and keep in healthy growing condition... wholly abandoned said land ... meeting set for 25 Apr 1889.
3/22 Dewitt Cochrane of Clark visited friends during the week. Misses Lizzie and Minnie Parrott were visitors at Clark on Saturday and Sunday.
4/19 A.W. Dunlap is now traveling as collector for the Walter A. Wood Company. His territory is all of South Dakota.
4/26 Miss Aggie Parrott was at Watertown the latter part of the week attending a contest which she has placed on a tree claim held by Michael Haack.
5/ 3 Land Office at Watertown, D.T. April 26 1889. Notice is hereby given that the following named settler has filed notice of his intention to make final 5 year homestead proof in support of his claim and that said proof will be made before the Judge and ex-officio Clerk of the President's Court at Clark County, Dakota, on July 6, 1889, viz.
Samuel Berdan
his H.D. 9163, for the S. 1/2, S.E. 1/4, Sect 6, Twnshp 116 N. Range 59 West. Names following witnesses - Duncan McCay, Jesse Johnson, George Gillis, Sr., George Gillis, Jr., all residents of Raymond, Clark County.
5/10 Among the visitors to Clark on Monday were ... J.H. Parrott.
5/17 What was left of the Parrott stock was packed and shipped to St. Paul this week. Mr. Darling will return to Clark.
5/24
John Henry Parrott went to Clark on Monday.
Lizzie Parrott secretary of local WCTU. Parrotts & Berdan active in planning
for 4th July celebration.
5/31 With this issue of the paper, the Gazette starts out on its seventh year.
6/
7 mention of
J.A. Parrott in Henry.
J.A. Parrott was relieved Wednesday from his position here as station agent at
his own request. He will visit his relatives in Dakota and Wisconsin for a few
weeks, when he expects to return and take a better station. (note from Henry
"Independent")
6/21
Mrs. A.F. Berdan continues about the same.
J.H. Parrott is now out doing the assessor's act in this township.
J.A. Parrott made a trip to Jamestown, N.D. last week. Jim expects soon to be in
the employ of the NPRR Company as station agent.
6/28 J.A. Parrott returned yesterday from a visit with his brother in Minnesota.
7/ 5 Miss Minnie Parrott's school in ???? closes tomorrow. Program to be given by pupils, one of which is Rose Cochrane.
7/12
J.A. Parrott and sister, Minnie, visited at Clark on Monday.
C.J. Berdan transacted business at Clark on Monday.
The familiar phiz of A.W. Dunlap has been beaming upon his friends in Raymond
several days this week. Lon looks as though traveling agreed with him.
Arthur Berdan, one of Logan township's substantial young farmers, was a pleasant
caller on Thursday and while here enriched the editorial pocketbook with several
big round dollars which to our delighted eyes looked like wagon wheels. Go thou
and do likewise.
C.W. Parrott's bay mare wins second place in 4th July race.
7/19 Mrs. A.F. Berdan returned from Watertown Monday, where she had been for medical treatment. She seems much improved.
8/
9
J.A. & Miss Minnie Parrott
visited Clark on Friday.
Misses Lizzie & Minnie Parrott departed for Clark on Monday, where they will
visit with friends for a week or 10 days.
8/16
Miss Agnes Parrott has been on the sick list for several days this week,
but is now able to be out again.
We notice by the Aberdeen News that J.A. Parrott is holding down the key in the
office of Western Union in that city. Glad that Jim has secured so good a
position.
9/
6 Miss Minnie Parrott departed
Tuesday for Madison where she will attend school during the coming winter.
Miss Lizzie Parrott has been quite ill for several days this week. We understand
that as soon as she recovers, she will join her sister in Madison.
9/20
Miss Agnes Parrott and her sister, Mrs. M. Burns, have rented the
restaurant recently vacated by Mrs. Reeser, and will continue the same during
the winter.
Whereas one John H. Parrott of Clark County, Dakota, did on 20 Nov 1888, make
his chattel mortgage to Jewett Brothers to secure the sum of ( about $500? ) ...
default ... mortgagee will sell for cash, at the livery stable of Ira Hurlburt
in Raymond, at 1:50 pm, 28 Sep 1889: one black horse 7 years old, one dark bay
horse 6 years old, one lumber wagon mfd by H.C. Parrott (sic), one Deering
harvester, one seeder, one roan cow 7 years old, one spotted cow 6 years old, 2
walking stubble plows, 1 60 tooth drag dated 18 Sep 1889
10/4
C.J. Berdan, L.W. Stoeckel and J.H.
Parrott were at the county seat Wednesday.
C.J. Berdan still advertising as an auctioneer
10/18 The Gazette is down to 4 pages now.
10/25
Cochrane & Quinn submit a meat bill for provisions for the poor.
R.J. Hanshaw has recently had erected upon his farm a large sheep barn.
C.J. Berdan was the architect and builder.
C.J. Berdan is still advertising as licensed auctioneer; also another ad for his
Wagon Shop.
Wes Nelson, Oct 1995
PARROTT/BERDAN
NOTES FROM THE DAKOTA NEWS
a weekly newspaper published in Watertown, D.T.
microfilm borrowed on inter-library loan from
South Dakota State Historical Society
issue dates 23 Jun 1879 (Vol 1, No 1) to 7 Jun 1884
[SoDak film #3223]
This newspaper is fairly cosmopolitan. At least two pages of each issue are
devoted to national and international news, and regular reports on Dakota
territorial doings are found. Huge display ads are common, and the editors spent
lots of space promoting the local businesses in news blurbs and editorial
writings. There is a good deal of chatty local news and gossip, but the area
seems to have been so well populated that references to ordinary people are
rare. If you were a relatively prominent businessman (or heavy advertiser), you
could get reported every smile or sneeze; otherwise the paper would not spend
much space on you.
The editors, in their very important position of opinion shapers and gadflies,
frequently inserted small barbs or notes asking why Watertown didn't have some
particular amenity or service which was deemed appropriate for an ambitious
town. If some other town had a thingamajig, then Watertown better oughta get
one, soon. "We need a dentist." The three most important factors in
any Dakota town were (1) homestead laws, (2) railroad, and (3) the newspaper.
The latter always thought of itself as the prime promoter of the community, and
spared no space in energetically doing that job. Anything that was good for the
local businesses, the farmers, and the general community, was pushed vigorously
by the local newspaper.
In the early 1880s, many complaints were aired about grain buyers who were
downgrading the local farmers' crops. "Smut in the wheat." Editorials,
letters to the editor, etc. The claim was that by this tactic, the buyers were
cheating farmers of 10-20 cents per bushel.
Tragedy was common. Occasional mention of individuals who died under trains or
drowned in a local river. One poignant story is of a teenaged girl who fell
through the ice while crossing a river and apparently held onto the ice edge
until her strength ran out, then slipped under the waters. Winters brought
terrible disease outbreaks. One 1883 notice records that one local household had
lost 6 children to diptheria in the space of under two weeks.
I found only a few mentions of family people in this source.
Wes Nelson, Oct 1995
misc notes
In
1862, the capital of D.T. was at Yankton.
The
Canadian province of Ontario, and its towns of Aylmer and St. Thomas, are rather
often mentioned as places where local folks go for visits and vacations.
I presume that there was a significant migration from Ontario to Dakota
at some time. Also there are many
mentions of Watertown and Wisconsin, and Winona, Minnesota.
Estimated
population, Clark County: 1882
1,192 1883
3,500
Clark
County newspapers mentioned in Dakota News:
5/27/1882
"First copy of Clark County Review"
late
1883: A new paper is soon to be
started at Raymond, Clark County, so we are
informed.
Nov
1883 - Clark County Pilot
Dakota
Eagle, published at Henry
1879
8/18
Settlements have commenced at the center of Clark County, thirty miles
west of here. Nineteen entries were
made there last Monday.
10/20
A new Australian delicacy is finding its way into the London market in
the shape of dried kangaroo tongues.
First wedding featuring bride and groom both residing in Watertown.
10/27
Mr. Bradley, General Manager of the Albert Lea Colonization Society,
called on us last week. He was on
his way to Ashton to look after the interests of his colony.
[Albert Lea was the name of a small town in Wisconsin; some of the Nelson
family were from that area.]
11/3
Ten entries of lands were made at Clark City in one day last week.
11/17
Jesse James, the notorious train and bank robber, passed in his checks
Sunday, November 2nd, being shot by a former companion named Shepard, near
Joplin, Mo.
Mention that Watertown is 8 months old.
12/15
"Let's organize a Whist Club."
1880
1/12
- 2/2 nothing
2/9
- 10/20 not viewed
10/27
- 11/1 nothing
11/8
To end of year not viewed
1881
1882
1/1
to end of August not viewed
6/10
Chas. Parrott was in town a few days ago with that fast mare of his.
Charley is the boss sport of Codington County.
The following is a list of the grand and petit jurors for the June term
of the District Court, which convenes in this city June 27:
Grand A.
H. Parrott
6/17
Trains have reached Clark.
6/24
to 8/19 not
viewed
8/26
nothing
9/2
I will take horses, cattle, sheep and hogs at the very highest market
price in exchange for machinery.
DeWitt Cochrane
9/16
Mr. D.D. Chaney, of Sparta, Wisconsin, is sojourning in the city.
9/23
DeWitt Cochrane says the machine business is still good with him.
10/14
to end of year: not viewed
1883
1/1
to 2/17 not viewed
2/10
I have six yoke of good young oxen for sale cheap, at my place on north
bank of Lake Kampeska.
Chas. W. Parrott
Enquire at DeWitt Cochrane's machine office, Watertown, for information.
3/3
Chas. Parrott and Geo. Stoddart, the old Dacotah base ball battery,
dropped in upon us Wednesday.
3/17
Last Thursday at the residence of C.W. Parrott, near the banks of the
beautiful Lake Kampeska, Mr. D. Cochrane was married to Miss Parrott.
Miss Parrott is one of Codington county's best young ladies and Mr.
Cochrance (sic) is a young man of more than ordinary business ability, active,
energetic, and a number one good boy. We
wish the young couple success for all time to come.
4/14
C.W. Parrott informed us Monday that he had rented his farm.
Charles proposes that some one else shall raise the extra No. 1 hard
(wheat) off of his fertile acres for one year at least.
4/28
to 8/18 not
viewed
9/15
A story about the driving of the Golden Spike.
County Commissioner's Proceedings Sept 3, 1983
Payments from the County Fund.
Mary Parrott witness fee before grand jury
$ 3.90
A.H. Parrott "
"
3.80
A.H. Parrott "
dist. court 2.90
M.J. Parrott "
"
10/27
nothing
11/10
Land office at Watertown, Dak. October
18th 1883. Notice is hereby given
that the following named settler has filed notice of his intention to make final
proof in support of his claim, and that said proof will be made before the
Register & Receiver at Watertown, D.T. on Nov 27th 1883, viz:
Charles
W. Parrott
for the SW 1/4 Section 8, Twp. 117, R 53.
He names the following witnesses to prove his continuous residence upon,
and cultivation of, said land, viz: C.C.
Wiley, Samuel McElhaney, F.W. Warner, T.L. Fay, all of Watertown, D.T.
C.G. Williams, Register
Warner & VanLiew, Att'ys
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Train
Schedule, C&NW Railroad |
||
|
2:15
pm |
Watertown |
12:30
pm |
|
3:25 |
Henry |
11:10
am |
|
4:35 |
Clark |
10:10 |
|
6:10 |
Doland |
8:35 |
|
6:55 |
Frankfort |
7:50 |
|
|
etc |
|
|
12:15
pm |
Colombia |
2:35
am |
12/1
C.W. Parrott, of the firm of Cochrane & Parrott, Raymond, was in the
city Wednesday. Charles was proving
up a quarter section of Dakota dirt.
12/15
Clarkites are suffering from an overdose of railroad fever. It probably will pan out like that of Raymond and Doland,
although we hope not.
1884
2/16
We are pained to announce the death of Mrs. DeWitt Cochrane, of Raymond,
sister of Charles and John Henry Parrott. Mrs.
Cochrane was well known and highly esteemed in Watertown and vicinity.
We have not yet learned the particulars of her death, but will give them
next week. [The newspaper of
2/23/84 was not on this film.]
Various
dates, 1883, 84 mention of L. Dunlap "of the Inter
Ocean". In two other places, I
found mention of the Chicago Inter-Ocean, apparently a publication of some sort.