Representative Old Settlers of Fargo
The following sketches represent the old settlers of Fargo, North Dakota. These sketches were written in 1909 while most of the men were still alive. They are, unfortunately, very brief.
Cass County
Early Fargo Hospitals
Early Fargo hospitals played a crucial role in the development of the city’s healthcare system. St. John’s Hospital, established in April 1900 by six sisters of St. Joseph, began in Bishop Shanley’s former residence and expanded to a new facility in Island Park in 1904. The hospital featured modern amenities and a nursing school. Sacred Heart Academy, run by the Presentation Sisters, provided education for young women, with a focus on academics and personal development, and also included St. Aloysius School for boys. St. Luke’s Hospital, initiated by local Lutheran leaders in 1905, opened in February 1908 with a capacity of 50 beds, which was soon to be expanded. Additionally, the Fargo Infirmary of Osteopathy, established in 1897, offered specialized osteopathic treatments. These institutions collectively contributed to the health and well-being of Fargo’s residents.
Fargo Churches in 1909
In 1909, Fargo’s religious landscape was marked by a diverse array of churches, each contributing to the city’s spiritual and community life. Early congregations, such as Gethsemane Cathedral, established in 1873, and the First Presbyterian Church, organized in 1878, laid the foundation for religious practice in the city. By 1909, prominent churches included the Broadway Methodist Church, which had relocated and expanded to accommodate its growing congregation, and the First Methodist Episcopal Church, notable as the first church building in North Dakota. The First Baptist Church, Scandinavian Baptist Church, and Swedish Baptist Church served the needs of various ethnic communities, while the Norwegian and Swedish Lutheran churches provided spiritual homes for Fargo’s Scandinavian population. Additionally, the Jewish Synagogue, established in the late 1890s, reflected the city’s growing diversity. These churches, along with others like St. Mark’s English Evangelical Lutheran Church and Pontoppidan Norwegian Lutheran Church, played pivotal roles in the cultural and social fabric of early 20th-century Fargo.
The Educational History of Cass County
By Mattie M. Davis. Some of the early records were either burned with the courthouse in 1903 or not deemed of sufficient moment to be kept, and it seems impossible to give a complete history of the educational growth in the county. From the old records in the office of the county auditor we find that A. McHench was the first county superintendent of Cass County. He was appointed February 16, 1874, by the governor of the territory of Dakota. He organized school district No. 1 (Fargo), which extended from the Red River on the east, north, west, and south … Read more
The Commercial Club of Fargo
The Commercial Club of Fargo, established on August 14, 1902, was incorporated by prominent local figures including R. S. Lewis, L. B. Hanna, and W. D. Sweet, among others. The organization aimed to foster the commercial and manufacturing sectors of Fargo, enhance civic pride, and contribute to the city’s growth and beautification. Initial leadership included R. S. Tyler as president and A. L. Wall and J. C. Hunter as vice presidents. Despite the early passing of its first president, the club remained financially stable and played a significant role in advancing Fargo’s economic interests and municipal improvements, including securing favorable railroad rates.
Fargo North Dakota in 1910
This article provides a vibrant snapshot of Fargo, North Dakota, in the early 1900s, highlighting its impressive growth and prosperity. The author begins by painting a picture of a city booming with new construction, “wealth and solidity” evident in its architecture and infrastructure. The piece then delves into specific examples of Fargo’s progress, citing the impressive growth of its financial institutions, the success of local businesses (particularly in the farm implement sector), and the significant increase in post office revenue. The source concludes with a detailed account of Fargo’s newspapers, its agricultural society, and a glowing review of the Commercial Club’s role in the city’s advancement. Through this detailed portrayal of Fargo’s achievements, the author effectively argues for its significance as a burgeoning economic and cultural center in the early 20th century.
Early History of the City of Fargo
This article, “Early History and Settlements of Cass County,” documents the pioneers and events that shaped Cass County. Beginning with a description of the land’s indigenous inhabitants and the influence of the Catholic Church, the article then transitions to the arrival of the Hudson Bay Company and the earliest white settlers like George Northrup and Peter Russell. The establishment of Fargo, influenced by the Northern Pacific Railroad, marks a turning point, leading to a surge in permanent settlers, the establishment of essential institutions like the post office and schools, and the growth of religious life. The article then details the significant contributions of early settlers, the arrival of Scandinavian immigrants, and the development of agriculture, particularly wheat farming. The narrative culminates with a celebration of Cass County’s prosperity, highlighting the growth of education and the impact of local newspapers.
Cass County Pioneers
This article, Cass County Pioneers” presents a categorized list of early settlers in Cass County, North Dakota. Compiled by William H. White in 1907, the list distinguishes settlers by their arrival year and assigns each group a unique title. Those arriving before or during 1871 are deemed “The Honorable Aristocracy of the Catfish,” while those arriving between 1872 and 1876 are known as “Voyageurs by the Dog Train.” The “Pioneers of the Ox Cart” arrived from 1877 to 1879, and lastly, the “Passengers by the Stage Coach” arrived in 1880 and 1881. Each category highlights the evolving modes of transportation used by these early pioneers.
Early History and Settlements of Cass County
The early history of Cass County is intricately tied to the indigenous Chippewa and Sioux tribes, the fur traders, and the Catholic missionaries who played a pivotal role in the region before 1862. The area, marked by violent conflicts between these tribes, witnessed significant cultural interactions and territorial struggles, particularly near the confluence of the Wild Rice and Red Rivers. Fort Abercrombie, established in 1858, and the presence of the Hudson Bay Company’s southernmost outpost at Georgetown highlighted the military and trade activities that followed the indigenous era. The early settlement efforts, despite facing severe challenges such as the Indian Massacre of 1862, gradually paved the way for the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railroad and the founding of Fargo, which became a gateway for further development. The subsequent growth of towns, institutions, and agricultural prosperity in Cass County underscored the transformative impact of railroads and the resilience of its early settlers.
Biography of Mathias Runck of Casselton North Dakota
Mathias Runck, born January 1, 1843, in Luxembourg, Germany, was a retired farmer in Casselton, North Dakota in 1908. Emigrating to the U.S. in 1868, he initially settled in Winona County, Minnesota, and later in Waseca County. In 1880, he purchased land in Maple River Township, North Dakota, becoming a pioneer in Cass County. Runck developed one of the finest farms in the Red River Valley, eventually owning over a thousand acres. Active in local affairs, he served as township chairman and treasurer. Married in 1873, he had five children, including Joseph, who managed the farm.