Know your locals, Part One of Many

[J. Donaldson]

Life at Fort Randall involved more than just military personnel. As a site charged with maintaining the peace between the local tribal groups and the white settlers, there was a constant flow of civilians and government actors. One of those was Walter Burleigh, the Agent at the nearby Yankton Agency. The men of the 14th Iowa often had contact with Burleigh, assisting him with various issues as they arose.

Walter A. Burleigh

[J. Donaldson]

Know your locals, Part Two

John Blair Smith Todd was born in Kentucky but moved to Illinois with his family at the age of 10. He graduated from the U. S. Military Academy in 1837 and served in the Indian Wars in the Southeast as well as the Mexican War, as well as frontier duty. He resigned his commission in 1856 to become the first sutler and trader at Fort Randall. Todd was an active member of the Democratic Party and represented the Territory in Congress from 1861 through 1864. His territorial residence remained at Fort Randall while he was in Washington, and he visited in the early part of 1862.

Todd had connections with the White House as well. His first cousin was the First Lady.

Todd.jpg

[Hairy Nation Boys]

Re: Know your locals, Part One of Many

Bob,
Thank you for all your research and posting this information. This will help with our first person interactions next June.