Settlers in a New State

Orris Oliver

Orris Loyal Oliver (1818-1887) was born in the extreme northeast corner in the state of New York in Champlain, Clinton County, New York. He married Martha Hallowell Forbes (1823-1897) on October 28, 1838. Martha was born in Montréal, Quebec, Canada.

In 1858, sold his farm in Champlain, and with his wife and eight children, traveled by covered wagon to Minnesota. Minnesota had just become a state at that time, and the state was still widely inhabited by various Indian tribes, who were not only at war with each other and also with the white settlers. They would have two more children after their arrival in Minnesota. In fact, their first child born in Minnesota was a girl; and wanting to give her an appropriate name, they named her Minnesota Oliver (1860-1930); she was known by her nicknames "Minne" and "Sota."

Orris and his family settled in Wabasha County where he farmed. In 1863, his application for a

Martha Forbes Oliver

Homestead describes his home and property as follows: "I have built a house thereon 16 by 20 feet and 10 feet high, two board floors, shakes for the roof and 4 doors, 4 windows and is a comfortable house to live in; I have 100 acres fenced, barn 36 by 36 feet, corn crib and wagon house.”

About 1878, a small band of Native Americans passed through the Oliver farm on their way to a large tribal gathering in Wisconsin. It was a cold, snowy evening and one of the members of the band approached the house to seek shelter from the approaching storm. Apparently, the Chief's daughter was in intense labor. Permission was granted to used the barn. Several hours passed and there was  again commotion at the front door. A Native American was speaking excitedly and pointing to the barn. Orris, not knowing what was wrong, summoned Martha to come with him. Arriving at the barn, Martha could tell that the situation was not good. There were several elderly tribal women hovering around the young mother-to-be, chanting and waving smoke

An Indian Travois from Pin Interest

over her.  Martha saw blood everywhere and soon assessed that the maiden was in grave danger of losing the child and probably dying herself - especially if they didn't get the baby out. Martha had assisted many times in difficult births for their farm animals and has also become a midwife in the area. So, she went to work. A short time later, the child was born; the mother, exhausted and weak from the loss of blood, seemed to be okay. The next day, there was a beautiful blanket placed on the front steps, a token of the chief's appreciation for saving his daughter and grandson. They had left, making a travois for the mother and baby. The blanket remained in the family for many years.

Orris died in 1887 of congestive heart failure. He left $5.00 to each of his children and to three grandchildren – the equivalent of $125 per person today. He left all of his real and personal property to his wife, Martha. In total, he left an estate of $459.00 – the equivalent of $11,438. 

Martha died November 28, 1897. In her obituary, The Graphic Sentinel described her as ". . . a tender, loving mother, a kind neighbor. . . ."

Gillford Cemetery, Wabasha County, Minnesota

Civil War Relatives, Part 2

On April 12, 1861—150 years ago—the Civil War started at Ft. Sumter, South Carolina.  In thinking about that fact, I thought it would be interesting to see what members in the family tree served during the Civil War.  In a previous blog I looked at my family, now it’s my husband’s, Jim Oliver's, family.

Here is a listing of some of the members from Jim’s family that served in the Civil War.

Forbes, Benjamin F.  “Frank” (1831-1900)—enlisted as a private on August 17, 1862, with Co. D, Minnesota 9th Infantry.  He was mustered out on May 5, 1865, as a corporal with a disability.  The Minnesota 9th Infantry was involved with the Indian wars and the Sioux Uprising.

Forster, Charles H. Sr. (1842—1922)—was born in Prussia (Germany), and immigrated to the United States in 1854.  Charles enlisted in Co. I, Illinois 15th Infantry Regiment Union on May 24, 1861; he was promoted to full Sergeant and mustered out on July 20, 1864.  He then transferred to Co. E, Illinois Vet Battalion Infantry on the same date; he mustered out on March 24, 1865, and transferred to Co. E, Illinois 15th Infantry Regiment on the same date.  He was mustered out on September 16, 1865, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.  This constant transfer from one company to another was not unusual during the Civil War.  As one Company suffered casualties and its numbers became decimated, that Company would be “mustered out” and attached to another Company from the same state (or in some instances, a different state).

Heinze, Charles A. (1838-1883)—was born in Bettendorf, Germany, and immigrated to the United States in 1850.  On August 19, 1862, he was inducted as a Private in the Mankato Citizen Soldiers Regiment, Mankato, Minnesota.  This regiment was actually a recruiting unit for the Civil Was; but, on their way out of town they were ambushed by Indians.  Before going on to serve in the Civil War, this regiment became involved in what is known today as the Sioux Uprising. 

Williams, William Henry (1838-1882)—On April 22, 1861, William enlisted as a Private in Co. D, 3rd Infantry Regiment Wisconsin; and on August 12, 1861, he received a disability discharge.  He then enlisted on August 17, 1862, as a Private in the 6th Regiment, Co. D, 6th Infantry Minnesota.  On December 14, 1863, he transferred to the 3rd Independent Battery, Minnesota Light Artillery.  The 3rd Independent Battery, Minnesota Light Artillery was organized at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, from the enlisted men of the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Regiments, Minnesota Infantry (William had been a member of the 6th Regiment). On April 28, 1866, he mustered out as a corporal. The 3rd Independent Battery was primarily station at frontier outposts.

My next posting will cover the Civil War relatives of my daughter-in-law, Melissa Murphy Oliver.