EARLY HISTORY OF BATHGATE, NORTH DAKOTA 1879-1900 By Mrs. C.R. Morrison (written approximately 1955-1956) During this time, many settlers came from Eastern Canada, and the Eastern States, as well as the British Isles, to begin a new life, in a new country: these were the Pioneers; who founded this wonderful land, Our Heritage. They traveled by boat and rail to St. Vincent, Minnesota, crossed the Red River by ferry to Pembina; then progressed by ox-carts or wagons, toward the virgin prairie and along wooded streams where they established homes, with the Homestead, Preemption and Tree Claim Rights. Mr. William Foster, Sr. and his son Isaac, or Ike as he was better known, filed on the land, which became the town site. Comstock and White, a Land Company, later bought it, and through an agent, A. H. Ewing, plotted it into lots, streets and avenues. Rumor has it, he named the site "Bathgate" for his former home in England. These agents were given the right to name the new town sites, North of Grafton, at this time. The Township was named "Hamilton Township". Bathgate township was formed from this township later. Incidentally, it is the smallest township in the county. Legend has it that the name "Hamilton" was for a man, Sam Hamilton, who homesteaded the Witmer farm and also the Robertson farm, as a Tree Claim. Geographically, Bathgate is located in Township 162, Range 53; Southeast quarter of Section 3, and a narrow strip of land in Section 10 from the Tongue River east to the railroad track, south of what is now County Highway #1. Historically recorded: August 15, 1882. It was in a central location of settlement, on the Tongue River and Rose Bud Coulee. Boom time came with rumor of a railroad and actual event. The St.Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba Railroad built the road from Grand Forks to Winnipeg, Manitoba. It reached Bathgate, August 10, 1882; although the service didn't begin until September 24 the same year. There were good trains, passenger, baggage and express, diners and sleepers. The North Bound arrived at 11:20 A.M. and the South Bound arrived at 5:15 P.M. The depot agent was Benjamin Lewis and the freight agent, W.H. Griffin. The first carload of hard wheat was shipped out September 27, 1882. Telegraph poles were set in November 1882. Most of us remember it as "The Great Northern". On February 1, 1890, it became the "Great Northern" with the late James Hill, as President of the company. Ref.; "History of the Great Northern Rail Road-1955". The first home, William Foster's near the present dam site. He also built the building which was the first post office about where it is now: Dick Houston's home, in the north end near the railroad tracks. Mr. Foster was first postmaster and Miss Sarah Carr of Tyner was assistant. He carried the mail, horseback from Hamilton Post office about five miles south of here and about two miles northwest of Hamilton on the "Pembina Cavalier Trail". There were no trains here as yet. This service for two years was without remuneration. He surely was the town's Promoter. Church services were held in his home. He donated the land for the cemetery, planted the trees, there and in town. He hauled the logs from the Pembina River to build the bridge across the river near his home. Mr. and Mrs. Foster's other sons were William, George, and Robert; they with brother Ike were well known Bathgate citizens and business man. "Ike or I.J." was an auctioneer, insurance and real estate agent, as well as a farmer. He was county sheriff, member of the Livestock Sanitary Board, Director and a superintendent of the Pembina County Fair Association. Across from the Post office, west, Alex Stewart built a boarding house. He married a sister of one of our Pioneer Mothers, Mrs. Hugh Ross; also Mrs. William McCenaghy, Sandy McGillivary, Mrs. Willard Hodgson of Cavalier and the late John McGillivary. Several hotels and boarding houses care to answer the needs of the people. The first hotel was "The Grand Union" proprietors Kenny and McDonald, located near the present Central Lumber Company. The next was the first Chevelier Hotel; although small was considered class "A". It was built in the north part of town, about where Ole Olson's house is. It was enlarged, accommodated forty to fifty steady boarders. Special dinners and banquets were served there. A taxi or delivery met all trains; brought travelers and baggage to and from the depot to the hotel. The Billyard was built northwest across the street from the depot. The Jennings Hotel was west of the depot. Pat Jennings was the first proprietor. It later became the 2nd Chevalier house, after the first one burned in 1900. I.J. Chavalier was owner. It was managed by Mr. & Mrs. Peter Gariepy for a time. There were numerous Boarding Houses and Saloons. These later went out of commission when Prohibition entered with statehood, November 2,1889. Bathgate School District No. 25 was organized May 13, 1882. The first school was Miss Taylor's claim shanty on what is now the Joseph Martindale estate about one- half mile west of town. There were only six pupils, one being Nellie Baptie, the late Mrs. Frank Willson. The first school was built the same year. It was a three-story frame building, located west of the Presbyterian church. John Young was teacher in charge. This building was later moved to a site facing north on the present school property. It was sold to Mr. Thomas Neilson for a farm residence and moved out of town. In 1892 a fine brick structure was erected, facing south where the present one is. It was fully equipped elementary and high school. In the winter of 1913-14 this was destroyed by fire and in 1914 the present one was built. The churches had their place in religious training and worship. The First one built was the Baptist, August 1882,with Reverend Steffen pastor and Reverend John Steward the second pastor. Building was in the north end of town, east of the railroad tracks. Other denominations met here. In October of the same year,1882, the Roman Catholic church was built, the one on the present site across the river west of here. The Right Reverend Father Carney served the first congregation. Father Genin, an early missionary, spent his later life here in service. His remains rest in the cemetery just west of here. A large wooden cross marks his grave. October 22, 1883, the Presbyterians organized. The first church is part of the present one. It was built north of the Catholic church. It had as minister, Reverend Williams, a congregation between 60 and 70 people. The Baptist Church was moved to a site south of Ole Olson's garage. The foundation was laid and building painted by the late Mr. Pico of Cavalier. He also painted the exterior of the Episcopal church; which had its beginning about this time, 1886, Rector was Reverend Appleby. The Methodist church was built about this time in the north end of town, one block north of the hall. Pastor was Reverend Sam Kerfoot. It was moved to the corner south of here. It has a balcony and stained glass windows. Reverend James Opie(unreadable) aided in changing its location. It is now the Lutheran church, first pastor Reverend Becker, next Reverend Goos. The Presbyterian Church was also moved to its present location about 1909. The First National Bank was built near the railroad and Jennings Hotel about 1882. O.T. Harmon was the cashier. Another south of the present post office was built. Dr. Burrows was an official. It also was burned. You can see the old vault now, it is all that remains. Another was built where the present post office is--Citizens State Bank. The building directly north of here was later the Bathgate State Bank. H.I. Holmes was affiliated with this bank. There were several money lenders or loan officers. Interest rates were high, often 12%. Other places of business: January 13, 1883, lumber and machinery arrived for a grist mill. It was operated by Winterer. Then in 1892 or 93, the Bathgate Roller Mill began operation with C.M. Hertiz, proprietor. This was a real help for miles around for many years. It was located north of the present hall near the railroad tracks and south of the ?eclion house. The first newspaper, a weekly, was the "Bathgate Sentinel"; March 14, 1882. T.W. Douglas was the first publisher and editor. He was soon followed by R.D. Hoskins of Crookston, Minnesota (Some of this material is from clippings saved by the late Miss Ella Robertson). Printing office was the Foster Post office building. Mr. Hoskins married a sister of Mrs. Ike or I.J. Foster's wife, Florence Armstrong. They later moved to Bismark where they operated a Drug Store and later became affiliated with the "Hoskins Meyer Broadcasting Company". The next editor was F.A. Willson. He was in charge of the "Pembina County Democrat" at Langdon. There wasn't any Cavalier County at that time. He came back to Bathgate and published the "Pink Paper" for several years. His shop was just north of the present post office. He also was an outstanding citizen, held several county and state offices. Across the street from east of here was a jeweler store, drug store and hardware and furniture store owned by him. He also was a farm owner. The fire hall was once where the post office is now, the town hall north of the present one. About 1907 the present one was built. In 1900 the population was recorded at 641 persons. In ten years it dwindled to about half of what it was. Why? Well, in 1887 the railroad arrived at Langdon, Cavalier, to Wallhalla and east the Northern Pacific came to Pembina. Transportation played a big part with every westward movement. Two big disastrous fires played havoc, too. The ever faithful, ambitious spirits of the true Pioneers persevered and we enjoy the results of their labors. Bathgate could boast of seven elevators in 1887. The first one was Pillsbury and Hurlburt--agent S.R. Merril. Another was the Minneapolis and Northern. The late Mr. William Wright, who came with his family from Ontario in 1880 helped in one of the elevators. He farmed near Hamilton. Many stores, shops and places of business and professional people were kept busy. A wholesale grocery andmachinery establishment supplied settlers from as far west as Lagdon. Many retail stores were in operation. Right here was the Watt Brothers store. The last general store on this site was the Hillis& Manning Store. Ar the time of its distruction it was operated by James McCall, about 1944. Back again to early history. Some people succeeded in growing tobacco and a cigar factory did business in a building north of our recent grocery store. It soon became a harness and shoe shop with Mr. Fiedler as owner. William and Luke Steele, formerly a creamery and cheese factory, later a hardware store. There were many blacksmiths, all kept busy; among these were Louis Balis, Sr., his sons John and Louis, Jr. Grandpa Moses Balis owned a farm at St. Joe or LeRoy. Grant Balis is a son of the late John Balis, Jr. D. J. McIntosh was an early blacksmith, too. Machinery shops were many.I can only name a few: Bennett & Dopking, Esterly. James Brothers, William and Ben James, George Ganslee. Lumber dealers and carpenters were numerous, A. F. Johnson and Ferguson and many more. A tabulated list of pioneers is on hand for reference. It is made in duplicate, one for Historical Society and the other one filed with the local unit. Hardware stores and tin shops worked hand in hand. The first general store was J.M. Lyons. Others---Swinton, Peterson, Melheim-Fossum, John L. Green, and J.J. Auggers. There were bakery shops; Mr. Frank Austin, a relative of Walter Austin, another was S.T. Tracy's of Grafton. S.T. Witmer and the late J.F. Derby had a drug store and jewelry store and photography gallery. First business was A. H. Ewing's office--Land Act & Lawyer. Many butcher shops: one was William Richardson's. There were early day business places, too. The first doctor was Dr. Marshall Sutton in 1880. He built the farthest house north in town and married Mary Bennett, a sister of the Bennett Brothers. He was followed by Dr. F. N. Burrows, Dr. H. J. James and Dr. J. S. Hamilton, all resident doctors. Dr. John Bennett came in 1879. He filed on what is still known as the "Foster place", west and south of town. He returned to Canada, while William, James and Joseph got land about four or five miles west of here. There were the Currie sisters and Sahraw girls, who were dressmakers, aided the ladies. The settlers must have horses so: Steffen and Beemer shipped in or drove in broncos and put them in a coral on a place northeast of here a site of store black. There real cowboys trained these broncos. Horse fanciers had many fine horses. Robert Grandy and John Houston shipped in a number. These were chiefly race horses. There was the best race track north of Grand Forks--just east of the elevators. Bathgate was noted for its Fourth of July celebrations. Site south east of depot. Many good baseball games took place here and the bands paraded. Besides baseball teams and a band, Bathgate boasted a good roller skating rink and ice rink and tennis court. In winter were Ice Carnivals and dances, dramatics, debates. The ladies were active in Club Work; there were the Literary, P. O. L., Shakespearean Club and later Study Clubs. The first County Sunday School Association was organized June11, 1889 in the Methodist Church. The officers were Reverend J. Schell, President, Presbyterian; Reverend W. H. Morrison, Vice President, Methodist; Reverend H. P. Cooper, Secretary and James Thompson, Treasurer. First child born was Norman Stewart. First burial was Arch McKinnon, who froze to death near the Hamilton post office in a storm January 1882. His remains rest in the cemetery, but grave not marked. Next casualty was Annie Grandy, July 1883 by drowning at fish trap, near Walhalla. For a brighter side--in 1895 a location for a Blind Asylum was made in Pembina County. St. Thomas and Bathgate tried for honors with the latter winning in a second election. Grounds were arranged and building built and in readiness by February 18, 1908. with B. P. Chapple in charge and two other instructors and 13 pupils. The late Alexander Morrison and Peter Cameron were two of a five member State Board who were the trustees. Mr. Chapple served 30 years. Mr. Herb Jeffrey served since, about 13 years. As many s 37 have been enrolled and a number have gone out as graduates into the world. The name was changed to "State School for the Blind" later. Many fine citizens and people of note were born and raised here: There were the Ferguson sisters, who became World Famous Concert Singers, Norval Baptie, Speed Skater of the world; M.C. Young--Lawyer, judge of the Supreme Court (twice). Mrs. N. C. Young--President of the North Dakota Federated Women's Club, Mrs. Adorah Carson, Judge of Pembina County; Mrs. A. M. O'Connor, Vice President of First District, R. D. Hoskins, Clerk of Supreme Court; Hugh Watt, State Land Commissioner, F. A. Willson, Secretary to State Board of Normal Schools,1888; State Oil Inspector. Neva Bostwick became the wife of Frank Douglas, one-time President of the Carnation Milk Company. H. L. Holmes, farmer, machine dealer, banker and State Auditor three times. ?arzil and Richele DeMars who came here in 1877 and plowed many acres for settlers with their plows were real Pioneers. The Donald Stewarts, grandparents of our Club President, Miss M. Brown; Martin McGillivary's parents of one of our Pioneer Mothers, Mrs. Hugh Ross, Ludger Berard, Mrs. Berard is one of our Pioneer Mothers. Herman Slagerman, grandparents of several of our citizens today; Louis Miron, Sr., one of the homesteaders north of town; Joseph Auger, another Pioneer. The Browns, Austins, Houstens, Alex Morrisons, and Louden families, as well as many others are still in our midst. Alex Morrison held many public offices, as well as being a farmer. He served as Collector of Customs at Pembina for seven years. Jud LaMoure, Jr. preceded him. The first State Demonstration farm was on his home farm, northeast of town. It is impossible to name all early citizens and their occupations; but I have endeavored to list many. Anyone interested can refer to the list, which is a supplement to this. The writer is greatly indebted to the late Miss Ella Robertson for the material she has saved of historical interest. Miss Robertson was once State Historian of the North Dakota Federated Women's Club and saw the value of preserving history. She was a civic leader, Superintendent of our schools, as well as an instructor in Ellendal State College; also in other towns. When our organization began16 years ago this August, one of her dreams came true. She was one of the organizers. You will note; on Citizenry list, the men's names are given; but there were many Pioneer Mothers and Daughters too. We honor both this day. I am happy to have a part in this. Mrs. C. R. Morrison June 1956 Dedication of marker, honoring Bathgate Pioneer Mothers at Bathgate,North Dakota. Marker is on lawn on Masonic Hall property, where Hillis & Menning Store used to be. EARLY SETTLERS-- BATHGATE, PEMBINA COUNTY, NORTH DAKOTA A Armstrong, Adam Merchant Armstrong, Lyn Druggist Armstrong, Douglas Farmer Appleby, Rev. Rector Auger, J.J. Merchant Auger, Joseph Farmer Auger, Jerry Farmer Auger, Ovide Farmer Auger, Peter Farmer Auger, Alphonse Farmer Austin, Frank Baker Austin, Philip Farmer Argue, John,Sr. Farmer Argue, Andrew Farmer Argue, Arthur Farmer, Banker Argue, William Farmer Argue, C.W. Farmer, Merchant B Baldwin, Allan Tinsmith Baptie, John Sr. Farmer Baptie, Norval Skater Baptie, William Farmer Baptie, John Jr. Farmer Bauie, Charles Beathune, John E. Farmer Beathune, John A. Farmer Beathune, Norman Farmer Beaton, Alex Farmer, Oil Agt. Bennett, Dr. John Farmer, M.D. Bennett, Joseph Farmer, Machinery Bennett, James Farmer Bennett, William Farmer Baker, Thomas Bird, Thomas Farmer Berard, Ludger Farmer Berard, George Farmer Sons of Ludger Berard John, Eugene, Leonard,Delore Sons of George Berard, Sr. George, Jr. Beemer, Bronco Cowboy Bertrand, Alzier & Sons Farmers Henry & Alphonse Blacklock, J.T. Blais, Moses Black Blais, Louis Blacksmith Bowen, Ed Furniture Bostwick, Ed Hardware Breman, Ed Farmer Brown, H.J. & Sons Farmers Peter Wm & George Brown, Ralph & Sons Farmers David, Alex & Robt Burrows, J.N.Dr. Dr., Druggist, Banker Burke, Jas. Attorney Burwash Burch, Jos. Farmer Burns, Hugh Farmer Burns, Roy Farmer Burns, Everett Farmer C Father Carney Priest Campbell, Wm Farmer Capitan, Louis Elevator Carrick, Thos. Farmer Carson, Robt. Teacher, Banker, Farmer, Judge Chale, Antoine, Sr. Farmer Chale, Antoine, Jr. Farmer Chale, Earnest Farmer Chale, Wm. Farmer Chale, John Farmer Chale, Geo. Farmer Chale, Theo. Farmer Chapman, W.S. Butcher Chareton, Furniture Cartier, Fred Sr. & Farmers Sons, Fred, Jr., Lloyd & Raymond Chevakuerm I.J. Hotel, Farmer Christie, Adam Hardware, Farmer Currie, John Carl, ? Carl, C.J. 1st white child born in Carlisle Campbell, Colin Craig, James Farmer D DeMars, Brazil Farmer DeMars, Richele Farmer Sons of Brazil DeMars Norman, Robert Sons of Richele DeMars George, William, Frank, Fred DeForge, Jos Machinist DeForge, Wm Machinist DeForge, Chas Machinist Dopking, L.N. Machinery Douglas, T.W. 1st Editor Douglas E Eley, Henry Eley, Wm Eley, Tofe Esterly, Geo. Machinery Ellis Livery Barns Elmer, Chas. Farmer Ewing, A.H. Land Agt., Attorney Eastman, Ephriam & son Allan Farmers F Fadden, Tom Boarding House Fadden, Ernest Ferguson, D. Lumber Dealer Fee, Matt Carpenter, Elevator Agt. Fiedler, Frank & Sons Harness Maker Fiedler, Albert, Jackson Farmers George, Patrick & Hamilton Fossum, A.D. Merchant Foster, I.J. or Ike Farmer Foster, Wm. Sr. Town Founders Foster, George Machinery G Ganslie, Feo. Machinery Garripy, Peter Tinsmith Garner Bros. Merchants Gelder, Chris & Sons Farmer Fred, Walter, Stanley & Frank Genie, Father Noted Priest Grandy, John Sr. & Sons Farmer John & Alfred Grandy, Robt. Stockman(Horses) Green, John L. Merchant Griffin, W.H. Freight Agent Gibney, Jas. Farmer Gibson Lawyer Goodall, A.J. & Sons Farmer Herbert and A.J. Jr. Gurley, Frank Farmer H Hamilton, J.S. Pastor & M.D. Hamilton, Sam Farmer, Hamilton Twp named for him Harris, A.J. Elev. Agt. Harman, C.T. Banker Hawkins, Thos. Farmer, Upholsterer Hertiz Mill Prop. Hewitt, John Butcher Hollinger, C.J. Drayman Holmer, H.J. Machinery, Banker Holt Meat Market Howard, Fred Grocer Huffman, Frank Farmer Hunt, George Meat Market Hellstrom, F.C. Loans Hoskins, R.D. Printer (2nd) Houston, Richard Merchant Houston, Isaac Farmer Houston, Sidney & Sons Farmer Charles, Arthur & Alfred Houston, John Houston, John E. Carpenter, Blacksmith Hughes, Norris Farmer Hughes, Jas Farmer Hughes, Robt Farmer Hepbun, Andy I Isabel, Levi J Jackson, John Barber James, Benjamin Farmer James, William Machinery James, Herb. J. Doctor Jennings, Pat Hotel Proprietor Jephcott, Rev. M.E. Pastor K Kerfoot, Sam,Rev. 1st Methodist Pastor Kenny 1st Hotel Proprietor Keller, Henry Bank Clerk Kerr, Andrew Farmer Kyle Blacksmith L Laney, George Marshal Lauzon, Mike& Sons Henry, Arthur & ?(Mun) Louden, William Sr. & Sons Farmers Wm. Jr., Alex, Arthur,Joe, Harrison, Wilson Lyons, J.M. 1 st Merchant Lindsay, John Teacher, Mrs. Carson's father M Martel, Daniel Farmer Martindale, James, Sr. & Sons Farmers Thomas, James & Joe Maley, John & Sons (Joseph & John) McConaghy, William Sr. & Sons Farmers William & Amos McDonald 1st Hotel Proprieter McDougal,Dan Farmer, Carpenter McKinnon, Arch Farmer (1st death) McLean, Donald McLean, Wm McLead, Alex McLead, Peter McMillan 1st Barber Merril, T.C. Elevator Messecar, Seymour Farmer Monroe, Hardware Morin Livery McIntosh, D.J. Blacksmith McIntosh, Hugh Farmer Mercer, G.E.B. Melheim, P.F. Furniture McColl, E. & Sons Jas, Archie, John & Chas Merchants, Farmers Meagher, Mike Farmer Meagher, Jas. Farmer Meagher, Richard Farmer McGillivary, Martin & Sons Farmers John & Alex (Sandy) McKenzie, Duncan Clerk at Bank McKittrick Lawyer Millar, John Farmer Moffatt, Wm. Farmer Miron, Louis, Sr. & Sons Farmers Evarest, Louis, Jr. Eldege Miron, Theo Farmers Moaney Loans Morrison, Alex & Sons Farmers Glenn, Clarence & Lloyd Montgomery, Geor Farmer Morre, John Farmer Meagher Bros. Farmers Mike, Richard, James N Nevins, John & Sons Farmers Steve, William, Thomas Nevins, Mike Steve, Tolie & John Farmers Neill, James Farmer, Machinery Neilson, Thos. O O'Connor, Archie M. Machinery O'Hara, William Drayman Orr, James Merchant P Unreadable (Parsons?) Insurance Salesman Parker, C.L. Money Lender Perrault Miller, Hardware Powers, Wesley Farmer Piche, Ed, Sr. Farmer Piche, Ed, Jr. Farmer Peavey, Louis Farmer, Livery Proudlove, Robt. Q Quigley, Mike & Sons Veterinarian, Farmer (Charles, Frank, Ed, William, Bernard) R Randal, David Reed, Wm. Drayman Reynolds Farmer Richardson, Wm, Sr. & Sons Richardson, Wm, Jr. Butcher Richardson, R.B. Carpenter Robertson, Wm & Son Farmer (H.E.Harold) Robinson, J.B. Teacher Robinson, J.D. Lumber Dealer Ross, Hugh, Sr. & Sons Farmers Hugh, Jr. Richie Farmer S Salerau Sandgren, Aaron & Son R.R. & Farmer (Ames) Farmer Steele, Wm Farmer & Cheese Factory Operator Steele, Luke Hardware Store Sedore, Thos, Joe, Jas. Builders, Draymen Seblen, John & Son Farmers (Edward) Scheving, Einar Farmer Shambaugh, Geo. Farmer Spaulding, J.D. Herdsman Stockton, John & Son Farmer (George) Stephenson, Rev. Thos 1st Baptist Pastor Stewart, Donald & Son Farmers (Early) (Peter) Shaw Furniture Steffen, J.B. Bronco Dealer St. German, Herman & Sons Farmer Con, Andy, Ed, David Barber-- unreadable Steward, Alex Hotel Prop. (Early) Simons, Robt. E. Farmer Snodgress Shoemaker & Harnessmaker Sutton, Marshall, Dr. 1st Doctor See, John & Sons Farmers (Wm., Thos. Richard) Swain, John Merchant T Tracy, J.B. Baker Taylor Mfg.Cigars Taylor, George & Son John Farmers Thomson, John & Sons, Machinist (Herbert & James) Farmer Tillett, Charles & Sons Farmers (Arthur, John, Herbert, George, Archie) Trenholm, J.D. Loans Tolehari Butcher & boarding house V Vollrath, Otto Farmer W Walton, W. L. Farmer,Machinery Watt, John Merchants (Early) Watt, Hugh Farmer Watson, L. M. Farmer Watson, Arthur Farmer Watson, Alex Farmer Weeks, James Farmer Weeks, Albert Farmer Wright, William & Sons Farmer & Elev. Agent (Wilbert, Earl, Raymond) Willson, Frank A. Printer Witmer, Sam Druggist Winters,George Merchant Winterer, Charles Miller Wiley, John Farmer Y Young, John 1st Teacher Young, N.C. Lawyer