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Localities in Sargent County, North Dakota
Alicia
In 1895 Alica was a listed RR stop in Sargent county.1Alicia was located close to the county's east boundary on the township line separating Herman and Kingston.2
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Babcock
In 1895 Babcock was a listed RR stop in Sargent county. 1Babcock was located in Verner township.2If you have further information, please e-mail
Belle Plaine
In 1895 Belle Plaine was a listed RR stop in Sargent county.1 Belle Plaine was located south of Forman near the township line separating Forman and Taylor townships.2If you have further information, please e-mail
Blackstone Post Office
Blackstone Post Office is located in Sargent township.2 , 3If you have further information, please e-mail
Brampton
In 1895 Brampton had a population of 23 and a post office.1 Brampton is located south of Cogswell in Brampton township.2Click here for information about Brampton Lutheran Church.
Click here to see Main St., Brampton circa 1910. Photo courtesy of Jerry McQuay of Pierre, SD.
Click here to see Brampton grain elevator circa 1910. Photo courtesy of Jerry McQuay of Pierre, SD.
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Brookland
In 1895 Brookland was a listed RR stop in Sargent county. It also had a post office and an express office.1 Brookland was located west of Belle Plaine between Cogswell and Brampton near the four corners of Sargent, Forman, Brampton and Taylor townships.2The following excerpt is courtesy of Jan Patrick Mongoven, "I am a direct descendant of Gilbert and Frances (Adsit) Brooks. The station Brookland was named after him and his family. Gilbert and Frances filed a "pre-emption" claim on the SW 1/4 of Section 30 in the town of Forman on 29 Jan 1887. In his claim, he testified he settled the land on 15 June 1886. Then, on 7 Feb 1887, Gilbert filed a "tree claim" on the NW 1/4 of Section 30 in Forman. This became his farm. His son, Andrew Chambers Brooks, owned a farm adjacent to Gilbert's in the SE 1/4 of Section 30 of Forman Township. The railroad ran through their properties and, as had happened near Oshkosh, Wisconsin (from whence they came), the station was named after the Brooks family. Gilbert and Frances had many children."
Click here to go to the Sargent County Pioneers page.
Click here to see how townships are numbered.
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Buffalo Lake
Buffalo Lake is now called Kandiotta. On this map it's the lake just to the right of the final "A" in NORTH DAKOTA. It is located in Shuman township.9If you have further information, please e-mail
Cayuga
In 1895 Cayuga had a population of 28 and was a listed RR stop in Sargent county. Cayuga also had a postoffice and an express office at that time.1 Cayuga is located on the township line separating Ransom and Kingston townships.2Jerry McQuay visited Cayuga in August 2007. Here's a couple of his photos. photo 1 and photo 2.
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Cogswell
In 1895 Cogswell was a listed RR stop with a post office in Sargent county.1 Cogswell is located on the township line separating Harlem and Sargent townships.2Here's a postcard of Cogswell, ND in 1909 courtesy of Jerry McQuay of Pierre, SD.
Here's another photo of Cogswell, date unknown, courtesy of Jerry McQuay.
Here's the Cogswell Hospital in 1908. Photo courtesy of Jerry McQuay.
Here's a picture postcard of "Main Street, Cogswell, ND" that was mailed in 1914. Courtesy of La Rae Parrow Huelsmann.
This picture is also from Cogswell....taken after the bank robbery. The date is difficult to read- Sept....1907 maybe? There must be an interesting story to go along with this. I'm hoping the picture will prompt someone to share more details surrounding the event. Photo courtesy of La Rae Parrow Huelsmann.
In June 2011 Jerry McQuay visited Cogswell and took a couple of photos. Photo 1 Photo 2
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Crete
Crete ia a 20th-century town located in Denver township. Crete was named after Lucretia Steele, the daughter of a local landholder.4If you have further information, please e-mail
De Lamere
In 1895 De Lamere had a population of 53. De Lamere was a listed RR stop with a post office and an express office in Sargent county.1 De Lamere is located in Hall township.2If you have further information, please e-mail
FORMAN
In 1895 Forman had a population of 178, a post office and an express office. It was a listed RR stop in Sargent county.1Forman is the county seat and has been since 1883 when Sargent county was created from Ransom county.5 Forman is located at the four corners of Bowen, Dunbar, Forman and Rutland townships.2
Click Views around Forman to see photos. This is an offsite link; use your "Back" button to return to this page.
Here's the Home Page for the above offsite link Welcome to Forman, North Dakota
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Forsby
In 1895 Forsby had a post office.1 Forsby was located in Willey township.2If you have further information, please e-mail
Geneseo
In 1895 Geneseo had a population of 39 and was a listed RR stop with a post office and an express office in Sargent county.1 Geneseo is located in Kingston township.2Here's a photo of the C. Weaver Pool Room in the Geneseo area, courtesy of Denise Volzka-Krueger. If you have any information about this establishment or the photo please e-mail Denise by clicking on her name.
(July 2003) My grandfather Joseph Starosta owned or was part owner of this pool hall in the early 1930's. My mother, who was born in Geneseo (now resides in Wisconsin) will try and find more pictures, of that year or maybe earlier. She commented that there were alot of fights here! My grandfather had his leg broken from a fight he was in! Tammy Fritch
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Graball
Graball is the name given to the "End of the Line" located at SW corner of S1-t 132 -R 54, later to be known as Linton.6Gwinner
In 1895 Gwinner was not even listed.1Gwinner is located in Whitestone Hill township.2
Here's a 1909 photo of wolf hunters in Gwinner courtesy of Jerry McQuay.
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Hamlin
In 1895 Hamlin had a post office.1 Hamlin is located in Herman township.2Mary Post Kelsey, a descendant of Ezra D. Post, wrote an interesting narrative of the early settlement of Hamlin. A partial copy was obtained from June Fritzen, Curator of the Sargent County Museum located in Forman by Daniel Harrington of Boise, Idaho, in 1999.
Names mentioned in the narrative include: Ezra D. POST, H. HARRINGTON family, Frank STRONG, George GATES, James DAVIS, John HERMAN, Allison BLYTHE, Charles WOLFE, Dan THORTON, SHOREY brothers, Durain MAKINSTER.
Click here to view page one of the copy.
Click here to view page two of the copy.
Message dated 9 Jan 2004:
"John Herman was my grandfather and I was raised on the homestead that was the area called Hamlin.
Some of the Post land was purchased by my family. I don't know what type of information you might want
but I'd be glad to try to get answers for you, if appropriate. Lois Herman Monson - daughter of Meade Herman"
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Hample
Hample is located in Verner township.2If you have further information, please e-mail
Harlem
In 1895 Harlem had a population of 19, a post office and an office. It was a listed RR stop in Sargent county.1 Harlem is located in Harlem township.2Harlem was a small settlement six miles north of Cogswell and was the northern terminus of the Dakota and Great Southern. Originally it was intended that this line would run from Sioux Falls, SD to Aberdeen, SD , then north through Valley City, ND, terminating in Grand Forks, ND. However, problems arose which caused construction to end at Harlem, although the grade was continued north for a considerable distance, but no steel was ever laid.
The first settlers came from the vicinity of Harlem, NY in 1880. Information available indiciates in the later part of the 1880's Harlem was a thriving community of 150 people, with a reputation for toughness nearly equalling that of Newark, SD. One of the main pastimes for the local gentry, as well as the off duty railroad men and traveling men, was engaging in the poker game that ran continually in one of the hotels. In season they could back their judgement of horse flesh at the race track west of town with some of the "long green" won at the poker table. Until 1910 this was a busy community. There were 2 general stores, 2 hotels, a blacksmith shop, livery stable, post office, three elevators, lumber yard, bank, barber shop, drugstore, doctor, seven saloons, a church, school, newspaper and many residences. Increased settlement and a period of good crops delayed its inevitable demise, shortly after 1910, the advent of better roads, the automobile, competion of Cogswell and the Soo Line, along with the coming of the "dirty thirties" was too much and the end came. Today the site is a pasture with evidence of its one time existence marked by remains of the turntable, old basement holes, part of the race track and one old farm home.
From an article in the Dakota Farmer, June 1972, titled "Dakota Ghost Towns"
Harlem - Founded in 1884, named for its township, which was named for Harlem NY; incorporated as a village in 1888. The Post Office was established March 8, 1887 with Frank E. Kindall, Postmaster. Discontinued April 30, 1912. Harlem was once a thriving town, it being a branch of the C.M. & St. Paul Railway. However, it declined after 1900 when the Northern Pacific built a branch line from Milnor to Oakes. In the fall of 1923, the rails were removed from Harlem to Cogswell, leaving Harlem inland and to date all but vanished.
From a Brief History of Sargent County Towns & Postoffices, Past & Present compiled by Murdean Gulsvig
Click here to read Early History Of Harlem by Mabel Cusik Klinkhammer.
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Havana
Prior to 1887 this settlement was known as Weber.7Be sure to read the biographical sketch of Henry Weber on the Sargent County Biographies Page.
In 1895 Havana had a population of 102 and was a listed RR stop with a post office and an express office in Sargent county.1 Havana is located in Weber township.
Here's a 1907 photo and another of an unknown year looking down Second Street. Both are from postcards, courtesy of Jerry McQuay, Pierre, SD.
This picture of the Havana school is circa 1907-08. The school was hit by lightening in 1928 and destroyed by fire. Photo courtesy of La Rae Parrow Huelsmann.
Here's a 1940 photo of the gas station in Havana, ND. Dr. Lyle on left and Harold McLaughlin on right. This building still stands and is used as a wood work shop. Photo courtesy of La Rae Parrow Huelsmann.
Here's an off-site link to Lyle Staehnke's webpage of Havana photos. (Just remember to click your Back button to return to this page.)
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Hoving
Hoving is located in Willey township.2If you have further information, please e-mail
Kandiotta
On this map Kandiotta is the lake just to the right of the final "A" in NORTH DAKOTA. It is located in Shuman township.9Linton
Linton was the new name for Graball, but in 1883 when the railroad extended beyond Linton, the town was relocated to the new "end of the line" and renamed Milnor.6Click view to see a collage postcard of Linton buildings. The postcard has a postal cancellation date of DEC 1910. Is this a collage photo of abandoned builings left behind when Linton relocated to the new "end of the line" and was named Milnor? Perhaps Linton as a ghost town about 1910.? Submitted by Jerry McQuay of Pierre, SD (August 2002).
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Milnor
Milnor is Linton resurrected. The move of Linton to Milnor took place the summer and fall of 1883.6In 1895 Milnor had a population of 279, a post office and an express office. Milnor was also a listed RR stop in Sargent county.1 Milnor is located in Milnor township.
Here is a brief chronology of Milnor's history.
Click view to see a postcard of Milnor during summer of 1910. Submitted by Jerry McQuay of Pierre, SD (August 2002).
Click view to see a postcard of the train depot at Milnor, ND around 1911. Submitted by Jerry McQuay of Pierre, SD (May 2002).
Click view to see an undated postcard of the Pioneer Store & Milnor Hardware Co., Milnor, ND. Submitted by
Jerry McQuay of Pierre, SD (August 2002).
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Nicholson
In 1895 Nicholson was a listed RR stop with a post office and an express office in Sargent county.1 Nicholson is located in Harlem township.2If you have further information, please e-mail
Perry
In 1895 Perry was a listed RR stop in Sargent county.1 Perry was located at the four corners of Dunbar, Shuman, Rutland and Ransom townships.2If you have further information, please e-mail
Ransom
In 1895 Ransom had a population of 98 and an express office. Ransom was a listed RR stop in Sargent county.1 Ransom is located north of Cayuga at the four corners of Shuman, Herman, Ransom and Kingston townships.2If you have further information, please e-mail
Rutland
In 1895 Rutland had a population of 257, a post office and an express office. Rutland was a listed RR stop in Sargent county.1 Rutland is located on the township line separating Rutland and Ransom townships.2********** RUTLAND (Source: Sargent County Teller, February 8, 1901) All About One of the Progressive and Lovely Little Cities of Sargent County. Located In a Fertile Farming Section Adjacent to the Sisseton Hills It was the pleasure of a Teller representative to visit Rutland last week, and to enjoy a walk through its streets, to obtain glimpses of business conditions as they exist, and to chat with the leading businessmen and citizens of that beautifully located and progressive little town. Rutland is located as the English say--when ordering a drink, “half and half,” in Rutland and Ransom townships. It is situated on the G. N. railway--of which two branches fork here one from Aberdeen, S.D., and the other from Ellendale, N.D., then continuing as one line into Minnesota, tapping Jim Hill’s ,main line at Tintah Junction, Minn. Eastbound trains remain here one hour for supper, hence Rutland is quite an important point with the traveling public. The G.N. Co., maintains a neat round house here, and an agent the year around--the latter being no means distinction, all things considered. Here is the home of the sheriff of Sargent county, Mr. David J. Jones, and his estimable wife. “Dave,” despite his election Nov. 7th last, will continue his important business here. He maintains a lumber office and yard, wood and coal depot, flour and feed store, all of which lines do a land-office business. Mr. Jones efforts to build up Rutland have been persistent. It was owing to his pushing the Rutland creamery has since enjoyed an enviable degree of success. John Flados, dealer in general merchandise, has a large business. John is considered as one of the salt of the earth. J. F. Johnson, dealer in general merchandise, is also an enterprising and successful business man. There is another general merchant, Edward Bentson, who does a nice business, and is popular with his patrons. Ole Wedin, postmaster and dealer in general hardware, is a prince of good fellows. Landlord Jones, of the City Hotel, sets a good table and gives patrons staying overnight clean beds. Wm. Bouch, manager of the Rutland Livery Stable, is a prime favorite of the entire community. John Bloomdale, six feet tall, conducts a restaurant, confectionery stand and barber shop. He is one of those kind of fellows happy the livelong day. D.J. McKenzie, popularly known as “The Elder”, collector and real estate agent, has his home here. He has two charming daughters. Ole A. Fladby is a practical blacksmith and wagon repairer. Farmers come from many miles around to employ Ole’s services. He was recently married to an estimable young lady of the township. The town has a sufficiency of good water, there being a good flowing well just north of the railway depot.(Submitted January 2006 by Jerry McQuay)
**********
Here's a link to the Welcome to Rutland, North Dakota website. The "Rooster Crows" articles on the Rutland website...published weekly....are interesting and many times have reprints from old articles from the newspaper.
Here's a photo taken spring 2005, courtesy of Jerry McQuay.
In June 2011 Jerry McQuay returned and took this photo of Rutland.
If you have further information, please e-mail
Sargent
In 1895 Sargent had a population of 107 and an express office. Sargent was a listed RR stop in Sargent county.1 Exact location unknown.2If you have further information, please e-mail
Sprague Lake
In 1895 Sprague Lake was a listed RR stop in Sargent county.1 Sprague Lake was located in the NE corner of Weber township.2If you have further information, please e-mail
Stirum
A 20th century town with a population of 776 in 20008, located near Gwinner, Forman, Milnor and Cogswell.1Here's a photo of the grain elevator at Stirum abt. 1910 courtesy of Jerry McQuay.
Here's a postcard of Stirum, N.D. abt 1910 courtesy of Jerry McQuay.
Jerry McQuay visited Stirum in June 2011 and here are some photos he took: Photo 1; Photo 2; Photo 3; Photo 4.
If you have further information, please e-mail
Straubville
In 1895 Straubville was a listed RR stop with a post office and an express office in Sargent county.1 Straubville, or perhaps simply Straub, in located in Jackson township.2If you have further information, please e-mail
Tewaukon
In 1895 Tewaukon had a population of 25 and a post office.1 Tewaukon was located in Tewaukon township.2If you have further information, please e-mail
Towanda
In 1895 Towanda was a listed RR stop in Sargent county.1 Towanda was located in the SW corner of Bowen township.2Whether this place with the pretty name could truly be called a town or not is questionable. At its peak of prosperity, it never consisted of more than 25 or 50 people and was never legally platted.
George Passage founded this village sometime in 1884, 1 1/2 miles east of the present town of Cogswell, ND. Within a short time, Towanda boasted of a grain elevator, depot, general store and post office, along with several residences. Passage was not only the founder, but also postmaster and proprietor of the general store.
During the late 1880's the Soo Line, building west from Hankinson, ND, reached Cogswell and continued to Oakes and points west. The Dakota and Great Southern, coming from the south and continuing as far as Harlem, crossed the Soo Line at Cogswell, and Towanda began to die. The depot, elevator and serveral other buildings were eventually moved into Cogswell, and the land upon which the little town had stood became farm land. The hopes and dreas were gone, the founders gone and finally the town was gone.
From an article in the Dakota Farmer, June 1972, titled "Dakota Ghost Towns".
Towanda...A Post Office was estabished March 17, 1888 on SE 1/4 Sec 31-131-56, which was one half mile east from home of the postmaster, George G. Passage, who operated an elevator and store there also. He named the Post Office for his former home town in New York. The Post Office has long been discontinued. Closed Aug. 31, 1900 with mail to Cogswell.
From a Brief History of Sargent County Towns & Postoffices, Past & Present, compiled by Murdean Gulsvig.
If you have further information, please e-mail
Verner
In 1895 Verner had a population of 27 and a post office.1 Verner is located in Verner township.If you have further information, please e-mail
Weber
After 1887 this settlement was known as Havana.7 Weber was located in Weber township.Be sure to read the biographical sketch of Henry Weber on the Sargent County Biographies Page. If you have further information, please e-mail
Sargent Co., NDGenWeb Coordinator
Source Citations for Localities in Sargent County, North Dakota
1. Pam Rietsch's transcription of the Index to the 1895 U.S. Atlas @ http://www.livgenmi.com/1895nd (April 2002)
2. Best guess estimates by Char Kibbie when comparing the 1895 Sargent Co. Map and the Township Map of Sargent Co. (April 2002)
3. Sargent County Map #2 (April 2002)
4. Webpage for Crete, ND @ http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/genInfo.php?locIndex=52771 (April 2002)
5.
6. A brief chronology of Milnor's History @ http://www.milnornd.com/historywritten.html (April 2002)
7. La Rae Huelsmann's Brief History of Havana @ http://members.aol.com/laraesph/havana.html (April 2002)
8. Website http://www.digital-neighbors.com/city/nd/stirum93b.htm (April 2002)
9. Information from Judith Jones who submitted obits from the area.
Sargent Co., NDGenWeb Coordinator