Meeker County MN Archives Biographies.....Wakefield, Leander L. 1833 - 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 December 28, 2019, 10:50 am

Source: Alden, Ogle & Co.
Author: See Below

     LEANDER L. WAKEFIELD. One of the first pioneers of Meeker county, and one who
has always been identified with its interests, is the gentleman named above, who
first made his appearance here in November, 1856, and settled upon section 18,
Forest City township. He is now a resident of the village of Forest City, the old
county seat, whose glory has departed since the inception of Litchfield.

  Mr. Wakefield is a native of the town of Gardiner, Kennebec county, Me., born
October 22, 1833.

   He received his education, and was reared in the “Old Pine Tree State,” and as he
grew to manhood engaged in lumbering in that locality, and followed that business
until some twenty-three years of age, when he came to Minnesota, and Meeker county.

   He adopted farming on coming here, which has been his chief occupation ever
since. He has filled several of the town offices, the chief ones being those of
supervisor and constable. lie is always interested in educational matters, being for
several years a member of the school board.

   Our subject has been twice married, the first time to Miss Lois Sturtevant, also
a native of Maine, who died August 20, 1876, leaving seven children— William Edwin,
who married Miss Addie Peters, and is living in Forest City; Theron A., who married
Miss Flora Taylor, and lives in Litchfield; Sarah R., Mrs. Seth Burdick, living in
Forest City; Mary E., John R., Luella L., and Leander L. April 15, 187S, Mr.
Wakefield contracted a second matrimonial alliance, with Mrs. Ruth E. Smith, a
native of the State of Maine.

   During the Indian outbreak Mr. Wakefield had quite an experience. lie and William
Marble had engaged to take a quantity of flour from Forest City to the Yellow
Medicine Agency, and when within half a mile of the Minnesota river and eight miles
below the agency, camped for the night, sleeping under their wagons.

   About two o’clock in the morning they were awakened by two Frenchmen who had
fortunately escaped the murderous Sioux at the agency and on account of the dense
fog had lost their way. From the Frenchman’s limited knowledge of the English
language they were unable to learn the particulars, and determined to investigate
the matter. They yoked the oxen, intending to proceed to the ferry, then in charge
of a Mr. Brown. When on their way to the ferry their attention was attracted by two
horsemen, riding at a rapid rate. On noticing the teams the horsemen turned out of
their course, accosted Mr. Wakefield and Mr. Marble, saying, “Turn back, if you want
to save your scalps; the Indians are killing the whites at sight, at the agency.”
After giving this information they continued their flight to the lower agency.
Within an hour they were captured by the Indians.

   Providentially, one of the men, Mr. Blair,. escaped through the mercy of some
friendly Indians. The fate of the other was unknown. Obeying the order given, Mr.
Wakefield and Mr. Marble turned back, down to a ravine, unloaded their flour and
started toward Forest City, traveling the distance of seventy miles in twenty-four
hours. Finding his house deserted, his family having gone away for safety, he
proceeded to the village. After caring for his family, he rolled himself in his
blanket and slept for nearly forty-eight hours. He then was employed by Judson A.
Stanton to take the merchandise out of his store to Minneapolis, and then joined his
family.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from
Illustrated Album of Biography
Meeker and McLeod Counties, Minnesota
1888


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