Turgeons Move to St. Onge, SD
St. Onge, South Dakota
Ferdinand, Joseph and George Turgeon families lived in St. Onge. In the last part of the 19th century all three received land patents for homesteading land. Prior to this we assume they were all engaged in mining, perhaps in the St. Onge area. The Turgeons were parishioners at St. Ambrose Church in Deadwood.
St. Onge was settled as a French colony in the 1870's with pioneers coming mostly from Canada, Massachusetts, and Iowa. The fertile valley seemed a good place for the farmers who came to put down their roots as there was a ready market for their produce in the mining towns in the Hills.
Indians did not give up this land easily but heckled the settlers. In August of 1876, Jimmy Iron, a government Indian scout was ambushed and scalped by Indians on a knoll a mile northwest of town while scouting for a group of men gathering hay. He was buried where he fell and the marker can be seen in the enclosure at the St. Onge rodeo grounds.
A fort was built of cottonwood logs to put their stock in at night for protection from the Indians. It was built on the creek north of town.
Wild hay, wheat and oats were the crops first cultivated by the settlers. It would be used for their cattle and horses and sold to prospectors and miners in Deadwood and Lead. Almost all the settlers had their own cows so they could have milk for their families. They churned their own butter and sold some when they had extra. They had no way of keeping it fresh. Supplies and staples were purchased in Deadwood once or twice a year.
Since the settlers spoke different dialects of French, Mrs. Herbert Dupraix, who spoke classic French, served as an interpreter to the Furois, Tetraults, Cardinels, Benoits, Derosiers, Turgeon and Bassetts. Most still have descendants living in the area.
The photograph above is an early picture of downtown St. Onge, South Dakota. Today St. Onge is nearly a ghost town, and even in its desolate state it still looks very similar to what is depicted in the picture above.
Photograph above shows an old homestead found on the St. Onge cutoff.
The photograph below shows the Adolph Furois store built in 1892.
This was the second building in St. Onge, and was built by Pierre Leveque. At the gathering were recorded Louis Rainville, Gideon Larive, Joe Turgeon, Noel Bassett, Pete Derosier, Franncis Benoit, Fred Varie and Achille Furois holding daughter. Mrs. Adolph Furois and Mrs. Achille Tetreault were holding infants while Mrs. James Doody looked on. The teen agers and smaller chldren were other members of these families. Unidentified persons have moved away from the community and their names forgotten.
(Photo from Margaret E. Furois as found in book, Lawrence County Dakota Territory Centennial 1861 - 1961 by Mildred Fielder.)
Taken from the History of the Place names of the North Western Line:
"St. Onge, Lawrence County, South Dakota. This place was named for Henry St. Onge, a pioneer here. It was laid out in 1891 by the Pioneer Town Site Company. A nearby mission church was also named for Mr. St. Onge".
The following advertisement appeared in the Omaha World Herald, November 1, 1904. Ferdinand Turgeon died in 1904. Perhaps the previous housekeeper left after Ferdinand’s death.
Turgeon Burials in Gate of Heaven Cemetery - St. Onge
Benoit, Brouillette, Cardinal, Carrieres, Chausse, Courchanine, Patenode among other French Canadians are buried in this graveyard. The following Turgeons are buried in the same plot at Gate of Heaven Cemetery: Alice Turgeon (June 17, 1887 - February 24, 1963); Fardinand Turgeon (1836 - 1904); George Turgeon (July 13, 1881 - February 12, 1933); Helen Turgeon (March 19, 1914 - Nov 10, 1918); Joseph Turgeon (March 17, 1851 - April 7, 1937); and Robert "Bob" Turgeon (March 18, 1929 - December 12, 2003.
Ferdinand (Fardinand) Turgeon’s gravestone is found in the upper right corner. On the bottom left corner is buried his brother, Joseph. This is an interesting cemetery. Two cemeteries are adjacent to each other. One cemetery with its own gate is for the Catholics. The other cemetery, which has no fence between it has its own gate (Sunset Cemetery) for Protestants. In fact, Catholic and Protestant gravestones lie next to each to each other. The cemetery land originally belonged to Adolph Furois. He gave the Catholics their land and sold the Protestants their land for $18.00. "Gate of Heaven Cemetery" and "Sunset Cemetery" were originally known as the St. Onge Cemetery. They were in later years again combined into one cemetery.
Julia Turgeon Winter (1918 - February 21, 2001) and her son, Raymond Winter (1950 - September 20, 1988) lie buried in the Turgeon plot. Julia was George Turgeon's daughter. George Turgeon's father was Joseph. Julia's husband, Egbert Winter, died in Colorado and presume he is buried there. At least that is what the indexed records appear to suggest.
George Turgeon married Alice Kerwin of Spearfish. They had three children. Alice Agnes born on June 17, 1887 at Spearfish, married George Turgeon on December 29, 1909. The Turgeons lived and ranched in the St. Onge area and raised eight children: Joe, Marie, Helen, Henry, Julia, George (Bill), Bud (Fred), and Robert.
St. Andrew Catholic Church - St. Onge, SD
St. Andrew Catholic church was dedicated in September 1891; however, this parish no longer exists having its parishioners absorbed by other area churches. The Catholic Cemetery was established soon after the church was built.
The Black Hills Daily Times
Deadwood, Dakota
September 17, 1891
The first Catholic Church built in 1885, and destroyed by fire in 1907, was located one-half mile south of town. The cemetery was one mile south of town.
Photo below from Lawrence County Centennial, December 24, 1998, and depicts the first Catholic Church built. Very likely Turgeons appear in the picture below.
The photograph below was taken by the church that was rebuilt.
Back Row - Kermit Farren, Joe Turgeon, Mabel Bergiven, Elmire Furois Reddick, Helen Kinghorn Aga, Gladys Furois Ouelette, Edith McNeil, Ruby Elie, Mary Redmond (White), Eunice Kinghorn (Graham), Nora McNeil, Marie Turgeon, Fr. Stratton, Earl Cardinal, John Manion. Second Row - Patrick Manion, Elaine Kinghorn (Hill), Julia Turgeon, Frances Furois, Pauline Larvie (Mae in front), Aline Larvie, Dorothy McNeil, Mignon Elie, Evelyn Doody, Myrtle Bergiven, Edith Furois, Me Frank-Marie Doody, Frances Redmond, Farrin, Raymond & Renald Furois in Front, Edith Furois and Evelyn Doody, ___ Turgeon in front of Julia Turgeon, sitting Gene Elie.
The church above replaced the one that burned. In 1917 a new Catholic Church was built in the north end of town. It served the people until 1970 when it closed its doors. The church was sold and moved away and a new post office built on the site in 1974.
This church no longer exists in St. Onge. It was sold, moved to Sturgis, and is now a Baptist Church.
SELECTED OBITUARIES:
Ruby Thomas; Black Hills Pioneer; Spearfish, SD; September 6, 2012
Ruby Thomas, 96, of Spearfish, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012 at Crook County Long Term Care in Sundance, Wyo.
Ruby Turgeon Thomas was born on June 3, 1916 in Elgin, N.D. to Guy and Bertha (Stoller) Bell. The family moved to Spearfish, in 1931 where her father was in business and was instrumental in bringing the Passion Play to the Black Hills.
Ruby married Joe Turgeon of St. Onge and to that union five children were born; Emery Joel (JoJo), Harlene Gayle, Berta Faye, Kaye Ellen and Leslie Guy. The family lived in St. Onge where the children all started school. The family moved to Dupree where they operated a café. In 1952 they moved to Spearfish where she worked as a clerk for Bell Market.
Ruby married Willis Thomas of Dupree in 1962 where they ranched for 25 years and she worked in Hickenbotham's Clothing Store. After his death, she moved back to Spearfish in 1986.
Ruby's joy in life was being a grandmother to several extended families and having friends and family in her home, where she loved to cook and create gifts for all. She was a proud volunteer at the Black Hills Passion Play, where all of her family and friends participated with her. She enjoyed working in the Republican Party, giving many luncheons and supporting candidates with fundraisers. It was her pleasure to entertain nursing home residents with birthday parties. She gave unselfishly to all around her.
Survivors include her son, Les and Karen (Gregson) Turgeon of Beulah, Wyo.; two sisters, Garnette Ainsworth and Sonya Albers both of Spearfish; brother, Roger Guy Bell of Spearfish; 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husbands Joe Turgeon and Willis Thomas; her parents Bertha and Guy Bell; brothers, Tom, Doug and LeRoy (Bud) Bell; son, JoJo; three daughters, Harlene, Berta and Kaye; two stepsons, Terry and Jewell Thomas; a grandson, Randy Lane Mraz; a great-granddaughter, Amy Jo Mraz; and a great-great-grandson, Devon Nicolas.
Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012 at the United Church of Christ (Congregational), her church home for 86 years, in Spearfish. A private family burial will be held at Rosehill Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Service of Spearfish.
George E. Turgeon: Newspaper Obituary and Death Notice
Black Hills Pioneer (Spearfish, SD) - Monday, May 15, 2000
Deceased Name: George E. Turgeon
Funeral services for George E. "Bill" Turgeon, 79, Rapid City, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 16, at the Osheim-Catron Funeral Home, Rapid City, with Rev. David Orians officiating. Burial will be with military honors in Black Hills National Cemetery.
Bill died Saturday, May 12, 2000, at a Rapid City nursing home.
Bill was born Nov. 25, 1920, in Deadwood to Joseph and Alice (Kerwin) Turgeon. He was raised in St. Onge and attended school there. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 and served until July 1946, then returned to Deadwood. He owned and managed supper clubs in Alliance, Neb., Scottsbluff, Neb., Denver, Colo., and Akron, Colo.
On Nov. 14, 1957, he married Esther Cresswell in Reno, Nev. They then sold the supper club in Akron and returned to South Dakota and owned the Half Way House near Deadwood. Bill then operated a post peeling plant for two years and in 1963, opened Turgeon Supper Club in Central City. In 1971, they purchased the Canyon Lake Club in Rapid City and operated it until retirement in 1976. He has lived in Rapid City ever since.
Bill was an active snowmobiler and belonged to the Black Hills/Rapid City Snowmobile Club and served as president for seven years. He was involved with Ski for Light, and belonged to the Rapid Roamers motor home club. He was a life member of the Elks Lodge, VFW and American Legion.
Survivors include his wife, Esther, Rapid City; one daughter, Penny Doughty, Deerfield, Fla.; a special daughter, Penny Island, Rapid City; two brothers, Bob Turgeon, Cody, Wyo., and Bud Turgeon, Casper, Wyo.; one sister, Julia Winner, Spearfish; and two grandchildren, Beth and Jess Island.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Henry and Joe; and his parents.
Robert Turgeon
Powell Tribune, Wyoming December 12, 2003
Robert F. (Bob) Turgeon
(Dec. 12, 2003)
Robert F. (Bob) Turgeon, 74, Cody died Friday, Dec. 12 at West Park Hospital in Cody.
He was born March 18, 1929, in St. Onge, S.D., son of George and Alice Turgeon. He made his career in building construction.
He was a member of the Cody Elks Lodge where he enjoyed playing gin rummy and cribbage. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.
Survivors include one brother, Fred (Bud) Turgeon of Casper. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and three sisters.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at the Elks at a later date.
Julie Turgeon Winter
Black Hills Pioneer (Spearfish, SD) - Thursday, February 22, 2001
Deceased Name: Julie Winter
A memorial service for Julie Winter, 83, lifetime Lawrence County resident, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, 2001, at Fidler Funeral Chapel, Spearfish, with Rev. Fr. Kerry Prendiville, officiating. In keeping with Julie's wishes, her body was cremated and inurnment will be at Gateway to Heaven Cemetery, St. Onge.
She died Feb. 21, 2001, at the David M. Dorsett Health Care Facility, Spearfish, following a lengthy and courageous struggle with arthritis.
She was born Jan. 22, 1918, at St. Onge to George J. and Alice (Kerwin) Turgeon. She grew up in the St. Onge area and graduated from Spearfish High School.
She lived in Spearfish where she raised three children. She drove the city taxi and was bookkeeper in the City Treasurer's office. She bartended for more than 30 years at the B&B Bar and several locations in the Hills. With her quick wit and generous nature, she befriended scores of people along the way and made many lasting friendships. She was given special recognition by the student body in the 1952 Black Hills State College yearbook, the Eochia.
She was an avid cribbage player and bowler. She bowled in several ladies and mixed leagues and participated often in state and national bowling tournaments.
Survivors include two daughters, Patricia Clarke, Pierre, and Sharon McGregor, San Diego; four grandchildren, Scot McGregor, New York City, Curt Clarke, Great Falls, Mont., Beth Dole, Scottsdale, Ariz., and Jill Holt, Clermont, Fla.; seven great grandchildren; two brothers, Fred Turgeon, Casper, Wyo., and Robert Turgeon, Cody, Wyo.; and three sisters-in-law, Ruby Thomas, Spearfish, Esther Turgeon, Rapid City, and Florence Wheeler, Montrose, S.D.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her son, Raymond Winter; her sister, Marie Miles; and three brothers George "Bill" Turgeon, Joseph Turgeon, and Henry Turgeon.
Fidler Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.
Esther Turgeon; Rapid City Journal; Rapid City, SD; July 31, 2002
Esther F. Turgeon
RAPID CITY - Esther F. Turgeon, 83, Rapid City, died at a Rapid City nursing home Tuesday, July 30, 2002.
She was born on Sept. 8, 1918, at Gothenburg, Neb., the daughter of Hershel and Ella (Cheever) Jones. She was one of twelve children. She grew up at North Platte, Neb. Esther married George E. "Bill" Turgeon on Nov. 14, 1957, at Reno, Nevada.
Following their marriage they owned and operated the HalfWay House near Deadwood, and in 1963 they opened Turgeon's Supper Club in Central City. In 1971 they purchased the Canyon Lake Club in Rapid City and operated it until retirement in 1976. Esther had lived in Rapid City since.
Survivors include two brothers, William Jones, Lakewood, Colo., and Melvin Jones, Pioneer, Calif.; three sisters, Viola Lundgren, Turlock, Calif., Mabel Milam, Canon City, Colo., and Alice McArthur, Salinas, Calif.; and a stepdaughter, Penny Turgeon Doughty, Deerfield, Florida.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, on May 12, 2000, two brothers and four sisters.
Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday at the Osheim-Catron Funeral Home.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the Osheim-Catron Funeral Home, with Rev. William C. Hibbert officiating. Interment will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery.
Site of the old Turgeon Supper Club in Central City, SD. Building now houses several businesses.
Powell Tribune, Wyoming December 12, 2003
Robert F. (Bob) Turgeon
(Dec. 12, 2003)
Robert F. (Bob) Turgeon, 74, Cody died Friday, Dec. 12 at West Park Hospital in Cody.
He was born March 18, 1929, in St. Onge, S.D., son of George and Alice Turgeon. He made his career in building construction.
He was a member of the Cody Elks Lodge where he enjoyed playing gin rummy and cribbage. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.
Survivors include one brother, Fred (Bud) Turgeon of Casper. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and three sisters.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at the Elks at a later date.
Fred 'Bud' Turgeon
Rapid City Journal
February 4, 2007
Fred M. 'Bud' Turgeon
CASPER, WYO. - Fred m. 'Bud' Turgeon, 83, died Wednesday, January 31, 2007, at the Wyoming Medical Center.
He was in the U.S. Navy.
Survivors include his wife, Marian Turgeon, Casper, and his one daughter, Mary Alice Gering, Casper.
Services will be at 11 A.M. Monday, February 5, in the chapel at Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery at Evansville, Wyo., with military rites performed by Natrona County United Veterans Council and the Wyoming National Guard.
Memorials may be sent to Central Wyoming Hospice, 319 S. Wilson, Casper, WY 62801.
Bustard Funeral Home of Casper in charge of arrangements.