This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: M_A_Hobart Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.minnesota.counties.blueearth/878.2.1.5.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Yes, it was the largest mass execution in American history. I don't dispute that the corruption and theft by the Indian agents and the breaking of the treaties between the government and the Sioux were the major causes of the uprising. One of my great grandfathers was one of a number of young unmarried men who went around to farms in the area to check on farms in Nicollet County after the families had fled to Mankato for safety during the uprising. He was present in Mankato at the execution. Others of my ancestors, my great-great-grandparents and three of their children were living in Linden township of Brown County. They had gotten along well with Indians in the vicinity, giving them help when they were asked. On one occasion my g-g-grandmother and the children hid out in the well when Indians they did not know came around. Their farm was not harmed, but one of their neighbors was killed around that time. The family retreated into New Ulm and my g-g-grandfather was one of the volunteer militia serving in the 1st and 2nd Battles of New Ulm. Later, in the fall of 1863, he enlisted in the 2nd Minnesota Cavalry regiment, which was initially assigned to the Mississippi River campaigns, but whose orders were changed to hold it back for service on the Minnesota frontier. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.