“First Permanent White Settlers in Day County”
(Note: any text in italics has been taken from the official SDSHS records.)
Marker Text
FRANCOIS RONDELLE born in Southern France in 1814 came with orphan brother to New Orleans about 1839 and in 1847 was employed American Fur Co. on James River.
1860 census found him at Yankton Agency with 5 children: Louise 19, Julia 16, Antoine 14, Louisa 8, Felix 4. In 1866 he had trading post at Talles Chenes on James River now in southern Brown County and nearby post office named for him April 22, 1880.
In 1868 he established new post ½ mile south of this point at SE corner Rush Lake and was living there in 1877 when Horace J. Austin surveyed area.
1880 census found him near Pickerel Lake, age 69 years.
He was early, perhaps first permanent white settler, Day County. Several of his children lived in County. Died Aug. 19, 1896, a tombstone marks his grave in St. James Cemetery near Enemy Swim Lake.
In 1880 he traded his log cabin and barn to B.O. Erickson for 5 head of cattle and Erickson homesteaded site and raised 7 children with many Erickson descendants still in vicinity.”
Location
Day County, US 12 -1 1/2 miles west of Waubay at Rush Lake