James Gaston Soulard, was born in St. Louis, Mo., on the 15th of July, 1798. His father, Antoine Pierre Souland was a native of Rochelle. France. He escaped from that country at the time of the Revolution there in 179$. and came to America, locating at St. Louis when that section was owned by the Spanish Government. He became Surveyor General for that Government, having made the acquaintance of- the Governor of that Province during a voyage across the Atlantic. He was a resident there until his death in 1825. The maiden name of his wife, mother of the subject of this sketch, was Julie Cerre. She was born in Kaskaskia, IL, Aug. 10, 1775.

Mr. Soulard, the one of whom this sketch is written, was reared and educated at St. Louis, and was married, March 20, 1820, to Miss Eliza Hunt. In 1821 he sold his property at St. Louis, and the same year was appointed Sutler at Ft. Snelling,and, accordingly, in the month of October, he started for the fort. He was accompanied by his wife, child, a colored maid-servant, and six men with a keel-boat, loaded with goods. The friends of Miss Soulard had tried to persuade her not to make the perilous trip. She, however, resolved to go with her husband, and promised not to do anything that should cause him to neglect his duty. The country on either side of the Mississippi, above St. Louis, was inhabited by Indians only. There was a garrison at Rock Island and at Prairie du Chien. A sail was used when the wind was favorable, while at other times the boat was poled along, or drawn by men walking on the bank. At Lake Pepin they found the river frozen, and were obliged to drop back to a point on the east bank of the river, opposite where the city of Winona now stands. There was an Indian trader residing there, and our voyagers shared his wigwam. Mr. Soulard, leaving his wife with the Indian trader, started for Prairie du Chien on foot, to secure teams to take his goods on to the fort. He returned after an absence of ten days. During that time Mrs. Soulard was surrounded by Indians, but the}- were peaceable. The goods were transferred to the wagons, and a start was made. There being no settlements, the party was obliged to camp wherever night overtook them, and in due season Ft. Snelling was reached. Mr. Soulard remained in trade at the fort until 1823. when he returned to St. Louis, having received the appointment of City Surveyor. In 1827 he came to Galena, and for a period of six years conducted a store in the interest of Gratiot Bros. Soon after he took up a tract of land, and, while attending to his other duties, improved his farm. In 1835 he removed to the farm, and in 1836 raised the first cultivated strawberries in the county. He resided on the farm nearly twenty years, then removed to Galena. His parents had died previous to this, and for some years he directed his attention to the settlement of the estate. In 1869 he commenced on a vineyard, to which, for some years, he devoted considerable time, taking a great deal of pride in the work. He was a resident of the city of Galena until his death, which occurred Sept. 17, 1878. Mr. Soulard was formerly a Whig, but, in 1856, became a Douglas Democrat, though, in 1864, he voted for Lincoln. In 1852 lie was appointed Postmaster, and at the same time, County Recorder. He also held the office of County Surveyor. In 1832 the steamer l* Warrior" landed at Galena on its way to Ft. Knelling with supplies for the fort, and Mr. Soulard was one of thirty who volunteered to go with the boat as an escort. They reached the mouth of the Bad Axe while that battle was raging between Gen. Atkinson and the Indians and the steamer intercepted the savages as they tried to cross the river.

Mrs. Soulard had eight children: Julia A. married E. B. Kimball; Isabelle is married and resides in Chicago; Oelacia is the wife of J. G. Jennings, of Dubuque; Theresa married H. F. McCloskey, of Galena; Adell is married to Capt. E. B. Holcomb, of St. Paul; Henry G. spent four years in Europe attending school, a great part of the time at Heidelberg. After his return he attended Harvard College, and was admitted to practice law at St. Louis. He died two years after at the age of twenty-five. Julia married R. J. Tompkins; Harriett married Walter W. Webb, and now resides in Galena. Mrs. Soulard is now residing with her daughter at Galena, enjoying good health and spirits, retaining a remarkable memory for one of her years. She delights in telling to .young people the thrilling experiences of her past life.

Transcribed by Christine Walters -- Portraits and Biographical 1889