In August, 1862, Johann and Catherine Kochendorfer and their five children lived on a farm in Flora Township, Renville County, Minnesota. The Dakota Indians, who lived on a nearby reservation, were frustrated with their situation for a variety of reasons. Consequently, on August 18, 1862, they lashed out at the whites in the area, killing hundreds. Included in their victims were Johann, Catherine, and three-year-old Sarah Kochendorfer. Four Kochendorfer children were able to make their escape, reaching safety at Fort Ridgely. The three victims were buried where they fell, but over the years, their graves were lost track of. They were rediscovered in 1891, and the remains were reburied in St. Paul's Oakland Cemetery. The inscription on their gravestone reads "Kochendorfer, Johan 38 Yrs, Catherine 36 Yrs, Sarah 3 Yrs. Victims of Redwood Falls Massacre, Aug. 1862."
In August, 1862, Johann and Catherine Kochendorfer and their five children lived on a farm in Flora Township, Renville County, Minnesota. The Dakota Indians, who lived on a nearby reservation, were frustrated with their situation for a variety of reasons. Consequently, on August 18, 1862, they lashed out at the whites in the area, killing hundreds. Included in their victims were Johann, Catherine, and three-year-old Sarah Kochendorfer. Four Kochendorfer children were able to make their escape, reaching safety at Fort Ridgely. The three victims were buried where they fell, but over the years, their graves were lost track of. They were rediscovered in 1891, and the remains were reburied in St. Paul's Oakland Cemetery. The inscription on their gravestone reads "Kochendorfer, Johan 38 Yrs, Catherine 36 Yrs, Sarah 3 Yrs. Victims of Redwood Falls Massacre, Aug. 1862."
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