On October 8, 1884, President Grover Cleveland signed the document which entitled Francis St. Peter to one hundred and sixty acres of land on the western edge of Rooks County for the consideration of $4.00. Almost immediately, other Canadian French Catholic people followed. The community became so solidly French in character that it was referred to as the “Acadia of the West.” It has retained much of its original tradition to this day. Today, the St. Joseph Catholic Church is recognized as one of the most beautiful churches in the area.
