GUSTAVE A. S. ARNESON
A practitioner at the Bar of Hamlin County, Gustave A. S. Arneson is well and favorably known in this connection and has made for himself a creditable position during the thirteen years in which he has been active along professional lines in this part of the state. He was born in Decorah, Iowa, on the 9th of March, 1868, a son of Amon and Julia (WoWeii) Arneson, both of whom have now passed away. The father was for many years in merchandising and he also held the office of sheriff of Winneshiek County.

Gustave A. S. Arneson, one of a family of eight children, spent his youthful days in his parents' home and when he had passed through consecutive grades in the public schools he entered the high school. Still later he became a student in the Decorah Institute, from which he was graduated with the class of 1888. For two years he followed teaching in Iowa. Deciding to come to South Dakota, he accordingly arrived in Bryant, Hamlin county, in August, 1890, and there followed mercantile pursuits for several years. In 1898 he was elected clerk of the courts for Hamlin County, was twice reelected and occupied that position for six years. During this time he resolved to follow a professional career and made choice of the practice of law. While serving as clerk of the court he became a student in the law offices of Judge Bennett and Aubrey Lawrence, formerly states attorney, and after carefully mastering many of the principles of jurisprudence he successfully passed the examination that secured his admission to the bar in April, 1903.

On the expiration of his last term as clerk of the court Mr. Arneson returned to Bryant and entered upon the practice of his chosen profession, remaining there continuously since. He soon proved his ability to successfully cope with intricate and involved legal problems, to unravel a legal tangle and to present his cause with clearness and force that seldom fail to win the verdict desired. The court records are evidence of his success, and his ability is further demonstrated in the fact that in 1912 he was chosen to the office of county judge by popular suffrage and was reelected in 1914.

Mr. Arneson was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Braaten, a daughter of Harvey and Mary Braaten, who were pioneer settlers of Hamlin County, South Dakota, but later removed to Saskatchewan, Canada, where they now reside. To Mr. and Mrs. Arneson have been born six children: Mabel G. and Agnes II., who are now teaching in the district schools; Ralph W.; Dora E.; William R.; and Harlan A.

The family attends the Lutheran church, of which the parents are members, and Mr. Arneson also holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His political views are in accord with the principles of the Republican Party and upon that ticket he was elected county auditor for four terms. He also served as city attorney for two years and was re-appointed to the latter position in 1915, being the present incumbent. He enjoys a ride through the country in his motor car and also likes to spend a leisure hour as a disciple of Isaak Walton, but his time and attention are chiefly concentrated upon his professional duties and since being elected to the bench he has made an excellent record, his decisions being strictly fair and impartial, so that his excellent work during his first term led to his reelection to the office.

HON. WINFRED E. WHITTEMORE.

Among those who by popular suffrage have been called to direct the affairs of a commonwealth is numbered Hon. Winfred E. Whittemore, now a member of the state legislature, from the district comprising Hamlin and Deuel counties. In business connections he is well known as a real-estate and insurance broker of Estelline. New York numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Saratoga County, February 22, 1868, his parents being Josephus W. and Lucy A. (Hoyt) Whittemore, both of whom were also natives of New York, where they were reared and married, subsequently locating on a farm in Saratoga County. They lived in the east until the spring of 1882 and then came to the west with Dakota Territory as their destination. The father homesteaded a quarter section in Deuel county, two and a half miles northeast of Kstelline, and there resided to the time of his death. He was killed in a storm in June, 1889, and after being thus widowed Mrs. Whittemore removed to Estelline.

Prior to his father's death Winfred E. Whittemore had been a student in the city schools of Estelline and had thus prepared for entrance into the State Agricultural College at Brookings, but owing to his father's death, he was obliged to change his plans and did not receive his college course. When eighteen years of age he began teaching and followed that profession through the winter months and a part of the summer seasons for about ten years. In 1891 he went to Minneapolis, where he pursued a business course in the Curtis Commercial College. He continued his work as an educator at intervals until the spring of 1895 but prior to that date had embarked in the real-estate business in partnership with H. H. Reeves, then cashier of the Bank of Estelline. Because of this partnership Mr. Whittemore at times worked in a clerical capacity in the bank but continued his activities in the real estate field and in 1901 purchased his partner's interest and incorporated the business as the Whittemore Land & Investment Company, handling farm lands, loans and insurance. He now has a large clientage and is doing a good business in each department. He has brought many settlers to the county in his sale of farm lands, and also writes a large amount of insurance annually. In addition to his business in the town he owns five farms in Hamlin, Deuel and Brookings counties, having made judicious investment in real estate. In addition to his other interests he is u stockholder and a director of the Bank of Estelline.

In 1895 Mr. Whittemore was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Rice, of Brookings county, and to them have been born four children, Walton H., Myrton R., Elwin C. and Dorothy M. Politically a republican, Mr. Whittemore has for many years been an active factor in shaping the policy of his party in this portion of the state and has several times been called to public office. He served for one term as a member of the Estelline town board has filled the office of township assessor and town clerk and hi the fall of 1906 he was voted to the state legislature, serving through the tenth general assembly. In 1912 he was again chosen a member of that honorable body and in 1914 he was elected to represent his district in the state senate. His record at Pierre has repaid the support of his constituents, for he has given careful consideration to each question which came up for settlement and the weight of his influence has been cast on the side of the state's best interests. He had a very large part to do with the removal from the statute books in 1907 of the then notorious and rather infamous divorce law. He has ever placed the good of the commonwealth before personal aggrandizement and the benefit of the majority before partisanship.

GEORGE C. LOHR.

George C. Lohr is the efficient postmaster of Estelline, where he is also conducting a jewelry and drug business. He was born in Osage, Iowa, August 2, 1856, a son of Peter and Eva Lohr. The father, who was in the furniture and undertaking business in Osage, came to South Dakota in May, 1878, and preempted land where the town of Estelline now stands. He secured a, tree claim covering the southeast quarter of section 24, Estelline Township. On account of his business interests in Osage, Iowa, he could not remain upon his land, however, so surrendered his preemption to Thomas B. Elston, who proved up on it. Immediately after the father's return to Osage George C. Lohr and his brother, W. F., came to South Dakota and filed on a half section of land on section 23, which property is still in possession of our subject and includes twenty acres of timber land. The winter following their arrival in this state the brothers purchased from Mr. Elston the original claim of their father. When they settled in this locality there were no other white inhabitants here and the prairies were covered with long grass on which hundreds of antelope fed. The father died in 1905 and the mother passed away in 1907.

George C. Lohr was the second in order of birth in a family of six children, five sons and one daughter. Spending his youthful days at the family home in Osage, Iowa, he there entered the public schools and passed through consecutive grades until he became a high-school student. Still later he pursued a course in the Cedar Valley Seminary at Osage. The father was in business in that city and George C. Lohr assisted him until his removal to South Dakota in 1878. He afterward gave his attention to farming in Hamlin County and when it was planned to found a town the family gave one hundred and sixty acres to be used as a townsite. Since that period George C. Lohr has been closely, prominently and helpfully associated with the upbuilding and development of this section.

In 1881 he was appointed postmaster of Estelline and has occupied that position for a quarter of a century, faithfully, capably and promptly discharging the duties of his office. He has held the position continuously except during the two democratic administrations of Grover Cleveland. For a time he was in partnership with his brother in the implement business and later he purchased the interests of Clark & Weygant in the drug store in 1883. In 1886 he removed to his present location. The building was destroyed by fire in 1895, but he rebuilt the following year. In addition to selling drugs he carries an attractive line of jewelry, meeting the demands of the public in this regard. During much of this time Mr. Lohr was also interested with his brother in cultivating two sections of land but at length sold most of his property, although he still retains ownership of the old homestead. He has become a most important factor in the establishment and development of the various prominent business interests of Estelline and this section of the state. He is one of the three owners of the Estelline Electric Company, owning the electric light plant and the telephone system. He is president of the Bank of Estelline, is treasurer of the Druggist's Mutual Fire Insurance Company of South Dakota, is vice president of the Dempster State Bank, is secretary -treasurer of the farmers Elevator Company of Estelline, and it was practically through his labors that the Masonic Temple was built. In his vocabulary there is no such word as fail. He carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. His plans are carefully formed but once completed are promptly executed. He seems to readily recognize the possibilities of any situation and in his work he looks beyond the exigencies of the moment to the opportunities of the future.

In 1889 Mr. Lohr was united in marriage to Miss Letha M. Abbott, who died in 1893, leaving two children: A. Louise, now Mrs. L. B. Gibbs; and Mabel E. On the 28th of November, 1912, Mr. Lohr was again married, his second union being with Anna L. Clark, a daughter of Amasa and Julia Clark. They were among the old-time settlers of the state and both have passed away.

Mr. and Mrs. Lohr are adherents of the Congregational church and their many sterling traits of character have won for them high regard. In politics Mr. Lohr is a republican and for a number of years was mayor of his city. He is a very prominent Mason, belonging to Denver Chapter, R. A. M., at Arlington; the Knight Templar Commandery at Brookings and Sioux Falls Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He is also connected with the Elks at Watertown and with the Modern Woodmen of America, and both he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star. His life activities branch out along ramifying lines and make his work one of constantly broadening usefulness and value. What he has accomplished both for himself and for the community places him among the valued citizens of the state. Estelline largely stands as a monument to his efforts and enterprise, for he has been instrumental in founding and promoting many of its leading business interests and in upholding as well its moral, political and legal status.

HON. THOMAS JAMES LAW.

Hon. Thomas James Law, city attorney of Clear Lake and one of the prominent attorneys of Deuel County, was born in Chicago, Illinois, on the 17th of January, 1870, a son of Thomas J. and Josephine M. (Stanley) Law, the former a native of Canada and the latter of New York State. Becoming a resident of the Badger state in his boyhood days, Thomas J. Law, Sr., was graduated from the normal school at Platteville, Wisconsin, and subsequently took up the study of law, under Judge Higbee, one of the prominent barristers of that state. After his admission to the bar he opened an office at Shullsburg, Wisconsin, where his active professional life was passed. He was one of the successful attorneys of the state and served for several years as county judge in Lafayette county, his course on the bench being in harmony with his record as a man and as a lawyer—characterized by the highest sense of personal and professional honor and distinguished by a masterful grasp of every problem presented for solution. He died April 1, 1910, at the age of seventy-three years, but the mother survives and yet makes her home in Shullsburg.

Thomas James Law, whose name introduces this record, was reared in Shullsburg and educated in its public schools, passing through consecutive grades until graduated from the high school with the class of 1887. He then took up the study of law in his father's office and in the fall of 1889 entered the law department of the University of Wisconsin at Madison, from which he was graduated on the 1st of July, 1891. In October of the same year he went to Clear Lake, South Dakota, where he opened an office and has continued in successful practice since that time, rising to a high rank in his profession as he has developed his powers and promoted his talents through wide reading, research and experience. He was elected states attorney in 1896, serving until 1900, and was again called to that office in 1902, serving until 1906. In 1912 lie was elected to represent the district composed of Deuel and Hamlin counties in the state legislature, in which official capacity he made a most satisfactory record, giving due and careful attention to all the significant problems which came up for settlement. He is the present city attorney of Clear Lake and he has enjoyed a large practice throughout the period of his residence there—a practice that has connected him with much important litigation tried in the courts of the district.

In 1894 Mr. Law was united in marriage to Miss Ethel Roberts, a daughter of William and Mary Roberts, of Clear Lake, and a native of Canada. Four children were born to this marriage, Elsie, Stanley, Dolores and Thomas. The wife and mother passed away in 1908 and in 1912 Mr. Law was again married, his second union being with Miss Anna Kluckman, a daughter of Frederick and Augusta Kluckman, of Clear Lake. By this marriage he has two children, Frederick and Carroll.

Mr. Law holds membership in Phoenix Lodge, No. 29, A. F. & A. M., of Clear Lake; in Watertown Chapter, R. A. M.; and in the Watertown lodge of Elks. He is likewise a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and of the Modern Woodmen and he has membership in the Clear Lake Commercial Club. He is today one of the best known men of the eastern part of the state and has made an excellent record in office and also in practice, while in private life he has gained the confidence and warm regard of a circle of friends that is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance.

MURRAY W. WESTFALL.

For sixteen consecutive years Murray W. Westfall of Watertown has been one of the county commissioners of Codington county and is the only man who has been thus honored, for no other commissioner has been continued for so long a period in the office. In former years he was actively engaged in farming in this part of the state but is now largely living retired from business cares.

He was born in Iowa City, Iowa, on the 16th of December, 1846, a son of the Rev. I. M. and Amanda Westfall. His father engaged in preaching in Iowa City when it was the capital of the territory of Iowa. He was a member of the Universalist church and took an active part in promoting that doctrine in the Middle West in pioneer times. He afterward became a physician and continued actively in the practice of medicine for twenty-five years. In 1861 he had removed to Rochester, Minnesota, where he resided until 1880, when the family came to South Dakota and Dr. Westfall secured a homestead. He was a most dignified, courteous and kindly gentleman, well worthy the honor and high regard which were everywhere accorded him.

Murray W. Westfall came with the family to South Dakota and he, too, secured a homestead, which he located on section 24, Oxford Township, Hamlin County, while his father's claim was in Codington County. Dr. Westfall in addition to directing the development of his place also engaged in the practice of medicine in Watertown, and there passed away in 1889, while his wife died in the year 1888. Dr. Westfall was a man of prominence in the different communities in which he lived and was made a delegate to the constitutional convention of South Dakota, which met at Sioux Falls. His ability as a medical practitioner and his influence on the side of moral progress also made him a factor in the upbuilding of his city and state.

Murray W. Westfall was educated in the public schools but because of delicate health his opportunities in that direction were somewhat limited. He was twenty-one years of age when he began farming on his own account in Minnesota, where he followed that occupation for about fifteen years, and then came to South Dakota, as previously stated, in 1880. In addition to securing a homestead he also obtained a tree claim and bent every energy toward bringing the land under cultivation and transforming it into richly productive fields. He remained upon the farm for seven years but about 1887 removed to Watertown. He now owns and rents his father's old homestead and through the careful and economical management of his business interests, his close application and his industry has won a substantial measure of success.

On the 21st of December, 1867, Mr. Westfall was united in marriage to Alias Adele Clough, a daughter of Charles and Adaline Clough, both of whom have passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Westfall have no children of their own, but adopted a boy, Claude C., now thirty- five years of age, upon whom they have bestowed every care and attention. He is now in Krem, North Dakota.

Mr. Westfall holds membership with the Elks. He gives his political allegiance to the Republican Party, which he has supported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. For one term he served as a member of the city council of Watertown and in 1898 he was elected county commissioner, which position he has since filled through reelection for sixteen consecutive years, having the honor of being the oldest member of the county board in years of continuous service. He likewise held township offices in Hamlin County and for three years was a member of the school board of Watertown. He is deeply interested in the upbuilding of his city and is enthusiastic in his advocacy of South Dakota. In Watertown and throughout Codington County he is widely known, and both he and his wife have a large circle of warm friends.

STEPHEN W. DIXON.

Stephen W. Dixon, now cashier of the Bank of Vienna, Clark county, and recognized as a business man of ability and energy, has resided almost his entire life in South Dakota, as he was brought to this state by his parents when a child. He was born in Downers Grove, Illinois, on the 18th of November, 1875, a son of Robert and Sarah J. (Rowland) Dixon. The father was born in Belfast, Ireland, of Scotch ancestry, while the mother was born near Buffalo, New York, of English parentage. Her mother was born in the same town that was the birthplace of John Bunyan, the humble tradesman who became famous as the author of Pilgrims Progress. In early life Robert Dixon engaged in the coal and wood business in Chicago and subsequently, in connection with his brothers, followed manufacturing and later for a considerable time was a general merchant in Downers Grove, Illinois. In 1882 he came to South Dakota and in that fall entered a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres and also took up a preemption claim of similar size in what is now Dixon Township, Hamlin County. He spent the following winter there and in the spring of 1883 returned for his family, bringing them to this state and establishing his home here. He was the first man to locate in Dixon Township, which was afterward named in his honor. Some time after settling there he purchased a relinquishment on a tree claim, which brought his total holdings up to four hundred and eighty acres of land, which he still owns. He served during the four years of the Civil war as captain of Company E, Fifty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which held seventh place in the government rank for service, as the command took part in thirty- six battles and over two hundred engagements. For four years he was a member of the state senate and has been one of the leaders in Hamlin County since the first settlement of that county.

Stephen W. Dixon was reared under the parental roof and as he was not yet eight years of age when the family removed to this state his education was largely acquired in the public schools here. He attended the district schools near his home, the Vienna public schools and the Watertown high school and after completing the course in the last named institution attended Wessington Springs Seminary, where he took normal and classical work. Still later he completed a classical course at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. For three years after leaving school he taught and for one year of that time was principal of the Wayne (III.) public schools. During his vacations and subsequently during an entire year he worked for the Northwestern Railroad in Chicago and also engaged in reportorial work in that city, being upon the staff of the Inter Ocean. Returning to South Dakota he spent four years upon the home farm and continued to follow agricultural pursuits until 1912, when he purchased a half interest in the Bank of Vienna. He was subsequently made cashier of that institution and still holds that important position. He manages well the administrative detail that is inevitable in the conduct of a bank and combines prudence and initiative in his decisions regarding the larger questions of policy that come up from time to time.

Mr. Dixon was married to Miss Jessie M. Holland of Washington, Illinois, on the 12th of December, 1909, and they have a daughter, Arta June. Mrs. Dixon is a member of the English Lutheran church and Mr. Dixon gives his fraternal allegiance to Bryant Lodge, A. K & A. M. He is much interested in the state of South Dakota and cooperates heartily in all movements that seek to promote the interests of the commonwealth. He is a well known and representative citizen of Vienna and a man of influence in financial circles. His neighbors and friends esteem him not only for his ability in business affairs but also for his probity and fair dealing.

FRANKLIN HENRY STALEY, M. D.

Dr. Franklin Henry Staley is one of the able physicians and surgeons of Hamlin County, South Dakota, and since locating at Hazel has gained a lucrative practice. He was born in Bucyrus, Ohio, on the 5th of January, 1860, a son of Josiah and Hannah P. (Stephens) Staley, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. The father, who was a cabinetmaker by trade, enlisted in the Union army upon the outbreak of the Civil war and was subsequently captured and confined in Andersonville prison for seven months. After his release he was so emaciated and weakened that he died of exhaustion before reaching the northern lines. His widow removed to Mount Vernon, Iowa, with her family and resided there until 1880.

Dr. Staley had good educational opportunities, attending the preparatory and normal departments of Cornell College at Mount Vernon. He subsequently taught for a few years. In 1880 he accompanied his brother, J. M., and his mother and her second husband, W. J. Clugston, on their removal to Watertown, South Dakota, and taught the first two terms of school ever held in Rauville Township, Codington County. He took up a homestead seven miles northeast of Watertown which he proved up and sold as a means of gaining sufficient money to pay his way through medical college. In 1883 he began the study of medicine and the next fall entered Rush Medical College of Chicago, from which institution he was graduated with the class of 1886. He immediately afterward located for practice near Mount Vernon, Iowa, but subsequently came to Castlewood, this state, where he opened an office for practice and remained there seven and one-half years. He next went to Sheffield, Illinois, where he spent three and one-half years, and then removed to Clear Lake, South Dakota, where he continued to reside for fourteen years. At the end of that time he went to Colorado, where he remained for three years. ^ In the spring of 1914 he returned to South Dakota and located in Hazel, where he is at present engaged in the active practice of his profession. Although he has only been a resident of Hazel for something over a year he has already demonstrated his capability and has gained the respect of both the general public and his professional colleagues. His practice is steadily increasing and he is regarded as one of the successful physicians of Hamlin County.

Dr. Staley was married in 1890 to Miss Violet Marshall, of Castlewood, a daughter of William Marshall, one of the pioneers of Hamlin County. To them were born three children: Winifred M., the wife of Phillip Waterman, of Grand Valley, Colorado; Melroy M., residing in Watertown, this state; and William F., at home. Mrs. Staley died in 1902, and two years later the Doctor married Miss Lena E. Tetzlaff, of this county. They have become the parents of four children, Marion F., Margaret E. and Maxwell F., twins, and Eugene Field. The wife and mother is a member of the Presbyterian Church and takes an active part in the work of that denomination.

The Doctor is a member of Phoenix Lodge, No. 129, A. F. & A. M., of Clear Lake; of the Palisades Lodge, I. O. 0. F., of Palisades, Colorado; and Hazel Camp, M. W. A. His political allegiance is given to the Republican Party. He is a member of the Watertown District Medical Society and served at one time as its president, and he also belongs to the South Dakota Medical Society and the American Medical Association. The life of Dr. Staley has been a busy and useful one and he has gained not only a competence but also that success which finds expression in the regard of one's fellowmen and the consciousness of a worthy work well done.

FRANK TURNER.

Frank Tumor, actively engaged in the general practice of law, with offices at Faulkton, was born at Hennepin, Illinois, October 20, 1859, a son of A. H. and Elizabeth (Nash) Turner. The father was born in Fulton, Maine, in 1810, while the mother's birth occurred at Auburn, New York, in 1820. In early life the former engaged in the business of lumbering, while later he became a stonemason and subsequently gave his attention to farming. He removed westward to Illinois about 1840 and in that state A. H. Turner devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits throughout his remaining days. His wife went to Illinois with her people in pioneer times and on a raft the family floated down the Ohio River, for this was before the era of railroad travel. For more than thirty years Mr. Turner served as school director in one district and he held some local political offices. He was twice married and by his first union had five children. By his marriage to Elizabeth Nash there were born six children, of whom Frank Turner is the fourth in order of birth. The father passed away in 1901, while the mother survived only until 1902.

Frank Turner pursued his education in the public schools of Hennepin, Illinois, and in his youthful days became acquainted with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the farmer. When about eighteen years of age he began operating his father's farm in Illinois and so continued until 1880. He then went to Ottawa, Illinois, where he began reading law with the firm of Blanchard & Blanchard, who directed his studies for two and a half years. He arrived in Faulkton, South Dakota, in March, 1883, and in that part of the state secured a claim, after which he did not engage in law practice to any extent until he accepted the office of district attorney. Since then he has followed his profession continuously and is now successfully engaged in general practice, a liberal clientage being accorded him. In the conduct of his cases he displays ability and resourcefulness and is regarded as an able lawyer. He is also a landowner, his aggregate holdings embracing twenty-five hundred acres of farm land, a part of which he still operates, devoting his attention to the raising of grain.

On the 22d of January, 1890, Mr. Turner was married to Miss Clara Slattery, who was born in Oconto, Wisconsin, a daughter of John and Cathryn (Sweeney) Slattery, the former a native of Nova Scotia and the latter of Ireland. The father was a lumber cruiser and did expert work in that line, engaging in that business in Wisconsin for many years. He still resides in Oconto but his wife passed away there about 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Turner have become the parents of five children, Josephine, Florence, Hamlin O., Clara E., and Frank B. All have attended school in Faulkton and the eldest daughter is now a teacher.

Mr. Turner is a prominent Mason, belonging to the lodge and chapter at Faulkton and to the commandery at Redfield. He is a past master of the lodge and past high priest of the chapter and is an exemplary representative of the craft. He belongs also to the Odd Fellows lodge at Faulkton, of which he is a past noble grand; the Knights of Pythias, in which he has been chancellor commander; the Modern Woodmen camp; and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He also holds membership in the Congregational church. His political belief is in accord with the principles of the Republican Party and he was called to the office of district attorney in territorial days. He was elected states attorney, which position he filled for two terms in Faulk County. For four years he occupied the mayor's chair in Faulkton and was also alderman for several years, and in 1905 became a member of the state legislature, so that he has been prominently connected with local and state interests. He likewise served on the board of education for eight years and in all these connections he has proven loyal to the trust reposed in him and capable in the discharge of his duties. His record as a public official and a private citizen is above reproach and a feeling of warm regard is entertained for him by all who know him.

ESTEN E. CHRISTENSEN.

Esten E. Christensen is a native son of Minnehaha County who has been so impressed with the opportunities offered by the county that he has continued to make it his home. He is a successful agriculturist and is also connected with the commercial circles as manager of the Crooks Lumber Company. He was born in Benton Township, Minnehaha County, July 17, 1876, a son of Chris and Ingeborg (Estenson) Christensen, the former a native of Denmark and the latter of Norway. Both parents came to the United States in 1869 and located in Michigan, where they were married. The father worked in the Calumet copper mines for two years but not long after his marriage removed to South Dakota with his wife, arriving in Minnehaha County on the 22d of August, 1871. He immediately filed a preemption claim for eighty acres of land in the Sioux river bottoms in Mapleton Township and six months later he held the deed to the place. He then filed on a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, constituting the southeast quarter of section 1, Benton Township, to which he removed. At about the same time he purchased a quarter section adjoining the homestead. He soon sold his preemption, but subsequently purchased a quarter section in Mapleton township and a quarter section in Hamlin county, South Dakota, the cultivation of which he directed until about nine years ago, when he gave the greater portion of his land to his seven children. He is still living but has returned to his native land, the past nine years having been spent in Denmark. His wife passed away in 1898.

Esten E. Christensen was reared at home and received the advantages of parental instruction and care. His education was acquired in the common schools of the neighborhood and in the Sioux Falls Business College. Following his marriage, which occurred in 1898, he began farming for himself, taking charge of the operation of the home farm of three hundred and twenty acres. After renting it for seven years he became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of the homestead, as his father at that time gave most of his land to his children and as the subject of this review purchased the interests of his brothers and sisters in the said quarter section. He has manifested his faith in the agricultural future of South Dakota by purchasing other land, being now the owner of three hundred and twenty-two acres in Brookings County which is as fine land as any in the state. In the fall of 1905 he was made manager of the Farmers Elevator Company and also of the Farmers Lumber Company at Crooks, having the direction of the two business enterprises for a short time. He continued in the management of the elevator company until August 9, 1908, when he resigned that position, and he has since devoted his entire time to the affairs of the Crooks Lumber Company, of which he is manager. He has proved an able executive, his knowledge of business procedure and his sound judgment enabling him to wisely direct the business. He is a stockholder and a member of the board of directors of both the New Hope Grain Company and the Crooks Lumber Company and is ranked among the financiers of the county.

On the 11th of December, 1898, Mr. Christensen married Miss Gertrude Nelson, of Mapleton Township, Minnehaha County, and to their union has been born two children: Inez Mabel and Clara Ovidia. The parents are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church, in whose work they are very much interested. They are also members of the Modern Brotherhood of America, the father being conductor of the lodge. He is independent in politics, his sympathies, however, tending toward the Republican Party. He has no aspiration for official preferment, as his business interests demand his entire attention. His many friends hold him in high esteem because of his ability, his sterling character and his agreeable personality.

WILLIAM GEORGE MAGEE, M. D.

Many regard the practice of medicine as the most important vocation to which man can direct his energies. At all events its usefulness can scarcely be overestimated, and always worthy of high respect and consideration is the man who makes his life a worthy exposition of the highest standards of the medical profession. Such a one is Dr. William George Magee, now practicing in Watertown. He is a western man by birth, training and preference and the spirit of progress characteristic of the development of the Mississippi valley has been manifest in his career.

His birth occurred in Dunkerton, Iowa, April 19, 1875, his parents being Edward W, and Mary Jane (Davis) Magee, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of New York. In childhood they removed with their respective parents to McHenry County, Illinois, where they were reared and married. The father was a farmer by occupation and after his marriage spent five or six years in agricultural pursuits in McHenry County, Illinois. He then removed to Iowa, settling in Black Hawk County, near Waterloo, where he purchased government land at a dollar and a half per acre—land that is today worth two hundred dollars per acre. As time passed and his financial resources increased he added to his holdings until he has today some six hundred and forty acres. Year after year he carefully tilled the soil and improved his farm but about two years ago retired from active life and removed to the town of Dunkerton, where he now resides. In 1911 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away on the 13th of January of that year. In his political views Mr. Magee is an earnest republican and has always taken an active interest in the party's advancement. He has likewise been a stalwart champion of the cause of education and served for a number of years as a member of the school board in his home locality.

Dr. Magee was reared under the parental roof, acquiring his education in the district schools and in the Iowa State Teachers' College at Cedar Falls, from which he was graduated with the class of 1901, winning the degree of Master of Arts. He was also granted a state teacher's certificate and during the last two years of his college course was business manager of the college paper which paid him a nice sum. Before he had completed his college work, however, he put aside his textbooks for a period of two years and taught school, which provided him the funds necessary to meet his expenses during the remainder of his student days. Following his graduation he took up the study of medicine and during that summer read under the preceptorship of Dr. Wick of Cedar Falls. In the fall of 1901 he entered the medical department of the Northwestern University at Chicago, from which institution he was graduated with the degree of M. D., being a member of the class of 1905. His standing in the university was so high that he was permitted to compete in the examination held for internship in the Wesley Memorial Hospital and, successful in that connection, he served as intern for two years. He afterward spent one year as assistant to Dr. W. H. Allport, one of the eminent surgeons of Chicago, and in the fall of 1908 came to Watertown, where he opened offices and has since been very successful in practice, ranking high in medical and surgical circles. He most carefully analyzes and diagnoses his cases and is seldom, if ever, at fault in foretelling the outcome of diseases. He keeps in touch with the advanced thought of the profession through wide reading and research and is an able and learned physician. He has property interests in Hamlin County, where he owns an entire section of land. In addition to his general practice he is one of the chief surgeons of the new Lutheran Hospital of Watertown, which was erected at a cost of seventy-five thousand dollars.

On the 30th of June, 1909, Dr. Magee was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte Irtne MacChesney, of Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Magee is a member of Kainpeska Lodge, No. 13, F. & A. M., of Watertown. He belongs also to the Aristotelian Literary Society and to Phi Beta Phi, a Greek letter fraternity. He is also a member of the Watertown Country Club and the Watertown Commercial Club. His political allegiance is given to the Republican Party and he is the present coroner of Codington County. Along strictly professional lines his connection is with the Chicago Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Society, the Watertown District Medical Society, the South Dakota State Medical Society, the American Medical Association and the American Congress of Surgeons. His ability is pronounced and in a profession where advancement depends entirely upon individual merit he has constantly progressed and stands among the eminent physicians and surgeons of Watertown.

ALEF O. ARNESON.

Alef O. Arneson resides in Opdahl Township, Hamlin County, and is a man of prominence and intluence in his community. He is thoroughly democratic in manner, unassuming, cordial and kindly, and his sterling traits have won him firm hold upon the genuine regard of his fellow citizens. Hp was born in Norway, December 26, 1855, a son of Ole and Mary Arneson. The father was a farmer and stonemason and after coming to the new world settled in Dane county, Wisconsin, in 1864. After the removal of his son to South Dakota he, too, came to this state in 1882, taking up his abode on the northwest quarter of section 26, Opdahl Township, Hamlin County. His wife has passed away, her death having occurred December 4, 1909.

Alef O. Arneson attended the common schools of Norway and of Wisconsin, having been brought to the new world when a lad of about nine years. When fourteen years of age he began working out as a farm hand by the month and was thus employed for eight years. Subsequently he spent some time in different places, being employed for one year in the lumber camps of the upper peninsula of Michigan, for one year in Hammond, Indiana, and for some time in southern Arkansas, whence he made his way to South Dakota, arriving at Huron in June, 1881. He worked for a time in Huron, and having friends in Hamlin County, was induced to remove to that locality. Liking the district, he took up his abode within the borders of the county and was later followed by his father. Alef 0. Arneson settled on the northwest quarter of section 27, Opdahl Township, but has since erected a commodious residence across the road on section 22, where he now lives. Prosperity has attended his efforts as the years have gone on and he has added to his original claim until he now owns seven hundred and sixty acres. His business affairs have been carefully managed and beside his farm interests he has other investments, being one of the large stockholders of the Central State Bank of Hayti of which he is now the president. Each forward step in his business life has brought him a broader outlook and wider opportunities and he has carefully utilized the latter with the result that he has gained a place among the most substantial citizens of his district.

On the 18th of November, 1882, Mr. Arneson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Hansen, a daughter of Hans Hansen, of Iowa County, Wisconsin. Her parents are both living and still make their home in Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Arneson have become parents of eight children, as follows: Harry, who wedded Miss Signa Rude of Canada and resides at WTetaski- win, Alberta; Rosa, who is employed as bookkeeper by Marshall Field & Company, of Chicago; Arthur, the assistant cashier for the Central State Bank of Hayti, South Dakota; Mabel, the deceased wife of Theodore Holt, of Hamlin county; Lillie, who gave her hand in marriage to Gilbert Holt, of Hamlin county; and Clarence, Agnes and Fred, at home.

In religious faith Mr. Arneson is a Lutheran and his political belief is that of the Republican Party. He has held various township and county offices, serving as county commissioner for two terms, while in 1890 he represented his district in the state legislature and later became state senator. He was elected to the house and to the senate on the populist ticket, but afterward became identified with the Republican Party and was reelected to the senate on that ticket. He possesses a most democratic spirit, is approachable and at all times courteous to those who seek an audience with him. His life proves the Emersonian philosophy that "the way to win a friend is to be one." He is widely and favorably known throughout his part of the state and is highly respected for what he has accomplished and the honorable methods by which he has attained his success.

JAMES K. GORMAN.

James K. Gorman is senior partner in the firm of J. K. Gorman & Sons, hardware and implement merchants, at Hayti, but he maintains his residence in Castlewood. He is numbered among the pioneer settlers of that section of the state, having witnessed practically its entire development, for at the time of his arrival there was not a house within thirty- five miles of his location in Florence Township, Hamlin County. His aid and influence have been a potent factor in the development and progress which have resulted in present day conditions.

Mr. Gorman is a native of Canada, his birth having occurred in the province of Ontario, June 4, 1850, his parents being John and Ann (MfGinley) Gorman, both of whom are deceased. He pursued his education in the public schools and after his textbooks were put aside left home at the age of sixteen years and began work in the lumber woods of Wisconsin. For an extended period his activities were directed along that line and in 1878 he came to South Dakota, purchasing a quarter section and taking a tree claim in Deuel county, near Goodwin, and also a tree claim in Hamlin county. After securing title to his property he traded it. For twenty-six years he was foreman on the ranch of D. J. Spaulding, having supervision of about ten thousand acres of land, a fact which indicates his ability and efficiency. The interests entrusted to him were of a most important character and at all times he proved equal to the task. He had previously been employed in the lumber woods of Wisconsin by Mr. Spaulding, who, therefore, knew the quality and character of the man whom he made his foreman. In March, 1904, when the town of Hayti was founded, Mr. Gorman established his present place of business, with a full line of hardware and agricultural implements, and, admitting his sons to a partnership, the business is now carried on under the style of J. K. Gorman & Sons. Their trade has increased year by year as their part of the state has become more thickly settled. Their business methods commend them to the confidence and support of the public and their patronage has now reached proportions that make the business a gratifying and profitable one. In fact, they do the bulk of the business in their line in their section and in addition to his commercial interests Mr. Gorman owns a farm of six hundred and forty acres in Florence Township.

On the 9th of October, 1878, occurred the marriage of Mr. Gorman and Miss Margaret Bennett, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bennett, both deceased. The children of this marriage are: Josie, the wife of William Michaels, of Willow Lake; May, the wife of M. J. Russell, of Hayti; Edward B. and James B., who are associated with their father in business; and Sadie and Grace, both at home.

The family residence is maintained at Castlewood and is a most hospitable one, its good cheer being greatly enjoyed by the many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Gorman. Their religious faith is that of the Catholic Church and his political support is given the Democratic Party. That he ranks high in the regard of his fellow townsmen is indicated by the fact that he has been elected county commissioner for six different terms. He has also filled township offices and for a number of years has been officially connected with the schools. He certainly deserves mention among the pioneer residents of the section in which he located. He did not dread the loneliness nor shrink from the hardships and privations of pioneer life, but with resolute spirit met the conditions that existed at the time of his arrival, when his place of abode was thirty-five miles from another habitation. He has lived to see remarkable changes and there have been almost equally remarkable changes in his own fortunes, for he started out in life empty handed and through persistent purpose has steadily worked his way upward, his ability and capable management winning for him a creditable measure of success.