Mellette County, South Dakota
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Louie and Eunice (Gunner) Krogman
(Transcribed from the Krogman Family Cookbook and Chronicles, Published 1992)
On August 24, 1949, Louie and I said our wedding vows at Rapid City, South Dakota. After a lovely week-long
honeymoon trip to Canada, I packed my belongings and moved to Louie's ranch home south of White River. I was
greeted by Louie's children, Ronnie, Dorothy and Barbetta.
Louie was busy buying horses and cattle and doing a lot of trading, making enough money to put this large ranch
together. Dorothy was giving me lessons how to make meals for several hired men that came and worked off and
on. I never did any cooking until I was married so everything was real new to me.
September 9, 1950, we had our first baby son. Louie named him Stanley after his old school teacher he had down
at Dixon, South Dakota. From then on I became a mother every 2 years. Casey in 1952, Steve in 1954, Lorena in
1956 and Neil in 1961. That's our family and I became very busy during the children's growing years.
We had a very happy marriage of 42 years together. We used to go to every rodeo that came along and also
many horse and cattle sales. There were many school activities also to attend.
September 16, 1991, Louie had a massive heart attack and he spent his last few months in and out of the Valentine Hospital. On December 6, 1991, his life was taken away from us. There will never be another man like Louie. His stories will linger in our hearts forever. We miss you Louie.
(Transcribed from the Krogman Family Cookbook and Chronicles, Published 1992)
On August 24, 1949, Louie and I said our wedding vows at Rapid City, South Dakota. After a lovely week-long
honeymoon trip to Canada, I packed my belongings and moved to Louie's ranch home south of White River. I was
greeted by Louie's children, Ronnie, Dorothy and Barbetta.
Louie was busy buying horses and cattle and doing a lot of trading, making enough money to put this large ranch
together. Dorothy was giving me lessons how to make meals for several hired men that came and worked off and
on. I never did any cooking until I was married so everything was real new to me.
September 9, 1950, we had our first baby son. Louie named him Stanley after his old school teacher he had down
at Dixon, South Dakota. From then on I became a mother every 2 years. Casey in 1952, Steve in 1954, Lorena in
1956 and Neil in 1961. That's our family and I became very busy during the children's growing years.
We had a very happy marriage of 42 years together. We used to go to every rodeo that came along and also
many horse and cattle sales. There were many school activities also to attend.
September 16, 1991, Louie had a massive heart attack and he spent his last few months in and out of the Valentine Hospital. On December 6, 1991, his life was taken away from us. There will never be another man like Louie. His stories will linger in our hearts forever. We miss you Louie.
Family Histories & Biographies - Krogman(n)
Memories
by Ellen Krogman Dreyer
(Transcribed from the Krogman Family Cookbook and Chronicles, Published 1992)
As I sit and think of the Krogman family reunion fast approaching I think back to other family
reunions. Reunions when Grandma Krogman was alive. I remember the old Catholic Hall full to
overflowing with people. Kids running all over the place like wild Indians--meeting "new" cousins
from other parts of the country. Some of the best memories seem to pop into my mind at the oddest
times. Isn't it funny how some little thing can trigger an avalanche of memories? Driving by the house
that used to be grandma Krogman's seems to do this for me.
I have good memories of everyone congregating at Grandma's every Sunday after church and
visiting for hours. Once a month, Communion Sunday, we would eat breakfast there after church and
end up staying a good portion of the day. I always had long hair with ringlets (till I was in 7th grade)!
I remember playing in Grandma's bedroom and Shirley and Deanna would fight over brushing my hair
while I sat there in a panic because I knew my Mom didn't want anyone touching my hair let alone
brushing out those ringlets!!
I remember Blaine and Marylou being little, toddling around and Deanna and I following them all
over.
I remember my Aunt Marie always grabbing me and holding me on her lap and calling me her
"little honey girl!"
As I grew older the congregating slowed down some and then Grandma passed away and it completely stopped.
It's gotten harder to get everyone together since Grandma, the nucleus, is gone. I hope this reunion proves to be a good one--a big one.
A couple years ago I went to Dan and Phoebe's for a "get together". I sat by Louie and visited for awhile. At first he didn't know me, but when I told him my name he knew right away. He said, "How many kids do you have?" I replied, "Five." He said, "Oh, you have a nice start then..." I laughed and said, "N-o-o-o, I'm all done having kids!" He chuckled and said, "Well, that's OK, just remember they'll be gone before you know it." He paused for awhile then said, "You know there's nothing like family." I got tears in my eyes and said, "Yeah, I know..." I've thought about that often--Louie was right...
There's nothing like family.
I think we're all fortunate to have such a big family a warm, loving, "teasing" family. I hope I've gotten it across to my kids the importance of relatives of families. Because everyone is so busy these days. Everyone is always in such a big hurry.
But for what?
If we get too busy to be with family then it just isn't worth it. "Ain't that it?!!!"
by Ellen Krogman Dreyer
(Transcribed from the Krogman Family Cookbook and Chronicles, Published 1992)
As I sit and think of the Krogman family reunion fast approaching I think back to other family
reunions. Reunions when Grandma Krogman was alive. I remember the old Catholic Hall full to
overflowing with people. Kids running all over the place like wild Indians--meeting "new" cousins
from other parts of the country. Some of the best memories seem to pop into my mind at the oddest
times. Isn't it funny how some little thing can trigger an avalanche of memories? Driving by the house
that used to be grandma Krogman's seems to do this for me.
I have good memories of everyone congregating at Grandma's every Sunday after church and
visiting for hours. Once a month, Communion Sunday, we would eat breakfast there after church and
end up staying a good portion of the day. I always had long hair with ringlets (till I was in 7th grade)!
I remember playing in Grandma's bedroom and Shirley and Deanna would fight over brushing my hair
while I sat there in a panic because I knew my Mom didn't want anyone touching my hair let alone
brushing out those ringlets!!
I remember Blaine and Marylou being little, toddling around and Deanna and I following them all
over.
I remember my Aunt Marie always grabbing me and holding me on her lap and calling me her
"little honey girl!"
As I grew older the congregating slowed down some and then Grandma passed away and it completely stopped.
It's gotten harder to get everyone together since Grandma, the nucleus, is gone. I hope this reunion proves to be a good one--a big one.
A couple years ago I went to Dan and Phoebe's for a "get together". I sat by Louie and visited for awhile. At first he didn't know me, but when I told him my name he knew right away. He said, "How many kids do you have?" I replied, "Five." He said, "Oh, you have a nice start then..." I laughed and said, "N-o-o-o, I'm all done having kids!" He chuckled and said, "Well, that's OK, just remember they'll be gone before you know it." He paused for awhile then said, "You know there's nothing like family." I got tears in my eyes and said, "Yeah, I know..." I've thought about that often--Louie was right...
There's nothing like family.
I think we're all fortunate to have such a big family a warm, loving, "teasing" family. I hope I've gotten it across to my kids the importance of relatives of families. Because everyone is so busy these days. Everyone is always in such a big hurry.
But for what?
If we get too busy to be with family then it just isn't worth it. "Ain't that it?!!!"
Krogman(n) Surname
Frank and Agnes Krogman
(Transcribed from the Krogman Family Cookbook and Chronicles, Published 1992)
Frank was born on March 26, 1861, in Oldenburg, Germany and was baptized into the Roman Catholic Church. He came to America in 1878, when he was 17 years old and settled near Dubuque, Iowa. He had half brothers already in this country: Clem and Henry Kolbeck and Joe Krogman. He also had some half brothers in Germany.
Agnes Macke was born to Clem and Katherine Macke (buried in Zell, South Dakota) on October 28, 1873, in Oldenburg, Germany. When she was five, the family came to America and settled near Carroll, Iowa. She had twin half brothers, Frank and Gus Macke. Their mother died and Agnes' father remarried and they had Agnes, Annie and Mary.
Frank and Agnes' families moved to Salem, South Dakota, and it was there that they met and married in 1891.
Clem (1/26/1892-7/1914) and Kate (8/31/1893)(DOD 22 Dec 1998) were born in Salem, South Dakota. In 1894, they moved back to Iowa. They traveled in a covered wagon with a team of horses. All their belongings were in the wagon. They had their two children and a dog. The milk cow and colts followed behind the wagon. They settled around Ashton, Iowa, and stayed with Clem Kolbeck until they rented a place of their own. Another place also was rented near Sibley, Iowa. Mary (2/11/1895-2/14/1939), Frank (12/4/1896-11/18/1982), Lizzie (10/1/1898-), Annie (7/23/1900-1918), Louie (1/18/1902-12/6/1991), Bill (10/20/1903-)(DOD 07 Nov 1995), John (5/23/1905-7/1919), and Pauline (1/14/1908-2/23/1951), were born around Aston and Sibley, Iowa.
In March 1909, they moved with ten children to Dallas, South Dakota by train (that was the end of the railroad). From there they found a place to rent at Dixon, South Dakota. Frank bought some sheep there. Four children were born in Gregory County: Clarence (3/31/1910), Louise (4/28/1912), Clara (3/20/1914)(DOD 15 Jun 2005), and Lawrence (7/29/1916-8/28/1985).
In 1916, Grandpa, Mary and Kate went to Mellette County to take up homesteads northwest of White River. In 1917, the family moved to Mellette County to live in the homestead shack. Harold (3/14/1919) was born there. Later land was purchased a few miles from the homestead, where the family lived for many years. Grandpa loved his horses and took pride especially in his stallions. He also had bees for many years.
Frank, Sr. died in Hot Springs at the age of 80 in February 1941. His obituary stated: "Death in this instance takes another old westerner from Mellette County. One among those many who left their homes in the old countries during the late 18's to seek a new home in a new country and help settle and build up a vast empty western prairie. To know Mr. Krogman was to feel that he was your friend, because he was the social sort that made acquaintances and friends readily. He was held in highest esteem by those many friends for he possessed a superior, strong character.”
After Frank passed away, Agnes bought a house in town and moved off the Krogman ranch. Her home in White River became the focal point of Krogman family activity. She found time to become an active and interested member in the Sacred Heart Church, Altar Society, Mellette County Cowbelles, and American Legion and the Riverview Extension Club.
Grandma, Agnes, passed away in 1970. Her obituary stated “Agnes was honored at a gathering to mark her 96th birthday last October. Mentally alert and active to the extent that her "bad leg" would allow, Grandma was in her element that day, surrounded by her family and friends. Having met her, you could only love and respect her.”
(Transcribed from the Krogman Family Cookbook and Chronicles, Published 1992)
Frank was born on March 26, 1861, in Oldenburg, Germany and was baptized into the Roman Catholic Church. He came to America in 1878, when he was 17 years old and settled near Dubuque, Iowa. He had half brothers already in this country: Clem and Henry Kolbeck and Joe Krogman. He also had some half brothers in Germany.
Agnes Macke was born to Clem and Katherine Macke (buried in Zell, South Dakota) on October 28, 1873, in Oldenburg, Germany. When she was five, the family came to America and settled near Carroll, Iowa. She had twin half brothers, Frank and Gus Macke. Their mother died and Agnes' father remarried and they had Agnes, Annie and Mary.
Frank and Agnes' families moved to Salem, South Dakota, and it was there that they met and married in 1891.
Clem (1/26/1892-7/1914) and Kate (8/31/1893)(DOD 22 Dec 1998) were born in Salem, South Dakota. In 1894, they moved back to Iowa. They traveled in a covered wagon with a team of horses. All their belongings were in the wagon. They had their two children and a dog. The milk cow and colts followed behind the wagon. They settled around Ashton, Iowa, and stayed with Clem Kolbeck until they rented a place of their own. Another place also was rented near Sibley, Iowa. Mary (2/11/1895-2/14/1939), Frank (12/4/1896-11/18/1982), Lizzie (10/1/1898-), Annie (7/23/1900-1918), Louie (1/18/1902-12/6/1991), Bill (10/20/1903-)(DOD 07 Nov 1995), John (5/23/1905-7/1919), and Pauline (1/14/1908-2/23/1951), were born around Aston and Sibley, Iowa.
In March 1909, they moved with ten children to Dallas, South Dakota by train (that was the end of the railroad). From there they found a place to rent at Dixon, South Dakota. Frank bought some sheep there. Four children were born in Gregory County: Clarence (3/31/1910), Louise (4/28/1912), Clara (3/20/1914)(DOD 15 Jun 2005), and Lawrence (7/29/1916-8/28/1985).
In 1916, Grandpa, Mary and Kate went to Mellette County to take up homesteads northwest of White River. In 1917, the family moved to Mellette County to live in the homestead shack. Harold (3/14/1919) was born there. Later land was purchased a few miles from the homestead, where the family lived for many years. Grandpa loved his horses and took pride especially in his stallions. He also had bees for many years.
Frank, Sr. died in Hot Springs at the age of 80 in February 1941. His obituary stated: "Death in this instance takes another old westerner from Mellette County. One among those many who left their homes in the old countries during the late 18's to seek a new home in a new country and help settle and build up a vast empty western prairie. To know Mr. Krogman was to feel that he was your friend, because he was the social sort that made acquaintances and friends readily. He was held in highest esteem by those many friends for he possessed a superior, strong character.”
After Frank passed away, Agnes bought a house in town and moved off the Krogman ranch. Her home in White River became the focal point of Krogman family activity. She found time to become an active and interested member in the Sacred Heart Church, Altar Society, Mellette County Cowbelles, and American Legion and the Riverview Extension Club.
Grandma, Agnes, passed away in 1970. Her obituary stated “Agnes was honored at a gathering to mark her 96th birthday last October. Mentally alert and active to the extent that her "bad leg" would allow, Grandma was in her element that day, surrounded by her family and friends. Having met her, you could only love and respect her.”
Frank and Mabel Krogman
(Transcribed from the Krogman Family Cookbook and Chronicles, Published 1992)
Frank and Mabel Scull Krogman met at a "bachelor dance" in 1922, and they were married on May 10, 1923. They lived just southwest of Grandpa and Grandma Krogman's during the first ten years of their marriage. There they raised horses, cattle, hogs and chickens.
On March 5, 1933, their daughter Frances Louise was born. When she was six months old, they moved to town. Their son Franklyn Thomas Leroy was born May 10, 1936, on their thirteenth wedding anniversary. That same year, Frank was elected sheriff. He served two terms as sheriff and one as deputy sheriff.
About this time, he bought the ranch east of White River, where he raised cattle and quarter horses. He continued to whittle his way through a lot of trading and dealing.
Mabel stayed very busy rooming and boarding teachers, secretaries and school children. She also baked and decorated wonderful angel food cakes for every occasion.
Frank and Mabel ran the Frontier Days celebration for many years. He raised all his own rodeo stock and furnished stock for other rodeos as well.
Frank passed away on November 18, 1982, after a long brave battle with cancer. Mabel was recently hospitalized and is now recuperating at the White River Care Center with hope that she will soon be well enough to return to her home.
(Transcribed from the Krogman Family Cookbook and Chronicles, Published 1992)
Frank and Mabel Scull Krogman met at a "bachelor dance" in 1922, and they were married on May 10, 1923. They lived just southwest of Grandpa and Grandma Krogman's during the first ten years of their marriage. There they raised horses, cattle, hogs and chickens.
On March 5, 1933, their daughter Frances Louise was born. When she was six months old, they moved to town. Their son Franklyn Thomas Leroy was born May 10, 1936, on their thirteenth wedding anniversary. That same year, Frank was elected sheriff. He served two terms as sheriff and one as deputy sheriff.
About this time, he bought the ranch east of White River, where he raised cattle and quarter horses. He continued to whittle his way through a lot of trading and dealing.
Mabel stayed very busy rooming and boarding teachers, secretaries and school children. She also baked and decorated wonderful angel food cakes for every occasion.
Frank and Mabel ran the Frontier Days celebration for many years. He raised all his own rodeo stock and furnished stock for other rodeos as well.
Frank passed away on November 18, 1982, after a long brave battle with cancer. Mabel was recently hospitalized and is now recuperating at the White River Care Center with hope that she will soon be well enough to return to her home.
Frank Krogman(n) (26 Mar 1861 - Feb 1941)
Spouse: Agnes (Macke) Krogman(n) (28 Oct 1873 - Apr 1970)
Spouse: Agnes (Macke) Krogman(n) (28 Oct 1873 - Apr 1970)
Frank Krogman(n) (4 Dec 1896 - 18 Nov 1982)
Spouse: Mabel (Scull) Krogman (16 Oct 1905 - 18 Aug 1995)
Spouse: Mabel (Scull) Krogman (16 Oct 1905 - 18 Aug 1995)
Kate (Krogman) Peterson Family
(Transcribed from the Krogman Family Cookbook and Chronicles, Published 1992)
I was born at Salem, South Dakota on August 31, 1893. At 98, I still live in my house in White River, cooking and cleaning every day. I gave up driving this last year when Barbetta moved to town.
In 1909, my folks and ten children left Iowa and moved to Dallas, South Dakota by train, that was the end of the railroad. In 1916, my father, sister, Mary Walker, and I went to Mellette County to take up homesteads. I married Dan O'Brien in 1916 and had two children Frank and Ellen. In 1917 my folks and 12 children moved to Mellette County to live on the homestead.
After Dan died, I lived two years in Gregory and then moved to Mellette County to be near family. I drove many a mile behind a plow driving horses. In 1931, I married Gust Peterson and moved down by the Little White to his place. We had two children, Mildred and Betty Lou.
Mildred passed away in 1953, Ellen in 1972, and Frankie in 1987. Betty lives in Sioux City with her husband David. Betty has 3 children Scott, Craig, and Ember and a step-daughter Danielle.
I have seven grandchildren and one step-grandchild and ten great-grandchildren and two step-great grandchildren.
Kate Krogman Peterson Story
(Transcribed by RB, with permission, from "Mellette County 1911-1986" published by the Mellette County Historical Society)
I was born at Salem, South Dakota, August 31, 1893. My parents came from Germany. My father, Frank Krogman, was born at Oldenburg, Germany, on March 26, 1861, and was baptized into the Roman Catholic Church. He came to America in 1878 when he was seventeen years old and settled near Dubuque, Iowa, and from there he moved to Salem, South Dakota.
My mother, Agnes Macke, was born to Clem and Katherine Macke October 28, 1873, in Oldenburg, Germany. When she was five the family came to the U.S. and settled near Carroll, Iowa. Later they moved to Salem, South Dakota, and it was there that she met and married my father, Frank Krogman, in 1891.
My brother (Clem) and I were born at Salem, South Dakota. When I was a small girl, the fall of 1894, my folks moved across the country, back to Iowa. We traveled in a covered wagon with a team of horses and some colts following. We had all our belongings in the wagon, and two children and a dog. We had a milk cow tied behind the wagon. We settled around Ashton, Iowa, and stayed with Clem Kobecks (my father's half brother) until we rented a place of our own. We rented another farm close to Sibley, Iowa. It was around Ashton and Sibley, Iowa, where my sisters and brothers (Mary, Frank, Jr., Lizzie, Anna, Louie, Bill, John and Pauline) were born.
In March 1909, my folks and ten children left Iowa and immigrated to Dallas, South Dakota, by train that was the end of the railroad. From there my folks found a place to rent at Dixon, South Dakota, in Gregory County. That's when my father bought some sheep and he kept them for several years. Four of my sisters and brothers were born in Gregory County. They were Clarence, Louise, Clara and Lawrence. Harold was the only one born in Mellette County in 1919.
In 1916, my father, sister Mary Walker and I went to Mellette County to take up homesteads. We each got one northwest of White River. I married Dan O'Brien November 29, 1916. To this union two children were born, Frank and Ellen.
In 1917 my folks and twelve children moved to Mellette County to live on the homestead in the little shack. My husband Dan had a farm that we lived on until his death in 1923. Then the children and I moved to Gregory and lived in town for two years. I worked at several different places when I lived there. In those days for entertainment there were a lot of barn dances. They played Bohemian music and everyone had a great time.
After our two years living in Gregory, my father came and got me-said that wasn't any good to live down there alone. The children and I moved into a little house that was close to the folks' place. I couldn't see how anyone could make a living out there in those hills, but we all worked together and made a go of it. We girls worked outside a lot. I walked many a mile behind a plow driving horses. I had a few cows, hogs and chickens at my place.
Schoolteachers stayed with me when school was in session. Mary Keever, Erma Pigg and Violet Chapin are three I recafI who stayed at my place.
In 1931 I married Gust Peterson and moved down by the Little White River, to his place. It is where Donald Strain lives today. There were no roads to go west so we had to ford the river to send the kids to school. We would drive the car across when it wasn't too high; otherwise Gust had to take them on horseback to catch the bus on the east side. Gust and I had two children. Mildred passed away as a young girl in 1953. Betty is married and lives at Sioux City, Iowa. She has two sons, one daughter and a step-daughter. My son Frank was married and has four sons.
When we lived out in the country in the early years, we hauled our water from the river in a barrel on a stone boat pulled with a team of horses, and sometimes we had only one horse. The water was awful milky-looking and we had to let it settle a long time before we could use it. Later we built a cistern.
I learned to drive a car when I was around 40. I moved to town in the fall of 1942 so it would be a lot easier to send the kids to school. Gust stayed out on the ranch most of the time.
Two special friends that I left in Gregory are Lela McCollam, who is now 84 years old, and Pearl (Fenenga) Robinson. Fenenga's was one of the many places I worked while living in Gregory.
One pet I remember was a black and white puppy that Lela McCollam gave Ellen. We named it , 'Tootles. " Ellen had it for many years; even after she was married, the dog was still living and would follow Ellen wherever she went.
My vacations and trips haven't been very many. But in 1916 when we got married, we had a Model T Ford and took a trip to Kansas City. I have been to Washington State to see my sister Louise and to California to see sister Lizzie when she lived out there. Then I have been back to Iowa, visiting relatives at Dyersville.
One special event to remember: I would go fishing with my father; he would catch fish in a deal he made out of chicken netting and we kids would have to pick them up when he threw them on the bank. It was fun at first but soon turned out to be work. My brother Bill and a friend would sit down by the creek and fish for minnows with worms tied on acord string. They wanted to see how many they could catch that way.
When my mother was alive we had a family reunion about every fall when she had a birthday. Now we have a get-together when something special happens or my sister from Washington comes to visit.
My husband Gust passed away in 1958. My daughter Ellen passed away in 1972. I have seven grandchildren and one step-grandchild and ten great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandsons.
At 91 I'm in pretty good health and enjoy doing my own work. I have made more than a hundred quilts during my lifetime and still enjoy making them. I do a lot of sewing also. My son Frankie lives with me and does the heavy jobs. I still drive my car to church and around town. I belong to the Sacred Heart Church, Riverview Extension Club and Senior Citizens. I still do some canning in the fall. I had a hip replacement in 1982 that helped take away the pain in my leg.
During my lifetime I have had a lot of sadness, along with happiness also. This story is just a few memories about Mellette County. I have many more but it would take far too long to tell them.
(Transcribed from the Krogman Family Cookbook and Chronicles, Published 1992)
I was born at Salem, South Dakota on August 31, 1893. At 98, I still live in my house in White River, cooking and cleaning every day. I gave up driving this last year when Barbetta moved to town.
In 1909, my folks and ten children left Iowa and moved to Dallas, South Dakota by train, that was the end of the railroad. In 1916, my father, sister, Mary Walker, and I went to Mellette County to take up homesteads. I married Dan O'Brien in 1916 and had two children Frank and Ellen. In 1917 my folks and 12 children moved to Mellette County to live on the homestead.
After Dan died, I lived two years in Gregory and then moved to Mellette County to be near family. I drove many a mile behind a plow driving horses. In 1931, I married Gust Peterson and moved down by the Little White to his place. We had two children, Mildred and Betty Lou.
Mildred passed away in 1953, Ellen in 1972, and Frankie in 1987. Betty lives in Sioux City with her husband David. Betty has 3 children Scott, Craig, and Ember and a step-daughter Danielle.
I have seven grandchildren and one step-grandchild and ten great-grandchildren and two step-great grandchildren.
Kate Krogman Peterson Story
(Transcribed by RB, with permission, from "Mellette County 1911-1986" published by the Mellette County Historical Society)
I was born at Salem, South Dakota, August 31, 1893. My parents came from Germany. My father, Frank Krogman, was born at Oldenburg, Germany, on March 26, 1861, and was baptized into the Roman Catholic Church. He came to America in 1878 when he was seventeen years old and settled near Dubuque, Iowa, and from there he moved to Salem, South Dakota.
My mother, Agnes Macke, was born to Clem and Katherine Macke October 28, 1873, in Oldenburg, Germany. When she was five the family came to the U.S. and settled near Carroll, Iowa. Later they moved to Salem, South Dakota, and it was there that she met and married my father, Frank Krogman, in 1891.
My brother (Clem) and I were born at Salem, South Dakota. When I was a small girl, the fall of 1894, my folks moved across the country, back to Iowa. We traveled in a covered wagon with a team of horses and some colts following. We had all our belongings in the wagon, and two children and a dog. We had a milk cow tied behind the wagon. We settled around Ashton, Iowa, and stayed with Clem Kobecks (my father's half brother) until we rented a place of our own. We rented another farm close to Sibley, Iowa. It was around Ashton and Sibley, Iowa, where my sisters and brothers (Mary, Frank, Jr., Lizzie, Anna, Louie, Bill, John and Pauline) were born.
In March 1909, my folks and ten children left Iowa and immigrated to Dallas, South Dakota, by train that was the end of the railroad. From there my folks found a place to rent at Dixon, South Dakota, in Gregory County. That's when my father bought some sheep and he kept them for several years. Four of my sisters and brothers were born in Gregory County. They were Clarence, Louise, Clara and Lawrence. Harold was the only one born in Mellette County in 1919.
In 1916, my father, sister Mary Walker and I went to Mellette County to take up homesteads. We each got one northwest of White River. I married Dan O'Brien November 29, 1916. To this union two children were born, Frank and Ellen.
In 1917 my folks and twelve children moved to Mellette County to live on the homestead in the little shack. My husband Dan had a farm that we lived on until his death in 1923. Then the children and I moved to Gregory and lived in town for two years. I worked at several different places when I lived there. In those days for entertainment there were a lot of barn dances. They played Bohemian music and everyone had a great time.
After our two years living in Gregory, my father came and got me-said that wasn't any good to live down there alone. The children and I moved into a little house that was close to the folks' place. I couldn't see how anyone could make a living out there in those hills, but we all worked together and made a go of it. We girls worked outside a lot. I walked many a mile behind a plow driving horses. I had a few cows, hogs and chickens at my place.
Schoolteachers stayed with me when school was in session. Mary Keever, Erma Pigg and Violet Chapin are three I recafI who stayed at my place.
In 1931 I married Gust Peterson and moved down by the Little White River, to his place. It is where Donald Strain lives today. There were no roads to go west so we had to ford the river to send the kids to school. We would drive the car across when it wasn't too high; otherwise Gust had to take them on horseback to catch the bus on the east side. Gust and I had two children. Mildred passed away as a young girl in 1953. Betty is married and lives at Sioux City, Iowa. She has two sons, one daughter and a step-daughter. My son Frank was married and has four sons.
When we lived out in the country in the early years, we hauled our water from the river in a barrel on a stone boat pulled with a team of horses, and sometimes we had only one horse. The water was awful milky-looking and we had to let it settle a long time before we could use it. Later we built a cistern.
I learned to drive a car when I was around 40. I moved to town in the fall of 1942 so it would be a lot easier to send the kids to school. Gust stayed out on the ranch most of the time.
Two special friends that I left in Gregory are Lela McCollam, who is now 84 years old, and Pearl (Fenenga) Robinson. Fenenga's was one of the many places I worked while living in Gregory.
One pet I remember was a black and white puppy that Lela McCollam gave Ellen. We named it , 'Tootles. " Ellen had it for many years; even after she was married, the dog was still living and would follow Ellen wherever she went.
My vacations and trips haven't been very many. But in 1916 when we got married, we had a Model T Ford and took a trip to Kansas City. I have been to Washington State to see my sister Louise and to California to see sister Lizzie when she lived out there. Then I have been back to Iowa, visiting relatives at Dyersville.
One special event to remember: I would go fishing with my father; he would catch fish in a deal he made out of chicken netting and we kids would have to pick them up when he threw them on the bank. It was fun at first but soon turned out to be work. My brother Bill and a friend would sit down by the creek and fish for minnows with worms tied on acord string. They wanted to see how many they could catch that way.
When my mother was alive we had a family reunion about every fall when she had a birthday. Now we have a get-together when something special happens or my sister from Washington comes to visit.
My husband Gust passed away in 1958. My daughter Ellen passed away in 1972. I have seven grandchildren and one step-grandchild and ten great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandsons.
At 91 I'm in pretty good health and enjoy doing my own work. I have made more than a hundred quilts during my lifetime and still enjoy making them. I do a lot of sewing also. My son Frankie lives with me and does the heavy jobs. I still drive my car to church and around town. I belong to the Sacred Heart Church, Riverview Extension Club and Senior Citizens. I still do some canning in the fall. I had a hip replacement in 1982 that helped take away the pain in my leg.
During my lifetime I have had a lot of sadness, along with happiness also. This story is just a few memories about Mellette County. I have many more but it would take far too long to tell them.
Art and Elizabeth "Lizzie" (Krogman) Rasmussen Family
(Transcribed from the Krogman Family Cookbook and Chronicles, Published 1992)
I, Lizzie Rasmussen, was born on a farm near Sibley, Iowa on October 1, 1898.
I moved with my parents, Frank and Agnes Krogman, to Dixon, South Dakota. I taught school at Wood, South Dakota. I married Arthur Rasmussen, June 3, 1919 at St. Francis, South Dakota. We lived in a homestead shack on Art's homestead northwest of White River. We moved to many rented places and finally bought a ranch at Springview, Nebraska in 1939. Along the way, Clara, Vernon, Margaret, Hannah, Leroy, Louie Frank, Doris and Leonard came along.
Art bought our first thoroughbred horses at Fort Robinson, Nebraska when the U.S. Army sold off its Calvary horses in 1947. We raised and raced horses for a number of years. Art was the leading trainer on the Nebraska circuit in 1957-58. Of course, we continued to maintain the ranch. We moved to Northern California in 1962 and moved back to Nebraska in 1978. I have a home in Valentine and a mobile home on my daughter's and her husband's ranch (Buck and Doris Carr) at Springview, Nebraska. I well be 94 years old on October 1, 1992.
(Transcribed from the Krogman Family Cookbook and Chronicles, Published 1992)
I, Lizzie Rasmussen, was born on a farm near Sibley, Iowa on October 1, 1898.
I moved with my parents, Frank and Agnes Krogman, to Dixon, South Dakota. I taught school at Wood, South Dakota. I married Arthur Rasmussen, June 3, 1919 at St. Francis, South Dakota. We lived in a homestead shack on Art's homestead northwest of White River. We moved to many rented places and finally bought a ranch at Springview, Nebraska in 1939. Along the way, Clara, Vernon, Margaret, Hannah, Leroy, Louie Frank, Doris and Leonard came along.
Art bought our first thoroughbred horses at Fort Robinson, Nebraska when the U.S. Army sold off its Calvary horses in 1947. We raised and raced horses for a number of years. Art was the leading trainer on the Nebraska circuit in 1957-58. Of course, we continued to maintain the ranch. We moved to Northern California in 1962 and moved back to Nebraska in 1978. I have a home in Valentine and a mobile home on my daughter's and her husband's ranch (Buck and Doris Carr) at Springview, Nebraska. I well be 94 years old on October 1, 1992.
Agnes and Frank Krogman
(Grandma and Grandpa Krogman)
(Grandma and Grandpa Krogman)
Kate (Krogman(n)/O'Brien) Peterson (31 Aug 1893 - 22 Dec 1998)
Spouse: Daniel O'Brien ( - )
Spouse: Gust Peterson ( - )
Spouse: Daniel O'Brien ( - )
Spouse: Gust Peterson ( - )
Elizabeth "Lizzie" (Krogman(n)) Rasmussen (1 Oct 1898 - 22 Mar 2002 )
Spouse: Art Rasmussen (16 Nov 1893 - 29 Sept 1981)
Spouse: Art Rasmussen (16 Nov 1893 - 29 Sept 1981)
Louie Krogman(n) (18 Jan 1902 - 06 Dec 1991)
Spouse: Eunice (Gunner) Krogman (Living)
Spouse: Lillian A. (Paulson) Krogman (13 Aug 1914 - 22 June 2000)
Spouse: Eunice (Gunner) Krogman (Living)
Spouse: Lillian A. (Paulson) Krogman (13 Aug 1914 - 22 June 2000)
History of Grandma (Agnes) Krogman
(Transcribed, with permission from the Mellette County Historical Society, from "Mellette County 1911-1961" published by the Mellette County Centennial Committee)
In December, 1916, Kate Peterson, Mary Walker and Frank Krogman, Sr., came from Dixon, South Dakota to take up homesteads. They came by team and wagon to Oacoma, South Dakota and then on by train to Murdo. They brought out material for one shack and just got it up before a storm came. It wasn't much of a shelter as it wasn't completely finished. They didn't have much food or fuel. They were fortunate to have a good neighbor, Mr. Roades, who had homesteaded earlier, about a mile from them. He came and took them home with him for about 10 days. The other two shacks were completed later.
While they were at the Roades place they ran out of flour. Mary and Kate went out into the fields and brought in wheat bundles that hadn't been threshed, and pounded out the wheat to make flour for bread. Their water came from the creek and it was terribly alkali.
In May, 1917, Grandma Krogman and the rest of the family joined them. Martin Parish brought them in a Model T car. The men brought the cattle with a covered wagon and their saddle horses. It took about two vveeks. Frank, Jr., spent most of the summer bringing feed and other things. It was a long trip w:ith the covered wagon and not many things could be brought at a time.
The homestead was about 12 miles north of White River. There were 12 children at home at that time, and they made beds on the floor. Water had to be hauled from a neighbor, about two miles, with a team and wagon and barrels.
About four years later they moved up on the flat south of the Big White River. They lived in an Indian log house while their new house was being built. Joe Scull and Mr. Mott helped build it.
In 1926 Father Walsh came out once a month on a Saturday for Mass and Catechism. He said there were more children here than in town. Mary, Kate and Lizzie lived nearby with their families. Grandma, with the help of the girls, was kept busy cooking for this big family and there were always hired men, also. Grandpa Krogman always asked anyone that stopped if they had eaten, no matter what time of the day it was. Her children have memories of the huge batches of bread she baked and also the kettle of soup that was always on the back of the stove when they came home from school.
The wash water was carried from the spring and the clothes were washed on a washboard until about 1925, when Grandma finally got her first washing machine.
Grandma never sat down without some mending or sewing and often sewed late into the night while everyone else was in bed.
Grandpa saw to it that everyone had a job to do. The youngest workers started out at about five, the first job being to help older ones herd sheep, which was a steady job from morning until evening. They also spent much time hoeing all the rows of corn with a hoe. The older girls helped with the field work.
On August 22, 1938, Grandma was badly burned while starting the kitchen fire with kerosene. The worst burns were on her hand and arm. She was very sick and was in the Murdo hospital for about six weeks, and then stayed with her daughter Kate Peterson for about six more weeks.
Grandpa Krogman passed away in February of 1942. In 1943 Grandma moved to White River into the house where she now lives.
She is an active member of the Altar Society and has been a member of the Riverview Extension club for a number of years. She is also a member of the Mellette County Cowbelles and is a member of the Legion Auxiliary.
Grandma is now 87 years old. She gets around quite well and enjoys going places, and doing things. She has plenty of company as seven of her 15 children living near White River. They are Frank, Louie, Bill, Clarence, Lawrence, Harold, and Kate. Lizzie lives in Nebraska, Clara lives in Mitchell, and Louise lives in Washington. She has 58 grandchildren and 69 great grandchildren, and is lovingly called "Grandma" by everyone that knows her.
(Transcribed, with permission from the Mellette County Historical Society, from "Mellette County 1911-1961" published by the Mellette County Centennial Committee)
In December, 1916, Kate Peterson, Mary Walker and Frank Krogman, Sr., came from Dixon, South Dakota to take up homesteads. They came by team and wagon to Oacoma, South Dakota and then on by train to Murdo. They brought out material for one shack and just got it up before a storm came. It wasn't much of a shelter as it wasn't completely finished. They didn't have much food or fuel. They were fortunate to have a good neighbor, Mr. Roades, who had homesteaded earlier, about a mile from them. He came and took them home with him for about 10 days. The other two shacks were completed later.
While they were at the Roades place they ran out of flour. Mary and Kate went out into the fields and brought in wheat bundles that hadn't been threshed, and pounded out the wheat to make flour for bread. Their water came from the creek and it was terribly alkali.
In May, 1917, Grandma Krogman and the rest of the family joined them. Martin Parish brought them in a Model T car. The men brought the cattle with a covered wagon and their saddle horses. It took about two vveeks. Frank, Jr., spent most of the summer bringing feed and other things. It was a long trip w:ith the covered wagon and not many things could be brought at a time.
The homestead was about 12 miles north of White River. There were 12 children at home at that time, and they made beds on the floor. Water had to be hauled from a neighbor, about two miles, with a team and wagon and barrels.
About four years later they moved up on the flat south of the Big White River. They lived in an Indian log house while their new house was being built. Joe Scull and Mr. Mott helped build it.
In 1926 Father Walsh came out once a month on a Saturday for Mass and Catechism. He said there were more children here than in town. Mary, Kate and Lizzie lived nearby with their families. Grandma, with the help of the girls, was kept busy cooking for this big family and there were always hired men, also. Grandpa Krogman always asked anyone that stopped if they had eaten, no matter what time of the day it was. Her children have memories of the huge batches of bread she baked and also the kettle of soup that was always on the back of the stove when they came home from school.
The wash water was carried from the spring and the clothes were washed on a washboard until about 1925, when Grandma finally got her first washing machine.
Grandma never sat down without some mending or sewing and often sewed late into the night while everyone else was in bed.
Grandpa saw to it that everyone had a job to do. The youngest workers started out at about five, the first job being to help older ones herd sheep, which was a steady job from morning until evening. They also spent much time hoeing all the rows of corn with a hoe. The older girls helped with the field work.
On August 22, 1938, Grandma was badly burned while starting the kitchen fire with kerosene. The worst burns were on her hand and arm. She was very sick and was in the Murdo hospital for about six weeks, and then stayed with her daughter Kate Peterson for about six more weeks.
Grandpa Krogman passed away in February of 1942. In 1943 Grandma moved to White River into the house where she now lives.
She is an active member of the Altar Society and has been a member of the Riverview Extension club for a number of years. She is also a member of the Mellette County Cowbelles and is a member of the Legion Auxiliary.
Grandma is now 87 years old. She gets around quite well and enjoys going places, and doing things. She has plenty of company as seven of her 15 children living near White River. They are Frank, Louie, Bill, Clarence, Lawrence, Harold, and Kate. Lizzie lives in Nebraska, Clara lives in Mitchell, and Louise lives in Washington. She has 58 grandchildren and 69 great grandchildren, and is lovingly called "Grandma" by everyone that knows her.
Grandma and Grandpa Krogman and part of their family in front of their prairie home. Back row: Louie, Annie, unknown, Lizzie, Mary, Grandma, unknown, Grandpa. Front row: Pauline, Louise, Clarence, Clara.
Louie Krogman with
horse Paprika Pine
horse Paprika Pine
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