Ringthunder
by Bessie Krogman
(transcribed from the Mellette County 1911-1961 book, published August 15, 1961 by the Mellette County Centennial Committee)
Ringthunder, a prosperous and thriving community was named after a Sioux Chief, Ringthunder, who had a camp in . this locality.
This part of Mellette County was surveyed in 1910 by Sam Chilton, Blaine Scriven, Mr. and Mrs. Volley McKenzie, . as helper and cook, and Charles Larsen as teamster.
The first abstract of land was issued to Rose Blackfeet in 1898 for NW 1/4, Sec.16-40-30. It was signed by President McKinley.
In 1912, the unlotted land was opened to homesteaders and those who filed, were: Rudolph Petr, Marin Georgeff, Joseph Petr, Vasil Dimitroff, Adolph Petr, Fred Kasat, Hattie Powers (Anders), Frank Petr, Nell Spear (Didier), John Plummer, Mr. and Mrs. Harlan Clayton, Everett Barr, A. C. and F. M.Holliday, Domano Felix, Chester Adams, Dorothy O'Riley, James Trotter, Roy Henry, R. E. Reid, W. W.Levasy, R. E. Smith and John Binder.
Along with these homesteaders were native Indians who lived on their allottments, Iron Horses lived on Sec. 16-40-30, George and Ben Eagleman, Yellow Bear, Looks Prairie Chicken, White Pipe, Spotted Bird, Rattling Horse, Little Tails, Good Kills, Flower Hawk, Eagle Dog, Stella Stone Arrow, John Blackfeet, Holy Door, Standing Cloud, and Lucie Our Pail. Maude White Shield Eagle and Dave Blue Thunder were born here and still live in this community.
Prairie fires were a hazard in the early days. Rost. Topinka (Berry) remembers how, before retiring for the night they would go outside and scan the horizon for the glow of fires. One started at the Kasat place, burned four miles, jumped the river and burned unimpeded to Rosebud. A prairie fire destroyed a barn and lumber for a chicken house on the Frank Petr place. Another tragedy in 1933, Perry Peyton was hauling hay, the hay caught fire and Mr. Peyton was burned to death.
If one will picture this township dotted with claim shacks in the 1912-1913 and 1914's and now in 1961 see a scene of large ranches.
Ronald Krogman lives on Sec. 35-40-30, his brand is lazy triangle 3. Harold and Bessie Krogman live on the homestead of Bessie's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Petr and their brand is J over bar.
George Bauman lives on the original homestead of Hattie Powers (Anders) ranch, his brand is B over cross. Robert Adrian purchased the Marin Georgeff homestead and ranch and uses the MG over bar brand. Frank Petr is still living on his original homestead and is assisted by his son-in-law, Howard Keever, who ranches. Their brands are FP and quarter circle over 35.
by Bessie Krogman
(transcribed from the Mellette County 1911-1961 book, published August 15, 1961 by the Mellette County Centennial Committee)
Ringthunder, a prosperous and thriving community was named after a Sioux Chief, Ringthunder, who had a camp in . this locality.
This part of Mellette County was surveyed in 1910 by Sam Chilton, Blaine Scriven, Mr. and Mrs. Volley McKenzie, . as helper and cook, and Charles Larsen as teamster.
The first abstract of land was issued to Rose Blackfeet in 1898 for NW 1/4, Sec.16-40-30. It was signed by President McKinley.
In 1912, the unlotted land was opened to homesteaders and those who filed, were: Rudolph Petr, Marin Georgeff, Joseph Petr, Vasil Dimitroff, Adolph Petr, Fred Kasat, Hattie Powers (Anders), Frank Petr, Nell Spear (Didier), John Plummer, Mr. and Mrs. Harlan Clayton, Everett Barr, A. C. and F. M.Holliday, Domano Felix, Chester Adams, Dorothy O'Riley, James Trotter, Roy Henry, R. E. Reid, W. W.Levasy, R. E. Smith and John Binder.
Along with these homesteaders were native Indians who lived on their allottments, Iron Horses lived on Sec. 16-40-30, George and Ben Eagleman, Yellow Bear, Looks Prairie Chicken, White Pipe, Spotted Bird, Rattling Horse, Little Tails, Good Kills, Flower Hawk, Eagle Dog, Stella Stone Arrow, John Blackfeet, Holy Door, Standing Cloud, and Lucie Our Pail. Maude White Shield Eagle and Dave Blue Thunder were born here and still live in this community.
Prairie fires were a hazard in the early days. Rost. Topinka (Berry) remembers how, before retiring for the night they would go outside and scan the horizon for the glow of fires. One started at the Kasat place, burned four miles, jumped the river and burned unimpeded to Rosebud. A prairie fire destroyed a barn and lumber for a chicken house on the Frank Petr place. Another tragedy in 1933, Perry Peyton was hauling hay, the hay caught fire and Mr. Peyton was burned to death.
If one will picture this township dotted with claim shacks in the 1912-1913 and 1914's and now in 1961 see a scene of large ranches.
Ronald Krogman lives on Sec. 35-40-30, his brand is lazy triangle 3. Harold and Bessie Krogman live on the homestead of Bessie's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Petr and their brand is J over bar.
George Bauman lives on the original homestead of Hattie Powers (Anders) ranch, his brand is B over cross. Robert Adrian purchased the Marin Georgeff homestead and ranch and uses the MG over bar brand. Frank Petr is still living on his original homestead and is assisted by his son-in-law, Howard Keever, who ranches. Their brands are FP and quarter circle over 35.
Mellette County, South Dakota
County & Town Histories - Ringthunder
This website is contiually changing. Data that is received is entered as quickly as possible.
Please check back soon for additional entries!
If you would like information from our resources, have comments or suggestions, or would like to contribute to this site, please email us.
Please check back soon for additional entries!
If you would like information from our resources, have comments or suggestions, or would like to contribute to this site, please email us.
All the data on this web site is © Copyright 2008 by Genealogy Trails' Host with full rights reserved for original submitters.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
This sod house was built by Rudolph Petr in 1913 on a homestead located about eighteen miles southwest of White River, South Dakota.