History of Dakota Territory, George W. Kingsbury, Vol. 4, 1915
RALPH P. ALLEN.
Ralph P. Allen, an enterprising and progressive young agriculturist residing on section 28, Valley Springs township, Minnehaha county, devotes his attention to the cultivation of a tract of land embracing one hundred and sixty acres. His birth occurred in Winneshiek county, Iowa, on the 14th of March, 1890, his parents being Frank and Susan (Banning) Allen, the former a native of Illinois. Their marriage was celebrated in Winneshiek county, Iowa, where they resided until 1890, when they came to South Dakota.
Frank Allen purchased the present home farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Valley Springs township and thereon spent the remainder of his life, dying November 4, 1911. He is still survived by his widow, who resides on the place with our subject.
Ralph P. Allen was reared under the parental roof and attended the district schools in the acquirement of an education. On attaining his majority he became associated with his father in the operation of the home farm and since the letter's demise has had charge of the place alone. Its excellent appearance bespeaks his careful management and bounteous harvests annually pay tribute to his well directed industry.
On the 2d of December, 1911, Mr. Allen was united in marriage to Miss Rowena Jones, her father being Thomas Jones, a prominent farmer of Split Rock township, Minnehaha county. To them has been born a daughter, Vivian Dorothy.
Mr. Allen gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is identified fraternally with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Valley Springs Lodge, No. 156. His wife is a devoted member of the Methodist church. Mr. Allen has spent practically his entire life in Minnehaha county and South Dakota and enjoys an enviable reputation as a successful young agriculturist and esteemed citizen.
History of Dakota Territory, George W. Kingsbury, Vol. 4, 1915
MARTIN ANDERSON.
Martin Anderson, who owns a farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Minnehaha county which he operates with the assistance of his sons, has resided on section 29, Valley Springs township, throughout the past thirty-five years. His birth occurred in Norway on the 20th of September, 1859, his parents being Jens and Karn Anderson, who emigrated to the United States in 1868, establishing their home in Iowa. In that state they remained for about eighteen years, the father devoting his attention to general agricultural pursuits. Both Mr. and Mrs. Jens Anderson still survive and now make their home in Valley Springs township, Minnehaha county, South Dakota, the former having reached the age of eighty-four years, while the latter is ninety-two years old.
Martin Anderson, who was a lad of nine years when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to America, attended the public schools of Iowa in the acquirement of an education. His youth was spent like that of most boys of the place and period, being divided between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the home farm. When a young man of nineteen years he came to South Dakota, arriving in Minnehaha county in 1879 and later purchasing and locating upon a tree claim of one hundred and sixty acres on section 29, Valley Springs township. Subsequently he bought another quarter section and therefore owns three hundred and twenty acres at the present time, which he now cultivates with the assistance of his sons. He made all of the improvements on the property and has met with excellent results in his agricultural labors, always utilizing the latest farm machinery and following the most practical methods in the cultivation of his fields. Mr. Anderson also keeps thirty head of cattle and one hundred head of hogs, his live stock interests adding materially to his annual income. He is likewise a stockholder in the Hills Cooperative Creamery and has long been numbered among the substantial and representative citizens of his community.
In 1888 Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Quam, a daughter of Hans and Rendi Quam. To them have been bom the following children: Clara, who is deceased; Ralph, Florence and Melvin, all at home; and Pearl, who has also passed away.
Mr. Anderson gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has served in the capacity of road supervisor, while for a number of years he acted as chairman of the school board. His son Ralph now holds the position of clerk of the school board. His religious faitn is that of the Lutheran church, the teachings of which, he exemplifies in his daily life.
Well known in the community where he has resided for more than a third of a century, Mr. Anderson has a wide acquaintance here and has won uniform trust and good-will by reason of a life which in all of its phases has been straightforward and honorable.
History of Dakota Territory, George W. Kingsbury, Vol. 4, 1915
DAILY MARTIN CURL.
A growing district always offers an excellent field to the enterprising real-estate man and the efforts of Daily Martin Curl in this direction have been a potent force in bringing success to the Western Land Security Company since he became its secretary and treasurer in 1911. He had a good collegiate training and broad practical experience in business life ere entering upon his present connection and he has made creditable success for one of his years.
Mr. Curl was born upon a farm in Shelby county, Iowa, March 6, 1880, and is a son of Martin Luther and Abigail (Barbee) Curl, both of whom were natives of Ohio. Both the father and the grandfather served as privates in the Civil war, being members of the same company. In the country schools of Shelby county the son began his education which was supplemented by a year's study in the Normal School at Logan, Iowa, and two years in the Iowa State College. He studied mechanical engineering while in college and afterward followed the profession for eight years, but in 1911 withdrew from that field of activity. He had been a resident of Sioux Falls since 1909 and realizing that there were excellent opportunities for the real-estate man, owing to the rapid and substantial growth of the city, he embarked in the real-estate business in 1911, becoming secretary and treasurer of the Western Land Security Company. He has thoroughly acquainted himself with realty values, knows the property that is upon the market and through his enterprising methods and close connection with the business has been able to negotiate many important realty transfers.
On the 19th of March, 1907, in Omaha, Nebraska, Mr. Curl was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Ann Wilson, a daughter of Andrew W. Wilson, and they have one child, Dorothy Mildred, born November 25, 1910.
Mr. Curl holds membership with the Methodist Episcopal church and honorable principles actuate him in every relation of life. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and fraternally he is connected with the Masons and the Odd Fellows. In the York Rite of Masonry he has attained the Knight Templar degree and he has also crossed the sands of the desert with the nobles of the Mystic Shrine. His life exemplifies his Christian belief and the beneficent teachings of the Masonic fraternity which are based upon the principles of mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness. He has gained many friends during his residence in Sioux Falls and high respect is everywhere accorded him by those who know him.
History of Dakota Territory, George W. Kingsbury, Vol. 4, 1915
CHARLES DELANEY.
During the last two decades Charles Delaney has been closely connected with the clothing trade and is now one of the proprietors of a leading store of this kind in Sioux Falls, the business being conducted under the name of the Buxbaum Clothing Company. His progressive spirit is manifest in the large and well-selected lines of goods carried and in the business methods which are followed. Mr. Delaney was born in Plattsburg, New York, October 31, 1866, a son of Christopher and Katharine (Burns) Delaney, both of whom were natives of New York, but have now passed away, the father having died in 1897, while the mother's death occurred in 1908.
Charles Delaney pursued his education in the schools near Plattsburg. Subsequently he entered a sewing machine factory at that place in which he was employed for a year, his wage being but a dollar and a half per week, yet be had to pay two dollars and a half per week for board. On the expiration of a twelfth month he left that position and entered a grocery store in Plattsburg, where he continued for four years. Thinking that better business opportunities might be enjoyed in the middle west, he made his way to Omaha, Nebraska, in 1887, and spent a year as an employe in a fish and game market. In 1889 he arrived in East Sioux Falls, where he became head clerk for the Sioux Falls Granite Company, but in 1891 that firm went into the hands of a receiver and the business was sold to Childs & Allison. Mr. Delaney remained with them for four months until their affairs were closed up. He next entered the employ of a clothing merchant, Alexander Stern, of Sioux Falls, and later was associated with the firm of Buxbaum &, Stern, which was organized in 1894. His association with the house continued until January, 1910, when he resigned his position and became a partner in the clothing firm of Olson, Delaney & Berdahl, which connection was maintained until July, 1913, when Mr. Delaney withdrew and in partnership with Carl Berdahl bought out the Buxbaum Clothing Company. They have since carried on the business and their establishment is not only well known in Sioux Falls, but throughout the entire state and over large sections of northern Iowa and western Minnesota. In every particular the business has kept pace with the growth and development of the city. A large and carefully selected stock is carried and the store not only has the goodwill of the public, but also of its employes, showing that the relation between the proprietors and the salesmen is a most friendly and cordial one. They work together in harmony for the good of the business and every effort is made to please the patrons as to price, fit and quality of the goods purchased. Theirs has become one of the large retail establishments of the city, owing to judicious advertising, capable management and enterprising methods. Each fall and spring they conduct sales offering at very low rate everything of the summer and winter stock respectively in order not to carry anything over to another season. This keeps their stock thoroughly up-to-date in style, workmanship and material, and the store ever presents a neat and tasteful appearance.
On the 18th of November, 1896, Mr. Delaney was united in marriage to Miss Ella K. Martin and their children are: Martin C, Catharine G. and Margaret M. The family attend
the Catholic church, and Mr. Delaney holds membership with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he served as a member of the city council in East Sioux Falls. He may truly be called a self-made man, for he has been both the architect and builder of his own fortunes. He started out in life empty-handed at an early age and has since been dependent upon his own resources, working his way upward through energy, determination and ability, until he now occupies a prominent and enviable position among the leading representatives of commercial activity in Sioux Falls.
History of Dakota Territory, George W. Kingsbury, Vol. 4, 1915
OLE E. EGGEN.
Ole E. Eggen, a progressive and promising young agriculturist residing in Sverdrup township, Minnehaha county, has charge of the home farm of two hundred and twenty acres and in its management is meeting with splendid success. His birth occurred in that township on the 16th of August, 1877, his parents being Eric O. and Mary Eggen. The father, a fanner by occupation, emigrated from Norway to the United States in 1866, taking up his abode in Minnesota, where he resided until 1871. In that year he came to South Dakota, locating in Sverdrup township, Minnehaha county, where he homesteaded a tract of land. As time passed and his financial resources increased, owing to his able management and untiring industry, he augmented his landed holdings by purchase until at his demise he owned two hundred nnd twenty acres. In his death, which occurred on the 9th of July, 1897, the community lost one of its honored pioneers and substantial agriculturists. He held several township offices, proving a highly capable and trustworthy public servant.
Ole E. Eggen attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education and subsequently assisted his father in the operation of the home farm. At the time of the letter's death he took charge of the property and has since remained thereon, living with his mother, his sister Bereth and his brother Nels. In the conduct of his agricultural interests he follows progressive and practical methods, and the well tilled fields annually yield golden harvests as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon them. In his political views Mr. Eggen is a republican but does not consider himself bound by party ties in the exercise of his right of franchise, supporting candidates with regard for their fitness rather than for their party affiliation. He is now serving in the capacity of road overseer. In religious faith he is a Lutheran. For pleasure and recreation he indulges in fishing and outdoor sports, and in the community where his entire life has been spent he is well liked and esteemed by all who know him.
“History of Dakota Territory”, George W. Kingsbury, 1915
ELIJAH SAUNDERS BUZZELL.
Elijah Saunders Buzzell, a retired agriculturist now living in Sioux Falls, has been a resident of South Dakota for more than four decades and was long and actively identified with farming interests, owning and operating a quarter section of land in Red Rock township, Minnehaha county. His birth occurred in Parsonsfield, Maine, on the 28th of June, 1828, his parents being William and Olive Buzzell, both of whom passed away in Maine.
The father was a painter by trade. Elijah S. Buzzell acquired his education in the public schools of Maine and after putting aside his textbooks learned the trades of a painter and paper-hanger, in which he was successfully engaged for more than fifty years. In 1862 he enlisted for service in the Civil war as a member of Company K, Twenty-seventh Regiment of Maine Volunteers, doing duty on the hospital staff for nine months near Washington, D. C. Ten years later, in 1872, he came to South Dakota, preempting one hundred and sixty acres of land in Red Rock township, Minnehaha county. He experienced the many hardships of life in a pioneer region and lost all during the grasshopper plague in 1874. He persevered, however, and his efforts were eventually rewarded by the possession of a valuable and productive farming property which brought him a gratifying annual income. This farm is still in possession of the family and was his home until 1913, when he removed to Sioux Falls. His is the only family of original pioneers who still own land preempted in the locality, all the others having sold their property and moved elsewhere.
In 1852 Mr. Buzzell was united in marriage to Miss Olive June Peary, a sister of Lieutenant Peary, who was the father of the man who discovered the North Pole. By this union were born the following children: Frank W. Royal P.; George, deceased; Sarah E., the wife of W. B. Riley, of Valley Springs; Nellie A., deceased; Charles and Hortense E., both on the home farm; Mabel G., who has passed away; and John C, also on the home farm. The wife and mother, who was a consistent member of the Free Baptist church, died in 1902.
On the 6th of September, 1913, at Sioux Falls, Mr. Buzzell was married in the First Methodist Episcopal church by Rev. J. W. Potter to Mrs. Charlotte E. Booth, the widow of Charles Vasser Booth and a daughter of Ezra P. and Louisa C. (Clough) Kinney. She is a native of New York state and since coming to South Dakota in 1S73 has been a resident of Sioux Falls, being one of the pioneer women of this section. She was first married October 21, 1875, becoming the wife of Charles V. Booth, who came to this locality in 1871. He was a carpenter and pioneer undertaker of Sioux Falls and was injured in an automobile accident, dying about two weeks later, on the 13th of April, 1911. Mrs. Buzzell is now the only original member of the Methodist Episcopal church still living in Sioux Falls and for many years was quite active in its work. Mr. Booth was also an ardent member of that denomination and class leader for a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Buzzell now make their home at No. 1513 South Duluth street, Sioux Falls, and have a host of friends there.
In politics Mr. Buzzell has always supported the men and measures of the republican party. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Free Baptist church and he also belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and Joe Hooker Post, No. 10, G. A. R., of Sioux Falls. He has now passed the eighty-seventh milestone on life's journey but is still active in mind and body and conversant with the questions and issues of the day, interesting himself in the work of progress, improvement and upbuilding. The salient qualities of his life have ever commended him to the confidence, goodwill and friendship of those with whom he has come in contact.
History of Dakota Territory, George W. Kingsbury, Vol. 4, 1915
AURIS FINSTAD.
The neat and systematic arrangement of the drug store of Auris Finstad, of Sioux Falls, the excellent line of drugs and druggists' sundries which is carried and the enterprising methods of the proprietor, have made him one of the wide-awake, alert and energetic merchants of a city which is rapidly developing along substantial and broadening lines. His surname indicates his Norwegian ancestry. A native of the land of the midnight sun, he was born at Stavanger, Norway, February 25, 1870, a son of Claus and Goneld Finstad. For six years he was a student in the public schools of Norway and in 1883, when a youth of thirteen years, came with his parents to the new world, the family home being established at Mitchell, in what was then Dakota territory. He continued his education in the schools of that city, passing through consecutive grades until he completed the high school course. At the age of seventeen years he entered the drug store of L. O. Gale and there learned the business with which he became familiar in principle and detail. In 1891 he removed from Mitchell to Emery, South Dakota, where he opened a drug store, conducting the business successfully for five years. In 1897 he went to Hetland, this state, where he was in a drug store for two years. He afterward spent a year in a drug store in Yankton and in 1900 came to Sioux Falls, where he entered the employ of R. F. Brown, a druggist, with whom he continued for three months. He next purchased a drug store in Arlington, South Dakota, which he conducted until March, 1912, and then returned to Sioux Falls, where he is now proprietor of one of the best drug stores of the city.
It was on the 23d of May, 1910, at St. Paul, Minnesota, that Mr. Finstad was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Lundin. His parents were of the Quaker church and he was reared in that faith. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has been a close student of the questions and issues of the day but has no desire for office as a reward for party fealty. The industry, perseverance and reliability characteristic of the people of his nationality find exemplification in him and constitute the salient features in his growing business success.
History of Dakota Territory, George W. Kingsbury, Vol. 4, 1915
JOHN FITZGIBBON.
One of the most progressive and representative business men of Sioux Falls is John FitzGibbon, who since 1890 has been connected with the coal business here, being today the proprietor of one of the most profitable coal and wood yards in the vicinity. He was born in Troy, New York, September 25, 1857, and is a son of John and Mary (Aire) FitzGibbon, natives of County Limerick, Ireland. The family is of Norman-French stock and was established in England at the time of William the Conqueror and in Ireland in 1169. The parents of our subject came to America in 1855 and located at Troy, New York, whence in 1853 they removed to a farm in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, where both passed away and are buried.
John FitzGibbon acquired his early education in the district schools of Wisconsin and spent two terms in a business college at Fond du Lac. In 1880 he came to Sioux Falls and has been a resident of this city since that time, his activities constituting one of the greatest signal forces in community progress, During the first two years of his residence here Mr. FitzGibbon was variously employed, but in 1882 he became clerk in M. Gerin's Red Front Grocery, retaining that position for five years. He was afterward for three years steward of the Cataract Hotel and when he resigned that position became connected with the J. W. Sheridan Coal Company. In August, 1892, Mr. Sheridan went to Duluth and Mr. FitzGibbon purchased his interests in Sioux Falls. He has since been the proprietor of the coal and wood yards here and under his able and intelligent management the business has grown rapidly, being today an extensive and important enterprise. Mr. FitzGibbon understands the fuel industry in principle and detail and has founded his present success upon experience and ability.
In Minneapolis, Minnesota, on the 11th of September, 1893, Mr. FitzGibbon was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Riordan, a daughter of Owen Riordan, who served in a Wisconsin regiment during the Civil war. Mr. and Mrs. FitzGibbon have three children: Grattan T. and John R., both graduates of the high school of Sioux Falls; and Paul Joseph, in school.
The family are members of the Roman Catholic church and Mr. FitzGibbon belongs to the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, serving as one of the financiers of the latter organization for years. He holds membership in the Dacotah Club, the Commercial Club and the Elka Club of Sioux Falls and Is well known In social circles. A stanch democrat, he has been at all times interested in public affairs and is known as an earnest and public-spirited citizen. In April, 1909, when Sioux Falls adopted the commission form of government, he was elected one of the five city commissioners and assigned to the department of public safety, serving with credit and ability for three years. He proved a capable and intelligent official and in this as in all other relations of life did work which won for him the confidence and regard of his associates.
History of Dakota Territory, George W. Kingsbury, Vol. 4, 1915
BERNT G. FLAAMOE.
Bernt O. Flaamoe, a worthy native son of Minnehaha county, has spent his entire life on the farm where he was born, on section 20, Sverdrup township, and is now the owner of two hundred and forty-seven acres of rich and productive land. His natal day was February 18, 1873, and he is a son of Jens and Margaret Flaamoe. The father, who emigrated from Norway to the United States in 1866, first took up his abode in Minnesota and three years later came to South Dakota by wagon, locating on a homestead tract as one of the pioneer agriculturists of this section. As the years passed and his financial resources increased, owing to his untiring industry and capable management, he extended the boundaries of his place by purchase until it embraced two hundred and forty-seven acres. His demise occurred in the fall of 1911, and his wife died April 9, 1915, at the age of eighty-two years. Jens Flaamoe had been a resident of his community for more than four decades and his loss was sincerely mourned as that of a worthy pioneer and respected citizen.
Bernt G. Flaamoe obtained his education in the graded and high schools and then turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits, assisting his father in the operation of the home place, which came into his possession at the time of the hitter's death. He has improved the property to a considerable extent and has purchased eighty-seven acres more. Success has rewarded his well directed efforts as an agriculturist, and he is today in control of a valuable property which reflects everywhere the care and supervision he bestows upon it.
Mr. Flaamoe is a republican in his political views but when exercising his right of franchise considers the fitness of a candidate as of more importance than his party affiliation. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church. He is progressive, enterprising and ambitious, and his substantial characteristics have gained him the warm regard and unqualified trust of his fellow townsmen.
History of Dakota Territory, George W. Kingsbury, Vol. 4, 1915
ROLAND A. FORTUNE.
Roland A. Fortune, a progressive and enterprising young agriculturist residing on section 26, Mapleton township, Minnehaha county, makes a specialty of live stock and has won well merited success in his undertakings. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of South Dakota, his birth having occurred in Sioux Falls township, Minnehaha county, on the 27th of December, 1890. His parents are John and Carrie (Ryder) Fortune, the former born in Lake county, Illinois, and the Utter in Holland, Michigan. John Fortune came to this state as a young man in 1872, while the mother of our subject was brought here by her parents in 1875. In the year of his arrival the former preempted one hundred and sixty acres in Mapleton township, Minnehaha county, which is the farm on which our subject now lives, and subsequently homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres in Sioux Falls township and also purchased one hundred and twenty acres adjoining his preemption, making his holdings at one time four hundred and forty acres. In recent years, however, he has sold the homestead, and during the past two years Mr. Fortune has made his home in Palo Alto, California.
Roland A. Fortune was reared under the parental roof and acquired his education in the public schools, also pursuing a course of study in Toland's Business College of Sioux Falls. In 1910 he began farming the home place in Mapleton township in partnership with his father and a year later rented the property, which he has thus cultivated to the present time. He specializes in live stock, raising about one hundred hogs annually and feeding a car load of cattle each year. Success has attended his efforts in gratifying degree, and he is widely recognized as one of the representative and substantial young agriculturists of his community.
On the 27th of November, 1912, Mr. Fortune was united in marriage to Miss Frances McClosky, of Kinsman, Illinois, by whom he has one child, John Henry. In his political views Mr. Fortune is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. Both be and his wife are devout communicants of the Catholic church and have many friends in the locality where they reside.
History of Dakota Territory, George W. Kingsbury, Vol. 4, 1915
WILSON BLAIN FULLER.
Wilson Blain Fuller has served continuously since 190S as secretary of the board of education of Sioux Falls and the cause of public instruction finds in him a stalwart champion earnestly supporting every measure which he believes will advance the interests of the schools along lines that will make public education a thorough and adequate preparation for life's responsibilities and duties. Ohio claims Mr. Fuller as one of her native sons, his birth having occurred at Ridgeville on the 16th of July, 1854, his parents being Warren and Sally Ann (Blain) Fuller, who, in the year 1861 removed with their family from Ohio to Van Buren county, Michigan. The father died in 1892 and the mother, surviving him for about eighteen years, passed away in 1910. They had a family of five children but Wilson Blain Fuller is the only one who reached years of maturity.
Following the removal of the family to Michigan Wilson B. Fuller attended the public schools of Bloomingdale and supplemented his early course by study in the university at Valparaiso, Indiana, where he completed the work to the junior year. Leaving college, he went to Kalamazoo, Michigan, and there entered upon the study of law, his careful preparation being followed by his admission to the bar in 1879. He never practiced, however, but his knowledge of the law has been an important asset in his business and professional career. In 1883 he arrived in Sioux Falls and entered the employ of a loan and trust company which he represented in various places in South Dakota and in Iowa, according to the wishes of the company. He spent six years in that way and in 1890 he went to Chicago, where for two years he occupied a position as clerk in the Illinois Trust A Savings Bank, He afterward spent a similar period in Michigan, settling up his father's estate and at the end of that time removed to Des Moines, Iowa, where he re-entered the employ of the New England Loan & Trust Company. There he remained until 1899, when he returned to Sioux Falls, where he engaged in the real-estate and farm loan business, devoting his time and efforts to activity along those lines until 1908, since which time he has been secretary of the board of education, being continued in the position to the great pleasure of his fellow members. For seven years he was a member of the board of education prior to his appointment to his present position as secretary. In this connection he does important work in the interest of the schools, being practically business manager of all the city schools, the first to serve in that capacity, and his influence is ever on the side of progress and improvement. For three years he was president of the public library board and is now president of the City Temple Association which is a non-sectarian adjunct to the First Baptist church, organized for the care, protection and benefit of young people. He believes that opportunity should be given to each individual and that under proper environment nature may be developed so that the best is brought out with the result that strength of character is assured.
On the 19th of June, 1886, Mr. Fuller was married at Sioux Falls to Miss Emily Leavitt, a daughter of Thomas J. Leavitt, now deceased. They have two children: Mary L., the wife of Howard D. Bowen of Honolulu, Hawaii, by whom she has one son, Robert D.; and Robert Leavitt Fuller, who was born at Des Moines, Iowa, in 1898 and is living in Sioux Falls.
Mr. Fuller gives his political allegiance to the republican party and few men who are not active as office seekers have more thorough and well grounded information concerning the issues and questions of the day. He is ever appreciative of the duties and obligations as well as of the privileges of citizenship and his loyalty in public office none questions, while his capability is attested by the fact that for thirteen years he has been retained as a member of the board of education, more than six years of that time being spent as its secretary.
History of Dakota Territory, George W. Kingsbury, Vol. 4, 1915
CHAUNCEY R. GAGE.
Chauncey R. Gage is a worthy native son of South Dakota and a well known and enterprising agriculturist residing on section 17, Split Rock township, Minnehaha county, where he owns a tract of land comprising ninety acres. His birth occurred in Lincoln county, this state, on the 30th of January, 1874, his parents being George and Melinda (Morse) Gage, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of Benton county, Illinois. Their marriage was celebrated in Benton county, Illinois, where George Gage had settled as a young man and where he was for some years a railroad employe. Through the period of the Civil war he served with the Union army as a member of Company K, Ninety-sixth Illinois Regiment of Cavalry. In 1870 he came to South Dakota, homesteading in Linn township, Lincoln county, where he spent the remainder of his life, passing away in 1897.
Chauncey R. Gage was reared to manhood under the parental roof and in the acquirement of an education attended the common schools. On reaching his majority, in 1895, he started out as an agriculturist on his own account and followed farming in Lincoln and McCook counties as a renter for about eight years. In 1903 he purchased his present home farm of ninety acres in Split Rock township, Minnehaha county, and has resided thereon continuously since, being actively engaged in its further cultivation and improvement. Success has come to him in reward of close application and modern ideas as to the best farming methods to employ.
On the 8th of October, 1895, Mr. Gage was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Wallace, of Lincoln county, by whom he has six children, namely: Grace, Lee, Lewis, Gladys, Edna and Lucille, all at home.
Mr. Gage gives his political allegiance to the republican party and now serves as chairman of the school board, the cause of education having ever found in him a stalwart friend. His entire life has been spent in South Dakota and his record well deserves a place in its annals.
History of Dakota Territory, George W. Kingsbury, Vol. 4, 1915
GEORGE E. BARKLEY.
George E. Barkley, residing on section 6, Sioux Falls township, Minnehaha county, is widely known as a breeder of registered shorthorn cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs and owns a tract of one hundred and twenty acres comprising one of the most fertile and most valuable farms in South Dakota. His birth occurred in Boone county, Iowa, on the 16th of February, 1879, his parents being M. C. and Mary E. (Smith) Barkley, the former a native of Iowa and the latter of Ohio. James Barkley, the paternal grandfather of our subject, removed to Iowa from Indiana in 1842, taking up a homestead in Linn county, Iowa, before Mount Vernon was laid out. He was a carpenter by trade and helped to erect the first building of Cornell College at Mount Vernon. In 1856 he removed to Boone county, where M. C. Barkley was reared and married and where three children were born to him and his wife. In the spring of 1887 he took up his abode in Sac county, Iowa, purchasing his present home farm of eighty acres for seventeen dollars an acre. The land is now worth two hundred dollars an acre. M. C. Barkley enjoys an enviable reputation as one of the substantial and esteemed citizens of Sac county and has served in the various township offices, being elected as a candidate of the republican party.
George K. Barkley was reared under the parental roof and in the acquirement of an education attended the common schools and also the high schools of Odebolt and Boone. On his twenty-first birthday he started out as an agriculturist on his own account by renting land and for about ten years followed fanning in Sac county, Iowa. In 1910 he came to South Dakota and took up his abode on the southeast quarter of section 30, Split Rock township, Minnehaha county, having purchased this farm in the fall of 1909. At the end of a year, however, he disposed of the property and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of bind where he now resides. Two years later he sold forty acres of this farm, which at present comprises one hundred and twenty acres and which is situated just outside the city limits of Sioux Falls, lying in the Big Sioux bottoms and being therefore one of the most fertile and most valuable tracts in South Dakota. Mr. Barkley is engaged in the breeding of registered shorthorn cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs, shipping his stock as far west as the Pacific coast. He is becoming widely known as a successful breeder and on the 23d of January, 1914, sold twenty-five head of hogs and sixteen head of cattle for four thousand one hundred and fifty-two dollars. He has almost his entire farm seeded to grass and rents outside land for farming purposes. His is one of the best improved properties of Minnehaha county and in its able management he has won prosperity.
In September, 1904, Mr. Barkley was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Hanson, of Sac county, Iowa, who is a native of Long Island, New York. They have three children: Ralph Wallace, Edna May and Flora Belle. Mr. Barkley gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is identified fraternally with the Masons, belonging to Unity Lodge, No. 130, of Sioux Falls. He is also connected with the Modern Woodmen of America, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the First Methodist Episcopal church of Sioux Falls, to which his wife likewise belongs. He is a young man of force, ambition and enterprise and he stands high in the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens.
History of Dakota Territory, George W. Kingsbury, Vol. 4, 1915
FRANK R. BAYSORE.
Frank R. Baysore, proprietor of the Queen Cafe in Sioux Falls, is one of the native sons of South Dakota, his birth having occurred in Canton on the 20th of December, 1885. He is a son of Amos H. and Effie (Wimer) Baysore, natives of Illinois and of Pennsylvania respectively. He attended the common schools of Canton and made his initial step in the business world as a messenger boy in the service of the Western Union. In 1904 he removed to Sioux Falls, where he was employed in a restaurant unlit 1906, when he established the Queen Café, of which he has since been the proprietor. He caters to the needs and wishes of the public along his line and is accorded a liberal patronage.
On the 26th of April, 1911, Mr. Baysore was married to Miss Lyla Mary Tate, a daughter of William Tate, and they have one son, William Francis, who is in his second year. The religious belief of the family is that of the Catholic church and Mr. Baysore is connected fraternally with the Elks and the Eagles, having held all of the offices in the local aerie. His entire life has been passed in this state and he has been an interested witness of the changes which time and man have wrought in the past thirty years.
History of Dakota Territory, George W. Kingsbury, Vol. 4, 1915
JAMES O. BERDAHL.
James O. Berdahl is a successful and well known young legal practitioner of Lake Preston, where he has followed his profession since 1909 and is also recognized as a leading worker in the interests of moral and educational uplift. His birth occurred in Minnehaha county, South Dakota, on the 23d of April, 1881, his parents being Andrew J. and Karen (Otterness) Berdahl, who came to South Dakota in 1872, locating in Minnehaha county. The mother died May 12, 1915. The father was a member of the constitutional convention from 1885 until 1889 and is widely recognized as one of the influential and respected citizens of the community which has now been his home for more than four decades.
James O. Berdahl acquired his early education in the district schools and later attended the schools at Baltic and Garretson, while subsequently he pursued a course of study in Augustana College of Canton. He then followed the profession of teaching fox three years, and on the expiration of that period, in 1906, entered the School of Law of the University of South Dakota at Vermillion, being graduated therefrom in 1909. The same year he opened an office at Lake Preston, where he has since remained and has built up an extensive and lucrative clientage and won an enviable reputation. He is felicitous and clear in argument, but is never abusive of his adversaries and is a foe worthy the steel of .the most able opponent.
In politics Mr. Berdahl is a democrat and in 1914 was honored by his party with the nomination for state's attorney. He is a Lutheran in religious faith, is now serving as a member of the board of trustees of the local church and is also a member of the board of Augustana College. His influence is ever given on the side of right, progress, reform and improvement, as is further indicated in the fact that he is a member of the South Dakota Anti-Saloon League and is now serving for the fifth year as president of the South Dakota Luther League. In hunting and fishing he finds needed recreation as well as pleasure. His entire life has been spent in South Dakota and his record is that of one of its worthy and valued native sons.
History of Dakota Territory, George W. Kingsbury, Vol. 4, 1915
ANDREW P. BRENDE.
Andrew P. Brende, a representative agriculturist and foremost citizen of Minnehaha county, owns and operates a farm comprising three hundred and eighty acres of valuable land on section 9, Mapleton township. His birth occurred in Norway on the 4th of June, 1863, his parents being Paul and Ingri Brende. The mother passed away in that country, and in 1869 or 1870 the father emigrated to the United States with his two sons, locating
first in Goodhue county, Minnesota. At the end of about a year, however, he came to South Dakota, homes leading a quarter of section 21, Mapleton township, Minnehaha county, tying in the Big Sioux valley, which has the richest and most fertile land in the state. On that farm Paul Brende spent the remainder of his life, passing away about 1909, In the eightieth year of his age. The period of his residence In Minnehaha county covered almost four decades and he gained an extensive and favorable acquaintance throughout the community.Andrew P. Brende was reared at home and in the acquirement of an education attended the common schools. "Temples of learning" in this state were yet but primitive and he received only three months' instruction yearly in a log building belonging to James Berg. In the fall of 1884, when twenty-one years of age, he was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Husby, a native of Norway. In the following spring he started out as an agriculturist on his own account, purchasing one hundred and twenty acres of his present home farm in Mapleton township. Subsequently be extended the boundaries of his place by additional purchase and now owns three hundred and eighty acres of some of the finest land in Minnehaha county. He has managed the property practically and intelligently and in his undertakings as an agriculturist has won well merited and enviable success. The Baltic Cooperative Lumber Company numbers him among its stockholders.
To Mr. and Mrs. Brende have been born ten children, as follows: Ida; Minnie; Emma, who gave her hand in marriage to Bennie Moe, an agriculturist of Sverdrup township; Maria; Peter; Alma; Amelia; Clara; Inez; and Elmer.
Mr. Brende gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is now serving for the seventh year as a member of the town board. He has also been a member of the school board for several years, ever proving a conscientious and capable public official His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Norwegian Lutheran church, to which his wife and children also belong and which he served for some years as a member of the board of trustees. His many excellent characteristics have given him high standing in the community, and be is accounted a substantial and leading citizen.
History of Dakota Territory, George W. Kingsbury, Vol. 4, 1915
ALFRED CHRISTENSON.
Alfred Cbristenson, a well known and prosperous agriculturist residing on section 9, Mapleton township, Minnehaha county, was born in that township on the 24th of December, 1871. He was among the first white children born in this section of the state and as an infant was rocked in his cradle by the Indians hundreds of times. His parents were Christ and Martina (Estensen) Christenson, natives of Denmark and Norway respectively. They emigrated to the United States in 1869 and were married in Michigan, the father working in the mines at Calumet and Hecla of that state. Hearing of the free lands in South Dakota, they came west to this state in the spring of 1871, and Mr. Christenson immediately homesteaded eighty acres on section 16, Mapleton township, Minnehaha county. This land in the Big Sioux bottoms is today some of the best in the state. Subsequently Mr. Christenson preempted one hundred and sixty acres in Benton township and later bought one hundred and sixty acres in Mapleton township adjoining the Benton township farm. He resided on his preemption for a period of thirty-three years but after the death of his wife, in 1898, returned to Denmark, in which country he has since remained.
Alfred Christenson was reared under the parental roof and received his education in the public schools. He continued at home after attaining his majority, being associated with his father in his fanning enterprises until 1898, when he located on the place where he now resides and started out as an agriculturist on his own account. This farm was then owned by his father, and Alfred Christenson operated it as a renter for about eleven years. In 1909, however, he purchased the property, which embraces one hundred and ninety-two acres. He had purchased four hundred and eighty acres of land in Brown county in 1905 but disposed of the same before buying his home farm. He likewise owns the northwest quarter of section 21, Mapleton township, which he purchased in March, 1913, and in 1915 he purchased three hundred and twenty acres on section 28. the same township. As an agriculturist he has won a well merited and gratifying measure of success, carrying on the work of the fields in a practical, progressive and resultant manner. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Lumber Company, the New Hope Grain Company of Crooks, South Dakota, and the Baltic Lumber Company.
In 1905 Mr. Christenson was joined in wedlock to Mrs. Mary Brekke, a native of Norway and the widow of Andrew Brekke. By her first husband Mrs. Christenson had three children: Halver, Anna and Andrew. To her and Mr. Christenson have been born six children, five of whom survive, namely: Carl, Ingel, Cerena, Alice and Sophia. All the children are at home.
Mr. Christenson exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and has acted in the capacity of supervisor for about four years, while for about two years he ably served as constable of the township. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Brotherhood of America, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Norwegian Lutheran church, to which his wife also belongs. His entire life has been spent in Minnehaha county and he enjoys an enviable reputation as one of its representative agriculturists and respected citizens.
History of Dakota Territory, George W. Kingsbury, Vol. 4, 1915
DAVID ROBERT HOWIE.
David Robert Howie, successfully engaged in the real-estate business in Sioux Falls, was born upon a farm in Waukesha county, Wisconsin, August 24, 1856. His father, Thomas Howie, was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1811, and on reaching manhood was married in that country in 1836 to Miss Mary Morton, who was born in the parish of Glaston, Ayrshire, in 1813. He engaged in business as a merchant at Kilmarnock, Scotland, until 1839, at which time he crossed the Atlantic and settled in Inverness, New York. In 1841 he made his way westward to Wisconsin and took up his abode in Waukesha county, where he purchased eighty acres of land, later adding to that property until he became the owner of two hundred and fifty-two acres. At his home was organized the United Presbyterian church, of which he was one of the founders and leading members. He donated the site for the church, buying land on the main road to Milwaukee. After a useful and well spent life he passed away on the 24th of August, 1858—the day on which our subject attained his second year and also the anniversary of the death of his oldest sister. His wife survived him for thirty-five years and died on the 11th of July, 1893. Their eldest son, John Howie, was born in Scotland and at the time of the Civil war enlisted as a private in the Twenty-eighth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He laid down his life on the altar of his adopted country, dying in the service in 1864. He left a widow, a son and a daughter, but the son is now deceased. The daughter married Henry Vick, a farmer, and they make their home in Vernon, Wisconsin. Besides John our subject had two other brothers and two sisters, namely: Mary, who became the wife of James Mair; Janet, the wife of John Purvis; Thomas, who died in 1880; and Matthew, who formerly resided in Sioux Falls, but is now a resident of Roberts county, South Dakota.
In the public schools of his native county David Robert Howie pursued his education. He remained under the parental roof through the period of his minority and early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He was about twenty-three years of age when in 1879 he left home and came to the territory of South Dakota. In 1883 he removed to Sioux Falls, where he has since resided, and throughout the intervening period of thirty years he has ever been accounted one of the progressive, wide-awake, alert and enterprising residents of that city. For one year he purchased grain for the old Queen Bee mill and also bought stock for A. G. Senny. Later he entered the real estate business, in which he is still engaged. He also engaged in farming for a number of years in Minnehaha county, but later sold one hundred and twenty acres of his land, which brought him one hundred and thirty-seven dollars per acre. As a real-estate dealer he is thoroughly conversant with property values and he knows what is upon the market for purchase or sale. He has gained a good clientage and his business is now of an extensive and substantial character.
On the 30th of November, 1876, at Waukesha, Wisconsin,. Mr. Howie was united in marriage to Miss Ellen S. McKenzie and their children are: Chauncey Leroy; Adelbert J.; and Flora Morton, the wife of Ernest Tothill and the mother of one daughter, Louise Ellen. The elder son is married and has two daughters, Ellen and Catharine; while the younger son is married and has four children, Lucile, David Morton, Adelbert J. and Robert Leroy.
Mrs. Howie is a daughter of John A. McKenzie, who was born in Caledonia, Livingston county, New York, February 18, 1823, and in early life removed to Wisconsin, stopping first at Milwaukee. He settled in Vernon, that state, when Waukesha was a cattle pasture. He began work as a thresher at ten dollars per month and continued to follow that occupation for ten years. During the gold excitement in California he started for the Pacific coast by way of Nicaragua, but finally changed his mind and returned to Wisconsin, where he bought a farm and gave his attention to its cultivation and improvement. He became the owner of one hundred and fifty-six acres, which he converted from a wild tract into a fine farm and on it erected a good brick residence in 1871. In early manhood he married Miss Margaret E. Weir, the daughter of a former employer and also a native of Caledonia, New York. They became the parents of the following children: Elizabeth, Mary J., Ellen S., John E., Janet, Flora A., Margaret A. and Mabel. The father died on the home farm, but the mother is still living at about the age of eighty years and continues to reside upon that place. She is a faithful member of the United Presbyterian church, to which her husband also belonged, and he gave his support to the republican party.
The religious faith of the Howie family is that of the Presbyterian church and in political belief Mr. Howie is a republican. He belongs to the Odd Fellows society and to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He has never sought nor desired political preferment, and though he has served several times as a member of the school board he has never held an elective office. He stands for all that is progressive in citizenship and gives his earnest support to measures and movements which he deems of public benefit. In concentrating his time and energies upon his business affairs the results have been certain because his efforts have been intelligently directed. He early realized that there is no royal road to wealth and by persistent effort and honorable dealing has reached his present creditable place among the substantial business men of the city.
History of Dakota Territory, George W. Kingsbury, Vol. 4, 1915
GEORGE INGALLS.
George Ingalls, a well known and representative agriculturist of Minnehaha county, owns a farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Buffalo township, which he has operated continuously and successfully for more than a third of a century. His birth occurred in Iowa on the 2d of July, 1860, his parents being James and Elizabeth Ingalls. In 1877 they came to South Dakota, their son George having taken up his abode in this state in the previous year. At that time there was no railroad in the state and but one bridge in Sioux Falls. James Ingalls purchased and homesteaded land in Minnehaha county and still makes his home northeast of Sioux Falls. The period of his residence in the community now covers thirty-eight years and he has witnessed the mighty changes which have occurred with the onward march of civilization. His wife is deceased.
George Ingalls acquired his education in the public schools of Iowa and South Dakota and after putting aside his textbooks assisted his father in the work of the home farm. Subsequently he homesteaded and purchased a tree claim, and at the present time he owns three hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land in Buffalo township, on which he has resided continuously during the past thirty-four years. In connection with the cultivation of cereals he feeds thirty head of cattle and fifty hogs, this branch of his business also proving profitable. He utilizes modern machinery in the work of the fields and is a practical, progressive agriculturist whose labors have brought him just reward.
In 1892 Mr. Ingalls was united in marriage to Miss Patience Scott, her father being Andrew Scott, also a pioneer of South Dakota. They have the following children: Andrew, Gladys, Alice and Vera and Verd, twins. Mr. Ingalls gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is now serving as a member of the town board. His religious faith is that of the Baptist church. He is fond of fishing, which affords him both pleasure and recreation. In the community which has so long been his home he has won an extensive circle of friends and is widely recognized as a substantial agriculturist and esteemed citizen.
History of Dakota Territory, George W. Kingsbury, Vol. 4, 1915
SAMUEL IOSSI.
Samuel Iossi, an agriculturist residing on section 19, Taopi township, is the owner of two hundred and ninety-seven acres comprising one of the most fertile farms in Minnehaha county. His birth occurred in Switzerland on the 20th of November, 1862, his parents being Christ and Elizabeth Iossi. The mother died when our subject was but four years of age, and in 1890 the father joined his son Samuel in the United States, making his home with him until his death in 1903.
Samuel Iossi was reared under the parental roof and in the acquirement of an education attended the public schools of his native country. He learned the trade of a stonemason in early manhood and in 1887, when twenty-five years of age, emigrated to the United States, taking up his abode in Linn county, Iowa. There he worked in the creamery business for five or six years and subsequently turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, cultivating rented land in Iowa for five years. In 1899 he removed to Nebraska and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Cedar county, residing on that property for thirteen years. On the expiration of that period, in 1912, he came to South Dakota and bought a farm of two hundred and ninety-seven acres in Taopi township, Minnehaha county, which he has operated successfully to the present time. He engages in general farming and has always followed the most progressive methods, so that he has met with gratifying and well deserved success.
In 1891 Mr. Iossi was united in marriage to Miss Susie Egger, a native of Germany, by whom he has nine children, namely: Emma, Louis, William, Elizabeth, Marie, Selma, Albert, Fred and Ida. All are at home. In his political views Mr. Iossi is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the German Reformed church, to which his wife also belongs. Coming to the new world in young manhood, Mr. Iossi eagerly availed himself of the opportunities here afforded and has worked his way steadily upward to a position among the prosperous and respected citizens of his community.
History of Dakota Territory, George W. Kingsbury, Vol. 4, 1915
FRED S. JACOBSON.
Fred B. Jacobson, who has been a resident of Minnehaha county for more than four decades, is widely recognized as one of the foremost citizens and prosperous agriculturists of Split Rock township, owning two hundred acres of valuable land on section 13. His birth occurred in Sweden on the 20th of August, 1862, his parents being Lars and Christina Jacobson, who emigrated to the United States in 1868 and took up their abode in Dekalb county, Illinois. The father, a blacksmith by trade, there secured employment in the railroad shops of Sycamore. Subsequently he removed to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he worked in the shops and thence made his way to Sioux City. In 1873 he came to Minnehaha county, South Dakota, homesteading one hundred and sixty acres in section 13, Split Rock township, where he spent the remainder of his life and devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits. His demise, which occurred on the 10th of May, 1904, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for he had won many friends in the community which had been his home for more than three decades.
Fred S. Jacobson, a little lad of six when brought to the new world, was reared under the parental roof and attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education. On reaching his majority he undertook the management of the home farm. He was married at the age of twenty-five and immediately following that important event in his life located on his present home farm, which he had purchased about four years previously. He now owns two hundred acres of land comprising one of the best improved farms in Split Rock township, and in its operation is meeting with a gratifying and well merited measure of success.
In 1887 Mr. Jacobson was united in marriage to Miss Emily Nelson, of Split Rock township, who is a native of Sweden. Her father, Nils Pearson, brought his family to the United States and first took up his abode in Clear Lake, Wisconsin, whence he subsequently came to South Dakota, settling among the pioneer residents of Split Rock township, Minnehaha county.
To Mr. and Mrs. Jacobson have been born four children, two of whom survive, namely: Charlie, who assists his father in the operation of the home farm; and Esther, who gave her hand in marriage to Carl Joneson, of Valley Springs township.
Mr. Jacobson is a stanch republican in politics and for many years peat has been a factor in the local ranks of the party. He was made road overseer when but eighteen years of age and has served in a public capacity almost continuously since. For twelve years he acted as school treasurer and for the past ten years has been a member of the town board. Mr. Jacobson has been a persistent advocate of and an untiring worker for good roads and has been largely instrumental in the building of better bridges. Fraternally he is identified with the Modem Woodmen of America, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Swedish Lutheran church. His long residence in Split Rock township and Minnehaha county has brought him a wide acquaintance in this part of the state and has demonstrated his worth to his fellow citizens, who entertain for him high respect and regard.
History of Dakota Territory, George W. Kingsbury, Vol. 4, 1915
JOHN CARLSON.
John Carlson owns and operates an attractive and modernly equipped farm of two hundred acres in Brandon township, Minnehaha county, where he has spent his entire life. His birth occurred on section 17, on the 30th of April, 1874, his parents being Jonas and Fredericka Carlson. In 1868 the father emigrated from the northern part of Sweden to the United States, locating in Illinois, where he spent five years. On the expiration of that period, in 1873, he came to Minnehaha county. South Dakota, and took up a homestead in Brandon township. He subsequently extended the boundaries of his farm by purchasing a forty-acre tract and also bought three forty-acre tracts of school land, cultivating most of his property and likewise devoting considerable attention to his work as a carpenter. His demise occurred on the 3d of March, 1895, and his remains were interred in the Mission cemetery of Brandon township, the community thus losing one of its early and respected pioneer settlers and substantial agriculturists.
John Carlson acquired his education in the public schools of this state and when not busy with his textbooks assisted his father in the work of the home farm, continuing its cultivation when his school days were over. He lost his father when twenty-one years of age and then started out as an agriculturist on his own account, having since devoted his attention to the operation of a farm of two hundred acres in Brandon township, in which his mother has a life interest. In this connection he hat won a gratifying measure of prosperity, and his well improved property presents a most attractive appearance. He is a stockholder in the farmers' elevator at Corson and the telephone company.
On the l8th of December, 1901, Mr. Carlson was united in marriage to Miss Hilda Nordstrom, a daughter of Jonas and Margaret Nordstrom. Her father, who has passed away, was a prominent pioneer agriculturist of this state and is mentioned at greater length on another page of this work. Our subject and his wife have two children, Elof Eugene and Helen Elizabeth, who are ten and eight years of age respectively.
Mr. Carlson gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has served as a member of the town board, making a most commendable record in that connection. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran Mission Friends church. In motoring he finds much pleasure and recreation. He is public-spirited and progressive and is always ready and willing to do his utmost to advance the general welfare of the community, having proven to be a most desirable citizen in every sense of the word.
History of Dakota Territory, George W. Kingsbury, Vol. 4, 1915
JOHN A. SCOTT.
John A. Scott is one of the representative agriculturists and leading citizens of Minnehaha county, South Dakota, who for two successive terms represented his district in the state legislature. He owns and operates a farm of three hundred and forty acres on sections 27 and 34, Valley Springs township, which is conceded to be some of the best and most valuable land in the county. His birth occurred in Washington county, Ohio, on the 21st of December, 1854, his parents being Robert L. and Sarah (Freeman) Scott, who were likewise natives of the Buckeye state. The father, an agriculturist by occupation, removed to Lyon county, Iowa, in 1884 and four years later came to South Dakota, locating in Valley Springs township, Minnehaha county, where he died a short time afterward—on the 10th of April, 1888, when in the fifty-eighth year of his age. The mother was called to her final rest in March, 1902, at the age of seventy-two years.
John A. Scott was reared under the parental roof and attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education. On the 3d of February, 1877, when twenty-two years of age, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary M. Addy, of Bellflower, Illinois, and immediately afterward started out as an agriculturist on his own account, cultivating rented land in McLean county, Illinois, to which place his parents had removed when he was an infant. He continued farming in McLean county until the spring of 1882, when he came to South Dakota but shortly afterward removed across the line into Iowa, where he followed farming as a renter for about six years. In 1885 he purchased two hundred and seventy-two acres of his present home farm in Valley Springs township, Minnehaha county, South Dakota, paying eleven dollars an acre for the property, and in 1888 took up his abode thereon. In the years which have since intervened he has extended the boundaries of his place by additional purchase until it now embraces three hundred and forty acres. As an agriculturist he has won a most gratifying and well deserved measure of success, having brought his property under a high state of cultivation and improvement and annually harvesting rich crops which find a ready sale on the market. He was one of the organizers of the Benclare Telephone Company and still serves in the capacities of superintendent, secretary and lineman.
To Mr. and Mrs. Scott have been born ten children, nine of whom survive, as follows: Lilly M., who is the wife of Elward Harvey, of Beach, North Dakota; Elmer A., who follows farming in Split Rock township, Minnehaha county; Harry E., who operates the home farm; George Marion, at home; Albert L., an agriculturist of Sioux Falls township; Stella, the wife of Elmer Allen, who is engaged in business at Valley Springs; Sheldon, who follows farming in Valley Springs township, and Laura and Howard, both at home.
Mr. Scott is a republican in politics and has been for many years a prominent factor in the local councils of his party. He has served as a member of the school board ever since coming to South Dakota and has exerted his best efforts in behalf of the cause of education.
In 1909 he was elected to the state legislature and in 1911 was returned to that honorable body, representing his district for two successive terms and making a record of which his constituents had every reason to be proud. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church at Benclare, to which his wife also belongs and in which he serves as trustee and steward. The period of his residence in Minnehaha county and South Dakota covers more than a quarter of a century, and the circle of his acquaintance is so wide that his record cannot fail to prove of interest to many of our readers.
History of Dakota Territory, George W. Kingsbury, Vol. 4, 1915
ERNEST R. JOHNSON.
Ernest R. Johnson, an agriculturist residing on section 1, Wayne township, is extensively engaged in the dairy and stock business and owns two hundred and eighty acres of land which comprise one of the best improved farms in Minnehaha county. His birth occurred in Sweden on the 5th of July, 1880, his father being Claus Johnson, who still resides in that country. He acquired his education in the common schools of his native country and in 1899, when a young man of nineteen years, crossed the Atlantic to the United States. Mr. Johnson first spent about eighteen months in Kansas and in 1900 came to South Dakota, here working for two years as a farm hand for W. F. Kelley, of Minnehaha county.
Subsequently he started out as an agriculturist on his own account, cultivating rented land in Wayne township. In 1909 he purchased two hundred and forty acres of land in Wayne township and later bought an additional tract of forty acres, so that his farm now embraces two hundred and eighty acres. He conducts an extensive dairy and stock business, raising Duroc Jersey hogs and shorthorn cattle, and his is one of the most highly improved farms in the county. The property is located on the outskirts of Sioux Falls and the new and handsome modern residence and new barns are situated on one of the highest points surrounding the city, thus affording a commanding view and being an ideal home site.
On the 22d of March, 1909, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Mrs. B. K. Thelin, formerly Miss Hannah Anderson, who is a native of Sweden and came to the United States in 1889. By this union there was one child who has passed away. By her first marriage Mrs. Johnson had five children, namely: Guy, Arthur, Milo, Alice and Mabel.
In politics Mr. Johnson is a stanch republican, while fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, belonging to Big Sioux Camp, No. 263. His religious faith is that of the Swedish Lutheran church, in which his wife also holds membership. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to establish a home in the new world, for here he found opportunities in the wise utilization of which he has won a place among the prosperous agriculturists and representative young citizens of his community.
History of Dakota Territory, George W. Kingsbury, Vol. 4, 1915
MAGNUS JOHNSON.
Magnus Johnson has resided on his farm on section 33, Palisade township, for almost three decades and is widely recognized as one of the most' prosperous agriculturists and respected citizens of Minnehaha county, South Dakota. His birth occurred in the province of Skaner, Sweden, on the 26th of October, 1847, and his father died when he was but five years of age. He left home when a youth of sixteen and during the following nine years was a deep-sea sailor, touching at many of the ports of the world. He sailed on American vessels for some years and in 1876 abandoned the sea at San Francisco, subsequently spending about eleven months at work on a river steamer on the Sacramento river.
Mr. Johnson then secured employment as a farm hand in California and was thus engaged for about seven years, on the expiration of which period he returned to Sweden on a visit. He spent the winter in his native land and in the spring of 1883 again came to the United States, bringing with him his intended wife, Miss Josephine B. Pearson, who had a brother living in Valley Springs, South Dakota. Thus it was that Mr. Johnson came to this state and here he was married immediately after his arrival. He paid nine hundred dollars for a quarter section of land in McCook county, three miles west of Salem, and two years later traded the property for his present home farm, paying five hundred dollars in addition. He has lived on this place in Palisade township continuously since 1885 and has made many excellent improvements thereon. In 1908 his two sons, Eddie and Charlie, purchased the northwest quarter of section 6, Red Rock township, paying eight thousand dollars for the property, which is now easily worth more than twice that amount. They are associated with him in his farming interests. In the conduct of his agricultural interests he has won a most gratifying and well merited measure of prosperity that has established his reputation as a substantial and leading citizen of the community.
To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born nine children, seven of whom survive, as follows: Eddie Washington; Charlie Cleveland; Emily Sophia, who is the wife of Adolph Karli, a fanner of Red Rock township; Hilma Augusta, who gave her hand in marriage to Willis Sutherland, of Garretson; Julia M., now Mrs. Edward Eitriem; Alice V., at home; and Melvin Walfred.
Mr. Johnson gives his political allegiance to the republican party and his fellow towns men, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to positions of public trust. Be served as supervisor for a period of seventeen years, acted as a member of the school board for about five years and has been constable during the past two years. Higher public honors have been tendered him, but these he has declined.
His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the United Lutheran church, to which his wife and children also belong. His son Eddie has been organist in the church for the past twelve years and is also a member of the Garretson Band, manifesting considerable talent in music. The life of Magnus Johnson has been one of activity and usefulness, crowned with success, and because of the fact that he has never taken advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in business transactions but has always been straightforward and honorable he is accorded the confidence and friendly regard of those with whom he has been associated.
History of Dakota Territory, George W. Kingsbury, Vol. 4, 1915
CARL WILLIAM JONESON.
Carl William Jonesou, a successful and enterprising young agriculturist of Minnehaha county, residing on section 7, Valley Springs township, has spent his entire life on the farm which he now owns and operates. His birth occurred on the 15th of August, 1883, his parents being Swen A. and Augusta Wilhelmina (Larson) Joneson, who emigrated to the United States late fn the '60s. In 1869 they came to Minnehaha county, South Dakota, the father homesteading the farm which is now in possession of our snbject. He also took up a tree claim of forty acres on section 8, Valley Springs township, and subsequently acquired other lands until his holdings embraced four hundred and forty acres. His demise occurred in 1907, when he had attained the age of sixty-three years, thirty-eight of which had been spent in Minnehaha county, where he enjoyed an extensive and favorable acquaintance.
Carl William Joneson was reared under the parental roof and attended the district schools in the acquirement of an education. At the age of twenty-two years he started out as an agriculturist on his own account, taking charge of the home place, which he operated thereafter. In 1911 he purchased one hundred and ten acres of the old home farm which had been willed to his youngest brother. He likewise owns forty acres on section 18 and twenty acres on section 16, Valley Springs township. In the conduct of his agricultural interests he follows modern and resultant methods and has won a measure of success that entitles him to representation among the prosperous and substantial citizens of his county and state.
He is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of Valley Springs. On the 2d of February, 1910, Mr. Joneson was united in marriage to Miss Esther Jacobson, of Split Rock township, Minnehaha county, her father being Fred S. Jacobson, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Joneson have three children: Viola Augusta, Walter Algot and Arnold Swen August.
In politics Mr. Joneson is a stanch republican, having supported the men and measures of that party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He is now serving as treasurer of the school board and is proving a capable official in that connection. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen, and his religious faith is that of the Swedish Lutheran church, to which his wife also belongs. He is a young man of force, ambition and enterprise and he stands high in the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens.
“History of Dakota Territory”, George W. Kingsbury, 1915
GEORGE W. ABBOTT.
Since 1891 George W. Abbott has resided in Sioux Falls and throughout the entire period, covering almost a quarter of a century, has been prominently connected with its financial interests. He is also a leading figure in Masonic circles, few members of the order in the state being as widely known. His efforts have indeed been a tangible asset in the advancement of Masonry in South Dakota and his acquaintance among his brethren of the craft elsewhere is also extensive.
Mr. Abbott is a native of New England. He was born at Tamworth, Carroll county, New Hampshire, October 10, 1858, a son of Lyman and Shuah W. (Rowe) Abbott. Upon the homestead farm he was reared and in his native town acquired his education by attending the public schools. He also continued his studies in the high school and Phillips Academy at Exeter, New Hampshire, and thus liberally educated started out to make a place for himself in the world. At the age of twenty years he went to Colorado as secretary to a mining expert and continued in that state until 1882, when he came to the territory of Dakota, settling in what is now McIntosh county, North Dakota, which county he aided in organizing and which he also served as its first superintendent of schools. He engaged in general merchandising and also filled the position of postmaster of Hoskins, now Ashley. At the same time he operated a cattle ranch and was thus closely associated with the early development of that section of the state. In 1887 he removed to Minneapolis, where the furniture and hardware business claimed his attention until 1891, when he removed to Sioux Falls and accepted the position of general manager of the Cooperative Loan & Savings Association, filling the position until 1S94, when he resigned. Immediately afterward he organized the Union Savings Association and became general manager, secretary and treasurer. To his unfaltering exertion, his strong executive ability and keen insight is due the splendid success of what is today one of the city's most important financial institutions. In 1891 he was elected vice president of the International Building & Loan League, an organization representing over a half billion dollars of paid in capital, and he served until 1894. He has also figured prominently in connection with other financial interests. In 1902 he was one of the reorganizes of the Colton State Bank at Colton. South Dakota, and was chosen its first president, so remaining until he sold his interests in that institution in 1904. He remained in active connection with the Union Savings Association until 1912, when he disposed of his interests therein.
On the 1st of June, 1885, Mr. Abbott was united in marriage to Miss Mary G. Quinlan, of Cleveland, Ohio, and they have become the parents of four children: George L., now living in Des Moines; Gladys, who attended and graduated from All Saints school of Sioux Falls and continued her education at Lake Forest, Illinois; Ann Josephine, who became a student in Wellesley College of Wellesley, Massachusetts, and graduated therefrom in 1914; and John Marion, a student in the Shattuck Military Academy of Minnesota.
George W. Abbott is prominent in club life. For many years he has been a member of the Minnehaha Country Club, a member of the Dacota Club and for several years its president, and has served as director, vice president and president of the Commercial Club of the city. In Masonry he has attained high rank, belonging to Minnehaha Lodge, No. 5, A. F. & A. M.; Sioux Falls Chapter, No. 2, R. A. M.; Cyrene Commandery, No. 2, K. T., of which he is a past eminent commander; and El Riad Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of which he is past potentate and past representative to the imperial council. He is likewise a member of Occidental Consistory, No. 2, A. & A. S. R. He may justly be proud of his Masonic record, for few, if any, in the state have had higher honors conferred upon them by that organization than has Mr. Abbott. He is now the representative in the grand lodge of the grand lodge of Mississippi and also the representative of the grand commandery of the District of Columbia in South Dakota. He is also a member of the Elks and the Knights of Pythias organizations. His political allegiance has been given to the republican party where national issues and questions are involved but he has neither sought nor desired political office. He has served, however, as a member of the board of education for several years and is a stalwart champion of the cause of education. In fact, his influence is always on the side of progress and advancement. He is a member of the First Congregational church and he has served as a member of the board of trustees and as its chairman. He is a lover of outdoor life, greatly enjoying hunting and other sports which take him into the forest and bring him close to the heart of nature. His friends, and they are many, find him a most congenial companion, pleasant to meet at all times, and his fellow townsmen know him as a reliable man, thoroughly trustworthy under all circumstances and on all occasions, and in his entire record there is an absence of anything sinister or anything to conceal.
History of Dakota Territory, George W. Kingsbury, Vol. 4, 1915
GUSTAV A. GRANT.
Gustav A. Grant, a native of Norway, has found in South Dakota a land of opportunity and has wisely taken advantage of the chances here afforded to the industrious agriculturist. As a result he is now one of the representative men of Minnehaha county. His farm is situated in Highland township and his up-to-date methods of agriculture insure him bountiful crops. He was born on the 4th of March, 1860, in Norway, a son of A. L. and Sophia H. Grant. The father came to the United States in 1870 and first located in Chicago, where he worked until the great fire of 1871, when he removed to Marseilles, Illinois, remaining there for a short time. The family, consisting of the mother and four sons, left Norway in 1872, joining the father in this country. In the year 1874 a removal was made to South Dakota, where the father homesteaded the southwest quarter of section 30, Highland township. He also took up a tree claim, the southeast quarter of section 24, Logan township, which he farmed until 1892, when a brother of the subject of this review took charge. The father was a carpenter by trade and did some work along that line besides developing his farm holdings. He was one of the oldest pioneers of his section of Minnehaha county and often related many interesting accounts of the pioneer days. He was compelled to haul his grain by oxen to Worthington, Minnesota, in order to find a market and the trip consumed a week's time. Although he and the other pioneer farmers of the state worked under great disadvantages due to frontier conditions of life they did not despair, but persevered, and the present generation is enjoying the results of their labor.
A. L. Grant passed away in March, 1910, at the age of eighty-two, having survived his wife for three years, her demise occurring February 20, 1907. Gustav A. Grant attended the schools of Norway in his early youth and after arriving in the United States attended the country schools and the Marseilles (Ill.) grammar school. He was also a student in the seminary located at Red Wing. Minnesota. After leaving school he taught until 1892, when he began farming. In 1884 he had purchased a relinquishment on section 10 and this he developed and improved, later selling it. He now farms the northwest quarter and the north half of the northeast quarter of section 19, belonging to his father-in-law. As be has prospered he has purchased land, now owning half of section 30 and also the southwest quarter of section 25, Logan township, all of which is valuable and highly improved land. He bought the last mentioned farm in 1909 and paid for it the sum of twelve thousand dollars. He engages in stock-raising to some extent, having forty-five cattle, twelve horses and sixty-five hogs, but his chief dependence is upon field crops.
Aside from his extensive farming interests he is connected with the business and financial life of the county as a stockholder and secretary of the Farmers Elevator Company at Sherman, as treasurer of the Highland Creamery, of which he was one of the organizers and of which he served as secretary for twelve years, as director of the Home National Bank of Dell Rapids, and as director and president of the Sherman State Bank, having been elected its chief executive in January, 1915.
Mr. Grant was married September 30, 1891, to Miss Ingeborg Tofte, a daughter of O. H. and Sigrid Tofte. Her family came to South Dakota in 1874, but they left Norway at the same time that Mr. Grant's family emigrated .to the United States. Mr. Tofte built
the first frame house in Highland township, the lumber being shipped from Chicago and hauled by wagon from Vermillion, South Dakota. He passed away June 16, 1907, whenin his eighty-fifth year, his birth having occurred September 22, 1822. His wife, who was born June 30, 1821, is still living at the age of ninety-four years and makes her home with her son-in-law, Mr. Grant. She is quite active and assists with the housework. Mr. Tofte was highly esteemed in his community and his widow is honored and respected by all with whom she is brought in contact. Mr. and Mrs. Grant have become the parents of the following children: Obed, born October 12, 1896; Serene Josephine, born October 21, 1899; Helen Sophia, born May 11, 1902; and Hilda Serene, who died in 1894, in infancy. The family belong to the Hauge Evangelical Lutheran church of America and do all in their power to further its interests.
Mr. Grant is a republican in his political allegiance and has served as town clerk since 1885. He was township assessor for a year and has been on the district school board for many years. He is one of the well-to-do and progressive farmers of the county and his well improved and modern farm with its convenient residence is in striking contrast to the wild land and pioneer dwelling of the homestead of the '70s. In those days it was necessary to walk to Dell Rapids for mail, but now it is delivered daily at the door. Changes in other lines have been correspondingly great and it is a source of pride to Mr. Grant that he himself has had a share in bringing about the transformation of South Dakota from a frontier region to a prosperous and highly developed farming state.
HOME
©2008 Genealogy Trails
Background courtesy of http://www.christiangraphics.org/