Bon Homme County - South Dakota Genealogy

Biography of Theodore A. Schliessmann

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Theodore A. Schliessmann (b. 1866, Portage City, Wisconsin) was a successful merchant and co-owner of Schliessmann Brothers, a prominent general merchandise business in Tripp, South Dakota. After moving to Bon Homme County with his family in 1879, Schliessmann helped manage the family farm until 1891, when he partnered with his brother Otto to establish their mercantile firm. The business, originally including their mother, has flourished under their leadership. Both brothers are active Democrats and devout Catholics, with Theodore serving as a church trustee. He married Catherine Rath in 1893, and they have three children: William, Mildred, and Irene.

Biography of Christian Rempfer

Christian Rempfer (b. 1859, southern Russia) was a successful businessman and state legislator from Parkston, South Dakota. After emigrating to the U.S. in 1880, he settled in Hutchinson County in 1885, initially focusing on farming before transitioning to business. In 1895, Rempfer established a thriving agricultural implement business in Parkston, later shifting to grain trading and co-founding the South Dakota Grain Company. An active Republican, he served two terms in the state legislature, starting in 1900. Rempfer married Christina Krin in 1883, and they raised four children, with the family playing a prominent role in local Baptist church activities.

Biography of Martin Emory Hitt

Martin Emory Hitt, born April 27, 1836, in Urbana, Ohio, was a prominent figure in Bon Homme County, South Dakota. The son of Rev. Thomas Hitt and Emily John, he hailed from a distinguished family with deep roots in American history. After receiving his education in Illinois, Hitt moved to Bon Homme County in 1874, where he established a successful 640-acre farm. Known for his intellectual pursuits and political involvement, Hitt was a dedicated supporter of the Populist Party. Though unmarried, he shared his home with his sister and was widely respected as a community leader and a man of integrity.

Biography of Rev. Harlan Page Carson, D. D.

Rev. Harlan Page Carson, D.D., was born on January 3, 1845, near Medora, Macoupin County, Illinois, to James M. and Eliza (Jane) Carson. His father, a farmer and abolitionist, lived in Illinois before moving to Kansas in 1887, where he died in 1891. Dr. Carson’s early education was in local schools, and he graduated from Blackburn University in 1870, later earning a Doctor of Divinity in 1889. Ordained in 1872, he served in various pastoral roles before moving to South Dakota in 1880. Active in church and mission work, he was also a Civil War veteran and deeply involved in educational and temperance efforts. Dr. Carson was married twice and had several children from both marriages.

Biography of Joseph Williams Whiting

Joseph W. Whiting, born September 4, 1864, in Springvale, Wisconsin, was a respected educator at the Springfield Normal School in Springfield, Bon Homme County, South Dakota. He graduated from the Wisconsin State Normal School at Oshkosh in 1887 and began his teaching career in Oconto, Wisconsin. Moving to South Dakota in 1888, Whiting served as principal of public schools in Springfield and Scotland. In 1897, he joined the faculty of the Springfield Normal School, where he earned recognition for his dedication and effective teaching methods. He married Luna B. Monfore in 1890, and they had one daughter, Madge Monfore Whiting, born in 1894.

Biography of Charles Hill

Charles Hill, born September 12, 1849, in Toronto, Canada, was a notable pioneer and respected businessman in Springfield, Bon Homme County, South Dakota. Hill moved west in 1873 to work for the U.S. government, serving at the Santee Indian agency for 17 years, including five as Indian agent. In 1890, he co-founded the Bank of Springfield with George W. Snow and Reuben Groot. A committed Republican and member of the Society of Friends, Hill was also active in Freemasonry and other fraternal organizations. He married Mary Webster in 1877, and they had five children: Emma, Howard, Clarence, Helen, and William.

Biography of J. M. Dunmire

J. M. Dunmire, born on April 19, 1850, in Holmes County, Ohio, was a prominent farmer and stock grower in Bon Homme County, South Dakota, and a member of the County board of commissioners. After working on his family’s farm, he moved to Iowa in 1875, eventually owning farms in Jasper and Dallas Counties. In 1901, he relocated to Bon Homme County, where he owned a 575-acre estate. Dunmire, a dedicated public servant, held various positions, including County assessor in Iowa and County commissioner in South Dakota. He married Hannah E. Ruby in 1873, and they had five surviving children.

Biography of Joseph A. Wagner

Joseph A. Wagner, born on March 1, 1855, in Bohemia, served as the treasurer of Bon Homme County, South Dakota. Emigrating to the United States at fifteen, Wagner initially settled in Wisconsin before moving to Bon Homme County. He began as a farm laborer, eventually acquiring and cultivating his own land. In 1887, he transitioned to the general merchandise business in Tabor and later entered banking, becoming president of the Utica and Tabor State Banks, and vice-president of the Lesterville State Bank. Wagner, a Democrat, was elected County treasurer in 1902. He was married to Rosa Bumba, with three surviving children, Joseph J., James A., and Thomas J.

Biography of James D. Elliott

James D. Elliott, born on October 7, 1859, in Mount Sterling, Illinois, was a distinguished lawyer in South Dakota. The eldest of five surviving children, he relocated to Dakota Territory in 1872 with his family. Elliott studied law under Colonel John L. Jolley and was admitted to the bar in 1884. He practiced in Springfield and later in Tyndall, where he served as state’s attorney and, starting in 1897, as United States district attorney. A staunch Republican, Elliott was also active in banking and landholding. He married Agnes Stilwell in 1890, and they had four children: Marion, Douglas, Hiram, and Mary.

Biography of James P. Cooley

James P. Cooley, born on February 26, 1845, in Cecil, Maryland, represents Bon Homme County in the South Dakota State Senate. He is one of eight children of Corbin and Mary Cooley, and the eldest of the four surviving siblings. Cooley moved to South Dakota in 1870, becoming a pioneer of Bon Homme County. He acquired extensive land holdings, totaling over 3,000 acres, and successfully engaged in cattle raising. A dedicated Democrat, he served in the territorial legislature (1872-3) and was elected to the state senate in 1902. Cooley married Mary McCollum in 1872, and they had twelve children, ten of whom survived.

Biography of Captain Joseph Leach

Captain Joseph Leach, president and general manager of the Missouri River Transportation Company, was born on March 7, 1849, in Cambridgeshire, England. He immigrated to the United States in 1851, settling first in Cook County, Illinois, and later in South Sioux City, Nebraska. Leach began his career in steamboat transportation on the Missouri River in 1866. In 1883, he established a residence in Running Water, South Dakota, and developed a successful transportation business. Leach married Minnie Seeley in 1871, and they had ten children. A dedicated Republican, he served in the South Dakota State Legislature and Senate.

Biography of Louis Chladek

Louis Chladek, born on February 22, 1852, in Bohemia, Germany, immigrated to the United States at fourteen. He initially settled in Chicago, working in a furniture factory, before moving westward. By 1869, he reached Dakota Territory, where he pre-empted land near Yankton. Overcoming numerous challenges, he established a successful farming and business career, partnering with his brother in agricultural implement sales. By 1900, Chladek had accumulated significant land holdings and retired in Tyndall, South Dakota. In 1882, he married Louisa Vyborny, and they had four children. Chladek was a dedicated Democrat, a prominent Mason, and a respected community member.

Biography of John Reich

John Reich, born February 16, 1863, in Russia, is a prominent figure in Scotland, Bon Homme County, South Dakota. He is a successful merchant and postmaster, as well as one of the town’s pioneers. Reich’s family emigrated to the United States in 1873, settling in Bon Homme County. Following his father’s death in 1879, Reich began his independent career at seventeen. He apprenticed as a tinner and later opened his own shop, eventually partnering with his brothers Jacob and Christian in a hardware business. Appointed postmaster in 1902, Reich is a respected Republican and active community member. He married Otillie Nieland in 1886, and they have three children: Robert W., Helen, and Delia.

Biography of Joseph C. Young

Joseph C. Young, born in March 1853 in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, was a versatile businessman and civil servant in Springfield, South Dakota. Son of Noah W. and Mary (Purrinton) Young, Joseph moved to Bon Homme County in 1878, initially farming before shifting to carpentry and contracting. In 1890, he acquired the Springfield Times, later selling it to return to contracting. In 1901, he co-purchased a harness and furniture store, and in 1902, he became Bon Homme County’s official surveyor. Married to Florence Britton since 1875, they had four children. Joseph was active in politics, fraternal organizations, and the Congregational Church.

Biography of Edward J. Monfore

Edward J. Monfore was born on March 13, 1828, in Delaware County, New York, to Garrett and Paty (Smith) Monfore. Raised in Broome County, he apprenticed as a wagon maker before moving to Warren County, Iowa, in 1864, where he became a successful farmer and community leader. In 1882, Monfore relocated to Springfield, South Dakota, where he played a significant role in the town’s development, owning 640 acres of farmland. Active in politics as a Republican, he served on the county board and local school board. Monfore married twice and had seven children, contributing greatly to his community’s growth and prosperity.

Biography of Alois Jezewski

Alois Jezewski, born November 24, 1880, in Winona, Minnesota, is the manager of the lumber yards for J. H. Queal & Company in Tabor, Bon Homme County, South Dakota. A son of Polish immigrants Andrew and Pauline Jezewski, Alois grew up in Winona and served in the Spanish-American War. His career includes roles with the Winona Lumber Company, Herman Dahl, the Lunds Land Agency, and C. M. Anderson, among others. Jezewski is an accomplished musician and has completed a course in architecture. He married Stella Hakl on June 3, 1902. Alois Jezewski is one of the progressive young business men … Read more

Biography of Vincent Kaberna

Vincent Kaberna, a prominent figure in farming and stock-raising, has left a lasting impact in Wagner, Charles Mix County. Born in Bohemia, Austria, in 1849, he immigrated to the United States with his parents in 1856. After years of honing his skills as a tinner in Chicago, he settled in Tyndall, South Dakota, in 1883. Kaberna served as mayor, county treasurer, and held other positions of public trust. In 1895, he relocated to Charles Mix County, where he established a successful ranch and engaged in livestock trading. Highly regarded for his business acumen and community involvement, Kaberna’s story is one of personal achievement and dedication.

Biography of James Kirk

James Kirk, a native of Dumfriesshire, Scotland, embarked on a remarkable journey that shaped his life. From his early ventures in the dry goods business in England to engaging in sheep raising in Colorado, Kirk’s experiences were diverse. He devoted several years to missionary work in Sierra Leone, Africa, spreading Christianity and teaching the natives. Returning to Scotland and later settling in South Dakota, Kirk transformed his land into a thriving farm, excelling in livestock breeding and cultivation. A devoted Congregational church member, he actively participated in religious and community endeavors, embodying the qualities of a selfless philanthropist and progressive citizen.

Biography of Hosea Bridgman

Hosea Bridgman was born in Cook County, Illinois, and spent his early years in Wisconsin. He ventured into photography and later operated a successful meat market before relocating to South Dakota in 1874. In Springfield, he built a thriving freighting business and eventually turned his focus to farming and livestock. With hard work and strategic investments, he expanded his land holdings to nearly 480 acres of productive farmland. Highly respected in his community, Bridgman was known for his integrity and dedication. He also raised a family, providing his children with quality education and leaving a commendable military legacy from his service in the Civil War.

Biography of Henry M. Davison

Henry M. Davison, a prominent businessman and influential citizen of Springfield, South Dakota, was born and raised in Bon Homme County. After excelling in education, he joined the Springfield Bank and later co-founded the highly successful Springfield Hardware Company. A dedicated Republican, Davison served as treasurer of Springfield for five years and is currently in his second term as mayor, leading the city with exceptional management. His integrity and contributions to the community have earned him a stellar reputation. Davison’s personal life is equally fulfilling, with a loving marriage to Eva G. Stevens, and he actively participates in various fraternal organizations and supports the Episcopal Church.