Faulk County - South Dakota Genealogy

Biography of Rudolph Alexander

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Rudolph Alexander was born on April 20, 1849, in Germany to William and Mary Alexander. The family emigrated to Sauk County, Wisconsin, where Rudolph was raised. His older brother, Richard, served in the Civil War, while Rudolph worked on the family farm. In 1882, Rudolph moved to South Dakota, settling in Faulk County. Over the years, he developed a prosperous 1,000-acre ranch near Miranda, specializing in cattle farming. On April 12, 1877, he married Mary Trueb, and they had six children: Louis, Annie, Edward, Ella, Edna, and Hilbert.

Biography of Oren Strevel

Oren Strevel, born October 9, 1858, near Port Huron, Michigan, became a successful farmer and stock raiser in Faulk County, South Dakota. After moving to the area in 1883, he established a homestead and expanded his operations to include a 320-acre ranch and 1,500 acres of leased grazing land. Strevel specialized in high-grade Durham cattle and operated a profitable dairy business. A dedicated community member and staunch Democrat, he also served in the First South Dakota Cavalry during the Spanish-American War. Strevel’s contributions reflect his pioneering spirit and commitment to agricultural progress in the region.

Biography of Peter Schenck

Peter Schenck, born August 9, 1845, in Elmira, New York, was a prominent pioneer in Faulk County, South Dakota. A descendant of Dutch settlers, Schenck moved to Jefferson County, Wisconsin, in his youth. He served in the Union Army during the Civil War with the 29th Wisconsin Infantry. In 1883, Schenck relocated to Faulk County, establishing a 640-acre homestead. He passed away on February 19, 1887, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and community involvement. Schenck was married to Elizabeth Henderson, with whom he had ten children, six of whom survived into adulthood.

Biography of Alexander Garrick

Alexander Garrick, born June 8, 1845, in Delaware County, New York, is a second-generation American with deep Scottish roots. Son of William and Elisabeth Garrick, Alexander was raised on the family farm and educated in local schools. In 1874, he moved west to Cedar County and later to Faulk County, South Dakota, in 1883, where he claimed 160 acres near Cresbard. By 1890, he had acquired a large ranch near Faulkton, engaging in diversified farming and cattle raising. A dedicated public servant, he served on the county board of commissioners and school board. Alexander married Elizabeth Cowan in 1870, and they have five children: James, Isabella, William, Alexander A., and one unnamed.

Biography of James P. Turner

James P. Turner, born December 1, 1858, in Elgin County, Ontario, Canada, was of Scottish descent, son of James and Mary (Jardine) Turner. He learned blacksmithing in Ontario before moving to South Dakota in 1883. Turner settled in Faulk County, establishing a blacksmith business in La Foon and later in Faulkton. He owned a section of land northeast of Faulkton for farming and stock-grazing. Active in local politics, Turner served as mayor of Faulkton from 1902. He married Belle K. Puntine in 1887, with whom he had five children. Belle passed away in 1899.

Biography of Thomas Dignan

Thomas Dignan, born June 12, 1846, in County Cavan, Ireland, emigrated to America with his family in 1849, settling first in Ohio, then in Winneshiek County, Iowa, in 1853. His father, Michael, became a successful pioneer farmer there. In 1884, Thomas moved to Faulk County, South Dakota, establishing a 400-acre ranch and a 6,000-acre grazing range. He specialized in high-grade Hereford cattle, hogs, and Percheron horses. Thomas was an active Republican, serving on the township board. On July 4, 1874, he married Catherine Hand, with whom he had five children: George (missing since 1901), Edward M., Loretta, Alice, and Cleophas.

Biography of William Byrne

William Byrne, a prominent farmer and stock grower in Faulk County, South Dakota, was born on September 18, 1861, in Allamakee County, Iowa, to Lawrence and Delia Byrne. Raised on the family farm, he received his education in Iowa’s public schools. In 1882, Byrne moved to South Dakota with his family, initially settling in Turner County before relocating to Faulk County in 1883. He claimed a pre-emption of 960 acres near Orient, where he developed a successful agricultural operation, producing wheat, oats, corn, barley, and hay, and raising high-grade livestock. A dedicated Republican and member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of the Maccabees, Byrne married Mary Paul on May 15, 1895. They have four children: Paul, Raymond, Theodore, and Leonard.