Hand County - South Dakota Genealogy

Biography of Thomas Cawood

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Thomas Cawood, born March 1, 1838, in Daviess County, Indiana, was a distinguished farmer in Hand County, South Dakota. Raised in Missouri after his father’s early death, he enlisted in the Union Army in 1861, serving until the Civil War’s end in 1865, participating in key battles such as Shiloh and Bentonville. After returning to farming in Missouri, Cawood moved to South Dakota in 1883, establishing an 800-acre farm. Active in public service, he served in the state legislature in 1894 and was a committed Republican. He married twice, first to Ellen Starr, and later to Elmira McAtee, raising several children.

Biography of John Pusey

John Pusey, a prominent lawyer and public servant in Hand County, South Dakota, was born on May 8, 1860, in Champaign County, Illinois. He is the son of William R. and Margaret (White) Pusey. After studying law in Illinois and teaching intermittently, he moved to Miller, South Dakota, in 1882. Pusey was admitted to the Dakota Territory bar and established a law practice. He founded the Miller Gazette in 1883, a Democratic newspaper, and served in various public roles, including county judge, state legislator, and postmaster of Miller. A leader in the Democratic Party, he actively opposed a state dispensary system for liquor sales and held numerous fraternal affiliations.

Biography of Eudell J. Miller

Eudell J. Miller, born June 15, 1859, in Cedar County, Iowa, was a significant pioneer and businessman in Miller, Hand County, South Dakota. Son of Henry and Nancy Miller, Eudell moved to Benton County, Iowa, as a child. In 1881, he and his father selected the site for the colony that became Miller, South Dakota. He was integral in founding the town, including co-publishing the first local newspaper, the Hand County Press. Miller also worked in real estate with Judge George C. Briggs. He was married to Anna E. Humphrey on December 28, 1882, and they had two children, Bessie E. and Earl H.

Biography of Henry H. Farrington

Henry H. Farrington, born February 10, 1841, in Lake County, Indiana, is the son of Dr. John and Emily Farrington. He enlisted in the 73rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry in 1862, serving in the Civil War and participating in significant battles such as Stone River. After the war, Farrington farmed in Illinois before moving to South Dakota in 1883, where he acquired government land in Hand County. He later relocated to Wessington, Beadle County, engaging in grain and livestock trading, and eventually the hardware business. A dedicated Republican and Mason, Farrington married Lodema Pulver in 1860, with whom he had five children.

Biography of Charles Thomson

Charles Thomson, born on October 12, 1855, in Monroe County, Wisconsin, was a prominent businessman and city treasurer of Miller, Hand County, South Dakota. He moved to Hand County in 1883, claimed a homestead, and worked as a farmer and teacher. Thomson held various public offices, including county commissioner, county auditor, and presidential elector in 1900. A dedicated Republican, he was active in the party’s central committee. In 1895, he married Minnie Duthie, and in 1904 they had one child, Merle C., born in 1899. Thomson was involved in the grain and coal business.

Biography of William S. Major

William S. Major, born on January 23, 1851, in Clinton County, Indiana, was a key pioneer in Hand County, South Dakota. Major, who owned 1,500 acres of land, played a significant role in the county’s organization and development. He moved to South Dakota in 1882, claiming government land and establishing a successful farm. A prominent figure in local politics, Major served three terms in the state senate. Known for his contributions to both agriculture and civic affairs, he was also an active member of the Presbyterian Church in Wessington, Beadle County.

Biography of David H. Weeks

David H. Weeks, born on March 29, 1821, in Herkimer County, New York, was a pioneer settler of both Illinois and South Dakota. After marrying Eliza Shaul in 1851, he farmed in Herkimer County before moving to Ogle County, Illinois, in 1859. In 1883, he relocated to Hand County, South Dakota, securing homestead and pre-emption claims in Pearl Township, where he developed a 320-acre ranch. Known for his successful farming and stock raising, Weeks was respected in his community. He and his wife, Eliza, had seven children: John, Ida, Alma, Dayton, Albert, Henry, and George.

Biography of Seigal B. Cawood

Seigal B. Cawood was born on December 5, 1861, on the family farm in Putnam County, Missouri, to Thomas and Ellen (Starr) Cawood. After assisting his father on the farm, he moved to South Dakota in 1882, settling in Hand County. There, he claimed a homestead in Pleasant Valley Township, developing a successful 640-acre ranch. Cawood was active in local politics as a staunch Republican and served on the board of trustees. He and his wife, Mary Alice Penwell, whom he married in 1886, were instrumental in founding the first Congregational church in the township. They had one son, Ernest Ray, born in 1891.

Biography of Henry B. Farren

Henry B. Farren is a leading member of the bar in Buffalo County, known for his prominent role in the state legislature. Born in Philadelphia in 1848, he hails from a respected Pennsylvania family. After moving to Iowa and Missouri, Farren settled in South Dakota in 1882, where he acquired and cultivated land. A devoted Republican, he served as state’s attorney and was elected to the state legislature in 1902. Farren’s successful legal career and active involvement in his community have made him a valued figure in Buffalo County. He is married to Mary E. Mather and is a dedicated member of the First Congregational Church.