Hanson County - South Dakota Genealogy

Biography of Philip A. Zollman

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Philip A. Zollman, a distinguished lawyer in Alexandria, Hanson County, was born on October 14, 1866, in Charlestown, Indiana, to Philip and Catherine (Schaid) Zollman. After studying at Drake University and Iowa State University, he was admitted to the Iowa bar in 1893. Zollman moved to Alexandria later that year, establishing a successful law practice. He served as state’s attorney from 1894 to 1898 and was active in both Democratic and Republican politics. A dedicated Mason, Zollman attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and was involved in several fraternal organizations.

Biography of Rev. Hugo Victor

Rev. Hugo Victor was born on November 15, 1842, in Osnabruck, Hanover, Germany, to Henry and Mary (von Ende) Victor. After his father’s death in 1847, Hugo immigrated to Baltimore, Maryland, in 1852 with his mother and stepfather. He apprenticed as a cigar maker before studying for the priesthood, being ordained in 1869. Father Victor served in various parishes across the United States, including Wisconsin and Minnesota, before settling in Alexandria, South Dakota, in 1902. He is recognized for his dedicated pastoral work, including the erection of new church buildings and significant community contributions.

Biography of Victor K. Stillwell

Victor K. Stillwell, born on December 8, 1856, in Kilbourn City, Wisconsin, was the cashier and general executive manager of the Farmers’ Bank of Alexandria, South Dakota. Son of David and Melissa N. (Augir) Stillwell, he moved to South Dakota in 1880 and homesteaded in Hanson County. In 1881, he married Eugenia A. Clark. After farming, he joined the Farmers’ Bank in Alexandria in 1888, becoming cashier in 1891. A dedicated Republican, Stillwell served as County assessor, mayor, board of education president, and state senator. He was an active member of several fraternal organizations and the Freewill Baptist church.

Biography of George Watson

George Watson, born in 1851 in Ontario, Canada, is a notable progressive farmer in Davison and Hanson counties, South Dakota. Son of Ebenezer and Margaret (Sims) Watson, he moved to Rockford, Iowa, in 1873, and later to Davison County, Dakota Territory, in 1879, where he homesteaded government land. Watson now owns a 720-acre farm, primarily cultivating corn and oats, and raising Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs. A staunch Republican, he served in the state legislature in 1893. He and his wife, Livonia Phelps, married on October 25, 1883, have six children: Florence, Robert, Frances, Earl, Richard, and Herbert. They are members of the Baptist Church in Mitchell.

Biography of Henry Roth

Henry Roth, a successful farmer and stock grower in Hanson County, South Dakota, comes from a respected pioneer family. Born in Minnesota in 1862, Henry’s parents were German immigrants and devout Lutherans. Following in his father’s footsteps, Henry dedicated himself to agricultural pursuits and now owns a remarkable 430-acre farm in Spring Lake township. Known for his expertise in raising red polled cattle and high-grade hogs, Henry has gained a reputation for his outstanding farm, boasting well-maintained buildings, fences, and even a beautiful tree grove. Actively involved in local politics and cherished by his community, Henry, along with his wife Minnie, contributes to the Lutheran church and engages in various fraternal organizations.