Minnehaha County - South Dakota Genealogy

Biography of Hon. J. O. Langness

Minnehaha County / History of South Dakota

Hon. J. O. Langness is an enterprising citizen and public-spirited man of affairs. Born in Norway in 1839, he immigrated to America in 1866 and settled in Minnesota. Recognizing the potential for a Norwegian colony, he selected the county of Minnehaha in Dakota as the ideal location. Langness played a crucial role in the development of the region, establishing a thriving village called Baltic. He excelled as an agriculturist, expanding his farm to four hundred acres and deriving income from stock raising. Langness actively participated in public affairs, holding various positions and serving his community faithfully. Highly esteemed, he remains a loyal American citizen while cherishing his Norwegian heritage.

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Biography of Hon. Erick J. Berdahl

Hon. Erick J. Berdahl, born in Norway in 1850, immigrated to the United States at a young age. He settled in South Dakota, where he developed a thriving farm under the homestead law. Over the years, Berdahl actively contributed to the development of Minnehaha County and became a respected Republican figure. He held various official positions, including justice of the peace and treasurer of the Farmers’ Mutual Insurance Company. Berdahl’s dedication to his community, combined with his success as an agriculturist, earned him recognition and admiration from both Democrats and Republicans alike. He is known for his firmness, honesty, and genuine concern for the welfare of others.