Adams - South Dakota Genealogy

Biography of John Q. Adams

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

John Q. Adams, born November 8, 1867, in Lafayette County, Wisconsin, was a prominent attorney in Flandreau, Moody County, South Dakota. His parents, William T. and Clara (Blackstone) Adams, were of English descent, with roots in America since the colonial era. Raised in Franklin County, Iowa, Adams attended Iowa State Agricultural College and later graduated with a law degree from Iowa State University in 1893. He practiced law in Flandreau, served as Moody County state’s attorney, and held federal positions. In 1896, he married Cecilia F. Pallansch, and they had one daughter, Lillian Frances, born in 1900.

Biography of John E. Adams

John E. Adams, a prominent lawyer and early member of the Brown County bar in South Dakota, was born in Paterson, New Jersey, in 1857. After moving with his family to Pennsylvania, he attended Allegheny College and was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 1880. In 1883, Adams moved to Dakota Territory, establishing his practice in Columbia before relocating to Aberdeen when it became the county seat. He served as mayor of Columbia in 1887, as county judge from 1890, and as mayor of Aberdeen in 1900. Adams was also active in Scottish Rite Masonry and various fraternal organizations. He married Martha E. Wilkinson in 1888, and they had five children.

Biography of J. F. Adams

J. F. Adams, born in Mankato, Minnesota, in 1877, moved with his family to Brookings, South Dakota, in 1880. After completing his education, he apprenticed in printing, working in various towns before establishing the *White Leader* in White, South Dakota, in 1900. As editor and publisher, Adams made the *Leader* a strong voice for local interests and Republican politics. He was active in the Modern Woodmen of America and the South Dakota Press Association. In 1900, Adams married M. H. Halstead, who assisted in the newspaper business and was involved in local social and church affairs.

Biography of Francis D. Adams

Francis D. Adams was born in Waterbury, Vermont, in 1838 and later moved to Michigan, where he worked in manufacturing before serving in the Civil War as a lieutenant in the First Michigan Engineers and Mechanics. In 1880, he relocated to Groton, South Dakota, where he co-founded the Farmers’ Bank and became a prominent civic leader. Adams served in the South Dakota State Senate and was appointed to the state board of regents of education. He passed away in 1899, survived by his wife, Jane (Ashley) Adams, and their four children: Persis, George, John, and Charles.

Biography of F. J. Adams

F. J. Adams was born in Cologne, Germany, in 1852 and immigrated to the United States with his family in 1864. After settling in Minnesota, where his father became a farmer, Adams apprenticed as a harness maker. In 1880, he moved to Brookings, South Dakota, where he opened a harness shop with his brother. He later established a successful business in White, South Dakota. A dedicated Republican, Adams served in various public offices and was active in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He married Lena Kohl in 1876, and they had seven children, six of whom survived to adulthood.

Biography of Edward C. Adams, M. D.

Dr. Edward C. Adams (b. 1855, Hudson, New Jersey) was a prominent physician in Watertown, South Dakota. A descendant of the distinguished Adams family, he pursued higher education at Northwestern University and earned medical degrees from Jefferson Medical College and Hahnemann Medical College. After honing his skills through hospital work and private practice, Dr. Adams moved to Watertown in 1886, where he built a successful practice and became a respected figure in the community. He was active in civic affairs, serving in various local offices and the state militia. In 1892, he married Marion Flint, and they had two children.

Biography of George S. Adams, M.D.

George S. Adams, M.D., is a highly regarded and accomplished member of the medical profession in Yankton, South Dakota. Born in Michigan, he grew up in South Dakota and pursued his education at State Agricultural College and Rush Medical College. Graduating with a degree in Medicine, Dr. Adams began his career as an assistant physician at the state hospital for the insane in Yankton, where he continues to serve with great dedication. He is esteemed for his abilities and discernment in his profession. As a Republican, Dr. Adams is also affiliated with St. John’s Lodge, No. 1, Free and Accepted Masons.

History of Sisseton Township

History of Marshall County Dakota title page

The west half of Sisseton township lies on the same plateau as the east half of Hickman township, and with the exception of several deep coulees is quite level. The east half lies up in the hills, and in places is considerable broken and stony, and contains numerous marshes and meadows and occasionally a large pond. The settlers in this part of the township have considerable good tillable land by removing a few stones. In the spring of ’85 was organized as a school township, and this year built two good schoolhouses. Has not yet been organized as a civil … Read more

History of Waverly Township

Waverly township, with the exception of the northwestern part, lies on a gradual elevation which finally terminates in the hills. Two-thirds of this township is fine tillable land, the remainder good grazing land, being well supplied with, water. In the eastern part of the township there are two deep gulches or coulees about one mile apart and both running west. They must have contained very heavy timber years ago, judging from stumps still remaining, several feet in diameter. Wood contractors gobbled it, hauling it to the fort. What remained was taken by the settlers from all parts of the county. … Read more

History of Newark Township

Newark Township lies west of White township, and for school purposes was included in the same until last spring, when it was set off. The surface is slightly rolling and the soil fertile and productive. It was not until April 10th, 1883, that the settlement of the township began. On that day, Homer Johnson and his sons, Fred and Stark, located on section 14 and put up the first claim shanty in the township. Mr. Johnson was born in Ovid, Seneca County, New York, and came here from Plymouth, Michigan. On April 15th, 1883, P. C. Howell, C. and J. … Read more