Biography of J. M. Dunmire

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

J. M. Dunmire, born on April 19, 1850, in Holmes County, Ohio, was a prominent farmer and stock grower in Bon Homme County, South Dakota, and a member of the County board of commissioners. After working on his family’s farm, he moved to Iowa in 1875, eventually owning farms in Jasper and Dallas Counties. In 1901, he relocated to Bon Homme County, where he owned a 575-acre estate. Dunmire, a dedicated public servant, held various positions, including County assessor in Iowa and County commissioner in South Dakota. He married Hannah E. Ruby in 1873, and they had five surviving children.

Biography of Chris Callesen

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Chris Callesen, born on June 18, 1854, in Schleswig Holstein, Germany, was a respected farmer in Yankton County, South Dakota. Emigrating to the U.S. at seventeen, he initially settled in Yankton County and, upon reaching adulthood, acquired land from the government. In 1880, he married Christina Nelson, a Danish immigrant. Although they had no biological children, they adopted and raised a son, Nels Anderson. Callesen experienced both challenges, like the 1881 flood that destroyed his home, and successes, eventually owning a prosperous 160-acre farm. Active in his community, he was affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Lutheran church.

Biography of S. P. Waxdahl

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

S. P. Waxdahl, born in Norway in 1847, emigrated to America in 1869. He initially settled in Wisconsin, working on farms and as a sailor on Lake Michigan. After a stint in California from 1875 to 1878, he moved to Moody County, South Dakota, in 1877, where he homesteaded a tract of wild prairie land near Flandreau. Waxdahl transformed this land into a productive farm, engaging in diversified farming and stock raising. A committed Republican and active community member, he has served as a school director. On January 31, 1880, he married Regina Anderson, and they have six children: Regina, Bertina, Albert, Edward P., Ingyald, and Sophia.

Biography of Roy J. Sweet

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Roy J. Sweet, the esteemed cashier of the First State Bank of South Shore, is a native of Glencoe County, Minnesota. Born in 1875, he hails from a family deeply rooted in Minnesota, with his father, William H. Sweet, having survived the tragic Indian outbreak of 1862. Roy J. Sweet’s remarkable career in banking began as an assistant cashier in Iowa, eventually leading him to his current position. Highly regarded for his expertise and careful approach to finance, he has played a pivotal role in the enduring success of the First State Bank. A respected figure in both professional and community spheres, Sweet’s dedication to the growth and well-being of his town has garnered him widespread admiration.

Biography of Svante Josephson

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Svante Josephson, a respected citizen of Brule County, South Dakota, is an extensive landowner and successful farmer. Born in Sweden in 1840, he immigrated to America in 1863, working as a carpenter before settling in Iowa. In 1884, he moved to South Dakota, where he purchased land and developed a thriving farm. Today, his home ranch spans 800 acres, and he owns an additional 320-acre tract. Known for his progressive approach and dedication to education, Josephson serves on the school board and is an active member of the Presbyterian church. His children have also excelled, with one daughter becoming a popular teacher in Brule County.

Biography of Nils Forsberg

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Nils Forsberg, the treasurer of Grant County, South Dakota, is a highly esteemed citizen known for his energy and progressive spirit. Born in Sweden, he immigrated to America with his family as a child. After completing his education, he taught in the public schools of Grant County before entering politics. A staunch Republican, Forsberg served as county auditor and was later elected county treasurer, demonstrating his fiscal acumen and gaining popular support. He remains dedicated to the welfare of the county and state, actively participating in the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church. Married to Anna S. Anderson, they have five children.

Biography of Ole Anderson

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Ole Anderson, born in Norway in 1850, migrated to the United States in 1880, joining the influx of Scandinavian immigrants to the Northwest. Settling in South Dakota, he established himself as a respected farmer in Charles Mix County. Through diligent cultivation and the application of modern farming methods, Anderson transformed his raw land into a thriving estate. He raised livestock, including Poland China hogs and Durham cattle, and cultivated various crops. Anderson’s success exemplified the contribution of hardworking immigrants from northern Europe to the rapid development of the Northwest. He was regarded as a model farmer and a commendable citizen in his community.

Biography of Hemming Anderson

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Hemming Anderson, a Swedish native, embarked on a journey to America in 1882, seeking better opportunities. After landing in New York, he made his way to South Dakota and settled in Vermillion. With determination, he improved his land, starting from a humble tent and later upgrading to a sod house. Anderson’s hard work paid off as he transformed his farm into a prosperous enterprise, cultivating acres of land and raising livestock. He actively supported education and the Republican Party, while he and his wife remained dedicated members of the Lutheran Church. Despite the loss of two sons, their daughter thrived and became a respected member of the community.

History of Weston Township

History of Marshall County Dakota title page

Weston township is settled mostly by Brown county settlers from Columbia and Groton, who came in early in the spring of 1883. The surface is somewhat undulating. There are two large depressions in southeast part, of about 500 acres, which yield an abundance of good hay. Originally included the south half of Stena township, and … Read more

History of Miller Township

History of Marshall County Dakota title page

Miller township is centrally located and the surface slightly undulating, with the exception of the quite prominent elevation upon which Britton is located. This low range of hills commences in the southwest corner of the township and gradually rises higher, and extends across the northwestern part of Pleasant Valley township into White township, where it … Read more

History of Victor Township

History of Marshall County Dakota title page

Victor Township lies in the northeast corner of the county, west of the Sisseton reservation and north of the military reservation and at present includes a strip three miles wide lying between it and the military reservation. The western part is quite level, while the eastern part extends up into the Coteaus. The principal part … Read more

South Dakota Biographies

The Picturesque Story of South Dakota

Marthy Jane Cannary Biographies from the Memorial and Biographical Record These biographies are from “Memorial and biographical record; an illustrated compendium of biography, containing a compendium of local biography, including biographical sketches of prominent old settlers and representative citizens of South Dakota…” W. G. Ackerman Ell Nathan Aldrich Irwin D. Aldrich M. D. Alexander Andrew … Read more