Cowan - South Dakota Genealogy

Biography of John D. Herman

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

John D. Herman, M.D., was a respected physician and surgeon who practiced in Conde, Spink County. Born on February 27, 1859, in Freeborn County, Minnesota, he was the son of German immigrants Philip and Augusta Herman. Dr. Herman studied at Ohio Medical College, graduating in 1886, and furthered his education in Chicago and Philadelphia. Relocating to South Dakota in 1883, he became Conde’s first physician and opened its initial drug store. Married to Anna Cowan in 1888, they had four children. Dr. Herman was also known for his public service and extensive farming operations in the area.

Biography of Alexander Garrick

Alexander Garrick, born June 8, 1845, in Delaware County, New York, is a second-generation American with deep Scottish roots. Son of William and Elisabeth Garrick, Alexander was raised on the family farm and educated in local schools. In 1874, he moved west to Cedar County and later to Faulk County, South Dakota, in 1883, where he claimed 160 acres near Cresbard. By 1890, he had acquired a large ranch near Faulkton, engaging in diversified farming and cattle raising. A dedicated public servant, he served on the county board of commissioners and school board. Alexander married Elizabeth Cowan in 1870, and they have five children: James, Isabella, William, Alexander A., and one unnamed.

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 abruptly terminates, Between this point , and the Coteaus there is a gap through which the Wild Rice flows north. All of this elevation is good farming land, and the best of water is easily obtained almost anywhere. This township was not surveyed until the … 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