James - South Dakota Genealogy

Biography of William Henry James

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

William Henry James, born on December 25, 1858, in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, is a prominent grain and coal dealer in Valley Springs, South Dakota, and secretary of the Valley Springs Telephone Company. After purchasing an interest in his father’s mill at twenty-one, he transitioned to butter-making and operated a creamery in Winthrop, Minnesota. Moving to Valley Springs in 1887, he managed the Hubbard & Palmer Elevator Company. James was instrumental in founding the Valley Springs Telephone Company and remains its secretary. He also runs a successful local insurance agency and has been active in public affairs, serving as town clerk for ten years. He married Carrie Hendrickson in 1900, and they have five children.

Biography of Harry D. James

Harry D. James, a prominent young lawyer in Wagner, South Dakota, was born in Ogle County, Illinois, on October 14, 1869. His father, Amos C. James, a Civil War veteran, relocated the family to Bon Homme County, South Dakota. Harry attended Yankton College and the agricultural school in Brookings before studying law in Sioux Falls. Admitted to the bar, he practiced in Flandreau, serving two terms as state’s attorney. Known for his vigorous prosecution style, he moved to Wagner about a year ago, combining legal work with stock raising. He married Emeline Seaman in 1895, and they have one daughter, Lucile.

History of Stena Township

History of Marshall County Dakota title page

Stena township lies south of Dayton township, and until 1885 was divided and belonged to both Norwich and Hartford school townships. There is quite an apparent rise of ground from the south town line, to the north town line, gradually merging into the elevation mentioned in Dayton Township. Through the south tier of section there is a water course or coulee and the land is naturally level and in some places low. This township was not surveyed until August, 1883, and came in market the following October. They have now four school houses. In the fall of 1882, Geo. H. … Read more

History of White Township

White Township, with the exception of the spur of hills extending into the southern corner of the township from Miller township, is quite level. The Wild Rice slough runs through it to the north, Geo. W. White, originally from Ohio, came here from Richland county, Dakota, located his claim July 20, 1882. Wm. Linse, from Wilkin county, Minnesota, located his claim, Section 12, about or a short time prior to White‘s settlement. Nels Otland, on Section 14, was in all probability the first one in the township to commence improvements. The evidence on this point is very unsatisfactory and conflicting. … Read more