Lewis - South Dakota Genealogy

Biography of Downer T. Bramble

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Downer T. Bramble, born February 28, 1831, near Montpelier, Vermont, was a pioneering businessman in Yankton, Dakota Territory. After working in the drug trade in Tennessee, Bramble moved to the Midwest, eventually establishing Yankton’s first frame building and general store in 1858. Known as the “big trader” by local Native Americans, he was integral to early trade and transportation, including founding a ferry and flour mill. He also co-founded the First National Bank of Yankton. Bramble held various civic roles and served as a federal land office receiver until his death in 1887.

Biography of Ed D. Lewis

Ed D. Lewis, born in 1856 in Virginia, was a successful businessman and prominent citizen of Worthing, South Dakota. Raised in Virginia, Ohio, and Wisconsin, Lewis moved to Dakota Territory in 1882, where he established a general merchandise business in Worthing before relocating to Sioux Falls to run a retail shoe business. Returning to Worthing in 1891, he became postmaster and later acquired the Farmers and Merchants’ Bank in 1894. He was married to Mary Morgan, with whom he had one son, Evan Elias Lewis, a West Point cadet. Lewis passed away on January 21, 1904.

Biography of Myron D. Thompson

Myron D. Thompson, born on January 13, 1847, in Saratoga County, New York, was the son of Orville W. and Fidelia P. (Ingalsbee) Thompson. He was educated in Washington County public schools and graduated from Fort Edward Institute in 1864. Moving to Columbus, Wisconsin, at nineteen, he later settled in Vermillion, Dakota Territory, in 1867. Thompson co-founded the Thompson-Lewis Company, a significant business in the region. A Republican and active community member, he helped establish the Bank of Vermillion. He married Anna E. Lewis on January 6, 1870, and they had two sons, Orville W. and Martin L.

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