Biography of Fred Rilling
Fred Rilling, born March 20, 1859, in West Bend, Wisconsin, is a notable farmer and stock grower in Brookings County, South Dakota. A son of German immigrants George and Elizabeth Rilling, Fred relocated to South Dakota in 1879, where he claimed land in Brookings County. Initially struggling, he eventually expanded his holdings to 320 acres and acquired additional land in Deuel County for livestock. He married Hannah Smith in 1883, and they have four surviving children: Benjamin, Earl, Harry, and Elsie. A dedicated Republican and Methodist, Fred is active in his community, serving as a church trustee and Sunday school superintendent.