Surname: Murphy

Biography of William H. Smith

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

William H. Smith, born April 28, 1857, in Juneau County, Wisconsin, was the son of Irish immigrants John and Bridget Smith. Raised on a farm, he moved to South Dakota in 1878, filing a claim in Brookings County. Initially living in a sod house, he later bought a substantial farm in Parnell Township. Smith diversified his agricultural endeavors and amassed significant landholdings. He married Mary Buckley in 1882, and they had nine children. Smith was involved in local politics, the Catholic Church, and fraternal organizations such as the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Woodmen of America.

History of Newark Township

History of Marshall County Dakota title page

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