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.

History of Hickman Township

History of Marshall County Dakota title page

About ono-third of Hickman township lies on the plateau, which, with the exception of several coulees is level and good farming land; the other two-thirds lie in the valley; the surface rather level. There are several ravines or coulees that emerge from the Coteaus in Sisseton township and run in a westerly direction; one of these coulees crosses sections 12,11, 10, 9 and 8, and on sec. 7 spreads out like a fan, covering three quarter sections of land, making an excellent meadow. This coulee on sec. 11 contained some timber, currants, gooseberries and raspberries, also plum trees. Excellent drinking … Read more