History of South Dakota - South Dakota Genealogy

Biography of Joseph C. Young

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Joseph C. Young, born in March 1853 in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, was a versatile businessman and civil servant in Springfield, South Dakota. Son of Noah W. and Mary (Purrinton) Young, Joseph moved to Bon Homme County in 1878, initially farming before shifting to carpentry and contracting. In 1890, he acquired the Springfield Times, later selling it to return to contracting. In 1901, he co-purchased a harness and furniture store, and in 1902, he became Bon Homme County’s official surveyor. Married to Florence Britton since 1875, they had four children. Joseph was active in politics, fraternal organizations, and the Congregational Church.

Biography of Philip H. Risling

Philip H. Risling, born June 16, 1825, in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, and deceased May 14, 1893, was a notable settler and community member. Son of German immigrants Lewis and Mary Risling, he moved to Iowa in 1856 and then to South Dakota in 1862, where he homesteaded 320 acres. Despite hardships such as floods and crop destruction, he built a successful market garden business. He was married to Elmira Oldham in 1852, and they had eleven children. Philip was active in politics, transitioning from the Whig to Republican and later Populist parties, and was a member of the Lutheran Church.

Biography of Richard Francis Robinson

Dr. Richard Francis Robinson, born January 2, 1868, in Boston, Massachusetts, pursued a medical career after relocating to South Dakota in 1879. His father, Richard Tremaine Robinson, was a Civil War veteran and businessman, while his grandfather, William Day Robinson, emigrated from Nova Scotia in 1852. Dr. Robinson attended medical school in Boston, graduating in 1893, and later practiced in South Dakota. In 1897, he married Jennie Brennan in Egan, where he was active in community and professional organizations, including the South Dakota National Guard and local education and health boards. They had three children: Richard Tracy, Ada Frances, and Roger Chesley.

Biography of John A. Beaner

John A. Beaner, postmaster of Canastota, McCook County, South Dakota, was born on July 5, 1853, in Winnebago County, Illinois. Orphaned early, he was raised by George Fisher. Beaner worked as a farmer in Illinois and Iowa before moving to South Dakota in 1880, where he homesteaded in Turner County. In 1889, he relocated to Canastota, becoming the town’s first grain dealer. A dedicated Republican, Beaner served as postmaster under Presidents Cleveland and Roosevelt and has been involved in local Republican Party leadership. He is a Mason and a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Beaner married Mary E. Ellis in 1875, and they have one daughter, Gertrude M., married to Grant Roberts of Rock Valley, Iowa.

Biography of George Watson

George Watson, born in 1851 in Ontario, Canada, is a notable progressive farmer in Davison and Hanson counties, South Dakota. Son of Ebenezer and Margaret (Sims) Watson, he moved to Rockford, Iowa, in 1873, and later to Davison County, Dakota Territory, in 1879, where he homesteaded government land. Watson now owns a 720-acre farm, primarily cultivating corn and oats, and raising Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs. A staunch Republican, he served in the state legislature in 1893. He and his wife, Livonia Phelps, married on October 25, 1883, have six children: Florence, Robert, Frances, Earl, Richard, and Herbert. They are members of the Baptist Church in Mitchell.

Biography of Martin N. Trygstad

Martin N. Trygstad, born May 27, 1843, in Norway, moved to Minnesota in 1867 and to Dakota Territory in 1869. He settled in Medary Township, filing for pre-emption in 1872. In 1870, he married Caroline Johnson, and they had eight children. Trygstad became the first postmaster of Medary in 1871, served as a county commissioner for 12 years, and was elected to the territorial legislature in 1872 and 1878. In 1902, he was elected state senator from Brookings County. A devout Lutheran, he was instrumental in founding several churches and promoting community enterprises in Brookings County.

Biography of Caleb P. Taylor

Caleb P. Taylor, born April 25, 1855, in Grant County, Wisconsin, is a prominent farmer and livestock grower in Davidson County, South Dakota. Son of C. and Nancy (Coombs) Taylor, he began farming independently at age twenty-two on a 320-acre farm in Wisconsin. In 1900, he moved to South Dakota, purchasing a 240-acre farm in Badger Township. Taylor has achieved success in agriculture and livestock raising. A staunch Republican, he is active in community affairs and a member of the Congregational Church. He married Izella Shanley on January 18, 1876, and they have four children: Florence, Halbert, Grace, and Clyde.

Biography of William B. Tobey

William B. Tobey, born September 21, 1856, in Steuben County, New York, moved to Davidson County, South Dakota, in 1882. After farming for fourteen years, he established a grain commission business and later opened a general store in Ethan in 1900. Active in the community, Tobey served in various village and township offices, was a postmaster, and a member of the board of education. He married Frances Dabler on July 14, 1874, and they had eight children. Tobey and his family were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he was affiliated with the Masonic order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Biography of Leander Lane

Leander Lane, born April 23, 1838, in Clermont County, Ohio, played a significant role in the development of Yankton County, South Dakota. He moved to Dakota in 1866, initially settling on Jim River before purchasing land near present-day Gayville. Over time, he expanded his farm to 800 acres, cultivating crops and raising Shorthorn cattle. Lane married twice, first to Ann Sheperdson and then to Mary (Chappel) Case. He was active in local education, politics as a Democrat, and community improvement efforts. Lane passed away on February 28, 1904, and was buried in Yankton Cemetery.

Biography of William H. Smith

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.

Biography of James P. Turner

James P. Turner, born December 1, 1858, in Elgin County, Ontario, Canada, was of Scottish descent, son of James and Mary (Jardine) Turner. He learned blacksmithing in Ontario before moving to South Dakota in 1883. Turner settled in Faulk County, establishing a blacksmith business in La Foon and later in Faulkton. He owned a section of land northeast of Faulkton for farming and stock-grazing. Active in local politics, Turner served as mayor of Faulkton from 1902. He married Belle K. Puntine in 1887, with whom he had five children. Belle passed away in 1899.

Biography of William W. Rounds

William W. Rounds, born on June 1, 1857, in Monkton, Addison County, Vermont, was the youngest of six children. Leaving home at age twelve, he worked various jobs before moving to Chicago in 1877 and then to Spink County, South Dakota, in 1882. There, he initially took up a pre-emption claim, later establishing a homestead in what became Conde. Transitioning from farming to business, he developed a successful hardware store and held several public service roles, including deputy sheriff. Rounds married Margaret Park in 1884, and they had a daughter, Hazel. William W. Rounds hails from the old Green Mountain … Read more

Biography of Frank M. Huber

Frank M. Huber, born on July 25, 1862, in Bavaria, is a notable German-American farmer in Yankton County, South Dakota. He married Nellie Strunk on August 20, 1893, and they have three children: Nellie, Mary, and Herman. Huber owns and operates a 160-acre farm near Jamesville, where he raises Poland-China hogs and Shorthorn cattle. His farm, marked by numerous improvements he made, reflects his industrious and progressive nature. A Democrat, Huber has served as a school clerk but focuses primarily on his farming endeavors. He is a communicant of the Catholic Church and is known for his public-spirited and honorable life.

Biography of George William Cook

George William Cook, born on September 10, 1850, in Elkader, Clayton County, Iowa, is a prominent farmer in Grovena Township, Moody County, South Dakota. The son of Henry and Mary (Beckman) Cook, he received a common-school education and worked on the family farm until 28. In 1878, he moved to Moody County, where he established and improved a 160-acre homestead. Cook is also involved with the Egan Elevator Company and the Egan Lumber Company. A supporter of the People’s Party, he served as the first treasurer of Grovena Township and as a board member. Cook is affiliated with the Modern Brotherhood of America and attends the Methodist Episcopal Church. Though a bachelor, he is known for his hospitality and has many friends.

Biography of S. P. Waxdahl

S. P. Waxdahl, born in Norway in 1847, emigrated to America in 1869. He initially settled in Wisconsin, working on farms and as a sailor on Lake Michigan. After a stint in California from 1875 to 1878, he moved to Moody County, South Dakota, in 1877, where he homesteaded a tract of wild prairie land near Flandreau. Waxdahl transformed this land into a productive farm, engaging in diversified farming and stock raising. A committed Republican and active community member, he has served as a school director. On January 31, 1880, he married Regina Anderson, and they have six children: Regina, Bertina, Albert, Edward P., Ingyald, and Sophia.

Biography of Thomas Dignan

Thomas Dignan, born June 12, 1846, in County Cavan, Ireland, emigrated to America with his family in 1849, settling first in Ohio, then in Winneshiek County, Iowa, in 1853. His father, Michael, became a successful pioneer farmer there. In 1884, Thomas moved to Faulk County, South Dakota, establishing a 400-acre ranch and a 6,000-acre grazing range. He specialized in high-grade Hereford cattle, hogs, and Percheron horses. Thomas was an active Republican, serving on the township board. On July 4, 1874, he married Catherine Hand, with whom he had five children: George (missing since 1901), Edward M., Loretta, Alice, and Cleophas.

Biography of William Byrne

William Byrne, a prominent farmer and stock grower in Faulk County, South Dakota, was born on September 18, 1861, in Allamakee County, Iowa, to Lawrence and Delia Byrne. Raised on the family farm, he received his education in Iowa’s public schools. In 1882, Byrne moved to South Dakota with his family, initially settling in Turner County before relocating to Faulk County in 1883. He claimed a pre-emption of 960 acres near Orient, where he developed a successful agricultural operation, producing wheat, oats, corn, barley, and hay, and raising high-grade livestock. A dedicated Republican and member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of the Maccabees, Byrne married Mary Paul on May 15, 1895. They have four children: Paul, Raymond, Theodore, and Leonard.

Biography of Cincinatus C. Wiley

Cincinnatus C. Wiley, born October 8, 1842, in Franklin County, Massachusetts, was a successful businessman and Civil War veteran. The son of Dr. Hazare Wiley and Mary Pierce, he enlisted in the Tenth Massachusetts Infantry in 1861, participating in key battles such as Gettysburg and Spotsylvania. Post-war, Wiley pursued the lumber business in Vermont before moving to South Dakota in 1876. He engaged in mining and real estate, co-founding the successful firm Wiley, Allen & Company in Watertown. Wiley also served as county and municipal treasurer. Married to Harriett P. Sprague in 1865, he had five children. Wiley was active in the Grand Army of the Republic, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Harriett passed away on December 4, 1902.

Biography of John A. Johnson

John A. Johnson, born April 29, 1867, in Norway, is a prominent farmer in Yankton County, South Dakota. His parents, Jonas and Olena Johnson, emigrated to the U.S. in 1886, settling in Mayfield Township. John arrived in America at 19 and married Bertha Larson in 1894, with whom he had two children, Martin and Lena. Bertha passed away in 1902. Johnson’s 160-acre farm is highly cultivated, featuring modern improvements, including a new residence and barns. Specializing in Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs, he is active in the Lutheran church, the Republican Party, and local cooperative ventures, serving as township treasurer and on the Republican central committee.

Biography of Edward J. Monfore

Edward J. Monfore was born on March 13, 1828, in Delaware County, New York, to Garrett and Paty (Smith) Monfore. Raised in Broome County, he apprenticed as a wagon maker before moving to Warren County, Iowa, in 1864, where he became a successful farmer and community leader. In 1882, Monfore relocated to Springfield, South Dakota, where he played a significant role in the town’s development, owning 640 acres of farmland. Active in politics as a Republican, he served on the county board and local school board. Monfore married twice and had seven children, contributing greatly to his community’s growth and prosperity.