History of South Dakota

Biography of Rev. William Lewis Meinzer

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Rev. William Lewis Meinzer was born on December 26, 1868, in Winnebago County, Illinois, to William and Mary Julia Meinzer, immigrants from Baden, Germany. He pursued education at Northwestern College, Iowa State College, and the State Agricultural College, earning a Bachelor of Science in 1894. Meinzer entered the Methodist Episcopal Church ministry, serving in various South Dakota towns. He married Dora Jane Squires on December 31, 1895; she passed away in 1902. Meinzer was also known for his lectures based on his European travels. He remained a devoted Republican and influential community figure until his death. Rev. William Lewis Meinzer … Read more

Biography of Peder Freng

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Peder Freng was born in Norway on April 26, 1846, to John and Bertha Freng. In 1869, at the age of 23, he emigrated to the United States, settling in Yankton County, South Dakota. Freng developed a successful 160-acre farm, raising cattle and Poland-China hogs. He married Anna Freng on January 6, 1874, and they had six children. A dedicated Republican, Freng served as a school officer and county commissioner. He was a member of the Lutheran church and contributed significantly to the local community’s development and education. Freng built his home in 1890 and continuously improved his farm property.

Biography of Henry H. Platts

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Henry H. Platts was born in Cheshire County, New Hampshire, on December 25, 1829, to Harvey and Harriett (Davis) Platts. He moved west in 1852, settling first in Jones County, Iowa, and later in Worth County. Platts served in the Civil War, enlisting in 1861 and remaining in service until 1866. Post-war, he farmed in Iowa before relocating to Moody County, South Dakota, in 1876, where he developed a successful ranch. He later moved to Egan, SD, engaging in mercantile business until his death on February 23, 1904. Platts was married twice and had eight children.

Biography of E. M. Cramer

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

E. M. Cramer, born May 10, 1849, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, moved with his family to Sterling, Illinois, in 1866. After working in Clinton, Iowa, he settled in Plankinton, South Dakota, in 1882, where he claimed a homestead and later established a successful general merchandise business. Cramer’s store, a significant local enterprise, grew alongside the town’s development. A committed Republican, Cramer also actively participated in the Methodist Episcopal Church and several fraternal organizations. He married Anna Heckerman on October 21, 1875, and they had two children: Mabel, who married G. H. Bryan, and Noble, who died young.

Biography of Soren Mortensen

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Soren Mortensen, born April 21, 1846, in Denmark, became one of the wealthiest farmers in Yankton County, South Dakota. After emigrating to the United States in 1869, he worked on a farm in Long Island for seven and a half years before moving to South Dakota in 1876. Mortensen initially focused on wheat farming but shifted to livestock after several crop failures. He built a successful operation handling cattle and Chester White hogs, amassing 1,500 acres of farmland. Mortensen married Meatha Amelia Larson in 1874, with whom he had nine children. After her death in 1896, he married Nora Grant in 1900. A dedicated Republican and respected community member, Mortensen’s achievements reflect his perseverance and effective management.

Biography of William C. Lampson

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

William C. Lampson, born July 17, 1831, in Medina County, Ohio, was a pioneering farmer in Moody County, South Dakota. He was the son of Riley and Betsy (Gilford) Lampson, both of New England descent. After teaching and farming in Illinois, Lampson moved to South Dakota in 1884, transforming 320 acres of wild land in Fremont Township into a productive 690-acre ranch known for its Galloway cattle and Shropshire sheep. A dedicated Republican and community servant, he was deeply involved in local education and Masonic activities. Lampson married Harriet A. Dean in 1855, and they had five children, with three surviving to adulthood: George R., Albert, and Frank E.

Biography of Peter K. Slear

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Peter K. Slear, born January 28, 1838, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, was a distinguished farmer in Yankton County, South Dakota. Descended from German immigrants, the Slear family has a long history of military service, participating in every American war from the Revolution to the Spanish-American War. Slear served as a sergeant in the Civil War. In 1870, he married Mary J. Babb and they had seven children, four surviving into adulthood. In 1869, Slear homesteaded in Yankton County, where he focused on farming. Known for his integrity and community involvement, he was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and served on the school board.

Biography of Thomas Inch

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Thomas Inch, born in County Derry, Ireland, on August 12, 1888, emigrated to the United States, first settling in Connecticut before moving to Yankton County, South Dakota, in 1868. Initially securing 160 acres of government land, Inch expanded his holdings to 720 acres, developing a prosperous farm known for its modern equipment and well-tended fields. He specialized in general farming and livestock raising, including Durham cattle and Poland-China hogs. Although never married, he lived with his brother Major Inch and his family. Thomas served as a county commissioner from 1891 to 1897 and was active in school work and the Episcopal church.

Biography of Torge Thompson

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Torge Thompson, born in Norway on February 27, 1863, emigrated to the United States with his family in 1869, settling in Clay County, South Dakota. His father, Thomas A. Thompson, secured a 160-acre homestead and developed it into a prosperous farm despite setbacks like the 1881 flood. Torge, educated in local schools and at the University of South Dakota, took over the farm at age 20. In 1900, he acquired 640 acres in Yankton County, where he established a successful mixed farming operation. Torge married Bertha Brake in 1889, and they had five children. Active in community affairs, he served as a school officer and was a committed Lutheran and Republican.

Biography of George Madsen

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

George Madsen was born on October 21, 1839, in Denmark. He farmed in his native land until age 40 before emigrating to the United States, settling in Yankton County, South Dakota. He married Elsie Larsen, and they had six children: Annie, Conrad, Marie, Johanna, Louisa, and Eleanor. Madsen purchased 220 acres in Yankton County, where he engaged in stock raising and cereal cultivation. He later moved to Yankton, where he resides. A devout Lutheran and respected community member, Madsen exemplified success through hard work and dedication.

Biography of Robert Thogersen

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Robert Thogersen, born in Denmark on July 28, 1841, emigrated to the United States at age 28. He settled in Turner County, South Dakota, where he secured a homestead and married fellow Dane Marie Madsen in Yankton. They had six children: Arthur, Henry, Charlie, Mary, Grant, and William. Thogersen farmed 160 acres near Yankton until his death on February 24, 1903, making significant improvements and utilizing modern machinery. A respected Lutheran, his successful and principled life exemplified the opportunities available in America. Marie Thogersen continues to manage the family farm with notable business acumen.

Biography of John M. Larson

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

John M. Larson, born near Throndhjem, Norway, on April 17, 1862, emigrated to the United States in 1881. Settling in Yankton, South Dakota, he married Guri J. Rye in 1884 and managed a successful farming enterprise, expanding his land holdings to 360 acres. A dedicated Lutheran and Republican, Larson actively participated in local politics, serving as a deputy assessor and state legislator from 1900. He was known for his legislative contributions, including reducing school fund interest rates. Larson’s life exemplified industriousness and community service until his death.

Biography of Vaclav Novak

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Vaclav Novak was born in Bohemia in March 1832 and became a notable violinist and music teacher in his homeland. After the death of his first wife and subsequent remarriage to Barbara Hurkova in 1861, Novak emigrated to the United States in 1870, settling in Yankton County, South Dakota. He purchased and cultivated 320 acres of farmland. Novak had a total of eleven children, four born in Bohemia and seven in the United States. He passed away on September 22, 1899, leaving a legacy of integrity and community respect.

Biography of James W. Parker

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

James W. Parker, born November 24, 1855, in Warren, Illinois, is a prominent businessman in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He moved to Hillsboro, Wisconsin, at age thirteen and later attended Hillsdale College in Michigan. Parker began his career in his father’s general store in Wisconsin and co-founded the Sioux Falls Lumber Company in 1881. He has managed the company since its incorporation, growing it into a leading enterprise. A dedicated Republican, Parker is also involved in educational work, serving on the board of education. He married Nellie Thompson on May 19, 1892, and they have two children, James Thompson Parker and Natalie.

Biography of Theodore Rix

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Theodore Rix, a notable agriculturist in Yankton County, South Dakota, was born in Denmark on January 11, 1845. After losing his mother at birth and his father in 1864, Rix emigrated to the United States in 1870. He worked in various trades, including carpentry and farming, across Michigan, Indiana, and Iowa. In 1878, he settled in Yankton County, purchasing 160 acres of government land and expanding his holdings to 400 acres. Rix married Katherina Jensen on December 19, 1883, and they have nine children. Active in the community, Rix is involved with the Farmers’ Mutual Insurance Company and the Irene Creamery Association. He and his family are members of the Lutheran Church.

Biography of Clark S. West

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Clark S. West, born May 9, 1841, in Chautauqua County, New York, is a respected farmer and former state senator in Yankton County, South Dakota. The son of Louis and Amanda West, he relocated to Iowa in 1834, where his father farmed and worked as a machinist. Clark moved to Yankton County with $75 and a team of horses, acquiring 160 acres of government land. Despite early hardships, including a devastating flood in 1881, he expanded his holdings to around 1,100 acres. A dedicated Republican and active Mason, Clark served as a justice of the peace and state senator. He married Elizabeth Van Osdel in 1863, and they have two sons, A. Louis and Jesse C.

Biography of C. Frank Collins

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

C. Frank Collins, born September 7, 1863, in Jo Daviess County, Illinois, is a prominent farmer and stock raiser in Yankton County, South Dakota. The son of G. W. and Anna Collins, he moved with his family to Nebraska in 1879 and later to Yankton County. Frank started his own farm with minimal resources but gradually expanded his holdings and improved his property. He married Delight Post on January 21, 1884, and they have built a successful farming enterprise with significant livestock operations. A dedicated Republican, Collins remains active in public affairs and community development.

Biography of Fred Rilling

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

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.

Biography of A. L. Bullis

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

A. L. Bullis, born December 28, 1872, in Owatonna, Minnesota, is a prominent and progressive farmer in Brookings County, South Dakota. The son of Frederick J. and Mary A. Bullis, he moved with his family to South Dakota in 1882. He attended public schools and the State Agricultural College in Brookings. After completing his education, he managed the family homestead and expanded his agricultural operations. Bullis purchased significant land, cultivated it effectively, and invested in modern farming equipment. Active in the Republican Party, he has served as a delegate to county conventions and as a school board clerk.

Biography of Frederick J. Bullis

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Frederick J. Bullis, born July 22, 1841, in Schuyler’s Falls, New York, was a pioneering figure in Brookings County, South Dakota. He moved to Minnesota in 1866, married Mary A. Morton in 1870, and relocated to Brookings County in 1882. Establishing a prosperous farm, he became a respected citizen, known for his integrity and community involvement. A devoted Methodist and Republican, Bullis passed away on April 20, 1903. He left behind his widow Mary and their children: A. Leroy, Fred, Ira, Nellie, Bessie, Lucy, and Grace, who continued to uphold the family’s legacy on the homestead.