History of South Dakota - South Dakota Genealogy

Biography of Hervey A. Tarbell. M. D.

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Dr. Hervey A. Tarbell, born on November 16, 1854, in Windsor County, Vermont, was a prominent physician and surgeon in Watertown, Codington County, South Dakota. A descendant of New England settlers, Tarbell graduated from Dartmouth College in 1878 and the University of New York’s medical department in 1883. He initially practiced in Plankinton, Aurora County, before moving to Watertown in 1890, where he significantly contributed to the local medical community, including establishing the Watertown hospital. Married to Anna M. Gleason in 1884, they had three children. Dr. Tarbell was also involved in various civic and professional organizations.

Biography of Hon. Edwin Terry White

Hon. Edwin Terry White, a distinguished figure in Yankton, South Dakota, was born on June 6, 1847, in Woodstock, Vermont. He descended from early New England settlers, with his lineage tracing back to the seventeenth century. His father, Samuel White, a noted wood carver from New Hampshire, married Elizabeth Elliott. Edwin White’s career spanned various vocations before he studied law and moved to Yankton in 1870. Serving as a judge and in multiple public offices, White also engaged in business and civic activities, significantly impacting the community. He married Mary L. Bagley in 1874, and they actively contributed to local charitable endeavors.

Biography of Frank W. Fanslow

Frank W. Fanslow, born on October 6, 1862, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, is a notable figure in Yankton, South Dakota. Son of German immigrants Michael and Bridget (Kuich) Fanslow, he moved to South Dakota in 1877. In 1882, he and his brother John established a blacksmith and wagon-making business in Milltown, later relocating to Yankton. They expanded into agricultural implements and hardware under the firm Fanslow Brothers. Frank served as Yankton’s mayor from 1902 to 1903, advocating for municipal ownership of utilities. He married Eunice E. Gray in 1886, and they had six children, five of whom survived infancy.

Biography of George C. Wagner

George C. Wagner, born on December 30, 1855, in Clayton County, Iowa, was the son of German immigrants Constant and Caroline (Helfesrider) Wagner. Following his father’s early death, George worked on the family farm until moving to South Dakota in 1876. There, he acquired and developed 285 acres in Yankton County. In October 1880, he married Annie Kramer, and they had nine children. An independent politician and German Catholic, George was active in local education and community improvements, earning respect through his industrious and progressive spirit.

Biography of William L. Nieland

William L. Nieland was born on October 17, 1867, in Yankton County, South Dakota, to German immigrants Henry and Henrietta (Zeanter) Nieland. Henry, a homesteader since 1865, secured 160 acres for farming. William pursued farming as well, becoming a prosperous landowner with over 700 acres. He married Anna Madsen on December 14, 1891, and they had four children: Clara, Henrietta, Arthur, and Harry. A community-oriented individual, William served on the school board and was active in the Lutheran church and Woodmen of the World.

Biography of William E. Raymond

William E. Raymond, born on August 19, 1857, near Ripon, Wisconsin, is a descendant of the fourth count of Toulouse, France. His parents, Ezra and Armine (Monette) Raymond were early Wisconsin pioneers. Educated in public schools and Ripon College, William initially pursued law but turned to teaching and carpentry due to financial constraints. In 1886, he moved to South Dakota, founding the village of Twin Brooks and its first general store. Later, he shifted to farming, amassing a substantial property and raising high-quality livestock. A dedicated Republican and justice of the peace for 12 years, he contributed to the Northwestern Agriculturist and married Mina B. Stymiest in 1880, with whom he had nine children.

Biography of Henry F. Livingston. M. D.

Henry F. Livingston, M.D., born in Quebec, Canada, in 1843, moved to Iowa in 1858. He earned his medical degree from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1865, having also attended Rush Medical College and gained practical experience in a government hospital during the Civil War. In 1865, he relocated to Yankton, South Dakota, where he practiced medicine before serving as a physician and later as an Indian agent for the U.S. government. Returning to Yankton after twelve years of service, he resumed private practice and worked at the State Hospital for the Insane. Dr. Livingston married Anna E. Hoyt in 1871, and they had three sons. He was an active Republican and a member of the Episcopal Church.

Biography of George W. Case

George W. Case, born on March 3, 1861, in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, was a distinguished lawyer and influential citizen of Watertown, South Dakota. Moving to Mason City, Illinois, in 1868, he later relocated to South Dakota in 1883, where he pursued law and was admitted to the bar in 1891. Case built a successful legal career, initially with Mellette & Mellette, and later succeeded their practice. A prominent Republican, he served in the state senate and held the position of receiver of the U.S. land office. Married to Capitola Pierce in 1882, they had six children. Case was active in various fraternal organizations and community affairs.

Biography of Charles Cook

Charles Cook is a representative citizen of Yankton County, of foreign birth, having first opened his eyes to the light of day in Germany in December, 1845. His parents were Henry and Elizabeth (Hyland) Cook. He was educated in the schools of his native country and when twenty-two years of age crossed the Atlantic to the United States, settling in Missouri, where he remained for two years, following blacksmithing. He then went to California, walking most of the way and carrying his provisions on his back. He suffered many hardships and trials during that long journey, but ultimately reached his destination and remained in the Golden State for five years, working at the blacksmith’s trade. At that time wages were high on the coast and ordinary workmen often made as much as twenty dollars per day. About 1872 Mr. Cook left California for New York, making the journey by way of the Panama route. For a short period he lived in the metropolis of the east and then paid a visit to his friends in Germany, remaining for six months in the fatherland. His interest, however, centered in the new world, for he believed that its privileges and advantages were far superior to those of his native country. Accordingly, he returned to this country, and, making his way to Missouri, he was there united in marriage to Miss Catherine Hoffman, of Canton, Missouri, the wedding taking place on the 3rd of June, 1877. Her parents were Michael and Marguerite (Buchner) Hoffman, both of whom were natives of Germany and, coming to this country, established their home in Missouri.

After his marriage Mr. Cook remained in Missouri for three years and then removed to Illinois, where he spent one year. In 1882 he came to Yankton County, South Dakota, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he has since owned and operated, having now a well-developed farm. As the years have passed he has extended the boundaries of his property by additional purchases until he now owns about four hundred acres of land in this county. His business affairs are capably conducted and his energy, diligence, and strong determination have formed the foundation upon which he has built his success.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cook have been born nine children, but four of the number have passed away. Those still living are George, now seventeen years of age; Mary, sixteen years of age; Clara, a maiden of fourteen; Charlie, a youth of ten; and Willie, who completes the family and is seven years of age. All are still under the parental roof and are attending school. The parents and family are members of the Lutheran church of Yankton and Mr. Cook is an active Republican but has never sought or desired office, preferring to give his time and attention to his business affairs, in which he has met with creditable success. His wife has been to him an able assistant on the journey of life and is a most estimable lady. Both enjoy the warm regard of many friends and the life record of Mr. Cook stands an exemplification of what may be attained through industry if one has the perseverance to continue in a given course and guides his efforts by sound judgment and integrity.

Biography of George A. Johnston

George A. Johnston, born on August 14, 1847, in Guernsey County, Ohio, was a notable resident of Mitchell, South Dakota. The son of George and Margaret (Simpson) Johnston, he moved from Ohio to Iowa in 1856, and later to South Dakota in 1876. A Civil War veteran, he served in the Seventh Iowa Cavalry. Johnston pursued a career in law, real estate, and politics, including terms as a state senator and mayor of Mitchell. He married Clara R. Hallowell in 1882, and they had two children, one of whom survived infancy. Johnston was also a prominent Freemason and community leader.

Biography of Alvin M. Shaw

Alvin M. Shaw, who is incumbent of the responsible executive office of cashier of the Delmont State Bank, of Delmont, Douglas County, is recognized as one of the able young business men of the county, where he is held in high esteem and is personally popular. He was born on a farm in Joe Daviess County, Illinois, on the 3rd of February, 1876, being a son of Henry and Mary E. Shaw, of whose seven children four are living, namely: William H., who is cashier of the Hutchinson County Bank, at Parkston, this state; Ora P., who is a grain … Read more

Biography of George P. Scotchbrook

George P. Scotchbrook, a prominent businessman in Wessington, Beadle County, South Dakota, was born on August 25, 1857, in Whiteside County, Illinois. The son of Edward and Mary A. (Pope) Scotchbrook, he was educated in public schools and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from the State University of Illinois in 1883. Scotchbrook initially worked as a civil engineer on the Mississippi River survey before moving to Wessington in 1884. There, he operated a grain elevator and built a successful grain business. A committed Republican and member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, he and his wife, Nettie Barden, whom he married on June 9, 1887, were active in the Presbyterian Church. They had two children, Francis Willard and Carl Edward.

Biography of Samuel H. Bakewell

Samuel H. Bakewell, a distinguished lawyer in Aurora County, was born on April 4, 1855, near Lansing, Allamakee County, Iowa. He was one of nine children of John and Sarah Ann (Hunt) Bakewell, of English descent. After completing his early education in public schools and a seminary in Waukon, Iowa, he taught school before studying law at the State University of Iowa, graduating in 1879. Bakewell moved to Dakota Territory in 1881, settling in Plankinton. He became a key figure in local public affairs, serving as probate judge, county court judge, and state’s attorney. An influential Republican, he also amassed significant property holdings. He was an active Freemason and a member of the Congregational Church. On April 17, 1884, he married Martha A. Cawley, an educator from Wisconsin. They had two sons, Robert C. and George S.

Biography of John E. Watkins

John E. Watkins, born May 7, 1858, in Delaware County, Ohio, moved to South Dakota in 1885, where he established a successful farm in Badger Township, Davison County. He expanded his initial 160-acre claim to a 480-acre farm, known for its cultivated crops and high-grade livestock. Watkins, a dedicated Republican, served as school treasurer and township assessor. He and his wife, Anna Streeter, whom he married on December 24, 1881, were active members of the Congregational Church. They had seven children: Edward L., Sarah M., Mabel E., William Neill, Clarence, Clara, and Norvel. John E. Watkins is a native of … Read more

Biography of Henry Frawley

Henry Frawley, a prominent lawyer and pioneer in Deadwood, South Dakota, was born on March 13, 1851, in Washington County, New York. He relocated to the Dakota Territory in 1877, establishing a successful legal practice. Frawley was a significant landowner and had interests in valuable mining properties. He practiced law with several partners, including his brother, forming Frawley & Frawley. Politically, he was a Democrat but supported McKinley. Frawley owned the expansive Centennial Home Farm in Lawrence County, known for its thoroughbred livestock. He married Christine Anderson in 1890, and they had three children: Henry J., William G., and Honora C.

Biography of William F. Bancroft

William F. Bancroft, born October 21, 1868, in Monmouth, Illinois, relocated to Yankton, Dakota Territory, with his parents at age two. Educated in Yankton, he pursued a printing career before moving to Wessington Springs in 1893. Two years later, he acquired and became editor of the True Republican, a prominent Republican-aligned newspaper. Appointed postmaster in 1898 under President McKinley, Bancroft also served as city clerk and held various fraternal memberships. He married Maud S. Spears on July 3, 1894, and they had four children: Merrill, Lowell, Darrell, and Melba. William F. Bancroft, postmaster at Wessington Springs and editor and publisher … Read more

Biography of DeWitt Clinton Fowler, M. D.

Dr. DeWitt Clinton Fowler, born November 6, 1841, in Delphi, Madison County, New York, pursued his medical education at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City, graduating in 1863. He served as an assistant surgeon during the Civil War, enduring capture and imprisonment. Post-war, Dr. Fowler practiced homeopathic medicine in New York before moving to Aberdeen, South Dakota, in 1882 due to health concerns. He became a prominent physician and successful businessman, owning valuable properties and mining interests. A dedicated Mason and Episcopalian, Dr. Fowler significantly contributed to Aberdeen’s medical and religious communities.

Biography of Howard W. Cole

Howard W. Cole, a key figure in Brown County’s agricultural and stock-growing sectors, was born on March 29, 1857, in Eureka, Montcalm County, Michigan. The son of Leander T. and Sarah Jane (Stout) Cole, he moved to South Dakota in 1881. Cole established a successful farming partnership and was elected sheriff of Brown County in 1902. He served in various civic roles, including postmaster and township board member, and was active in several fraternal organizations. He married Theresa M. Howell in 1880, and they had five children.

Biography of George E. Countryman, M. D.

George E. Countryman, M.D., was a respected physician and surgeon in Aberdeen, South Dakota. He was born on July 31, 1865, in Hastings, Minnesota, to Peter F. and Elizabeth (Gleason) Countryman, who were of Holland Dutch and English ancestry, respectively. Dr. Countryman, a descendant of Baron Johana Von Konderman, completed high school in Hastings and continued his studies at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. He graduated from Missouri Medical University in 1888 and began practicing in Mellette, South Dakota. He moved to Aberdeen in 1894, where he built a significant practice. He served as coroner of Brown County for eight years and as librarian of the Alexander Mitchell Free Library for five years. A member of the South Dakota State Medical Society, he was active in the Masons and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. On November 15, 1888, he married Kate A. Van Auken. They had a daughter, Marguerite, born August 27, 1890.

Biography of Edward Teare Taubman

Edward Teare Taubman, born December 18, 1853, near Cleveland, Ohio, moved to Iowa with his family in the year of his birth. Growing up near Maquoketa, he received his education at local public schools and Clinton Commercial College. Initially a teacher, Taubman studied law under Cotton & Wolfe in DeWitt, Iowa, and was admitted to the Clinton County bar in 1878. After practicing in Delmar and Spencer, he relocated to Aberdeen, South Dakota, in 1883, becoming a prominent attorney. Elected prosecuting attorney in 1889, he served both before and after South Dakota’s statehood. Taubman was a staunch Republican, advocating for the gold standard. A distinguished Mason, he achieved the thirty-third degree. He married Margaret Kennedy in 1879, and they had three children: Genevieve, Olive T., and Morton McKinley.