Topic: Grand Army of the Republic

Biography of Henry Grebe

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History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Henry Grebe, born on October 16, 1843, in Germany, emigrated to the U.S. in 1853. Settling in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, he worked on farms before apprenticing as a tailor. In 1862, Grebe enlisted in the Union Army, serving in the 20th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. Post-war, he pursued commercial studies and worked in tailoring in Missouri and Iowa. Moving to Yankton in 1879, he continued his trade until becoming register of deeds for Yankton County in 1895, a role he held for many years. Grebe was married twice and had four children. He was active in the Grand Army of the Republic and Freemasons.

Biography of Henry H. Farrington

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History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Henry H. Farrington, born February 10, 1841, in Lake County, Indiana, is the son of Dr. John and Emily Farrington. He enlisted in the 73rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry in 1862, serving in the Civil War and participating in significant battles such as Stone River. After the war, Farrington farmed in Illinois before moving to South Dakota in 1883, where he acquired government land in Hand County. He later relocated to Wessington, Beadle County, engaging in grain and livestock trading, and eventually the hardware business. A dedicated Republican and Mason, Farrington married Lodema Pulver in 1860, with whom he had five children.

Biography of Jopin H. McLaughlin

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History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Jopin H. McLaughlin, known as “Major” McLaughlin, was born on June 22, 1826, in Limerick, Ireland. After completing his education in a classical school, he sailed the seas for seven years, facing numerous adventures and perils, including shipwrecks. In 1850, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in the Third and Sixth Cavalry, and participated in many campaigns against Native American tribes. During the Civil War, he served on the U.S. steamship “Virginia” and later the “Ida,” taking part in the capture of Mobile and its forts. Post-war, he re-enlisted and served under General Miles. From 1877, he resided at Fort Randall, South Dakota, where he held various positions, including custodian of the fort. McLaughlin, a Republican, was active in the Grand Army of the Republic, Odd Fellows, and the Masons. In 1883, he married Margaret Moran, and they had four children.

Biography of Cincinatus C. Wiley

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History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

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 Henry H. Platts

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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 Peter K. Slear

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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 Samuel Livingston Tate

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History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Samuel Livingston Tate, born in Leeds, England in 1839, was a man of remarkable achievements. Despite limited means, he pursued education, graduating from Albion College and the University of Chicago. He practiced law before venturing into real estate, where he made significant contributions to the development of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Tate’s entrepreneurial endeavors included promoting railroads, constructing street-car lines, and establishing manufacturing plants. He actively served in the war, held various public offices, and espoused progressive ideals. Married to Frances Belle Wilcox, he raised a family and left an indelible mark on the industrial and civic history of South Dakota.

Biography of Lonson Seeley

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History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Lonson Seeley, an industrious and successful farmer, was born in Monroe County, New York, in 1844. After serving in the Union army during the Civil War, he returned to Wisconsin where he pursued a career in agriculture. In 1868, he settled in South Dakota and focused on raising hogs and cattle, which proved more profitable than cultivating crops. Known for his diligence and perseverance, Seeley also contributed to the progress of his community, serving on the school board for over two decades. A devoted Republican and esteemed member of the Grand Army of the Republic, he and his family were valued members of the Methodist church.

Biography of Martin V. Redding

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History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Martin V. Redding, a native of Luxembourg, Germany, served as a devoted soldier in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Wounded in battle, he displayed unwavering loyalty to his regiment and maintained strong ties with his fellow veterans through the Grand Army of the Republic. After the war, he settled in Verona, Wisconsin, before becoming a pioneer in Brown County, South Dakota. Engaged in farming and community development, Redding contributed significantly to the region’s progress. He also served as a respected member of the state legislature, advocating for the state militia and championing educational initiatives. His family, deeply rooted in education and community service, added to his esteemed reputation.

Biography of George D. Stelle

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History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

George D. Stelle, one of the prominent and popular farmers and pioneers of Spink County, is one of the brave “boys in blue” who went forth in defense of the Union when its integrity was in jeopardy through the armed rebellion of the Confederacy. He was born in New York City on the 8th of April, 1843, and is a son of Jeremiah D. Stelle, who was likewise born in that city. George enlisted in the Twenty-eighth New Jersey Volunteer Infantry in August 1862 and served in various battles, including Fredericksburg and Gettysburg. After the war, he pursued farming in different states before settling in South Dakota in 1881. He married Adelaide Calhoon, and they had eight children: Florence Lillian (deceased), William Earl, Jennie Weltha, Ruth Elizabeth, Agnes Opal, Vena E., Blanche, and Margaret E.

Biography of Edward V. Miles

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History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Edward V. Miles, a renowned and prosperous farmer, is considered a pioneer of Jerauld County, South Dakota. Born in Wessington, Hand County, Virginia in 1838, he displayed unwavering loyalty during the Civil War, serving in the Second Illinois Volunteer Cavalry. After the war, he returned to Illinois, engaging in farming, mercantile pursuits, and grain trading. In 1882, he settled in Jerauld County, developing a valuable farm and becoming a respected figure in the community. Eventually, he sold his farm, moved to Wessington Springs, and enjoyed a well-deserved retirement. A prominent citizen, Miles actively participated in local affairs, and his contributions to South Dakota’s history are commendable.